Fuel Cell Heater Conduit Structural Support

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing subterranean heaters using fuel cell stacks in boreholes require extensive conduits for fuel and air supply, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, especially when individual fuel cell stack assemblies need to be suspended within a heater housing.

Innovation Solution

A heater design that uses a fuel cell stack assembly supported by fuel or oxidizing agent supply conduits, which also serve as structural support, allowing for efficient distribution of fuel and air while minimizing the need for additional structural components, and includes combustors to manage exhaust gases and enhance heat transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If individual fuel cell stack assemblies are suspended within the heater housing, then the heater can be more energy efficient and operate autonomously, but additional structural components are needed to support the fuel cell stacks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidstructural components

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The supply conduits are designed to perform dual functions: delivering fuel and/or oxidizing agent to the fuel cell stack assemblies while simultaneously providing structural support to suspend the assemblies within the heater housing. This eliminates the need for separate support structures and reduces overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the support function with the supply function by integrating structural support capabilities into the fuel and oxidizing agent supply conduits. The conduits are configured to both transport fluids and mechanically support the fuel cell stack assemblies, merging multiple functions into a single component system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Strength

If extensive conduits are used for fuel and air supply to fuel cell stacks, then the stacks can be supported structurally, but the system becomes cumbersome and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidconduit system

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The supply conduits are designed to perform dual functions: delivering fuel and/or oxidizing agent to the fuel cell stack assemblies while simultaneously providing structural support to suspend the assemblies within the heater housing. This eliminates the need for separate support structures and reduces overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the support function with the supply function by integrating structural support capabilities into the fuel and oxidizing agent supply conduits. The conduits are configured to both transport fluids and mechanically support the fuel cell stack assemblies, merging multiple functions into a single component system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design reduces the complexity and energy intensity of fuel cell stack support within the heater housing, promotes efficient heat generation, and extends the service life of fuel cell stacks by effectively managing exhaust gases and optimizing heat transfer to the geological formation.

Implementation Method 1

A fuel cell stack assembly is disposed within the heater housing and includes a plurality of fuel cells which convert chemical energy from a fuel into heat and electricity through a chemical reaction with an oxidizing agent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFuel cell chemical reaction: Fuel Cell

Implementation Method 2

A fuel supply conduit is provided in fluid communication with the fuel cell manifold for communicating the fuel to the fuel cell manifold for distribution to the plurality of fuel cells and an oxidizing agent supply conduit is provided in fluid communication with the fuel cell manifold for communicating the oxidizing agent to the fuel cell manifold

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid communication:

Implementation Method 3

The fuel cell stack assembly is supported on the support plate by one of the fuel supply conduit and the oxidizing agent supply conduit which thereby provides a support column for the fuel cell stack assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStructural support:

Data Source

PatentUS9647291B2Heater and supporting structure thereof

Publication Date: 2017.05.09 APTIV TECHNOLOGIES AG

AI summary

A heater includes a heater housing with a support plate secured to one end. A fuel cell stack assembly is disposed within the heater housing and includes a plurality of fuel cells which convert chemical energy from a fuel into heat and electricity through a chemical reaction with an oxidizing agent. The fuel cell stack assembly includes a fuel cell manifold for receiving the fuel and distributing the fuel to the plurality of fuel cells and for receiving the oxidizing agent and distributing the oxidizing agent to the plurality of fuel cells. A fuel supply conduit supplies the fuel to the fuel cell manifold and an oxidizing agent supply conduit supplies the oxidizing agent to the fuel cell manifold. The fuel cell stack assembly is supported on the support plate by one of the fuel supply conduit and the oxidizing agent supply conduit.