Moisture Exchange Membrane Module with Adiabatic Diffuser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current moisture exchange membrane modules in fuel cell systems face challenges in maximizing fluid transmission and uniformizing pressure distribution, leading to inefficiencies in humidification and energy conversion.
Innovation Solution
A moisture exchange membrane module with a diffuser having different inner diameters and an adiabatic member to thermally insulate the diffuser, allowing for adiabatic expansion of high-temperature and high-humidity fluids, thereby increasing relative humidity and reducing fluid pressure for uniform contact with the membrane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional moisture exchange membrane module is used, then the structure is simple, but fluid transmission is not maximized and pressure distribution is non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The module is divided into multiple flow channels separated by partition walls, with each channel containing a diffuser. This segmentation allows independent optimization of fluid flow in each channel, maximizing overall fluid transmission while maintaining manageable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
A diffuser is introduced as an intermediary component between the fluid inlet and the moisture exchange membrane. The diffuser mediates the fluid flow by expanding it adiabatically, which maximizes fluid transmission through the membrane while the adiabatic member isolates this process from external thermal interference
2Productivity
If additional devices are added to maximize fluid transmission, then fluid transmission improves, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser and adiabatic expansion process are merged into a single integrated component within the flow channel. This combining achieves maximum fluid transmission through adiabatic expansion without requiring separate heating or cooling devices, thus improving productivity while avoiding increased device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the fluid's own internal energy for adiabatic expansion through the diffuser, without requiring external energy input or additional control devices. The fluid serves itself by converting its pressure energy into kinetic energy and then into increased relative humidity, achieving maximum fluid transmission without additional components
3Productivity
If pressure is not uniformized, then the structure is simple, but fluid contact with membrane is non-uniform reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser is designed with a specific geometry that creates localized adiabatic expansion at the inlet of each flow channel. This local modification of flow conditions ensures uniform pressure distribution and uniform fluid contact with the membrane surface, improving humidification efficiency without requiring complex global pressure control systems
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 configuration maximizes fluid transmission and uniformizes pressure distribution, enhancing the efficiency of the moisture exchange process without the need for additional devices, facilitating downsizing and cost reduction in fuel cell systems.
Implementation Method 1
A moisture exchange membrane module with a diffuser having different inner diameters and an adiabatic member to thermally insulate the diffuser, allowing for adiabatic expansion of high-temperature and high-humidity fluids, thereby increasing relative humidity and reducing fluid pressure
Implementation Method 2
an adiabatic member to thermally insulate the diffuser
Implementation Method 3
a moisture exchange membrane installed in the case and disposed so that a dry fluid flowing between one pair of a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet does not directly contact a high-humidity fluid flowing between another pair of a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a fluid exchange membrane module, the fluid exchange membrane module includes a case including at least two pairs of fluid inlets and fluid outlets, and a fluid exchange membrane installed within the case and disposed so that a dry fluid flowing between one pair of a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet does not directly contact a high-humidity fluid flowing between another pair of a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet in the operating state of the fluid exchange membrane module, and the fluid inlet for the high-humidity fluid includes a diffuser. The fluid exchange membrane module may adiabatically expand a fluid flowing toward one side of a fluid exchange membrane and thus increase the relative humidity of the high-temperature and high-humidity fluid so as to maximize fluid transmission through the fluid exchange membrane, and may decrease the pressure of the fluid so as to uniformize pressure distribution of a fluid flow.