U.S. patent application number 12/589914 was filed with the patent office on 2010-03-04 for energy storage system.
This patent application is currently assigned to AeroVironment Inc.. Invention is credited to Bart D. Hibbs, William M. Parks, Omourtag A. Velev.
Application Number | 20100055512 12/589914 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31715624 |
Filed Date | 2010-03-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100055512 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hibbs; Bart D. ; et
al. |
March 4, 2010 |
ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM
Abstract
A closed loop energy storage system configured with a hydrogen
tank, an oxygen tank, a fuel cell stack and an electrolyzer. A heat
exchanger freeze-dries the hydrogen and oxygen prior to their
storage in their respective tanks. The heat exchanger also uses
excess fuel cell heat to preheat streams of hydrogen and oxygen
coming from the tanks. Phase separators serve both to separate
water from hydrogen and oxygen, and to store the water. A thermal
management system encloses all the system components except the
tanks. An airfoil-shaped shell covers the system, and the larger of
the two tanks extends substantially across the shell at its point
of greatest camber thickness. The tanks are composed of polymer
liners integral with composite shells.
Inventors: |
Hibbs; Bart D.; (Altadena,
CA) ; Parks; William M.; (Simi Valley, CA) ;
Velev; Omourtag A.; (La Crescenta, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE LAW OFFICE OF JOHN A. GRIECCI
703 PIER AVE., SUITE B #657
HERMOSA BEACH
CA
90254
US
|
Assignee: |
AeroVironment Inc.
|
Family ID: |
31715624 |
Appl. No.: |
12/589914 |
Filed: |
October 30, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11981202 |
Oct 31, 2007 |
7611789 |
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12589914 |
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10418737 |
Apr 17, 2003 |
7531254 |
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11981202 |
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60373301 |
Apr 17, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
429/456 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02E 60/36 20130101;
H01M 8/04768 20130101; Y02T 50/55 20180501; B64C 2201/042 20130101;
H01M 8/04373 20130101; Y02T 50/44 20130101; Y02T 50/60 20130101;
Y02T 50/62 20130101; Y02P 20/133 20151101; H01M 8/04097 20130101;
Y02T 90/36 20130101; H01M 8/04164 20130101; H01M 8/0656 20130101;
Y02E 60/368 20130101; B64D 2211/00 20130101; Y02E 60/50 20130101;
H01M 8/186 20130101; B64D 2041/005 20130101; Y02P 20/134 20151101;
Y02T 90/40 20130101; Y02T 50/40 20130101; Y02E 60/528 20130101;
B64D 27/24 20130101; Y02T 50/50 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
429/13 |
International
Class: |
H01M 8/00 20060101
H01M008/00 |
Claims
1. A method for storing available energy and providing needed
energy, using a fuel tank configured to store dried gaseous fuel;
an oxidizer tank configured to store dried gaseous oxidizer; a fuel
cell stack configured to react gaseous fuel with gaseous oxidizer
to form a liquid product; an electrolyzer stack configured to
separate the liquid product into humid fuel and humid oxidizer; and
a heat exchanger, comprising: operating the fuel cell stack using
gaseous fuel from the fuel tank and gaseous oxidizer from the
oxidizer tank to produce the liquid product and electrical energy
during times when energy is needed; operating the heat exchanger
during fuel cell stack operation to preheat the gaseous fuel from
the fuel tank and the gaseous oxidizer from the oxidizer tank prior
to the gaseous fuel and the gaseous oxidizer being reacted in the
fuel cell stack; operating the electrolyzer stack to separate
liquid product into humid fuel that includes gaseous fuel and
product humidity, and humid oxidizer that includes gaseous oxidizer
and product humidity, during times when energy is available;
operating the heat exchanger during electrolyzer stack operation to
freeze the product humidity out of the humid fuel and the humid
oxidizer to produce dried gaseous fuel and dried gaseous
oxidizer.
2. The method of claim 2, wherein during fuel cell stack operation,
heat from the fuel cell is used by the heat exchanger to preheat
the gaseous fuel and gaseous oxidizer.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation application of
application Ser. No. 11/981,202, filed Oct. 31, 2007, which is a
divisional of application Ser. No. 10/418,737, filed Apr. 17, 2003,
now U.S. Pat. No. 7,531,254, which claims priority from U.S.
provisional patent application 60/373,301, filed Apr. 17, 2002,
each of which are incorporated herein by reference for all
purposes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] This invention relates generally to methods and apparatus
for storing energy and, more particularly, to energy storage
systems for high-altitude, light weight, long duration solar
powered aircraft, and related methods.
[0003] Aircraft are used in a wide variety of applications,
including travel, transportation, fire fighting, surveillance and
combat. Various aircraft have been designed to fill the wide array
of functional roles defined by these applications. Included among
these aircraft are balloons, dirigibles, traditional fixed wing
aircraft, flying wings and helicopters.
[0004] One functional role that a few aircraft have been designed
to fill is that of a tightly stationed (i.e., maintained in a
small, laterally and vertically limited airspace), high-altitude
(e.g., stratospheric), long-duration platform. Operating from high,
suborbital altitudes at temperatures well below the freezing point
of water, such aircraft can operate as communication relay stations
between ground-based and space-based stations. However, to have
truly long flight durations, the aircraft must either carry enough
fuel to last extreme lengths of time or have the ability to refuel
and/or recharge its energy storage system.
