Method for operating fuel cell e.g. solid-oxide fuel cell of auxiliary power unit for e.g. lorry, involves using urea or aqueous urea solution as fuel on anode side of fuel cell, where solution is conducted to anode side of cell over pump

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This patent describes a method for operating a fuel cell, specifically a solid-oxide fuel cell, by using urea or an aqueous urea solution as the fuel at the anode side. The urea solution typically contains 20–50% urea, injected via a pump into the fuel cell to generate decentralized electricity, such as for auxiliary power units in vehicles.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Providing electrical power for trucks (lorries) and other commercial vehicles using on-board auxiliary power units.
• Supplying backup or portable power in remote or off-grid areas.
• Utilizing urea as a fuel source for stationary or mobile energy systems, such as in construction sites or emergency power supplies.
• Power generation for marine vessels or recreational vehicles where conventional fuel cells are impractical.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Offers an alternative to traditional hydrogen or hydrocarbon fuels, using readily available and safe urea.
• Improves the practicality of decentralized and mobile power generation with solid-oxide fuel cells.
• Reduces reliance on fossil fuels and may lower emissions depending on feedstock sourcing.
• Utilizes existing infrastructure for urea (commonly used in vehicles for NOx reduction), simplifying integration.

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Patent Abstract

The method involves using urea or aqueous urea solution as fuel on an anode side of a fuel cell. The aqueous urea solution is provided with a urea content of between 20 and 50 percent, in particular between 30 and 40 percent. The urea or urea solution is conducted over an injection pump or a jet pump to the anode side of the fuel cell. Decentralized electricity is generated. A supply tank is provided for storing urea or urea solution and connected to the supply tank arranged at the anode side of the fuel cell. An independent claim is also included for a device for operating a fuel cell.