Electrolysis system

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrolysis system (10a; 10b; 10c) with at least one electrolysis cell unit (12a; 12b; 12c) for the electrolysis of at least one reactant and with at least one fluid transport unit (14a; 14b; 14c) which is connected to the electrolysis cell unit (12a; 12b; 12c) for the removal of at least one product of the electrolysis. It is proposed that the at least one fluid transport unit (14a; 14b; 14c) is arranged at least substantially completely downstream of the at least one electrolysis cell unit (12a; 12b; 12c).

Description

State of the art

[0001] An electrolysis system has already been proposed, comprising at least one electrolysis cell unit for the electrolysis of at least one reactant and at least one fluid transport unit, which is connected to the electrolysis cell unit for the removal of at least one product of the electrolysis. Disclosure of the invention

[0002] The invention relates to an electrolysis system with at least one electrolysis cell unit for the electrolysis of at least one reactant and with at least one fluid transport unit, which is connected to the electrolysis cell unit for the removal of at least one product of the electrolysis.

[0003] It is proposed that the at least one fluid transport unit be arranged at least substantially entirely downstream of the at least one electrolysis cell unit. The electrolysis cell unit preferably comprises at least one electrolysis cell, for example, a solid oxide electrolysis cell, a molten carbonate electrolysis cell, a polymer electrolyte electrolysis cell, or the like. Preferably, the electrolysis cell unit comprises a plurality of electrolysis cells, which are preferably electrically connected, in particular in series, for common operation. The electrolysis cells can be arranged in a single stack or in a group of several stacks. The electrolysis cell unit preferably comprises at least one reactant distributor and / or a product collector for a fluidically parallel connection of the electrolysis cells to a reactant supply of the electrolysis system or to a product discharge of the electrolysis system.

[0004] The at least one, and in particular each, electrolysis cell of the electrolysis cell unit preferably comprises at least one first electrode, at least one further electrode, and at least one electrolyte, which are arranged between the electrodes. The at least one electrolysis cell unit is preferably designed to convert the at least one reactant into the at least one product, which is provided at the first electrode, and into at least one further product, which is provided at the further electrode, by means of electrolysis. The at least one fluid transport unit is preferably connected to the at least one first electrode via a fluid transport system. The electrolysis system preferably comprises at least one further fluid transport unit, which is connected to the at least one further electrode via a fluid transport system.The further fluid transport unit preferably comprises at least one reactant supply branch, which is fluidically connected to a reactant inlet of the further electrode for supplying the electrolysis cell unit with the at least one reactant. The further fluid transport unit preferably comprises a product discharge branch, which is fluidically connected to a product outlet of the at least one further electrode for the discharge of the further product.

[0005] The term "essentially completely downstream" preferably means that, in at least one operating configuration of the electrolysis system intended for carrying out the electrolysis, the at least one fluid transport unit is arranged such that a total mass flow through the fluid transport unit corresponds to a diffusion rate of at least 90%, preferably at least 95%, and particularly preferably at least 99% of the at least one product through the at least one electrolyte. The at least one fluid transport unit preferably comprises a product discharge branch connected to a product outlet of the at least one first electrode for the discharge of the at least one product, and particularly preferably does not include a branch connected upstream of the at least one first electrode.Particularly preferably, in the operating configuration of the electrolysis system intended for carrying out electrolysis, the at least one electrolyte forms the only fluid inlet to the at least one first electrode and, in particular, to the at least one fluid transport unit. The electrolysis cell unit and / or the at least one further fluid transport unit may include additional fluid inlets to the first electrode and / or the at least one fluid transport unit, which are intended for use in other operating configurations of the electrolysis system, for example, as maintenance access, inert gas inlet, or the like, and which are closed off in the operating configuration of the electrolysis system intended for carrying out electrolysis.

[0006] The term "intended" should be understood to mean specifically programmed, designed, and / or equipped. The fact that an object is intended for a specific function should be understood to mean, in particular, that the object fulfills and / or executes this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.

[0007] The design according to the invention makes it possible to provide an advantageously simple, efficient and component-free electrolysis system.