[0005] Given the broad range of functions that a long-duration,
tightly stationed, suborbital platform has the potential to
perform, it is desirable to design such platforms to be capable of
handling larger payloads and power demands, which typically drain
resources necessary to maintain flight through a full range of
typical weather conditions.
[0006] One potential source of power that can be used to recharge
an aircraft's energy storage is solar power. However, solar power
is intermittent, and solar-powered aircraft must have significant
energy storage systems to store enough energy to fly through each
night during a flight.
[0007] Therefore, there exists a definite need for apparatus and
related methods for repeatedly storing and discharging energy.
Preferably, using such methods, such an apparatus should be able to
operate up to very high, suborbital altitudes for a long period of
time. Importantly, it is desirable for such apparatus to have
significant energy storage capacity while weighing as little as
possible. Furthermore, it is preferable for such an apparatus to be
relatively inexpensive to build, maintain and operate and,
furthermore, be relatively pollution-free. Various embodiments of
the present invention can meet some or all of these needs, and
provide further, related advantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In various embodiments, the present invention solves some or
all of the needs mentioned above, providing an energy storage
system and related aircraft structures, as well as related
methods.
[0009] A closed loop energy storage system of the invention
typically includes a fuel cell stack configured to react a gaseous
fuel with a gaseous oxidizer to produce a liquid product and
electrical power, and an electrolyzer stack configured to separate
the liquid product into a humid fuel including the gaseous fuel and
product humidity, and a humid oxidizer including the gaseous
oxidizer and product humidity. The energy storage system also
typically includes a fuel tank configured to store dried, gaseous
fuel and an oxidizer tank configured to store dried, gaseous
oxidizer.
[0010] A preferred feature of the invention is a heat exchanger
configured to remove the product humidity from the humid fuel and
the humid oxidizer by freezing the product humidity, to produce
dried, gaseous fuel and dried, gaseous oxidizer, wherein the heat
exchanger is further configured to preheat the gaseous fuel from
the fuel tank and the gaseous oxidizer from the oxidizer tank prior
to their being reacted in the fuel cell stack. Advantageously, this
bidirectional feature will generally provide for weight reduction
and system simplification. The weight reduction allows for superior
performance for a given set of flight parameters, and the system
simplification contributes to reliability and cost efficiency.
[0011] A second preferred feature of the invention is that the heat
exchanger is configured to use excess heat from the fuel cell stack
to preheat the gaseous fuel from the fuel tank and the gaseous
oxidizer from the oxidizer tank. This feature generally provides
for energy-efficiency.
[0012] A third preferred feature of the invention is that the
system may further include phase separators that serve both to
separate gaseous reactants from liquid reaction product, and to
store the liquid reaction product for use in the electrolyzer. This
feature generally provides for a structurally, functionally and
thermodynamically simpler system.
[0013] A fourth preferred feature of the invention is that the
system may further include a thermal management system for
product-containing components but not for the storage tanks, along
with the heat exchanger/drier. This feature generally provides for
cost and weight efficiency.
[0014] A fifth preferred feature of the invention is that the
system may further include an airfoil-shaped outer shell containing
the storage tanks, wherein the larger tank extends substantially
across the airfoil-shaped outer shell profile at its point of
greatest camber thickness. This feature generally provides for
weight and aerodynamic efficiency.
[0015] A sixth preferred feature of the invention is that the
system storage tanks may be composed of polymer liners integral
with composite shells. This feature generally provides for weight
efficiency.
[0016] Other features and advantages of the invention will become
apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred
embodiments, taken with the accompanying drawings, which
illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. The
detailed description of particular preferred embodiments, as set
out below to enable one to build and use an embodiment of the
invention, are not intended to limit the enumerated claims, but
rather, they are intended to serve as particular examples of the
claimed invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a solar aircraft
power system.
[0018] FIG. 2A is a right side, elevational cross-section view of
an energy storage system pod embodying the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 2B is a left side, elevational cross-section view of
the energy storage system pod depicted in FIG. 2A.
[0020] FIG. 2C is a top plan, cross-section view of the energy
storage system pod depicted in FIG. 2A.
[0021] FIG. 2D is a bottom plan, cross-section view of the energy
storage system pod depicted in FIG. 2A.
[0022] FIG. 2E is a front elevational, cross-section view of the
energy storage system pod depicted in FIG. 2A.
[0023] FIG. 2F is a rear elevational, cross-section view of the
energy storage system pod depicted in FIG. 2A.
[0024] FIG. 2G is a top plan airfoil configuration drawing of the
energy storage system pod depicted in FIG. 2A, showing the camber
at various chord locations.
[0025] FIG. 3A is a left, rear perspective view of internal
portions of the energy storage system pod depicted in FIG. 2A.
[0026] FIG. 3B is a right, front perspective view of the internal
portions depicted in FIG. 3A.
[0027] FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram of the energy storage system
pod depicted in FIG. 2A.
