High Temperature Flow Splitting Component for SOFC Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional high-temperature flow-splitting technologies for SOFC systems are ineffective in accurately controlling fluid split percentages under high temperatures and are costly, as they rely on expensive temperature-resistant pumps or fragile electronic valves, leading to inefficiencies and increased heat loss.
Innovation Solution
A high-temperature flow-splitting component with specifically angled and sized channels that split fluids into primary and subordinate streams, allowing for adjustable flow rates and percentages, integrated with a heat exchanger and reforming mechanism for efficient energy management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If temperature-resistant pumps are used for high-temperature flow splitting, then the system can operate under high temperature, but the production cost increases three times compared to normal pumps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pump system with a passive flow splitting component that uses geometric channel design (angles and cross-sectional areas) to achieve flow distribution without mechanical moving parts. This eliminates the need for expensive temperature-resistant pumps while maintaining high-temperature operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters by designing specific channel geometries (first angle between 90°-270° with the entrance channel, and second angle between 30°-150° with the primary channel) that enable flow splitting based on temperature-dependent fluid properties, allowing the system to operate passively at high temperatures without mechanical components.
2Ease of manufacture
If normal pumps are used without heat exchangers, then the production cost is reduced, but additional heat exchangers are needed to reduce tail exhaust gas temperature which increases heat loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heat exchanger from the flow splitting function, integrating the flow distribution capability directly into the high-temperature resistant component. This eliminates the need for separate heat exchangers to cool the exhaust gas before pumping, thereby reducing heat loss while maintaining cost effectiveness.
3Ease of operation
If active splitting valves are used for flow control, then the split percentage can be controlled, but the electronic components are fragile and unable to withstand high temperatures, and the price is higher
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a passive flow splitting component that automatically distributes flow based on temperature-dependent fluid properties and geometric parameters without requiring external control systems. The component serves itself by using the inherent thermal characteristics of the fluid to achieve flow splitting, eliminating fragile electronic components while maintaining reliability at high temperatures.
4Reliability
If passive splitting valves are used for flow distribution, then the system is simple and robust, but the split percentage cannot be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing different channel geometries with specific angles and cross-sectional areas at different locations within the component. The entrance channel forms a first angle of 90°-270° with the primary channel, and the subordinate channel forms a second angle of 30°-150° with the primary channel, creating localized flow control zones that enable precise split percentage control while maintaining overall system robustness.
Data Source
AI summary
A high-temperature flow-splitting component, applicable to a temperature range from a first temperature to a second temperature, includes an entrance channel, at least one primary channel and at least one subordinate channel. The entrance channel is used for introducing a fluid at a total flow rate. The at least one primary channel for introducing the fluid from the entrance channel at a first flow rate is connected with the entrance channel by a first angle ranging from 90°˜270°. The at least one subordinate channel for introducing the fluid from the entrance channel at a second flow rate is connected with the at least one primary channel by a second angle ranging from 30°˜150°. A sum of the first flow rate and the second flow rate is equal to the total flow rate.