Fuel Cell Controller Flameout Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fuel cell devices, when the power required by an external load decreases, the fuel gas supply is reduced, leading to potential flameout in the combustor, resulting in incomplete combustion, catalyst deterioration, and reduced power output, necessitating an efficient means to re-ignite the flame.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell device with a controller that adjusts fuel gas and oxygen supply amounts and initiates the igniter when flameout is detected, ensuring continued combustion and power generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the fuel gas supply amount is decreased to match the decreased power requirement, then the fuel gas supply efficiency is improved, but the flame in the combustor may go out (flameout)
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary judgment on whether flameout has occurred before actually decreasing the fuel gas supply amount. By anticipating the potential flameout condition and taking preventive action (maintaining higher fuel supply or activating igniter), the system avoids the harmful effect while still achieving energy efficiency through controlled operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the flame detection mechanism to continuously monitor combustion status. When the flame state changes (indicating flameout), the feedback signal triggers the controller to adjust fuel supply or activate the igniter, thereby maintaining combustion stability while managing fuel gas supply efficiency dynamically.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the fuel gas supply amount is decreased to match the decreased power requirement, then the fuel gas supply efficiency is improved, but the combustion reaction rate in the combustion catalyst increases causing deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary judgment on flameout condition before decreasing fuel supply. By detecting the impending flameout state early, the system can take preventive measures (maintaining adequate fuel supply or activating igniter) to ensure complete combustion in the catalyst, thereby preventing catalyst deterioration while still managing overall fuel efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The flame detection feedback mechanism continuously monitors combustion completeness. When incomplete combustion is detected (indicating potential flameout), the feedback triggers adjustment of fuel supply or igniter activation, ensuring that the combustion catalyst always receives properly combusted gases and preventing catalyst damage.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the fuel gas supply amount is decreased to match the decreased power requirement, then the fuel gas supply efficiency is improved, but the fuel cell temperature decreases resulting in insufficient power output
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary judgment on flameout condition before decreasing fuel supply. By anticipating temperature drop risks, the system can maintain higher fuel supply levels or activate the igniter to ensure adequate heat generation, thereby preventing temperature decrease and power output insufficiency while still achieving efficient operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flame detection feedback mechanism provides real-time information on combustion status. When flameout or insufficient combustion is detected, the feedback signal triggers controller action to maintain or increase fuel supply and activate igniter, ensuring fuel cell temperature remains sufficient for optimal power generation.
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 efficiently re-ignites the flame and maintains power output by adjusting fuel and oxygen supplies, preventing catalyst deterioration and ensuring stable operation.
Implementation Method 1
an igniter configured to combust the fuel gas not used for power generation and wasted from the fuel cell
Implementation Method 2
a fuel cell configured to generate power supplied to an external load with a fuel gas and an oxygen-containing gas
Implementation Method 3
a combustion catalyst that treats combustion gases after combustion
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell device according to the present invention includes a controller. The controller is configured to allow a fuel gas supply device and an oxygen-containing gas supply device to supply the fuel gas and the oxygen-containing gas supplied to fuel cells (19) in a supply amount less than a supply amount to be set in accordance with a decreased power as required by the external load as well as to cause an igniter to start operation if the power required by the external load decreases and flameout of the combustion in a combustor (45) is recognized.