[0008] It is further proposed that the at least one electrolysis cell unit forms a fluid transport unit for transporting the at least one product through the fluid transport unit. The fluid transport unit preferably comprises at least one product line for guiding the at least one product from the electrolysis cell unit to a product system outlet of the electrolysis system. The product system outlet can be configured to discharge the product into the environment or to transfer the product to an external supply line, a filling station, or the like.The electrolysis cell unit is preferably, and in particular only, designed to generate an overpressure relative to the fluid transport unit, especially relative to the product system outlet, by means of electrolysis carried out at a predetermined operating temperature of the electrolysis cell unit, so that the at least one product flows from the electrolysis cell unit through the product line of the fluid transport unit. The design according to the invention eliminates the need for an additional fan to transport the product by means of an airflow. Furthermore, the at least one product can be supplied at the product system outlet with an advantageously high degree of purity.

[0009] Furthermore, it is proposed that the electrolysis system comprises at least one additional fluid transport unit, in particular the one already mentioned, for the discharge of at least one additional product of the electrolysis, in particular the one already mentioned, and at least one heat exchanger which thermally couples the at least one fluid transport unit and the at least one additional fluid transport unit. The heat exchanger is preferably connected to the product line of the fluid transport unit. The heat exchanger is preferably connected to the reactant supply branch of the additional fluid transport unit. The heat exchanger is preferably designed to preheat the reactant flowing into the electrolysis cell unit with heat from the at least one product. The design according to the invention allows an operating temperature of the electrolysis cell unit to be maintained with advantageously little additional energy.

[0010] It is further proposed that the at least one heat exchanger is arranged in a return line of the at least one further fluid transport unit for feeding the additional product back into the reactant. The return line preferably branches off from the product discharge branch of the further fluid transport unit downstream of the at least one further electrode and preferably opens upstream of the at least one further electrode into the reactant supply branch of the further fluid transport unit. The further fluid transport unit preferably comprises at least one return pumping unit, for example a pump, a blower, a compressor, or the like, for conveying the at least one further product through the return line. The return pumping unit is preferably arranged within the return line. The heat exchanger is preferably arranged downstream of the return pumping unit.The heat exchanger is preferably arranged upstream of the outlet of the return line into the feeder supply branch. The design according to the invention advantageously minimizes the risk of cooling, in particular condensation, of the feeder at the outlet.

[0011] Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one fluid transport unit includes at least one turbine for generating electricity. The at least one turbine is preferably arranged within the product line. The turbine is preferably arranged downstream of the heat exchanger in the product line. The turbine is preferably designed to establish a maximum pressure that can be built up at the at least one electrode, in particular to increase this pressure compared to an electrolysis system configuration without a turbine. The maximum pressure that can be built up is preferably at least 1 bar, more preferably at least 2 bar above the pressure at the product system outlet and / or atmospheric pressure. The maximum pressure that can be built up is preferably less than 45 bar, more preferably less than 31 bar above the pressure at the product system outlet and / or atmospheric pressure.The further fluid transport unit preferably comprises at least one pressurization unit, for example a pump, a compressor, or the like, for pressurizing the reactant at the at least one further electrode with sufficient pressure to reach the maximum pressure at the at least one first electrode during electrolysis. Depending on the design of the electrolysis cell unit, the electrolysis system includes a pressure chamber in which at least the electrolysis cell unit, in particular a hotbox of the electrolysis system, is arranged to maintain a pressure difference between the electrode of the electrolysis cell unit and an interior of the pressure chamber below a limit value, in particular constant. Alternatively to the turbine, the electrolysis system includes another flow resistance for determining the maximum pressure that can be built up, for example a throttle or the like.The design according to the invention allows the electrolysis process to be operated advantageously efficiently. The net electrical power consumption of the electrolysis system can be advantageously kept low, while at the same time an advantageously high electrolysis rate can be achieved.

