Solid Oxide Fuel Cell System Air Cooling Heat Exchanger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel cell systems based on solid oxide fuel cells face challenges in ensuring a long service life, efficient operation, and cost-effective cooling without an external water supply, particularly in warm installation locations where overheating risks are high.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell system design that includes a second heat exchanger connected to an air supply line for temperature control of fuel cell exhaust gas or the heat transfer medium, utilizing an air-independent exhaust gas system to prevent overheating and reduce the complexity and cost of cooling, while recirculating condensate to maintain a stable water supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the inverter is used to convert direct current to alternating current, then electrical energy can be supplied to the grid, but waste heat is released into the installation room causing overheating risks
Solution Approach 1:
A heat exchanger is introduced as an intermediary component between the inverter and the installation room environment. The heat exchanger transfers waste heat from the inverter to the fuel cell exhaust gas, preventing the heat from being released into the installation room while still allowing the inverter to perform its electrical energy conversion function
2Quantity of substance
If the exhaust gas is cooled to condense water vapor, then condensate can be recovered for process water supply, but the heating circuit may overheat causing excess pressure
Solution Approach 1:
A control system continuously monitors the temperature of the heat transfer medium in the heating circuit and adjusts the operation of the second heat exchanger accordingly. When the heating circuit temperature approaches dangerous levels, the control system increases cooling capacity in the second heat exchanger to prevent overheating and excess pressure while maintaining sufficient condensate recovery
3Temperature
If additional cooling equipment is installed to prevent overheating, then temperature control is improved, but equipment complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling function is merged with the existing exhaust gas heat recovery system. The second heat exchanger utilizes the temperature difference between the exhaust gas and the heat transfer medium to provide cooling capacity, eliminating the need for separate cooling equipment such as peak boilers or additional compressors
4Quantity of substance
If external water supply is used to ensure sufficient condensate, then water availability is improved, but installation work and water treatment complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to be self-sufficient by maximizing condensate recovery from the fuel cell exhaust gas through optimized heat exchanger operation. The recirculation of condensate within the system eliminates the need for external water supply connections and complex water treatment facilities, as the recovered condensate is already purified through the condensation process
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 design enhances the efficiency and service life of the fuel cell system by ensuring sufficient condensate formation and preventing overheating, eliminating the need for external water supply and reducing equipment complexity, thus maintaining consistent operation without overheating risks.
Implementation Method 1
a first heat exchanger, which is arranged in a heating circuit for a heat transfer medium, the fuel cell system having a recirculation for a condensate of the fuel cell exhaust gas
Implementation Method 2
a second heat exchanger for temperature control of the fuel cell exhaust gas or the heat transfer medium of the heating circuit, which is connected to an air supply line
Implementation Method 3
By cooling the exhaust gas, the water vapor produced as a product in the fuel cell process can condense and be brought back into the process via water treatment
Implementation Method 4
the oxidizing agent, usually air or atmospheric oxygen, is supplied via a further compressor
Implementation Method 5
In the fuel cells themselves, hydrogen and carbon monoxide react to form water vapor and carbon dioxide
Implementation Method 6
In a reformer, the natural gas usually used is converted into hydrogen and carbon monoxide, with steam reforming being carried out to achieve high efficiency
Implementation Method 7
Excess (natural) gas and excess air are burned in the afterburning zone. The hot exhaust gas from the afterburning zone is used for the following purposes
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2a
AI summary
The invention relates to a fuel cell system (1) based on solid oxide fuel cells, comprising at least one fuel cell (5) which has at least one inlet (4) and at least one outlet (10). A fuel cell exhaust gas (12) is conducted from the outlet (10) to a first heat exchanger (20) arranged in a heating circuit (22) for a heat carrier medium, and the fuel cell system (1) has a feedback for a condensate of the fuel cell exhaust gas (12). The aim of the invention is a long service life of the fuel cells with little work, expenditure, and technical complexity. This is achieved in that the fuel cell system (1) has a second heat exchanger (19) for controlling the temperature of the fuel cell exhaust gas (12) or the heat carrier medium of the heating circuit (22), said second heat exchanger being connected to an air supply line (15). In the process, the temperature of the fuel cell exhaust gas (12) or of the heat carrier medium of the heating circuit (22), said gas and medium being connected via the first heat exchanger (20) so as to exchange heat, is adjusted in the second heat exchanger (19) using air.