Rotatable Fuel Cell Water Removal via Centrifugal Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) face inefficiencies due to insufficient air stream for removing water generated on the cathode side, leading to oversaturation and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable fuel cell system that utilizes centrifugal force and a compressor to enhance water removal, combined with a mechanical or electromechanical clutch and torque converter for controlled energy transfer and speed regulation, allowing for efficient water extraction and improved cathode reaction efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the air stream generated by the compressor is used for water removal, then water can be removed from the cathode side, but the air stream is insufficient for optimal removal of water
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cell is made rotatable to dynamically change the water removal mechanism from static air stream convection to dynamic centrifugal force-driven removal. This allows the system to overcome the insufficient air stream quantity by introducing rotational motion that generates centrifugal force, enabling effective water removal despite limited air supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of water removal from relying solely on air stream flow rate to utilizing centrifugal force generated by rotation. By changing the removal mechanism parameter rather than increasing air quantity, the system achieves optimal water removal effectiveness without requiring additional air supply.
2Productivity
If the fuel cell is made rotatable to provide centrifugal force for water removal, then water removal is accelerated, but the system complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating fuel cell assembly serves multiple functions: it generates centrifugal force for water removal, allows for speed control via the clutch and torque converter, and enables the fuel cell to be integrated with the compressor shaft. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing both water removal and speed control capabilities within a single integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch and torque converter act as intermediary components that mediate between the motor/compressor and the fuel cell rotation. These intermediaries enable controlled energy transfer and speed regulation, allowing the system to achieve precise control over the fuel cell rotation speed while maintaining the ability to disconnect when needed, thus managing system complexity through modular control elements.
3Ease of operation
If a non-positive connection with clutch and torque converter is used between motor and fuel cell, then speed control and energy distribution are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The torque converter provides automatic feedback-based speed control between the motor and fuel cell. As the fuel cell rotates and generates back-pressure or resistance, the torque converter automatically adjusts the energy transfer ratio, providing seamless speed control without requiring complex external control systems. This feedback mechanism simplifies the overall control architecture while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch and torque converter create a dynamically adjustable connection between the motor and fuel cell, allowing the system to adapt the rotation speed and energy transfer ratio based on operating conditions. This dynamic control capability enables easy adjustment of fuel cell speed independent of motor speed, providing operational flexibility that justifies the added control mechanism complexity.
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 system effectively accelerates water removal through centrifugal force and compressed air, increasing fuel cell efficiency and enabling effective cathode reaction, while also allowing for independent control of fuel cell and compressor speeds and energy distribution.
Implementation Method 1
the fuel cell may be made to rotate in such a way that an additional conveying force is provided, which may promote removal of the water generated by the electrochemical reaction within the fuel cell. This force may be derived from a centrifugal force in that the fuel cell held so as to be rotatable is made to rotate.
Implementation Method 2
the fuel cell system further comprises a compressor, wherein the compressor is designed to provide cathode air to the fuel cell, and wherein as a result of the rotation of the fuel cell the water generated in an electrochemical reaction in the fuel cell on a cathode side of the fuel cell is extractable by centrifugal force.
Implementation Method 3
the water generated in an electrochemical reaction in the fuel cell on a cathode side of the fuel cell
Data Source
AI summary
For operation, PEMFCs require among other things a compressor for the cathode air, and a system for removing the water which is generated on the cathode side as a result of the electrochemical reaction. According to an embodiment of the present invention the removal of water is supported in that the fuel cell is made to rotate by way of an electric motor so that the water contained in the cathodes of the fuel cell can be extracted by centrifugal force. To this effect the air channels on the cathode side are arranged so as to extend radially or in a spiral shape from the inside towards the outside. In this way the efficiency of the fuel cell can be significantly improved.