[0028] FIG. 4B is a detailed schematic diagram of a first portion
of the energy storage system pod depicted in FIG. 2A.
[0029] FIG. 4C is a detailed schematic diagram of a second portion
of the energy storage system pod depicted in FIG. 2A.
[0030] FIG. 4D is a detailed schematic diagram of a third portion
of the energy storage system pod depicted in FIG. 2A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0031] The present invention provides an energy storage system.
Features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from
the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments,
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which
illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
[0032] With reference to FIG. 1, a solar aircraft power system 101,
including a first energy storage system 103 embodying the
invention, includes solar cells 105 to provide power through a
power bus 107 for aircraft motors 109 and other aircraft loads such
as aircraft control systems 111 (including the energy storage
system control system) and various active payloads 113. The solar
cells also provide enough excess power to charge the energy storage
system during the day so that the energy storage system can provide
electrical energy to operate some or all of the aircraft's
electrical loads when solar power is limited or not available, such
as at night. Preferably, the energy storage system uses an
electrolyzer stack 115 and a fuel cell stack 117 to store and
release power, respectively.
[0033] The energy storage system is electrically connected to the
aircraft's electrical power bus via DC-DC converter circuitry 119
configured to accommodate the voltage level requirements of the
electrolyzer stack and the fuel cell stack. More particularly, a
lightweight, high-efficiency bidirectional DC-DC converter is
preferably used to connect the fuel cell and the electrolyzer stack
to the main aircraft power bus, which preferably operates between
70 and 170 V DC. The DC-DC converter preferably operates at high
conversion efficiencies. Since the optimum fuel cell and
electrolyzer stack voltages might differ in preferred voltage
ranges (e.g., 50-85 V for the fuel cell and 60-90 V for the
electrolyzer), a converter might be essential for connecting the
stacks to the main power bus. A high-efficiency converter provides
the flexibility to optimize the stack electrochemical performance
and packaging to achieve efficient, lightweight, and reliable stack
designs.
[0034] It may become possible in the future to make stacks with
operational voltages in the same range as the bus voltage. This
would allow for direct connection of the fuel cell to the bus
without a DC-DC converter, resulting in a small efficiency gain.
During the daytime a DC-DC converter is still preferred. This is
because during the daytime it is necessary to provide sufficient
power to the propulsion system while keeping the bus voltage at a
value that maximizes solar array power output. These two
requirements need two controls to achieve. Here, the two controls
are the motor throttle and the DC-DC voltage ratio.
[0035] Preferably an autonomous, fault-tolerant control system is
used to control the energy storage system pod. Dual redundant
energy storage system control computers are preferably used in each
pod to collect data and control system components. In the event one
energy storage system computer fails, the second energy storage
system control computer automatically takes over control of the
energy storage system. Sensors are used to collect system health
information that is used by the control system to optimize
performance and ensure safe operation. Predefined safety checks are
automatically performed to ensure all system operating parameters
are within limits. The system health data are downloaded via an RF
link and displayed on ground control computers. Warnings are
displayed on the ground control screens when any parameter exceeds
predefined limits. Automated shutdowns occur when key safety limits
are exceeded. The charging and discharging cycle is fully
automated, with manual overrides.
Energy Storage System Pod
[0036] With reference to FIGS. 2A-2G and 3A-3B, the energy storage
system is preferably a closed loop system contained in a pod 201
that hangs down from the wing of the aircraft. Under the direction
of its control system, the energy storage system stores excess
power provided by aircraft's solar array during the day and
provides the power needed to operate the solar aircraft at night.
Preferably, more than one pod is mounted on an aircraft to provide
additional storage capacity and redundancy, and the pods are
modular. The energy storage system pods are lightweight and operate
at high-efficiency, preferably enabling the solar aircraft to fly
continuously (up to six months or more) at high altitudes, above
commercial air traffic lanes and the jet stream, without landing.
An example of an appropriate aircraft for using such pods may be
found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,810,284, which is incorporated herein by
reference for all purposes.
[0037] The pod defines a forward and rearward direction based on
the aircraft's normal flight orientation and the resulting relative
fluid flow (i.e., airflow past the pod). The pod 201 includes an
inner frame having a main shaft 203, and further includes an outer
shell 205. The frame main shaft includes a structural attach point
207 at an upper end of the frame main shaft, for attaching the pod
to an aircraft wing 209. The frame also includes a forward wheel
211 and a rearward wheel 213 mounted on lateral frame struts 219 at
a lower end of the frame, the wheels being configured to bear
landing loads for the aircraft.
[0038] The frame supports both the 205 shell and various components
of the energy storage system, including a fuel storage tank 215
("the fuel tank") for accumulating and storing fuel (e.g.,
H.sub.2), and an oxidizer storage tank 217 ("the oxidizer tank")
for accumulating and storing an oxidizer (e.g., O.sub.2). These two
tanks are cylindrical tanks, and each tank defines a tank axis
along the tanks' cylindrical axis of symmetry. The tanks are
preferably supported with their tank axes in a relatively vertical
orientation, as shown in FIG. 2A.
