SORFC power and oxygen generation method and system
First Claim
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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.
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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.
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Citations
7 Claims
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1. A method of generating power, comprising:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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Specification