Fuel Cell Cooling Water Reuse for Cooling Tower Replenishment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation and operation costs of fuel cell power generation systems are increased due to the need for a separate water supply facility to frequently supply cooling fluid to the cooling tower, as the cooling fluid is evaporated and reduced in existing cooling systems.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell cooling system that recycles water generated by the fuel cell module and supplies it to the cooling tower as a cooling fluid, utilizing a condensate supply line and a condensate pump to manage the flow rate, and a controller to ensure adequate cooling fluid levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a separate water supply facility is installed to frequently supply cooling fluid to the cooling tower, then the cooling fluid level is maintained, but the installation cost and operation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling fluid supply function with the fuel cell module's own water generation capability. The condensate generated during fuel cell operation is redirected through a condensate supply line to the cooling tower, eliminating the need for a separate external water supply facility while maintaining adequate cooling fluid levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel cell module serves itself by using its own generated condensate to replenish the cooling tower. The system automatically captures and recycles its own waste water product, creating a self-sustaining water management system that reduces external infrastructure requirements.
2Reliability
If cooling fluid is frequently supplied to the cooling tower, then the cooling efficiency is maintained, but the operation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recovers the condensate that would otherwise be discarded during fuel cell operation. By capturing and redirecting this waste water product to the cooling tower, the system maintains cooling efficiency while eliminating the operational costs associated with purchasing and supplying external water.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the waste water product (condensate) from a disposal burden into a beneficial resource for cooling tower replenishment. This transforms what was previously a waste stream requiring separate handling into a useful input that maintains system performance.
3Productivity
If a condensate pump is added to adjust flow rate, then the cooling fluid supply is optimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a condensate pump that can dynamically adjust the flow rate of condensate supplied to the cooling tower. This dynamic control capability allows the system to optimize cooling fluid supply based on varying operational conditions, improving overall system productivity and responsiveness.
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
Reduces operational costs by minimizing the need for a separate water supply facility, maintaining efficient cooling fluid supply to the cooling tower, and improving thermal management and durability of the fuel cell module.
Implementation Method 1
cooling tower that includes a cooling tower in which cooling fluid is accommodated and adjusts a temperature of the fuel cell module by using evaporation latent heat generated during evaporation of cooling fluid accommodated in the cooling tower
Implementation Method 2
heat exchanger that exchanges heat between first circulation cooling water circulating in the fuel cell module and second circulation cooling water circulating in the cooling tower
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell cooling system may include a fuel cell module including a fuel cell stack, a cooling module that includes a cooling tower in which cooling fluid is accommodated and adjusts a temperature of the fuel cell module, a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between first circulation cooling water circulating in the fuel cell module and second circulation cooling water circulating in the cooling tower, and a condensate supply line connected to the cooling tower to supply, to the cooling tower, water generated in a power generation process of the fuel cell module.