Integrated Fuel Cell Combustor Assembly for Conduit-Free Power Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fuel cell and combustor combinations in gas turbine engines require conduits to direct air and fuel, increasing system size and complexity, and primarily generate mechanical power, limiting electrical power generation and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a catalytic partial oxidation (C-POX) convertor to optimize hydrogen content in the fuel stream for a solid oxide fuel cell within the combustor, eliminating the need for additional conduits and enabling direct electrical energy generation for propulsion and power systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If fuel cells are integrated with combustors using separate conduits to direct air and fuel, then electrical energy generation is enabled, but system size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fuel cell stack and combustor into a single integrated assembly where the fuel cell stack is positioned within the combustor housing. The air and fuel streams are directly coupled between the two components without requiring separate external conduits, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining electrical energy generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated assembly allows the same air and fuel streams to serve dual purposes: first passing through the fuel cell stack to generate electrical energy, then continuing into the combustor for thermal energy generation. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated streams for each energy conversion process
2Power
If conventional fuel cell and combustor combinations are used, then electrical energy is generated, but fuel efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a continuous energy extraction process where fuel and air streams pass sequentially through both the fuel cell stack and combustor without interruption. This continuous action ensures complete utilization of the fuel's energy content, first for electrical generation then for thermal generation, maximizing overall fuel efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes the chemical composition of the fuel stream by using a catalytic partial oxidation converter to increase hydrogen content before the fuel enters the fuel cell stack. This parameter change in the fuel's chemical properties enhances the electrical energy generation efficiency of the fuel cells
3Use of energy by moving object
If catalytic partial oxidation converter is added to optimize hydrogen content, then fuel efficiency increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catalytic partial oxidation converter is integrated within the existing fuel processing train between the fuel source and fuel cell stack, combining its function with the overall fuel preparation system rather than operating as a completely separate external unit, thereby minimizing the increase in system 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
This integration reduces system size, increases fuel efficiency by up to 10% for aircraft engines, and allows for more efficient electrical power generation and reduced emissions by utilizing unburned fuel and air in the combustor.
Implementation Method 1
a catalytic partial oxidation (C-POX) convertor for developing a hydrogen rich fuel stream
Implementation Method 2
catalytic partial oxidation convertor being configured to optimize a hydrogen content of a fuel stream
Implementation Method 3
the fuel cell stack configured (i) to direct fuel and air exhaust from the fuel cell stack into the combustor and (ii) to generate electrical energy
Implementation Method 4
the combustor is configured to combust the fuel and air exhaust from the fuel cell stack into one or more gaseous combustion products that drive a downstream turbine
Data Source
AI summary
An engine assembly includes a combustor, a fuel cell stack integrated with the combustor, the fuel cell stack configured (i) to direct fuel and air exhaust from the fuel cell stack into the combustor and (ii) to generate electrical energy, a catalytic partial oxidation convertor that is fluidly connected to the fuel cell stack, the catalytic partial oxidation convertor being configured to optimize a hydrogen content of a fuel stream to be directed into the fuel cell stack, and one or more subsystems electrically connected with the fuel cell stack, the one or more subsystems being configured to receive the electrical energy generated by the fuel cell stack. The combustor is configured to combust the fuel and air exhaust from the fuel cell stack into one or more gaseous combustion products that drive a downstream turbine.