Hydrogen and Electric Power Co-Production System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydrogen production systems, such as those described in EP 1620906 B1, are limited in scale and require external electrical sources for excess hydrogen production, making them impractical for large-scale or external use.
Innovation Solution
A hydrogen gas production system that integrates an internal combustion engine with a hydrogen production module, including a partial oxidation reforming catalyst and a hydrogen separation membrane, allowing for scalable and flexible co-production of hydrogen and electrical power, with a diffusion barrier coating to enhance catalyst efficiency and sulfur tolerance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a high-temperature solid oxide fuel cell is used for hydrogen separation and power generation, then electrical power and hydrogen can be co-produced, but the scale of hydrogen production is extremely limited and requires external electrical sources for excess production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the internal combustion engine and hydrogen production module into a single integrated system. The engine's exhaust heat is directly utilized to drive the partial oxidation reforming reaction, eliminating the need for separate external heating systems and electrical sources. This merging enables the system to achieve both power generation and large-scale hydrogen production through a unified configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal combustion engine serves multiple functions: it generates electrical power through the connected generator, provides thermal energy through its exhaust heat for the reforming reaction, and supplies mechanical work for compression. The hydrogen production module simultaneously produces hydrogen for both internal consumption and external supply. This multi-functionality allows the system to operate independently without external electrical sources while achieving scalable hydrogen production.
2Quantity of substance
If traditional hydrogen production methods are used, then hydrogen can be produced, but external electrical sources are required to produce excess hydrogen for sale or external use
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to be self-sufficient by utilizing its own operational resources. The internal combustion engine's exhaust heat, which would otherwise be waste energy, is captured and used to drive the partial oxidation reforming reaction. The engine's own power output drives the compressor and generator. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external electrical energy input, allowing the system to produce excess hydrogen for external use independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the internal combustion engine's exhaust heat, which is typically a harmful waste product, into a useful thermal energy source for the partial oxidation reforming reaction. This conversion transforms what would be energy loss into the driving force for hydrogen production, enabling the system to generate excess hydrogen without requiring external electrical energy input.
3Productivity
If partial oxidation reforming is used for hydrogen production, then hydrogen can be produced from gaseous fuel, but catalyst performance is affected by sulfur in the fuel
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of the gaseous fuel using the internal combustion engine's exhaust heat before the fuel enters the partial oxidation reforming catalyst. This preheating ensures the fuel reaches the optimal temperature range for the reforming reaction, improving catalyst efficiency and reducing the negative impact of sulfur by ensuring complete combustion and minimizing sulfur deposition on the catalyst.
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
Enables dynamic scaling of hydrogen and electrical power output, reducing emissions and allowing for on-site, low-cost hydrogen production with reduced sulfur impact on catalyst performance, suitable for distributed generation and external hydrogen collection.
Implementation Method 1
a partial oxidation reforming catalyst (POx-R) in fluid communication with the heater along a supply passage and a return passage
Implementation Method 2
a hydrogen separation membrane (HSM) having an inlet in fluid communication with an outlet of the heater, the HSM having a hydrogen gas outlet and a tail gas outlet
Implementation Method 3
an internal combustion engine connected to the fuel supply conduit
Implementation Method 4
An electrical power generator is connected to the output shaft of the internal combustion engine and is operable to produce electrical power when the internal combustion engine is operating
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for co-production of hydrogen and electrical power includes operating an engine having an electrical power generator connected thereto, and a hydrogen gas production plant, from a single source of gaseous fuel such that hydrogen extracted from a heated reformate provided by a partial oxidation catalyst is removed and collected for storage or sale while a tail gas is recirculated to an engine inlet to reduce NOx emissions during engine operation.