Fuel Cell Cogeneration System Start-Up Heating via Circulating Water
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) systems require a long start-up time, especially at low temperatures, due to inefficient heating methods, which hinder rapid temperature achievement and efficient power generation.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell cogeneration system incorporating a circulating water heater and oxygen-containing gas supply channel, where the circulating water heater heats both water and oxygen-containing gas, allowing for efficient heat transfer to the fuel cell module, reducing start-up time and eliminating the need for a dedicated heating apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a conventional heating apparatus is used to heat the fuel cell stack, then the fuel cell can be warmed up, but the start-up time becomes significantly long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heating function with the existing circulating water system by integrating a heater into the water circulation path. The heating apparatus heats the circulating water, which then transfers heat to the fuel cell stack through heat exchange, merging two functions (water circulation and heating) into a unified system that reduces start-up time while maintaining operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The circulating water acts as an intermediary heat transfer medium between the heating apparatus and the fuel cell stack. The heater heats the water, and the hot water subsequently heats the fuel cell stack through thermal exchange, enabling efficient heat transfer that accelerates the warming-up process without requiring direct heating of the stack.
2Productivity
If a dedicated heating apparatus is installed to reduce start-up time, then heating efficiency improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The circulating water system serves multiple functions: it cools the fuel cell during operation and heats the fuel cell during start-up when the heater is activated. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate heating and cooling systems, reducing device complexity while maintaining high heating efficiency during the start-up phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own circulating water infrastructure to provide heating functionality during start-up. By utilizing the existing water circulation path and adding a heater, the system serves its own heating needs without requiring external dedicated heating equipment, thereby reducing overall system complexity and cost.
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 significantly reduces start-up time, prevents freezing of reforming water, and enables efficient power generation by using the circulating water heater to heat both water and oxygen-containing gas, thus facilitating rapid temperature achievement and economical operation.
Implementation Method 1
the circulating water heater heats both water and oxygen-containing gas, allowing for efficient heat transfer to the fuel cell module
Implementation Method 2
The heat exchanger heats water by heat exchange with exhaust heat discharged from the fuel cell module to thereby produce hot water
Implementation Method 3
a fuel cell module for generating electric power by electrochemical reactions of a fuel gas and an oxygen-containing gas
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell cogeneration system includes a fuel cell module, a heat exchanger, a hot water tank, a circulating water channel, and an oxygen-containing gas supply channel. A circulating water heater for heating water is provided on the circulating water channel. Part of the oxygen-containing gas supply channel is provided in the circulating water heater to thereby allow air flowing through the oxygen-containing gas supply channel to be heated by receiving heat from the circulating water heater.