Anode Gas Recirculation Valve for Fuel Cell Jet Pump Backflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel cell systems face challenges in recirculating anode gas, particularly with jet pumps, where fresh hydrogen cannot be added without activating recirculation, and there is a decrease in recirculation performance during partial load, leading to pressure losses and backflow issues.
Innovation Solution
A device with an actively controllable valve and magnet assembly allows for the introduction of fresh hydrogen without recirculation and prevents backflow by deactivating jet pumps in parallel, using a simple and inexpensive switching valve design that maintains tightness and avoids ignition sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a jet pump is used for recirculation, then recirculation can be achieved, but fresh hydrogen cannot be added without activating recirculation and recirculation performance decreases in partial load range
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet is segmented into a first inlet for recirculated anode gas and a second inlet for fresh hydrogen, allowing independent control of recirculation and fresh hydrogen addition. This enables fresh hydrogen to be added without activating recirculation, resolving the contradiction between recirculation performance and adaptability.
2Productivity
If a smaller second jet pump is used for partial load range, then recirculation performance in partial load is improved, but backflow occurs through the inactive first jet pump causing pressure loss
Solution Approach 1:
Check valves are installed in parallel to each jet pump to prevent backflow through the inactive pump before it can cause pressure losses. This preliminary protective measure eliminates the harmful backflow effect while maintaining the benefits of having multiple jet pumps for different load ranges.
3Reliability
If an integrated check valve is used to block backflow, then backflow is prevented, but pressure loss increases reducing recirculation performance
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single check valve in series that causes pressure loss, the system segments the check valves and places them in parallel to each jet pump inlet. This configuration prevents backflow through the inactive pump while minimizing pressure losses, as each check valve only needs to handle the flow for its corresponding pump.
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
Enables efficient recirculation of anode gas with the ability to add fresh hydrogen and prevent backflow, maintaining performance across load ranges while minimizing pressure losses and ensuring hydrogen tightness.
Implementation Method 1
The valve comprises a magnet assembly for acting on a magnet armature
Implementation Method 2
at least one jet pump with a propulsion nozzle for introducing fresh anode gas
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a device (1) for recirculating anode gas in an anode circuit (11) of a fuel cell system (10), comprising at least one jet pump (2) with a propelling nozzle (3) for introducing fresh anode gas, preferably hydrogen, an inlet (4) for recirculated anode gas, and an outlet (5) for fresh and recirculated anode gas; an actively controllable valve (6) for closing and opening the inlet (4) is arranged in the area of the inlet (4), said valve (6) comprising a magnet assembly (7) for acting on a reciprocating armature (8), and a valve spring (9). Also disclosed is a fuel cell system (10) comprising a device (1) of said kind.