Heatproof fuel cell tube
The weight and space occupancy challenges of fuel cell supply devices are solved by using manifold devices and heat shields made of polymer materials, achieving a lighter, more space-saving design and improving safety and resistance Thermal properties.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202411084877.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-08-14
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-08
- Publication Date
- 2025-02-21
AI Technical Summary
Existing fuel cell supply devices have challenges in weight and space occupancy, especially in applications such as aircraft, which are difficult to achieve a lighter and more space-saving design.
Using a manifold device made of polymer material, the device includes a fuel supply line and a coolant pipeline. The fuel supply line is protected by a heat shield to reduce heat changes, and through the design of the cover structure and coolant pipeline, it can realize the Extinguish and cool effects.
A lighter and more space-saving fuel cell supply device is achieved, improving adaptability and adjustability, while enhancing safety and heat resistance.
Smart Images
Figure CN119495786A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The invention relates to a measure for improving the thermal resistance of a fuel cell supply, more particularly to a heat-resistant fuel supply, a fuel cell, an energy supply system, an aircraft and a method for producing a heat-resistant fuel supply. Background Art
[0002] Fuel cells that convert chemical energy into electrical energy can be deployed to power various vehicle systems. As an example, fuel cells can be used for various purposes in aircraft. Fuels such as hydrogen can be stored onboard in designated reservoirs and can be supplied to the fuel cells according to their consumption (i.e. demand). In addition to the fuel supply, cooling can also be arranged to maintain the operation of the fuel cell under determined thermal conditions. However, in addition to space constraints (which may require custom devices), weight may also be challenging, for example, in aircraft, especially in the supply device connected to the fuel cell. Summary of the invention
[0003] Therefore, lighter devices for fuel cells may be desired.
[0004] The objects of the invention are solved by the subject-matter of the independent claims; further embodiments are contained in the dependent claims. It should be noted that the aspects of the invention described below also apply to a heat-protected fuel supply, a fuel cell, an energy supply system, an aircraft and a method for producing a heat-protected fuel supply.
[0005] According to the present invention, a heat-protected fuel supply device for a fuel cell is provided. The heat-protected fuel supply device comprises a manifold and a heat shield, wherein the manifold is a pipeline device comprising at least one fuel supply line and at least one coolant pipeline. The manifold is formed to be mounted to the end connection portion of the fuel cell. The manifold is formed to supply fuel to the fuel cell via the at least one fuel supply line and to provide cooling to at least the fuel supply line via the at least one coolant pipeline. The manifold is made of a polymer material. The structural integrity of the manifold is defined by the polymer material. The heat shield is arranged to protect at least a portion of the outer surface of the at least one fuel supply line from the influence of an external heat source to reduce thermal changes in the manifold.
[0006] As an advantage, cost-effective polymers are used for the manifold.
[0007] As an advantage, a more adaptable and adjustable manifold is provided.
[0008] As an advantage, a safer manifold with a low weight is provided.
[0009] According to an example, the heat shield further comprises a hood structure. The hood structure surrounds a heat dissipation substance reservoir surrounding an outer surface of at least a portion of the at least one fuel supply line. The heat dissipation substance reservoir is configured to receive a substance that mitigates thermal changes affecting the manifold.
[0010] According to an example, the hood structure comprises a tube-in-tube arrangement, wherein the outer pipe is arranged to follow at least a portion of the at least one fuel supply line in a coaxial manner.
[0011] According to an example, for the heat shield, at least a portion of the at least one fuel supply line extends inside the at least one coolant conduit. The heat shield is configured to mitigate thermal variations of the manifold using coolant flow through the at least one coolant conduit.
[0012] According to the present invention, a fuel cell unit is also provided. The fuel cell unit comprises at least one fuel cell and a heat-proof fuel supply device according to one of the aforementioned examples. The heat-proof fuel supply device is mounted to the end connection portion of the fuel cell. The at least one fuel cell is supplied with fuel by the at least one fuel supply pipeline.
[0013] As an advantage, a lighter and more space-saving fuel cell unit is provided.
[0014] As an advantage, a more adaptable and adjustable fuel cell is provided.
[0015] According to the present invention, an energy supply system is also provided. The energy supply system includes at least one fuel cell unit according to one of the aforementioned examples and a fuel reservoir. The fuel reservoir is connected to the at least one fuel cell via the at least one fuel supply line of the heat-proof fuel supply device. The at least one fuel cell is configured to provide electrical energy to a power consumption load.
[0016] As an advantage, a lighter and more space-saving energy supply system is provided.
[0017] According to the invention, an aircraft is also provided. The aircraft comprises at least one energy supply system according to the previous example and at least one power consuming load. The at least one power consuming load comprises at least one of the following group: a propulsion system, electrical avionics and onboard electrical equipment for the cabin area. The at least one power consuming load is powered by the at least one energy supply system.
