Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell System with Water Gas Shift Reactor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel cell systems face challenges in producing stable electricity and improving load following ability while increasing fuel utilization and energy efficiency, particularly due to the difficulty in obtaining hydrogen as fuel and the inefficiencies in existing fuel cell operations.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell system comprising a molten carbonate fuel cell, a water gas shift reactor, a buffer tank, and a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell, with a control unit that dynamically adjusts fuel supply based on electricity demand, utilizing waste heat recovery units and temperature control to optimize energy production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single fuel cell operates continuously, then steady power generation is maintained, but load following ability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cell system is divided into two separate units: a first fuel cell for base load operation and a second fuel cell for load following operation. This segmentation allows each fuel cell to be optimized for its specific function, with the first fuel cell maintaining steady operation and the second fuel cell responding to load changes, thereby resolving the contradiction between steady power generation and load following ability.
2Quantity of substance
If fossil fuel is used as fuel, then fuel availability is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a water-gas shift reactor that changes the chemical composition of the fuel by converting carbon monoxide and water vapor into hydrogen and carbon dioxide. This parameter change in fuel composition allows the system to use fossil fuels like natural gas while improving energy efficiency through better fuel utilization and reduced carbon monoxide emissions, thereby resolving the contradiction between fuel availability and energy efficiency.
3Power
If fuel cell capacity is increased, then power output is improved, but system complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single large-capacity fuel cell, the system segments the power generation capacity into two separate fuel cells with different operational roles. The first fuel cell handles base load power generation while the second fuel cell provides additional capacity for load following. This segmentation achieves the required total power output while keeping each individual fuel cell at a manageable complexity level, and the modular structure facilitates easier control and maintenance.
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 stable electricity generation, enhanced load following ability, and improved fuel and energy efficiency by dividing fuel cell operations into base load and load following modes, utilizing waste heat recovery and precise temperature control.
Implementation Method 1
a water gas shift reactor for shifting the discharge gas of the molten carbonate fuel cell, supplied through the first valve, to water gas
Implementation Method 2
an oxidizer for generating heat by oxidizing the discharge gas of the molten carbonate fuel cell supplied through the second valve
Implementation Method 3
a molten carbonate fuel cell for generating electricity using fuel and discharging gas including unused fuel
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to a fuel cell system and a method for driving same, which can produce stable electricity, enhance load following capability, and simultaneously increasing fuel utilization rate and energy efficiency by separately managing a base load and a load following of a fuel cell, and the fuel cell system according to one embodiment of the present application comprises: a molten carbonate fuel cell for generating electricity by using fuel; a reaction gas for shifting discharge gas into water gas; a buffer tank for storing the water gas; and a driving device which is actuated by using the water gas that is stored and provided from the buffer tank.