Multifunctional fuel cell system for civil aircraft
Study of the cathode exhaust gas dehumidification
- authored by
- 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 λO2≤1.8; for maximum humidity ratio xmax=0.002kgH2O/kgODA 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.
- Organisation(s)
-
Institute of Thermodynamics
- Type
- Article
- Journal
- International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
- Volume
- 42
- Pages
- 29518-29531
- No. of pages
- 14
- ISSN
- 0360-3199
- Publication date
- 07.12.2017
- Publication status
- Published
- Peer reviewed
- Yes
- ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment, Fuel Technology, Condensed Matter Physics, Energy Engineering and Power Technology
- Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy
- Electronic version(s)
-
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2017.09.175 (Access:
Closed)
