Compact Electrolyzer Fuel Cell Enclosure with External Hydrogen Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrolyser/fuel cell systems for storing and restoring electrical energy are bulky, non-modular, and complex, making them difficult to install and maintain, which limits their distribution in industry.
Innovation Solution
A compact, autonomous device combining water electrolysis and fuel cell units in a single enclosure with external hydrogen storage, allowing for modular and flexible installation and simplified maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrolyzer and fuel cell are combined in a single integrated system, then energy storage and restoration functionality is achieved, but device bulk volume and space requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent modules: a compact electrolyzer/fuel cell enclosure and separate external hydrogen storage tanks. This segmentation allows the enclosure to be small while the storage capacity can be adjusted by adding or removing external tanks, resolving the contradiction between functionality and volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage dimension is separated from the processing dimension by placing hydrogen storage externally rather than integrating it within the enclosure. This dimensional separation allows the functional unit to remain compact while storage capacity is expanded in a different spatial configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electrolyzer and fuel cell are integrated in a single system, then system functionality is achieved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the system into a pre-assembled enclosure module and independent storage tanks, the complexity of integrating multiple components on-site is eliminated. The enclosure arrives pre-configured with electrolyzer, fuel cell, and control systems, requiring only simple connections to external storage and utilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure is designed as a self-contained unit with integrated control systems, balance of plant equipment, and interconnections already assembled. This self-service approach reduces on-site installation complexity to simple utility connections and tank attachments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrolyzer and fuel cell are combined in one system, then energy storage capability is achieved, but maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into maintainable modules: the enclosure containing electrolyzer, fuel cell, and control systems as one module, and external storage tanks as separate modules. This allows targeted maintenance of specific components without affecting the entire system, improving ease of repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The most maintenance-intensive components (electrolyzer and fuel cell) are extracted and housed in a dedicated enclosure that can be removed and serviced independently from the storage system. This extraction allows specialized maintenance without disrupting the storage infrastructure.
4Volume of stationary object
If hydrogen storage is integrated within the device enclosure, then system compactness is achieved, but flexibility in energy capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Storage capacity is segmented into discrete external tank units that can be independently added or removed based on energy capacity requirements. This allows the system to maintain a compact enclosure while achieving flexible storage capacity through modular external expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage capacity is made dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. External hydrogen tanks can be connected or disconnected to adapt storage capacity to varying energy requirements, providing flexibility without increasing the permanent footprint of the installation.
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 solution reduces the bulk volume of the system, facilitates rapid on-site installation, and simplifies maintenance through standardization, enabling efficient storage and restoration of electrical energy.
Implementation Method 1
Water electrolysis means supplied at input by water and electrical energy and producing at output at least dihydrogen and dioxygen in gaseous form
Implementation Method 2
a fuel cell supplied at input by at least the stored dihydrogen (H2) and producing at output at least electrical energy
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (10) for storing and restoring electrical energy comprising a chamber (100) in which water electrolysis means (110), a fuel cell (120), and monitoring/control means (130) for monitoring the operation of said device (10) in the fuel cell mode or the electrolyzer mode are arranged. Connection means (141) enable said chamber (110) to be connected to storage means (210) for storing dihydrogen (H2), which are outside of said chamber (110).