Electrochemical Hydrogen Pump for Generator Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of hydrogen as a coolant in electrical power generators is inefficient due to the need for frequent refilling of stored hydrogen supplies, safety concerns, and moisture-induced cracking of components, which can be mitigated by reducing the amount of hydrogen required while maintaining appropriate pressure, temperature, and purity.
Innovation Solution
An electrochemical hydrogen pump system that purifies and regulates hydrogen flow to provide a refined supply, using an electrochemical cell with a polymer electrolyte membrane to selectively transport hydrogen ions, ensuring efficient cooling while minimizing moisture ingress and hydrogen usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If hydrogen is used as a cooling fluid in large generators, then cooling efficiency is improved due to high heat capacity, but the amount of hydrogen required increases leading to frequent refilling and safety concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of hydrogen from gaseous to liquid form, utilizing the phase transition to dramatically increase density and heat capacity per unit volume. This allows the same cooling effect to be achieved with much smaller quantities of hydrogen, resolving the contradiction between cooling efficiency and hydrogen consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs phase transition of hydrogen from gas to liquid state through controlled cooling and compression. The liquid hydrogen serves as the cooling medium, leveraging its superior density and heat capacity characteristics to reduce the total amount of hydrogen needed while maintaining effective cooling performance
2Speed
If stored hydrogen supply is used for cooling, then immediate cooling is provided, but moisture is carried into the generator causing component cracking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes moisture from the hydrogen cooling medium through dedicated drying systems and purification equipment. By separating the harmful moisture component from the useful hydrogen coolant, the system maintains rapid cooling response while eliminating the cracking risk to generator components
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces intermediary devices such as molecular sieves, desiccants, and purification filters that act as mediators between the stored hydrogen supply and the generator. These intermediaries capture and retain moisture while allowing the hydrogen coolant to pass through, preventing moisture ingress into the generator
3Reliability
If electrolyzer is used to produce hydrogen on-site, then hydrogen supply continuity is improved, but capital cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the system automatically monitors hydrogen levels, activates refilling or phase-change processes as needed, and manages the cooling cycle without external intervention. This automation maintains continuous reliable supply while reducing the need for complex expensive infrastructure like electrolyzers
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 system reduces hydrogen consumption, prevents component cracking, and maintains efficient cooling by providing hydrogen of appropriate purity, pressure, and temperature, thereby enhancing generator efficiency and reducing emissions.
Implementation Method 1
an electrochemical cell with a polymer electrolyte membrane to selectively transport hydrogen ions
Implementation Method 2
An electrochemical hydrogen pump system that purifies and regulates hydrogen flow to provide a refined supply, using an electrochemical cell
Implementation Method 3
Hydrogen is commonly used as a cooling fluid. Some electrical power generators communicate hydrogen through their windings to remove thermal energy from the generator
Implementation Method 4
The refined supply of hydrogen is used to remove thermal energy from the electric power generator
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
An example generator cooling arrangement includes an electrochemical hydrogen pump configured to receive and adjust a fluid containing hydrogen and to provide a refined supply of hydrogen. An electric power generator receives the supply of hydrogen. The refined supply of hydrogen is used to remove thermal energy from the electric power generator.