Fuel Cell Membrane Humidifier With Active Pressure Buffering
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Solution Overview
Problem
The humidification efficiency of fuel cell membrane humidifiers is degraded due to pressure differences between the inside and outside of the membrane humidifier, leading to gaps and reduced effectiveness in high output or abnormal situations.
Innovation Solution
An active pressure buffer portion with a bypass structure is integrated between the middle case and the module insertion portion, featuring a connection member and blocking member with sliding protrusions and bypass holes that open or close based on expansion pressure, maintaining equal pressure on both sides of the outer partition wall to prevent deformation and maintain humidification efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a hollow fiber membrane module is used for humidification, then the contact surface area is increased and humidification efficiency is improved, but the pressure difference between inside and outside causes deformation and gap formation that reduces humidification efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The module insertion portion is divided into multiple segments (first module insertion portion, second module insertion portion, etc.) with partition walls between them. This segmentation allows independent pressure management for each segment, preventing deformation of the hollow fiber membrane module while maintaining large contact surface area for effective humidification.
Solution Approach 2:
A pressure equalization chamber is introduced as an intermediary space between the hollow fiber membrane module and the external environment. This chamber equalizes pressure on both sides of the module, preventing deformation and gap formation that would otherwise occur due to pressure differences, thereby maintaining reliable humidification efficiency.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the hollow fiber membrane module is tightly fixed to maximize contact, then structural stability is improved, but pressure difference causes deformation and gap formation that reduces effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation structure is designed to be dynamic rather than rigid. The module insertion portion allows controlled movement and adjustment, enabling the system to adapt to pressure changes without causing deformation or gaps. This dynamic design maintains both structural stability and manufacturing precision under varying operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure equalization chamber serves as a cushioning mechanism that compensates for pressure differences before they can cause deformation or gap formation. By equalizing pressure in advance, the system prevents structural issues rather than reacting to them, maintaining both stability and precision.
3Power
If pressure difference is allowed to exist for high output operation, then power generation capability is improved, but humidification efficiency is degraded due to gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the pressure management function from the humidification function. Multiple module insertion portions with partition walls allow different pressure conditions in different segments, enabling high output operation in some areas while maintaining humidification efficiency in others through pressure equalization.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure equalization chamber acts as an intermediary that decouples the relationship between power generation pressure and humidification efficiency. It allows high pressure for power generation while maintaining equal pressure for effective humidification, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
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 effectively prevents the creation of gaps between the hollow fiber membrane cartridge and the outer partition, ensuring consistent humidification efficiency even under high output or abnormal conditions by equalizing pressure and directing fluid flow through the membrane module.
Implementation Method 1
a humidification membrane scheme for supplying moisture to a fluidized gas layer using a polymer separation membrane
Implementation Method 2
a selective permeable membrane used in the humidification membrane scheme
Implementation Method 3
an active pressure buffer portion formed between the middle case and the module insertion portion to prevent the module insertion portion from expanding due to a pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the middle case or eliminate a pressure difference
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a fuel cell membrane humidifier capable of preventing a decrease in humidification efficiency, caused by a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the membrane humidifier. The fuel cell membrane humidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a middle case which has a module insertion unit; a cap case; a hollow fiber membrane module which is inserted into the module insertion unit; and an active pressure buffer unit which is formed between the middle case and the module insertion unit and which, according to the output condition of a fuel cell, prevents expansion of the module insertion unit due to the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the middle case or eliminates the pressure difference.