Fuel Cell Module Condensed Water Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fuel cell systems face issues with condensed water retention, leading to equipment degradation due to condensation of water vapor, which complicates treatment and reduces heat efficiency and durability.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell module design with a compact structure that includes a reformer, evaporator, heat exchanger, exhaust gas combustor, start-up combustor, and a condensed water collecting mechanism, where condensed water flows from low temperature areas to high temperature areas, facilitating vaporization and preventing retention, thereby improving heat efficiency and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If exhaust gas is cooled to recover heat, then heat efficiency is improved, but water vapor condenses and causes equipment degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful condensed water into a beneficial resource by directing it to the reformer where it serves as steam for reforming reactions. The condensed water collection device gathers water from the exhaust gas cooling process and channels it to the reformer, transforming what was previously a harmful byproduct into a useful input that improves reforming efficiency and overall system heat efficiency.
2Device complexity
If a compact structure is adopted, then device complexity is reduced, but space for condensed water treatment is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the condensed water collection function with the existing reformer structure by integrating a collection device that directs condensed water directly to the reformer. This integration eliminates the need for separate treatment systems while maintaining compact dimensions, as the condensed water is utilized in-place within the reforming process rather than requiring external treatment facilities.
3Loss of energy
If condensed water is retained in the apparatus, then heat efficiency decreases, but removing it increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-service by utilizing the condensed water internally within the fuel cell module. The collection device gathers condensed water from the exhaust cooling process and automatically directs it to the reformer for utilization in reforming reactions. This internal circulation eliminates the need for external water removal systems, maintaining heat efficiency while avoiding additional 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 design enhances heat efficiency, facilitates thermally self-sustaining operation, and prevents equipment degradation by effectively managing condensed water, allowing its reuse for reforming purposes.
Implementation Method 1
a reformer for reforming a mixed gas of water vapor and a raw fuel chiefly containing hydrocarbon to produce the fuel gas supplied to the fuel cell stack
Implementation Method 2
an evaporator for evaporating water, and supplying the water vapor to the reformer
Implementation Method 3
a heat exchanger for raising temperature of the oxygen-containing gas by heat exchange with combustion gas
Implementation Method 4
an exhaust gas combustor for combusting the fuel gas discharged from the fuel cell stack as a fuel exhaust gas and the oxygen-containing gas discharged from the fuel cell stack as an oxygen-containing exhaust gas to thereby produce the combustion gas
Implementation Method 5
a start-up combustor for combusting the raw fuel and the oxygen-containing gas to thereby produce the combustion gas
Implementation Method 6
condensed water flows from low temperature areas to high temperature areas, facilitating vaporization
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell module includes a first area where an exhaust gas combustor and a start-up combustor are provided, an annular second area disposed around the first area where a heat exchanger is provided, an annular third area disposed around the second area where a reformer is provided, and an annular fourth area disposed around the third area where an evaporator is provided, and a condensed water collecting mechanism for collecting condensed water produced by condensation of water vapor in a combustion gas by allowing the condensed water to flow through the fourth area, then, the third area, then, the second area, and then, the first area.