Electrically heatable fluid line for component of electrochemical energy converter, system for electrochemical energy converter and electrochemical energy converter

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrically heatable fluid line (10) for a component (11) of an electrochemical energy converter, consisting of a plastic material (14) doped with electrically conductive particles (13), having an outer circumferential surface (15) and an inner circumferential surface (16), and having at least one first electrical contact (17) and at least one second electrical contact (18), the at least one first electrical contact (17) and the at least one second electrical contact (18) are arranged at a distance from one another on the outer circumferential surface (15).

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrically heatable fluid line for a component of an electrochemical energy converter, a system for an electrochemical energy converter, and an electrochemical energy converter. Background Art

[0002] Heating lines through which a fluid / medium flows are common applications. The lines of nozzles, injection valves, stirrers, pumps, tanks, water separators, etc. must be heated to melt the medium contained therein and thus make it transportable or to raise its temperature, because a certain temperature level should be reached for subsequent processes without evaporation.

[0003] It has proven advantageous that the lines / tubes are also used to heat the guided medium, because these lines / tubes have a large surface area and heat can be applied well from the outside. Here, various heating techniques can be used, such as resistance heating elements, burners or heat exchangers.

[0004] A resistance heater can be composed of a simple metal wire, for example a cable that winds around a tube in a corresponding length, a PTC heating element on a ceramic substrate, or a conductive plastic. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention relates to an electrically heatable fluid line having the features of independent claim 1, a system having the features of independent claim 10, and an electrochemical energy converter having the features of independent claim 14. Other features and details of the present invention result from the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings. Here, the features and details described in connection with the electrically heatable fluid line according to the invention are of course also applicable in connection with the system according to the invention and / or in connection with the electrochemical energy converter according to the invention, and vice versa, such that the disclosure for the individual inventive aspects is always cross-referenced or can be cross-referenced to each other.

[0006] According to the invention, an electrically heatable fluid line for a component of an electrochemical energy converter is made of a plastic doped with conductive particles, has an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral surface, and has at least one first electrical contact and at least one second electrical contact, wherein the at least one first electrical contact and the at least one second electrical contact are arranged on the outer peripheral surface at a distance from each other.

[0007] The electrically heatable fluid line is suitable for heating or melting fluids in an electrochemical energy converter, such as a fuel cell or an electrolysis device. The fluid can be frozen, for example, by an external temperature and must be melted after a cold start so that the lines of the electrochemical energy converter can be used again or the valves of the electrochemical energy converter can also be switched again. This is the case, for example, in the water separator of an electrochemical energy converter or also on the metering or discharge valves of an electrochemical energy converter. Here, the fluid remaining and freezing just before or within these valves can lead to malfunction.

[0008] To melt the fluid, the first and second electrical contacts are brought into electrical contact and an electric current flows through the wall of the electrically heatable fluid line, whereupon the electrically heatable fluid line is heated up (Joule heat) due to the conductive particles. This heat is transferred to the internal fluid / medium, i.e., to the fluid flowing in the electrically heatable line, and this fluid melts or at least heats up.

[0009] Here, the inner circumferential surface can be in direct contact with the fluid. The fluid can be, for example, deionized water. Deionized water is non-conductive or only slightly conductive, so that no electric current flows through the deionized water, but the electric current flows through the electrically heatable fluid line. Especially in the case of an electrochemical energy converter. A small amount of electrolysis can also occur. Thus, hydrogen gas is produced from the water, which is already in the system and can react again in the electrochemical energy converter and be converted back into electric current.

[0010] The electrically heatable fluid line can be circular, angular or oval depending on the component. Additionally, this electrically heatable fluid line can be implemented as straight and / or bent to guide the fluid to its defined location. Thus, the electrically heatable fluid line can be adapted to different geometries.

[0011] It is particularly advantageous if at least one of the electrical contacts is arranged in an end-face-side region on the outer circumferential surface. Thus, the heat generated can be transferred to other components that can be or are connected to the fluid line.

[0012] Within the framework of the present invention, it can be advantageous for the electrically heatable fluid line that the conductive particles are arranged segmentally in the axial direction or over the length of the fluid line and / or segmentally in the radial direction or over the circumference of the fluid line.

[0013] Heat is generated due to the resistance of the conductive particles to the electric current. Thus, the distribution and amount of the conductive particles determine the location or area of the heat generated and transferred to the fluid.

[0014] By arranging the conductive particles in a sectional manner in the axial or radial direction, the thermal action and its intensity in the electrically heatable fluid line can be determined directionally. In addition, it is possible that only specific regions of the electrically heatable fluid line are equipped with conductive particles. This can be simply achieved by manufacturing the electrically heatable fluid line by injection molding.

