Reversible Fuel Cell System with High Temperature Heat Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power generation systems using renewable energy sources face challenges with intermittency and high conversion losses, particularly in isolated sites, where energy storage is costly and inefficient, especially during long-term cycles and pronounced seasonal variations.
Innovation Solution
A power generation system incorporating a reversible fuel cell module with high temperature heat storage, encapsulating the fuel cell to maintain optimal operating temperatures without active electric heat management, coupled with a combustible gas storage and secondary heat exchanger for efficient energy conversion and building heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If active electric heat management is used to maintain fuel cell temperature, then optimal operating temperature is achieved, but system complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cell system maintains its own operating temperature through self-generated heat from the electrochemical reactions. The heat produced during electricity generation is retained within the fuel cell stack and surrounding insulation, eliminating the need for external heating systems or active temperature control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The waste heat that would normally be discarded is converted into a useful resource for maintaining the fuel cell's operating temperature. This thermal energy that was previously considered a byproduct is now utilized to sustain the required temperature range, eliminating the need for separate heating systems.
2Temperature
If conventional wire wound electrical heat elements are used for temperature control, then optimal temperature is maintained, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cell generates its own operating heat through the electrochemical reactions, eliminating the need for external heating elements. The system is self-sufficient in maintaining its temperature through the inherent thermal output of the fuel cell process itself.
3Duration of action of moving object
If batteries are used for long-term energy storage in isolated sites, then energy availability is improved, but cost and effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the state of energy storage from electrical (in batteries) to chemical (in hydrogen fuel). By converting excess electricity into hydrogen through electrolysis and storing it chemically, the system achieves long-term storage capability with significantly reduced costs and without the degradation issues associated with battery cycling over seasonal periods.
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 system reduces conversion losses and enhances overall energy efficiency by maintaining optimal fuel cell operation temperatures and utilizing excess heat for both electricity generation and building heating, thereby improving autonomy and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a reversible fuel cell module exhibiting a electrolysis functioning mode where the fuel cell module is powered by the renewable energy source for generation of a combustible gas
Implementation Method 2
a fuel cell functioning mode where the fuel cell module generates electricity from a combustible gas
Implementation Method 3
a high temperature heat storage coupled to said reversible fuel cell module for maintaining the reversible fuel cell module in a operation temperature range
Implementation Method 4
the reversible fuel cell module is encapsulated by the high temperature heat storage
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a power generation system comprising: - at least one renewable energy source (5), - a reversible fuel cell module (9) exhibiting a electrolysis functioning mode where the fuel cell module (9) is powered by the renewable energy source (5) for generation of a combustible gas and a fuel cell functioning mode where the fuel cell module (9) generates electricity from a combustible gas, - a high temperature heat storage (19) coupled to said reversible fuel cell module (9) for maintaining the reversible fuel cell module (9) in a operation temperature range in the electrolysis functioning mode, - a combustible gas storage (17) coupled to the reversible fuel cell module (9) for storing the combustible gas generated by the reversible fuel cell module (9) in the electrolysis functioning mode and for supplying the combustible gas to the reversible fuel cell module (9) in the fuel cell function mode, where the reversible fuel cell module (9) is encapsulated by the high temperature heat storage (19).