Spiral Gas Superheating System for Compact SOEC/SOFC Stack Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high-temperature solid oxide electrolysis and fuel cell systems face challenges with complex and bulky gas superheating systems, which increase size and complexity, and require costly and time-consuming treatments to prevent pollution, while also limiting compact system integration.
Innovation Solution
A compact, removable, and reusable gas superheating system with a spiral geometry is introduced, allowing for efficient gas flow and reduced bulk, eliminating the need for lengthy tubular windings and enabling easy thermocouple placement for precise temperature measurement, and reducing pollution treatment needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional tubular gas superheating systems are used, then gas heating function is achieved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gas superheating system is segmented into multiple heating zones arranged in series, with each zone containing heating elements and gas flow channels. This segmentation allows distributed heating along the gas flow path, achieving high temperature without requiring a single large complex heater, thus reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective gas superheating
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where heating elements are positioned within or around gas flow channels, and multiple heating zones are arranged concentrically or in series. This nesting allows compact integration of heating components within the stack structure, reducing the space and complexity required for gas superheating while achieving the necessary temperature rise
2Temperature
If lengthy tubular windings are used for gas superheating, then gas heating is achieved, but installation complexity and pollution treatment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The superheating system is divided into discrete modular heating zones that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each zone contains standardized heating elements and channel structures that can be produced separately and then integrated into the final stack, eliminating the need for complex custom-bent tubular windings and simplifying both manufacturing and installation processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional linear tubular windings to a multi-dimensional arrangement of heating zones with gas flow channels configured in series and parallel pathways. This dimensional reorganization allows gas to follow an optimized flow path through multiple heating zones without requiring lengthy bent tubes, simplifying installation while achieving the same heating effect
3Volume of moving object
If compact gas superheating system is implemented, then system integration is improved, but gas flow efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The compact superheating system uses segmented heating zones with optimized channel dimensions and cross-sectional areas. Each zone is designed with appropriate flow channel sizing to maintain adequate gas flow velocity and prevent excessive pressure drop, ensuring that even in a compact configuration, sufficient gas flow rate is maintained throughout the heating process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates adjustable or variable flow resistance elements within the heating zones, allowing the gas flow characteristics to be dynamically optimized. This enables the compact system to adapt flow distribution across different heating zones, maintaining efficient gas flow rate despite reduced overall volume by dynamically balancing pressure drops and flow velocities
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 solution provides a more compact and efficient gas superheating system that simplifies installation, reduces size and complexity, allows for precise temperature control, and minimizes pollution, enhancing the performance and integration of high-temperature solid oxide stacks.
Implementation Method 1
at least one heating body in contact with it
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a system (40) for overheating gases (GS) at the inlet of a SOEC/SOFC-type solid oxide stack, characterised in that it comprises a main body (41) comprising first (Z1) and second (Z2) zones separated by a median plane (M), and inflow (42) and outflow (43) conduits. Said zones comprise gas circulation circuits (C1, C2) extending in the form of a spiral and communicating by means of a passage (44) passing through the main body (41). A gas flow to be heated (GE) entering the inflow conduit (42) circulates in the first gas circulation circuit (C1) and passes through the passage (44) to then circulate in the second gas circulation circuit (C2) and in the conduit (43) for the outflow of the reheated gases (GS) in order to reach the inlet of the SOEC/SOFC-type solid oxide stack.