Cogeneration system for controlling fuel cell devices based on operation mode

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cogeneration systems face challenges in achieving optimal power generation efficiency and heat recovery efficiency, particularly when fuel cells are operated under rated or power load following conditions, failing to meet user-specific demands for power and heat.

Innovation Solution

A cogeneration system comprising multiple fuel cell devices and a control device that determines operation modes based on heat and power demand values, allowing for the adjustment of power generation efficiency and heat recovery efficiency by controlling the fuel cell devices, including modes such as power generation efficiency priority, heat recovery priority, demand response, and life unification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If one fuel cell is controlled by rated operation or power load following operation, then the system can operate with simple control logic, but the power generation efficiency or heat recovery efficiency that fits user needs cannot be realized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidefficiency adaptation to user needs

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between multiple operation modes (power generation efficiency priority mode, heat recovery efficiency priority mode, and demand response mode) based on user needs and environmental conditions. This dynamic adaptability allows the fuel cell system to optimize efficiency metrics in real-time while maintaining simple control logic through automated mode selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control device changes operational parameters by selecting different operation modes that adjust the balance between power generation and heat recovery. By modifying operational parameters based on heat demand and power demand ratios, the system achieves both simple control and high adaptability to user-specific efficiency requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If the fuel cell operates at rated power, then the power generation output is maximized, but the heat recovery efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generation outputVSAvoidheat recovery efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts its operation between power generation priority mode and heat recovery priority mode based on real-time demand conditions. When power demand is high, the system operates at rated power for maximum output; when heat demand is high, it shifts to heat recovery priority mode, thus dynamically balancing power output and heat recovery efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control device changes operational parameters by selecting different operation modes that adjust the balance between power generation and heat recovery. By modifying operational parameters based on heat demand and power demand ratios, the system achieves both simple control and high adaptability to user-specific efficiency requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of energy

If the fuel cell operates at low power load, then the heat recovery efficiency increases, but the power generation efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat recovery efficiencyVSAvoidpower generation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between operation modes based on real-time demand conditions. When heat demand is high and power demand is low, the system operates in heat recovery priority mode at lower power loads to maximize heat efficiency. When power demand increases, it transitions to power generation efficiency priority mode, thus dynamically balancing heat recovery and power generation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control device changes operational parameters by selecting different operation modes that adjust the balance between power generation and heat recovery. By modifying operational parameters based on heat demand and power demand ratios, the system achieves both simple control and high adaptability to user-specific efficiency requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Productivity

If multiple fuel cell devices are operated simultaneously, then the total power and heat supply capacity increases, but the system complexity and control difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetotal power and heat supply capacityVSAvoidsystem control complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the fuel cell devices into independent units that can be individually controlled and managed. The control device determines the number of devices to operate based on demand conditions and switches between operation modes for each device, thereby increasing total supply capacity while maintaining manageable control complexity through modular segmentation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the number of operating fuel cell devices and their respective operation modes based on real-time heat and power demand. This dynamic control allows the system to scale capacity flexibly while maintaining simple control logic through automated decision-making algorithms that select optimal device combinations and operational states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 system effectively maximizes power generation efficiency and heat recovery efficiency by dynamically adjusting operation modes according to demand patterns, ensuring optimal energy utilization and extending the lifespan of fuel cell devices.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of fuel cell devices 1 capable of supplying heat and power

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFuel cell electrochemical reaction: Fuel Cell

Implementation Method 2

a plurality of fuel cell devices 1 capable of supplying heat and power

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFuel cell electrochemical reaction: Fuel Cell

Data Source

PatentUS11380920B2Cogeneration system for controlling fuel cell devices based on operation mode

Publication Date: 2022.07.05 KYOCERA CORP

AI summary

Provided is a cogeneration system that includes a plurality of fuel cell devices capable of supplying heat and power to a heat load and a power load and a control device connected to the fuel cell devices. The control device determines an operation mode on the basis of at least one of a heat demand value and a power demand value. The control device controls a power generation efficiency and a heat recovery efficiency by controlling the fuel cell devices on the basis of the operation mode determined.