Reversible Hydrogen Power System Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for producing electric power from hydrogen using fuel cells and hydrogen from electric power using electrolytic cells lack an integrated strategy for managing operations based on instantaneous local conditions, leading to inefficiencies and high maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a reversible electric power-hydrogen conversion stage with a fuel cell stack and an electrolyzer, along with a management stage that adjusts hydrogen pressure and electric power conditions based on user input and local conditions, enabling efficient production and storage of hydrogen and electric power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electrolyzer is arranged by the side of an electric generator to reintegrate hydrogen consumed by the fuel cell, then hydrogen storage is improved, but the system lacks integrated management strategy for instantaneous local conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The management stage is designed to perform multiple functions: it manages both the fuel cell stack and electrolyzer, handles electric power conditioning, controls hydrogen pressure regulation, and adapts to different operating modes (power generation, hydrogen production, standby) based on instantaneous local conditions and user input
2Quantity of substance
If hydrogen pressure is increased to improve storage density, then hydrogen storage capacity is improved, but safety risks and maintenance needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts hydrogen pressure parameters based on operational needs and storage conditions. The pressure regulation unit modifies pressure levels to optimize storage capacity while maintaining safety within acceptable ranges, changing pressure parameters rather than operating at fixed high pressure
3Device complexity
If the system operates without integrated management strategy, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The management stage implements feedback control by continuously monitoring system conditions (electric power availability, hydrogen storage levels, local conditions) and adjusting the operation of fuel cells and electrolyzer accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables optimized productivity without requiring overly complex manual control systems
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 achieves reliable, cost-effective, and efficient operation by optimizing hydrogen production and storage, reducing maintenance needs, and integrating strategies for improved performance.
Implementation Method 1
They are devices which, by taking advantage from an electrochemical reaction, may convert chemical power into electric power
Implementation Method 2
hydrogen from electric power by means of electrolytic cells
Implementation Method 3
The electrolyte is generally saturated with a ionic carrier fluid (e.g. water) so that the hydrogen ions may cross it from anode to cathode
Implementation Method 4
Hydrogen is then fed to the anode and diffuses into the catalytic coating and disassociates into hydrogen ions and electrons
Data Source
AI summary
A method for producing electric power from hydrogen and hydrogen from electric power, comprising:a reversible electric power-hydrogen conversion stage comprising a fuel cell stack to produce electric power from stored hydrogen and an electrolytic cell stack to produce hydrogen from electric power;a hydrogen pressure modification stage to modify the pressure of hydrogen supplied to or produced from the reversible electric power-hydrogen conversion stage;an electric power management and conditioning stage to condition electric power from/to the reversible electric power-hydrogen conversion stage; anda management stage to differentially manage the operation of the reversible electric power-hydrogen conversion stage, the hydrogen pressure modification stage and the electric power management and conditioning stage according to whether the system produces electric power from hydrogen or hydrogen from electric power and on a user-settable operation management strategy.