Fuel Cell Backup Power Synchronization for Indoor Building Wiring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional backup electrical generators are unsuitable for operation in closed spaces due to noise, fuel handling risks, and toxic exhaust fumes, and they often cannot utilize existing building wiring for power distribution.
Innovation Solution
An electrical power generating system comprising a fuel cell unit, an electrical storage unit, an inverter, a contactor, and a controller that synchronizes the AC output with existing building wiring, allowing safe and efficient operation within closed spaces and utilization of existing wiring for power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional backup generators (diesel/gasoline engines) are used for high power output, then power generation capability is improved, but noise level increases and fuel handling safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical combustion engines (diesel/gasoline) with a fuel cell system that uses electrochemical reactions to generate electricity. This substitution eliminates the need for combustion, thereby removing noise-generating mechanical components and eliminating fuel handling risks associated with storing and managing flammable liquid fuels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters of the power generation system by transitioning from high-temperature combustion processes to low-temperature electrochemical reactions. This parameter change enables quiet operation and eliminates the need for large fuel storage tanks, resolving the contradiction between power output and harmful factors.
2Ease of operation
If conventional generators are installed in closed spaces, then power availability is improved, but air quality deteriorates due to toxic exhaust fumes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces combustion-based power generation with fuel cell electrochemistry, which does not produce toxic exhaust fumes. This allows the system to be installed in closed or enclosed spaces without compromising air quality, while maintaining power availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the previously harmful exhaust emissions into useful byproducts. The fuel cell system produces only water and heat as byproducts, transforming the harmful exhaust issue into a beneficial outcome where emissions are harmless and can even be utilized (e.g., water for drinking, heat for thermal energy).
3Power
If conventional generators are used, then power generation capability is improved, but adaptability to existing building wiring deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power generation system into modular components (fuel cell stack, balance of plant, control systems) that can be scaled and configured to match different power requirements. This modularity enables seamless integration with existing building wiring infrastructures of various capacities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the fuel cell system with universal adaptability to interface with different types of electrical infrastructures (AC/DC, various voltages, grid-tied or standalone). The system can function in multiple modes (backup power, primary power, island mode, grid-interconnected), making it highly versatile and compatible with existing building wiring.
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 provides safe, efficient, and quiet backup power within closed spaces, utilizing existing building wiring for power distribution, thus overcoming the limitations of conventional generators.
Implementation Method 1
a fuel cell unit (30) comprising a first DC output (32)
Implementation Method 2
an inverter (50) coupled to the second DC output (44) of the electrical storage unit to receive power, the inverter (50) comprising a first AC output (52)
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical power generating system for providing auxiliary or backup power to a load bus. The system may be used indoors, and generally includes a fuel cell unit comprising a first DC output, an electrical storage unit comprising a DC input coupled to the first DC output of the fuel cell, the electrical storage unit further comprising a second DC output. An inverter coupled to the second DC output receives power, the inverter comprising a first AC output. The system includes a contactor connected between the first AC output and an AC load bus. The AC load bus comprises an AC voltage, and a controller comprising inputs is adapted to sense a phase, a frequency, and a magnitude of the first AC output and the AC voltage and close the contactor when they substantially match.