Fuel Cell Stack Manifold-Passage Layout for Freeze-Resistant Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel cell stacks face issues with water vapor condensation leading to significant liquid water generation, which can cause pipes to malfunction and freeze in cold climates, disrupting operation and starting performance.
Innovation Solution
The fuel cell stack is configured with power generation cells stacked vertically, featuring a gas manifold and passage connected at upper ends, allowing water vapor to flow into the passage and reducing liquid water accumulation, with an inclined surface guiding condensate to the passage for efficient drainage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the gas manifold and drain are connected horizontally with the gas manifold above the drain, then water vapor flows smoothly during high-temperature operation, but significant liquid water accumulates in the gas manifold during low-temperature operation causing pipe freezing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement from horizontal connection to vertical stacking where power generation cells are stacked in the vertical direction, forming a gas manifold that extends vertically. The passage is positioned adjacent to and connected with the gas manifold at upper ends, creating a multi-dimensional drainage path that prevents liquid water accumulation while maintaining vapor flow during operation.
2Device complexity
If the gas manifold is positioned above the drain horizontally, then compact design is achieved, but liquid water condensation causes valve malfunction in cold climates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a passage as an intermediary component adjacent to the gas manifold. This passage serves as a mediator that receives liquid water from the gas manifold through gravitational flow along an inclined surface, providing a dedicated drainage path that prevents water accumulation and subsequent freezing in cold climates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from horizontal arrangement to vertical stacking of power generation cells, creating a vertically extending gas manifold with an adjacent passage. This dimensional change enables the gas manifold and passage to be connected at upper ends, allowing liquid water to drain downward through gravity while maintaining compact vertical footprint.
3Ease of manufacture
If horizontal connection of gas manifold and drain is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but water vapor condensation generates significant liquid water that flows into connected pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adopts vertical stacking of power generation cells forming a vertically extending gas manifold, with a passage positioned adjacent to it. The connection at upper ends and inclined surface configuration enable liquid water to drain efficiently downward through gravity, preventing water loss to connected pipes while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
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 reduces liquid water in the gas manifold, preventing pipe clogging and valve malfunction, ensuring reliable operation even in cold climates by minimizing water accumulation and facilitating smooth discharge of accumulated water.
Implementation Method 1
when the fuel cell stack stops operating so that the temperature of the fuel cell stack is relatively low, water vapor condenses in the gas manifold so that a significant amount of liquid water is generated in the gas manifold
Implementation Method 2
the liquid water may flow into pipes connected to the gas manifold
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell stack includes power generation cells, which are stacked in a vertical direction. Each power generation cell is configured to generated power by using gas. Each power generation cell includes a first hole and a second hole. The first holes of the power generation cells form a gas manifold. The gas manifold extends in the vertical direction, and the gas flows through the gas manifold. The second holes of the power generation cells form a passage. The passage is adjacent to the gas manifold and extends in the vertical direction. The gas manifold and the passage are connected to each other at upper ends of the gas manifold and the passage.