Adaptive volume combustor and fuel cell system

Abstract

This invention discloses an adaptive volumetric burner, comprising a combustion chamber, a gas mixing assembly connected to the combustion chamber for mixing anode exhaust gas and combustion air before feeding them into the combustion chamber, and a volume adjustment assembly disposed inside the combustion chamber for real-time adjustment of the combustion chamber's working space. The adaptive volumetric burner of this invention can adapt to changes in hydrogen flow rate by adjusting the combustion chamber's spatial structure in real time, and integrates backfire prevention, flameout prevention, and exhaust gas waste heat recovery functions. This effectively solves the problems of incomplete and unstable combustion under varying operating conditions of fuel cells, ensuring combustion stability and improving system efficiency. This invention also discloses a fuel cell system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of fuel cell technology. Specifically, this invention relates to an adaptive volumetric burner and a fuel cell system. Background Technology

[0002] Global goals are driving hydrogen energy as a core carrier of clean energy, and hydrogen fuel cells (such as proton exchange membrane fuel cells and solid oxide fuel cells) are widely used in transportation, energy storage, and distributed energy.

[0003] As a key component of a fuel cell system, the burner is used to treat anode exhaust gas (containing unreacted hydrogen) or provide auxiliary heating, directly affecting system efficiency and safety. Fuel cell anode exhaust gas typically contains 10%-40% unreacted hydrogen; direct emission of this gas wastes energy and poses an explosion risk, necessitating safe treatment and heat recovery via a burner.

[0004] Existing burners have relatively simple structures, and in actual use, they often use a single combustion chamber structure, which results in low fuel efficiency and incomplete combustion of fuel during the combustion process. Furthermore, the overall thermal stability and efficiency of the fuel cell system are also affected by the stability of the combustion chamber when the system is operating under varying loads.

[0005] An adaptive volumetric burner is provided, particularly concerning how to adjust the combustion chamber spatial structure in real time to adapt to changes in hydrogen flow rate, ensuring combustion stability and improving system efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention provides an adaptive volumetric burner, the purpose of which is to adjust the combustion chamber spatial structure in real time to adapt to changes in hydrogen flow rate, ensuring combustion stability and improving system efficiency.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: an adaptive volumetric burner, including a combustion chamber, a gas mixing component connected to the combustion chamber and used to mix the anode exhaust gas and combustion air and send them into the combustion chamber, and a volume adjustment component disposed inside the combustion chamber and used to change the working space of the combustion chamber in real time.

[0008] The volume adjustment assembly includes an adjustment baffle and an adjustment actuator. The adjustment actuator is connected to the adjustment baffle and is configured to control the adjustment baffle to move between the first inner wall surface and the second inner wall surface of the combustion chamber. The working space of the combustion chamber is located between the first inner wall surface and the adjustment baffle.

[0009] The regulating actuator includes an electric cylinder, which is connected to the regulating baffle.

[0010] The gas mixing assembly includes a mixing chamber, and a flame barrier layer is disposed between the mixing chamber and the combustion chamber.

[0011] The mixing chamber is equipped with swirl vanes. The anode exhaust gas and the combustion air are mixed in a swirling state under the action of the swirl vanes, and the mixed gas enters the combustion chamber in a swirling state.

[0012] The adaptive volumetric burner also includes a detection component for data acquisition. The detection component is electrically connected to the controller, and the acquired data includes hydrogen flow rate and combustion temperature.

[0013] The detection components include a hydrogen flow meter, a thermocouple, and a flame detection device, which are electrically connected to the controller.

[0014] The flame detection device is an ion flame sensor or an ultraviolet flame detector.

[0015] The outer layer of the combustion chamber is provided with a heat insulation layer with a thickness of 4 to 6 mm.

[0016] The present invention also provides a fuel cell system including the aforementioned adaptive volumetric burner.

