Membrane Humidifier Inlet Layout for Longer Off-Gas Residence
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current fuel cell membrane humidifiers face inefficiencies in humidification due to limited flow time within the humidifying module, which affects the performance of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs).
Innovation Solution
The fuel cell membrane humidifier design includes an off-gas inlet inclined at a predetermined angle and asymmetrically shaped mesh holes within the humidifying module, increasing the flow time and contact area of off-gas with hollow fiber membranes to enhance humidification efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional humidifying module design is used, then the structure is simple, but the flow time of off-gas is limited and humidification efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing the off-gas inlet with an inclined lower end rather than a symmetric straight configuration. This asymmetric inlet design directs off-gas flow toward the potting part, increasing the flow path length and contact time with hollow fiber membranes, thereby improving humidification efficiency without adding complex components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a directional dimension to the off-gas flow by inclining the inlet at a predetermined angle. This angular dimension redirects the flow path toward the potting part, effectively increasing the residence time and contact area with the membrane surface, enhancing mass transfer efficiency without increasing module volume
2Duration of action of moving object
If the off-gas flow path is shortened, then the module size is reduced, but the contact time with hollow fiber membranes is insufficient for effective humidification
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric inclination of the off-gas inlet creates a longer effective flow path within the same module volume. By angling the inlet toward the potting part, the gas must traverse a more extended route through the hollow fiber membrane bundle, increasing contact time without proportionally increasing the module's external dimensions
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 design improves humidification efficiency by extending the flow time of off-gas through the module, effectively maintaining the moisture levels of the polymer electrolyte membrane, thereby enhancing the power generation efficiency of PEMFCs.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane humidifying method for humidifying a polymer electrolyte membrane by supplying water vapor to air to be supplied to the polymer electrolyte membrane by use of a membrane which selectively allows only water vapor included in off-gas to pass therethrough
Implementation Method 2
an off-gas inlet formed in an inclined direction at a predetermined angle with respect to one surface of the mid-case; and at least one cartridge disposed in the mid-case... increasing the flow time and contact area of off-gas with hollow fiber membranes
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a fuel cell membrane humidifier capable of improving humidification efficiency by increasing a flow time in a humidifying module, andthe fuel cell membrane humidifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,includes: a mid-case; an off-gas inlet formed in a direction inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to one surface of the mid-case through which off-gas discharged from the fuel cell stack is introduced; and at least one cartridge disposed in the mid-case and including an inner case accommodating a plurality of hollow fiber membranes therein, and a potting part fixing ends of the hollow fiber membranes.