Gas chromatography device and gas chromatography system having aggregates for

Abstract

The present invention relates to a gas chromatography system (1000) for detecting volatile organic compounds in an analyte (320) with a gas chromatograph (100) having an injector for injecting the analyte (320), a pre-concentrator (120), a column 140 equipped with a stationary phase (141), and a gas detector (150) configured to detect a component of the analyte (320) eluted from the column 140. The present invention proposes an aggregate (160) having an outlet coupled to the gas chromatograph (100) and configured to receive and process a hydrogen-containing medium (330) to generate hydrogen gas (310) and to supply the hydrogen gas (310) to the gas chromatograph (100). The invention also relates to such an aggregate (160) and to a method of operating such a chromatography system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a gas chromatography system for detecting volatile organic compounds in an analyte. In addition, the present invention relates to a gas generator for a gas chromatography system and a method for operating such a gas chromatography system. Background Art

[0002] Gas chromatography systems typically have a column and a detector for separating and identifying different components in an analyte, such as volatile organic compounds. The analyte passing through the column coated with a layer serving as a stationary phase is separated into its components due to differences in their interactions with the stationary phase. The detector measures the amount of the separated components leaving the column over time. In order to carry the analyte through the column, a carrier gas stream serving as a mobile phase must be provided. In addition, some detectors require combustion gases to detect the amount of the separated components leaving the column. Thus, the chromatography system also includes a source of fluid, such as a fluid container for storing a carrier gas or combustion gases (e.g., nitrogen, helium, or hydrogen used as a carrier gas), as disclosed in US 2020 / 0049673 A1. However, fluid containers are limited in capacity. Therefore, longer operation times are always accompanied by an increased system size. This is a particular disadvantage in continuous gas chromatographs, such as those required in a distributed sensor network used in a greenhouse. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to propose a concept for providing a carrier gas serving as a mobile phase for a gas chromatograph, which allows for longer operation times without increasing the system size.

[0004] In a first aspect of the present invention, a gas chromatography system for detecting volatile organic compounds in an analyte is provided. The gas chromatography system includes: a gas chromatograph having a syringe for injecting the analyte into the gas chromatograph; a preconcentrator configured to concentrate the injected analyte; a column equipped with a stationary phase; and a gas detector configured to detect the analyte components eluted from the column. The gas chromatography system further includes an aggregate having an outlet coupled to the gas chromatograph and configured to receive and process a hydrogen-containing medium to generate hydrogen gas and supply the hydrogen gas to the gas chromatograph via the outlet. By having an aggregate directly coupled to the gas chromatograph and adapted to process a hydrogen-containing medium to generate hydrogen gas, additional fluid containers and pipes can be avoided. Accordingly, the size of the gas chromatography system can be reduced, and the operation time is no longer limited by the capacity of the fluid containers. In this regard, the term "process" should be understood as performing chemical and / or physical reactions that affect the purity, aggregation state, or chemical composition of the hydrogen-containing medium to provide a hydrogen gas stream. The term "generate" should be understood, on the one hand, as generating hydrogen gas from a hydrogen-containing mixture and, on the other hand, as recycling contaminated hydrogen gas by converting it into hydrogen gas of sufficient purity. Preferably, the gas chromatograph is a micro gas chromatograph. Micro gas chromatography is performed on the micro gas chromatograph to increase portability, reduce power consumption, and improve analysis speed. In this regard, the term "micro gas chromatograph" herein refers to any field-portable version of a gas chromatograph that includes one or more microfabricated components. Additionally, such an aggregate provides a hydrogen gas stream with sufficient speed for transporting the analyte through the column without the need for a pump to accelerate the carrier gas. However, a pump can be provided to further control the speed of the carrier gas. In an alternative to the syringe, the pump can be associated with an inlet of a flow path for injecting the analyte into the preconcentrator and injecting the carrier gas (which is hydrogen gas according to the present invention).

[0005] In this regard, the inventors have recognized that hydrogen gas provides optimal flow properties, thereby improving resolution. In particular, by using hydrogen gas, an increased flow rate range is provided, allowing for sufficient detection results of the detector due to smaller tolerances compared to, for example, nitrogen gas. The preferred speed of hydrogen gas as the carrier gas that allows for optimized results is approximately 40 cm / sec.

[0006] Preferably, the aggregate includes a water source and a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyzer configured to electrolyze the water. In PEM electrolysis of water, a cell equipped with a PEM (a thin polymer electrolyte membrane such as a solid polymer electrolyte (SPE), for example) is responsible for proton conduction, product gas separation, and electrical insulation of the electrodes. Water provided on the anode side of the PEM electrolyzer is processed to provide hydrogen on the cathode side of the PEM electrolyzer, while oxygen is provided on the anode side of the PEM electrolyzer. One of the greatest advantages of PEM electrolyzers is their ability to operate at high current densities, thus reducing operating costs. In addition, the polymer electrolyte allows the PEM electrolyzer to operate with a very thin membrane of 100 to 200 μm while allowing high pressures, correspondingly resulting in low ohmic losses and high compressed hydrogen output. Therefore, PEM electrolyzers are particularly beneficial when used in micro gas chromatographs.

[0007] More preferably, the aggregate has an aggregate inlet port equipped with a filter configured to filter the hydrogen-containing medium.

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment, the hydrogen-containing medium is ambient air, and the filter is an air filter configured to filter the incoming ambient air. Thus, the aggregate uses a medium that is readily available in the environment of a gas chromatography system.

[0009] According to an alternative embodiment, the hydrogen-containing medium is the exhaust gas from the gas chromatograph, and the filter is an exhaust gas filter configured to filter the incoming exhaust gas. Thus, a closed system is provided in which the exhaust gas is filtered and reused to generate or reuse hydrogen. Such an exhaust gas filter is configured to filter volatile organic compounds from the exhaust gas and preferably includes one, more, or all of the following: carbon-based granular adsorbents, porous polymers, metal-organic frameworks, thin film adsorbents, and foam-based adsorbents. An example of a carbon-based granular adsorbent commonly used to filter VOCs is highly porous activated carbon or carbon.

[0010] According to another preferred embodiment, the hydrogen-containing medium is the exhaust gas from the gas chromatograph, and the filter is a PEM fuel cell configured to filter the incoming exhaust gas. A PEM fuel cell is a fuel cell that operates with a PEM.

