Electrochemical Hydrogen Compressor for Residual Fuel Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines face challenges in reducing carbon emissions and improving thermal and propulsive efficiencies, particularly when using traditional carbon-based fuels, and require innovative solutions for handling alternative fuels like hydrogen that demand non-traditional storage and handling systems.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an electrochemical compressor and thermal management system within a propulsion system that recovers residual hydrogen fuel from the fuel delivery network, directing it back to storage or using it in a fuel cell for power generation, while ensuring efficient fuel flow and pressure management through check valves and control systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If hydrogen fuel is used to reduce carbon emissions, then environmental impact is improved, but fuel storage and handling system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochemical compressor recovers residual hydrogen fuel from the fuel delivery system and returns it to the fuel storage tank, preventing waste and improving overall fuel utilization efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The electrochemical compressor serves multiple functions: it acts as a fuel recovery device during normal operation and as a primary fuel delivery device when the engine is started in reverse, eliminating the need for separate fuel delivery systems
2Loss of energy
If an electrochemical compressor is added to recover residual fuel, then fuel efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochemical compressor is designed to perform multiple functions: recovering residual fuel during normal operation and delivering fuel when the engine operates in reverse, reducing the need for additional dedicated components
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically activates the electrochemical compressor when residual fuel is detected in the fuel delivery system, enabling self-regulating fuel recovery without requiring constant external control
3Use of energy by moving object
If the engine operates in reverse to generate electricity, then energy utilization is improved, but fuel delivery control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochemical compressor is designed to bidirectionally deliver fuel to the combustor based on operational mode, serving as both a recovery device during forward operation and a delivery device during reverse operation
Solution Approach 2:
The control system monitors engine operational mode and automatically adjusts the electrochemical compressor's function accordingly, activating fuel delivery during reverse operation and fuel recovery during forward operation
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 fuel efficiency, reduces waste, and improves environmental impact by effectively managing hydrogen fuel within gas turbine engines, enabling more efficient operation and reduced emissions.
Implementation Method 1
an electrochemical compressor that is in communication with the fuel system. The electrochemical compressor is configured to gather residual fuel from the fuel system
Implementation Method 2
a thermal management system that is disposed between the fuel system and the electrochemical compressor. The thermal management system is configured to transfer thermal energy into the gathered residual fuel
Implementation Method 3
The power generation device includes a fuel cell that is configured to generate an electric power output
Implementation Method 4
a combustor that is configured to generate a high energy exhaust gas flow
Data Source
AI summary
A propulsion system according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, among other possible things includes a fuel storage tank that is configured to store a fuel in a compressed state, a power generation device that is configured to consume the fuel and generate an output, a fuel system that is configured to provide the fuel from the fuel storage tank to the power generation device, and an electrochemical compressor that is in communication with the fuel system. The electrochemical compressor is configured to gather residual fuel from the fuel system and communicate the gathered residual fuel to at least one of the power generation device and the fuel storage tank.