Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell Separator with Integrated Reforming Channel

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional molten carbonate fuel cells have increased volume and complex structures due to separately provided fuel reforming apparatuses, leading to higher production costs and installation difficulties.

Innovation Solution

A separator for molten carbonate fuel cells with integrated fuel gas reforming channels between anode and cathode channels, eliminating the need for a separate fuel gas reforming apparatus, featuring steel sheets with defined spaces for gas channels and manifolds to manage gas flow and reforming processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a separate fuel reforming apparatus is provided outside the fuel cell, then the fuel gas reforming reaction can be conducted, but the volume of the fuel cell is increased and the structure is complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel gas reforming capabilityVSAvoidfuel cell volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the fuel gas reforming function with the separator by forming a fuel gas reforming channel within the separator structure itself. The separator includes a cathode channel, an anode channel, and a fuel gas reforming channel integrated into a single component, eliminating the need for a separate external reforming apparatus and reducing overall fuel cell volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The separator is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as a structural separator between electrodes, a flow channel for gases, and a fuel gas reforming reactor. By integrating these functions into a single component, the patent reduces the number of separate parts needed while maintaining all necessary capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If a separate fuel reforming apparatus is provided outside the fuel cell, then the fuel gas reforming reaction can be conducted, but the structure is complicated and installation is not easy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel gas reforming capabilityVSAvoidconnection structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the fuel gas reforming function with the separator by forming a fuel gas reforming channel within the separator structure itself. The separator includes a cathode channel, an anode channel, and a fuel gas reforming channel integrated into a single component, eliminating the need for a separate external reforming apparatus and reducing overall fuel cell volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The separator is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as a structural separator between electrodes, a flow channel for gases, and a fuel gas reforming reactor. By integrating these functions into a single component, the patent reduces the number of separate parts needed while maintaining all necessary capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 design reduces the volume and complexity of the fuel cell, lowers production costs, and maintains a stable temperature and performance by integrating the fuel gas reforming process within the separator, enhancing the lifespan and efficiency of the fuel cell.

Implementation Method 1

since a water vapor reforming reaction for forming a reformed gas containing hydrogen using methane gas and water vapor, which is an endothermic reaction, is conducted together with an electrochemical reaction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWater vapor reforming reaction: Endothermic Reaction

Implementation Method 2

a cathode channel, serving as a flow path of oxidant gas, formed in the first space; an anode channel, serving as a flow path of fuel gas, formed in the second space

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas flow through channels: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS8753784B2Separator for molten carbonate fuel cell

Publication Date: 2014.06.17 DOOSAN HEAVY IND & CONSTR CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a separator for a molten carbonate fuel cell, the separator including four steel sheets in which edges of the four steel sheets are joined to each other thereby providing three spaces therebetween, comprising a cathode channel, serving as a flow path of oxidant gas, formed in the first space; an anode channel, serving as a flow path of fuel gas, formed in the second space such that the anode channel is separated from the cathode channel; and a fuel gas reforming channel formed in the third space, which is located between the first space and the second space. The separator for a molten carbonate fuel cell is advantageous in that the volume of the fuel cell is decreased, and the structure thereof is simple, thus reducing the production cost thereof.