Integrated Fuel Cell Assembly for Gas Turbine Thermal Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines with integrated fuel cell assemblies face challenges in efficiently utilizing fuel and reducing external water usage while maintaining stable operation across varying temperature conditions, particularly in aeronautical applications where thermal transients can affect fuel cell performance.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a fuel cell assembly with a redox stable anode, such as nickel/yttria-stabilized zirconia or lanthanum strontium titanate/gadolinia-doped ceria, that can perform internal fuel reforming and operate effectively across a wide temperature range, eliminating the need for a separate fuel processing unit and enhancing operational stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a conventional fuel cell assembly is used in a gas turbine engine, then the system can generate electrical power, but it requires a separate fuel processing unit which increases device complexity and reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fuel cell assembly and fuel processing functions into a single integrated unit. The fuel cell assembly directly processes hydrocarbon fuel through internal reforming and oxidation reactions, eliminating the need for a separate fuel processing unit. This merging of functions reduces system complexity while maintaining power generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel cell assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it generates electrical power through electrochemical reactions, processes fuel through internal reforming, and manages thermal energy. This multi-functionality allows the single assembly to replace what would traditionally require separate components, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fuel cell assembly operates across varying temperature conditions, then it can adapt to different operating scenarios, but thermal transients can affect fuel cell performance and stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs materials and design configurations that allow the fuel cell assembly to maintain stable performance across a wide temperature range. The electrochemical cell stack uses temperature-tolerant materials and the system incorporates thermal management strategies that adjust operating parameters dynamically, enabling the fuel cell to adapt to thermal transients without compromising reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates thermal management features that prepare for and cushion against thermal transients before they adversely affect performance. This includes pre-conditioning of reactant gases and design of thermal pathways that smooth out temperature variations, protecting the fuel cell assembly from damaging thermal shocks while maintaining operational stability.
3Quantity of substance
If traditional fuel processing methods are used, then fuel can be converted to usable form, but external water usage increases and fuel utilization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cell assembly performs self-service fuel processing through internal reforming mechanisms. Hydrocarbon fuel is reformed and oxidized within the electrochemical cell stack itself, using the system's own operational processes rather than requiring external water-intensive processing methods. This self-service approach improves fuel utilization efficiency while reducing external water consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts what would be waste products or inefficiencies into beneficial outputs. By implementing internal reforming and direct oxidation of hydrocarbon fuel, the system achieves high fuel conversion efficiency while minimizing water consumption that would traditionally be required for external fuel processing and conditioning.
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 solution enables improved fuel utilization, reduced hydrogen gas composition in exhaust gases, and increased operational stability of the fuel cell assembly, reducing the risk of structural damage and toxic gas production, thus enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the gas turbine engine.
Implementation Method 1
perform internal fuel reforming
Implementation Method 2
fuel cell assembly with a redox stable anode
Implementation Method 3
thermal transients can affect fuel cell performance
Data Source
AI summary
A gas turbine engine is provided. The gas turbine engine includes a turbomachine having a compressor section, a combustor, and a turbine section arranged in serial flow order, the turbomachine further including an outer casing; and a fuel cell assembly positioned within the outer casing of the turbomachine, the fuel cell assembly including a fuel cell positioned aft of the combustor of the turbomachine, defining an exhaust in fluid communication with a location forward of the fuel cell to provide output products to the location, or both.