Humidifier

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing humidifiers for electrochemical systems and HVAC applications have high manufacturing costs and operational inefficiencies due to complex multi-layered flow plates and water transfer membranes.

Innovation Solution

A humidifier design featuring single-layered metal flow plates with integrated sealing beads that support each other, reducing the number of metal layers and allowing for more efficient gas flow and water transfer, while also simplifying manufacturing and reducing mechanical stress through the use of stainless steel and hydrophilic coatings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multi-layered flow plates are used, then sealing reliability is improved, but manufacturing costs and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidflow plate structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing bead is merged with the flow plate as an integrated structure, eliminating the need for separate sealing components. The sealing bead is formed as an integral part of the flow plate body, reducing the number of layers and parts while maintaining sealing functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flow plate is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides structural support, creates flow channels, and incorporates sealing beads for sealing. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate sealing layers, reducing complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Strength

If multiple metal layers are used, then mechanical strength is improved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functions are merged into a single metal layer, including flow channel formation and sealing bead integration. This reduces the number of metal layers required while maintaining structural integrity and mechanical strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flow plate is segmented into functional regions (flow channels, sealing beads, support areas) within a single layer, eliminating the need for multiple stacked layers. This segmentation within one layer reduces manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If single-layered flow plates are used, then manufacturing costs are reduced, but sealing capability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidsealing capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing bead is merged into the single-layered flow plate structure, providing sealing capability without requiring additional layers. The sealing bead is formed as an integral feature of the flow plate, maintaining sealing reliability while using only one metal layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single-layered flow plate has different local features: smooth areas for flow channels and protruding sealing beads for sealing. This local differentiation within the single layer provides both flow and sealing functions without compromising sealing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Volume of moving object

If flow plates are arranged with one plate between adjacent water transfer membranes, then device compactness is improved, but sealing challenges increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehumidifier volumeVSAvoidsealing arrangement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing bead is merged with the flow plate structure, simplifying the sealing arrangement. Adjacent flow plates support each other along their sealing lines, creating a straightforward sealing configuration that enables compact device design without complex sealing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design significantly reduces manufacturing costs, increases efficiency, and extends the service life of the humidifier by minimizing thermal expansion and mechanical stress, while enhancing water transfer rates and compactness.

Implementation Method 1

a water transfer membrane (41) which is arranged between the two adjacent flow plates (25, 38)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Implementation Method 2

hydrophilic coatings

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentUS11525587B2Humidifier

Publication Date: 2022.12.13 REINZ DICHTUNGS G M B H

AI summary

A humidifier having a multiplicity of metallic flow plates and a multiplicity of water transfer membranes, in particular for humidifying process gas for an electrochemical system or for HVAC applications is described. The humidifier has a construction in which the metallic flow plates and the water transfer membranes are arranged such that in each case at most one of the single-layer flow plates is arranged between adjacent water transfer membranes of the stack; and at least one of the water transfer membranes is in each case accommodated in a sealing manner, in particular clamped in a sealing manner, between the mutually facing sealing lines of adjacent flow plates of the stack. The humidifier has lower production costs, greater efficiency and lower weight.