[0039] The tanks are each supported by lateral frame struts 219
that support the tanks at upper and lower tank ends, 221 and 223,
respectively, along the tank axes. The fuel tank 215 is positioned
forward of the frame main shaft 203 and over the lateral frame
strut 219 upon which the forward wheel 211 is mounted. The oxidizer
tank 217 is positioned rearward of the frame main shaft and over
the lateral frame strut 219 upon which the rearward wheel 213 is
mounted. Optionally, the lateral frame struts supporting the wheels
can also be configured as lateral struts supporting the lower ends
of the tanks.
[0040] In this configuration, the larger of the two tanks, which is
the fuel tank 215 in this embodiment, is therefore mounted forward
of the frame main shaft 203, which is forward of the smaller of the
tanks within the shell 205. Preferably, most or all of the
remaining components of the energy storage system, including all
components that at least occasionally contain the product of the
fuel cell reaction ("the liquid product" or "the product") (e.g.,
H.sub.2O), are positioned proximate the frame main shaft 203, and
between the forward, fuel tank and the rearward, oxidizer tank
217.
[0041] These remaining components include the fuel cell stack 117
and the electrolyzer stack 115, as well as other components that at
least occasionally contain the product of the fuel cell reaction.
Preferably, these remaining components of the energy storage
system, or at least all components that at least occasionally
contain the product of the fuel cell reaction, are retained within
a thermal enclosure. Preferably, the energy storage system works
with a thermal control system that prevents water from freezing at
any point in the system except for the oxygen and hydrogen gas
driers. Preferably, the fuel tank and the oxidizer tank are not
thermally enclosed.
[0042] As is clear in FIGS. 2C, 2D and 2G, the outer shell has an
airfoil-shaped profile 231 in a plan (downward) view. The size and
shape of the cross-sectional airfoil-shaped profile varies downward
along a vertical axis of the shell, as is suggested by the shell
outline depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B. Therefore, the airfoil-shaped
profile defines a camber thickness that varies along a chord line
233 of the airfoil-shaped profile.
[0043] Preferably, the forward, larger fuel tank 215 extends
substantially or entirely across the airfoil-shaped profile 231 at
a chord location 235 at or near the chord location 237 of greatest
camber thickness 239. In this context, "substantially across" means
fully across other than space required for local support structure
or structural requirements such as movement clearances, and
"substantially near" means at a location having a camber thickness
equivalent to that at the location of camber thickness, from a
perspective of tank capacity. The rearward, smaller oxidizer tank
217 is preferably at chord location 241 having a narrower camber
thickness 243, such as a chord location having a camber thickness
inadequate for mounting the forward tank.
[0044] This configuration provides for a weight and cost efficient
tank shape (e.g., cylindrical) to be used in an aerodynamic shell
that is efficient from the standpoint of weight and drag.
Furthermore, the placing of the product-containing devices between
the two tanks provides for a more constant energy storage system
center of gravity, which prevents interference with aircraft flight
characteristics during operation of the energy storage system.
Additionally, with the energy storage system components, with the
exception of the tanks, packaged tightly together, the thermal
environment of the components can be regulated with a minimum
amount of thermal insulation and its associated weight.
Energy Storage System
[0045] The design of the energy storage system utilizes and/or
works with several interdependent subsystems to provide a
lightweight, high-efficiency, reliable energy storage system that
enables continuous solar aircraft flight at high altitudes. The
energy storage system preferably has a specific energy that is
greater than 400 Whr/kg. The unique and innovative features of
these subsystems contribute to the overall operating efficiency,
fault tolerance, and flexibility of the energy storage system.
[0046] With reference to FIG. 4A-4D, in addition to the fuel cell
stack 117, the electrolyzer stack 115, the fuel tank 215 and the
oxidizer tank 217, the energy storage system further includes an
oxidizer phase separator tank 301 (or "oxidizer phase separator"),
a fuel phase separator tank 303 (or "fuel phase separator"), and a
preferably ethanol-based heat management system 305 including a
main heat exchanger 307, a ram-air heat exchanger 309, and a
bidirectional drier 311 (i.e., a drier configured for both heating
and cooling). The fuel cell stack and electrolyzer stack are
designed to operate over a wide pressure range (e.g., from 40 to
400 psig), which allows them to match the overall system pressure
over a wide range of operating pressures.
[0047] The fuel tank 215 is configured to provide a stream of dry,
gaseous fuel (e.g., H.sub.2) to the fuel phase separator 303 via a
bidirectional fuel line 321 (i.e., a line where fuel can flow in
both directions). The fuel phase separator is configured such that
a stream of gaseous fuel can be drawn into an anode side of the
fuel cell stack 117 via a fuel input line 323. Likewise, the
oxidizer tank 217 is configured to provide a stream of dry, gaseous
oxidizer (e.g., O.sub.2) to the oxidizer phase separator 301 via a
bidirectional oxidizer line 325 (i.e., a line where the oxidizer
can flow in both directions). The oxidizer phase separator is
configured such that a stream of gaseous oxidizer can be drawn into
a cathode side of the fuel cell stack 117 via an oxidizer input
line 327.
