Hydrogen-Coated Fuel Cell Layout for Neutron Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel cell systems face challenges in achieving high neutron-shielding, weight reduction, and space reduction, particularly when mounted on mobile objects like lunar rovers, while maintaining simplicity and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell system design incorporating a hydrogen coating unit filled with hydrogen, a neutron shielding member, and a hydrogen introduction unit, along with a hydrogen discharge unit and moisture absorption member, to shield neutrons and manage moisture effectively, while using a dehumidifier and temperature regulation to maintain optimal operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a radiation shielding material with heavy metals and zeolite is used, then the neutron-shielding effect is improved, but the system weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogen storage unit serves dual purposes: storing hydrogen fuel for the fuel cell and providing neutron shielding protection. The hydrogen gas acts as both a reactant and a radiation shielding medium, eliminating the need for separate shielding materials and reducing overall system weight and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the hydrogen storage function and neutron shielding function into a single integrated system. The hydrogen storage unit is positioned to simultaneously perform fuel storage and radiation shielding, merging two separate systems into one.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a radiation shielding material with heavy metals and zeolite is used, then the neutron-shielding effect is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogen storage unit serves dual purposes: storing hydrogen fuel for the fuel cell and providing neutron shielding protection. The hydrogen gas acts as both a reactant and a radiation shielding medium, eliminating the need for separate shielding materials and reducing overall system weight and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the hydrogen storage function and neutron shielding function into a single integrated system. The hydrogen storage unit is positioned to simultaneously perform fuel storage and radiation shielding, merging two separate systems into one.
3Volume of moving object
If water is supplied and discharged in a direction perpendicular to cell lamination, then the compact dimension is improved, but the water management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the traditional in-plane water flow direction to a through-plane direction (perpendicular to cell lamination). This dimensional change allows water to be supplied and discharged through the thickness of the cell stack, achieving more compact packaging while the gas diffusion layer and flow field plates manage the complexity of water distribution.
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 design achieves a high neutron-shielding effect, reduces weight and space, and ensures simplicity by using hydrogen as a shielding material and managing moisture, thereby preventing deterioration and enhancing system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
When neutrons collide with atoms that have substantially the same mass at a low speed, γ rays are generated, and thus there is concern of damage occurring in devices in a facility. Hydrogen is an effective neutron shielding material because hydrogen atoms have similar mass to neutrons, allowing efficient energy transfer through elastic scattering.
Implementation Method 2
Fuel cells are devices that directly convert chemical energy of fuels into electrical energy by causing fuels such as hydrogen to react with oxidants such as air (oxygen) electrochemically.
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell system includes: a fuel cell in which an electrolyte membrane is inserted between a fuel electrode and an oxidant electrode, hydrogen is supplied to a hydrogen supply unit of the fuel electrode, and a gas containing oxygen is supplied to a gas supply unit of the oxidant electrode so that power is generated; a hydrogen coating unit disposed to cover the fuel cell and configured to be filled internally with hydrogen; and a hydrogen introduction unit configured to introduce hydrogen into the hydrogen coating unit.