Reformer Fuel Cell Dual Separator Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reformer fuel cell systems face limitations in dynamic power response due to sluggish reaction times, making it difficult to meet the dynamic power requirements of submarines and other applications.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using a dual gas separation system with a first and second gas separator to efficiently separate and store fuel, allowing for quick adaptation to changing load conditions by supplying fuel from storage or the separators directly to the fuel cell, thereby bypassing the limitations of the reformer's temporal dynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the reformer fuel cell system uses a single gas separator configuration, then the system structure is simple, but the system cannot respond quickly to dynamic power requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the gas separation function into two separate gas separators instead of using one large separator. The first gas separator handles bulk separation and fills the accumulator during normal operation, while the second gas separator provides rapid fuel supply during transient conditions. This segmentation allows the system to achieve fast response to dynamic power requirements while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by using the first gas separator to continuously fill the fuel accumulator during steady-state operation, so that fuel is pre-stored and readily available. When dynamic power requirements arise, the fuel cell can immediately draw from the pre-filled accumulator, eliminating the need to wait for the reformer to respond. This preliminary fuel storage action enables rapid system response without requiring complex real-time control of the reformer.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the reformer operates at high capacity to meet peak demand, then power output is sufficient, but the system cannot adapt quickly to load changes due to reformer sluggishness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate fuel accumulator between the reformer and the fuel cell. The first gas separator feeds into this accumulator, which acts as a buffer or mediator. During steady-state operation, the accumulator is filled with separated fuel. During transient load changes, the accumulator provides or absorbs fuel as needed, decoupling the slow reformer from the fast-response fuel cell. This intermediary allows the system to adapt quickly to load changes without being constrained by the reformer's slow reaction time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary fuel separation and storage in the accumulator during normal operation, so that fuel is ready in advance for rapid delivery during transient conditions. This preliminary action enables the fuel cell to respond immediately to load changes without waiting for the reformer to adjust its production rate, thereby achieving high adaptability to load changes despite the reformer's inherent sluggishness.
3Reliability
If excess fuel is separated during low demand, then fuel availability is ensured for peak demand, but the fuel must be burned or cooled in the reformer causing thermal issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the excess fuel separation function from the reformer process by introducing a first gas separator that operates in parallel with the reformer. This gas separator separates fuel from reformate and directs it to the accumulator, allowing excess fuel to be stored without passing through the reformer. By taking out the fuel separation and storage function from the thermal reformer process, the system ensures fuel availability for peak demand while avoiding the thermal issues that would result from burning or cooling excess fuel in the reformer.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel accumulator serves as an intermediary that receives separated fuel from the first gas separator and supplies it to the fuel cell as needed. During low demand periods, excess fuel is stored in the accumulator rather than being processed through the reformer, preventing thermal issues. During peak demand, the accumulator releases stored fuel to meet the fuel cell's requirements. This intermediary storage mechanism ensures reliable fuel availability while maintaining stable thermal conditions in the reformer.
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 enables reliable operation of reformer fuel cell systems under large and rapid load changes, avoiding fuel wastage and thermal issues by allowing quick fuel supply adjustments and reducing the reliance on the reformer's reaction time.
Implementation Method 1
fuel for operating the fuel cell is separated from the reformate of the reformer by means of the first and second gas separators, i.e. the first and second gas separators filter the fuel out of the reformate
Data Source
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AI summary
The method involves supplying a hydrogen-containing reformate of a reformer partially to two membrane filters, where the reformer is operated with a fuel that comprises hydrocarbon i.e. methanol, and water. A gaseous fuel i.e. hydrogen, separated by one of the filters is supplied to a gas pressure reservoir before the fuel is supplied to a fuel cell in case of need. The supply of the fuel to the reservoir is omitted or reduced if the supply of the fuel is not needed. The fuel separated by the other filter is continuously supplied to the cell. An independent claim is also included for a reformer fuel cell system.