Multifunctional fuel cell system for civil aircraft

Study of the cathode exhaust gas dehumidification

verfasst von

H. Cruz Champion, S. Kabelac

Abstract

Integration of a multifunctional fuel cell into civil aircraft as on-board power generating system is a promising opportunity to improve energy efficiency while reducing emissions. In this approach, a PEMFC would provide electrical energy during on-ground operations and emergency situations, while by-products water vapour and oxygen depleted air (ODA) would be used during flight for water generation and inerting (provision of non-inflammable atmosphere). This study presents a novel cathode exhaust gas dehumidification system based on an air cycle machine (compressor, heat exchanger, cyclone, turbine) which supplies liquid water and dry ODA for the aforementioned functions. First, feasibility of the multifunctional approach, quality of the generated water and necessary level of dehumidification are discussed. Next, real fluid property data and the system thermodynamic model are presented. Feasibility of the novel system is demonstrated with a parametric study on the effect of stoichiometry, compressor pressure ratio and turbine outlet pressure. Computed results show that: the target average O₂ concentration of 10.5% (vol.) is maintained at stoichiometries below λ_O2≤1.8; for maximum humidity ratio x_max=0.002kg_H2O/kg_ODA there is not risk of ice formation on condenser when compressor pressure ratio is above π ≥ 2.8. Finally, an estimation of added and potentially removed weight is given, also possible system configurations are derived.

Organisationseinheit(en)

Institut für Thermodynamik

Typ

Artikel

Journal

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

Band

42

Seiten

29518-29531

Anzahl der Seiten

14

ISSN

0360-3199

Publikationsdatum

07.12.2017

Publikationsstatus

Veröffentlicht

Peer-reviewed

Ja

ASJC Scopus Sachgebiete

Erneuerbare Energien, Nachhaltigkeit und Umwelt, Feuerungstechnik, Physik der kondensierten Materie, Energieanlagenbau und Kraftwerkstechnik

Ziele für nachhaltige Entwicklung

SDG 7 – Erschwingliche und saubere Energie

Elektronische Version(en)

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2017.09.175 (Zugang: Geschlossen)