[0048] As will be discussed below, the streams of dry, gaseous
oxidizer and dry gaseous fuel are warmed prior to reaching their
respective phase separators. The phase separators will typically
contain warm liquid product and unreacted humid gases, which
humidify and further warm the streams of dry gases from the storage
tanks before they are drawn to the fuel cell stack 117.
[0049] The fuel cell stack 117 is configured as a proton exchange
membrane fuel cell to react the stream of gaseous fuel from the
fuel input line 323 with the stream of gaseous oxidizer from the
oxidizer input line 327 to produce a stream of liquid product
(e.g., H.sub.2O), and electrical power that is delivered to the
main aircraft power bus. As is described further below, a fuel-cell
cooling line 329 is configured to pass through the fuel cell stack,
such that liquid product can be used to remove excess heat from the
fuel cell stack.
[0050] The stream of liquid product produced by the fuel cell stack
117 is typically intermixed with unreacted oxidizer. Therefore the
fuel cell stack is configured such that a stream containing a mix
of product and humid oxidizer (i.e., oxidizer that passed through
the fuel cell cathode without reaction, and that now contains
evaporated liquid product) is drawn out of the fuel cell stack via
a product output line 331. The product output line connects to the
oxidizer phase separator, into which the mix stream can be pumped.
The oxidizer phase separator is configured to separate the mix
stream liquid product from the mix stream humid oxidizer. The
configuration of the oxidizer phase separator allows the separated
humid oxidizer to intermix with the stream of gaseous oxidizer from
the bidirectional oxidizer line 325, to thereby recover the
unreacted oxidizer for use in the fuel cell.
[0051] The oxidizer phase separator is configured with an adequate
liquid product capacity to contain all of the liquid product
generated by the fuel cell stack 117 through its intended
operational limit. Preferably, the oxidizer phase separator is
configured with an adequate liquid product capacity to contain all
of the liquid product generated through the processing of
substantially all the gaseous fuel and/or gaseous oxidizer
available in the fuel and oxidizer tanks. In this context,
"substantially all" refers to all the gaseous fuel and/or gaseous
oxidizer other than the small quantity that would naturally remain
in the tanks and lines when the gaseous fuel and/or gaseous
oxidizer supply was essentially depleted. As a result, there is no
need for the weight and expense of providing a separate storage
tank for the liquid product, along with its necessary pumps,
sensors, overflow valves, and the like.
[0052] The fuel cell stack 117 also emits a stream of unreacted
fuel from its anode side. The fuel cell stack is configured for the
unreacted fuel to be drawn out of the fuel cell stack via an
unreacted-fuel output line 333, and pumped into the fuel phase
separator. The fuel phase separator is configured such that the
stream of unreacted fuel, which may be humid fuel (i.e., fuel that
passed through the fuel cell anode without reaction, and that now
contains evaporated liquid product), is intermixed with the stream
of gaseous fuel from the bidirectional fuel line 321, to thereby
recover the unreacted fuel for use in the fuel cell stack. If any
liquid product should be emitted from the anode side of the fuel
cell stack, the fuel phase separator is configured to separate the
liquid product from the humid fuel.
[0053] The electrolyzer stack 115 is configured as a proton
exchange membrane electrolyzer, receiving electrical power from the
aircraft power bus (e.g., originating from the solar cells), and
using it to separate a stream of liquid product into a stream of a
first mixture including the liquid product and the gaseous fuel,
and a stream of a second mixture including the liquid product and
the gaseous oxidizer.
[0054] The oxidizer phase separator is configured to have a stream
of liquid product drawn through a product-output line 339 and an
electrolyzer input line 341 and then pumped to the electrolyzer
stack 115 during electrolyzer stack operation. The electrolyzer
stack is configured to perform the separation on this stream of
liquid product, and to pass the resulting first mixture stream out
through a first mixture output line 343, and the resulting second
mixture stream out through a second mixture output line 345. The
first and second mixture output lines are configured to pass their
mixture streams to the fuel phase separator and oxidizer phase
separator, respectively. As noted above, each of the phase
separators is configured to separate liquid product from the humid
gas.
[0055] During operation of the electrolyzer stack, the fuel cell
stack 117 is not ordinarily operated, or is only operated at a very
low level. With the exception of any oxidizer sent to the fuel cell
stack, the oxidizer phase separator is configured to pass the
received gaseous oxidizer back through the bidirectional oxidizer
line 325, and on to the oxidizer tank. Likewise, with the exception
of any fuel sent to the fuel cell stack, the fuel phase separator
is configured to pass the received gaseous fuel back through the
bidirectional fuel line 321, and on to the fuel tank.
[0056] Over a period of operation, the fuel phase separator may
contain significant amounts of liquid fuel. The fuel phase
separator is configured with a product-reduction line 351 for
liquid product to be drawn into the electrolyzer input line 341.
Both the product-output line and the product-reduction line have
solenoid valves, 353 and 355, respectively, configured such that
the electrolyzer input line stream can be redirected to come from
the fuel phase separator. The control system is configured to
operate these valves to that end when a triggering maximum level of
liquid fuel accumulates in the fuel phase separator. The control
system is further configured to reset these valves and redirect the
electrolyzer input stream to be from the oxidizer phase separator
when a triggering minimum level of liquid fuel is left in the fuel
phase separator.
