Stack plate, stack plate device and humidifier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current humidifiers for fuel cell systems are not cost-efficient, and existing stack plate devices do not effectively facilitate moisture transfer between exhaust gas and supply air, leading to suboptimal humidification performance.
Innovation Solution
A stack plate device with a semipermeable layer supported by inlay parts, embedded in a circumferential frame, allowing for alternating fluid flow channels that separate exhaust gas and supply air, utilizing PFSA membranes and overmolding for stability and sealing, with grid-like support elements to optimize mass transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional humidifier designs are used, then humidification function is provided, but cost efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The stack plate is divided into functional zones: a circumferential frame structure, a central through-opening for fluid flow, and strategically positioned inlay parts for semipermeable layer support. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for both cost and performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Inlay parts are introduced as intermediary elements between the frame and the semipermeable layer. These inlay parts provide stable support and sealing for the semipermeable layer while being cost-effective to manufacture, resolving the contradiction between reliability and cost efficiency.
2Ease of manufacture
If simple stack plate design is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but moisture transfer efficiency between exhaust gas and supply air is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The inlay parts are positioned at specific locations (opposing front ends and/or longitudinal ends) rather than uniformly across the entire semipermeable layer. This local support strategy provides necessary structural integrity and sealing where most critical while minimizing material usage and manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The design combines different materials strategically: a durable frame material, cost-effective inlay parts, and semipermeable membrane material. This composite approach optimizes the balance between manufacturing cost and moisture transfer efficiency by using each material where it provides the most value.
3Device complexity
If semipermeable layer is not supported, then device complexity is reduced, but semipermeable layer stability and sealing are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is extracted from the main frame structure and implemented through separate inlay parts. This extraction allows the frame to maintain simple geometry for easy manufacturing while the inlay parts provide the necessary localized support and sealing for the semipermeable layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The inlay parts are designed as simple, cost-effective components that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. Their simplified design reduces overall device complexity while still providing the essential stability and sealing function for the semipermeable layer.
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 solution enhances moisture transfer efficiency between exhaust gas and supply air, improving humidification performance while reducing costs by using cost-effective materials and design optimizations.
Implementation Method 1
a semipermeable layer completely covers the through-opening, wherein opposing front ends of the frame define inflow and outflow regions, respectively, on a first side of the frame for a second fluid and opposing longitudinal ends of the frame define inflow and outflow regions, respectively, on a second side of the frame for a first fluid
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a stack plate (100) for a stack plate device (400) of a humidifier (1000), in particular a humidifier (1000) for a fuel cell system, comprising a circumferential frame (120) which encloses a through-opening (130) in the stack plate (100), wherein a semipermeable layer (110) completely covers the through-opening (130). An outer circumference of the semipermeable layer (110) together with the at least one inlay part (180) are embedded in the frame (120). Opposing front ends (122) of the frame (120) define inflow and outflow regions (210, 212), respectively, on a first side (126) of the frame (120) for a second fluid (602) and opposing longitudinal ends (124) of the frame (120) define inflow and outflow regions (220, 222), respectively, on a second side (125) of the frame (120) for a first fluid (600). The invention further relates to a stack plate device (400) and a humidifier (1000).