[0018] As an advantage, the safety and weight of the aircraft are improved.
[0019] According to the present invention, a method for manufacturing a heat-resistant fuel supply device is also provided. The method comprises the following steps: - Provide fuel cells,
[0020] - providing a manifold as the conduit arrangement, said manifold having at least one fuel supply line and at least one coolant conduit,
[0021] - forming the manifold from a polymer material to supply fuel to the fuel cell via the at least one fuel supply line and to provide cooling to at least the fuel supply line via the at least one coolant conduit,
[0022] - Provide heat shielding, and
[0023] - The heat shield is arranged to protect at least a portion of an outer surface of the at least one fuel supply line from external heat sources, thereby mitigating thermal variations of the manifold.
[0024] According to an example of the method, the heat-protected fuel supply is produced by additive manufacturing.
[0025] According to one aspect, a supply structure for a fuel cell is made of a lightweight material to reduce weight and have more adjustability with respect to the production and installation of pipes and fuel cells. As an example, the material is lighter than metals (such as steel, aluminum or alloys) commonly used for fluid supply to fuel cells. Lightweight material structures are more susceptible to thermal degradation than metals. In order to compensate for this lower heat resistance, protective measures are applied to the lightweight material structure to delay its degradation with respect to heat. The protective measures insulate the lightweight material structure from heat, remove heat from the lightweight material structure, and extinguish the heat source.
[0026] According to one aspect, a design is provided that enables a self-extinguishing hydrogen manifold to overcome rapid diffusion and critical combustion of hydrogen.
[0027] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the following drawings:
[0029] Figure 1 A general schematic diagram of a section taken through an example of a heat protected fuel supply is shown.
[0030] Figure 2 A cross section through a shroud structure of a heat-protected fuel supply is schematically shown.
[0031] Figure 3A cross section taken through a hood structure configured to enclose a manifold and / or other functional units of a fuel cell is schematically shown.
[0032] Figure 4 A cross section through a hood structure comprising a tube-in-tube arrangement is schematically shown and wherein at least a portion of at least one fuel supply line extends inside at least one coolant duct.
[0033] Figure 5 An example of a fuel cell unit and an energy supply system is shown.
[0034] Figure 6 An aircraft including an energy supply system is shown.
[0035] Figure 7 The basic steps of an example of a method for producing a heat protected fuel supply are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] Certain embodiments will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same elements, even in different drawings. Matters defined in this specification, such as detailed construction and elements, are provided to help fully understand the exemplary embodiments. In addition, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail because they will obscure the embodiments with unnecessary details. In addition, when a statement such as "at least one" is located before an element list, it modifies the entire element list, rather than a single element in the modifying list.
[0037] In one example, a hydrogen fuel cell needs to be supplied with different media, such as hydrogen, coolant and oxygen. There is a manifold, which is directly attached to the so-called fuel cell stack of the fuel cell and guides the above media to the inlet of the stack. As an example, in order to meet the requirements of minimum installation space and weight in vehicles, these manifolds can be provided as geometrically quite complex structures. The manifold can be manufactured by additive manufacturing, by polymer SLS or metal SLS, welding pipes or injection molding with polymer materials. In the case of polymer manifolds, since thermoplastic polymers generally have a melting temperature significantly lower than the hydrogen flame temperature, special attention is paid to the heat resistance to hydrogen. In the following, further concepts are also discussed and developed to prevent the system from melting.
[0038] In one example, a variant hydrogen and coolant manifold is designed so that if a hydrogen fire occurs in the piping, it will extinguish itself. This will occur without active fire fighting procedures / steps or equipment. Different variations are proposed, all of which return to the basic principle, namely, the pipe-in-pipe design.
[0039] In one example, a variation directs the hydrogen manifold (also referred to herein as the H2 pipe) through the coolant manifold (also referred to herein as the coolant pipe). If a fire breaks out inside the hydrogen pipe, the pipe wall will collapse very quickly depending on the material and open a connection to the external coolant pipe. The coolant fluid will then extinguish the hydrogen fire and flood the pipe. A fast shut-off valve is required to protect the fuel cell from being flooded by the coolant.
[0040] In one example, another variation directs the H2 pipe through a second larger pipe, resulting in a cavity between the two pipes. The cavity is filled with a fire extinguishing lightweight powder / granules. Once the hydrogen pipe collapses due to a fire from the inside, the powder will flood the pipe and extinguish the fire. If the fire comes from the outside, the powder directly protects the inner pipe from the fire and acts as a barrier.
[0041] In one example, another variation encloses the entire manifold by another shell element manufactured in situ with the piping system. The space created between the enclosing shell and the piping can be flooded / filled with a medium having fire extinguishing properties, such as coolant liquid, powder, etc.
