Fuel Cell Cooling Using Absorption Refrigeration for Embedded Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems for power modules, particularly those using radiators coupled with fans, are bulky, inefficient, and dependent on external temperature differences, making them unsuitable for embedded systems like aircraft, and they fail to utilize heat generated by fuel cells as an auxiliary energy source.
Innovation Solution
An absorption thermal machine with a first boiler, condenser, evaporator, and absorber is integrated into the heat removal loop of a fuel cell, utilizing a binary mixture of refrigerant and absorbent to transfer heat from the fuel cell to a closed circulation liquid, which is then used to cool the system, minimizing size and weight while optimizing energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a radiator coupled with a fan is used to cool the fuel cell, then the fuel cell can be cooled, but the system becomes bulky and difficult to install in embedded systems
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses phase transition of refrigerant (evaporation and condensation) in the absorption thermal machine to achieve cooling. The refrigerant evaporates in the evaporator absorbing heat from the fuel cell, then condenses in the condenser releasing heat to the surrounding air, eliminating the need for bulky radiators and fans while maintaining effective cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical cooling system (radiator and fan) with a thermally-driven absorption thermal machine that uses heat from the fuel cell itself to drive the refrigeration cycle. This substitution eliminates moving parts and reduces system volume while maintaining cooling capability.
2Temperature
If a radiator coupled with a fan is used to cool the fuel cell, then the fuel cell can be cooled, but the system efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the waste heat generated by the fuel cell into a useful resource by using it as the heat source for the absorption thermal machine. The thermal energy that would otherwise be lost is now utilized to drive the refrigeration cycle, cooling the fuel cell while simultaneously improving overall system efficiency by recovering waste energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system is designed to be self-sufficient by using the fuel cell's own waste heat to drive the cooling process. The absorption thermal machine automatically utilizes the thermal energy generated during fuel cell operation, eliminating the need for external energy input and improving overall system efficiency.
3Temperature
If a radiator coupled with a fan is used to cool the fuel cell, then cooling can be achieved, but the system performance becomes dependent on external temperature conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The absorption thermal machine uses the fuel cell's own waste heat as the driving energy source, making the cooling system self-sufficient and independent of external environmental conditions. The system automatically adapts to varying operating conditions by utilizing the available thermal energy from the fuel cell, ensuring consistent cooling performance regardless of ambient temperature.
4Temperature
If a radiator coupled with a fan is used to cool the fuel cell, then the fuel cell can be cooled, but the system size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs phase transition of refrigerant (evaporation and condensation) within a compact absorption thermal machine to achieve cooling. This thermodynamic approach allows for a much more compact system design compared to traditional radiator-fan systems, significantly reducing both volume and weight while maintaining effective cooling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the heavy mechanical cooling system (radiator and fan assembly) with a lightweight absorption thermal machine that uses thermal energy conversion. This substitution dramatically reduces system weight and volume while eliminating moving parts, making it ideal for embedded applications.
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 effectively cools the fuel cell, reduces system size and weight, enhances thermal power dissipation, and makes the system autonomous from external temperature conditions, optimizing electricity-heat cogeneration by using heat generated by the power module for cooling and recovering thermal energy to heat air or water for the reformer.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchange circuit of the first boiler being inserted into the heat removal loop of the fuel cell to cool the latter
Implementation Method 2
a heat exchange circuit of the evaporator being inserted into said closed circulation circuit of a liquid, said heat exchange circuit of the evaporator being crossed by said heated liquid of the closed circulation circuit after its passage in the circuit heated from said exchanger, to cool this heated liquid from said circulation circuit
Implementation Method 3
an absorption thermal machine comprising a first boiler, a condenser, an evaporator and an absorber
Implementation Method 4
an absorption thermal machine comprising a first boiler, a condenser, an evaporator and an absorber
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an installation (100) comprising: - a power module having a fuel cell (12) and a reformer (14a), the fuel cell comprising a heat removal loop (24), and - an absorption heat engine (40) having a first boiler (42), a condenser (46), an evaporator (48) and an absorber (50). According to the invention, a heat exchange circuit (42a) of the first boiler is inserted into the heat removal loop of the cell. In addition, according to the invention, the installation has a closed circuit (10) for circulation of a liquid, comprising at least one heat exchanger (26, 28, 30, 32) that has a heating circuit thermally coupled to the power module and a heated circuit inserted into said closed circulation circuit, said closed circuit exchanging heat with said heating circuit, heating the liquid in the closed circulation circuit. Finally, according to the invention, a heat exchange circuit (48a) of the evaporator is inserted into said closed circuit for circulation of a liquid.