SOEC Pressure Regulation via Automated Valves and Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for regulating pressure in high-temperature electrolysis and fuel-cell stacks face challenges in maintaining seal-tightness and efficiently managing pressure differentials, especially when operating under pressure, leading to hydrogen loss and increased costs due to the need for complex and costly buffer volumes.

Innovation Solution

A system with flow-rate regulators, pressure sensors, and automatically controlled valves that manage the flow of gases within and around the stack to maintain minimal pressure differences across chambers, ensuring seal-tightness and efficient operation from atmospheric pressure to several bars, using heating to prevent condensation and optimize gas flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complex buffer volumes are used to maintain pressure differentials, then pressure regulation is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure regulationVSAvoidbuffer volumes

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the need for complex buffer volumes by using a simplified pressure regulation system with sensors and control valves that directly manage pressure differentials across the stack, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable pressure control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces mechanical buffer volumes with an automated control system using pressure sensors and electronically controlled valves, substituting a passive mechanical approach with an active sensing and control system that achieves the same pressure regulation function with less complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If pressure differentials are not properly managed, then operational simplicity is maintained, but seal-tightness is compromised leading to hydrogen loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal-tightnessVSAvoidhydrogen loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention implements a feedback control system where pressure sensors continuously monitor pressure differentials across the stack, and control valves automatically adjust to maintain pressure balance, ensuring seal-tightness is preserved and preventing hydrogen loss through proper pressure management

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The invention proactively maintains pressure differentials within safe ranges through continuous control, preventing conditions that could compromise seal-tightness before they occur, thereby cushioning against potential hydrogen loss from seal failures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Productivity

If wet gas is regulated without heating, then energy consumption is reduced, but condensation occurs affecting gas flow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas flow efficiencyVSAvoidheating energy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the temperature parameter of the wet gas by incorporating heating means, raising the gas temperature above the dew point to prevent condensation, thereby maintaining gas flow efficiency and productivity while accepting the associated energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution allows for precise regulation of pressure within the stack, reducing hydrogen loss and operational complexity, while ensuring seal-tightness and efficient gas management, making it suitable for industrial-scale applications.

Implementation Method 1

pressure sensors (PH, PO) that are able to measure the pressure in each of the first and second chambers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure measurement:

Implementation Method 2

means for heating the lines containing the wet gas to a temperature above the condensation temperature of this wet gas at the maximum pressure Pmax in question

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 3

at least two regulating valves (VH, VO) that are arranged outside the enclosure and on the outlet lines of the one or more first chambers and of the one or more second chambers, respectively

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential flow: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS10876213B2Water electrolysis system (SOEC) or fuel cell (SOFC) operating under pressure in a tight enclosure with improved regulation

Publication Date: 2020.12.29 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES

AI summary

A system for regulating the pressure of a high-temperature electrolysis or co-electrolysis (HTE) reactor or a fuel cell (SOFC) operating under pressure. The operation of the system includes: regulating the DH wet gas flow upstream of one of the chambers so as to ensure the electrochemical stability of the predetermined operating point; regulating the DO gas flow upstream of the at least one second chamber so as to ensure gas scavenging in the at least one second chamber, and in the enclosure; regulating the flow of second gas circulating in the enclosure, downstream of the enclosure, so as to ensure the detection of leaks and safety in relation thereto and to prevent the formation of an explosive atmosphere; and controlling the pressure, by means of the regulation valves arranged downstream of the stack, on the gases, including the wet gas, which are also generally hot.