Fuel Cell Split-Bus Power Architecture for Grid-Synced IT Loads

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical power systems face challenges in synchronizing alternative power sources like fuel cells, solar arrays, and wind turbines with the electrical grid, particularly in providing reliable and efficient power to information technology loads while managing energy storage and distribution effectively.

Innovation Solution

A fuel cell system is designed with a power module, an input/output module, and an electric distribution module, incorporating inverters, transformers, and energy storage devices, which allows for the synchronization of alternative power sources with the grid and efficient power distribution to IT loads through a split bus configuration, enabling bi-directional power flow and seamless integration with the grid.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If alternative power sources are combined after conversion of their DC output into AC, then synchronization is required, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration of alternative power sourcesVSAvoidsynchronization requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a DC bus as an intermediary component that receives DC output directly from fuel cells and solar arrays without requiring conversion to AC. This intermediary DC bus simplifies the system by eliminating the need for synchronization between multiple AC sources, while still enabling integration of alternative power sources. The inverter then converts from this common DC bus to AC for grid connection or direct load supply.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If fuel cell system provides power to IT loads, then reliable power supply is achieved, but CO2 emissions are generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidCO2 emissions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent captures CO2 emissions from fuel cell operation and redirects them to algae farms as a beneficial input. The algae consume the CO2 for photosynthesis, converting the harmful emission into a useful resource for biomass production. This transforms the waste product into a valuable input for another process, reducing environmental impact while maintaining fuel cell power generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Productivity

If split bus configuration is used for power distribution, then efficient power distribution to IT loads is achieved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower distribution efficiencyVSAvoiddistribution module complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a split bus configuration that segments the power distribution into separate DC and AC paths. The DC bus carries power directly from fuel cells and solar arrays to DC loads and storage, while a separate AC path handles grid connection and AC loads through inverters. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized independently, improving overall distribution efficiency despite the added structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 ensures reliable and efficient power supply to IT loads by optimizing power distribution between fuel cell segments, energy storage, and the grid, enhancing reliability and reducing energy wastage, and allows for the reuse of CO2 from fuel cell exhaust in natural gas wells or algae farms.

Implementation Method 1

a power module including a plurality of fuel cell segments

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFuel cell electrochemical conversion: Fuel Cell

Implementation Method 2

an input output module including at least one inverter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical inversion:

Implementation Method 3

a rectifier is electrically connected to the AC source via the second electrical connector of the electric distribution module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical rectification:

Implementation Method 4

an input output module having at least one inverter, a transformer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11799316B2Fuel cell system for information technology loads

Publication Date: 2023.10.24 BLOOM ENERGY CORP

AI summary

A fuel cell system having a power module including at least one fuel cell segment, an input output module including at least one inverter, a rectifier, and an electric distribution module having at least a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector. The at least one fuel cell segment may be electrically connected to the at least one inverter and may be electrically connected to an information technology (IT) load via a split bus. The at least one inverter may be electrically connected to an alternating current (AC) source via the first electrical connector of the electric distribution module. The rectifier may be electrically connected to the AC source via the second electrical connector of the electric distribution module and may be electrically connected to the IT load via the split bus.