Hydrogen Generation System for Load Following Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional energy storage solutions for power grids, such as batteries, compressed air, and pumped hydro-electric systems, are expensive, have limited capacity, and suffer from high round trip energy losses, while load following power generation is inefficient when operated off its optimum point.
Innovation Solution
A hydrogen generation system incorporating a reformer-electrolyzer-purifier assembly that includes a power supply, low temperature fuel cells, and hydrogen storage, allowing for selective operation in hydrogen generation or power generation modes, enabling efficient storage and utilization of hydrogen produced from hydrocarbon fuels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional energy storage solutions (batteries, compressed air, pumped hydro-electric systems) are used, then power can be stored during high generation periods, but the systems are expensive, have limited storage capacity, and suffer from high round trip energy losses
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cell system performs multiple functions: it generates power during low generation periods, stores energy by producing hydrogen during high generation periods, and can operate in reverse as an electrolyzer. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate storage infrastructure, reducing overall system cost and improving energy efficiency while providing substantial storage capacity through hydrogen production
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its operational parameters dynamically - switching between power generation mode and hydrogen production mode based on grid conditions. By adjusting operating parameters such as voltage, current, and fuel flow rate, the system optimizes efficiency in each mode while maintaining flexibility to respond to varying demand and supply conditions
2Adaptability or versatility
If load following power generation is operated off its optimum generating point, then it can respond to varying power demand, but the efficiency becomes relatively low
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its operational state based on real-time grid conditions and power demand. The control system monitors grid status and automatically switches between power generation mode and hydrogen production mode, allowing the system to adapt to varying demand while maintaining optimal efficiency in each operational state rather than operating continuously at non-optimal points
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel cell system maintains continuous useful action by either generating power or producing hydrogen based on grid needs. During periods when the fuel cell would operate inefficiently for power generation, it continuously produces hydrogen for storage, ensuring that all operational time contributes to system objectives without idle periods or inefficient 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 system achieves improved energy storage efficiency and load following power generation by using the hydrogen generation system to store excess power as hydrogen, which can be later used for power generation, reducing equipment idle time and enhancing overall system efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one fuel cell is configured to receive a reverse voltage supplied by the power supply and generate hydrogen-containing gas in the anode of the at least one fuel cell
Implementation Method 2
The at least one low temperature fuel cell is configured to receive the hydrogen-containing gas output from the REP assembly. The at least one low temperature fuel cell is configured to selectably operate in a power generation mode in which the hydrogen-containing gas is used to generate electrical power
Implementation Method 3
When the power supply applies the reverse voltage to the at least one fuel cell, carbon dioxide is separated from the hydrogen-containing gas using an electrolysis reaction in the anode of the at least one fuel cell such that the at least one fuel cell outputs the hydrogen-containing gas and separately outputs an oxidant gas comprising carbon dioxide and oxygen
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrogen generation system for generating hydrogen and electrical power includes a power supply, a reformer-electrolyzer-purifier (REP) assembly including at least one fuel cell including an anode and a cathode separated by an electrolyte matrix, at least one low temperature fuel cell, and a hydrogen storage. The at least one fuel cell is configured to receive a reverse voltage supplied by the power supply and generate hydrogen-containing gas in the anode of the at least one fuel cell. The at least one low temperature fuel cell is configured to receive the hydrogen-containing gas output from the REP assembly. The at least one low temperature fuel cell is configured to selectably operate in a power generation mode in which the hydrogen-containing gas is used to generate electrical power and a power storage mode in which the hydrogen-containing gas is pressurized and stored in the hydrogen storage.