Fuel Cell Reforming Layout for Temperature Uniformity and Efficiency

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fuel cell devices face challenges in achieving high power generation efficiency due to limitations in utilizing internal reforming reactions, leading to temperature unevenness and reduced durability, especially when the anode layer is thin and the reforming catalyst is not effectively integrated within the fuel cell module.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an internal reforming catalyst layer within the fuel cell single unit, where a reforming catalyst is provided both upstream in an external reformer and internally, allowing for partial reforming of the raw fuel gas before it reaches the anode layer, and utilizing steam generated during power generation to enhance the reforming process, thereby improving hydrogen supply and reducing temperature differences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If an internal reforming catalyst layer is provided within the fuel cell single unit, then power generation efficiency is improved and temperature unevenness is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generation efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the external reformer and fuel cell element into a single integrated unit by providing an internal reforming catalyst layer within the fuel cell single unit. This allows the reforming reaction and power generation to occur in one integrated structure, improving thermal efficiency and reducing temperature unevenness while maintaining compactness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The internal reforming catalyst layer performs preliminary reforming of the fuel gas before it reaches the anode layer. This preliminary action converts part of the fuel gas into hydrogen upstream, ensuring more efficient hydrogen supply to the anode and improving overall power generation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If the anode layer is made thin to reduce material usage, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but temperature unevenness increases and durability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoiddurability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The internal reforming catalyst layer performs preliminary reforming of the fuel gas before it reaches the anode layer. This preliminary action converts part of the fuel gas into hydrogen upstream, ensuring more efficient hydrogen supply to the anode and improving overall power generation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Temperature

If steam reforming reaction is utilized to prevent temperature rise, then temperature control is improved, but hydrogen supply to anode layer may be insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature controlVSAvoidhydrogen supply

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The internal reforming catalyst layer performs preliminary reforming of the fuel gas before it reaches the anode layer. This preliminary action converts part of the fuel gas into hydrogen upstream, ensuring more efficient hydrogen supply to the anode and improving overall power generation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 enhances power generation efficiency, particularly in low steam/carbon ratio regions, improves fuel cell durability by reducing thermal stress, and allows for a more compact and cost-effective fuel cell design with reduced material usage.

Implementation Method 1

an internal reforming catalyst layer, which has a reforming catalyst for reforming a raw fuel gas, in at least a part of the reducing gas supply path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSteam reforming reaction: Chemical Transport Reactions

Implementation Method 2

a fuel cell element in which an anode layer and a cathode layer are formed so as to sandwich an electrolyte layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical reaction: Fuel Cell

Data Source

PatentUS11749821B2Fuel cell device and method for operating fuel cell device

Publication Date: 2023.09.05 OSAKA GAS CO LTD

AI summary

A fuel cell single unit including: a fuel cell element in which an anode layer and a cathode layer are formed so as to sandwich an electrolyte layer; a reducing gas supply path for supplying a gas containing hydrogen to the anode layer; an oxidizing gas supply path for supplying a gas containing oxygen to the cathode layer; and an internal reforming catalyst layer, which has a reforming catalyst for steam-reforming a fuel gas, in at least a part of the reducing gas supply path is provided. An external reformer, which has a reforming catalyst for steam-reforming the fuel gas, is provided upstream of the reducing gas supply path, and the fuel gas partially reformed by the external reformer is supplied to the reducing gas supply path.