[0015] By arranging the conductive particles across the length of the fluid line, i.e., the entire length of the fluid line, the entire fluid line can be heated in a simple manner to ensure that different regions and recesses are heated.

[0016] Within the framework of the present invention, for an electrically heatable fluid line, it is conceivable that the conductive particles are carbon black and / or graphite and / or metal powder and / or metal fibers and / or carbon nanotubes.

[0017] A high electrical conductivity is achieved by adding a sufficient amount of conductive particles. The electrical conductivity can also be adjusted purposefully to adjust the internal resistance in the electrically heatable fluid line and thus the power consumption. In addition, due to the different thermal expansion coefficients of the plastic material and the filler during heating, a PTC effect (Positive Temperature Coefficient) can be caused in the plastic of the electrically heatable fluid line, so that a temperature-dependent self-regulating effect, the power consumption of the tube heating element can be limited and overheating can be prevented.

[0018] Within the framework of the present invention, in the electrically heatable fluid line, it can be provided that at least one first electrical contact and at least one second electrical contact are arranged offset relative to each other in the radial direction and / or in the axial direction.

[0019] Thus, the heat-generating region in the electrically heatable fluid line can be determined in a defined manner.

[0020] If the at least two electrical contacts are mounted on the outer diameter of the electrically heatable fluid line in the radial direction, the current flows from the first electrical contact via the circumferential section to the next contact, i.e., to the second electrical contact. Here, at least one first electrical contact is arranged at an angle relative to the second electrical contact. Here, the angle can be between 45° and 180°, preferably between 90° and 180°, and further preferably between 135° and 180°.

[0021] If the at least two electrical contacts are arranged at a distance from each other in the axial tube direction on the outer diameter of the electrically heatable fluid line, the current flows along the electrically heatable fluid line. Even in the case of an axial arrangement of the electrical contacts, these electrical contacts can also be arranged offset from each other in the radial direction.

[0022] It is conceivable according to the present invention that at least one first electrical contact and / or at least one second electrical contact has a contact layer for contacting each other, wherein the contact layer is a conductive adhesive and / or sprayed metal particles and / or injection-molded metal cables and / or stamped grids.

[0023] The application of a conductive adhesive and / or sprayed metal particles and / or injection-molded metal cables and / or stamped grids not only ensures the electrical contact of the electrically heatable fluid line, but also ensures the local attachment of the electrically heatable fluid line. Here, the conductive adhesive is understood as an electrically conductive adhesive.

[0024] The transfer of current via the contact layer can be ensured by means of a crimp connection and / or by means of spring contacts and / or stamped grids with plugs.

[0025] For the electrically heatable fluid line, it is also conceivable that at least one first electrical contact and / or at least one second electrical contact has a contact surface, wherein the contact surface extends at least partially, in particular completely, along the length of the electrically heatable fluid line in the axial direction and / or along the circumference of the outer peripheral surface of the electrically heatable fluid line in the radial direction.

[0026] By means of the dimensions of the contact surface for attaching the electrical contact to the electrically heatable fluid line, the heat generation area and the generated heat in the electrically heatable fluid line can be controlled or determined again. Thus, the specific circumferential section of the electrically heatable fluid line in which heat should be generated can be determined simply. In addition, the heat flow along the electrically heatable fluid line is also determined thereby.

[0027] Partially extending along the circumference is currently understood to mean that the contact surface corresponds to at least 5%, preferably at least 25%, further preferably at least 50%, further preferably at least 75% of the circumference of the outer peripheral surface of the electrically heatable fluid line in its circumferential extension dimension.

[0028] Within the framework of the present invention, it is optionally possible for the electrically heatable fluid line to have at least one outer lateral recess on the outer peripheral surface of the electrically heatable fluid line, which is at least partially low, in particular completely surrounding.

[0029] At least one outer lateral recess accommodates a suitable seal, such as an O-ring, here, to seal the electrically heatable fluid line relative to other components.

[0030] In addition, the outer lateral recess can be a fixing device, which is designed to accommodate a mating fixing device of another component, such as another fluid line or another valve.

[0031] If the electrically heatable fluid line is installed in a housing or another component, the at least one outer lateral recess can also be used as a positioning aid when installed in the housing.

[0032] For an electrically heatable fluid line, it is also conceivable to provide on the inner peripheral surface at least one, preferably at least two, at least partially, in particular completely surrounding, inner recesses.