[0011] Preferably, the aggregate includes a pressurized hydrogen buffer that is fluidly connected to the outlet to provide a pressurized hydrogen gas stream. By having a pressurized hydrogen buffer, the storage capacity of the aggregate is increased and a volumetric flow with a high enough velocity is provided to act as a mobile phase for transporting the analyte through the column without acceleration caused by an additional pump. Preferably, the aggregate further includes a desiccant to dry the hydrogen in the pressurized hydrogen buffer. Further preferably, the aggregate has a heating unit associated with the desiccant and configured to dry the desiccant to regenerate the desiccant. Further preferably, the desiccant is included in a two-bed dryer allowing for continuous drying of the desiccant in the first bed while drying hydrogen through the desiccant in the second bed and vice versa.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, the outlet has a nozzle configured to minimize flow rate fluctuations. Thus, a more constant hydrogen gas stream is provided at the outlet for supplying the hydrogen gas stream to a gas chromatograph.

[0013] According to an alternative preferred embodiment, the outlet has a proportional valve configured to control the flow of hydrogen. Thus, the output of the hydrogen gas stream can be controlled according to the actual requirements of the gas chromatography system.

[0014] Preferably, the aggregate has a pressure relief valve configured to discharge overpressure.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the water source includes a condenser for water collection and a condensate buffer for water storage. The condenser includes a flow channel having a condenser surface and a cooling unit configured to actively cool the condenser surface. The condenser surface may have a hydrophobic coating to facilitate removal of condensed water. The condenser surface may have features to increase the surface area. The condenser allows condensation of water contained in ambient air, thereby generating water that can be used for PEM electrolysis. The condensate buffer for storing the generated condensate allows for continuous generation of hydrogen from the stored condensate. Preferably, the condenser surface of the condenser or at least the flow channel is pyramidal. The flow channel preferably has a hydrophobic coating. Thus, the condensate can easily flow along the hydrophobic coating and will be collected at the lowest point of the pyramidal condenser. It should be understood that the pyramidal condenser has a lowest point close to the PEM electrolyzer when the aggregate is in an upright position.

[0016] Preferably, the aggregate has a temperature control unit configured to control the temperature of the condenser surface. Such a temperature control unit is preferably integrated in a central control unit or provided as a separate temperature control unit.

[0017] Preferably, the aggregate has one or more sensors, in particular a moisture sensor and / or a temperature sensor, to facilitate control of water condensation.

[0018] Preferably, the cooling unit comprises a Peltier element, a heat sink and an energy supply, in particular a voltage supply coupled to the Peltier element, for providing a voltage, in particular a DC voltage, such that the warm side of the Peltier element is adjacent to the heat sink and the opposite cold side of the Peltier element faces the condenser surface. It should be understood that the cold side of the Peltier element facing the condenser surface may be in direct contact with the condenser surface or be coupled to the condenser surface in a heat transfer manner. The Peltier element allows for thermoelectric cooling based on the so-called Peltier effect. The Peltier element is a solid-state active heat pump that transfers heat from one side of the device to the other side with the consumption of electrical energy depending on the direction of the current. In this way, the Peltier element can be used to transport heat from the cold side to the warm side, thereby cooling the ambient air flowing through the flow channel. The heat sink is used to transfer heat away from the warm side of the Peltier element and out of the condenser and out of the assembly. Preferably, the cooling unit further has a fan configured to provide a cooling air flow to the heat sink. Thus, the heat transfer out of the assembly is supported. Preferably, a part of the ambient air flowing through the flow channel is guided through the assembly such that a cooling air flow is provided through the cooling channel along the surface of the heat sink.

[0019] Preferably, the condenser further has a condensate port configured to connect the flow channel and a condensate buffer to guide condensate from the condenser surface into the condensate buffer. Thus, a defined flow path from the flow channel to the condensate buffer is provided. Preferably, when the assembly is in an upright position, the condensate port is arranged at the lowest point of the flow channel. Thus, the condensate is collected at the lowest point and directly enters the port to be guided into the condensate buffer. Thus, a more efficient guidance of the condensate is provided, thereby reducing the loss and evaporation of the condensate.

[0020] Further preferably, when the assembly is in an upright position, the condensate buffer comprises a reservoir arranged below the condenser and above the PEM electrolyzer. Thus, the condensate is guided to the buffer due to gravity, and pipes or pumps and valves can be avoided.

[0021] Further preferably, the storage tank has an overflow section with a water seal configured to allow excess condensate while preventing air from flowing into the storage tank. Additionally or alternatively, preferably, the storage tank has a float switch configured to allow excess condensate while preventing air from flowing into the storage tank or to interrupt water generation by shutting off the Peltier element. Thus, spillage and damage of the aggregate can be avoided. Further, evaporation of the condensate is avoided or at least reduced. Further preferably, the condenser has an oxygen port configured to allow oxygen to rise from the condensate buffer to the flow channel when the aggregate is in an upright position. Thus, the amount of oxygen present in the condensate buffer is reduced. Preferably, the oxygen port is arranged near the inlet port of the flow channel. Thus, oxygen can be carried via the flow channel by the inflow of the hydrogen-containing medium and can be used to cool the radiator.

[0022] Preferably, the condensate buffer has a lid equipped with small holes configured to minimize evaporation of the condensate. The overpressure in the condensate buffer can affect the evaporation point. Thus, by providing the small holes, ambient pressure can be maintained in the condensate buffer. The small holes can include a condensate port and an oxygen port.

[0023] According to another preferred embodiment, the condenser includes a plurality of heat conductors connecting the PEM electrolyzer and the Peltier element for cooling the contact surface of the PEM electrolyzer, which at least partially defines the condenser surface. Further preferably, a receiving space is formed between two heat conductors, the contact surface, and a thermal insulator attached to the cold side of the Peltier element. In this regard, the receiving space at least partially defines the flow channel and is configured to receive the condensate buffer. Further preferably, the condensate buffer is formed by open-cell foam and / or a desiccant (in particular silica gel or zeolite). Since water is stored in the open pores of the foam, the condensate buffer formed by the open-cell foam allows the use of the aggregate regardless of its orientation. The receiving space defined as above allows water to immediately condense on the surface of the PEM electrolyzer cooled by the heat conductors. In this regard, the heat conductors allow a hydrogen-containing medium (in particular ambient air) to flow through the receiving space including the open-cell foam serving as the condensate buffer. Thus, the ambient air flowing through the open-cell foam is condensed on the surface of the PEM electrolyzer and can be converted into hydrogen stored in the pressurized hydrogen buffer.