[0042] In one example, another variation is coating manifolds, especially critical H2 pipelines, on the inside and outside with a fire retardant coating. The fire retardant coating is a coating / paint that chemically foams when exposed to flames. In this way, it dissipates energy and extinguishes the fire. Coatings are a prior art in building construction in particular.
[0043] Figure 1 A heat shielded fuel supply 10 for a fuel cell 12 is schematically shown. The heat shielded fuel supply 10 comprises a manifold 14, which is a conduit arrangement 16 comprising at least one fuel supply line 18 and at least one coolant conduit 20, and a heat shield 22. The manifold 14 is formed for mounting to an end connection portion 24 of the fuel cell 12. The manifold 14 is formed for supplying fuel 26 to the fuel cell 12 via the at least one fuel supply line 18 and for providing cooling 28 to at least the fuel supply line 18 via the at least one coolant conduit 20. The manifold 14 is made of a polymer material 30. The structural integrity of the manifold 14 is defined by the polymer material 30. The heat shield 22 is arranged for protecting at least a portion of an outer surface 32 of the at least one fuel supply line 18 from an external heat source 34 to mitigate thermal variations 36 of the manifold 14.
[0044] The term "heat-protected fuel supply" relates to a pipe system made of a polymer with heat protection.
[0045] A "heat-resistant fuel supply" may also be referred to as a heat-resistant pipe system or supply or a fire-resistant fuel supply.
[0046] The term "fuel cell" relates to a unit that converts chemical energy into electrical energy using reducing and oxidizing species.
[0047] In one example, Figure 1 The fuel cell 12 in the embodiment is configured to convert the chemical energy of hydrogen into electricity.
[0048] In one example, fuel cell 12 is configured to convert chemical energy of molecular hydrogen into electricity.
[0049] In one example, fuel cell 12 is configured to convert the chemical energy of molecular ammonia into electricity.
[0050] In one example, the fuel cell 12 is configured to convert the chemical energy of hydrocarbons into electricity.
[0051] In one example, fuel cell 12 is configured to convert chemical energy of methane into electricity.
[0052] In one example, fuel cell 12 is configured to convert the chemical energy of methanol into electricity.
[0053] The term "manifold" refers to a system of pipes or tubes similar to Figure 1 The structural organization of supply pipes for supplying the operation of the fuel cell 12. It includes pipes for fuel, for oxidant, for exhaust gas or for coolant.
[0054] The term "plumbing" relates to a pipe or piping system.
[0055] The term "fuel supply line" relates to any entity enclosing an internal cavity for the restricted and directed delivery of gas and / or liquid separated from the external environment of a "fluid supply line".
[0056] A "fuel supply line" may also be referred to as a fuel supply, a fuel supply conduit, a fuel conduit, or a supply conduit.
[0057] In one example, the term "supply" also refers to the property of the conduit in isolating the gas and / or liquid from the external environment.
[0058] The term "coolant pipe" refers to Figure 1 The cooling system of the fuel cell 12 in the embodiment of the present invention controls the operating temperature of the fuel cell 12, i.e. the electrochemical reaction, by means of a coolant medium or cooling fluid. The operating temperature is controlled by the temperature of the coolant or cooling fluid or their flow rate.
[0059] In one example, the supply line or pipe is made of a material that does not change when in contact with the gas and / or liquid. Preferably, the supply line or pipe is made of a material that does not change when in contact with the liquid or pressurized hydrogen. Figure 1 Shown in.
[0060] In another example, the supply line or pipe wall is made of a composite material.
[0061] In one example, the supply line or pipe wall is made of a fiber-polymer composite material.
[0062] In one example, the supply line or conduit has a varying shape, thickness, and thickness gradient of its conduit wall, without Figure 1 Shown in.
[0063] The term “heat shield” relates to active insulation with respect to thermal events, which is not only able to insulate the protected supply line from heat, but also actively protects against external heat sources 34 , such as fire.
[0064] A "heat shield" may also be referred to as a cover, shell, sheath, jacket, housing, coating, envelope, cover, or extinguishing element.
[0065] The term "terminal connection portion" refers to Figure 1 The area at the fuel cell stack of the fuel cells 12 in the embodiment of the present invention is formed as a fastening area to fasten the manifold 14 and provide a passage for supply to the fuel cells 12 .
[0066] The term "fuel" refers to the Figure 1 The fuel cell 12 is used to generate chemicals for electricity.
[0067] In one example, the fuel 26 includes hydrogen.
[0068] In one example, the fuel 26 includes molecular hydrogen.
[0069] In one example, the fuel 26 includes molecular ammonia.
[0070] In one example, the fuel 26 includes hydrocarbons.
[0071] In one example, the fuel 26 includes methane.
