Personal power using metal-supported solid oxide fuel cells operated in a camping stove flame
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a stack of larger metal-supported solid oxide fuel cells (MS-SOFCs) that provides an order of magnitude higher power, uses low-cost materials to join and connect cells, and is designed to be coupled with high-efficiency power electronics for LED lighting and mobile phone charging, while also overcoming challenges of producing power simultaneously with cooking.
Innovation Solution
A portable device comprising a stack of five MS-SOFCs connected in series, oriented vertically or horizontally with respect to a burner, coupled with a microelectronic control circuit, LED lighting, and USB port, utilizing a boost converter for efficient power delivery, and incorporating insulation to maintain cell temperature and separate fuel and air.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a stack of larger MS-SOFCs is used to provide higher power, then power output increases, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cell system is divided into multiple individual MS-SOFC cells (five cells in series) rather than using a single large cell. Each cell operates independently in the flame, and their electrical outputs are combined through series connection to achieve the desired total power output of at least 2 W. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing, testing, and replacement of individual cells while scaling up the overall power capability.
2Ease of manufacture
If low-cost materials are used to join and connect cells, then manufacturing cost decreases, but connection reliability and electrical performance may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The metal support structures of the MS-SOFC cells serve dual functions: they provide mechanical support for the cell components and simultaneously act as electrical conductors for connecting cells in series. The current collectors are integrated into the cell assembly process, eliminating the need for separate expensive connection materials and complex assembly procedures. This self-service approach uses readily available materials while maintaining reliable electrical connections.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the stack is designed to be coupled with power electronics for LED lighting and mobile phone charging, then application versatility increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cell stack is designed with a universal power output interface that can simultaneously support multiple applications: LED lighting through integrated drivers, mobile phone charging through USB ports with voltage regulation, and potential future expansions. The power electronics are designed to accept the DC output from the fuel cells and distribute it to various loads with different power requirements, making the system adaptable to multiple uses without requiring separate systems for each application.
4Loss of energy
If power is produced simultaneously with cooking, then energy efficiency improves, but thermal management and fuel cell performance stability become challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cell stack is physically integrated with the cooking appliance, with the cells positioned to directly utilize the flame generated for cooking purposes. The same fuel combustion that provides thermal energy for cooking simultaneously provides the chemical energy needed for electrochemical power generation. This merging of functions eliminates waste of the combustion process and achieves combined heat and power (CHP) operation, improving overall energy efficiency to exceed 80%.
5Productivity
If vertical orientation of cells is used to ensure continuous air exposure, then power generation improves, but device height and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cell stack employs a vertical arrangement of cells stacked one above another, with each cell oriented to expose its air-facing surface vertically to the flame. This vertical stacking in the height dimension allows continuous exposure of all cell surfaces to the upward-flowing flame and air mixture, maximizing power generation. The compact vertical configuration minimizes the horizontal footprint while maintaining effective flame-cell interaction, transforming the space requirement from a large horizontal area to a compact vertical arrangement.
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 device achieves a total power output of at least 2 W, enabling LED lighting and mobile phone charging while maintaining cooking efficiency, with vertical orientation ensuring continuous air exposure to the cells and improved power generation.
Implementation Method 1
Metal-supported solid oxide fuel cells (MS-SOFCs) are particularly well suited to direct-flame operation due to their tolerance to thermal cycling and anode re-oxidation
Implementation Method 2
An extremely simple way to fulfill these requirements is to place the anode of the SOFC in contact with a flame, which provides the necessary heat and contains H2 and CO within the primary combustion zone
Implementation Method 3
incorporating insulation to maintain cell temperature and separate fuel and air
Data Source
AI summary
One or more embodiments relates to a portable, personal device for providing cooking and power and adapted for use with a burner, the device including a plurality of metal-supported solid oxide fuel cells (MS-SOFCs) coupled together; a microelectronic control circuit connected to at least the MS-SOFCs; a light source coupled to at least the microelectronic control circuit; and at least one USB port coupled to at least the microelectronic control circuit; whereby the device is able to simultaneously provide light and power a personal device.