Fuel cell module, fuel cell system using same, and operating method thereof
The fuel cell module addresses the volume and weight issues of conventional systems by using a rotating body with optimized stack positioning and pure oxygen operation, resulting in a lighter, more efficient, and simplified fuel cell system.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/KR2024/014042
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-10-06
- Filing Date
- 2024-09-13
- Publication Date
- 2025-04-10
AI Technical Summary
Conventional fuel cell systems face challenges with increased volume and weight due to large air supply systems, high-pressure compressors, cooling devices, and humidifiers, which complicates system control and hinders miniaturization.
The proposed fuel cell module employs a rotating body with stacks that can be positioned and angled to optimize air supply and cooling, using pure oxygen to eliminate the need for large air supply systems and incorporating a single purge valve for efficient liquid removal.
This design reduces the weight and volume of the fuel cell system, enhances performance, and simplifies system control by eliminating complex air supply and cooling systems, while also improving durability through precise pressure control.
Smart Images

Figure KR2024014042_10042025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Fuel cell module, fuel cell system using the same, and operating method thereof
[0001] The present invention relates to a fuel cell module, a fuel cell system using the same, and an operating method thereof, and more specifically, to a fuel cell module capable of improving the performance and reducing the weight of a fuel cell by applying a new cooling method and water management method, a fuel cell system using the same, and an operating method thereof.
[0002] A fuel cell is a type of power generation device that generates electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction, rather than converting the chemical energy of fuel into heat. It is considered an efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional internal combustion engines or chemical batteries. Unlike conventional batteries, fuel cells can continuously produce electricity by simply supplying hydrogen and oxygen, and their energy generation efficiency is higher.
[0003] These fuel cells produce electricity by directly reacting hydrogen and oxygen, and by using a reformer, they are power generation systems that can directly convert the chemical reaction energy of hydrogen contained in hydrocarbon substances such as LNG (liquefied natural gas), LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), methanol (CH3OH), ethanol (C2H5OH), and gasoline into electrical energy. At the cathode, an electrochemical reaction occurs where a reduction reaction of oxygen, which is an oxidizing agent, occurs, and at the anode, an oxidation reaction of hydrogen, which is a fuel, occurs, generating electricity, heat, water, etc.
[0004] Fuel cells are classified into phosphoric acid fuel cells, molten carbonate fuel cells, solid oxide fuel cells, polymer electrolyte fuel cells, and alkaline fuel cells, depending on the type of electrolyte used. While each of these fuel cells operates on fundamentally the same principles, they differ in the type of fuel used, operating temperature, catalyst, and electrolyte used.
[0005] At this time, the air supply device used to supply air to the fuel cell consisted of a compressor. Due to the nature of compressors, if the pressure and flow rate did not meet the preset values, surging and overheating occurred. Furthermore, the need to supply compressed air necessitated the use of high-pressure batteries.
[0006] In other words, conventional fuel cell systems require additional loads when utilizing air supply devices. However, prior to adding loads, the required amounts of hydrogen and oxygen must be predicted and sufficiently supplied to the stack before adding loads. This complicates system control and hardware, and slows the response speed of the fuel cell system.
[0007] In addition, in the case of conventional fuel cell systems, the amount and pressure of hydrogen are controlled using a pressure control valve for the anode, and the amount and pressure of air are controlled using a compressor and regulator in the air supply device for the cathode. However, due to differences in the supply method and control method of the reaction gas between the two reactions, it was difficult to adjust the flow rate and pressure.
[0008] The anode used a purge valve to control the amount of hydrogen exhaust gas.
[0009] In this case, the anode is operated in dead-end operation to control the amount of hydrogen inside the stack and increase the fuel efficiency of the fuel cell by controlling the pressure using the pressure control valve located in front of the stack while the pipe at the rear end of the stack is blocked. However, when the hydrogen does not flow and stagnates and the purge valve is opened for a short time, the hydrogen is instantly discharged to the outside and the pressure of the anode instantly decreases.
[0010] In the case of the cathode, air supplied through the compressor, which is an air supply device, continuously flows through the cathode of the stack, and the pressure regulator located at the rear end of the stack controls the pressure by changing the orifice inside the regulator, but the air continues to flow.
[0011] In this case, the gas control of different anodes and cathodes causes a pressure difference between the two poles, which causes the very thin film, which is one of the components of the MEA inside the stack, to be stressed and eventually damaged, resulting in a problem of reduced durability.
[0012] Additionally, the air supply device compresses and supplies air, thereby supplying high-temperature air. A cooling device, such as an intercooler, is installed between the air supply device and the fuel cell stack to cool the high-temperature air.
[0013] Conventional fuel cell systems have problems such as large volume of the fuel cell system due to the air supply device, high-pressure battery, cooling device, and humidifier taking up a significant portion of the system's volume, making miniaturization difficult, and limiting the design of fuel cells for other fields.
[0014] Additionally, fuel cells are attracting attention not only for supplying electricity for industrial, household, and vehicle power, but also as the primary power source for drones and urban air mobility (UAM).
[0015] Specifically, as the concentration of oxygen supplied to the cathode during fuel cell operation increases, the performance of the fuel cell increases, and when pure oxygen is used, the output increases by more than twice compared to power generation using air, so operation of a fuel cell using pure oxygen is an energy source suitable for use in aircraft, drones, air taxis, etc., where weight is an important factor.
[0016] By using pure oxygen, the air supply system, which accounts for the largest volume and weight in the fuel cell system, can be eliminated, as listed above, and as the performance of the fuel cell increases, the heat generated decreases, allowing the cooling system components to be miniaturized, which is advantageous for weight reduction.
[0017] Furthermore, organizations like NASA in the US are currently developing and testing prototypes of ultra-hardened liquefied gas storage tanks using composite materials. Accordingly, fuel cell operation using pure oxygen offers significant advantages from a weight reduction perspective.
[0018] One object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell module for efficient liquid removal and fuel cell cooling methods for reducing the weight and cost of a fuel cell system.
[0019] The present invention aims to provide a fuel cell system and an operating method thereof, which can be miniaturized by eliminating components required for air supply when operating a fuel cell using pure oxygen, and which can easily and quickly remove water as a product from a plurality of stacks using one purge valve for each of the anode and cathode.
[0020] A fuel cell module according to one embodiment may include a rotating body; and at least one stack radially connected to the rotating body and having its position changed by rotation of the rotating body.
[0021] Here, at least one stack may be obliquely connected to the rotating body.
[0022] Here, the at least one stack includes a first stack and a second stack, and the first stack and the second stack can be arranged parallel to each other.
[0023] Here, the at least one stack includes a first stack and a second stack, and the first stack and the second stack may be arranged obliquely from each other.
[0024] Here, the at least one stack includes a first stack and a third stack, and the first stack may be positioned higher than the third stack based on the rotational axis of the rotating body.