[0024] According to another embodiment, the water source includes a water buffer, preferably having open-cell foam and / or desiccant, in particular silica gel or zeolite. In an alternative to using a condenser, such a water buffer allows water to be stably used for electrolysis by the PEM electrolyzer. In this regard, zeolite or silica gel can store a certain amount of water until maximum saturation is reached. To extract water from the zeolite or silica gel, the water buffer further includes a heating component for evaporating the water and a cooling component for cooling the evaporated water at the dew point, thereby generating water for electrolysis by the PEM electrolyzer.

[0025] Preferably, the aggregate includes a hydrogen pump configured to pump filtered hydrogen from the exhaust filter to a pressurized hydrogen buffer. Thus, by filtering the incoming exhaust gas by means of the exhaust filter and pumping the filtered hydrogen into the pressurized hydrogen buffer, a hydrogen cycle is provided, allowing the reuse of hydrogen from the gas chromatograph. Different from using the exhaust gas, hydrogen can be incorporated in a hydrogen-containing medium and released by heating, wherein the supply of hydrogen is controlled by a plurality of valves. Further preferably, the aggregate has a filter heating unit associated with the exhaust filter and configured to heat the exhaust filter to release the trapped VOCs for regeneration. Preferably, the aggregate includes at least one valve configured to allow the removal of the VOCs released from the exhaust filter.

[0026] Preferably, the water source includes a water buffer, and the aggregate includes a PEM fuel cell configured to generate electricity, in particular by a combustion process, thereby generating water that is stored in the water buffer, wherein the oxygen rising from the water buffer is stored in an oxygen buffer.

[0027] According to another preferred embodiment, the water source is open-cell foam filled with water and arranged adjacent to the PEM electrolyzer. Since the open-cell foam is filled with water, the gas chromatography system (in particular the aggregate) can be provided as a closed system using the water received in the open-cell foam. If desired, this open-cell foam can be refilled without the need for a piping system or pressurized vessel that would increase the cost of the aggregate. Thus, the open-cell foam filled with water provides an independently oriented treatment for the aggregate and preferably the entire gas chromatograph, and provides a low-cost water source for performing PEM electrolysis.

[0028] Preferably, the aggregate further has a gas diffusion layer configured to provide a barrier between the water buffer zone and the ambient air, the barrier being permeable to the outward flow of oxygen generated by the PEM electrolyzer but impermeable to water. Thus, the oxygen generated by PEM electrolysis can leave the aggregate while avoiding any leakage of water from the water buffer zone. Further preferably, the gas diffusion layer is also impermeable to the incoming gas flow other than oxygen. Thus, the entry of any gas that may interfere with PEM electrolysis is also prevented.

[0029] Preferably, the aggregate is coupled to the inlet port of the column or the preconcentrator to provide a gas flow of hydrogen that transports the analyte through the column. Thus, the hydrogen generated by the aggregate can be used on the one hand to generate a stable gas flow, which is considered to be the mobile phase introduced into the column. Further preferably, the aggregate is coupled to the inlet port of the column to provide a gas flow of hydrogen that transports the analyte through the column, and is coupled to the inlet port of the preconcentrator to provide a gas flow of hydrogen for preconcentrating the volatile organic compounds within the preconcentrator.

[0030] Preferably, the aggregate has: a control unit having a controllable energy source configured to supply voltage or current; at least one sensor for providing a sensor signal; and a controller, particularly a PID-controller, configured to control the voltage or current supply based on the sensor signal. Preferably, the control unit has a data interface configured to communicate with a network to receive network data. The controller is preferably configured to control the voltage or current supply based on the network data.

[0031] Preferably, the control unit is a central control unit including a temperature control unit.

[0032] Further preferably, the control unit is configured to control the hydrogen collection in the pressurized hydrogen buffer zone by causing the controller to be configured to control the supply of voltage or current supplied by the energy source to the PEM electrolyzer based on the sensor signal of the sensor, wherein the sensor is a pressure sensor that detects the pressure in the pressurized hydrogen buffer zone or a flow sensor that detects the hydrogen flow rate entering the pressurized hydrogen buffer zone.

[0033] Further preferably, the control unit is configured to control the condenser surface temperature by causing the controller to be configured to control the supply of voltage or current from the energy source to the cooling unit based on the sensor signal, wherein the sensor is a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the condenser surface. In this regard, the temperature of the condenser surface can be controlled to remain below the dew point of the ambient air but still high enough to avoid icing. Further preferably, the control unit has a temperature sensor and / or a dew point sensor configured to provide sensor information regarding the dew point of the ambient air.

[0034] Further preferably, the control unit is configured to control the amount of condensate stored in the condensate buffer by causing the controller to be configured to control the supply of voltage or current from the energy source to the cooling unit based on the sensor signal. Preferably, the sensor signal is provided by a condensate level monitoring unit, which includes one, more, or all of the following sensors: a water level sensor, a flow sensor that detects the flow rate of condensate entering the condensate buffer, or a humidity sensor that detects the moisture in the environment. Preferably, the control unit is further configured to control a float switch, which is preferably associated with the overflow of the condensate buffer, to selectively allow the outflow of condensate. Preferably, the float switch is a first float switch, and the control unit is further configured to control a second float switch, which is preferably arranged between the PEM electrolyzer and the condensate buffer, to selectively block the fluid connection between the PEM electrolyzer and the condensate buffer.

[0035] Further preferably, the control unit is configured to control the hydrogen collection in the pressurized hydrogen buffer by causing the controller to be configured to control the supply of voltage or current from the energy source to the pump based on the sensor signal of the sensor, wherein the sensor is a pressure sensor that detects the pressure in the pressurized hydrogen buffer or a flow sensor that detects the hydrogen flow rate entering the pressurized hydrogen buffer.

[0036] Further preferably, the control unit is configured to control the amount of water stored in the water buffer by causing the controller to be configured to control the supply of voltage or current from the energy source to the fuel cell based on the sensor signal of the sensor, wherein the sensor is a pressure sensor that detects the pressure in the pressurized hydrogen buffer or a flow sensor that detects the hydrogen flow rate entering the pressurized hydrogen buffer.

[0037] Thus, optimized process control can be achieved by means of the control unit, for example, avoiding the overflow of the pressurized hydrogen buffer or the condensate buffer and allowing optimized temperature control to obtain improved condensate.