[0072] In one example, the fuel 26 includes methanol.
[0073] The term "polymeric material" relates to a substance or material consisting of macromolecules composed of a number of repeating subunits.
[0074] In one example, the polymer material is a composite material.
[0075] In one example, the polymer material includes a reinforcement structure.
[0076] In an example, the reinforcement structure includes at least one of the following group: carbon fiber, glass fiber, glass beads, ceramic beads, carbon nanotubes, graphene, fullerene.
[0077] In one example, the polymer material includes a reduced carbon material embedded between polymer chains.
[0078] In one example, the polymer material includes carbon fibers.
[0079] In one example, the polymer material includes at least one polymer and / or monomer from the following group, the group consisting of: PEEK, PEKK, PAEK, PPS, PA6, PA66, PA6 / 66, PPA, PPSU, PEI, or combinations thereof.
[0080] In one example, Figure 1 The polymer material 30 is a heat resistant polymer.
[0081] In one example, the polymer material 30 is Teflon.
[0082] The term "external heat source" may be Figure 1 In one example, the external heat source is heat near, at the outer surface, or in the polymer material 30 in the fuel cell 12, or even heat inside the conduit device 16. In one example, the external heat source is a fire near, at the outer surface, or in the fuel cell 12. In one example, the external heat source is a fire around the fuel cell 12. In one example, the external heat source is heat generated by a chemical reaction in the fuel cell 12. In one example, the external heat source is heat generated by an electrical or electrochemical reaction. In one example, the external heat source is heat generated by a lightning strike. In one example, the external heat source is heat generated by friction.
[0083] The term "thermal variation" refers to providing a device capable of changing Figure 1 Any event or cause in the form of energy that affects the structural integrity and / or physical condition of the manifold 14.
[0084] In one example, the heat shield 22 is arranged to wrap at least a portion of the outer surface 32 of the at least one fuel supply line 18 by covering only a portion of the outer surface 32 of the at least one fuel supply line 18, thereby protecting Figure 1 at least a portion of the outer surface of the.
[0085] In one example, the heat shield 22 is arranged to cover Figure 1 The at least a portion of the outer surface 32 of the at least one fuel supply line 18 in the embodiment of the present invention is protected by the at least a portion of the outer surface 32 of the at least one fuel supply line 18 in the embodiment of the present invention.
[0086] In an example, the heat shield 22 is arranged to protect at least a portion of an outer surface of the at least one fuel supply line 18 by being an integral part of at least a portion of an outer surface 32 of the at least one fuel supply line 18 .
[0087] In one example, the heat shield 22 is an integral part of at least one fuel supply line 18 and is not located in the fuel supply line 18. Figure 1 Shown in.
[0088] In one example, the heat shield 22 actively prevents melting of the polymer material 30 of the manifold 14 .
[0089] In one example, the thermal variation 36 at the manifold 14 is caused by a hydrogen flame at a temperature, for example, greater than 2000° C. Figure 1 1. The polymer material 30 or plastic of the manifold 14 will melt faster at these temperatures than a manifold 14 made of metal, which also melts after a period of time despite its high melting temperature. In order to slow down the process of melting of the polymer manifold 14, the heat shield 22 dissipates the heat of the hydrogen flame and removes a certain amount of heating energy from the polymer material 30 of the manifold 14. The heat shield 22 can even extinguish the hydrogen flame.
[0090] "Relieve" may also be referred to as weakening, reducing, lowering, eliminating, cooling, weakening, extinguishing, quenching, moderating, or alleviating.
[0091] In one example, the heat shield increases Figure 1 The melting temperature of the polymer material 30 in FIG.
[0092] Figure 2 A cross section through a hood structure 38 of the heat shield fuel supply 10 is schematically shown. The heat shield 22 includes the hood structure 38. The hood structure 38 surrounds a heat dissipation substance 40 reservoir 42 surrounding an outer surface of at least a portion 44 of the at least one fuel supply line 18. The heat dissipation substance 40 reservoir 42 is configured to receive a substance 46 that mitigates thermal changes 36 affecting the manifold 14, not within the Figure 2 Shown in.
[0093] The term "hood structure" relates to the outer skin of the heat shield 22, wherein the heat shield 22 is a double-walled device surrounding an inner volume. One wall is represented by the outer surface of at least a portion 44 of the at least one fuel supply line 18, and the other wall is represented by the outer surface of the at least one fuel supply line 18. Figure 2 The cover structure 38 is shown in FIG.
[0094] In one example, the cover structure 38 is made of a flexible material and is consumable.
[0095] The term "heat dissipating substance" or also referred to as "heat mitigating substance 46" refers to a substance capable of removing heat from a Figure 2 The heat dissipation substance on the manifold 14 is shown. The heat dissipation substance can also be understood as a heat quenching substance or a fire extinguishing substance.