[0057] The energy management system includes the heat management
system 305 to accommodate the thermal needs of other portions of
the energy management system. The heat management system preferably
includes two intermixed coolant loops: a main coolant loop and a
bidirectional-drier coolant loop. Preferably, the heat management
system uses low freezing point fluid coolant, such as ethanol, to
exchange heat between the atmosphere and system components. Both
coolant loops share the ram-air heat exchanger, which is configured
to radiate excess heat into the atmosphere, and a coolant pump.
Each coolant loop is configured with a separate, controllable
bypass line to bypass the ram-air heat exchanger.
[0058] The main coolant loop includes the coolant pump, the ram-air
heat exchanger, a first ram-air heat exchanger bypass line 363, and
the main heat exchanger. The main heat exchanger is configured to
cool liquid product flowing in the line leading from the oxidizer
separation tank to the electrolyzer stack and the fuel cell stack
117 (via the fuel-cell cooling line 329). The main coolant loop is
thus configured to remove heat from the fuel cell stack. This heat
can either be radiated via the ram-air heat exchanger, or passed on
to the bidirectional drier coolant loop.
[0059] The bidirectional drier coolant loop includes the coolant
pump, the ram-air heat exchanger, a second ram-air heat exchanger
bypass line 365, and the bidirectional drier. The bidirectional
drier is configured to either heat or cool both the bidirectional
oxidizer line 325 and the bidirectional fuel line 321. In a first
mode of operation, the bidirectional drier coolant loop is
configured to use the heat from the fuel cell stack 117 (via the
main coolant loop) to warm the streams of dry, gaseous oxidizer and
dry, gaseous fuel passing through the bidirectional oxidizer line
325 and the bidirectional fuel line, respectively, on their way to
the fuel cell stack.
[0060] In a second mode of operation, the bidirectional drier
coolant loop is configured to use the ram-air heat exchanger to
cool the bidirectional oxidizer line 325 and the bidirectional fuel
line 321 such that the humidity (evaporated product) is frozen out
of the streams of humid oxidizer and humid fuel, respectively. This
freezing of the humidify dries the oxidizer and fuel to allow only
dry, gaseous oxidizer and dry, gaseous fuel to reach the respective
storage tanks. Because only dry oxidizer and fuel reach the storage
tanks, little or no thermal management need be provided for the
storage tanks. During the first mode of operation, the frozen
product in each line's passage through the bidirectional drier is
thawed and returned to the respective phase separators.
Detailed Operation of the Electrolyzer (Charging)
[0061] The electrolyzer stack 115 uses electrical energy and a
stream of the liquid product to produce streams of the gaseous fuel
and gaseous oxidizer, which are routed to and stored in the storage
tanks.
[0062] In particular, the oxidizer phase separator 301 serves as a
liquid product storage tank, and as a gas/liquid phase separator. A
stream of the liquid product is pumped from the oxidizer phase
separator through the product-output line 339 and the electrolyzer
input line 341, and into the oxidizer side of the electrolyzer
stack 115, and is used both as a reactant and as a cooling fluid.
At the direction of the control system, a variable flow,
product-output line pump 401 drives and regulates the product flow
through an electrolyzer input line filter 402 and the electrolyzer
stack. A flow gauge (FG22), temperature sensors (T25) and (T46),
and pressure transducers (PT22) and (PT42) monitor the parameters
of this stream for the control system.
[0063] At the direction of the control system, the main heat
exchanger 307 is used to maintain the desired product temperature
as it enters the electrolyzer stack. The coolant pump 361
circulates the coolant between the main heat exchanger and the
ram-air heat exchanger 309 to radiate heat. A pair of main-loop
proportional valves 403 and 405, together with a temperature sensor
(T2), are used to control the temperature of the coolant at the
inlet of the main heat exchanger by controlling the bypass of the
ram-air heat exchanger in the main cooling loop. This cooling loop
operates at ambient pressure.
[0064] The temperature sensor (T21) is used to monitor the
temperature of the oxidizer phase separator 301 and also the
product input stream at an inlet to the main heat exchanger 307. A
temperature sensor (T26) monitors the temperature at the exit of
the main heat exchanger 307 and is used to verify the proper
operation of the main cooling loop for the control system. A
temperature sensor (T1) and a flow gauge (FG1) are used to assess
the proper operation of this cooling loop.
[0065] The first mixture output line 343 passes a stream containing
a mixture of humid fuel and product to the fuel phase separator
303, and the second mixture output line 345 passes a stream
containing a mixture of humid oxidizer and product to the oxidizer
phase separator 301. As noted above, each of the phase separators
is configured to separate the liquid product from the humid
gases.
[0066] Electrolyzer oxidizer check valve 471 and electrolyzer fuel
check valve 473 prevent back flow of oxidizer and fuel,
respectively, in the event of a failure in the electrolyzer stack
115. The proportional, electrolyzer input valve 475 is used to
regulate the flow of product to the electrolyzer stack when it is
not in use. During electrolyzer operation, the electrolyzer input
valve will be fully open, and during fuel cell operation it may be
partially open to maintain the electrolyzer stack temperature at a
desired value.