[0012] It is further proposed that the at least one fluid transport unit comprises at least one compressor for compressing the at least one product. The compressor is preferably arranged fluidically on the product line. The compressor is preferably arranged downstream of the heat exchanger. The compressor is preferably provided for compressing the product at the product system outlet, in particular for feeding the product into an external supply line and / or into a product storage container, or for filling the product into a product transport container. The design according to the invention allows the at least one product, and in particular the at least one further product, to be advantageously made available for further use.

[0013] Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one electrolysis cell unit constitutes the sole fluid conveying unit associated with the electrolysis cell unit for transporting the at least one product through the fluid transport unit. Preferably, the product system outlet is designed to discharge the at least one product to the environment at atmospheric pressure. The fluid transport unit is preferably designed for passive transport of the at least one product. In particular, the fluid transport unit does not include any working machines or power units for changing the energy content of the product located in the fluid transport unit. Preferably, the electrolysis cell unit is designed to supply the at least one product at the at least one first electrode at a pressure of at least 1 bar, preferably at least 2 bar, and of less than 45 bar, preferably less than 31 bar, above atmospheric pressure.The design according to the invention makes it possible to provide an advantageously simple, efficient and low-maintenance electrolysis system.

[0014] It is further proposed that the electrolysis system comprises a further fluid transport unit, in particular the one already mentioned, for the removal of at least one further product of the electrolysis, in particular the one already mentioned, and at least one control unit for adjusting a fluid parameter of the further fluid transport unit depending on a fluid parameter of the fluid transport unit. The control unit preferably comprises at least one sensor element for detecting the fluid parameter of the fluid transport unit. The control unit preferably comprises at least one further sensor element for detecting the fluid parameter of the further fluid transport unit. The fluid parameters are preferably defined as pressure, alternatively as volume flow, mass flow, particle flow, flow velocity, or the like.The control unit preferably comprises at least one actuator for adjusting the fluid parameter of the further fluid transport unit. The actuator is preferably designed as a proportional valve, a throttle valve, or the like, or alternatively as a fluid delivery unit, in particular a pump or compressor. The control unit optionally comprises at least one further actuator for adjusting the fluid parameter of the fluid transport unit. This further actuator is preferably designed as a proportional valve, a throttle valve, or the like. The control unit preferably comprises at least one control electronics unit for determining a control variable for actuating the actuator and / or the further actuator, depending on the fluid parameter and / or the further fluid parameter. The control electronics unit comprises, for example, a processor unit and a memory unit, as well as an operating program stored in the memory unit.The design according to the invention allows a difference in the fluid parameters of the fluid transport units, in particular a difference in the fluid parameters within the electrolysis cell unit, to be advantageously kept constant, and in particular advantageously small.

[0015] Furthermore, it is proposed that at least one, and in particular each, sensor element and at least one, and in particular each, actuator element of the control unit be arranged downstream of the electrolysis cell unit. Preferably, the sensor element and / or the actuator element is arranged in the product discharge branch of the further fluid transport unit. Preferably, the further sensor element and / or the further actuator element is arranged in the product line of the fluid transport unit. Preferably, the sensor element and / or the further sensor element is arranged directly downstream of the electrolysis cell unit. In particular, an entire section of the fluid transport unit and / or the further fluid transport unit, from the electrolysis cell unit to the sensor element or the further sensor element, is free of the fluid parameter-changing components of the fluid transport unit or the further fluid transport unit.The actuator is preferably arranged in the product discharge line upstream of a branch into the return line. The other actuator is arranged in the product line downstream of the heat exchanger and, in particular, upstream of the compressor. The design according to the invention allows the fluid parameters within the electrolysis cell unit to be advantageously adjusted simply and directly.

[0016] Furthermore, it is proposed that the fluid transport unit include at least one cooling unit, particularly one additional or alternative to the heat exchanger, for dissipating heat carried by the at least one product to the environment. The cooling unit is preferably designed as a fluid cooling system for cooling the product by means of a coolant. The coolant is preferably air and / or water. Preferably, the cooling unit includes at least one heat sink arranged on the product line. Preferably, the cooling unit includes at least one coolant delivery unit, for example, a fan or a pump, for conveying the coolant through or along the heat sink. The cooling unit is preferably arranged downstream of the heat exchanger. The cooling unit is preferably arranged upstream of the further actuating element and / or the compressor.The design according to the invention allows the thermal stress on components downstream of the heat exchanger to be advantageously kept low.

