Fuel Cell Module Combustor Channel Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel cell modules face challenges in uniformly heating the entire fuel cell stack, leading to inefficient power generation due to non-uniform temperature distribution, particularly in solid oxide fuel cells which require high operating temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A compact fuel cell module design incorporating a combustor at the lower end of the stack with a channel member extending along the side surfaces to distribute combustion gas uniformly, combined with a casing that efficiently utilizes combustion heat and includes an oxygen-containing gas supply channel for heat exchange, ensuring consistent heating from the lower end to the upper end and side surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a surface combustion burner is provided at the lower position of the power generation reaction chamber to heat fuel cells by radiation heat, then the fuel cells can be heated, but it is not possible to uniformly heat the entire fuel cells in the vertical direction
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into multiple heating zones: a lower position combustor for bottom heating and side surface combustors arranged at multiple heights for lateral heating. This segmentation allows different regions of the fuel cell stack to be heated independently, achieving uniform temperature distribution throughout the vertical direction.
Solution Approach 2:
Combustors are strategically positioned at specific locations (lower position and side surfaces at multiple heights) to provide localized heating where needed. The side surface combustors are arranged at different heights to address temperature variations in different vertical regions, creating locally optimized heating zones that collectively achieve uniform overall heating.
2Loss of energy
If a heat insulating layer, exhaust gas channel, and cathode gas channel are provided in the casing around the power generation chamber, then the power generation chamber can be thermally isolated, but the casing has a significantly large diameter and cannot uniformly heat the entire fuel cell stack
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust gas channel and cathode gas channel are merged into a single integrated structure that serves both thermal insulation and gas distribution functions. This combined design reduces the overall casing diameter while maintaining effective thermal isolation and enabling uniform heat distribution to the fuel cell stack.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat insulating layer serves multiple functions: it provides thermal isolation to reduce heat loss, acts as a structural support for the combustors, and facilitates uniform heat distribution to the fuel cell stack. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve effective heating with a more compact casing design.
3Temperature
If combustion gas is produced in the combustor and allowed to flow upward through the combustion gas channel, then the combustion gas can heat the fuel cell stack, but additional components increase the device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The combustion gas channel is integrated with the casing structure and other components, combining multiple functions into a single design. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining the ability to distribute combustion gas effectively for uniform heating of the fuel cell stack.
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 allows for uniform and prompt heating of the entire fuel cell stack, maintaining desired power generation performance and reducing the need for additional heat exchangers, while also extending the combustion gas residence time within the module.
Implementation Method 1
A combustor is provided at a lower end of the fuel cell stack, and configured to produce a combustion gas so as to heat the fuel cell stack
Implementation Method 2
The channel member includes a combustion gas channel configured to allow the combustion gas produced in the combustor to flow upward
Implementation Method 3
combustion is performed by operating the surface combustion burner provided at the lower position of the power generation reaction chamber. Thus, the fuel cells in the power generation reaction chamber are heated by the radiation heat
Implementation Method 4
a heat insulating layer surrounds the power generation reaction chamber, an exhaust air chamber, and a fuel gas chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell module includes combustion gas channel members connected to a combustor and extending upward along the fuel cell stack. The combustion gas channel members have combustion gas channels, and combustion gas ejection holes. A combustion gas produced in the combustor flows through the combustion gas channels upward, and the combustion gas ejection holes are connected to the combustion gas channels for releasing the combustion gas toward side surfaces of the fuel cell stack.