[0096] "Heat dissipation substance" can also be called heat dissipation material.
[0097] In one example, the heat dissipation substance 40 absorbs heat and converts it into a different form of energy.
[0098] In one example, the heat dissipation material 40 removes oxygen around the external heat source 34. Figure 2 Shown in.
[0099] In one example, the heat dissipation substance 40 is configured to cover a wide area and prevent oxygen from entering the wide area. Figure 2 Shown in.
[0100] In one example, the heat dissipating substance 40 is a foaming substance.
[0101] In one example, the heat dissipation substance 40 is a thermal insulator.
[0102] In one example, the heat dissipation substance 40 is a solid material.
[0103] In one example, the heat dissipation substance 40 is powder.
[0104] In one example, the heat dissipating substance 40 is foam.
[0105] In one example, the solid material of the heat dissipating substance 40 foams when in contact with the insulating foam.
[0106] In one example, the heat dissipating substance 40 is a gel.
[0107] In one example, the heat dissipation substance 40 is configured to adhere to a polymer.
[0108] In one example, the heat dissipation substance 40 is configured to repel polymers.
[0109] In one example, the heat dissipation material 40 is a fire extinguishing powder or granules. Figure 2 Shown in.
[0110] In one example, the heat sink substance 40 is chemically inert with respect to the manifold 14 and the fuel cell 12 .
[0111] In one example, the heat sink 40 enhances the thermal capacity of the manifold 14 .
[0112] In one example, the heat dissipation substance 40 is transformed into a protective insulating material by heat. Figure 2 Shown in.
[0113] The term “heat dissipating substance reservoir” relates to an intermediate space between the hood structure 38 and the outer surface of at least a portion 44 of the at least one fuel supply line 18 , which intermediate space is capable of storing a heat dissipating substance, ie a substance that mitigates the thermal variations 36 affecting the manifold 14 .
[0114] "Heat dissipation material" may also be referred to as heat quenching material.
[0115] In one example, the interior of the “heat dissipation substance reservoir” is covered with a protective layer, which prevents the stored heat dissipation substance 40 from reacting with the at least one fuel supply line 18. Figure 2 Shown in.
[0116] In one example, the heat sink 40 reservoir 42 is formed as at least one internal passage in the at least one fuel supply line 18, without Figure 2 Shown in.
[0117] In one example, the hood structure 38 is also configured to insulate the supply line from thermal events.
[0118] In one example, the hood structure 38 is also configured to insulate the supply line from the external heat source 34. Figure 2 Shown in.
[0119] In one example, the cover structure 38 includes a heat dissipating substance.
[0120] In one example, the cover structure 38 is a foil that is not Figure 2 Shown in.
[0121] In one example, the cover structure 38 is configured to form perforations upon thermal contact and release the heat dissipating substance 40 into its surrounding environment.
[0122] In one example, the hood structure 38 is capable of extinguishing external heat sources 34 that are also in the surrounding environment of the heat-protected fuel supply 10 .
[0123] Figure 3 Schematically illustrated is a section through a cover structure 38 configured to enclose a manifold 14 and / or other functional units 48 of a fuel cell 12. A heat dissipation substance 40 reservoir 42 has its heat dissipation substance 40 at least partially exposed to abut against the manifold 14 and / or other functional units 48 of the fuel cell 12.
[0124] In one example, the other functional units 48 of the fuel cell 12 may be connection parts, a supply for exhaust gas, a supply for air, all exterior or interior surfaces of the fuel cell 12 and the stack of the fuel cell 12, electrical terminals and supplies, the surroundings of the fuel cell 12, not shown. Figure 3 Shown in.
[0125] In one example, the cover structure 38 forms a chamber that surrounds the manifold 14 and / or the functional unit 48 of the fuel cell 12 .
[0126] In one example, the chamber is consumable.
[0127] In one example, other functional units 48 of the manifold 14 may also be understood as areas outside of the portion of the outer surface 32 of the at least one fuel supply line 18 .
[0128] As an advantage, diffusion of external heat sources between the manifold and / or other functional units of the fuel cell is more effectively prevented.
[0129] exist Figure 3 In the example of , the cover structure 38 is also configured to also enclose at least a portion of the at least one coolant pipe 20 , shown by the coolant pipe flange 21 as a portion of the at least one coolant pipe 20 , such that the at least one coolant pipe 20 cools the heat dissipation substance 40 reservoir 42 .