[0017] The adaptive volumetric burner of the present invention can adapt to changes in hydrogen flow by adjusting the combustion chamber space structure in real time, and integrates backfire prevention, flameout and exhaust waste heat recovery functions. It can effectively solve the problems of incomplete and unstable combustion under variable operating conditions of fuel cells, ensure combustion stability and improve system efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the adaptive volumetric burner of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 yes;

[0020] The markings in the above figures are as follows: 1-Anode exhaust gas, 2-Combustion air, 3-Swirl vane, 4-Flame barrier layer, 5-Ignition device, 6-Flame monitoring device, 7-Insulation layer, 8-Regulating actuator, 9-Combustion chamber, 10-Regulating baffle, 11-Burner exhaust gas. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, a more comprehensive description of the present invention will be given below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate several embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention can be implemented in different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described in the text. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make the disclosure of the present invention more thorough and complete.

[0022] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," and similar expressions used in this document are for illustrative purposes only.

[0023] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly associated with those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the specification of this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to limit the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, the present invention provides an adaptive volumetric burner, including a combustion chamber 9, a gas mixing assembly connected to the combustion chamber 9 and used to mix anode exhaust gas 1 and combustion air 2 and send them into the combustion chamber 9, and a volume adjustment assembly disposed inside the combustion chamber 9 and used to change the working space of the combustion chamber 9 in real time.

[0025] The volume adjustment assembly includes an adjustment baffle 10 and an adjustment actuator 8. The adjustment actuator 8 is connected to the adjustment baffle 10 and is configured to control the adjustment baffle 10 to move between the first inner wall surface and the second inner wall surface of the combustion chamber 9. The working space of the combustion chamber 9 is located between the first inner wall surface and the adjustment baffle 10.

[0026] The adjustment actuator 8 includes an electric cylinder, which is connected to the adjustment partition 10.

[0027] The gas mixing assembly includes a mixing chamber, and a flame barrier layer 4 is provided between the mixing chamber and the combustion chamber 9.

[0028] The mixing chamber is equipped with swirl vanes 3. The anode exhaust gas 1 and the combustion air 2 are mixed in a swirling state under the action of the swirl vanes 3. The mixed gas enters the combustion chamber 9 in a swirling state.

[0029] The adaptive volumetric burner also includes a detection component for data acquisition. The detection component is electrically connected to the controller, and the acquired data includes hydrogen flow rate and combustion temperature.

[0030] The detection components include a hydrogen flow meter, a thermocouple, and a flame detection device, which are electrically connected to the controller.

[0031] The flame detection device is an ion flame sensor or an ultraviolet flame detector.

[0032] The outer layer of the combustion chamber 9 is provided with a heat insulation layer 7, the thickness of which is 4-6 mm.

[0033] The present invention also provides a fuel cell system including the aforementioned adaptive volumetric burner.

[0034] Example

[0035] Firstly, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides an adaptive volumetric burner, including a combustion chamber 9, a gas mixing assembly connected to the combustion chamber 9 and used to mix anode exhaust gas 1 and combustion air 2 and send them into the combustion chamber 9, and a volumetric adjustment assembly disposed inside the combustion chamber 9 and used to change the size of the working space of the combustion chamber 9 in real time.

[0036] Specifically, in this embodiment of the invention, the adaptive volumetric burner adopts a high-temperature resistant piston structure to solve the problems of incomplete and unstable combustion under varying operating conditions of fuel cells. It adjusts the volume in real time in conjunction with the operating parameters of the fuel cell, realizing flexible adjustment of the system operation from 10% to 100% load variation. At the same time, it integrates backfire prevention, flameout and exhaust gas waste heat recovery functions to improve the efficiency of the fuel cell system.

[0037] In this embodiment of the invention, an adaptive volumetric combustion chamber 9 is adopted. After the high-temperature anode exhaust gas 1 and air enter the burner, they enter the adaptive volumetric combustion chamber 9 in a swirling manner after passing through the swirl vanes 3. The two gases are rapidly mixed and participate in the combustion process of the fuel gas. After being fully mixed in the mixing chamber, they enter the combustion chamber 9 and are then ignited by the ignition device 5. The flame detection device at the top of the combustion chamber 9 monitors the flame combustion status. The hydrogen flow rate change in the anode exhaust gas 1 is fed back to the controller through the hydrogen flow meter, which controls the electric piston to adjust the baffle, thereby adjusting the spatial structure of the combustion chamber 9 in real time.

