Hollow Clamping Rods for SOEC Stack Heat Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-temperature solid oxide electrolysis and fuel cell stacks face challenges in efficient gas management and temperature control due to complex and bulky external heat exchange systems, which increase size and reduce thermal efficiency, and require costly and time-consuming setup for each new stack.
Innovation Solution
An integrated heat exchange system using hollow clamping rods as heat exchangers, allowing for 'Plug & Play' integration within the stack, eliminating the need for external parts and enabling reuse across multiple stacks, with swirling means to enhance heat exchange efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If external heat exchange systems are used for high-temperature solid oxide stacks, then temperature control is achieved, but the system size increases and thermal efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchange system is merged with the clamping system by integrating hollow clamping rods that serve dual functions: mechanical clamping of the stack and heat exchange for gas superheating. This combination eliminates separate external heat exchange components, reducing overall system size while maintaining effective temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchange channels are nested within the hollow clamping rods, with fluid circulation paths embedded inside the structural clamping components. This nesting approach allows the heat exchange system to occupy the same spatial envelope as the clamping system, significantly reducing the overall volume required for temperature control functions.
2Temperature
If external heat exchange systems are used, then temperature control is achieved, but thermal efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchange system is extracted from the external environment and relocated to the internal structure of the clamping rods. By positioning the heat exchange channels directly within the clamping system that is in contact with the stack, the thermal path is shortened and heat transfer efficiency is improved, reducing energy losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow clamping rods act as thermal intermediaries, conducting heat directly from the heat exchange fluid to the stack through their walls. This intermediary structure provides an efficient thermal coupling between the fluid circulation system and the stack, improving heat transfer effectiveness compared to external heat exchange systems.
3Temperature
If complex external heat exchange systems are used, then temperature control is achieved, but assembly complexity and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchange system is merged with the clamping system into a single integrated assembly. The hollow clamping rods are manufactured with internal channels already formed, eliminating the need for separate heat exchange component installation and reducing assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping rods are designed with multi-functionality, serving both mechanical clamping and heat exchange purposes. This universal design allows the same component to perform multiple functions, simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing the number of parts that need to be assembled.
4Loss of energy
If external heat exchange systems are used, then heat exchange function is provided, but system reusability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated clamping and heat exchange system is designed as a universal assembly that can be applied to multiple stacks. The hollow clamping rods with internal channels form a standardized configuration that maintains effective heat exchange while being adaptable to different stack installations, improving reusability.
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
This solution reduces the size of the oven, increases thermal efficiency, and allows for simpler assembly and reuse of the heat exchange system, reducing the complexity and cost of setting up each stack while maintaining efficient gas management and temperature control.
Implementation Method 1
the clamping system comprises at least one hollow clamping rod inside which circulates a fluid to be superheated or preheated
Implementation Method 2
inside which circulates a fluid to be superheated or preheated
Implementation Method 3
with swirling means to enhance heat exchange efficiency
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The main subject matter of the invention is an assembly (80) comprising a SOEC/SOFC-type solid oxide stack (20), and a clamping system (60) for the stack (20), said clamping system comprising at least two clamping rods (55) that can be used to assemble upper (45) and lower clamping plates (46). The assembly (80) further comprises a heat exchange system (40) formed at least in part by at least two hollow clamping rods (55) of the clamping system (60), through which a fluid to be superheated or preheated flows.