[0033] The inner recesses are suitable for receiving or connecting other components or additional fluid lines. The inner recesses allow for simple media-sealed connections.

[0034] Preferably, the inner recess is located on one of the end face sides of the electrically heatable fluid line. In this way, a contact surface for a sealing seat can be produced in a simple manner.

[0035] For an electrically heatable fluid line, it is conceivable to provide anti-twist protection on the outer peripheral surface of the electrically heatable fluid line. This ensures the fixed position of the electrically heatable fluid line when installed in the housing of an electrochemical energy converter or another component. The anti-twist protection can be, for example, a protrusion on the outer peripheral surface of the electrically heatable fluid line.

[0036] Additionally, a tube, in particular a metal tube, can be arranged in the electrically heatable fluid line along the inner peripheral surface and connected to a plastic doped with conductive particles in a heat-transferring manner via the inner peripheral surface.

[0037] This is particularly advantageous if the tube or the material of the tube has a high heat transfer coefficient, because in this way the heat transfer to the fluid can be optimized and accelerated.

[0038] Furthermore, the tube, mainly a metal tube, is anodized and / or coated to produce electrical and / or chemical isolation.

[0039] It is conceivable to provide additional heat-conducting elements made of the same conductive plastic or made of assembled metal elements in order to conduct the heat generated in the tube to other areas in a targeted manner. For example, metal pins can be arranged in such a way that the pins extend from the conductive plastic or from the assembled metal elements into the discharge tube. In this way, more distant areas can also be melted and the functionality of the entire system can be established.

[0040] The above task is furthermore solved by a system according to the invention for an electrochemical energy converter having the above-described electrically heatable fluid line and components, wherein the components and the electrically heatable fluid line are in contact with each other, in particular in a heat-transferring manner.

[0041] Contact is currently understood to mean that the heat generated in the electrically heatable fluid line affects the components. This means that the electrically heatable fluid line and the components are in direct contact with each other, or the fluid heated up in the electrically heatable fluid line releases heat to the components.

[0042] Furthermore, within the framework of the present invention, it can be provided in the system that the outer recess on the outer peripheral surface of the electrically heatable fluid line is a fixing device and the component has a mating fixing device, wherein, in order to fix the component and the electrically heatable fluid line, the mating fixing device engages in the fixing device.

[0043] Thereby, a reliable connection between the component and the electrically heatable fluid line is ensured. This connection is preferably designed to be releasable. This connection can be a snap connection or a clip connection. For this purpose, the region of the fixing device can be designed to be spring-elastic.

[0044] It is conceivable within the system according to the present invention that the component and the electrically heatable fluid line are arranged in a housing.

[0045] The housing is a common housing. Thus, the electrically heatable fluid line can be simply transported, that is, for example, the electrically heatable fluid line is arranged on the component within the housing and fixed to each other in particular.

[0046] Within the framework of the present invention, it is conceivable for the system that the component is a valve, wherein the valve has a valve housing with a mating fixing device and a movable valve plug, and the valve plug contacts the fully surrounding inner recess on the inner peripheral surface of the heatable fluid line in the closed state.

[0047] By bringing the valve plug into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the heatable fluid line, the movability of the valve plug can be ensured at low temperatures, or, if the fluid freezes, its movability can be restored again.

[0048] The above task is furthermore solved by an electrochemical energy converter according to the present invention, which has at least one electrically heatable fluid line as described above and / or a system as described above. The electrochemical energy converter is preferably a fuel cell or an electrolysis device or a fuel cell system or an electrolysis device system. Description of the Drawings

[0049] Other advantages, features and details of the present invention result from the following description, in which embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. Herein, the features mentioned in the claims and the description are of essential significance for the invention either individually or in any combination. Herein, the present invention is shown in the following drawings:

[0050] Figure 1 : Schematic diagram of an electrically heatable fluid line,

[0051] Figure 2 : Schematic diagram of an arrangement of electrical contacts,

[0052] Figure 3 : Schematic diagram of a second arrangement of electrical contacts,

[0053] Figure 4: Schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the system,

[0054] Figure 5 : Schematic diagram of the second embodiment of the system, and

[0055] Figure 6 : Schematic diagram of an electrochemical energy converter. Detailed implementation

[0056] In Figure 1 shown is the electrically heatable fluid line 10 for the component 11 of the electrochemical energy converter (12) schematically shown in Figure 5 which is made of a plastic 14 doped with conductive particles 13. The electrically heatable fluid line 10 has an outer peripheral surface 15 and an inner peripheral surface 16 as well as at least one first electrical contact 17 and at least one second electrical contact 18. Here, at least one first electrical contact 17 and at least one second electrical contact 18 are arranged at a distance from each other on the outer peripheral surface 15.