[0025] Here, the at least one stack includes a second stack positioned parallel to the first stack and above the third stack, and the third stack can be positioned between the first stack and the second stack on a first axis perpendicular to the rotational axis of the rotating body.
[0026] Here, the at least one stack includes a discharge line through which liquid moved in a first direction by rotation of the rotating body can be discharged, and the first direction may be a direction away from the center of the rotating body.
[0027] Here, a valve may be further included to discharge the liquid discharged from the discharge line to the outside.
[0028] Here, the at least one stack may be configured to be rotatably connected to one side of the rotating body so that the angle formed with the ground is adjustable.
[0029] Here, the at least one stack may be arranged to surround the outer circumference of the rotating body with the rotating body as the center.
[0030] Here, the at least one stack may be connected to the rotating body in a direction in which the stack gathers toward the upper or lower portion of the rotating body.
[0031] A fuel cell system according to one embodiment includes a fuel cell module that receives an oxidizer and hydrogen to generate electrical energy; and a motor that receives energy generated by the fuel cell module, wherein the fuel cell module may include a rotating body; and at least one stack that is radially connected to the rotating body and changes position by rotation of the rotating body.
[0032] A propulsion device using a fuel cell according to one embodiment includes a fuel cell module that receives an oxidizer and hydrogen to generate electrical energy; a motor that receives energy generated by the fuel cell module; and a propeller connected to the motor to provide propulsive force, wherein the fuel cell module may include a rotating body connected to the motor; and at least one stack that is radially connected to the rotating body and changes position by rotation of the rotating body. Another aspect of the present invention provides a fuel cell system including a hydrogen tank that stores gaseous or liquid hydrogen; a rotating body; and a stack connected to an outer surface of the rotating body, wherein air is supplied to the stack by rotation of the rotating body and the stack, and hydrogen is supplied from the hydrogen tank to generate electrical energy.
[0033] In one embodiment, as the rotational speed of the rotor increases, the amount of air supplied to the stack may increase.
[0034] In one embodiment, air may be supplied to the stack to cool the stack.
[0035] In one embodiment, as the rotational speed of the rotor increases, the cooling amount of the stack may increase.
[0036] Another aspect of the present invention provides a fuel cell system comprising: an oxidizer supply unit including at least one of an oxidizer tank, an air blower, and an air compressor; a hydrogen tank storing gaseous or liquid hydrogen; a rotor; and a stack connected to an outer surface of the rotor, wherein an oxidizer is supplied to the stack by the oxidizer supply unit and hydrogen is supplied from the hydrogen tank to generate electrical energy; and air is supplied to the stack by rotation of the rotor and the stack to cool the stack.
[0037] In one embodiment, the oxidizer supply unit may include an oxidizer tank, a first pressure control valve for controlling the pressure of the oxidizer may be arranged between the oxidizer tank and the stack, and a second pressure control valve for controlling the pressure of the hydrogen may be arranged between the hydrogen tank and the stack.
[0038] In one embodiment, as the rotational speed of the rotor increases, the cooling amount of the stack may increase.
[0039] Another aspect of the present invention may include a hydrogen tank storing gaseous or liquid hydrogen; a rotor; a stack connected to an outer surface of the rotor, wherein air is supplied to the stack by rotation of the rotor and the stack, and hydrogen is supplied from the hydrogen tank to generate electrical energy; and at least one purge valve connected to the stack and configured to discharge a product resulting from a reaction of oxygen and hydrogen to the outside from the stack.
[0040] Another aspect of the present invention may include an oxidizer supply unit including at least one of an oxidizer tank, an air blower, and an air compressor; a hydrogen tank storing gaseous or liquid hydrogen; a stack generating electrical energy when oxygen and hydrogen are supplied from the oxidizer supply unit and the hydrogen tank, respectively; and at least one purge valve connected to the stack to discharge a product resulting from the reaction of oxygen and hydrogen to the outside from the stack.
[0041] In one embodiment, the stack may be provided in one or more pieces.
[0042] In one embodiment, the stack further includes a driving unit that provides a rotational force; and a rotating body rotatable by the rotational force of the driving unit, wherein one side of the stack may be radially provided on the outside of the rotating body.
[0043] In one embodiment, the product is generated inside the stack, then moved to one side of the stack or a separator inside the stack by rotation of the rotor, and then discharged from the stack by opening the purge valve, and then discharged to the outside through the purge valve.
[0044] In one embodiment, the stack may be provided with one side diagonally inclined toward the outside of the rotating body.
[0045] In one embodiment, the stack further includes a cathode discharge line and an anode discharge line; and the purge valve may include a cathode purge valve and an anode purge valve, which are respectively provided in the cathode discharge line and the anode discharge line and are capable of being opened and closed.
[0046] Another aspect of the present invention may include a step of supplying an oxidizer and hydrogen to a stack; a step of generating electrical energy through a reaction between the supplied oxidizer and hydrogen; and a step of opening a cathode purge valve and an anode purge valve to discharge products and impurities liquefied by the reaction between the oxidizer and hydrogen inside the stack to the outside.
[0047] Another aspect of the present invention may include a stack comprising a first tank storing an oxidant; a second tank storing hydrogen; a cathode to which an oxidant is supplied from the first tank and an anode to which hydrogen is supplied from the second tank, and generating electrical energy based on a reaction of the oxidant supplied to the cathode and the hydrogen supplied to the anode; one cathode purge valve configured to discharge a product generated at the cathode according to the reaction; and one anode purge valve configured to discharge a product generated at the anode according to the reaction.
[0048] In one embodiment, the cathode purge valve may be connected to a first path through which the product is discharged from the cathode, and the anode purge valve may be connected to a second path through which the product is discharged from the anode.
[0049] In one embodiment, the first path may extend to the first tank, the second path may extend to the second tank, the first path may include a first pressure control valve for controlling the pressure of the cathode, and the second path may include a second pressure control valve for controlling the pressure of the anode.
[0050] In one embodiment, the device may further include a processor that controls at least one of the first pressure control valve and the second pressure control valve so that the difference in magnitude between the pressure of the anode and the pressure of the cathode does not exceed a predetermined value.
[0051] In one embodiment, the stack includes a first stack and a second stack, and the first tank and the second tank can both be connected to the first stack and the second stack, respectively.
[0052] In one embodiment, the device further comprises a driving unit that provides a rotational force; and a rotating body rotatable by the rotational force of the driving unit, wherein at least a portion of the product may be separated from the stack according to rotation of the rotating body.
[0053] In one embodiment, the angle formed by the rotational axis of the rotating body and the stack may be configured to be adjustable.
[0054] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a fuel cell module for efficient liquid removal and fuel cell cooling method for weight reduction and cost reduction of a fuel cell system can be provided.
[0055] According to an embodiment of the present invention, since pure oxygen is supplied, components required for air supply can be eliminated, thereby miniaturizing, reducing weight and cost, and easily, quickly and efficiently removing water as a product from multiple stacks using a single purge valve.
[0056] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2a are drawings for explaining a fuel cell system according to one embodiment.
