SORFC power and oxygen generation method and system

• US 20060204798A1
• Filed: 05/12/2006
• Published: 09/14/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 03/24/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Bloom Energy Corporation
• Original Assignee: Bloom Energy Corporation
• Inventors: Sridhar, K.R., Gottmann, Matthias, Mitlitsky, Fred, McElroy, James Frederick
• Granted Patent: US 7,572,530 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 429/418
• CPC Class Codes: C25B 1/00 Electrolytic production of inorganic compounds or non-metals
• CPC Class Codes: C25B 1/04 by electrolysis of water
• CPC Class Codes: C25B 9/73 of the filter-press type
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/04014 Heat exchange using gaseous fluids; Heat exchange by combustion of reactants
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/04119 with simultaneous supply or evacuation of electrolyte; Humidifying or dehumidifying
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/04231 Purging of the reactants
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/0625 in a modular combined reactor/fuel cell structure
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/0656 by electrochemical means H01M8/065 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/1231 with both reactants being gaseous or vaporised
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/186 by electrolytic decomposition of the electrolytic solution or the formed water product
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/36 Hydrogen production from non-carbon containing sources, e.g. by water electrolysis
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/50 Fuel cells
• CPC Class Codes: Y02P 20/129 Energy recovery, e.g. by cogeneration, H2recovery or pressure recovery turbines
• CPC Class Codes: Y02P 20/133 Renewable energy sources, e.g. sunlight

Abstract

A solid oxide regenerative fuel cell system is used to supply power in a fuel cell mode and to generate metabolic oxygen and a hydrocarbon fuel reserve in an electrolysis mode. The system may also be used as a secondary power source or for energy peak shaving applications.

Claims

1. A method of generating power, comprising:

providing power to a solid oxide regenerative fuel cell from an external power source when power demand on the external power source is below a predetermined amount;

operating the solid oxide regenerative fuel cell in an electrolysis mode using the power provided from the external power source;

generating and storing a hydrocarbon fuel while the solid oxide regenerative fuel cell operates in the electrolysis mode;

providing the stored hydrocarbon fuel and oxygen to the solid oxide regenerative fuel cell;

operating the solid oxide regenerative fuel cell in a fuel cell mode using the provided fuel and oxygen; and

providing power from the solid oxide regenerative fuel cell operating in the fuel cell mode to the external power source when power demand on the external power source is above the predetermined amount or when the external power source experiences a power disruption.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the external power source comprises a power grid.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the hydrocarbon fuel comprises a methane fuel.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein:

the power is provided to the solid oxide regenerative fuel cell from the power grid when power demand on the power grid is below a peak load on the power grid; and

the power is provided from the solid oxide regenerative fuel cell operating in the fuel cell mode to the power grid when power demand on the power grid is above the peak load on the power grid.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein

the power is provided to the solid oxide regenerative fuel cell from the power grid during night time;

and

the power is provided from the solid oxide regenerative fuel cell operating in the fuel cell mode to the power grid during day time.

6. The method of claim 2, wherein the power is provided from the solid oxide regenerative fuel cell operating in the fuel cell mode to the power grid when the power grid experiences a power outage.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein:

the solid oxide regenerative fuel cell is located in a building;

the solid oxide regenerative fuel cell operates in the electrolysis mode and provides oxygen to a life support system when at least a portion of the building is sealed from outside atmosphere; and

the solid oxide regenerative fuel cell provides power to the building in a fuel cell mode and waste heat in the fuel cell and electrolysis modes for at least one building appliances.