Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Module with Integrated Bulkhead Gas Flow Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) face challenges in reducing installation space, leading to increased size, and suffer from temperature and oxygen concentration distributions within the electric power generating chamber, which can impair performance and damage the air electrode.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a fuel cell design featuring a gas flow path with interconnected spaces and strategically placed flow holes, along with an oxidant discharge method utilizing a duct with introduction holes on the inner wall, to uniformly supply and discharge oxidants, reducing installation space and rectifying flow patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If air pipes are installed on the side surface of the fuel cell module to supply oxidant to the electric power generating chamber, then the oxidant supply function is achieved, but the installation space increases and the module size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the oxidant supply passage with the bulkhead structure itself. The bulkhead is configured with an inner space that serves as the oxidant supply passage, eliminating the need for separate air pipes. This merging of functions reduces the installation space while maintaining the oxidant supply capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bulkhead serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, acts as a separator between chambers, and simultaneously functions as the oxidant supply passage. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing the overall installation space.
2Area of stationary object
If air pipes are arranged on the shorter side of the fuel cell module, then the installation space on the side surface is reduced, but the entire module size increases in the direction of the longer side
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional surface mounting approach to a three-dimensional internal space utilization. By using the inner space of the bulkhead for oxidant supply, the design moves the passage from the surface dimension to the internal volume dimension, avoiding increases in both width and length.
3Reliability
If the air discharge header has a U-shaped cross section with open inner surface, then the air discharge function is achieved, but the oxidant flow becomes biased toward shorter sides and temperature distribution occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces flow holes at specific locations on the longer sides of the air discharge header to create localized flow control. This ensures that oxidant is discharged uniformly across all regions of the electric power generating chamber, preventing temperature distribution by addressing the flow bias at specific critical locations.
4Shape
If bulkheads are arranged with longer sides adjacent to each other, then the fuel cell module structure is formed, but the oxidant supply requires large installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the oxidant supply passage function into the bulkhead structure itself. By configuring the bulkhead with an inner space that serves as the passage, the design eliminates the need for separate air pipes that would require additional installation space between adjacent bulkheads.
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 approach reduces the size of the SOFC, ensures uniform oxidant distribution, prevents temperature and oxygen concentration distributions, and enhances the reliability and durability of the fuel cell by improving electric power generation efficiency and preventing electrode damage.
Implementation Method 1
an electrolyte which is interposed therebetween and passes only ions
Implementation Method 2
a fuel cell which is an electric power generating device based on an electric power generating method using an electrochemical reaction
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a fuel cell capable of reducing the size thereof by reducing the installation space. The fuel cell includs a plurality of cell tubes, a lower tube plate fixing one end portion of the plurality of cell tubes, a gas flow path portion communicatively connected to an electric power generating chamber through the lower tube plate, a fuel discharge header and an air supply passage provided in the gas flow path portion, in which the fuel discharge header is communicatively connected to an interior of the cell tubes on one surface side and is adjacent to the air supply passage on the other surface and a side surface with a metal member interposed therebetween.