[0017] The electrolysis system according to the invention is not intended to be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the electrolysis system according to the invention may, to achieve a functionality described herein, have a different number of individual elements, components, and units than the number specified herein. Furthermore, values ​​within the specified limits of the value ranges stated in this disclosure are also considered disclosed and freely usable. Drawings

[0018] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate three exemplary embodiments of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

[0019] They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of an electrolysis system according to the invention, which is provided, for example, for the output of an electrolysis product at atmospheric pressure, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of an electrolysis system according to the invention, which is provided, for example, for the output of a pressurized electrolysis product, and Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a further alternative embodiment of an electrolysis system according to the invention, which is intended, for example, for storing an electrolysis product. Description of the exemplary implementations

[0020] Fig. Figure 1 shows an electrolysis system 10a. The electrolysis system 10a comprises at least one electrolysis cell unit 12a for the electrolysis of at least one reactant. The electrolysis cell unit 12a preferably comprises a plurality of electrolysis cells. The electrolysis cells are, for example, designed as solid oxide electrolysis cells. The electrolysis cells preferably each comprise at least one first electrode 38a, which is particularly designed for operation as an anode. The electrolysis cells preferably each comprise at least one further electrode 40a, which is particularly designed for operation as a cathode. The electrolysis cells preferably each comprise at least one electrolyte 42a, which is arranged between the first electrode 38a and the further electrode 40a. The electrolysis cell unit 12a is preferably designed for splitting water as a reactant into oxygen as a product and hydrogen as a further product.Alternatively or additionally, the electrolysis cell unit 12a is designed to split carbon dioxide as a reactant into oxygen as a product and carbon monoxide as a further product.

[0021] The electrolysis system 10a comprises at least one fluid transport unit 14a, which is connected to the electrolysis cell unit 12a, in particular to the at least one first electrode 38a, for the purpose of removing at least one product, in particular the oxygen, from the electrolysis. The electrolysis system 10a comprises at least one further fluid transport unit 16a, which is connected to the electrolysis cell unit 12a for supplying the reactant and to the further product for removal at the further electrode 40a.

[0022] The further fluid transport unit 16a preferably comprises a reactant supply branch 44a, which is connected to the electrolysis cell unit 12a upstream of the electrolysis cell unit 12a. The further fluid transport unit 16a preferably comprises a product discharge branch 46a, which is connected to the electrolysis cell unit 12a downstream of the electrolysis cell unit 12a. The at least one fluid transport unit 14a is arranged at least substantially entirely downstream of the at least one electrolysis cell unit 12a. The fluid transport unit 14a preferably comprises a product line 48a, which leads from an outlet of the first electrode 38a to a product system outlet 52a and to which all further components of the fluid transport unit 14a are arranged. The product system outlet 52a is preferably designed to discharge the product, in particular the oxygen with a purity of at least 2.0, to the environment.Preferably, in an operating configuration of the electrolysis system 10a for carrying out electrolysis, the electrolyte 42a of the electrolysis cell unit 12a is the only access point of the electrolysis cell unit 12a to the first electrode 38a. The first electrode 38a preferably comprises no further fluid inlet for receiving a transport medium for the product, apart from the electrolyte 42a. The at least one electrolysis cell unit 12a itself forms a fluid conveying unit for transporting the at least one product through the fluid transport unit 14a. By applying an electrical voltage to the electrodes 38a, 40a, the electrolysis unit preferably forces a mass transport, in particular of oxygen ions, to the first electrode 38a, so that an overpressure relative to atmospheric pressure is created at the first electrode 38a.The fluid transport unit 14a is preferably designed for the passive conveyance of the product, in particular the oxygen, to the product system outlet 52a. The electrolysis cell unit 12a is the only fluid conveying unit associated with the first electrode 38a for transporting the at least one product through the at least one fluid transport unit 14a.

