Hollow Fiber Membrane Humidifier With Temperature-Responsive Gap Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fuel cell membrane humidifiers face inefficiencies in maintaining optimal humidification due to fixed gaps between hollow fiber membranes, which are not adjustable based on the temperature of the fluid flowing through them, affecting the humidification process.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a gap adjustment pipe made of materials with a different coefficient of thermal expansion than the hollow fiber membranes, such as negative thermal expansion materials like bismuth oxides, to dynamically adjust the gaps between the membranes based on the temperature of the fluid, thereby optimizing humidification efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the gap between hollow fiber membranes is fixed, then the manufacturing cost is reduced and the structure is simplified, but the humidification efficiency cannot be optimized based on temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The gap between hollow fiber membranes is made variable rather than fixed, allowing the spacing parameter to change in response to temperature variations. This enables the humidification efficiency to be optimized dynamically without requiring complex control systems, as the gap adjustment occurs passively through thermal expansion differences of the support structure materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is designed using materials with different thermal expansion coefficients to create automatic gap adjustment between membranes. As temperature changes, the differential thermal expansion of the support structure components causes the gap between membranes to vary, thereby optimizing humidification efficiency for different operating temperatures without mechanical actuators.
2Productivity
If the gap between hollow fiber membranes is adjusted based on temperature, then the humidification efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates materials with different thermal expansion coefficients to enable automatic gap adjustment between membranes based on temperature. This passive thermal mechanism achieves optimized humidification efficiency without requiring complex manufacturing processes, mechanical actuators, or control systems, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the temperature changes themselves as the driving force for gap adjustment, eliminating the need for external control systems, sensors, or actuators. The support structure's differential thermal expansion automatically adjusts the membrane spacing to optimize humidification efficiency for the current operating temperature, making the system self-regulating and simple to manufacture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed gap structure is used, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the adaptability to different operating conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed with materials having different thermal expansion coefficients, enabling the gap between membranes to adjust automatically with temperature changes. This provides adaptability to different operating conditions and temperatures without requiring complex mechanisms or increasing manufacturing cost, as the adjustment is achieved through inherent material properties rather than additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The gap spacing parameter is made variable through the support structure's thermal response, allowing the system to adapt to different operating temperatures and conditions. This passive parameter adjustment enhances versatility without adding complexity or cost to the manufacturing process, as it relies on the natural thermal behavior of the support structure materials.
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 solution allows for improved humidification efficiency by adjusting the gap between hollow fiber membranes in response to temperature changes, enhancing the amount and speed of humidification, and reducing the size and manufacturing costs of the humidifier.
Implementation Method 1
a gap adjustment pipe disposed between the plurality of hollow fiber membranes and formed of a material having a different coefficient of thermal expansion from the plurality of hollow fiber membranes to adjust gaps between the plurality of hollow fiber membranes depending on a temperature of the off-gas
Implementation Method 2
formed of a material having a different coefficient of thermal expansion from the plurality of hollow fiber membranes
Implementation Method 3
a humidification membrane scheme for supplying moisture to a fluidized gas layer using a polymer separation membrane
Implementation Method 4
a plurality of hollow fiber membranes disposed inside the mid-case and perform moisture exchange between air supplied from the outside and an off-gas flowing into the inside from a fuel cell stack
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a fuel cell membrane humidifier which adjusts a clearance between hollow fiber membranes according to a temperature of a fluid flowing between the hollow fiber membranes to improve humidification efficiency. A fuel cell membrane humidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a mid-case; a cap fastened to the mid-case; a plurality of hollow fiber membranes disposed in the mid-case and exchanging moisture with an air supplied from the outside and flue gas introduced from a fuel cell stack to humidify the air; and a clearance adjustment pipe disposed between the plurality of hollow fiber membranes and formed of a material having a thermal expansion coefficient different from that of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes, so as to adjust the clearance between the plurality of hollow fiber membranes according to a temperature of flue gas.