Ion Exchanger Flow Layout for Low Pressure Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing ion exchanger design for fuel cell cooling circuits causes turbulence in the coolant flow, leading to increased pressure loss due to intersecting flow directions, which reduces ion exchange efficiency and increases pressure loss.
Innovation Solution
The ion exchanger is configured with a housing and a tube member, featuring a first and second flow passage that join in the same direction, allowing coolant to flow through the ion exchange resin in a direction parallel to the tube member, reducing turbulence and enhancing ion exchange efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the coolant flows directly to the outlet port and the coolant that passed through the ion exchange resin join together with intersecting flow directions, then the ion exchange function is achieved, but turbulence occurs in the joined flow causing increased pressure loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement of flow passages from intersecting (perpendicular) to parallel alignment. The first and second flow passages are configured to extend in substantially the same direction and join together without intersecting, transforming the flow geometry to eliminate turbulence while maintaining ion exchange functionality.
2Reliability
If the coolant passes through the ion exchange resin in a direction perpendicular to the tube member, then ion exchange occurs, but the pressure loss increases due to turbulence in the joined flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reconfigures the flow passages to align parallel to the tube member axis rather than perpendicular to it. This dimensional change in flow direction allows the coolant to pass through the ion exchange resin while maintaining laminar flow conditions and reducing pressure loss.
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
This configuration minimizes pressure loss and enhances ion exchange efficiency by aligning the flow directions of coolant through the ion exchanger, ensuring smooth coolant passage and improved ion removal.
Implementation Method 1
an ion exchanger to remove ions contained in the coolant through ion exchange using ion exchange resin
Data Source
AI summary
An ion exchanger includes a housing, a tube member, and an ion exchange resin. The housing includes an inlet port and an outlet port. The tube member is arranged inside the housing. The ion exchange resin is arranged between the tube member and the housing. A first flow passage and a second flow passage are formed in the housing. The first flow passage is configured to cause the coolant that has flowed in through the inlet port to flow directly to the outlet port. The second flow passage is configured to cause the coolant that has flowed in through the inlet port and passed through the ion exchange resin to flow to the outlet port. The first flow passage and the second flow passage are formed to join together in a state of being oriented in a same direction toward the outlet port.