[0057] The conductive particles 13 are currently arranged in a section of the electrically heatable fluid line 10 having a length L in the axial direction and span the circumference U of the electrically heatable fluid line 10 in the radial direction. Here, the conductive particles 13 are carbon black and / or graphite and / or metal powder and / or metal fiber and / or carbon nanotubes.

[0058] According to Figure 1 and 2 the embodiment, at least one first electrical contact 17 and at least one second electrical contact 18 are arranged offset from each other in the radial direction on the outer peripheral surface 15 of the electrically heatable fluid line 10, here for example at an angle of 180° between the first and second electrical contacts 17, 18. Here, the two contacts 17, 18 are arranged offset from each other in the axial direction. Both at least one first electrical contact 17 and at least one second electrical contact 18 have a contact surface 29, where the contact surface 29 is square and extends partially in the axial direction of the outer peripheral surface 15 along the length L and in its radial direction along the circumference U. The circumferential length of the contact surface 29 respectively corresponds to approximately 5% of the circumference U.

[0059] According to Figure 3 the embodiment, at least one first electrical contact 17 and at least one second electrical contact 18 are arranged offset from each other in the axial and radial directions. At least one first electrical contact 17 and / or at least one second electrical contact 18 have a contact surface 29, where the contact surface 29 extends partially, in particular completely, in the axial direction of the outer peripheral surface 15 along the length L and / or in its radial direction along the circumference U. Here, at least one first electrical contact 17 extends along the entire circumference U and the second electrical contact 18 extends partially along the circumference U. The circumferential extension scale of the second electrical contact 18 corresponds to approximately 10% of the circumference U of the electrically heatable fluid line 10.

[0060] Figure 1 and 2 at least one first electrical contact 17 and / or at least one second electrical contact 18 of the first embodiment of [[]] has a contact layer 19 for contact, wherein the contact layer 19 is preferably an electrically conductive adhesive 30. In a second embodiment, in order to contact the second electrical contact 18, metal particles 31 are sprayed. At least one first electrical contact 17 is preferably a metal cable 32 coated by injection molding. In accordance with Figure 5 the embodiment of [[]], the contacts 17, 18 are spring contacts 38.

[0061] At least one outer recess 20 that is at least partially, in particular completely, surrounding is provided on the outer peripheral surface 15 of the electro-heatable fluid line 10. One of the outer recesses 20 is configured here as a surrounding groove 33, and this surrounding groove serves as a fixing device 24. Another outer recess 20 serves as a section in which conductive particles 13 are distributed and thus serves as a abutment surface for the contact surface 29. In addition, an abutment surface for the seal 26 is provided on the outer recess 20. Furthermore, these outer recesses 20 either themselves provide a positioning aid 34 or contain a positioning aid 34 between them.

[0062] A completely surrounding inner recess 21 is currently provided on the inner peripheral surface 16. The inner recess is provided in the region of the end face side 37 of the electro-heatable fluid line 10 to be able to accommodate components 11, such as a valve 28 or a seal 26, as shown in Figure 5 [[]].

[0063] Furthermore, the electro-heatable fluid line 10 has an anti-twist safeguard 22 in accordance with Figure 1 on the outer peripheral surface 15.

[0064] In Figure 4 and Figure 5 systems for an electrochemical energy converter 12 having an electro-heatable fluid line 10 and a component 11 in accordance with Figures 1 to 3 are shown respectively. Here, the component 11 and the electro-heatable fluid line 10 are in contact with each other, in particular in a heat-transferring manner.

[0065] Here, the outer recess 20 on the outer peripheral surface 15 of the electro-heatable fluid line 10 can serve as a fixing device 24, as shown in Figure 4 [[]]. Additionally, the component 11 has a mating fixing device 25. Here, in order to fix the component 11 to the electro-heatable fluid line 10, the mating fixing device 25 engages in the spring-elastic fixing device 24. This can be designed in the form of a clip connection or a snap connection.

[0066] For better handling, the component 11 and the electroheatable fluid line 10 are arranged in a housing 27. To this end, it is advantageous that the component 11 and the electroheatable fluid line 10 are already connected and the seal 26 is positioned on a groove 33 or an outer recess 20 provided therefor, and then inserted into the housing 27. It is also conceivable to embed it in a housing half of the housing 27, whereupon the second housing half is then placed and tightened. To position the component 11 on the electroheatable fluid line 10 or to position the electroheatable fluid line 10 in the housing 27, a positioning aid 34 is provided.