[0038] In embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the volume adjustment assembly includes an adjustment baffle 10 and an adjustment actuator 8. The adjustment actuator 8 is connected to the adjustment baffle 10 and is configured to control the adjustment baffle 10 to move linearly between the first inner wall surface and the second inner wall surface of the combustion chamber 9. The first inner wall surface and the second inner wall surface are two opposing inner wall surfaces within the combustion chamber 9. The adjustment baffle 10 is parallel to the first inner wall surface and the second inner wall surface, and the direction of movement of the adjustment baffle 10 is perpendicular to the first inner wall surface and the second inner wall surface. The working space of the combustion chamber 9 is located between the first inner wall surface and the adjustment baffle 10. The mixed gas delivered by the gas mixing assembly enters the working space of the combustion chamber 9 for combustion. By changing the position of the adjustment baffle 10, the size of the working space of the combustion chamber 9 can be changed in real time to meet the operating requirements under different loads.

[0039] In this embodiment of the invention, the regulating actuator 8 includes an electric cylinder connected to the regulating partition 10. The electric cylinder is electrically connected to the controller, and its extension and retraction adjust the position of the regulating partition 10. Driven by a high-precision servo motor, the electric cylinder can quickly respond to control signals and push the regulating partition 10 up and down. The regulating partition 10 is linked to the regulating actuator 8, and by changing its position within the combustion chamber 9, the effective volume of the working space of the combustion chamber 9 is adjusted in real time to adapt to combustion requirements under different hydrogen flow rates.

[0040] In embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the gas mixing assembly includes a mixing chamber, and a flame barrier layer 4 is disposed between the mixing chamber and the combustion chamber 9. The flame barrier layer 4 is configured to prevent backfire during combustion from causing flame backflow into the mixing chamber. The flame barrier layer 4 is provided to prevent backfire during combustion from causing flame backflow into the mixing chamber.

[0041] In embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, a swirl vane 3 is installed in the mixing chamber. The anode exhaust gas 1 and the combustion air 2 are mixed in a swirling state under the action of the swirl vane 3, and the mixed gas enters the combustion chamber 9 in a swirling state. The two gases entering the mixing chamber are swirled in a swirling state under the action of the swirl vane 3. After the anode exhaust gas 1 and the combustion air 2 are fully mixed in the mixing chamber, they enter the interior of the combustion chamber 9. The swirl design not only improves the mixing efficiency, but also prolongs the residence time of the gas in the combustion chamber 9, ensuring complete combustion.

[0042] In embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, an ignition device 5 is installed on the combustion chamber 9. The ignition device 5 is electrically connected to the controller. The ignition device 5 uses a high-energy spark plug or heating wire for ignition to ensure reliable ignition of the gas mixture during the start-up phase. The ignition device 5, located at the top of the burner, ignites the gas mixture during the start-up phase.

[0043] like Figure 1 As shown, the adaptive volumetric burner of this embodiment of the invention also includes a detection component for collecting data. The detection component is electrically connected to the controller, and the collected data includes hydrogen flow rate, flame state of combustion chamber 9, and combustion temperature.

[0044] In embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1As shown, the detection components include a hydrogen flow meter, a thermocouple, and a flame detection device. The hydrogen flow meter, thermocouple, and flame detection device are electrically connected to the controller. The hydrogen flow meter is installed on the mixing chamber and is used to monitor the hydrogen flow rate in the anode tail gas 1 in real time, feeding the data back to the controller. The thermocouple is installed on the combustion chamber 9 and is used to measure the combustion temperature of the combustion chamber 9, ensuring that the combustion temperature is maintained within the optimal range of 900-1300℃.

