Radiation Heater and Cooler for Stack Enclosure Dehumidification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for removing moisture from a stack enclosure in fuel cell systems consume significant power, leading to low dehumidification efficiency and instability in fuel cell operation, as they require blower ventilation and separate dehumidifiers, which continue to consume battery power even when the fuel cell is turned off.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus is provided with a radiation heater and cooler mounted in the stack enclosure to generate airflow, where moisture condensed from air passing through the cooler is collected and discharged outside using a cover trap and drain hose, allowing for efficient moisture removal without the need for separate dehumidifiers or high power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a blower and separate dehumidifier are used to remove moisture from the stack enclosure, then moisture removal effectiveness is improved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heating function and cooling function into a single integrated system. The radiator serves as both the heating element (when hot coolant flows through it) and the cooling element (when cold coolant flows through it), eliminating the need for separate dehumidification equipment and reducing overall system complexity and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The coolant circulation system performs multiple functions: it heats the stack during cold conditions, cools the stack during hot conditions, and enables moisture removal through condensation on the radiator surface. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for dedicated heating systems, cooling systems, and dehumidification systems.
2Reliability
If continuous dehumidification systems are operated, then moisture removal is maintained, but battery power is continuously consumed reducing fuel cell system efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system operates periodically based on actual moisture condensation needs rather than continuous operation. The coolant circulation is activated when moisture removal is required (such as during temperature changes or high humidity conditions) and can be deactivated when not needed, reducing continuous battery power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the existing coolant from the fuel cell stack's thermal management system to perform dehumidification, rather than requiring a separate powered dehumidifier. The coolant naturally circulates through the radiator, and moisture condenses on the radiator surface due to temperature difference, eliminating the need for additional powered components.
3Reliability
If ventilation systems with blowers are used, then humid air is removed from the stack enclosure, but system complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the dehumidification function from the traditional ventilation system and implements it through the coolant circulation system. Instead of using a blower to force air movement and separate dehumidification equipment, the system uses the temperature difference between the coolant and ambient air to create natural convection and condensation, removing the need for complex mechanical ventilation components.
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 solution effectively prevents insulation decrease, electrical shorts, and corrosion in the fuel cell system by efficiently removing moisture, even when the fuel cell is not in operation, using low power and without the need for additional dehumidification systems.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation heater mounted at a lower surface of the protective case, the radiation heater enabling discharged air to move toward an upper part of the protective case
Implementation Method 2
a cooler for cooling air moving along the upper part of the protective case, the cooler guiding cooled air to move toward the lower surface of the protective case
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for removing moisture of a stack enclosure includes a protective case accommodating a fuel cell stack therein, a radiation heater mounted at a lower surface of the protective case, the radiation heater enabling discharged air to move toward an upper part of the protective case, and a cooler for cooling air moving along the upper part of the protective case, the cooler guiding cooled air to move toward the lower surface of the protective case.