[0067] In an embodiment according to Figure 4 or Figure 5 the component 11 is a valve 28. Here, the valve 28 has a valve housing 35 with mating fixing means 25 and a movable valve plug 36 which, in the closed state, contacts a fully circumferential inner recess 21 of the inner peripheral surface 16 of the electroheatable fluid line 10.

[0068] Furthermore, a metal pin 40 is arranged on the electroheatable fluid line 10 such that heat is transferred from the plastic 14 doped with conductive particles 13 into the fluid discharge pipe 41.

[0069] In a second embodiment according to Figure 5 in the electroheatable fluid line 10, a metal tube 39 is arranged along the inner peripheral surface 16 and is connected via the inner peripheral surface 16 in a heat-transferring manner to the plastic 14 doped with conductive particles 13. In this embodiment, the conductive particles 13 are also distributed over the entire length of the electroheatable fluid line 10, so that the undercut portion 21 is also heated up, thus, for example, preventing icing or freezing of the valve plug.

[0070] In Figure 6 an electrochemical energy converter 12 is shown having at least one electroheatable fluid line 10 according to Figures 1 to 3 and / or at least one system 23 according to Figure 4 Here, the electrochemical energy converter 12 is a fuel cell system or an electrolysis device system.

Claims

1. Electrically heatable fluid line (10) for a component (11) of an electrochemical energy converter, which is made of a plastic (14) doped with electrically conductive particles (13), has an outer peripheral surface (15) and an inner peripheral surface (16), and has at least one first electrical contact (17) and at least one second electrical contact (18), Among them, wherein the at least one first electrical contact (17) and the at least one second electrical contact (18) are arranged on the outer peripheral surface (15) at a distance from each other.

2. The electrically heatable fluid line (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrically conductive particles (13) are arranged in sections in the axial direction or over the length (L) of the fluid line (10) and / or in sections in the radial direction or over the circumference (U) of the fluid line (10).

3. The electrically heatable fluid line (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the electrically conductive particles (13) are carbon black and / or graphite and / or metal powder and / or metal fibers and / or carbon nanotubes.

4. The electrically heatable fluid line (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one first electrical contact (17) and the at least one second electrical contact (18) are arranged offset from each other in the radial direction and / or in the axial direction.

5. The electrically heatable fluid line (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one first electrical contact (17) and / or the at least one second electrical contact (18) have a contact layer (19) for contacting each other, wherein the contact layer (19) is electrically conductive adhesive and / or sprayed metal particles and / or injection-molded metal cables and / or stamping grids.

6. The electrically heatable fluid line (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one first electrical contact (17) and the at least one second electrical contact (18) have a contact surface (29), wherein the contact surface (29) extends at least partially, in particular completely, in the axial direction of the outer peripheral surface (15) along the length (L) and / or in its radial direction along the circumference (U).

7. The electrically heatable fluid line (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one at least partially, in particular completely, surrounding outer recess (20) is provided on the outer peripheral surface (15).

8. The electrically heatable fluid line (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one at least partially, in particular completely, surrounding inner recess (21) is provided on the inner peripheral surface (16).

9. The electrically heatable fluid line (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an anti-twist safeguard (22) is provided on the outer peripheral surface (15).

10. The electrically heatable fluid line (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that A tube (39), in particular a metal tube (39), is arranged along the inner peripheral surface (16) and is thermally connected to the plastic (14) doped with conductive particles (13) via the inner peripheral surface (16).

11. A system (23) for an electrochemical energy converter (12), having an electrically heatable fluid line (10) and a component (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The component (11) and the electro-heatable fluid line (10) are in contact with each other, in particular in thermally conductive contact.

12. The system (23) according to claim 11, characterized in that the outer recess (20) of the outer peripheral surface (15) of the electro-heatable fluid line (10) is a fixing device (24) and the component (11) has a mating fixing device (25), wherein, in order to fix the component (11) and the electro-heatable fluid line (10), the mating fixing device (25) engages in the fixing device (24).

13. The system (23) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the component (11) and the electro-heatable fluid line (10) are arranged in a housing (27).

14. The system (23) according to claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the component (11) is a valve (28), wherein the valve (28) has a valve housing (35) with a mating fixing device (25) and a movable valve plug (36), and the valve plug contacts the fully circumferential inner recess (21) of the inner peripheral surface (16) of the heatable fluid line (10) in the closed state.

15. An electrochemical energy converter (12) having at least one electro-heatable fluid line (10) according to claims 1 to 10 and / or a system (23) according to claims 11 to 14.

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