[0023] The further reactant supply branch 44a preferably comprises a reactant system inlet 54a for introducing the reactant, in particular liquid water, into the electrolysis system 10a. The reactant supply branch 44a preferably includes a water pretreatment unit 56a downstream of the reactant system inlet 54a for purifying the reactant. The water pretreatment unit 56a is preferably designed to remove particles and / or ions from the reactant to such an extent that the electrical conductivity or electrical resistance of the reactant is below or above a limit value, respectively. The reactant supply branch 44a preferably includes a water metering pump 58a for adjusting the volume flow of water to the electrolysis cell unit 12a. The water metering pump 58a is preferably arranged downstream of the water pretreatment unit 56a. The reactant supply branch 44a preferably comprises a water preheater 60a for preheating the liquid water.The water preheater 60a is, for example, designed as a heat exchanger. The water preheater 60a is preferably arranged downstream of the water metering pump 58a. The reactant supply branch 44a preferably comprises an evaporator 62a for converting the liquid water into steam. The evaporator 62a includes, for example, an electric heating element for evaporating the water. The evaporator 62a is preferably arranged downstream of the water preheater 60a. The reactant supply branch 44a preferably comprises a steam preheater 64a for heating the steam. The steam preheater 64a is preferably arranged downstream of the evaporator 62a. The steam preheater 64a is preferably designed as a heat exchanger. The reactant supply branch 44a preferably includes a steam heater 66a for heating the steam to an operating temperature of the electrolysis cell unit 12a.The steam heater 66a preferably comprises an electric heating element for heating the steam. The steam heater 66a is preferably designed to bring the electrolysis cell unit 12a to operating temperature by means of the heated steam, particularly starting from room temperature.

[0024] When water is used as the starting material, the further product is typically a mixture of hydrogen and excess water vapor. The product discharge branch 46a is preferably connected to the steam preheater 64a for heat transfer from the further product to the water vapor. The product discharge branch 46a is preferably connected to the water preheater 60a for heat transfer from the further product to the liquid water. The water preheater 60a preferably includes a condensate line 61a for draining a portion of the further product, particularly water vapor, that condenses in the water preheater 60a. The condensate line 61a preferably opens into the water pretreatment unit 56a. The water preheater 60a is preferably arranged downstream of the steam preheater 64a along the product discharge branch 46a.The product discharge branch 46a preferably comprises a compression unit 68a for compressing the further product, for example to a pressure of at least 20 bar, preferably to a pressure of more than 30 bar. The compression unit 68a preferably comprises a further condensate line 70a for discharging a portion of the further product, in particular water vapor, that condenses in the compression unit 68a. The further condensate line 70a preferably opens into the water pretreatment unit 56a. The compression unit 68a preferably opens into a further product system outlet 72a for feeding the further product, in particular hydrogen, preferably with a purity of at least 5.0, into an external supply line and / or into a product storage container or for filling the further product into a product transport container.

[0025] The further fluid transport unit 16a preferably comprises a return line 20a for feeding the further product, in particular hydrogen, back into the reactant, in particular steam. The further fluid transport unit 16a preferably includes a return conveying unit 50a, in particular a blower, in the return line 20a for conveying the further product through the return line 20a. The return line 20a preferably branches off from the product discharge branch 46a downstream of the water preheater 60a and in particular upstream of the compression unit 68a. The return line 20a preferably opens into the reactant supply branch 44a downstream of the evaporator 62a and in particular upstream of the steam preheater 64a. The further fluid transport unit 16a preferably includes a shut-off valve 74a in the return line 20a. The shut-off valve 74a is preferably arranged downstream of the recirculating pump unit 50a.

[0026] The electrolysis system 10a comprises a heat exchanger 18a. The heat exchanger 18a is connected to the product line 48a. The heat exchanger 18a is located in the return line 20a. The heat exchanger 18a is designed for thermal coupling of the fluid transport unit 14a and the further fluid transport unit 16a. The heat exchanger 18a is located in the return line 20a, preferably downstream of the return pumping unit 50a, in particular the shut-off valve 74a.