[0038] In a further preferred embodiment, the aggregate includes an idle mode storage unit fluidly connected to a pressurized hydrogen buffer zone. The idle mode storage unit includes a solid storage medium configured to form a hydride in the presence of hydrogen, a pressure release valve, and a hydride storage heater configured to heat the solid storage medium to reform hydrogen based on the formed hydride. Thus, hydrogen is chemically bonded or adsorbed by a metal without the need for compression in the idle mode of the aggregate. Hydrogen storage in the solid storage medium is based on the principle that some solid media, particularly metals and metal alloys, are capable of storing gaseous hydrogen. In this process, hydrogen atoms (i.e., hydrogen in dissolved form) are deposited in so-called "interstitial positions" where the solid storage medium (e.g., metal and gas) forms a compound, resulting in a metal hydride. When heat is released during hydrogen adsorption, heat must be added for release, and additionally, the pressure must be reduced. In this regard, heat is generated by the hydride storage heater, and the pressure can be reduced by the pressure release valve.

[0039] Preferably, the aggregate includes an intermediate storage unit disposed downstream of the aggregate inlet port and upstream of the PEM electrolyzer. The intermediate storage unit has a desiccant bed for storing (particularly adsorbing) water from a hydrogen-containing medium and a heating component for evaporating the water stored in the desiccant bed. Thus, an intermediate memory is provided such that it is possible to store moisture in an area with high ambient air humidity and save moisture for later hydrogen generation in cases where the gas chromatograph requires a hydrogen supply. Additionally, the aggregate can also be used in areas with low ambient air humidity.

[0040] Preferably, the aggregate includes a drying unit disposed upstream of the outlet in the conveying direction and configured to dry hydrogen. The drying unit includes a drying desiccant, particularly zeolite or silica gel, for storing (particularly adsorbing) moisture from the generated hydrogen. Thus, the accuracy of the gas chromatograph is further increased.

[0041] Preferably, the aggregate includes a drying unit heater associated with the drying unit and configured to dry the drying desiccant for regeneration of the drying desiccant.

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment, the aggregate includes: a perfluorosulfonic acid (Nafion) dryer unit configured to remove moisture from a hydrogen-containing medium, the perfluorosulfonic acid dryer unit having a perfluorosulfonic acid dryer for treating moist hydrogen and a purge gas to produce dry hydrogen; an air delivery unit for effecting the flow of the hydrogen-containing medium; and at least one perfluorosulfonic acid dryer desiccant bed for drying the hydrogen-containing medium used as a purge gas. Preferably, the perfluorosulfonic acid dryer desiccant bed has an associated bed heater configured to heat the perfluorosulfonic acid dryer desiccant bed to remove stored moisture. Further preferably, the perfluorosulfonic acid dryer desiccant bed is a first perfluorosulfonic acid dryer desiccant bed, and the perfluorosulfonic acid dryer unit has a second perfluorosulfonic acid dryer desiccant bed, a first valve, and a third valve, the first valve being configured to selectively direct the hydrogen-containing medium to the first perfluorosulfonic acid dryer desiccant bed, and the third valve being configured to selectively direct the hydrogen-containing medium to the second perfluorosulfonic acid dryer desiccant bed. Thus, in the case where the first perfluorosulfonic acid dryer desiccant bed is saturated, the purge gas can be provided by the second perfluorosulfonic acid dryer desiccant bed, and vice versa. Preferably, the first perfluorosulfonic acid dryer desiccant bed has an associated first bed heater, and the second perfluorosulfonic acid dryer desiccant bed has an associated second bed heater. By heating the respective perfluorosulfonic acid dryer desiccant beds, the stored moisture can be released. Preferably, the first perfluorosulfonic acid dryer desiccant bed is connected to an exhaust outlet and / or a condenser via a second valve (particularly a controllable valve or a check valve). Thus, the moist air removed from the first perfluorosulfonic acid dryer desiccant bed can be exhausted or directed to the condenser. Accordingly, the second perfluorosulfonic acid dryer desiccant bed is preferably connected to the exhaust outlet and / or the condenser via a fourth valve (particularly a controllable valve or a check valve). Thus, the moist air removed from the second perfluorosulfonic acid dryer desiccant bed can be exhausted or directed to the condenser. Thus, when using both a condenser with a PEM electrolyzer and a perfluorosulfonic acid dryer unit, the efficiency of the aggregate is further improved.

[0043] Preferably, the aggregate has an outlet coupled to one, more, or all of the following to supply hydrogen to a gas chromatograph:

[0044] - a syringe for supplying hydrogen to act as a mobile phase for carrying the analyte in a transport direction,

[0045] - a preconcentrator for supplying hydrogen to act as a mobile phase for carrying the analyte in a transport direction,

[0046] - A column, which is used to supply hydrogen as a mobile phase for carrying the pre-concentrated analyte in the transport direction. Thus, hydrogen can act as the mobile phase, which ensures the safe operation of the gas chromatograph, even in applications where high temperatures are required for the pre-concentrator and the column, to achieve pre-concentration of the analyte and separation of volatile organic compounds.

[0047] Preferably, the aggregate has an outlet that is coupled to the gas chromatograph for supplying hydrogen to a gas detector to supply hydrogen as a combustion gas for operating the gas detector. Thus, hydrogen can be used as the combustion gas for the gas detector. For example, a suitable gas detector that uses hydrogen as the combustion gas is a flame ionization detector (FID). The operation of the FID is based on the detection of ions formed during the combustion of organic compounds in a hydrogen flame. The generation of these ions is proportional to the concentration of organic substances in the sample gas stream.

[0048] Even more preferably, the aggregate is configured to generate oxygen as a by-product and is coupled to the gas chromatograph for supplying oxygen to at least one of the following:

[0049] - A syringe, which is used to supply oxygen as a mobile phase for carrying the analyte in the transport direction,

[0050] - A pre-concentrator, which is used to supply oxygen as a mobile phase for carrying the analyte in the transport direction,

[0051] - A column, which is used to supply oxygen as a mobile phase for carrying the pre-concentrated analyte in the transport direction, or

[0052] - A pre-concentrator, which is used to supply oxygen to pre-concentrate the analyte. Thus, different from guiding the by-product to the environment, in the case of low-temperature applications where high temperatures of the pre-concentrator and the column are not required to achieve pre-concentration of the analyte and separation of volatile organic compounds, oxygen can act as the mobile phase.