[0057] FIG. 2b is a drawing for explaining a fuel cell system according to another embodiment.
[0058] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining a fuel cell module according to one embodiment.
[0059] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a fuel cell module according to another embodiment.
[0060] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining a fuel cell module according to another embodiment.
[0061] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining a fuel cell module according to another embodiment.
[0062] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining a fuel cell module according to another embodiment.
[0063] Figures 8 and 9 are drawings for explaining the movement and discharge of liquid reactants in a fuel cell module.
[0064] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing a method of operating a fuel cell system according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0065] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing another embodiment of a fuel cell system according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0066] Since this is intended to clearly explain the idea of the present invention to a person having ordinary knowledge, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in this specification, and the scope of the present invention should be interpreted to include modified or altered examples that do not depart from the idea of the present invention.
[0067] The terms used in this specification have been selected from widely used terms, taking into account their functions in the present invention. However, these terms may vary depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, or the emergence of new technologies in the technical field to which the present invention pertains. However, if a specific term is defined and used with an arbitrary meaning, the meaning of that term will be described separately. Therefore, the terms used in this specification should be interpreted based on the actual meaning of the term and the overall content of this specification, rather than simply the name of the term.
[0068] The drawings attached to this specification are intended to facilitate explanation of the present invention, and the shapes depicted in the drawings may be exaggerated as necessary to help understand the present invention, and therefore the present invention is not limited by the drawings.
[0069] In cases where it is determined that a specific description of the composition or function of a public notice related to the present invention in this specification may obscure the gist of the present invention, a detailed description thereof will be omitted as necessary.
[0070] Meanwhile, the open cathode fuel cell, a type of fuel cell with a lightweight stack, features an open cathode structure without a dedicated coolant path. Air is supplied to the cathode electrode, which is exposed to the air, allowing the stack to cool through the airflow.
[0071] Another type of fuel cell, the closed cathode type fuel cell, is cooled by using dedicated coolant channels provided within the bipolar plates.
[0072] The fuel cell of the present invention can be formed as a closed cathode type fuel cell as well as an open cathode type fuel cell.
[0073] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2a are drawings for explaining a fuel cell system according to one embodiment.
[0074] Referring to FIG. 1, a fuel cell system (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an oxidizer tank (10), a hydrogen tank (20), and a stack (30). The stack (30) may be included in a fuel cell power pack. That is, the fuel cell power pack may include the stack (30) and a driving device. In addition, the driving device may include a fan, a valve, a sensor, and other devices.
[0075] A fuel cell system (1) may include a fuel supply tank and an oxidizer supply unit. Specifically, the oxidizer supply unit and the fuel supply tank may include an oxidizer tank (10) and a hydrogen tank (20). The oxidizer tank (10) and the hydrogen tank (20) may be disposed adjacently as separate tanks or may be disposed separately without being adjacent.
[0076] The oxidizer tank (10) can store oxygen (O2) in a gaseous or liquid state. The oxidizer tank (10) can supply pure or impure oxygen (i.e., having a concentration of 100% or less) to the stack (30). At this time, the oxygen stored in the oxidizer tank (10) may be compressed and stored in a gaseous state or may be stored in a liquid state. For example, the internal pressure of the oxidizer tank (10) may be 700 bar, but is not limited thereto. In addition, when liquid oxygen is used, a vaporizer may be installed and / or used to set the temperature of the supplied reactant to a target value. The oxidizer tank (10) may supply not only oxygen but also air in some cases. Therefore, the oxidizer tank may also be referred to as an air tank.
[0077] The fuel cell system (1) may include an oxygen supply line (11) that can supply oxygen by connecting an oxidizer tank (10) and a stack (30). The oxygen supply line (11) may include at least one oxygen pressure reducing valve (PRV, 13) and an oxygen supply valve (12). Specifically, at least one oxygen pressure reducing valve (13) may lower the pressure of oxygen in order to stably supply oxygen compressed and stored at high pressure to the stack (30).
[0078] The oxygen supply valve (12), hydrogen supply valve (22), oxygen pressure reducing valve (13), and hydrogen pressure reducing valve (23) can be opened using a 12V or 24V battery, but are not limited thereto. In addition, when using a liquid oxidizer tank, a separate vaporizer can be installed to provide a smooth supply of oxygen.
[0079] The oxidizer tank (10) supplies pure oxygen to the stack (30), thereby supplying oxygen at a higher concentration than when supplying air having an oxygen concentration of approximately 21%. Accordingly, the increased oxygen concentration increases the oxygen reduction reaction rate, thereby increasing the efficiency of electrical energy generation. Therefore, the use of pure oxygen through the oxidizer tank (10) can improve the output of the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell system, and thus can be suitable for aviation applications requiring lightweighting.
[0080] In addition, since compressed oxygen or vaporized oxygen is supplied to the fuel cell system (1) using a vaporizer (the vaporizer can be deleted when using gaseous oxygen) and an oxygen supply valve (12), a separate air supply device and a high-voltage battery, DC-DC converter, etc. used to drive the air supply compressor of the air supply device can be eliminated, thereby enabling weight reduction and miniaturization. Accordingly, the fuel cell system (1) of the present invention can be weight reduced and miniaturized, and can be applied and designed not only for aviation but also in a wide range of fields.
[0081] However, it is not limited thereto, and the fuel cell system (1) can supply air to the stack (30) through a conventional air compressor or air blower. That is, the oxidizer supply unit can include one or more of an oxidizer tank, an air blower, and an air compressor.
[0082] In addition, as will be described later, the fuel cell system (1) can supply air inside the stack by rotation of the rotor and stack.
[0083] In one embodiment, the fuel cell system (1) can cool the stack (30) by supplying oxidant to the stack (30) by one or more of an oxidant tank, an air blower, and an air compressor, and by rotation of the rotor and the stack (30).
[0084] Meanwhile, the operation of the stack (30) using pure oxygen can be applied not only to the rotating body (80) described later, but can also be used by packing it together with a secondary battery pack.
[0085] The hydrogen tank (20) can store hydrogen (H2) in gaseous or liquid form. The hydrogen stored in the hydrogen tank (20) can be compressed and stored in a gaseous state, or can be stored in a liquid state. For example, the internal pressure of the hydrogen tank (20) may be 700 bar, but is not limited thereto. In addition, when using liquid oxygen, a vaporizer can be used to adjust the supplied reactants to the desired temperature.
[0086] The fuel cell system (1) may include a hydrogen supply line (21) that can supply hydrogen by connecting a hydrogen tank (20) and a stack (30). The hydrogen supply line (21) may include at least one hydrogen pressure reducing valve (PRV) 23 and a hydrogen supply valve (22). Specifically, at least one hydrogen pressure reducing valve (23) can lower the pressure of hydrogen in order to stably supply hydrogen compressed and stored at high pressure to the stack (30), and the hydrogen supply valve (22) is used to stably supply hydrogen to the stack (30). The hydrogen supply valve (22) and the hydrogen pressure reducing valve (23) may be opened using a 12 V or 24 V battery, but are not limited thereto.
