Dual Fuel Cell Battery Switching Hydrogen and Organic Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel cell batteries using organic fuels face low power density and catalyst poisoning issues, while those using hydrogen gas are hazardous and costly due to the need for large storage and high catalyst usage.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell battery design that switches between hydrogen and organic fuel sources based on power requirements, utilizing a dual fuel system with valves and pumps to manage fuel supply, minimizing catalyst poisoning and storage hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If organic fuel is used in fuel cell battery, then safety and ease of storage are improved, but power density decreases and catalyst poisoning occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cell battery system dynamically switches between organic fuel and hydrogen gas based on power demand. During low-power periods, organic fuel is used to maintain safety and reduce catalyst poisoning. During high-power periods, hydrogen gas is supplied to meet peak power requirements. This dynamic fuel switching resolves the contradiction between safety and power density.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic fuel switching between organic fuel and hydrogen gas according to operational cycles. Organic fuel is used during standby and low-power phases, while hydrogen gas is introduced during high-power demand phases. This periodic action allows the system to maintain safety while achieving high power density when needed.
2Power
If hydrogen gas is used in fuel cell battery, then power density is improved, but safety hazards and storage costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts fuel type based on power requirements. Hydrogen gas is supplied only during high-power demand periods through controlled valve activation, while organic fuel is used during low-power periods. This dynamic approach achieves high power density when needed while minimizing safety hazards during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system preliminarily determines power requirements and pre-selects appropriate fuel types. Before high-power demand occurs, the system prepares to switch to hydrogen gas. During low-power periods, organic fuel is maintained as the primary fuel source, preventing safety hazards before they can occur.
3Power
If hydrogen gas is used in fuel cell battery, then high power output is achieved, but catalyst usage and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between fuel types based on power output requirements. Organic fuel handles low-power operations, reducing catalyst consumption and manufacturing costs. Hydrogen gas is activated only during high-power output periods, minimizing the amount of expensive catalyst needed while still achieving high power output when required.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using hydrogen gas continuously for maximum power output, the system applies hydrogen gas partially - only during periods when high power output is actually needed. This partial action reduces the total amount of expensive catalyst required in the system while maintaining the capability to deliver high power output when necessary.
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 dual fuel system achieves efficient power output matching both low and high power demands with reduced catalyst usage and storage needs, lowering manufacturing costs and size, while ensuring safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The proton-exchange membrane (8) is a type of semi-permeable membrane that is air-water-tight but not water-air-tight. The membrane conducts protons
Implementation Method 2
A catalyst is located between anode (6) and proton-exchange membrane (8) to catalyze the anode chemical reaction
Implementation Method 3
Fuel cell batteries are a type of device which converts chemical energy into electric energy
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell battery, comprising a chamber unit (1), an anode entrance (2) connected to the chamber unit (1), an anode exit (3), a cathode entrance (4) and a cathode exit (5). The anode entrance (2) is connected to a hydrogen source (11) and an organic fuel source (12) respectively through a hydrogen duct (9) and an organic fuel duct (10). Duct (9) and duct (10) are respectively installed with a hydrogen valve (13) and an organic fuel valve (14). An exit valve (20) is installed at the anode exit. This fuel cell battery combines the advantages provided by hydrogen fuel and organic fuel. The fuel cell battery can meet the dual requirements of operating on both high and low power. The fuel cell battery's design leads to low manufacturing costs, a simple structure, and easy implementation.