[0053] In a second aspect of the present invention, an aggregate for providing a hydrogen gas stream for a gas chromatography system (especially for a gas chromatography system according to the first aspect of the present invention) is proposed. The aggregate has an outlet for being coupled to the gas chromatograph and is configured to receive and process a hydrogen-containing medium for generating hydrogen and supplying the hydrogen to the gas chromatograph. The aggregate for the gas chromatography system also participates in the advantages described above with respect to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0054] In another aspect of the present invention, a method for operating a gas chromatography system (especially a gas chromatography system according to the first aspect of the present invention) is proposed. The method includes the following steps:

[0055] - Generate pressurized hydrogen acting as a mobile phase for a gas chromatograph,

[0056] - Provide the mobile phase at the inlet of the gas chromatograph,

[0057] - Introduce the pressurized hydrogen acting as the mobile phase into the gas chromatograph to accelerate the mobile phase,

[0058] - Inject an analyte into a preconcentrator,

[0059] - Concentrate the analyte including volatile organic compounds in the preconcentrator,

[0060] - Transport the analyte from the preconcentrator to a column equipped with a stationary phase in the transport direction by the mobile phase,

[0061] - Guide the preconcentrated analyte transported by the mobile phase through the column, and

[0062] - Detect the volatile organic compounds eluted from the column by a gas detector.

[0063] Preferably, supplying hydrogen to the gas chromatograph includes one, more than one, or all of the following:

[0064] - Supply the hydrogen to the syringe to supply the hydrogen as the mobile phase for transporting the analyte,

[0065] - Supply the hydrogen to the preconcentrator to supply the hydrogen as the mobile phase for transporting the analyte,

[0066] - Supply the hydrogen to the column to supply the hydrogen as the mobile phase for transporting the preconcentrated analyte, and

[0067] - Supply the hydrogen to the gas detector to supply the hydrogen as the combustion gas for operating the gas detector. Thus, hydrogen acts as a mobile phase, a combustion gas, or both.

[0068] In the case of supplying hydrogen to the gas detector, the method further includes supplying oxygen generated as a by-product in an aggregate by supplying oxygen to one, more than one, or all of the following:

[0069] - Supply the hydrogen to the syringe to supply the hydrogen as the mobile phase for transporting the analyte,

[0070] - Supply the hydrogen to the preconcentrator to supply the hydrogen as the mobile phase for transporting the analyte,

[0071] - Supply the hydrogen gas to the column to serve as the mobile phase for carrying the pre-concentrated analyte, and

[0072] - Supply the oxygen gas to the gas detector to serve as the combustion gas for operating the gas detector. Thus, oxygen serves as the mobile phase, the combustion gas, or both. Thus, even by-products from the aggregates can be used in the gas chromatograph. Oxygen is a suitable carrier gas when high temperatures in the column and pre-concentrator are avoided.

[0073] It should be understood that the gas chromatography system of claim 1, the aggregate of claim 18, and the method of claim 19 have similar and / or identical preferred embodiments, particularly as defined in the dependent claims.

[0074] It should be understood that the preferred embodiments of the present invention can also be any combination of the dependent claims or the above embodiments and the corresponding independent claims.

[0075] These and other aspects of the present invention will be apparent from the embodiments described below. Description of the Drawings

[0076] In the following drawings:

[0077] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a gas chromatography system according to a first embodiment is shown,

[0078] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a gas chromatography system according to a second embodiment is shown,

[0079] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an aggregate for providing hydrogen gas according to a first embodiment is shown,

[0080] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of an aggregate for providing hydrogen gas according to a second embodiment is shown,

[0081] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of an aggregate for providing hydrogen gas according to a third embodiment is shown,

[0082] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of an aggregate for providing hydrogen gas according to a fourth embodiment is shown,

[0083] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of an aggregate for providing hydrogen gas according to a fifth embodiment is shown,

[0084] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of an aggregate for providing hydrogen gas according to a sixth embodiment is shown,

[0085] Figure 9Shows a schematic diagram of an aggregate for providing hydrogen according to the seventh embodiment,

[0086] Figure 10 Shows a schematic diagram of an aggregate for providing hydrogen according to the eighth embodiment,

[0087] Figure 11 Shows a schematic diagram of an aggregate for providing hydrogen according to the ninth embodiment,

[0088] Figure 12 Shows a schematic diagram of an aggregate for providing hydrogen according to the tenth embodiment,

[0089] Figure 13 Shows a flowchart illustrating a method for operating a gas chromatography system, and

[0090] Figure 14 Shows a flowchart illustrating a second embodiment of a method for operating a gas chromatography system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0091] Figure 1 Shows a gas chromatography system 1000 for detecting volatile organic compounds according to an embodiment of the present invention. The gas chromatography system 1000 includes an aggregate 160 for providing hydrogen 310 that serves as a mobile phase, and a gas chromatograph 100, such as a micro gas chromatograph, that is coupled to the aggregate 160 to receive the hydrogen 310. The aggregate is formed according to Figures 3 to 12 any of the illustrated embodiments, where, for clarity, only the reference numeral "160" associated with Figure 3 is indicated. The gas chromatography system 1000 further includes a system control 400.

[0092] The gas chromatograph 100 has a syringe 110 for injecting an analyte 320 that includes volatile organic compounds, and a preconcentrator 120 that is configured to receive, concentrate, and desorb the analyte 320. The preconcentrator 120 is coupled to the syringe 110. Preferably, the preconcentrator 120 is also coupled to the aggregate 160.

[0093] The analyte 320 is transported from the syringe 110 in the transport direction T to the preconcentrator 120. The preconcentrator 120 preferably includes a preconcentrator heater 122 controlled by the system control 400. In the illustrated embodiment, the syringe 110 is configured to inject the accelerated analyte into the preconcentrator 120. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), an inlet with an associated pump may be provided for injecting the analyte 320. The tubing section 130 is coupled to the aggregator 160 to receive the accelerated flow of the mobile phase provided by the pressurized hydrogen 310 and inject the hydrogen 310 into the flow path of the analyte 320 either before entering the preconcentrator 120 or after leaving the preconcentrator 120.

[0094] The aggregator 160 is preferably connected to the preconcentrator inlet port 121 via a bypass 131 to provide an oxygen stream 350 to preconcentrate the volatile organic compounds in the analyte 320.