[0087] The oxygen supply line (11) may include a vaporizer that helps vaporize oxygen to stably supply liquefied oxygen to the stack (30). In addition, the hydrogen supply line (21) may include a vaporizer that helps vaporize hydrogen to stably supply liquefied hydrogen to the stack (30). The oxygen supply line (11) or the hydrogen supply line (21) may include a pressure sensor (not shown) and a temperature sensor (not shown) that can check pressure and temperature, but are not limited thereto.
[0088] Additionally, as needed, a cooling fan (50) for cooling the oxygen supply line (11) and the hydrogen supply line (21) may be further provided, as shown in FIG. 1, and as shown in FIG. 2, the cooling fan (50) may be omitted.
[0089] The stack (30) generates electrical energy when oxygen and hydrogen are supplied from the oxidizer tank (10) and the hydrogen tank (20), respectively.
[0090] When the oxidizer tank (10) is opened to initiate oxygen supply from the oxidizer tank (10), at least one oxygen pressure reducing valve (13) lowers the oxygen to an appropriate pressure. The oxygen lowered to an appropriate pressure is supplied to the stack (30) at an appropriate pressure using the oxygen supply valve (12).
[0091] When the hydrogen tank (20) is opened to start supplying hydrogen from the hydrogen tank (20) in the same manner as the oxygen supply method, at least one hydrogen pressure reducing valve (23) reduces the hydrogen to an appropriate pressure. The hydrogen reduced to an appropriate pressure is supplied to the stack (30) using the hydrogen supply valve (22). The stack (30) supplied with the reaction gas is ready to operate as its voltage increases to the OCV (Open Circuit Voltage). Accordingly, the electricity generated by the stack (30) can supply electricity to components included in the fuel cell system (1). Therefore, autonomous operation of the fuel cell system (1) can be enabled.
[0092] At this time, oxygen can be smoothly supplied to the cathode through easy control of opening and closing of the oxygen supply valve (12). Accordingly, the reaction speed according to the load of the fuel cell system (1) can be improved. In a general fuel cell system, the reaction speed of the system is determined by the RPM increase speed of the compressor or blower that supplies air. The fuel cell system (1) of the present invention has an advantage in that the operating time is very fast because there is no air supply device composed of a compressor, intercooler, humidifier, etc., and the reaction gases, hydrogen and oxygen, are supplied through the supply pressure in the stack.
[0093] The stack (30) may be a stacked cell composed of a separator, a membrane electrode assembly (MEA), and other auxiliary components. At this time, hydrogen is supplied to the anode and oxygen is supplied to the cathode.
[0094] The supplied reaction gas reacts on the catalyst in the catalyst layer of the MEA within the fuel cell stack. At this time, water and heat are generated as a result of the reaction. Some of the water product liquefies within the stack (30). This liquefied water is the main cause of lowering the performance and durability of the stack (30). Therefore, the liquefied water must be discharged outside the stack (30).
[0095] For example, in order to discharge liquefied water inside the cell to the outside of the stack (30), the conventional technology designed the structure of the cathode separator of the stack (30) to facilitate water discharge. The conventional separator added a 3D porous body to facilitate the discharge of liquefied water. However, this increases the weight and volume of the stack due to the addition of additional components. In addition, this has the disadvantage of increasing the price of the stack due to the production of an additional mold for processing a complex structure.
[0096] Another conventional technique eliminated the 3D porous structure and curved the channel shape of the separator to alter the flow of the reactant gas, thereby facilitating the discharge of the liquid through changes in flow direction and pressure. However, this method also complicates the structure of the separator, increasing processing costs. Another conventional technique adjusts the operating conditions of the fuel cell to remove the liquid within the stack. However, this method also complicates the operation, making control difficult, leading to higher costs and reduced durability.
[0097] In order to discharge liquefied water, the fuel cell system (1) of the present invention may include a cathode discharge line (31) and an anode discharge line (33) capable of discharging liquefied water, and a cathode purge valve (32) and an anode purge valve (34) capable of controlling the opening and closing of the cathode discharge line (31) and the anode discharge line (33). That is, the function of the cathode purge valve (32) and the anode purge valve (34) is to correct the concentration of hydrogen and oxygen, which are reaction gases in the anode and cathode, and to remove the generated liquid.
[0098] For example, as the stack (30) is operated, the concentration of hydrogen decreases as the amount of oxygen, nitrogen, and water vapor that diffuses from the cathode through the membrane increases in the case of the anode. This lowers the voltage of the stack (30), and eventually the stack (30) cannot be operated. At this time, when the anode purge valve (34) is opened, pure hydrogen is supplied from the hydrogen tank (20) to the stack (30) and the liquid water inside the anode is discharged to the outside, so that the concentration of hydrogen inside the anode increases again and a reaction area is secured, so that the stack (30) can be operated stably.
[0099] Additionally, in the case of the cathode, when the cathode purge valve (32) is opened, the concentration of hydrogen in the cathode increases again, allowing the stack (30) to operate stably.
[0100] At this time, hydrogen (H2) is supplied to the anode and oxygen (O2) is supplied to the cathode.
[0101] Additionally, the supplied hydrogen oxidation reaction occurs at the anode, converting hydrogen into protons (H + ) and electrons (e - ) are separated, and protons move to the cathode through the membrane. Then, electrons move to the cathode through the circuit connecting the anode and cathode, and electrical energy is generated.
[0102] At the cathode, protons and electrons move through the membrane and circuit, and when oxygen is supplied, an oxygen reduction reaction occurs. This reaction produces water as a product and generates heat.
[0103] Here, the heat can be dissipated using a cooling system such as a radiator. Furthermore, periodic management is required to discharge the product (i.e., the generated and liquefied water).
[0104] To this end, the fuel cell system (1) of the present invention may further include a cathode purge valve (32).
[0105] The cathode purge valve (32) is connected to the stack (30) and can discharge a product resulting from the reaction of oxygen and hydrogen (e.g., liquefied water (H20)) from the stack (30) to the outside. At this time, since the pressure inside the stack (30) is higher than the outside, when the cathode purge valve (32) is opened, the water can be discharged to the outside due to the pressure difference.
[0106] The pressure of the anode and cathode can be easily controlled by opening and closing the cathode discharge line (31) and the anode discharge line (33) using the same cathode purge valve (32) and anode purge valve (34).
[0107] As described above, the oxygen pressure reducing valve (13) can lower the pressure of oxygen in order to stably supply oxygen compressed and stored at high pressure to the stack (30). The hydrogen pressure reducing valve (23) can lower the pressure of hydrogen in order to stably supply hydrogen compressed and stored at high pressure to the stack (30).
[0108] That is, the oxygen pressure reducing valve (13) is a first pressure control valve for controlling the pressure of the cathode, and the hydrogen pressure reducing valve (23) is a second pressure control valve for controlling the pressure of the anode. At least one of the first pressure control valve and the second pressure control valve can be controlled so that the difference in the intensity of the pressure of the anode and the pressure of the cathode does not exceed a predetermined value.
