Fuel Cell-Chemical Reactor Coupling for Heat-Recovered Power Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electricity production facilities using non-galvanic fuel cells face inefficiencies in energy conversion and heat recovery, with energy efficiency rarely exceeding 60% and inadequate utilization of heat generated during operation.
Innovation Solution
A facility design that incorporates a non-galvanic fuel cell thermally connected to a chemical reactor for endothermic chemical reactions, allowing for the recycling and reuse of heat to produce fuel, which is then reintroduced into the fuel cell, along with external fuel and oxidizer management using heat pumps and Carnot heat engines to enhance energy efficiency and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If heat recovery is implemented using conventional methods (burners, turbines), then some thermal energy is utilized, but the majority of heat from fuel cell operation remains underutilized and energy efficiency stays below 60%
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fuel cell with a chemical reactor in a hybrid system where the fuel cell's heat output directly drives endothermic reactions in the reactor. This merging eliminates the need for separate heat recovery equipment (burners, turbines) and creates a closed-loop system where waste heat becomes the driving force for fuel synthesis, thereby maximizing energy utilization and achieving efficiency exceeding 60%.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own internally generated heat from fuel cell operation to drive the endothermic chemical reactions that produce fuel. This self-service approach eliminates external fuel consumption for heating and creates a self-sustaining cycle where the system's waste heat becomes its own resource, significantly reducing energy losses and improving overall efficiency.
2Loss of energy
If external fuel supply is reduced through heat utilization, then energy efficiency improves, but system complexity increases due to integration of chemical reactor and heat management components
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated system performs multiple functions simultaneously: the fuel cell generates electricity and heat, while the chemical reactor uses that heat to produce fuel. This multi-functionality reduces reliance on external fuel supplies and creates a self-sustaining system. The shared thermal connection between components serves dual purposes, reducing the need for separate heating systems and thereby managing complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal connection between the fuel cell and chemical reactor acts as an intermediary that transfers heat energy from the exothermic fuel cell reactions to drive the endothermic fuel synthesis reactions. This intermediary heat transfer mechanism enables efficient energy coupling between the two components, allowing the system to reduce external fuel consumption while managing complexity through controlled thermal mediation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fuel is produced internally through endothermic reactions, then flexibility in electricity production improves, but additional equipment for heat management and fuel synthesis is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fuel cell with a chemical reactor in a hybrid system where the fuel cell's heat output directly drives endothermic reactions in the reactor. This merging eliminates the need for separate heat recovery equipment (burners, turbines) and creates a closed-loop system where waste heat becomes the driving force for fuel synthesis, thereby maximizing energy utilization and achieving efficiency exceeding 60%.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the balance between electricity generation and fuel production based on operational needs. By controlling the thermal coupling between the fuel cell and chemical reactor, the system can flexibly modulate the extent of heat transfer, allowing operators to optimize between maximizing electricity output or maximizing internal fuel synthesis, thereby achieving adaptability without requiring entirely separate systems.
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 increases energy efficiency by utilizing heat for endothermic reactions, reducing the need for external fuel supply, and providing flexibility in electricity production to match demand, while minimizing waste and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
a non-galvanic fuel cell using a fuel and an oxidizer, generating a resulting product
Implementation Method 2
a chemical reactor thermally connected to said fuel cell allowing the production of said fuel via an at least one endothermic chemical reaction
Implementation Method 3
one or more thermal engines powered by electrical power for elevating the temperature of heat, such as heat pumps and Carnot heat engines
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a facility for producing electricity comprising a non-galvanic fuel cell whose heat is recovered for implementing endothermic chemical reactions which generate at least part of the fuel of the fuel cell, which offers greater efficiency and flexibility than those of prior art. Such an improvement is provided in particular with means for storing at least part of the fuel coming from the chemical reactor and means for introducing on demand said fuel from said tank to said fuel cell. The fuel storing means allow great flexibility: the fuel produced by the chemical reactor may thereby not be used immediately by the fuel cell—this allows for adaptation of the production of electricity of the fuel cell to the external demand.