HT-PEM Anode Exhaust H2 Separation for Reformer Heating Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel cell systems operating at lower temperatures face inefficiencies due to the need to burn hydrogen or fuel for reformer heating, which reduces overall efficiency and does not optimize hydrogen separation and reintroduction into the anode.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an electrically driven reformer-heater, such as an electrical heater or heat pump, to heat the reformer instead of using a burner, and incorporating a hydrogen separator to recycle hydrogen from the anode exhaust gas back into the anode, utilizing electrochemical separation methods like a high-temperature polybenzimidazole (PBI) membrane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a reformer-burner is used to heat the reformer, then the reformer can be heated to the required temperature, but hydrogen gas is consumed and overall system efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and separates hydrogen gas from the anode exhaust stream using a hydrogen separator (membrane unit) before it would otherwise be consumed in the reformer-burner. This extracted hydrogen is then recycled back to the anode, preventing its loss and improving overall efficiency while maintaining the reformer heating function.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding the hydrogen in the anode exhaust to the reformer-burner where it is consumed, the system recovers this hydrogen through separation and returns it to the anode inlet, transforming a waste stream into a valuable resource that improves system efficiency.
2Productivity
If hydrogen is separated and reintroduced into the anode, then efficiency increases, but additional equipment complexity is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hydrogen separator (membrane unit) as an intermediary device between the anode exhaust and the reformer-burner. This separator selectively transports hydrogen from the exhaust stream, enabling efficient hydrogen recovery and recycling while maintaining system functionality. The membrane unit acts as a mediator that facilitates the efficiency improvement without requiring complete system redesign.
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 approach increases efficiency by 1-7.5% compared to systems using reformer-burners, particularly benefiting HT-PEM fuel cells, by optimizing hydrogen recycling and reducing the need for fuel consumption, while allowing for carbon capture and environmentally friendly operation.
Implementation Method 1
separating H2 gas from the anode exhaust gas stream... utilizing electrochemical separation methods like a high-temperature polybenzimidazole (PBI) membrane
Implementation Method 2
electrically driven reformer-heater, such as an electrical heater or heat pump, to heat the reformer
Implementation Method 3
catalytic reformation of the fuel produces syngas, which is a mix of gases, including H2 gas
Data Source
AI summary
In a fuel cell system with a HT-PEM fuel cell, hydrogen is separated from the anode exhaust gas and recycled into the anode to increase efficiency. Instead of burning the hydrogen in a reformer-heater, the reformer is heated electrically or by using a heat pump. Separation of H2 from the anode exhaust gas leaves an option for collecting the remaining CO2 after condensing the water from the anode exhaust gas.