[0109] The membrane, a key component of the electrode membrane assembly used in fuel cells, continues to become thinner to improve fuel cell performance. Therefore, if the pressure between the anode and cathode is not precisely controlled within a certain pressure difference, the pressure difference between the two electrodes can damage the membrane, rendering the stack inoperable.
[0110] In the case of existing fuel cell systems, the method of supplying and discharging hydrogen supplied to and discharged from the anode is different from the method of supplying and discharging air supplied to the cathode.
[0111] In the case of hydrogen, the discharge port is blocked with a purge valve, and the hydrogen in the high-pressure tank is used to adjust the pressure of the anode of the stack through a pressure reducing valve and a pressure control valve to adjust the hydrogen concentration inside the stack.
[0112] In the case of the cathode, the air is supplied by adjusting the flow rate through the RPM of the compressor in the supply section without blocking the discharge section, and the pressure of the cathode is adjusted by adjusting the pressure at which the compressor supplies air and the orifice inside the pressure control regulator in the discharge section.
[0113] At this time, the anode operates in dead-end operation where there is no flow of reaction gas, and the cathode operates in continuous operation where air continuously flows. For this reason, it is very difficult to control the pressure of the anode and cathode equally, and when the anode purge valve opens, the pressure of the anode decreases rapidly, and the cathode maintains the pressure of the cathode at a constant value through the compressor at the front of the stack and the pressure control regulator at the back of the stack. In this situation, the pressure difference between the anode and the cathode increases rapidly, which puts stress on the membrane and eventually damages the membrane.
[0114] However, since the anode and cathode of the fuel cell system (1) of the present invention have the same method of supplying and discharging reaction gas, it is easy to maintain and control the pressure of the anode and cathode equally, and thus the mechanical stability of the membrane within the MEA of the fuel cell system (1) can be significantly improved.
[0115] Furthermore, this simple system utilizes the same structure and control method for the anode and cathode, allowing for higher operating pressure than conventional fuel cell systems. As the operating pressure increases, fuel cell performance increases dramatically. Conventional fuel cells operate at operating pressures of approximately 0.1 to 3 bar. Increasing the operating pressure offers several advantages, including improved fuel cell performance and reduced piping size. Therefore, most automotive fuel cells currently operate at 3 bar. However, this increased pressure significantly increases the power consumption of the compressor supplying air, reducing system efficiency. Furthermore, maintaining a constant pressure difference between the anode and cathode presents challenges. In the present invention, the anode and cathode operate in the same manner and can be easily maintained at the same pressure, making it easy to increase the stack operating pressure to over 3 bar, significantly enhancing stack performance. This significantly improves fuel cell performance and is highly advantageous for weight reduction.
[0116] Referring to FIG. 2a, the fuel cell system (1) may include at least one stack (30).
[0117] In Fig. 2a, each stack (30) is equipped with a cathode discharge line (31) and an anode discharge line (33) in which the discharge lines for hydrogen and oxygen are each combined into one, and a cathode purge valve (32) and an anode purge valve (34) are respectively equipped in the cathode discharge line (31) and the anode discharge line (33). At this time, the hydrogen and oxygen, and liquefied water whose concentrations are reduced in one or more stacks can be purged using the cathode purge valve (32) and the anode purge valve (34).
[0118] Specifically, the cathode purge valve (32) may be connected to the cathode discharge line (31), which is a path through which products are discharged from the cathode, and the anode purge valve (34) may be connected to the anode discharge line (33), which is a path through which products are discharged from the anode.
[0119] The hydrogen and oxygen discharge lines connected to each stack are each combined into a single discharge line and discharged to the outside. At this time, a purge valve is positioned on the single discharge line so that the hydrogen, oxygen, and liquefied water with reduced concentrations within one or more stacks can be purged using a single purge valve. This reduces the number of purge valves, thereby reducing the weight, volume, and price of the fuel cell system (1).
[0120] FIG. 2b is a drawing for explaining a fuel cell system according to another embodiment.
[0121] As described above, not only can liquid water and reaction gases (oxygen and hydrogen) be purged to the outside from multiple stacks using one cathode purge valve (32) and one anode purge valve (34), but also, as illustrated in FIG. 2b, one or more cathode purge valves (32) and anode purge valves (34) may be installed for each stack (30). In this case, each stack (30) is provided with a separate cathode discharge line (31) and an anode discharge line (33), and a cathode purge valve (32) and an anode purge valve (34) are installed in each cathode discharge line (31) and anode discharge line (33).
[0122] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining a fuel cell module according to one embodiment.
[0123] Referring to FIG. 3, a fuel cell module according to one embodiment may include a rotating body (80) and at least one stack (30). Specifically, the fuel cell module may include a rotating body (80) and at least one stack (30) connected to the rotating body (80). At this time, at least one stack (30) is connected to the rotating body (80) and its position may be changed by the rotation of the rotating body (80). Although FIG. 3 illustrates ten stacks (30) connected to the rotating body (80), the number of stacks (30) is not limited thereto and may be configured as a single or multiple stacks as needed.
[0124] At least one stack (30) may be arranged to surround the outer surface of the rotor (80) with the rotor (80) as the center (e.g., radially). Alternatively, at least one stack (30) may be at least partially inserted into the rotor (80) or may be arranged on the inner surface of the rotor (80). Specifically, at least one stack (30) may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval and one side may be radially connected to the outer surface (or outer surface) of the rotor (80). At this time, the stacks included in at least one stack may be arranged parallel to each other. For example, one side of a first stack may be parallel to one side of a second stack.
[0125] At least one stack (30) may be provided with one side diagonally inclined to the outside of the rotor (80). That is, at least one stack (30) may be connected obliquely to the rotor (80). Accordingly, as the rotor (80) rotates, the stack (30) positioned at an angle also moves, and the moving stack (30) moves the surrounding air in a direction perpendicular to the rotational direction. At this time, when the stack (30) is of the open cathode type, since the air supply channel and the air supply channel for cooling are the same, the moving air is not only supplied to the inside of the separator of the rotating stack, but also passes through the cooling fins or structures for cooling located inside the separator of the stack, and the stack is cooled. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and at least one stack (30) may be connected vertically or horizontally to the rotor (80).
[0126] At this time, as the rotational speed increases, the velocity of the moving air increases and the cooling capacity of the stack increases, allowing the stack temperature to be lowered easily and quickly. Conversely, as the rotational speed decreases, the velocity of the moving air decreases, allowing the temperature of the stack to be quickly raised to the operating temperature at the beginning of operation. In other words, the rotational speed can be adjusted to control the optimal operating conditions of the fuel cell system (1), and this can eliminate the cooling system of existing fuel cell systems.
