Angled Fuel Cell Assembly in a Gas Turbine Combustor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines face inefficiencies and hardware life issues due to the integration of fuel cell assemblies, particularly in leveraging pressure differences and maximizing power production within the combustion section.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a fuel cell stack within the combustion section, where the fuel cell stack extends axially to maximize power production, and includes cooling features to enhance hardware life and overall efficiency, with fuel cells angled relative to the radial direction to optimize airflow and power output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If fuel cell assembly is integrated into combustion section, then power production increases, but hardware life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cell assembly is segmented into multiple individual fuel cells arranged in series, allowing each cell to be independently cooled and monitored. This segmentation enables better thermal management and prevents failure of the entire assembly due to localized overheating, thereby extending hardware life while maintaining power production.
Solution Approach 2:
A cooling airflow is introduced as an intermediary between the fuel cell assembly and the combustion chamber. This cooling airflow acts as a thermal barrier, removing excess heat from the fuel cells without interfering with the combustion process, thus protecting the hardware while allowing continuous power generation.
2Use of energy by moving object
If fuel cell assembly is integrated into combustion section, then overall efficiency increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cell assembly is merged with the combustion section structure, utilizing existing combustion chamber walls and support structures to mount the fuel cells. This integration eliminates the need for separate mounting hardware and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the efficiency benefits of combined heat and power generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The combustion section structure serves multiple functions: it contains the combustion process, provides structural support for the fuel cell assembly, and acts as a thermal management system through controlled airflow. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining high overall efficiency.
3Power
If fuel cells are angled relative to radial direction, then power output optimizes, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cells are deliberately positioned at asymmetric angles relative to the radial direction of the combustion section, optimized to align with the airflow patterns and maximize power output. The patent specifies angular ranges (e.g., 10-45 degrees from radial) that balance performance optimization with manufacturability, avoiding excessively precise angular requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The angular orientation of fuel cells is optimized as a variable parameter within specific ranges rather than requiring exact fixed angles. By defining acceptable angular ranges (e.g., 10-45 degrees) and corresponding axial positions, the design achieves power output optimization while accommodating normal manufacturing tolerances without requiring extreme precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enhances the robustness and efficiency of the fuel cell assembly, increasing hardware life and overall turbomachine efficiency by leveraging pressure differences and optimizing fuel cell placement for maximum power production.
Implementation Method 1
The fuel cell assembly includes a fuel cell stack having a plurality of fuel cells. The plurality of fuel cells receive air from the diffusion chamber and fuel from a fuel source and generate a power output.
Implementation Method 2
A portion of the compressed air is directed into the fuel cell stack to cool the fuel cell stack and extend a hardware life of the fuel cell stack.
Data Source
AI summary
A combustion section defines an axial direction, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction. The combustion section includes a casing that defines a diffusion chamber. A combustion liner is disposed within the diffusion chamber and defines a combustion chamber. The combustion liner is spaced apart from the casing such that a passageway is defined between the combustion liner and the casing. A fuel cell assembly is disposed in the passageway. The fuel cell assembly includes a fuel cell that extends between an inlet end and an outlet end. The inlet end receives a flow of air and fuel and the outlet end provides output products to the combustion chamber. The fuel cell extends at an angle between the inlet end and the outlet end relative to a radial projection line.