Fuel Cell Desulfurizer System with Temperature Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel cell systems face challenges in effectively desulfurizing source gases with varying dew points and water vapor content, leading to reduced desulfurization efficiency and increased costs due to the preferential adsorption of water vapor by normal-temperature desulfurizing agents, which affects the adsorption capacity and lifetime of flowmeters.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell system design that includes a first desulfurizer operating at a higher temperature and a second desulfurizer at a lower temperature, with the first desulfurizer receiving heat from the power generation module or hot water passage to maintain optimal temperature and reduce water vapor adsorption, and a buffer to stabilize the flowmeter, ensuring effective desulfurization and extended flowmeter lifetime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a normal-temperature desulfurizing agent is used to desulfurize source gas, then the desulfurization cost is reduced and the system size is minimized, but the adsorption capacity drastically decreases when the source gas has a high dew point and includes a relatively large volume of water vapor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the desulfurization function into two separate desulfurizers: a first desulfurizer operating at normal temperature for general desulfurization, and a second desulfurizer operating at high temperature specifically to handle water vapor interference. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between cost and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating temperature parameter of the desulfurizing agent based on the dew point of the source gas. When the dew point is high (indicating high water vapor content), the system switches to high-temperature operation to prevent water vapor from competing for adsorption sites, thereby maintaining desulfurization effectiveness.
2Reliability
If the first desulfurizer operates at high temperature to prevent water vapor adsorption, then the desulfurization effect is maintained, but the lifetime of the flowmeter decreases due to heat exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the high-temperature desulfurization function (second desulfurizer) from the flowmeter, placing the desulfurizer between the source gas supply and the flowmeter. This segmentation allows the flowmeter to operate in normal temperature conditions while the desulfurizer handles the high-temperature processing, thereby extending the flowmeter's lifetime while maintaining desulfurization effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The second desulfurizer acts as an intermediary component that removes water vapor from the source gas before it reaches the flowmeter. By positioning this desulfurizer as a mediator in the gas flow path, the system protects the flowmeter from heat exposure while maintaining the necessary high-temperature desulfurization process.
3Reliability
If a high-temperature desulfurizer is used to handle water vapor, then the desulfurization effect is maintained, but additional hydrogen is required for hydrogenation desulfurization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating temperature parameter of the desulfurizing agent based on the dew point of the source gas. High-temperature operation is activated only when the dew point indicates high water vapor content, rather than operating continuously at high temperature. This selective parameter change reduces hydrogen consumption while maintaining desulfurization effectiveness when needed.
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 configuration ensures appropriate desulfurization of sulfur compounds across different dew point conditions, reduces the consumption of desulfurizing agents, and extends the lifetime of flowmeters by maintaining stable operation and heat recovery efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first desulfurizer (100) operating in a relatively higher temperature and accommodating the first desulfurizing agent (101)
Implementation Method 2
the first desulfurizer (100) operating in a relatively higher temperature and accommodating the first desulfurizing agent (101)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A fuel cell system includes a source gas passage (6) including a first desulfurizer (100) that has a desulfurization performance relative to a source gas having a relatively higher dew point, and a second desulfurizer (200) that has the desulfurization performance relative to a source gas having a relatively lower dew point and the source gas having the relatively higher dew point. The desulfurization performance of the second desulfurizer relative to the source gas having the relatively higher dew point is lower than the desulfurization performance of the second desulfurizer relative to the source gas having the relatively lower dew point. The first desulfurizer (100), the second desulfurizer (200), and a flowmeter (300) are arranged at the source gas passage (6) in the aforementioned order from an upstream side to a downstream side of the source gas passage in a flow direction of the source gas.