[0127] Specifically, conventional open cathode type fuel cells use an air blower (or cooling fan) to supply external air to an open cathode path and cool the stack. In contrast, in the present invention, as the rotor (80) and the stack (30) rotate, external air can be supplied into the stack, and the stack can be additionally cooled. Accordingly, conventional pumps, air blowers (or cooling fans), 3-way valves, ion removers, cooling water pipes, etc. can be eliminated, and a high-voltage battery for driving the pump and a converter for operating the same can also be eliminated, enabling miniaturization and weight reduction of the fuel cell system.
[0128] However, it is not limited thereto, and the stack (30) may be formed as a closed cathode type, in which case the stack (30) may be cooled by flowing a cooling fluid into a dedicated coolant passage.
[0129] In addition, the structure of at least one stack (30) arranged obliquely can reduce noise generated by rotation of the stack (30) and reduce power consumed to rotate the rotor (80).
[0130] Meanwhile, one side of the stack (30) may be provided as a whole attached to a rotating body (80).
[0131] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a fuel cell module according to another embodiment.
[0132] Referring to FIG. 4, a fuel cell module according to another embodiment may include a rotor (80) and at least one stack (30). In this case, unlike the embodiment of FIG. 3, the embodiment of FIG. 4 may include a plurality of stacks (30, 31, 32, 33) arranged in a plurality of layers.
[0133] Specifically, the rotor (80) can be connected to the stack included in the first layer (36) and the stack included in the second layer (37). At this time, the first layer (36) can be a layer located above the second layer (37). As in the fuel cell module of Fig. 4, in order to secure a space that can create air flow between the stacks (30) while increasing the number of stacks (30), the stacks (30) can be connected to the rotor (80) in multiple layers.
[0134] At this time, the stack included in the first layer (36) may be arranged in an alternating manner with the stack included in the second layer (37). Specifically, the stack included in the first layer (36) may include a first stack (31) and a second stack (32) arranged parallel to the first stack (31). In addition, the stack included in the second layer (37) may include a third stack (33).
[0135] At this time, the third stack (33) may be positioned between the first stack (31) and the second stack (32) on the first axis (a2) that is perpendicular to the rotation axis (a1) of the rotating body (80). Specifically, the center point of the third stack (33) may be positioned between the center point of the first stack (31) and the center point of the second stack (32) on the first axis (a2). In this way, by staggering the stacks (31, 32) of the first layer (36) and the stack (33) of the second layer (37) on the first axis (a2) or the horizontal axis, an air circulation path can be secured, and the burden due to air resistance, etc. on the rotation of the rotating body (80) can be reduced.
[0136] This can be modified to accommodate multiple stack layers as well as multiple rotors.
[0137] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining a fuel cell module according to another embodiment.
[0138] Referring to FIG. 5, unlike the fuel cell of FIG. 3, the fuel cell module of FIG. 5 may have a portion of an area corresponding to one side of the stack (30) connected to the rotor (80). Accordingly, at least one stack (30) may be arranged in a direction that converges toward the upper portion of the rotor (80). Consequently, the space through which air can flow in the fuel cell module of FIG. 5 may be wider than that in the fuel cell module of FIG. 3.
[0139] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining a fuel cell module according to another embodiment.
[0140] Referring to FIG. 6, unlike the fuel cell of FIG. 3, the fuel cell module of FIG. 6 may have some areas corresponding to one side of the stack (30) connected to the rotor (80). Accordingly, at least one stack (30) may be arranged in a direction in which they converge toward the lower portion of the rotor (80). The fuel cell module of FIG. 6 may have a shape in which the portion where the stack (30) is connected to the rotor (80) is symmetrical vertically with the fuel cell module of FIG. 5. As a result, the space in which air can flow in the fuel cell module of FIG. 6 may be wider than that in the fuel cell module of FIG. 3.
[0141] In this way, the angle and shape at which at least one stack (30) is connected to the rotating body (80) are not limited to those in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6 and may vary.
[0142] Fig. 7 is a drawing for explaining a fuel cell module according to another embodiment. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a fuel cell module according to another embodiment.
[0143] Referring to FIG. 7, a fuel cell module according to another embodiment may include a rotor (80) and at least one stack (30). At this time, at least one stack (30) may be connected to the rotor (80) in a form in which the angle can be adjusted.
[0144] The angle of arrangement of at least one stack (30) can be adjusted. Specifically, at least one stack (30) can be connected to a rotating body (80) via a link (35). At this time, the link (35) can adjust the angle that at least one stack (30) forms with the ground. Specifically, the link (35) is connected to a driving unit (e.g., a motor, etc.) inside the rotating body (80) and can adjust the angle of at least one stack (30) by rotating it according to a control signal.
[0145] FIG. 7 illustrates a method for adjusting the angle of a stack (30) through a link (35), but the method for adjusting the angle formed by the stack (30) with the ground is not limited thereto and may vary.
[0146] Figures 8 and 9 are drawings for explaining the movement and discharge of liquid reactants in a fuel cell module.
[0147] Referring to FIG. 9, a product (e.g., liquefied water) may be generated inside the stack (30) and then moved to the other side of the stack (30) (e.g., in the direction of the arrow) by centrifugal force caused by the rotation of the rotor (80). At this time, the product may be discharged from the stack (30) to the outside (e.g., in the direction of the arrow) by opening the cathode and anode purge valves (32).
[0148] In general, in the case of existing fuel cell systems, during dead-end operation, the fluid flow inside the stack is low, so the generated liquid stagnates and covers the catalyst of the electrode membrane inside the stack. To solve this problem, a recirculating blower or ejector is used to artificially create a fluid flow inside the stack, thereby moving the liquid on the electrode from the electrode to the outside of the stack. In this case, additional components are required, and an additional operating method is added to control them, which complicates the system, increases weight, and complicates control. However, in the case of the present invention, by changing the rotational speed of the rotor to generate centrifugal force, the water generated inside the stack due to this centrifugal force moves to one side of the stack, and the electrode easily secures the surface area necessary for the reaction, thereby improving performance and durability.
[0149] The fuel cell system (1) may include a control unit that controls the driving unit (70) and a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, and a pressure sensor that can detect reactants and products. At this time, humidity can be measured by the sensor, and can also be measured by other measurement methods (for example, a method using impedance, an electrochemical method, or a method calculated using other parameters such as temperature and pressure).
[0150] The control unit can obtain the sensing values of each sensor and generate a control signal capable of controlling the driving unit (70). Specifically, the control unit can detect the product within the stack (30) using a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, and a pressure sensor, and can also predict the product within the stack through calculation. If a value exceeding a preset value is sensed, measured, or calculated, the control unit can operate the driving unit (70).
[0151] In addition, the control unit may generate a control signal capable of adjusting the angle of the stack (30) based on user input or sensing values from sensors. In addition, the control unit may operate the driving unit (70) and open the purge valve (32, 34) to discharge reactants and products to the outside when the sum of the currents generated in the stack (30) reaches a certain standard.
