Aircraft Fuel Cell Cathode Recirculation Water Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The continuous increase in water content within the cathode product fluid of recirculated oxygen depleted air in fuel cell systems for aircraft leads to decreased efficiency and potential system blockage, particularly when recirculated multiple times.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a water extraction device within the cathode recirculation channel, combined with a cooling section that utilizes ram air or cabin air to cool and condense the cathode product fluid, effectively reducing water content and stabilizing it, thereby improving the fuel cell system's efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the cathode product fluid is recirculated multiple times through the fuel cell system, then the oxygen depleted air is reused as oxidant fluid, but the water content in the product fluid increases continuously which decreases efficiency and may block the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by removing water from the recirculating cathode product fluid stream. A water extraction device is integrated into the recirculation system to continuously extract and remove accumulated water, preventing the water content increase that would otherwise occur during multiple recirculation cycles. This maintains the efficiency of the fuel cell system while allowing continuous reuse of the oxygen depleted air as oxidant fluid.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the cathode product fluid is recirculated continuously, then the system operates sustainably, but water accumulation eventually blocks the entire fuel cell system
Solution Approach 1:
The water extraction device continuously removes water from the recirculating cathode product fluid, preventing water accumulation that would lead to system blockage. This extraction mechanism enables the fuel cell system to operate continuously without the reliability risk of water-induced blockages, maintaining both sustained operation and system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The recirculation system with integrated water extraction operates as a feedback-controlled process where the cathode product fluid is continuously monitored and processed. The water extraction device responds to the accumulating water content in the recirculating stream, automatically removing excess water to maintain optimal operating conditions and prevent blockage, thus ensuring continuous reliable operation.
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 implementation of a water extraction device and cooling system within the cathode recirculation channel efficiently reduces water content, enhancing the operation and longevity of the fuel cell system by maintaining its efficiency and preventing blockages.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling section that utilizes ram air or cabin air to cool and condense the cathode product fluid
Implementation Method 2
a water extraction device for extracting water from the cathode product fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell system for an aircraft includes a fuel cell, wherein at the cathode side a cathode inlet and a cathode outlet is provided, and wherein at the anode side an anode inlet and an anode outlet is provided, and a cathode recirculation channel for passing the cathode product fluid from the cathode outlet to the cathode inlet. In the fuel cell system, the water content of the cathode product fluid in the cathode recirculation channel can be reduced or at least stabilized in a possibly effective way, because the cathode recirculation channel includes a water extraction device for extracting water from the cathode product fluid.