[0130] In one example, the heat dissipation substance 40 reservoir 42 of the hood structure 38 is supplied with coolant through the coolant pipe flange 21 or includes the at least one coolant pipe 20. The fire sustained by the at least one fuel supply line 18 perforates the at least one fuel supply line 18 to provide access to the coolant in the heat dissipation substance 40 reservoir 42, or even further perforates the at least one coolant pipe 20 (shown by the coolant pipe flange 21) to provide access to the coolant. In this way, the fire in the at least one fuel supply line 18 is self-extinguishing. In addition, the entire heat dissipation substance 40 reservoir 42 is cooled by the coolant.
[0131] In one example, during a fire, the at least one coolant pipe 20 is perforated and the coolant flows in the chamber of the heat sink reservoir 42 without Figure 3 Shown in.
[0132] In one example, a solid material foams upon contact with a thermal event, forming an insulating foam.
[0133] As an advantage, a synergistic effect between the heat-dissipating substance and the coolant of the at least one coolant duct is achieved.
[0134] exist Figure 3 In the example of FIG. 4 , the heat dissipation substance 40 includes a fluid 50 , and the cover structure 38 is configured to store the heat dissipation substance 40 including the fluid 50 in the heat dissipation substance 40 reservoir 42 .
[0135] The term "fluid" relates to, for example, a liquid or a gas, which continuously deforms, ie flows, under applied shear stress or external force.
[0136] In one example, the fluid 50 removes heat from the external heat source 34 by undergoing a phase change without Figure 3 Shown in.
[0137] In one example, the fluid 50 is mixed with the solid heat dissipation substance 40 .
[0138] In one example, the fluid 50 reacts with the solid heat dissipation material 40 under heating to produce a cooling effect. Figure 3 Shown in.
[0139] As an effect, the heat dissipation substance 40 is spread over a wider area of the heat dissipation substance 40 reservoir 42, not Figure 3 Shown in.
[0140] As an advantage, the fluid can be used to more effectively extinguish external heat sources.
[0141] exist Figure 3 In the example of FIG. 5 , the cover structure 38 is configured to hold the heat sink 40 under pressure 52 . The cover structure 38 is configured to perforate under pressure 52 when in contact with the external heat source 34 to provide a cooling effect with the heat sink 40 , thereby mitigating the thermal variation 36 of the manifold 14 .
[0142] In one example, the substance under pressure 52 displaces the bulk volume containing oxygen surrounding the external heat source 34 as it expands to extinguish the external heat source 34 without Figure 3 Shown in.
[0143] In one example, the cover structure 38 holds the heat dissipation substance 40 under vacuum.
[0144] In one example, the expansion initiates the closing of a valve that regulates the supply to the fuel cell 12. Figure 3 Shown in.
[0145] As an advantage, the expansion of the fluid provides a cooling effect to mitigate thermal variations in the manifold.
[0146] As an advantage, pressure efficiently diffuses the heat dissipating substance.
[0147] Figure 4 Schematically shown is a section through a hood structure 38 comprising a tube-in-tube arrangement 54. The hood structure 38 comprises a tube-in-tube arrangement 54, wherein an outer pipe is arranged to follow at least a portion of the at least one fuel supply line 18 in a coaxial manner.
[0148] In one example, a fire from the outside is extinguished by perforating the outer pipe and contacting the heat dissipating substance 40 .
[0149] In one example, the fire from inside the inner pipe is extinguished by perforating the inner pipe and contacting the heat dissipation material 40 without Figure 4 Shown in.
[0150] As an effect, the fire in the at least one fuel supply line 18 perforates the at least one fuel supply line 18 and provides itself with access to the reservoir 42 of the heat dissipating substance 40 in the hood structure 38 .
[0151] As an advantage, a fire in the at least one fuel supply line is self-extinguishing.
[0152] Figure 4 Also schematically shown is a section through a hood structure 38, which comprises a tube-in-tube arrangement 54 and in which at least a portion of at least one fuel supply line 18 extends inside at least one coolant pipe 20. With regard to the heat shield 22, at least a portion of the at least one fuel supply line 18 extends inside the at least one coolant pipe 20. Figure 4 As shown by arrows 56 in FIG. 8 , the heat shield 22 is configured to mitigate the thermal variation 36 of the manifold 14 with coolant flow through the at least one coolant conduit 20 .
[0153] In one example, the shroud structure 38 is formed to provide a supply of flowing coolant from the at least one coolant tube 20 through the heat sink 40 reservoir 42. The shroud structure 38 is configured to mitigate the thermal variation 36 of the manifold 14 with the flowing coolant through the at least one coolant tube 20.
[0154] In one example, Figure 4 The coolant lines in the were rerouted into a coaxial tube design for hydrogen supply and coolant.
[0155] In one example, a fire in the at least one fuel supply line 18 will result in a perforation of the at least one fuel supply line 18 and then in an immediate extinguishing of the fire in the at least one fuel supply line 18 or the fuel cell 12 without Figure 4 Shown in.
