Portable Fuel Cell Catalytic Oxidizer Rapid Heat Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable devices that require heat generation are limited by battery power or the need for a mains supply, and existing solid oxide fuel cells have long start-up times, making them unsuitable for portable applications.
Innovation Solution
A portable fuel cell device with a catalytic oxidizer, fuel cell assembly, and heat outlet, where hot gases generated from the reaction are directed to applications requiring heat, and powered by an electric fan or motor, allowing rapid start-up and efficient heat transfer without a complex sealed design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If solid oxide fuel cells are used for portable applications, then power output is improved, but start-up time increases from 1-7 hours
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cell system is divided into two separate functional components: a catalytic oxidizer that rapidly generates heat, and a fuel cell assembly that generates electricity. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the catalytic oxidizer for rapid start-up and heat generation, and the fuel cell assembly for sustained power generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The catalytic oxidizer performs preliminary heating action before the fuel cell assembly needs to generate power. By pre-heating the system and generating hot gases rapidly, the fuel cell assembly can reach operational temperature quickly without requiring the entire system to undergo slow thermal conditioning.
2Loss of energy
If heat is directed to applications requiring heat, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cell system serves multiple functions simultaneously: the catalytic oxidizer provides both rapid heating and generates hot gases for external heat applications, while the fuel cell assembly provides both electricity generation and additional heat. This multi-functionality improves overall energy utilization without requiring separate systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the heat generation function and electricity generation function into a single integrated fuel cell device. The catalytic oxidizer and fuel cell assembly work together in one system, allowing hot gases to be directed to external applications while simultaneously generating electrical power, thereby improving heat transfer efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If a sealed design is used to channel gases through the fuel cell assembly, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and seal-related issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the gas flow control function from a complex sealed channeling system and replaces it with a simpler arrangement where hot gases flow freely around and through the fuel cell assembly. The catalytic oxidizer is positioned to allow natural convection and diffusion of hot gases, eliminating the need for complex seals and precision-machined flow channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters of gas flow from controlled, sealed, precision-channelled flow to free, natural convection-driven flow. This parameter change allows gases to flow around the outer surfaces of the fuel cell assembly without requiring complex sealing arrangements, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining effective heat and mass transfer.
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
Enables rapid heat generation and electrical output for portable devices, eliminating the need for batteries or mains power and reducing production costs while avoiding seal-related issues, making the device suitable for various applications such as hair drying and heating.
Implementation Method 1
a catalytic oxidiser, means for delivering gaseous fuel and oxidiser to the catalytic oxidiser
Implementation Method 2
heat generated from the reaction of fuel and oxidiser at the catalytic oxidiser
Implementation Method 3
the fuel cell assembly causes the generation of hot gases and an electrical output when it is heated and supplied with fuel and oxidiser
Implementation Method 4
the heat directing means may comprise a fan, preferably an electric fan
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell device comprising: (a) a catalytic oxidizer; (b) means for delivering gaseous fuel and oxidizer to the catalytic oxidizer; and (c) a fuel cell assembly located in the vicinity of the catalytic oxidizer such that the fuel cell assembly is able to be heated by heat generated from the reaction of fuel and oxidizer at the catalytic oxidizer; wherein the fuel cell assembly causes the generation of hot gases and an electrical output when it is heated and supplied with fuel and oxidizer, and wherein the device is provided with (d) a heat outlet which allows hot gases generated by the device to be directed out of the device and to applications requiring heat. Also provided is the use of such a device to generate heat and/or electrical power, and an appliance comprising such a device.