Ring-Shaped SOFC Assembly for Higher Aircraft Engine Power Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft engines using hydrocarbon-based fuel have a significant carbon footprint and efficiency can be improved, while hydrogen-based fuel cells in these engines have room for enhanced packaging density and power generation.
Innovation Solution
A ring-shaped solid oxide fuel cell assembly is designed with a central and outer manifold, tubular fuel cells, and electrical contacts arranged to enhance packing density and power generation, connected in series or parallel configurations, with hydrogen distribution and exhaust management through pipes and pipes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If solid oxide fuel cells are arranged in conventional configurations, then the engine can generate electric current, but the packaging density and total power output are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested configuration where tubular fuel cells are arranged concentrically around a central shaft, with inner manifolds positioned within outer manifolds. This nesting approach allows multiple fuel cell layers to occupy the same radial space, significantly increasing packaging density and total power output without requiring additional engine volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from planar or linear fuel cell arrangements to a three-dimensional radial configuration. Fuel cells are positioned at multiple radial distances from the central shaft, utilizing the radial dimension to pack more cells into the available space. This dimensional change enables higher power density while maintaining compact engine architecture.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If hydrogen fuel cells are used to reduce carbon footprint, then environmental performance improves, but efficiency and power generation capability need enhancement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fuel cells into integrated assemblies where electrical contacts from multiple cells are merged into common collection points. This merging of electrical pathways reduces overall system resistance and improves current collection efficiency, thereby enhancing power generation capability while maintaining the zero-carbon advantage of hydrogen fuel cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates preliminary electrical contact arrangements where conductive elements are pre-positioned to establish optimal electrical pathways before fuel cell operation begins. This preliminary configuration ensures efficient current collection from the outset, maximizing power generation efficiency from the start of operation.
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 design improves packaging density and power generation efficiency, allowing for high power output and reduced fuel consumption, while maintaining mechanical power through turbine operation.
Implementation Method 1
tubular solid oxide fuel cells arranged radially with respect to the longitudinal axis between the inner manifold and the outer manifold, wherein each fuel cell comprises an anode in the form of an inner tube, an inner end of which being fluidly connected to the inner manifold and an outer end of which being fluidly connected to the outer manifold, a cathode in the form of an outer porous tube around the anode and between the anode and the cathode, an electrolyte
Implementation Method 2
The gases emitted by combustion are ejected by an ejection nozzle via a turbine. The passage of gases in the turbine makes it rotate.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns a ring-shaped solid oxide fuel cell assembly (204) for an aircraft engine, the assembly (204) comprises a ring-shaped inner manifold (204a), a ring-shaped outer manifold (204b) arranged coaxially around the inner manifold (204a), wherein one of the manifolds (204a-b) comprises a hydrogen inlet (206a) and the other comprise a hydrogen outlet (206b), a plurality of tubular solid oxide fuel cells (208) arranged radially between the manifolds (204a-b), wherein each fuel cell (208) comprises an anode (208a) in the form of an inner tube, an inner end (209a) of which being fluidly connected to the inner manifold (204a) and an outer end (209b) of which being fluidly connected to the outer manifold (204b), a cathode (208b) in the form of an outer porous tube around the anode (208a) and between the anode (208a) and the cathode (208b), an electrolyte (208c), and for each fuel cells (208), an inner electrical contact (210a) electrically connected at the inner end (209a) of said fuel cells (208) to one of the anodes (208a) or the cathodes (208b) of said fuel cell (208), and an outer electrical contact (210b) electrically connected at the outer end (209b) of said fuel cell (208) to the other of the cathode (208b) or the anode (208a) of said fuel cell (208).