[0067] A significant amount of product is transferred to the fuel
side of the electrolyzer stack 115, and thus to the fuel phase
separator 303 during the operation of the electrolyzer. The fuel
phase separator 303 separates the bulk of the liquid product from
the gaseous fuel stream. The liquid product level in the fuel phase
separator 303 is reported to the control system by level gauge
(LG61). The fuel phase separator is also equipped with a pressure
transducer (PT65).
[0068] The liquid product is preferably transferred periodically to
the oxidizer side of the electrolyzer stack 115. This liquid
product transfer is performed by opening the product-reduction line
valve 355 and closing the product-output line valve 353, thus
allowing the product output line pump 401 to pump the liquid
product from the fuel phase separator 303 regardless of the
pressure differential between the oxidizer and fuel sides of the
electrolyzer stack. A product-reduction line check valve 477
prevents accidental back flow in the product-reduction line. When
the liquid product level in the fuel phase separator 303 reaches a
preset low limit, the product-output line valve 353 is opened and
the product-reduction line valve 355 is closed, and the system
resumes normal operation.
[0069] An ion-exchange column 481, situated on the side of the
oxidizer phase separator 301, continuously removes metal ions from
the liquid product received and stored in the oxidizer phase
separator, which helps prolong the life of the electrolyzer stack
115. An ion-exchange-column pump 483 is used to circulate the
liquid product from the oxidizer phase separator through the ion
exchange column. A level sensor (LG41) monitors the liquid product
level in the oxidizer phase separator tank for the control
system.
[0070] The electrolyzer effectively acts as a compressor and
"pumps" the gaseous oxidizer and fuel up to a high pressure (e.g.,
400 psig) during the electrolyzer charging cycle. Under the pumping
action of the electrolyzer, the oxidizer phase separator passes the
received humid, gaseous oxidizer back through the bidirectional
oxidizer line 325. Likewise, the fuel phase separator passes the
received, humid, gaseous fuel back through the bidirectional fuel
line 321.
[0071] Before entering the gaseous fuel and oxidizer storage tanks,
the humid fuel and oxidizer streams are dried to a dew point below
-20.degree. C. This is accomplished by cooling the gases using a
freeze-dry methodology. In particular, the bidirectional drier 311,
which is a heat exchanger, uses cold liquid flow from the ram-air
heat exchanger 309. Optionally, the lower part of the drier cools
the gases to temperatures above freezing, allowing the majority of
the water vapor to condense out on the drier walls and flow back
into the phase separator. The upper part of the drier is operated
at temperatures well below freezing, such that most of the
remaining water vapor is frozen out of the drier walls. Sufficient
volume is provided in the drier to accommodate one charge cycle
worth of ice buildup without risking clogging of the gas flow path.
The drier can be unitary, or it can be two units--one on each
bidirectional line. This lightweight, high efficiency drier is
preferably configured to prevent ice from clogging the flow path
and plugging the drier.
[0072] The control system controls the temperature of the inlet
stream using two proportional bidirectional-drier loop valves 407
and 409 and a signal from a temperature sensor (T6), which is on
the inlet of the side of the bidirectional drier 311. A flow gauge
(FG3) and a temperature sensor (T5) are used to calculate the
efficiency of the cooling operation. Temperature sensors (T44) and
(T64) measure the temperatures at the exit of bidirectional drier
311 for the dried gaseous oxidizer and the dried gaseous fuel,
respectively, and are used to verify the proper operation of the
bidirectional drier.
[0073] The dried gaseous oxidizer and dried gaseous fuel are
preferably stored at pressures up to 400 psig in the storage tanks.
The oxidizer tank 217 is equipped with a pressure relief valve 411.
This valve is set at the maximum acceptable tank operating pressure
and will open in an event of a malfunction of the pressure control
system to prevent tank rupture if the pressure rises above the
preset limit. An oxidizer-vent solenoid valve 412 can be used for
venting of the reactant. An bidirectional oxidizer line solenoid
valve 413 is used by the control system to isolate the oxidizer
tank 217 in an event of a malfunction in other parts of the system.
A gas sensor (GS41) monitors the concentration of fuel in the
oxidizer tank for the control system.
[0074] Likewise, the fuel tank 215 is equipped with a pressure
relief valve 415. This valve is set at the maximum acceptable tank
operating pressure and will open in an event of a malfunction of
the pressure control system to prevent tank rupture or explosion. A
fuel-vent solenoid valve 417 can be used for venting of the
reactant. A bidirectional fuel line solenoid valve 419 is used by
the control system to isolate the fuel tank in an event of a
malfunction in other parts of the system. A gas sensor (GS61)
monitors the concentration of the oxidizer in the fuel tank.
Detailed Operation of the Fuel Cell (Discharging)
[0075] During fuel cell operation, the gaseous oxidizer flows from
the oxidizer tank 217, through the oxidizer solenoid valve 413, the
bidirectional drier 311, the oxidizer phase separator 301, an
oxidizer-input-line solenoid valve 431, a flow gauge (FG41), the
oxidizer side of the fuel cell stack 117, a product-output-line
pump 433, a product-output-line check valve 435, and back to the
oxidizer phase separator 301. The fuel cell can operate at tank
pressures up to 400 psi and as such does not require complex and
heavy gas pressure regulation at the fuel cell inlets. A
product-output-line solenoid valve 437 is used to vent/purge the
oxidizer side of the stack when needed.
