Membrane Gas-Liquid Separator for Fuel Cell Anode Recirculation

The separator is divided into distinct functional zones: a first separation section for liquid-gas separation and a second separation section for gas-gas separation. This segmentation allows each section to specialize in removing specific components (water in the first section, nitrogen and impurities in the second section), thereby improving fuel cell efficiency without requiring a single overly complex separation system.

A hydrophobic membrane is introduced as an intermediary element between the exhaust gas stream and the separation zones. The membrane selectively permits hydrogen to pass through while blocking nitrogen and other impurities, enabling efficient gas-gas separation without complex mechanical systems. This intermediary membrane resolves the contradiction by providing selective separation through material properties rather than mechanical complexity.

The separator employs a two-stage segmentation approach: the first separation section removes liquid water through gravity and condensation, while the second separation section removes gaseous nitrogen and impurities through the hydrophobic membrane. This segmented architecture enables comprehensive separation of both liquid and gaseous components, improving productivity by ensuring high-purity hydrogen recirculation without requiring an overly complex single-stage system.

A hydrophobic porous membrane is utilized in the second separation section to achieve gas-gas separation. The membrane's porous structure with hydrophobic properties allows it to selectively transmit hydrogen molecules while blocking larger nitrogen molecules and impurities. This application of porous materials enables efficient removal of gaseous components, improving fuel cell productivity without significantly increasing device complexity.

The patent employs a hydrophobic porous membrane with specific pore size and surface properties to achieve selective gas separation. The membrane's porous structure is engineered to allow hydrogen molecules to pass through while blocking nitrogen and impurities based on molecular size and hydrophobicity. This use of porous materials provides an effective solution for component protection, and the membrane technology, while requiring precision manufacturing, leverages established materials science approaches to manage manufacturing complexity.

The hydrophobic membrane's selective permeability is achieved through specific parameter control: pore size, surface energy, and hydrophobicity. By optimizing these parameters, the membrane achieves high selectivity for hydrogen over nitrogen and impurities. This parameter-based approach allows for controlled manufacturing processes and quality control, balancing the need for reliable component protection with manufacturing feasibility.