Membrane-SOFC Trigeneration Using Hydrocarbon Infrastructure
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transport sector faces challenges in meeting infrastructure requirements for supplying hydrogen and electricity, particularly in utilizing existing hydrocarbon distribution infrastructure to address new market demands for energy while establishing hydrogen and electricity infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A method for coproduction of hydrogen, electrical power, and heat energy is implemented, involving desulfurization of a hydrocarbon feed stream, reforming to produce a methane-rich gas, and using a membrane separator to produce hydrogen, which is then used in a solid oxide fuel cell to generate electricity and heat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If existing hydrocarbon distribution infrastructure is utilized to supply hydrogen and electricity, then infrastructure cost and complexity are reduced, but the purity and quality control of hydrogen and electricity products may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the hydrocarbon feed stream processing into distinct functional units: desulfurization unit, reformer, membrane separator, and SOFC. This segmentation allows each unit to perform its specific function optimally while using existing infrastructure, resolving the contradiction between infrastructure simplicity and product quality control.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane separator acts as an intermediary between the reformer and SOFC, selectively separating hydrogen from the reformate stream. This intermediary component ensures high-purity hydrogen production while allowing the system to utilize existing hydrocarbon distribution infrastructure, thus resolving the contradiction between infrastructure simplicity and product quality.
2Productivity
If hydrocarbon feed stream is processed through desulfurization and reforming, then hydrogen production efficiency is improved, but sulfur removal and gas conversion complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the desulfurization and reforming functions into an integrated processing train where the desulfurized hydrocarbon feed stream is directly fed to the reformer. This merging reduces overall process complexity while maintaining high hydrogen production efficiency through the subsequent membrane separation and electrochemical conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The SOFC serves multiple functions: it converts methane-rich gas to electricity, produces heat, and generates additional hydrogen through internal reforming. This multi-functionality increases hydrogen production efficiency while avoiding the need for separate dedicated units, thus reducing overall process complexity.
3Reliability
If membrane separator is used to produce hydrogen permeate, then hydrogen purity is improved, but equipment complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane separator serves as a compact intermediary device that selectively transports hydrogen from the reformate stream to the permeate side. This single-component solution achieves high hydrogen purity without requiring complex multi-stage separation equipment, thus resolving the contradiction between hydrogen purity and equipment complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces traditional mechanical separation methods (such as multiple distillation columns or adsorption beds) with a membrane-based separation process. This substitution achieves equivalent or superior hydrogen purity with significantly reduced equipment complexity and footprint.
4Use of energy by moving object
If solid oxide fuel cell is used to generate electricity from retentate, then energy utilization efficiency is improved, but operating temperature and technical complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The SOFC is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: electricity generation from methane-rich retentate, heat production for process heating, and hydrogen generation through internal reforming. This multi-functionality maximizes energy utilization efficiency while the standardized SOFC technology keeps technical complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system operates the SOFC at elevated temperatures (typically 700-1000°C) to enable efficient electrochemical conversion of methane and other hydrocarbons. This parameter change (operating temperature) allows direct utilization of methane-rich gas without pre-reforming, simplifying the overall process while maintaining high energy efficiency.
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 approach allows for the efficient utilization of existing hydrocarbon infrastructure to produce hydrogen, electricity, and heat, addressing the infrastructure challenges and reducing carbon emissions by utilizing existing infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
A membrane separator is included to remove at least a portion of hydrogen from the methane rich gas in a permeate
Implementation Method 2
A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is included to generate electrical power from a retentate from the membrane separator
Implementation Method 3
A pre-reformer is included to convert the desulfurized feed stream to a methane rich gas
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a system for the coproduction of hydrogen, electrical power, and heat energy. An exemplary method includes desulfurizing a feed stream to form a desulfurized feed stream, reforming the desulfurized feed stream to form a methane rich gas, and providing the methane rich gas to a membrane separator. A hydrogen stream is produced in a permeate from the membrane separator. A retentate stream from the membrane separator is provided to a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). Electrical power is produced in the SOFC from the retentate stream.