[0045] In this embodiment of the invention, the anode tail gas 1 contains hydrogen gas, the temperature range of the anode tail gas 1 is 600-800℃, the temperature range of the combustion air 2 is 400-650℃, and the gas mixture is provided with a first inlet and a second inlet. The anode tail gas 1 enters the mixing chamber through the first inlet, and the combustion air 2 enters the mixing chamber through the second inlet. After the high-temperature anode tail gas 1 and the injected air enter the mixing chamber, they enter the combustion chamber 9 in a swirling manner after passing through the swirl vanes 3. The two gases are rapidly mixed and participate in the combustion process of the fuel gas. The gases are fully mixed in the mixing chamber and then enter the combustion chamber 9, where they are ignited by the ignition device 5. The flame detection device at the top of the combustion chamber 9 monitors the flame combustion status.

[0046] In embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, a flame detection device is installed at the top of the combustion chamber 9. The flame detection device is either an ionization flame sensor or an ultraviolet (UV) flame detector. The flame detection device is used to monitor the combustion status in real time to prevent flameout or unstable combustion and ensure the stability of the combustion process. If the flame detection device detects that the flame in the combustion chamber 9 has been extinguished or that the combustion is unstable, the flame detection device sends a signal to the controller, which can immediately adjust the flow rate of the combustion air 2 or control the ignition device 5 to re-ignite.

[0047] In this embodiment of the invention, the controller sends a control signal to the regulating actuator 8 based on hydrogen flow rate, flame state, and temperature signals, and according to a preset control strategy. This causes the regulating actuator 8 to operate, dynamically adjusting the position of the regulating baffle 10 and adjusting the effective volume of the combustion chamber 9's working space in real time, so that the fuel reaction rate reaches the expected level. The volume adjustment of the combustion chamber 9 is crucial for achieving flexible load operation.

[0048] In this embodiment of the invention, the preset control strategy includes:

[0049] Under low-load conditions, when the hydrogen flow meter detects that the hydrogen flow rate in the anode tail gas 1 has not reached the first set value, it indicates that the hydrogen flow rate is low. The hydrogen flow meter feeds back a signal to the controller, which then sends a control signal to the regulating actuator 8. This drives the regulating actuator 8 to move the regulating baffle 10 towards the position closer to the first inner wall of the combustion chamber 9, reducing the working space of the combustion chamber 9 and decreasing its volume. The smaller volume helps maintain the high-temperature environment inside the combustion chamber 9, preventing flame extinction and improving combustion efficiency.

[0050] Under high-load conditions, when the hydrogen flow meter detects that the hydrogen flow rate in the anode tail gas 1 reaches the second set value (which is greater than the first set value), indicating a large hydrogen flow rate, the hydrogen flow meter sends a feedback signal to the controller. The controller then sends a control signal to the regulating actuator 8, which drives the regulating actuator 8 to move the regulating baffle 10 towards the second inner wall surface of the combustion chamber 9, expanding the working space of the combustion chamber 9 and increasing its volume. A larger volume can reduce combustion intensity and avoid problems such as localized overheating and incomplete combustion.

[0051] Combustion temperature is a key parameter affecting combustion efficiency and pollutant generation. In this embodiment of the invention, thermocouples monitor the temperature inside the combustion chamber 9 in real time and feed the data back to the controller. The controller adjusts the volume of the combustion chamber 9 and the flow rate of the combustion air 2 to control the combustion temperature within the optimal range of 900-1300℃, ensuring efficient utilization of fuel gases and low pollutant emissions.

[0052] In this embodiment of the invention, the preset control strategy further includes:

[0053] If the temperature inside combustion chamber 9 reaches the third set value, it indicates that the temperature is too high. The controller sends a control signal to the regulating actuator 8, which drives the regulating actuator 8 to move the regulating baffle 10 toward the position close to the second inner wall of combustion chamber 9, thereby expanding the working space of combustion chamber 9 and increasing its volume. Alternatively, the flow rate of combustion air 2 can also be increased.

[0054] In this embodiment of the invention, the preset control strategy further includes:

[0055] If the temperature inside combustion chamber 9 does not reach the fourth set value (which is less than the third set value), indicating that the temperature is too low, the controller sends a control signal to the regulating actuator 8, which drives the regulating actuator 8 to move the regulating baffle 10 toward a position closer to the first inner wall of combustion chamber 9, reducing the working space of combustion chamber 9 and decreasing its volume. Alternatively, the flow rate of combustion air 2 can be reduced to ensure complete combustion.

