Dual function heat exchanger for start-up humidification and facility heating in SOFC system
First Claim
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1. A method of operating a fuel cell system, comprising:
- providing a cathode exhaust stream through a cathode exhaust conduit, wherein the cathode exhaust conduit extends from a cathode exhaust of a fuel cell stack through a heat exchanger;
providing water through a steam conduit which is thermally integrated with the cathode exhaust conduit in the heat exchanger, wherein the steam conduit has a first outlet fluidly connected to a fuel inlet conduit and a second outlet fluidly connected to a heating system of a facility associated with the fuel cell system;
during start-up of the fuel cell system, outputting steam generated in the steam conduit through the first outlet, wherein the output steam is provided to a hydrocarbon fuel inlet stream in the fuel inlet conduit; and
during steady-state operation of the fuel cell system, outputting steam or hot water generated in the steam conduit through the second outlet, wherein the output steam is provided to the heating system of the facility.
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Abstract
A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack and a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger vaporizes water which is provided to the fuel cell stack during start-up of the fuel cell system and heats a heat transfer medium which is provided to a facility associated with the fuel cell system during steady-state operation of the fuel cell system.
80 Citations
11 Claims
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1. A method of operating a fuel cell system, comprising:
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providing a cathode exhaust stream through a cathode exhaust conduit, wherein the cathode exhaust conduit extends from a cathode exhaust of a fuel cell stack through a heat exchanger; providing water through a steam conduit which is thermally integrated with the cathode exhaust conduit in the heat exchanger, wherein the steam conduit has a first outlet fluidly connected to a fuel inlet conduit and a second outlet fluidly connected to a heating system of a facility associated with the fuel cell system; during start-up of the fuel cell system, outputting steam generated in the steam conduit through the first outlet, wherein the output steam is provided to a hydrocarbon fuel inlet stream in the fuel inlet conduit; and during steady-state operation of the fuel cell system, outputting steam or hot water generated in the steam conduit through the second outlet, wherein the output steam is provided to the heating system of the facility. - View Dependent Claims (2)
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3. A method of operating a fuel cell system, comprising:
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during start-up of the fuel cell system, vaporizing liquid water in a process steam conduit in a heat exchanger to generate steam using heat from a fuel cell stack of the fuel cell system, and outputting the steam generated in the process steam conduit into a hydrocarbon fuel inlet stream to form a humidified hydrocarbon fuel inlet stream; during steady-state operation of the fuel cell system, heating water in a heat transfer medium conduit in the heat exchanger using heat from the fuel cell stack; and during the steady-state operation of the fuel cell system, initiating outputting the heated water from the heat transfer medium conduit to a facility associated with the fuel cell system, wherein the water provided through the process steam conduit and the water provided through the heat transfer medium conduit are provided from a single external source. - View Dependent Claims (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification