Combustion-Reforming Nozzle Layout for Fuel Cell Startup Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
The low temperature of the reformer in fuel cell systems results in inefficient fuel reforming and carbon accumulation on the cell stack, reducing system efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle design incorporating a fuel pipe with a reformer and activation pipe, where an activation catalyst in the activation pipe reacts with activation fuel to increase the temperature of the reformation catalyst, enhancing the reforming process efficiency and preventing carbon accumulation by increasing hydrogen production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the reformer operates at low temperature during system startup, then the system can begin operation, but the fuel reforming efficiency is low and carbon accumulates on the cell stack
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by introducing activation fuel through the activation pipe before main reforming operation. The activation catalyst reacts with activation fuel to generate heat in advance, which pre-heats the reformer and raises the temperature of the reformation catalyst. This preliminary heating action ensures that when main reforming begins, the catalyst is already at optimal temperature, thereby preventing low-temperature inefficiency and carbon accumulation during startup
Solution Approach 2:
The activation fuel and activation catalyst serve as intermediaries to transfer and concentrate heat energy. The activation fuel reacts with oxygen in the air channel through the activation catalyst, generating localized high-temperature zones that indirectly heat the reformation catalyst without requiring the entire reformer to be heated first. This intermediary mechanism enables efficient temperature control during startup
2Reliability
If the reformer temperature is low, then the system can start operation, but carbon accumulates on the fuel cell stack
Solution Approach 1:
The activation system performs preliminary heating action before main reforming begins. By introducing activation fuel that reacts exothermically in the activation pipe, the system generates heat in advance to raise the reformer temperature and activate the reformation catalyst. This preliminary action ensures immediate efficient reforming when fuel is introduced, preventing carbon accumulation from incomplete low-temperature reforming
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temperature parameter dynamically during startup by controlling the activation fuel flow rate and air supply. The activation process temporarily creates high-temperature zones that raise the reformer temperature from ambient to operational levels. This parameter change ensures the reformer operates at sufficient temperature to prevent carbon accumulation while maintaining system reliability during the transition from startup to normal operation
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
The increased temperature of the reformation catalyst improves the fuel reforming efficiency, reducing unreacted fuel in the output gas and preventing carbon accumulation on the fuel cell stack, ensuring high-temperature hydrogen-rich gas is fed to the stack.
Implementation Method 1
the temperature of the reformation catalyst in the reformer can be increased by the reaction between the activation catalyst and the activation fuel
Implementation Method 2
a reformer for converting the carbon-based resources into hydrogen (i.e., the fuel) and carbon dioxide is needed
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides a nozzle for combustion and reforming reaction including a fuel pipe, a reformer, an activation pipe, an activation catalyst, and a reformation catalyst. The fuel pipe includes an annular wall and an end wall connected to an end of the annular wall. The fuel pipe has at least one vent hole penetrating through the annular wall and at least one outlet penetrating through the end wall. The reformer is disposed in the fuel pipe. The activation pipe is disposed in the fuel pipe and disposed through the reformer. A distance between the activation pipe and the outlet is larger than a distance between the vent hole and the outlet. The activation catalyst is arranged in the activation pipe. The reformation catalyst is arranged in the reformer and located outside the activation pipe. The disclosure also provides a combustor and a fuel cell system having the nozzle.