Hydrogen Recirculation Energy Storage for Stable Power Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy storage systems, such as lead acid and lithium-ion batteries, have limitations in efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions, and existing power generators face challenges in providing stable energy during periods of input instability.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an electrolyzer stack for generating hydrogen, a fuel cell stack for converting hydrogen into electricity, and a hydrogen recirculation stack, with a cascade arrangement and specific membrane electrolytes, to achieve high hydrogen utilization and efficient energy storage with minimal emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If lead acid or lithium-ion batteries are used for energy storage, then short term energy storage is achieved, but efficiency is limited and greenhouse gas emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the chemical parameters of the electrolyte membrane (using sulfonated tetrafluoroethylene-based fluoropolymer-copolymer with specific formula C7HF13O5S·C2F4) to optimize hydrogen production efficiency in the electrolyzer stack, thereby improving overall energy conversion efficiency while maintaining storage duration
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses composite material structures including membrane electrolytes combined with electrochemical hydrogen pumps and cascading recirculation systems to achieve both long-duration storage and high efficiency, overcoming the limitations of conventional battery materials
2Power
If conventional power generators are used, then power generation is achieved, but resilience during periods of input energy stability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochemical hydrogen pump continuously recirculates hydrogen from the fuel cell stack back to the electrolyzer stack, maintaining continuous hydrogen production and ensuring uninterrupted power generation capability even during periods of input energy instability
Solution Approach 2:
The cascading recirculation stacks create a feedback loop where hydrogen is continuously monitored and recirculated based on system needs, allowing the system to self-regulate and maintain reliability during varying operating conditions
3Productivity
If hydrogen recirculation stacks are arranged in cascade, then hydrogen utilization increases to 95% or greater, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The recirculation system is divided into multiple discrete electrochemical hydrogen pump stacks arranged in cascade, with each stack handling a specific portion of the hydrogen recirculation task. This segmentation allows for modular configuration that achieves high hydrogen utilization while managing complexity through standardized repeating units
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 achieves a hydrogen utilization of 95% or greater, providing stable energy generation and storage with reduced greenhouse gas emissions, utilizing intermittent energy sources like photovoltaics and wind power.
Implementation Method 1
an electrolyzer stack for generating hydrogen
Implementation Method 2
a fuel cell stack operably connected to the electrolyzer stack for converting the generated hydrogen into electricity
Implementation Method 3
the membrane electrolyte comprises a proton exchange membrane, an anion exchange membrane, or a combination thereof
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for generating and storing hydrogen and electricity. The systems generally include an electrolyzer stack, a fuel cell stack operably connected to the electrolyzer stack, and a hydrogen recirculation stack operably connected to the electrolyzer stack and to the fuel cell stack.