Reversible Solid Oxide Fuel Cell for Scalable Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electricity storage solutions, such as pumped hydro, battery arrays, and flow cells, face limitations in scalability, environmental impact, and efficiency, particularly in large-scale applications, and fuel cells require complex hydrogen production and handling.
Innovation Solution
A reversible solid oxide fuel cell system with high-pressure gas chambers for hydrogen and oxygen, operating as a closed, passive system, using tubular cells with yttrium stabilized zirconia electrolyte, allowing for efficient storage and generation of electricity without continuous fuel supply, and utilizing waste heat for secondary applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional fuel cells with continuous fuel supply are used, then electricity generation is maintained, but system complexity increases due to hydrogen production and handling equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fuel cell and electrolyser into a single reversible device that can operate in both modes. The same cell structure performs electricity generation when fuel is supplied and hydrogen production when electricity is applied, eliminating the need for separate equipment and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The reversible fuel cell is designed to perform multiple functions: it can generate electricity from hydrogen fuel, produce hydrogen from water electrolysis, and store both chemical energy (in hydrogen) and electrical energy. This multi-functionality replaces what would traditionally require separate dedicated devices for each operation
2Quantity of substance
If battery arrays are used for large-scale storage, then electricity storage capacity is provided, but cost and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the operating parameters and chemical state of the system to achieve storage. Instead of using battery chemistry, it uses reversible electrochemical reactions in a fuel cell/electrolyser that can store energy as chemical bonds in hydrogen, offering a different approach to large-scale storage with potentially lower costs and simpler maintenance
3Quantity of substance
If flow cells are used for large-scale power storage, then flexible storage is achieved, but energy density decreases due to mass transport effects
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the active materials from solution and uses them in solid or concentrated forms within the reversible fuel cell. This eliminates the mass transport limitations and low energy density problems associated with flow cells where active materials are dissolved and must be continuously circulated
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 provides a safe, efficient, and scalable means for electricity storage and generation, reducing self-discharge and operational energy requirements, while enabling the reuse of waste heat for heating or power generation.
Implementation Method 1
A combination of unpredictable oil prices, global warming and an ageing, often ill-planned, electricity grid system in countries such as the USA and UK places many demands on electricity generation and distribution
Implementation Method 2
One common method of hydrogen production is electrolysis of water, which generally involves passing a current between catalytically active electrodes in order to split it into hydrogen and oxygen
Implementation Method 3
a reversible fuel cell having a first electrode and a second electrode separated by an ionically conducting electrolyte
Implementation Method 4
These use the constant circulation of two electrolytes, each containing one half of a reversible redox couple through electrical cells. Electricity may be stored by driving a current through the cells in order to electrochemically reduce one electrolyte whilst oxidising the other
Data Source
AI summary
An electricity storage system comprising a reversible fuel cell having a first electrode and a second electrode separated by an ionically conducting electrolyte, and at least two chambers adapted to hold fuel and/or a reaction product, wherein the system is substantially closed and at least one reactant for discharge is hydrogen or oxygen.