[0027] The electrolysis system 10a preferably comprises a hotbox 78a for thermal insulation of the electrolysis cell unit 12a from the environment. Preferably, the electrolysis cell unit 12a, the steam heater 66a, and the steam preheater 64a are arranged inside the hotbox 78a. Preferably, the heat exchanger 18a, the evaporator 62a, the water preheater 60a, and components located further away from the electrolysis cell unit 12a than these components are arranged outside the hotbox 78a.

[0028] In the Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows a further embodiment of the invention. The following descriptions and drawings are essentially limited to the differences between the embodiments, whereby, with regard to identically designated components, in particular components with the same reference numerals, reference is also generally made to the drawings and / or the description of the other embodiments, in particular the Fig. 1, can be referenced. To distinguish the embodiments, the letter a is the reference numeral of the embodiment of the Fig. 1. In the exemplary embodiments of the Fig. In numbers 2 to 3, the letter a is replaced by the letters b to c.

[0029] Fig. Figure 2 shows an electrolysis system 10b. The electrolysis system 10b comprises at least one electrolysis cell unit 12b for the electrolysis of at least one reactant. The electrolysis system 10b comprises at least one fluid transport unit 14b, which is connected to the electrolysis cell unit 12b for the purpose of removing at least one product of the electrolysis. The at least one fluid transport unit 14b is arranged at least substantially all downstream of the at least one electrolysis cell unit 12b.

[0030] The at least one fluid transport unit 14b comprises at least one turbine 22b for providing electrical current 76b. The turbine 22b is arranged in a product line 48b of the fluid transport unit 14b, preferably downstream of a heat exchanger 18b of the electrolysis system 10b.

[0031] The electrolysis system 10b comprises at least one control unit 26b for adjusting a fluid parameter of the further fluid transport unit 16b depending on a fluid parameter of the fluid transport unit 14b. For example, the control unit 26b comprises at least one sensor element 28b, in particular designed as a pressure sensor, for detecting the fluid parameter of the further fluid transport unit 16b, which is arranged at a product outlet of a further electrode 40b of the electrolysis cell unit 12b. The sensor element 28b is preferably arranged upstream of a steam preheater 64b of the further fluid transport unit 16b in the product discharge branch 46b. For example, the control unit 26b comprises at least one further sensor element 30b, in particular designed as a pressure sensor, for detecting the fluid parameter of the fluid transport unit 14b.The additional sensor element 30b is preferably arranged at a product outlet of a first electrode 38b of the electrolysis cell unit 12b. The additional sensor element 30b is preferably arranged upstream of the heat exchanger 18b. The sensor element 28b and the additional sensor element 30b can be configured as separate pressure sensors or integrated into one another as a differential pressure sensor. The control unit 26b preferably comprises at least one actuating element 32b for adjusting the fluid parameter of the additional fluid transport unit 16b. The actuating element 32b is, for example, configured as a needle valve or another proportional valve. The actuating element 32b is preferably arranged in a product discharge branch 46b of the additional fluid transport unit 16b downstream of a water preheater 60b of the additional fluid transport unit 16b.The actuating element 32b is preferably arranged upstream of a branch of the product discharge branch 46b into a return line 20b of the electrolysis system 10b in the product discharge branch 46b of the further fluid transport unit 16b. The control unit 26b is preferably designed to adjust the actuating element 32b as a function of a difference in the fluid parameters, in particular a pressure difference, between the fluid transport units 14b and 16b. A water metering pump 58b of the further fluid transport unit 16b is preferably designed, in addition to setting a water flow rate, to be used as a pressurization unit, which preferably sets a feedforward value of the fluid parameter.

[0032] Regarding further features of the electrolysis system 10b, reference should be made to the Fig. 1 and their description are referenced.

[0033] Fig. Figure 3 shows an electrolysis system 10c. The electrolysis system 10c comprises at least one electrolysis cell unit 12c for the electrolysis of at least one reactant. The electrolysis system 10c comprises at least one fluid transport unit 14c, which is connected to the electrolysis cell unit 12c for the removal of at least one product of the electrolysis. The at least one fluid transport unit 14c is arranged at least substantially all downstream of the at least one electrolysis cell unit 12c.