[0156] In one example, in order to prevent coolant from entering the fuel cell when the at least one fuel supply line 18 is perforated by fire, a ventil is provided to stop the supply of coolant.
[0157] In one example, the coolant includes a heat dissipating substance 40 .
[0158] In one example, in the event of a fire, a damaged pipe in a hydrogen line allows cooling water to flood the hydrogen supply and clear the fire without Figure 4 Shown in.
[0159] As an advantage, fuel leaking from the at least one fuel supply line or other parts of the manifold is collected in the coolant flow.
[0160] As an effect, the at least one fuel supply line extending within the at least one coolant conduit leaves spare space at the original route of the at least one coolant conduit.
[0161] As an advantage, more spare space is provided at the manifold and the fuel cell.
[0162] As an advantage, control of the operating temperature of the fuel cell is improved.
[0163] In not in Figure 4 In the example shown in , for the heat shield 22 at least a portion of the at least one fuel supply line 18 is provided with a fire retardant coating.
[0164] In one example, when exposed to an external thermal event, the fire retardant coating foams and does not Figure 4 Shown in.
[0165] In one example, the heat dissipation substance 40 is immersed in the polymer material 30 of the manifold 14 and is not Figure 4 Shown in.
[0166] Figure 5 An example of a fuel cell unit 100 and an energy supply system is shown. The fuel cell unit 100 includes at least one fuel cell 102 and a heat-proof fuel supply device 110 according to one of the aforementioned examples. The heat-proof fuel supply device 110 is mounted to an end connection portion 124 of the fuel cell 102. The at least one fuel cell 102 is supplied with fuel by the at least one fuel supply line 18.
[0167] In not in Figure 5 In the example shown in , the at least one fuel cell 102 is cooled by the at least one coolant pipe 20 .
[0168] Figure 5 Also shown is an example of an energy supply system 200. The energy supply system 200 comprises at least one fuel cell unit 202 and a fuel reservoir 204 according to the previous example. The fuel reservoir 204 is connected to the at least one fuel cell 202 via the at least one fuel supply line 118 of the heat-proof fuel supply device 110. The at least one fuel cell 202 is configured to provide electrical energy to an electrical power consumption load. Figure 6An aircraft 300 is shown comprising an energy supply system 302. The aircraft 300 comprises at least one energy supply system 302 according to the previous example and at least one power consuming load 304. The at least one power consuming load 304 comprises at least one of the following group: a propulsion system, electrical avionics, and onboard electrical equipment for the cabin area. The at least one power consuming load 304 is powered by the at least one energy supply system 302.
[0169] Figure 7 The basic steps of an example of a method 400 for manufacturing a heat protected fuel supply 10 are shown. The method 400 includes the following steps:
[0170] - In a first step 402, a fuel cell 12 is provided.
[0171] - In a second step 404, a manifold 14 is provided, such as Figure 1 As shown, the line arrangement 16 has at least one fuel supply line 18 and at least one coolant line 20 .
[0172] In a third step 406 , the manifold 14 is formed from the polymer material 30 to supply the fuel 26 to the fuel cell 12 via the at least one fuel supply line 18 and to provide cooling 28 to at least the fuel supply line 18 via the at least one coolant conduit 20 .
[0173] - in a fourth step 408, providing a heat shield 22, and
[0174] In a fifth step 410 , the heat shield 22 is arranged to protect at least a portion of the outer surface 32 of the at least one fuel supply line 18 from external heat sources 34 to mitigate thermal variations 36 of the manifold 14 .
[0175] In not in Figure 7 In the example shown in FIG. 1 , a method is provided, comprising the following steps:
[0176] - provide fire extinguishing elements with extinguishing agents,
[0177] - providing at least one supply line for the fuel cell 12,
[0178] - attaching a fire extinguishing element to the at least one supply line of the fuel cell 12,
[0179] - contact of the extinguishing element with the thermal event,
[0180] release of extinguishing agent from the extinguishing element upon contact with a thermal event, and
[0181] The thermal event is cleared upon release of the extinguishing agent to protect the at least one supply line and the fuel cell 12 .
[0182] In not in Figure 7 In the example of the method shown in , the heat-protected fuel supply 10 is produced by additive manufacturing.
[0183] The term "additive manufacturing" refers to the method of 3D printing.
[0184] In one example, the heat shield 22 is manufactured by 3D printing during 3D printing of the manifold 14 .
[0185] As an advantage, additive manufacturing can be used to produce the desired complexity.
[0186] As an advantage, selective laser sintering can be used to produce the desired complexity.
[0187] As an advantage, a more adaptable heat shield can be constructed at the manifold.
