Integrated Fuel Cell Combustion Section Using Pressure-Driven Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines with integrated fuel cell assemblies face inefficiencies due to the lack of robust integration of fuel cell components, leading to reduced hardware life and overall efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A combustion section design with an integrated fuel cell assembly where the fuel cell stack leverages pressure differences between the diffusion chamber and combustion chamber to enhance airflow and includes angled fuel cells for maximum power production, along with cooling features to extend hardware life and improve efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If fuel cell assembly is integrated into combustion section, then overall efficiency increases, but hardware life decreases due to lack of robust integration
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cell assembly is merged with the combustion section to form an integrated unit where the fuel cell stack is positioned within the combustion section and shares common structural support, cooling, and airflow systems. This integration allows the fuel cell and combustion processes to work together synergistically, improving overall efficiency while the shared robust structure extends hardware life.
Solution Approach 2:
The combustion section structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for both the combustion process and fuel cell assembly, houses cooling channels that protect both components, and manages airflow for both combustion air and fuel cell reactants. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective structures, extending hardware life while maintaining efficiency.
2Power
If fuel cell stack leverages pressure differences to enhance airflow, then power production increases, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cell stack is integrated within the combustion section structure, sharing common walls, support structures, and cooling systems. The pressure differential airflow path is combined with the existing combustion airflow system, eliminating the need for separate airflow management structures and reducing overall complexity while maintaining enhanced power production.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure difference between the diffusion chamber and combustion chamber automatically drives airflow through the fuel cell stack without requiring additional pumps or complex control systems. The system uses its own operational pressure gradients to enhance fuel cell performance, simplifying the structural requirements.
3Reliability
If cooling features are added to extend hardware life, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Cooling channels are integrated into the common structure of the combustion section and fuel cell assembly, serving both components simultaneously. The same cooling passages that protect the combustion chamber from heat also cool the fuel cell stack, eliminating the need for separate cooling systems and reducing overall device complexity while extending hardware life.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system performs multiple functions: it removes heat from the combustion chamber, cools the fuel cell stack to prevent degradation, and manages thermal stresses in the integrated structure. This universal cooling approach improves reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
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 results in a more robust and efficient integration of fuel cell assemblies, increasing hardware life and overall turbomachine efficiency by optimizing airflow and power production.
Implementation Method 1
the fuel cell stack leverages pressure differences between the diffusion chamber and combustion chamber to enhance airflow
Implementation Method 2
a fuel cell assembly disposed within the passageway and including a fuel cell stack having a plurality of fuel cells
Implementation Method 3
along with cooling features to extend hardware life and improve efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A combustion section defines an axial direction, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction. The combustion section includes a casing that defines a diffusion chamber. A combustion liner is disposed within the diffusion chamber and defines a combustion chamber. The combustion liner is spaced apart from the casing such that a passageway is defined between the combustion liner and the casing. A fuel cell assembly is disposed in the passageway. The fuel cell assembly includes a fuel cell stack having a plurality of fuel cells each extending between an inlet end and an outlet end. Each fuel cell of the plurality of fuel cells includes an air channel and a fuel channel each fluidly coupled to the combustion chamber.