[0076] Liquid product from the oxidizer phase separator 301 is used
as a cooling fluid for the fuel cell. In this case, liquid product
from the oxidizer phase separator flows through the main heat
exchanger 307, the product-output line valve 353, the
product-output line pump 401, a fuel-cell-cooling-line proportional
valve 439, a fuel-cell cooling line filter 441, a flow gauge
(FG21), the cooling plates of the fuel cell stack 117, and back to
the oxidizer phase separator tank. A fuel-cell-cooling-line check
valve 443 prevents back flow in an event of a malfunction. Pressure
sensors (PT21) and (PT23), and temperature sensors (T22) and (T23)
are used to control the flow through the cooling loop of the fuel
cell stack 117.
[0077] Fuel from the fuel tank 215 flows through the fuel cell
stack 117 via the solenoid valve (SV63), the bidirectional drier
311, the fuel phase separator 303, a fuel-input-line solenoid valve
451, a flow gauge (FG61), the fuel side of the fuel cell stack, a
fuel-input-line pump 453, a fuel-input-line check valve 455, and
then returns to the fuel phase separator. A solenoid valve 457 is
used to controllably purge the fuel side of the fuel cell
stack.
[0078] The gaseous fuel and gaseous oxidizer, which are stored at
very low temperature (e.g., -40 degrees C. or less) in the storage
tanks, are first heated up to temperatures above 0 degrees C. in
the device that was used for drying them during the day, and then
they are humidified in the fuel and oxidizer phase separators.
[0079] During fuel cell operation a small amount of liquid product
may make its way to the fuel phase separator 303 as a vapor or
small droplets carried with the fuel stream. This liquid product
condenses and is collected at the bottom of the fuel phase
separator and sent back to the oxidizer phase separator 301
periodically, by opening the product-reduction line valve 355 and
closing the product-output line valve 353, regardless of the
pressure differential between the fuel and oxidizer side of the
system.
[0080] The liquid product from the fuel cell stack 117 is stored in
the oxidizer phase separator 301. The liquid product exits the fuel
cell stack with the excess oxidizer stream in vapor and liquid
form. The oxidizer phase separator 301 serves as a phase separator
and prevents liquid product from reaching the fuel cell stack
inlet. The ion-exchange column 481 is used as needed and the
ion-exchange-column pump 483 is controlled based upon a signal from
a liquid product conductivity probe (C21). A liquid product
conductivity probe (C22) is used to assess the efficiency of the
ion-exchange bed. No change in the conductivity of the liquid
product at nominal flow condition would indicate that it is time to
replace the ion-exchange resin in the column.
[0081] During fuel cell operation, the bidirectional drier is used
to preheat the cold gases coming from the gaseous fuel and oxidizer
tanks. In this case--warm coolant is sent to the drier, bypassing
the ram-air heat exchanger 309. During fuel cell operation the
bidirectional drier is warmed above freezing, which melts the
frozen product from prior drying operations, and leading to water
flowing back into the phase separator. The bidirectional-drier loop
valves 407 and 409 may be fully closed and fully open to entirely
bypass the ram-air heat exchanger 309. The main-loop proportional
valves 403 and 405 are used to control the temperature of the
coolant on the shell side of the main heat exchanger 307.
[0082] While a particular form of the invention is illustrated and
described, it will be apparent that various modifications can be
made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Thus, although the invention is described in detail with reference
only to the preferred embodiment, those having ordinary skill in
the art will appreciate that various modifications can be made
without departing from the invention.
Structure
[0083] The energy storage system design utilizes lightweight
composite structures for the primary pod structure, tanks, and fuel
cell and electrolyzer stack end plates. Lightweight polymer
materials are used in the fuel cell, electrolyzer, and tank design.
Using the drier to dry the hydrogen and oxygen gases before they
are stored in their respective tanks preferably eliminates the need
for a heavy thermal control system on the tanks. The parts of the
system that contain water are housed in a lightweight, thermal
enclosure that keeps the water from freezing throughout the
operational cycle.
[0084] Lightweight composite tanks with low-temperature polymer
liners are used to store the dry oxygen and hydrogen gases. Polymer
liners integral with the composite shell are used to prevent leaks
of hydrogen and oxygen from the system. These are preferably, as
composite tanks with metal liners are likely to have a significant
weight cost for the preferred aircraft applications.
[0085] From the above description, it should be clear that a single
liquid product system provides a variety of functions. Stack
product management is achieved by using phase separation tanks to
collect water from the fuel cell stack exhaust streams. Product can
be transferred from the fuel side to the oxidizer side of the
system. The product is also used to cool the fuel cell during
operation. During electrolyzer operation, the product is fed into
the electrolyzer for dissociation into oxidizer and fuel. The
aircraft can be fueled by simply adding product (e.g., water) to
the oxidizer phase separator at the start of the flight.
* * * * *