[0095] The gas chromatograph 100 also has a column 140 equipped with a stationary phase 141. The column 140 is configured to receive the preconcentrated analyte 320 carried by the mobile phase, and the mobile phase is provided by a constant gas flow propelled by the pressure in the aggregator 160. The column 140 also has a column heater 142 controlled by the system control 400. Due to the differences in the interactions with the stationary phase 141, the analyte 320 passing through the column 140 is separated in the column 140. The gas chromatograph 100 also has a detector 150 disposed downstream of the column 140, and the detector is configured to detect or identify the volatile organic compounds eluted from the column over time based on the rate at which the volatile organic compounds pass through the column 140. The detector 150 communicates signals with the system control 400 and is configured to provide raw data related to the detected volatile organic compounds, particularly raw data related to the time of passage. The hydrogen gas stream 310 and the analyte 320 are finally discharged via the discharge port 112.

[0096] Figure 2 A gas chromatography system 1000’ for detecting volatile organic compounds according to a second embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown. In Figure 1 and Figure 2 the illustrated embodiment, similar components have the same reference numerals and reference Figure 1 to the above description. In the following, only the differences between Figure 1 and Figure 2 the illustrated embodiments will be discussed to avoid repetition.

[0097] The gas chromatography system 1000' includes an aggregate 160 for providing hydrogen 310 acting as a combustion gas and oxygen 350 as a by-product acting as a mobile phase, and a gas chromatograph 100, such as a micro gas chromatograph, coupled to the aggregate 160 to receive the hydrogen 310 and the oxygen 350. According to Figures 3 to 12 any of the illustrated embodiments, the aggregate is formed, where, for clarity, only the reference numerals related to Figure 3 are indicated.

[0098] The pipe section 130 is coupled to the aggregate 160 and the detector 150 for receiving an accelerated flow of the combustion gas provided by the pressurized hydrogen 310 and injecting the hydrogen 310 into the flow path of the analyte 320 before entering the preconcentrator 120 or after leaving the preconcentrator 120.

[0099] The aggregate 160 is preferably connected to the preconcentrator inlet port 121 or the column inlet port (not shown) through a bypass 131 for providing an oxygen stream 350 to act as a mobile phase for carrying the analyte 320 in the transport direction T.

[0100] Figure 3 A first embodiment of the aggregate 160 is shown. The aggregate 160 includes an aggregate inlet port 161 and an outlet port 162. The aggregate inlet port 161 is equipped with an air filter 1611 for receiving ambient air 331 serving as a hydrogen-containing medium 330, and the outlet port 162 is configured to be coupled to the gas chromatograph 100, as Figure 1 shown, for providing the hydrogen 310.

[0101] The aggregate 160 further includes a PEM electrolyzer 163, a pressurized hydrogen buffer 164, and a water source 165. The PEM electrolyzer 163 is configured for PEM electrolysis of water provided by the water source 165 to generate hydrogen 310 stored in the pressurized hydrogen buffer 164. The pressurized hydrogen buffer 164 is fluidly connected to the outlet port 162 for supplying the hydrogen 310 to the gas chromatograph 100.

[0102] In Figure 3In the illustrated embodiment, the water source 165 is a condenser 1651 having a flow channel 1652. The flow channel 1652 has an actively cooled condenser surface 16521 and a condensate port 16522 configured to direct condensate 340 from the condenser surface 16521 to a condensate buffer 1653. The flow channel 1652 also has an oxygen port 16523 configured to allow oxygen 350 to rise from the condensate buffer 1653. The condensate port 16522 is provided at the lowest point 16524 of the flow channel 1652. Thus, the condensate 340 flows along the condenser surface 16521 to the lowest point 16524, passes through the condensate port 16522 and is ultimately stored in the condensate buffer 1653. In the illustrated embodiment, the condensate buffer 1653 includes a reservoir 16531 having an overflow portion 16532 equipped with a float switch 16535 and a water seal 16533, the float switch being configured to allow excess condensate, the water seal being configured to prevent air from flowing into the reservoir 16531. The float switch 16535 is preferably a mechanically controlled float switch that opens the flow path to the overflow portion in the event of a predetermined condensate level. In an alternative, the float switch 16535 is preferably an electrically controlled float switch 16535.

[0103] The flow channel 1652 defines a cover 16534 of the reservoir 16531, wherein ports including the condensate port 16524 and the oxygen port 16523 are provided to avoid evaporation of the stored condensate 340.

[0104] To cool the condenser 1651, the assembly 160 further includes a cooling unit 166, which includes a Peltier element 1661 having a warm side 16611 and a cold side 16612. The cooling unit 166 further has a heat sink 1662 disposed on the warm side 16611 of the Peltier element 1661, wherein the condenser 1651 is disposed on the cold side 16612 of the Peltier element 1661. Thus, the warm side 16611 is attached to the heat sink 1662 such that it remains at or near ambient temperature, while the cold side 16612 is below room temperature. The cooling unit 166 further includes a fan 1664 configured to provide a cooling air flow to cool the heat sink 1662. The cooling unit 166 has a cooling channel 1663 associated with the heat sink 1662 through which the air flow leaving the flow channel 1652 can flow and finally leave the assembly 160 via the fan 1664. The cooling unit 166 further includes an energy supply 1665 coupled to the Peltier element 1661 for providing a voltage or current such that a warm side 16611 of the Peltier element 1661 adjacent to the heat sink 1662 and a relatively cold side 16612 of the Peltier element 1661 facing the condenser surface 16521 are formed.

[0105] The assembly 160 further includes a control unit 169 having an energy source 1691 and a pressure sensor 1692, which are configured to provide signals to a PID-controller 1693 to control the energy source 1691.

[0106] The control unit 169 is configured to control the PEM electrolyzer 163 based on the pressure in the pressurized hydrogen buffer 164 monitored by the pressure sensor 1692. The amount of hydrogen generated by the PEM electrolyzer 163 depends on the supplied current or voltage, in particular a DC voltage, and thus the PEM electrolyzer 163 can be controlled by the control unit 169 via the energy supply.