[0152] The fuel cell system (1) of the present invention moves liquefied water generated at the cathode and liquid water at the anode to a separator plate within the stack (30) or one side of the stack through centrifugal force, and can be quickly removed by opening the cathode and anode purge valves (32).
[0153] Typically, in conventional fuel cell stacks, the liquefied water generated through the reaction is removed by controlling the stack's operating conditions, temperature, pressure, and flow rate, and by optimizing the structure of the separator. Furthermore, a recirculating blower or ejector can be used to artificially create a fluid flow within the stack, thereby moving the liquid on the electrodes from the electrodes to the outside of the stack. However, this requires complex operating conditions, making control difficult. Furthermore, the complex structure of the separator necessitates design difficulties and increases manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the presence of additional components and the need for additional operating methods to control them complicate the system, increasing its weight and complicating control. Furthermore, cooling the fuel cell stack and system requires heavy and bulky components such as pumps, valves, ion removers, and coolant pipes, which increase the weight of the fuel cell system and make control difficult.
[0154] Therefore, the fuel cell system (1) of the present invention uses centrifugal force to move liquefied water in one direction and remove it by opening the cathode purge valve (32) and the anode purge valve (34), thereby eliminating the use of a separator having a complex structure, thereby reducing the price and weight of the stack and enabling the design of a control program and controller to be simplified.
[0155] The separator is the most numerous and expensive component in a fuel cell. Furthermore, since the cooling of the fuel cell stack through rotation is controlled by centrifugal air flow, the air supply and cooling systems present in existing fuel cell systems can be eliminated. This reduces the cost and weight of the fuel cell system and simplifies the design of the system and control program, making it suitable for use in aviation fuel cells. Furthermore, the separator within the fuel cell module of the present invention has a simple structure that does not require complex channels, thereby reducing the design and manufacturing costs of the stack.
[0156] The fuel cell module of the present invention can also be applied to a propulsion device using a fuel cell. Specifically, the propulsion device using a fuel cell may include a fuel supply tank, a fuel cell module, a motor, and a propeller.
[0157] The fuel and oxidizer supply tank may include an oxidizer tank and a hydrogen tank. The fuel and oxidizer supply tank may supply oxygen and hydrogen to the fuel cell module. The fuel cell module may generate energy using the supplied oxygen and hydrogen. The motor may be supplied with energy generated by the fuel cell module.
[0158] The propeller is connected to a motor and rotates by the motor, thereby providing propulsive power to the propulsion device. Furthermore, a rotor included in the fuel cell module is connected to the motor and can receive rotational power. Furthermore, the rotor may include at least one stack whose position changes as the rotor rotates. Thus, by applying the fuel cell module of the present invention to a propulsion device, a fuel cell-based propulsion device can be provided that is lightweight and compact and can efficiently remove byproducts (liquid water).
[0159] Referring to FIG. 10, a method for operating a fuel cell system according to the present invention will be described. Furthermore, since the method for operating a fuel cell system relates to a method for operating using the above-described fuel cell system, descriptions of each component and operation may refer to the above-described fuel cell system and FIGS. 1 to 9.
[0160] First, oxygen stored in the oxidizer tank (10) can be supplied to the stack (30) (S10). At this time, the oxygen may be pure or impure. In addition, as described above, air can be supplied to the stack (30) by the rotation of the rotor and the stack (30), and air can also be supplied by one or more of the oxidizer tank (10), the air blower, and the air compressor.
[0161] Next, hydrogen stored in the hydrogen tank (20) can be supplied to the stack (30) (S20). At this time, the hydrogen may or may not be pure.
[0162] Meanwhile, the order of S10 and S20 can be reversed.
[0163] Next, the stack (30) can generate electrical energy through the reaction of supplied oxygen and hydrogen (S30).
[0164] Next, the products generated by the reaction of oxygen and hydrogen inside the stack (30) and impurities such as nitrogen can be discharged to the outside by opening the cathode purge valve (32) and the anode purge valve (34) (S40).
[0165] Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram showing another embodiment of a fuel cell system according to one embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the fuel cell system may include a cathode discharge line (31) and an anode discharge line (33) capable of discharging liquefied water, and a cathode purge valve (32) and an anode purge valve (34) capable of controlling the opening and closing of the cathode discharge line (31) and the anode discharge line (33).
[0166] The fuel cell system may include a bypass valve (60) to control the pressure difference between the anode and the cathode. In this case, one side of the bypass valve (60) may be connected to the cathode discharge line (31), which is a path through which products are discharged from the cathode, and the other side of the stack purge valve (60) may be connected to the anode discharge line (33), which is a path through which products are discharged from the anode. The pressure difference between the cathode discharge line (31) and the anode discharge line (33) may be controlled by the bypass valve (60).
[0167] According to the fuel cell system according to one embodiment of the present invention described above, air supply, stack cooling, and water removal can be performed simultaneously using rotational force, thereby achieving the effects of a simple structure and cost reduction.
[0168] Although the embodiments described above have been described by way of limited examples and drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations can be made based on the above teachings. For example, appropriate results can still be achieved even if the described techniques are performed in a different order than described, and / or components of the described systems, structures, devices, circuits, etc. are combined or combined in a different manner than described, or are replaced or substituted with other components or equivalents.
[0169] Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents to the claims also fall within the scope of the claims described below.
[0170]
[0171] - This research was supported by the Startup Growth Technology Development Project of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups [RS-2024-00437505].
[0172]
[0173] [Explanation of symbols]
[0174] 1: Fuel cell system
[0175] 10: Oxidizer tank 11: Oxygen supply line
[0176] 12: Oxygen supply valve 13: Oxygen pressure reducing valve
[0177] 20: Hydrogen tank 21: Hydrogen supply line
[0178] 22: Hydrogen supply valve 23: Hydrogen pressure reducing valve
[0179] 30: Stack 31: Cathode exhaust line
[0180] 32: Cathode purge valve 33: Anode discharge line
[0181] 34: Anode purge valve
[0182] 50: Cooling fan
[0183] 60: Bypass valve
[0184] 70: Drive unit
[0185] 80: Rotor
Claims
1. Rotating body; and A fuel cell module comprising at least one stack radially connected to the rotating body and having its position changed by the rotation of the rotating body.
2. In paragraph 1, A fuel cell module, wherein at least one stack is obliquely connected to the rotor.
3. In paragraph 1, A fuel cell module, wherein the at least one stack includes a first stack and a second stack, and the first stack and the second stack are arranged parallel to each other.
4. In paragraph 1, A fuel cell module, wherein the at least one stack includes a first stack and a second stack, and the first stack and the second stack are arranged obliquely from each other.
5. In paragraph 1, A fuel cell module wherein at least one of the stacks includes a first stack and a third stack, and wherein the first stack is positioned higher than the third stack with respect to the rotational axis of the rotating body.
6. In paragraph 5, A fuel cell module wherein at least one stack includes a second stack positioned parallel to the first stack and above the third stack, and the third stack is positioned between the first stack and the second stack on a first axis perpendicular to the rotational axis of the rotating body.
