Allothermal HTSE Reactors with External Heat Exchangers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
High temperature steam electrolysis (HTSE) facilities face challenges in achieving low power consumption and high steam utilization rates, particularly in allothermal mode, due to the need for extensive heat exchanger integration, which increases capital and maintenance costs, and results in lower current densities and higher reaction areas.
Innovation Solution
A HTSE facility with electrochemical reactors connected in series, where each reactor operates in a strongly allothermal mode with external heat exchangers providing heat to partly converted steam between reactors, allowing for high steam conversion rates without the need for extensive heat exchanger integration within the stack, reducing capital and maintenance costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If extensive heat exchanger integration is performed within the stack to enable allothermal mode operation, then heat supply for steam electrolysis is improved, but device complexity and capital costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the heat exchanger from the electrolyser stack structure, placing it externally instead of integrating it within the stack. This allows heat to be supplied to the electrolyser from an external source, simplifying the stack design and reducing capital costs while maintaining allothermal mode operation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the thermal management system from the electrochemical conversion system. The electrolyser stack and heat exchanger are separated into independent units, allowing each to be optimized independently and facilitating easier maintenance and operation
2Adaptability or versatility
If extensive heat exchanger integration is performed within the stack, then allothermal mode operation is enabled, but maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the heat exchanger from the stack, the invention enables allothermal mode operation while significantly reducing maintenance complexity. The external heat exchanger can be maintained independently without disassembling the stack, and the stack itself becomes a simpler unit with fewer internal components requiring maintenance
3Use of energy by moving object
If heat exchangers are integrated within the stack, then heat supply is improved, but reaction area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the heat exchanger function from the stack, allowing heat to be supplied externally without occupying space within the reaction area. This maintains efficient heat supply while preserving maximum reaction area for electrochemical conversion
4Adaptability or versatility
If heat exchangers are integrated within the stack, then allothermal mode is enabled, but capital costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the heat exchanger from the stack structure, enabling allothermal mode operation with a simpler, less expensive stack design. The external heat exchanger can be a standard component, reducing overall capital costs compared to integrated designs requiring custom fabrication
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the heat supply system from the electrochemical stack, the invention allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard processes, reducing capital costs while maintaining full allothermal operation capability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables efficient operation in strongly allothermal mode with high steam conversion rates, lower maintenance requirements, and reduced reaction areas, while maintaining high current densities and electrochemical performance, thus optimizing energy efficiency and reducing operational expenses.
Implementation Method 1
anion O2− migrating from the cathode through the electrolyte membrane, under the effect of the electric field created by a potential difference imposed between the anode and the cathode
Implementation Method 2
external heat exchangers providing heat to partly converted steam between reactors
Implementation Method 3
High temperature steam electrolysis (HTSE) enables the break down of a water molecule into hydrogen and oxygen to be performed by the combination of two half-reactions at both electrodes
Implementation Method 4
anion O2− migrating from the cathode through the electrolyte membrane, under the effect of the electric field created by a potential difference imposed between the anode and the cathode, are oxidised into dioxygen
Data Source
AI summary
A high temperature steam electrolysis or fuel cell electric power generating facility, including at least two electrochemical reactors fluidly connected in series to each other by their cathode compartment(s). At least one heat exchanger is arranged between two reactors in series, a primary circuit of the heat exchanger being connected to an external heat source configured to provide heat to fluid(s) at an outlet of an upstream reactor prior to be introduced at an inlet of a downstream reactor.