Vertically Stacked Power Modules with Common Exhaust Plenum
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fuel cell systems are too large for small urban spaces and lack a simple way to connect to ducting systems for indoor applications, posing challenges in size, mobility, and ventilation.
Innovation Solution
A power generating system with vertically stacked power modules, a common exhaust plenum, and thermoelectric devices integrated with the exhaust plenum, which includes series-wired thermoelectric devices connected to DC/DC converters and mounted on the exhaust plenum to manage airflow and heat effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If power modules are arranged in horizontally distributed configuration, then heat dissipation is effective, but system size becomes too large for small urban spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal distribution to vertical stacking of power modules, utilizing the vertical dimension to reduce footprint area while maintaining effective heat dissipation through the exhaust plenum system that collects and manages thermal energy from all stacked modules
2Area of stationary object
If power modules are arranged in vertically stacked levels, then system compactness is improved, but exhaust management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges individual exhaust streams from multiple vertically stacked power modules into a single common exhaust plenum, simplifying the overall exhaust management system by combining multiple functions into one integrated structure rather than requiring separate exhaust paths for each module
3Loss of energy
If thermoelectric devices are integrated with exhaust plenum, then heat recovery efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates thermoelectric devices directly into the exhaust plenum structure, merging the heat recovery function with the existing exhaust management system rather than adding separate heat recovery equipment, thereby improving energy efficiency while minimizing additional structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The exhaust plenum serves multiple functions simultaneously: it collects exhaust from vertically stacked modules, manages thermal energy through integrated thermoelectric devices, and provides a unified interface for ducting connections, demonstrating multi-functionality that addresses multiple requirements without proportionally increasing complexity
4Ease of operation
If common exhaust plenum is used for multiple power modules, then ducting connection simplicity is improved, but thermal management difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines thermal management functions within the common exhaust plenum by integrating thermoelectric devices that actively recover and utilize heat energy, transforming the plenum from a passive exhaust collection structure into an active thermal management system that simplifies ducting while controlling temperature
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 configuration allows for compact fuel cell systems that can be easily integrated into small spaces and ventilated efficiently, enhancing mobility and indoor installation capabilities while protecting sensitive electronics from corrosion and heat.
Implementation Method 1
thermoelectric devices that are thermally integrated with the common exhaust plenum
Implementation Method 2
thermoelectric devices mounted on a surface of the common exhaust plenum such that hotter air from the exhaust plenums passes along an inner surface
Implementation Method 3
colder air from cabinets of the power modules passes along an outer surface
Data Source
AI summary
A power generating system includes power modules disposed in vertically stacked levels, exhaust plenums that extend vertically through the levels of power modules and are configured to receive exhaust output from the power modules, and an exhaust conduit that extends horizontally across an uppermost level of the power modules and is fluidly connected to the exhaust plenums.