Fuel Cell Resource Storage for Lower-Space Power Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing capacity of fuel cell power generation systems leads to a higher number of peripheral devices, increasing installation space and initial costs, as well as energy consumption and decreasing power generation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell power generation system that includes a resource storage part for storing resources generated during operation and a resource supply part to supply these resources back to the fuel cell or peripheral devices, reducing the need for additional equipment and optimizing energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the capacity of the fuel cell power generation system is increased, then the power generation output is improved, but the number of peripheral devices increases leading to increased installation space and initial costs
Solution Approach 1:
The resource storage part is designed to store multiple types of resources (fuel gas, oxidizing gas, inert gas, reducing gas) that can be used by both the fuel cell and peripheral devices. This multi-functional storage system eliminates the need for separate storage facilities for each gas type, thereby reducing installation space while supporting increased system capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the storage function for multiple resources into a single integrated resource storage part. By merging these storage functions, the system reduces the total number of separate peripheral devices needed, thus decreasing installation space requirements while maintaining the ability to support higher power generation output
2Power
If the capacity of the fuel cell power generation system is increased, then the power generation output is improved, but the number of peripheral devices increases leading to increased initial costs
Solution Approach 1:
The resource storage part serves multiple functions by storing various gases (fuel gas, oxidizing gas, inert gas, reducing gas) that are needed for different operations of the fuel cell and peripheral devices. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of separate storage facilities and peripheral devices required, thereby lowering initial manufacturing and installation costs while supporting increased power generation capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers and stores resources (gases) that would otherwise be wasted or require separate disposal systems. By recovering these resources during operation and storing them for later use, the system eliminates the need for separate disposal facilities and reduces the number of peripheral devices required, thus lowering initial costs
3Productivity
If the number of peripheral devices is increased, then the system can handle higher capacity operations, but energy consumption increases and power generation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cell power generation system uses its own generated resources to supply the peripheral devices. The resource storage part stores resources generated during fuel cell operation, and these stored resources are then used to power the peripheral devices, creating a self-service system that minimizes external energy input and reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining high system capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers resources during operation and stores them in the resource storage part. These recovered resources are then reused to power peripheral devices, eliminating the need for separate energy sources and reducing overall energy consumption while supporting higher system capacity
4Productivity
If the number of peripheral devices is increased, then the system can handle higher capacity operations, but power generation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to be self-sufficient by using resources generated during fuel cell operation to power the peripheral devices. The resource storage part enables this self-service by storing generated resources for later use, thereby eliminating energy losses associated with external power sources and maintaining high power generation efficiency even as system capacity increases
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers resources that would otherwise be lost during operation and stores them in the resource storage part. These recovered resources are then reused to power peripheral devices, minimizing energy loss and maintaining high power generation efficiency while supporting increased system capacity
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell power generation system includes: a fuel cell; a peripheral device used to operate the fuel cell; a resource storage part; and a resource supply part. The resource storage part is capable of storing a resource generated in the fuel cell in an operation/stop process of the fuel cell. The resource supply part is capable of supplying the resource stored in the resource storage part to at least either of the fuel cell or the peripheral device.