Fuel Cell Absorption Cooling System Using Exhaust Gas Pressure Boost
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medium to large-scale power generation fuel cell systems face inefficiencies in cooling systems due to low cooling coefficient of performance (COP) and high power consumption, particularly with solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC), and white smoke formation in cooling towers under low ambient temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A high-efficiency double-effect absorption chiller system that utilizes low-temperature exhaust gas from a fuel cell as a heat source, incorporating an exhaust gas intake device and anti-white smoke device to manage pressure and prevent white smoke, with a system control unit to optimize operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If exhaust gas from solid oxide fuel cell is used as heat source for double-effect absorption chiller, then cooling efficiency is improved, but exhaust gas pressure is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
An exhaust gas booster is introduced as an intermediary device to increase the pressure of exhaust gas from the solid oxide fuel cell to a level suitable for the double-effect absorption chiller, enabling the utilization of low-pressure exhaust gas that would otherwise be unsuitable for high-efficiency cooling
Solution Approach 2:
The exhaust gas pressure parameter is actively changed from the original low pressure (10-50mmAq) to a higher pressure suitable for chiller operation through the booster device, transforming the exhaust gas into a viable heat source for the double-effect absorption chiller
2Productivity
If single-effect absorption chiller is used with exhaust heat, then cooling is provided, but cooling coefficient of performance is low
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts by using a double-effect absorption chiller that can efficiently utilize the specific temperature range of fuel cell exhaust gas, achieving higher COP compared to single-effect systems by optimizing the heat utilization process for the available exhaust heat conditions
3Productivity
If cooling tower is operated under low ambient temperature and high humidity, then cooling is achieved, but white smoke is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The white smoke generated in the cooling tower under low temperature and high humidity conditions is converted into a beneficial heat source by directing it to the absorption chiller, transforming an environmental nuisance into useful thermal energy for cooling production
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
Achieves high cooling efficiency with a COP of 1.1 to 1.4 and prevents white smoke formation, effectively utilizing exhaust heat for chilled water production and facility protection.
Implementation Method 1
an exhaust gas intake device (20) that provides pressure so that the exhaust gas can be supplied to the absorption chiller (10)
Implementation Method 2
an absorption chiller (10) that receives the exhaust gas as a heat source
Implementation Method 3
utilizes low-temperature exhaust gas from a fuel cell as a heat source... effectively utilizing exhaust heat for chilled water production
Implementation Method 4
an upper cooling tower (30) that lowers the temperature of the cooling water heated by the absorption chiller
Implementation Method 5
introducing a portion of the exhaust gas discharged through the high-temperature generator into an anti-white smoke device before being released into the atmosphere
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a
AI summary
An absorption cooling system of the present invention includes: a fuel cell unit (100) for discharging an exhaust gas generated during power generation; and an absorption cooling unit (200) using the exhaust gas as a heat source. The absorption cooling unit (200) includes: an absorption freezer (10) receiving the exhaust gas as a heat source; an upper cooling tower (30) for lowering a temperature of cooling water of which the temperature has been increased due to the absorption freezer; a cooling water pump (40) for controlling flow of the cooling water; a cold water pump (50) for controlling flow of cold water which has been cooled by the absorption freezer; a system control unit (90) for controlling driving of the absorption cooling unit (200); a bypass valve (60) installed in a bypass pipe (12) and controlling external discharge of the exhaust gas provided from the fuel cell unit (100); an exhaust gas introduction valve (70) installed in an exhaust gas introduction pipe (13) and controlling supply of the exhaust gas to the absorption freezer (10); and an exhaust gas suction device (20) for providing a pressure to allow the exhaust gas to be provided to the absorption freezer (10).