Hydrogen Supply Apparatus for Fuel Cell Standby Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel cells experience reduced lifespan due to hydrogen replacement by air when in standby mode, leading to air accumulation in the anode during restarts, which affects efficiency and longevity.
Innovation Solution
A hydrogen supply apparatus comprising a large-capacity and small-capacity hydrogen storage system, with the small-capacity system maintaining internal hydrogen supply during standby mode, using a high-pressure tank and a low-pressure tank with hydrogen adsorbing material, and pressure reducing devices to ensure continuous hydrogen flow without additional protective gases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the external large-capacity hydrogen storage apparatus is closed during standby mode, then the system is in a safe and stable state, but the fuel cell cannot maintain internal hydrogen supply and air replaces hydrogen in the anode
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogen storage system is divided into two segments: a large-capacity external storage apparatus for bulk hydrogen supply and a small-capacity internal storage apparatus for maintaining hydrogen supply during standby mode. This segmentation allows the external apparatus to be closed for safety while the internal apparatus continues to supply hydrogen to the anode, preventing air infiltration and hydrogen loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The small-capacity internal hydrogen storage apparatus is pre-filled with hydrogen before the fuel cell enters standby mode. This preliminary action ensures that when the external large-capacity apparatus is closed, the internal apparatus can immediately take over to maintain hydrogen supply to the anode, preventing air from replacing the hydrogen.
2Loss of substance
If the fuel cell system is completely sealed during standby mode, then hydrogen supply is maintained, but the system complexity increases due to additional sealing mechanisms and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The small-capacity internal hydrogen storage apparatus is designed to automatically maintain hydrogen supply to the anode during standby mode without requiring complex external control systems. The apparatus self-regulates to prevent air infiltration, eliminating the need for additional sealing mechanisms and complex control systems that would otherwise be required to achieve the same protective function.
3Reliability
If additional protective gases are introduced to prevent air infiltration, then fuel cell protection is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase due to additional gas supply systems
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of introducing additional protective gases (such as nitrogen or other inert gases) that would require separate supply systems, the patent uses hydrogen itself as the protective gas. The small-capacity internal hydrogen storage apparatus supplies hydrogen to the anode, creating a homogeneous hydrogen environment that prevents air infiltration without requiring additional gas supply systems or increasing overall system complexity.
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 extends fuel cell lifespan by maintaining hydrogen supply during standby, reducing hydrogen loss, and simplifying the system design by eliminating the need for additional gases, thereby protecting the fuel cell from air-induced damage.
Implementation Method 1
the small-capacity hydrogen storage apparatus includes a hydrogen adsorbing material, and the hydrogen adsorbing material is configured to adsorb or release hydrogen when environmental conditions, such as pressure and temperature, etc., change
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a hydrogen supply apparatus and a method for operating the apparatus, which can protect a fuel cell and extend the service life of a fuel cell. The hydrogen supply apparatus includes a large-capacity hydrogen storage apparatus, a small-capacity hydrogen storage apparatus, a second shut-off valve, and a pressure reducing valve, etc. The small-capacity hydrogen storage apparatus is automatically filled with fuel gas when the fuel cell is operating, and when the fuel cell is in standby mode, fuel gas is transferred into the fuel cell by controlling the opening and closing time and the period of the second shut-off valve, so that protection of the fuel cell and extension of the fuel cell life are realized.