[0056] Once in operation, the combustion controller continuously monitors the flame using a flame detector. If no flame is detected, the fuel gas supply is immediately cut off, and the ignition device 5 stops ignition.

[0057] In embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the outer layer of the combustion chamber 9 is provided with a heat insulation layer 7, the thickness of which is 4-6 mm. By providing the heat insulation layer 7, heat loss from the burner wall can be reduced. For example, the thickness of the heat insulation layer 7 can be 4.5 mm, 5.0 mm, or 5.5 mm.

[0058] In this embodiment of the invention, a baffle is provided at the tail of the combustion chamber 9 to prevent the combustion flame from being too long and affecting or damaging other components in the system.

[0059] The adaptive volumetric burner with the above structure has the following advantages:

[0060] 1. Strong load adaptability: Through dynamic adjustment of volume, the burner can operate stably within a load range of 10-100%, meeting the variable operating condition requirements of the fuel cell system;

[0061] 2. High combustion efficiency: The combination of swirl mixing and volume regulation ensures that the fuel gas can be fully combusted at different flow rates;

[0062] 3. Fast system response: Based on a real-time feedback control strategy, it can quickly adapt to changes in hydrogen flow rate and avoid combustion instability.

[0063] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention also provide a fuel cell system, including an adaptive volumetric burner with the above-described structure. This adaptive volumetric burner can be referred to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 Further details will not be elaborated here. Since the fuel cell system of the present invention includes the adaptive volumetric burner of the above embodiments, it possesses all the advantages of the aforementioned adaptive volumetric burner.

[0064] The present invention has been described above by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the specific implementation of the present invention is not limited to the above-described manner. Any non-substantial improvements made using the inventive concept and technical solution of the present invention, or the direct application of the inventive concept and technical solution of the present invention to other occasions without modification, are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An adaptive volumetric burner, characterized in that: It includes a combustion chamber, a gas mixing assembly connected to the combustion chamber for mixing anode exhaust gas and combustion air and then sending the mixture into the combustion chamber, and a volume regulating assembly disposed inside the combustion chamber for changing the working space of the combustion chamber in real time.

2. The adaptive volumetric burner according to claim 1, characterized in that: The volume adjustment assembly includes an adjustment baffle and an adjustment actuator. The adjustment actuator is connected to the adjustment baffle and is configured to control the adjustment baffle to move between the first inner wall surface and the second inner wall surface of the combustion chamber. The working space of the combustion chamber is located between the first inner wall surface and the adjustment baffle.

3. The adaptive volumetric burner according to claim 2, characterized in that: The regulating actuator includes an electric cylinder, which is connected to the regulating baffle.

4. The adaptive volumetric burner according to claim 2, characterized in that: The gas mixing assembly includes a mixing chamber, and a flame barrier layer is disposed between the mixing chamber and the combustion chamber.

5. The adaptive volumetric burner according to claim 4, characterized in that: The mixing chamber is equipped with swirl vanes. The anode exhaust gas and the combustion air are mixed in a swirling state under the action of the swirl vanes, and the mixed gas enters the combustion chamber in a swirling state.

6. The adaptive volumetric burner according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: It also includes a detection component for collecting data, which is electrically connected to the controller. The collected data includes hydrogen flow rate and combustion temperature.

7. The adaptive volumetric burner according to claim 6, characterized in that: The detection components include a hydrogen flow meter, a thermocouple, and a flame detection device, which are electrically connected to the controller.

8. The adaptive volumetric burner according to claim 6, characterized in that: The flame detection device is an ion flame sensor or an ultraviolet flame detector.

9. The adaptive volumetric burner according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The outer layer of the combustion chamber is provided with a heat insulation layer with a thickness of 4 to 6 mm.

10. A fuel cell system, characterized in that: Includes the adaptive volumetric burner as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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