Modular Fuel Cell Humidifier Cartridge With Adjustable Flow Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel cell humidifiers lack versatility in providing various humidification capabilities required for different applications, leading to high manufacturing costs due to the need for customized molds for varying humidification performance.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell humidifier design featuring a modular cartridge with a central case and variable cases that allow adjustment of the inlet and outlet spacing to accommodate different humidification needs, using a hollow fiber membrane bundle for humidification, and a movable coupling mechanism to change humidification performance without requiring new molds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a fixed design of humidifier is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced through standardized production, but adaptability to different humidification requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The humidifier is divided into a fixed central case and variable cases that can be independently configured. The central case contains common components (humidification module, control unit, power supply) while variable cases contain adjustable components (inlet/outlet positions, flow rate controllers) that can be customized without redesigning the entire system, thus reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The central case is designed as a universal base that can accommodate multiple configurations of variable cases. The same central case structure serves different application scenarios by combining with different variable case arrangements, enabling one standardized component to fulfill multiple functions across diverse humidification requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If customized molds are created for each humidification requirement, then adaptability to different applications is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating entirely new molds for each application, the design segments the humidifier into standardized and customizable portions. The central case uses standardized molds for cost-effective mass production, while only the variable cases require customization, significantly reducing the number of unique molds needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The variable cases are designed to nest within or attach to the central case structure. This nested configuration allows the standardized central case to serve as a reusable foundation, with only the outer variable case portions needing customization for different applications, thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Device complexity
If the inlet and outlet spacing is fixed, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to various applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet and outlet spacing is made adjustable through the variable case design, allowing the physical configuration to change dynamically based on application requirements. The central case maintains a fixed simple structure, while the variable cases provide the necessary flexibility through movable or reconfigurable components, balancing complexity and adaptability.
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 design enhances versatility by allowing adaptation to various applications with adjustable humidification capabilities, reducing manufacturing costs by reusing common components, and maintaining optimal performance across different use scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane humidification scheme for humidifying a polymer electrolyte membrane by providing water vapor to air supplied to the polymer electrolyte membrane using a membrane that selectively allows only water vapor contained in an off-gas to pass through
Implementation Method 2
there are advantages that high integration of the hollow fiber membranes with a large contact surface area is possible so that a fuel cell can be sufficiently humidified even with a small capacity, low-cost materials can be used, and moisture and heat contained in an off-gas discharged with a high temperature from the fuel cell can be recovered and can be reused through the humidifier
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a cartridge for a fuel cell humidifier, and to a fuel cell humidifier, the cartridge comprising: an inner case having openings at both ends; and a hollow fiber membrane bundle inside the inner case, wherein the inner case comprises: a first variable case having an inner inlet through which a first gas flows in; a second variable case distanced from the first variable case along the first axial direction and having an inner outlet through which the first gas is discharged; and a central case to which at least one of the first and second variable cases movably couples.