[0107] Preferably, the control unit 169 further has a data interface 1694 configured to communicate with a network (not shown) to receive network data. The PID - controller 1693 is preferably configured to also control the energy source 1691 based on the network data. In the case where the float switch 16535 is preferably an electrically controlled float switch 16535, the control unit 169 further has a condensate level monitoring unit 1695 for monitoring the condensate level in the condensate buffer 1653. The condensate level monitoring unit 1695 may include a water level sensor for monitoring the actual condensate level in the condensate buffer 1653 and an additionally preferred moisture sensor for monitoring the moisture of the ambient air to determine the future condensate level. In a preferred embodiment (not shown), as an alternative or supplement to the first float control switch 16535, a second float control switch is arranged between the condensate buffer 1653 and the PEM electrolyzer 163 for selectively blocking the flow channel (not shown) from the condensate buffer 1653 to the PEM electrolyzer in order to stop PEM electrolysis. Thus, in the case of a low condensate level or in the case of overpressure detected in the pressurized hydrogen buffer 164 by the pressure sensor 1692, the flow of condensate can be interrupted, thereby interrupting hydrogen generation.

[0108] Figure 4 A second embodiment of the aggregate 170 is shown. The aggregate 170 includes an aggregate inlet port 171 and an outlet port 172. The aggregate inlet port 171 is equipped with an air filter 1711 for filtering ambient air 331 used as a hydrogen - containing medium. The outlet port 172 is configured to be coupled to a gas chromatograph 100, as Figure 1 shown.

[0109] The aggregate 170 further includes a PEM electrolyzer 173, a pressurized hydrogen buffer 174, and a water source 175. The PEM electrolyzer 173 is configured for PEM electrolysis of water provided by the water source 175 in order to generate hydrogen stored in the pressurized hydrogen buffer 174. The pressurized hydrogen buffer 174 is in fluid connection with the outlet port 172 for supplying hydrogen 310 to the gas chromatograph 100 via the outlet port 172.

[0110] In Figure 4 the embodiment shown, the water source 175 includes a condenser 1751 having a flow channel 1752. The flow channel 1752 has a condenser surface 17521 defined by the contact surface 1731 of the PEM electrolyzer 173.

[0111] As described with respect to the first embodiment, the aggregate 170 includes a cooling unit 176 configured to cool a condenser 1751 having a radiator 1762, an associated cooling channel 1763, a fan 1764, and a Peltier element 1761 having a warm side 17611 and a cold side 17612.

[0112] In addition, a first heat conductor 17512 and a second heat conductor 17513 are provided and configured to be thermally coupled to the Peltier element 1761 and the condenser surface 17521 and may be at least partially disposed in the flow channel 1752. The water source 175 further includes a condensate buffer 1753 provided by open-cell foam 17531 housed in a receiving space 177. The receiving space 177 is provided in the flow channel 1752 and is defined by the condenser surface 17521 and a thermal insulator 178 attached to the cold side 17612 of the Peltier element 1761. Moreover, the first heat conductor 17522 and the second heat conductor 17523 may at least partially define the receiving space. The aggregate 170 further includes a control unit 179 having a controllable energy source 1791 and a pressure sensor 1792 configured to provide signals to a first PID-controller 1793 of the control unit 179. In the illustrated embodiment, the controllable energy source 1791 is a voltage source.

[0113] In the illustrated embodiment, the control unit 179 is configured to control the PEM electrolyzer 173 based on the pressure in the pressurized hydrogen buffer 174 monitored by the pressure sensor 1792. The amount of hydrogen 310 generated by the PEM electrolyzer 173 depends on the supplied energy defined by the supplied voltage or current and can thus be controlled by the control unit 179 via the supply of a DC voltage.

[0114] The control unit 179 further includes a temperature control unit 1794 having a temperature sensor 17941 configured to provide a sensor signal, an energy source 17942, and a second PID control 17943. It should be understood that the temperature control unit 1794 may also be applied to Figure 7 the illustrated embodiment or any other embodiment having a Peltier element, but is not necessary for the use of a Peltier element. The second PID control 17943 is configured to control the Peltier element 1761 by regulating the energy supply by controlling the energy source 17942.

[0115] Figure 5A third embodiment of the aggregate 180 is shown. As described with respect to the first and second embodiments, the aggregate 180 has an aggregate inlet port 181, an outlet port 182, and a PEM electrolyzer 183 configured to generate hydrogen gas 310 stored in a pressurized hydrogen buffer 184. The aggregate 180 has a water source 185 having a water buffer 1851 and an oxygen buffer 186. The aggregate inlet port 181 having an exhaust filter 1812 is preferably connected to the exhaust port 112 of the gas chromatograph 100 (see Figure 1 ), and is configured to receive the exhaust gas 332 including hydrogen from the gas chromatograph 100 and thus serves as a hydrogen-containing medium 330. The aggregate 180 also has a fuel cell 187 configured to filter volatile organic compounds to generate electricity, which is preferably stored in a battery 188 coupled to the fuel cell 187. The oxygen stored in the oxygen buffer can be used for the combustion process. The stored energy is preferably provided to the gas chromatograph 100, such as to one of the heaters 122, 142. In addition to generating electricity, the hydrogen fuel cell 187 emits water during operation, which flows downward and is ultimately received and stored in the water buffer 1851, while the oxygen 350 from the water buffer 1851 rises and is stored in the oxygen buffer 186. When the aggregate 180 is in an upright position, the fuel cell 187 is preferably arranged above the water buffer 1851.

[0116] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the generated electricity can be directly supplied to the PEM electrolyzer 183.

[0117] The aggregate 180 further includes a control unit 189 having an energy source 1891 and sensors 1892 (such as the flow sensor 1892 in the illustrated embodiment), and is configured to provide signals to a PID-controller 1893 for controlling the energy source 1891. In the illustrated embodiment, the controllable energy source 1891 is a voltage supply.

[0118] The control unit 189 is configured to control the PEM electrolyzer 183 according to the pressure in the pressurized hydrogen buffer 184 monitored by the sensor 1892. The amount of hydrogen gas 310 generated by the PEM electrolyzer 183 depends on the energy provided defined by the supplied current or voltage (especially DC voltage), and thus the PEM electrolyzer 183 can be controlled via the supply of DC voltage by means of the control unit 189.

[0119] The control unit 189 further includes a second pressure sensor 1894 configured to control the pressure of the incoming exhaust gas 332 and / or a third pressure sensor 1895 for controlling the pressure in the oxygen buffer 186.

[0120] Figure 6 Shows a fourth embodiment of the aggregate 190. The aggregate 190 includes an outlet port 192 that is configured to be coupled to the gas chromatograph 100, as Figure 1 shown.

