Hybrid Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Power Generation System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power generation systems for industrial facilities face inefficiencies and high costs due to multi-stage conversion processes from DC to AC power, requiring extensive cooling and maintenance, and relying heavily on off-site power sources, which reduces reliability and increases transmission losses.
Innovation Solution
A dual power generation system that includes a dedicated AC and DC power source, utilizing a hybrid solid oxide fuel cell (HSOFC) system to generate both AC and DC power independently, with redundancy features and black-start capabilities, reducing the need for intra-plant conversion devices and off-site power reliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If DC power is converted to AC power through multi-stage conversion process, then AC power can be distributed throughout the facility, but system losses increase and reliability reduces
Solution Approach 1:
The power generation system is segmented into separate DC and AC generation paths. The SOFC system generates DC power that can be directly distributed to DC loads, while a separate AC generation system handles AC loads independently. This eliminates the need for multi-stage DC-to-AC conversion, reducing system losses and improving reliability by removing conversion failure points.
Solution Approach 2:
The SOFC system is designed to provide multi-functionality by serving both DC and AC power needs. The system can operate in hybrid mode where it generates DC power that can be directly used by DC loads or converted to AC power when needed, providing universal power generation capability that adapts to different load requirements without requiring separate dedicated systems.
2Reliability
If extensive cooling provisions are implemented for multi-stage conversion, then system reliability improves, but system complexity and capital expenditures increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complex multi-stage conversion equipment and its associated extensive cooling provisions are extracted from the system. By generating DC power directly at the source and distributing it to DC loads without conversion, the patent eliminates the need for complex conversion equipment and reduces cooling requirements, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining reliability through simpler architecture.
3Device complexity
If DC power is inverted to AC power and combined with AC power from secondary generation, then power distribution is simplified, but system losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution system is segmented into separate DC and AC distribution networks. DC power from the SOFC system is distributed directly to DC loads through DC distribution lines, while AC power from separate generation is distributed to AC loads. This segmentation eliminates the need to invert DC to AC and combine them, reducing energy losses while maintaining simplified distribution through dedicated pathways.
4Reliability
If off-site power sources are used as backup, then power availability is maintained, but transmission losses increase and reliability reduces
Solution Approach 1:
The facility implements self-service power generation through the SOFC system that produces DC power on-site. This eliminates dependence on off-site power sources and the associated transmission losses. The system serves itself by generating power locally that can be directly used by DC loads or converted to AC power as needed, maintaining power availability while reducing transmission losses through localized generation.
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 enhances reliability, reduces system footprint, and achieves high efficiency and low emissions by matching power generation ratios to load demands, providing scalable and modular power solutions with improved supply independence and availability.
Implementation Method 1
A fuel cell produces electricity by electrochemically combining a fuel and an oxidant across an ionic conducting layer
Implementation Method 2
The electrolyte carries electrically charged particles from one electrode to the other
Implementation Method 3
This discharged steam (and other hot exhaust components) may be utilized in turbines and other applications to generate additional electric power
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A power system (100) for an industrial facility (102) includes a hybrid solid oxide fuel cell (HSOFC) system (120) coupled to at least one DC load (106) and to at least one AC load (112). The at least one DC load defines a DC power demand value and the at least one AC load defines an AC power demand value. The DC power demand value and the AC power demand value define a power demand ratio. The HSOFC system is configured to generate DC power and generate AC power with a power generation ratio substantially complementary to the power demand ratio.