Membrane humidifier for fuel cell
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing membrane humidifiers for fuel cells face issues with hollow fiber membrane leaning or breakage under high pressure, inefficient humidification due to twisted membranes during potting, and increased unnecessary space in the membrane arrangement, leading to reduced humidification efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of buffering and spacing structures between adjacent hollow fiber membranes, made of hydrophilic materials with various shapes and diameters, to support and maintain spacing, guide humid air, and prevent membrane twisting during potting, enhancing humidification performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If hollow fiber membranes are arranged in a dispersed configuration to maintain spacing, then humidification performance is improved, but unnecessary space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces buffering structures as intermediary elements positioned between adjacent hollow fiber membranes. These buffering structures serve as mediators that maintain the desired spacing between membranes while enabling compact overall arrangement. The buffering structures fill the gaps between membranes systematically, allowing optimal spacing for humidification performance without creating excessive unnecessary space in the module.
2Reliability
If buffering structures are added between hollow fiber membranes to prevent leaning and breakage, then membrane reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buffering structures introduced in the patent serve multiple functions simultaneously: they buffer high-pressure air to prevent membrane leaning and breakage, maintains spacing between adjacent hollow fiber membranes, and guide humid air flow. By designing a single component that performs multiple functions, the patent improves membrane reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If hollow fiber membranes are arranged with increased number toward peripheral portion to distribute dry air uniformly, then humidification uniformity is improved, but pressure distribution becomes unbalanced causing membrane leaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning buffering structures at specific locations between hollow fiber membranes, particularly in regions where pressure distribution needs balancing. The buffering structures have varying characteristics at different locations within the module, providing localized support and pressure distribution optimization. This allows the system to maintain the graduated arrangement of membranes for uniform humidification while preventing pressure-induced membrane leaning through strategically placed buffering elements.
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 solution effectively prevents membrane leaning and breakage under high pressure, ensures uniform humid air distribution, and improves humidification efficiency by maintaining desired spacing and facilitating smooth air flow, while reducing the risk of membrane twisting during the potting process.
Implementation Method 1
the buffering and spacing structures may be made of a hydrophilic material
Data Source
AI summary
A membrane humidifier includes buffering and spacing structures each interposed between adjacent hollow fiber membranes of a plurality of hollow fiber membranes arranged in a housing of the membrane humidifier, wherein the buffering and spacing structures buffer a pressure of air supplied from an air blower and maintain a spacing between the adjacent hollow fiber membranes.