Hybrid SOFC-SOEC Device Temperature Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
The combination of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) and solid-oxide electrolysis cells (SOEC) lacks a specific configuration, resulting in inefficiencies and the need for more efficient equipment.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid device comprising a solid oxide electrolysis cell stack and a fuel cell stack, where water vapor is efficiently supplied to the electrolysis cell stack to promote electrolysis, and the generated hydrogen-containing gas is used as fuel for the fuel cell stack, improving temperature distribution and power generation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a combination of solid oxide fuel cell and solid-oxide electrolysis cell is used, then hydrogen production and power generation can be achieved, but the system lacks specific configuration leading to inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrolysis cell stack and fuel cell stack into a single hybrid device with integrated balance of plant components. The water vapor supply system, heat exchange system, and control system are shared between the electrolysis and fuel cell operations, creating a unified system that improves efficiency while managing complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as an electrolyzer for hydrogen production, as a fuel cell for power generation, and as a combined system where the fuel cell processes unreacted water vapor and CO2 from the electrolysis process. This multi-functionality maximizes resource utilization and system efficiency.
2Productivity
If water vapor is supplied to electrolysis cell stack, then electrolysis reaction is promoted, but temperature distribution in fuel cell stack becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a heat exchange system that acts as an intermediary between the electrolysis cell stack and fuel cell stack. This system transfers heat from the exothermic fuel cell reaction to the endothermic electrolysis process, balancing the temperature distribution across both stacks and maintaining optimal operating conditions for both reactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts operating parameters including water vapor flow rate, current density, and temperature setpoints based on real-time monitoring of stack temperatures. By changing these parameters adaptively, the system maintains efficient electrolysis reaction rates while preventing excessive temperature gradients that would harm fuel cell performance.
3Power
If hybrid device configuration is implemented, then power generation efficiency is enhanced, but system reliability needs improvement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a comprehensive feedback control system that continuously monitors critical parameters including cell voltages, temperatures, gas flow rates, and pressure differentials. The control system adjusts operating conditions in real-time based on this feedback, and includes alarm and shutdown functions that activate when parameters exceed safe operating limits, thereby enhancing system reliability while maintaining high power generation efficiency.
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 hybrid device achieves enhanced efficiency in both hydrogen production and power generation, with improved reliability and temperature distribution, leading to a more efficient hybrid system.
Implementation Method 1
a solid oxide electrolysis cell stack device 2... Water vapor is supplied, and a current is allowed to flow... promoting an electrolysis reaction and generating a hydrogen-containing gas
Implementation Method 2
a fuel cell stack device 3... a hydrogen-containing gas serving as a fuel gas is supplied to the fuel cell stack device 3... generate electrical power
Implementation Method 3
improve a temperature distribution of the fuel cell stack device... enhance power generation efficiency
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
Problem: To provide a hybrid device and a hybrid system. Resolution means: A hybrid device (1) according to the present embodiment is provided with an electrolysis cell stack device (2) having an electrolysis cell stack (5) provided with a plurality of electrolysis cells (4) for generating a hydrogen-containing gas from a water vapor-containing gas, and a fuel cell stack device (3) having a fuel cell stack (11) provided with a plurality of fuel cells (10), and is configured so that at least some of the hydrogen-containing gas generated by the electrolysis cell stack device (2) is fed to the fuel cell stack device (3). A vaporizer (16) for generating the water vapor-containing gas to be fed to the electrolysis cell stack device (2) is disposed near the fuel cell stack (11).