Hydrogen Carrier Fuel Cell Humidity Control Without NAFION Membranes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrogen generation systems face challenges in controlling the hydrogen and water vapor levels in the gas stream, necessitating expensive NAFION membranes and limited control over humidity levels, which affect the efficiency of fuel cells.
Innovation Solution
A hydrogen generation system with a humidity determining unit, water providing means, and water vapor control means to regulate the water vapor concentration in the reaction chamber, using pressure and temperature controls to maintain a target vapor concentration range suitable for fuel cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a NAFION membrane is used to separate water vapor from the output gas stream, then the humidity level control is achieved, but the system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the water vapor separation function from the expensive NAFION membrane by introducing a dedicated water vapor removal unit that selectively removes excess water vapor from the gas stream before it enters the fuel cell, thereby achieving humidity control without the membrane
Solution Approach 2:
The water vapor control means serves multiple functions: it removes excess water vapor, controls humidity levels, and prevents fuel cell degradation, replacing the single-function NAFION membrane with a multi-functional control system that achieves the same protective effect
2Productivity
If the water vapor level in the reaction chamber is not controlled, then the system operation is simple, but the fuel cell efficiency decreases due to improper humidity levels
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements a feedback control system where a humidity sensor monitors the humidity level in the gas stream and provides signals to the water vapor control means, which adjusts water vapor removal to maintain optimal humidity levels for fuel cell operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls the water vapor concentration parameter in the gas stream by adjusting the operation of the water vapor removal unit based on humidity measurements, thereby optimizing fuel cell performance through parameter management
3Productivity
If hydrogen carrier substance is converted without water provision, then the reaction is simple, but the hydrogen generation efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces water to the reaction chamber before or during the conversion of the hydrogen carrier substance, preparing the necessary conditions for efficient hydrogen generation through water-gas shift reactions or hydrolysis processes
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 system effectively produces a hydrogen gas stream with controlled hydrogen and water vapor levels, optimizing fuel cell operation by maintaining humidity within desired parameters, thus enhancing efficiency and reducing costs associated with expensive membrane usage.
Implementation Method 1
a reaction chamber arranged for generating a H2 gas stream by converting the hydrogen carrier substance
Implementation Method 2
a fuel cell arranged for producing electric energy by converting hydrogen
Implementation Method 3
a water providing means for providing H2O to the reaction chamber; wherein the generated H2 gas stream comprises hydrogen and water vapour
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrogen generation electricity system for producing electricity from hydrogen using a hydrogen carrier substance, comprising: a reaction chamber arranged for generating a H2 gas stream by converting the hydrogen carrier substance; wherein the reaction chamber comprises an inlet arranged for receiving the hydrogen carrier substance; an output conduit for exiting the H2 gas stream; a fuel cell arranged for producing electric energy by converting hydrogen; the output conduit is arranged for supplying the H2 gas stream from the reaction chamber to the fuel cell; the system further comprising: a humidity determining unit arranged for determining a humidity level of the H2 gas stream; a water providing means for providing H2O to the reaction chamber; and a water vapour control means arranged for controlling the water vapour level in the reaction chamber, in response to the determined humidity level, wherein the generated H2 gas stream comprises hydrogen and water vapour.