[0188] It must be noted that embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to different subject matters. In particular, some embodiments are described with reference to method type claims, while other embodiments are described with reference to device type claims. However, a person skilled in the art will understand from the above and following descriptions that, unless otherwise stated, any combination of features related to different subject matters, in addition to any combination of features belonging to one type of subject matter, is also considered to be disclosed by the present application. However, all features can be combined to provide a synergistic effect that is more than a simple stacking of features.
[0189] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary rather than restrictive. The present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations of the disclosed embodiments may be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention by studying the drawings, the disclosure, and the dependent claims.
[0190] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.
Claims
1. A heat-resistant fuel supply device (10) for a fuel cell (12), comprising: - a manifold (14), said manifold (14) being a conduit arrangement (16), said manifold comprising: - at least one fuel supply line (18); and - at least one coolant conduit (20); and - heat shield (22); wherein the manifold is formed to be mounted to an end connection portion (24) of the fuel cell; wherein the manifold is configured to supply fuel (26) to the fuel cell via the at least one fuel supply line and to provide cooling (28) to at least the fuel supply line via the at least one coolant conduit; wherein the manifold is made of a polymer material (30); wherein the structural integrity of the manifold is defined by the polymer material; and The heat shield is arranged to protect at least a portion of an outer surface (32) of the at least one fuel supply line from an external heat source (34) to mitigate thermal variations (36) of the manifold.
2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The heat shield also includes a cover structure (38), wherein the hood structure encloses a heat dissipation substance (40) reservoir (42) surrounding an outer surface of at least a portion (44) of the at least one fuel supply line; and Wherein the heat dissipation substance reservoir is configured to receive a substance (46) that mitigates thermal variations affecting the manifold.
3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The cover structure is also configured to enclose the manifold and / or other functional units (48) of the fuel cell, and The heat dissipation substance reservoir has its heat dissipation substance at least partially exposed to be adjacent to the manifold and / or other functional units of the fuel cell.
4. The device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein: The cover structure is also configured to enclose at least a portion of the at least one coolant conduit such that the at least one coolant conduit cools the heat sink reservoir.
5. The device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein The heat dissipation substance includes a fluid (50); and The cover structure is configured to store the heat dissipation substance including fluid in the heat dissipation substance reservoir.
6. The device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein The hood structure is configured to maintain the heat dissipating substance under pressure (52); and Wherein, the cover structure is configured to perforate under the pressure when in contact with an external heat source, thereby utilizing the heat dissipation substance to provide a cooling effect to mitigate thermal changes in the manifold.
7. The device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein The hood structure comprises a tube-in-tube arrangement (54), wherein an outer pipe is arranged to follow at least a portion of the at least one fuel supply line in a coaxial manner.
8. The device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein With respect to the heat shield, at least a portion of the at least one fuel supply line extends inside the at least one coolant conduit; and Wherein the heat shield is configured to mitigate thermal variations of the manifold using coolant flow through the at least one coolant conduit.
9. The device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein With respect to the heat shield, at least a portion of the at least one fuel supply line is provided with a fire retardant coating.
10. A fuel cell unit (100), comprising: - at least one fuel cell (102); - a heat-protected fuel supply device (110) according to one of claims 1 to 9; wherein the heat-proof fuel supply device is mounted to an end connection portion of the fuel cell; and Wherein, the at least one fuel cell is supplied with fuel by the at least one fuel supply pipeline.
11. The fuel cell unit according to claim 10, wherein: The at least one fuel cell is cooled by the at least one coolant conduit.
12. An energy supply system (200), comprising: - at least one fuel cell unit (202) according to claim 10 or 11; as well as - Fuel storage tank (204); wherein the fuel reservoir is connected to the at least one fuel cell via the at least one fuel supply line of the heat-protected fuel supply device; and Wherein, the at least one fuel cell is configured to provide electrical energy to a power consuming load.
13. An aircraft (300), comprising: - at least one energy supply system (302) according to claim 12; as well as - at least one power consuming load (304); wherein the at least one power consuming load comprises at least one of the following group: a propulsion system, electrical avionics equipment and onboard electrical equipment for a cabin area; and Wherein, the at least one power consuming load is powered by the at least one energy supply system.
14. A method (400) for manufacturing a heat-resistant fuel supply device, comprising the steps of: - providing (402) fuel cells; - providing (404) a manifold as a conduit arrangement, the manifold having at least one fuel supply line and at least one coolant conduit; - forming (406) the manifold from a polymer material to supply fuel to the fuel cell via the at least one fuel supply line and to provide cooling to at least the fuel supply line via the at least one coolant conduit; - providing (408) a heat shield; as well as - arranging (410) the heat shield to protect at least a portion of an outer surface of the at least one fuel supply line from external heat sources, thereby mitigating thermal variations of the manifold.
15. The method according to claim 14, wherein: The heat-protected fuel supply is produced by additive manufacturing.