[0034] The at least one fluid transport unit 14c comprises at least one compressor 24c for compressing the at least one product, in particular the oxygen. The compressor 24c is preferably arranged downstream of a heat exchanger 18c of the electrolysis system 10c in a product line 48c of the fluid transport unit 14c. The at least one fluid transport unit 14c comprises at least one cooling unit 36c, in particular an additional cooling unit to the heat exchanger 18c, for dissipating heat carried by the at least one product to the environment. The cooling unit 36c is preferably arranged between the heat exchanger 18c and the compressor 24c. The cooling unit 36c is shown here by way of example as an air cooling system with a fan. Alternatively, the cooling unit 36c is a water cooling system. A control unit 26c of the electrolysis system 10a preferably comprises a further actuating element 34c.The additional actuating element 34c is, for example, designed as a needle valve or other proportional valve. The additional actuating element 34c is preferably arranged fluidically between the heat exchanger 18c, in particular the cooling unit 36c, and the compressor 24c. The control unit 26c is preferably designed to adjust the additional actuating element 34c as a function of a difference in fluid parameters, in particular a pressure difference, between the fluid transport units 14c and 16c.

[0035] Regarding further features of the electrolysis system 10c, reference should be made to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 and their description.

Claims

[1] Electrolysis system (10a; 10b; 10c) with at least one electrolysis cell unit (12a; 12b; 12c) for electrolysis of at least one reactant and with at least one fluid transport unit (14a; 14b; 14c) which is connected to the electrolysis cell unit (12a; 12b; 12c) for discharging at least one product of the electrolysis, characterized by that the at least one fluid transport unit (14a; 14b; 14c) is arranged at least substantially completely downstream of the at least one electrolysis cell unit (12a; 12b; 12c). [2] Electrolysis system (10a; 10b; 10c) according to claim 1, characterized by that the at least one electrolysis cell unit (12a; 12b; 12c) forms a fluid conveying unit for transporting the at least one product through the fluid transport unit (14a; 14b; 14c). [3] Electrolysis system (10a; 10b; 10c) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized byat least one further fluid transport unit (16a; 16b; 16c) for discharging at least one further product of the electrolysis and at least one heat exchanger (18a; 18b; 18c) which thermally couples the at least one fluid transport unit (14a; 14b; 14c) and the at least one further fluid transport unit (16a; 16b; 16c). [4] Electrolysis system (10a; 10b; 10c) according to claim 3, characterized by that the at least one heat exchanger (18a; 18b; 18c) is arranged in a return line (20a; 20b; 20c) of the at least one further fluid transport unit (16a; 16b; 16c) for feeding the further product back into the reactant. [5] Electrolysis system (10b) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least one fluid transport unit (14b) comprises at least one turbine (22b) for providing electrical power (76b). [6] Electrolysis system (10c) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the at least one fluid transport unit (14c) comprises at least one compressor (24c) for compressing the at least one product. [7] Electrolysis system (10a) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the at least one electrolysis cell unit (12a) forms the only fluid conveying unit assigned to the electrolysis cell unit (12a) for transporting the at least one product through the at least one fluid transport unit (14a). [8] Electrolysis system (10b; 10c) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one further fluid transport unit (16b; 16c) for discharging at least one further product of the electrolysis and by at least one control unit (26b; 26c) for adapting a fluid parameter of the further fluid transport unit (16b; 16c) as a function of a fluid parameter of the fluid transport unit (14b; 14c). [9] Electrolysis system (10b; 10c) according to claim 8, characterized bythat at least one, in particular each, sensor element (28b, 30b; 28c, 30c) and at least one, in particular each, actuating element (32b; 32c, 34c) of the control unit (26b; 26c) are arranged downstream of the electrolysis cell unit (12b; 12c). [10] Electrolysis system (10c) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least one fluid transport unit (14c) comprises at least one cooling unit (36c), in particular additional or alternative to the heat exchanger (18c), for dissipating heat carried by the at least one product to the environment.

Images