7. In paragraph 1, A fuel cell module wherein at least one stack includes a discharge line through which liquid moved in a first direction by rotation of the rotating body can be discharged, wherein the first direction is a direction away from the center of the rotating body.
8. In paragraph 7, A fuel cell module further comprising a valve for discharging liquid discharged from the above discharge line to the outside.
9. In paragraph 2, A fuel cell module, wherein at least one stack is rotatably connected to one side of the rotating body and configured such that the angle formed with respect to the ground is adjustable.
10. In paragraph 1, A fuel cell module, wherein at least one stack is arranged to surround the outer circumference of the rotating body with the rotating body as the center.
11. In paragraph 1, A fuel cell module, wherein at least one stack is connected to the rotor in a direction that converges toward the upper or lower portion of the rotor.
12. A fuel cell module that generates electrical energy by receiving an oxidizer and hydrogen; and Includes a motor that receives energy generated by the fuel cell module, The above fuel cell module, Rotating body; and At least one stack radially connected to the rotating body and having a position changed by the rotation of the rotating body. Fuel cell system.
13. Fuel cell module that generates electrical energy by receiving oxidizer and hydrogen; A motor supplied with energy generated by the fuel cell module; and It includes a propeller connected to the above motor to provide propulsion, The above fuel cell module, a rotating body connected to the above motor; and At least one stack radially connected to the rotating body and having a position changed by the rotation of the rotating body. Propulsion device using fuel cells.
14. Hydrogen tank storing gaseous or liquid hydrogen; Rotating body; and A fuel cell system comprising a stack connected to the outer surface of the rotating body, wherein air is supplied to the stack by rotation of the rotating body and the stack, and hydrogen is supplied from the hydrogen tank to generate electrical energy.
15. In paragraph 14, A fuel cell system in which the amount of air supplied to the stack increases as the rotational speed of the above-mentioned rotor increases.
16. In paragraph 14, A fuel cell system in which air is supplied to the stack to cool the stack.
17. In paragraph 16, A fuel cell system in which the cooling amount of the stack increases as the rotational speed of the above-mentioned rotating body increases.
18. An oxidizer supply unit including at least one of an oxidizer tank, an air blower, and an air compressor; A hydrogen tank storing gaseous or liquid hydrogen; Rotating body; and A stack connected to the outer surface of the above-mentioned rotating body, comprising a stack in which an oxidizer is supplied to the stack by the oxidizer supply unit and hydrogen is supplied from the hydrogen tank to generate electric energy, A fuel cell system in which air is supplied to the stack by the rotation of the rotor and the stack, thereby cooling the stack.
19. In paragraph 18, The above oxidizer supply unit includes an oxidizer tank, A first pressure control valve is arranged between the oxidizer tank and the stack to control the pressure of the oxidizer, A fuel cell system, wherein a second pressure control valve for controlling the pressure of the hydrogen is arranged between the hydrogen tank and the stack.
20. In paragraph 18, A fuel cell system in which the cooling amount of the stack increases as the rotational speed of the above-mentioned rotating body increases.
21. Hydrogen tank storing gaseous or liquid hydrogen; Rotating body; A stack connected to the outer surface of the above-mentioned rotating body, wherein air is supplied to the stack by the rotation of the above-mentioned rotating body and the above-mentioned stack, and hydrogen is supplied from the above-mentioned hydrogen tank to generate electrical energy; and A fuel cell system, comprising at least one purge valve connected to the stack and configured to discharge products resulting from the reaction of air and hydrogen from the stack to the outside.
22. An oxidizer supply unit including at least one of an oxidizer tank, an air blower, and an air compressor; A hydrogen tank storing gaseous or liquid hydrogen; A stack that generates electric energy when oxidizer and hydrogen are supplied from the oxidizer supply unit and the hydrogen tank, respectively; and A fuel cell system comprising at least one purge valve connected to the stack and configured to discharge products resulting from the reaction of an oxidizer and hydrogen from the stack to the outside.
23. In paragraph 21 or 22, The above stack is a fuel cell system equipped with one or more stacks.
24. In paragraph 22, a driving unit that provides rotational force; and It further includes a rotating body that can be rotated by the rotational force of the above driving unit, The above stack is a fuel cell system in which one side is radially provided on the outside of the rotating body.
25. In paragraph 21 or 24, A fuel cell system in which the product is generated inside the stack, moves to one side of the stack or a separator inside the stack by the rotation of the rotating body, is discharged from the stack by opening the purge valve, and is then discharged to the outside through the purge valve.
26. In paragraph 21 or 24, The above stack is a fuel cell system in which one side is provided diagonally inclined toward the outside of the rotating body.
27. In paragraph 21 or 22, Further comprising a cathode discharge line and an anode discharge line connected to the above stack; The above purge valve is a fuel cell system including a cathode purge valve and an anode purge valve, which are respectively provided in the cathode discharge line and the anode discharge line and can be opened and closed.
28. Step of supplying oxidizer and hydrogen to the stack; A step of generating electrical energy by a reaction between the supplied oxidizer and hydrogen; and A method for operating a fuel cell system, comprising: a step of opening a cathode purge valve and an anode purge valve to discharge products and impurities liquefied by the reaction of an oxidizer and hydrogen inside the stack to the outside.
29. Tank 1 where the oxidizer is stored; A second tank storing hydrogen; A stack comprising a cathode to which an oxidant is supplied from the first tank and an anode to which hydrogen is supplied from the second tank, and generating electrical energy based on a reaction of the oxidant supplied to the cathode and the hydrogen supplied to the anode; One cathode purge valve configured to discharge the product generated at the cathode according to the above reaction; and A fuel cell system comprising an anode purge valve configured to discharge a product generated at the anode according to the above reaction.
30. In paragraph 29, A fuel cell system, wherein the cathode purge valve is connected to a first path through which the product is discharged from the cathode, and the anode purge valve is connected to a second path through which the product is discharged from the anode.
31. In paragraph 30, The first path extends to the first tank, and the second path extends to the second tank. A fuel cell system, wherein the first path includes a first pressure control valve for controlling the pressure of the cathode, and the second path includes a second pressure control valve for controlling the pressure of the anode.
32. In paragraph 31, A fuel cell system further comprising a processor that controls at least one of the first pressure control valve and the second pressure control valve so that the difference in the pressure of the anode and the pressure of the cathode does not exceed a predetermined value.
33. In paragraph 29, The above stack includes a first stack and a second stack, A fuel cell system, wherein the first tank and the second tank are both connected to the first stack and the second stack, respectively.
34. In paragraph 29, a driving unit that provides rotational force; and It further includes a rotating body that can be rotated by the rotational force of the above driving unit, A fuel cell system configured such that at least a portion of the product is separated from the stack as the rotating body rotates.
35. In paragraph 34, A fuel cell system, wherein the angle formed by the rotational axis of the above-mentioned rotating body and the above-mentioned stack is configured to be adjustable.
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