Integrated Gas-Liquid Separator and Diluter with Inclined Pipe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel cell systems face issues with water residence and separation efficiency in gas-liquid separators, leading to potential overflow and inadequate integration with hydrogen diluters, which affects the overall performance and size of the apparatus.
Innovation Solution
An integrated apparatus combining a gas-liquid separator and a diluter with a communication pipe angled to the horizontal direction, allowing gravity-driven liquid introduction into the diluter, and sharing components to reduce size and enhance separation efficiency, while utilizing a labyrinth structure and whirl chamber for improved gas mixing and dilution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a horizontal water pipe is used in the gas-liquid separator, then the structure is simple, but water resides in the pipe causing potential overflow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the orientation of the communication pipe from horizontal to inclined (at a predetermined angle to the horizontal direction), utilizing gravitational force to prevent water residence. This dimensional change in pipe orientation solves the water accumulation problem while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Volume of stationary object
If the gas-liquid separator and diluter are integrated, then the apparatus size is reduced, but the design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the gas-liquid separator and diluter into a single unified apparatus, combining two previously separate functions into one device. This merging reduces the overall apparatus size while the inclined pipe design simplifies the integration by using gravity for automatic water drainage without additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated apparatus performs multiple functions: gas-liquid separation, water storage, and gas dilution. The communication pipe serves dual purposes as both a structural connector and a gravity-driven drainage pathway, enhancing multi-functionality while managing design complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the communication pipe is positioned horizontally, then installation is easy, but water residence occurs reducing separation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The communication pipe is positioned at an inclined angle rather than horizontally or vertically, optimizing gravitational flow for water drainage. This angular positioning maintains ease of installation while significantly improving separation efficiency by preventing water residence through gravity-driven flow.
4Reliability
If a larger water storage tank is used, then water overflow is prevented, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the water storage tank capacity, the patent uses an inclined communication pipe to improve water drainage efficiency. This approach prevents overflow by enhancing the drainage mechanism rather than expanding storage, thereby avoiding apparatus size increase.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The integrated apparatus efficiently separates gases and liquids, reduces the risk of water residence, and achieves size reduction by integrating the gas-liquid separator and diluter, while effectively diluting anode off-gas with cathode off-gas, preventing freezing, and improving the strength and separation performance.
Implementation Method 1
a communication pipe (61) that communicates between the gas-liquid separator (10) and the diluter (20), and that is disposed at a predetermined angle to a horizontal direction, and that introduces the liquid separated from the gas-liquid mixture fluid, into the diluter (20)
Implementation Method 2
a cyclone type gas-liquid separator that includes: a cylindrical main body portion
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated apparatus includes: a gas-liquid separator that separates a gas and a liquid from a gas-liquid mixture fluid; a diluter disposed below the gas-liquid separator; and a communication pipe that communicates between the gas-liquid separator and the diluter, and that is disposed at a predetermined angle to a horizontal direction, and that introduces at least the liquid separated from the gas-liquid mixture fluid, into the diluter. The gas-liquid separator, the diluter, and the communication pipe are integrated.