[0121] The aggregate 190 further includes a PEM electrolyzer 193, a pressurized hydrogen buffer 194, and a water source 195. The PEM electrolyzer 193 is configured for PEM electrolysis of water provided by the water source 195 to generate hydrogen gas 310 that is stored in the pressurized hydrogen buffer 194. The pressurized hydrogen buffer 194 is in fluid connection with the outlet port 192 for supplying the hydrogen gas 310 to the gas chromatograph 100.

[0122] In the fourth embodiment, the water source 195 preferably includes a water-filled open-cell foam 1951 or a desiccant 1952, such as zeolite or silica gel. The water 333 stored in the water source 195 serves as the hydrogen-containing medium 330 and is used for PEM electrolysis performed by the PEM electrolyzer 193 as described above. When the aggregate 190 is in an upright position, the oxygen gas 350 generated during electrolysis rises through the water-filled open-cell foam 1951 and passes through the gas diffusion layer 196, which is preferably disposed on top of the water-filled open-cell foam 1951. The gas diffusion layer 196 is configured to allow the outflow of the oxygen gas 350 while preventing the entry of fluid and the leakage of water 195.

[0123] The aggregate 190 further includes a control unit 199 having an energy source 1991 and a pressure sensor 1992, the pressure sensor being configured to provide a signal to a PID-controller 1993 to control the energy source 1991. In the illustrated embodiment, the controllable energy source 1991 is a voltage source. The control unit 199 is configured to control the PEM electrolyzer 193 based on the pressure in the pressurized hydrogen buffer 194 monitored by the pressure sensor 1992.

[0124] Figure 7 Shows a fifth embodiment of the aggregate 200. The aggregate 200 includes an inlet port 201 that is equipped with an exhaust filter 2012 and is coupled to the exhaust port 112 of the gas chromatograph 100 (see Figure 1 ) for receiving the exhaust gas 332 that serves as the hydrogen-containing medium 330. The aggregate 200 further includes a pressurized hydrogen buffer 204 configured to store the hydrogen gas 310 and an outlet port 202 in fluid connection with the pressurized hydrogen buffer 204. The aggregate 200 also has a hydrogen pump 205 that is configured to pump the filtered hydrogen gas 310 from the exhaust filter 2012 to the pressurized hydrogen buffer 204.

[0125] The aggregate 200 also includes a control unit 209 having an energy source 2091 and a first pressure sensor 2092, the first pressure sensor being configured to provide a signal to a PID-controller 2093 to control the energy source 2091. In the illustrated embodiment, the controllable energy source 2091 is a voltage source.

[0126] The control unit 209 is configured to control the hydrogen pump 205 based on the pressure in the pressurized hydrogen buffer 204 monitored by the first pressure sensor 2092. The amount of hydrogen pumped by the hydrogen pump 205 depends on the energy provided as defined by the supplied voltage or current. The control unit 209 further has a second pressure sensor 2094, the second pressure sensor being configured to monitor the pressure of the exhaust gas entering from the gas chromatograph 100 filtered by the exhaust filter 2012.

[0127] Figure 8 A sixth embodiment of the aggregate 210 is shown. Similar to Figure 5 the illustrated embodiment, the aggregate 210 has an aggregate inlet port 211, an outlet port 212, a fuel cell 217, and a PEM electrolyzer 213, the PEM electrolyzer being configured to generate hydrogen 310 stored in the pressurized hydrogen buffer 214. Additionally, the aggregate has a control unit having a PID-controller 2193, a pressure sensor 2192, and an energy source 2191. The aggregate 210 also has a water buffer 2151 and an oxygen buffer 216. Refer to Figure 5 the above description.

[0128] The aggregate 210 differs from Figure 5 the illustrated embodiment in that it has an idle mode storage unit 2141 fluidly connected to the pressurized hydrogen buffer 214. The idle mode storage unit 2141 includes a solid storage medium 21412 configured to form a hydride in the presence of hydrogen, a pressure release valve 21413 configured to release pressure from the idle mode storage unit 2141, and a hydride storage heater 21412 configured to heat the solid storage medium 21412 to reform hydrogen according to the formed hydride.

[0129] Figure 9 A seventh embodiment of the aggregate 220 is shown. The aggregate 220 includes an aggregate inlet port 221 and an outlet port 222, the aggregate inlet port 221 being equipped with an air filter 2211 for receiving ambient air 331 used as a hydrogen-containing medium 330, and the outlet port 222 being configured to be coupled to the gas chromatograph 100, as Figure 1 shown, for providing hydrogen 310.

[0130] The aggregate 220 further includes a PEM electrolyzer 223, a pressurized hydrogen buffer 224, and a water source 225. The PEM electrolyzer 223 is configured for PEM electrolysis of water provided by the water source 225 to generate hydrogen 310 stored in the pressurized hydrogen buffer 224. The pressurized hydrogen buffer 224 is fluidly connected to the outlet port 222 for supplying hydrogen 310 to the gas chromatograph 100.

[0131] In Figure 9 the illustrated embodiment, the water source 225 is a condenser 2251 having a flow channel 2252. The flow channel 2252 has an actively cooled condenser surface 22521, a condensate port 22522 configured to direct condensate 340 from the condenser surface 22521 to a condensate buffer 2253. The flow channel 2252 further has an oxygen port 22523 configured to allow oxygen 350 to rise from the condensate buffer 2253. The condensate port 22522 is provided at the lowest point 22524 of the flow channel 2252. Thus, the condensate 340 flows along the condenser surface 22521 to the lowest point 22524, passes through the condensate port 22522, and is ultimately stored in the condensate buffer 2253. In the illustrated embodiment, the condensate buffer 2253 includes a reservoir 22531 having an overflow portion 22532 configured to allow excess condensate and a water seal 22533 configured to prevent air from flowing into the reservoir 22531.

[0132] The flow channel 2252 defines a lid 22534 of the reservoir 22531, wherein ports including the condensate port 22524 and the oxygen port 22523 are provided to avoid evaporation of the stored condensate 340.

[0133] To cool the condenser 2251, the aggregate 220 further includes a cooling unit 226. The cooling unit 226 has a radiator 2262 and a fan 2264 configured to provide a cooling air flow to cool the radiator 2262. The cooling unit 226 has a cooling channel 2263 defined in the radiator 2262 through which the air flow exiting the flow channel 2252 can flow and exit the aggregate 220 via the fan 2264 and the radiator 2262.

[0134] The aggregate 220 includes an intermediate storage unit 223 disposed downstream of the aggregate inlet port 221 and upstream of the PEM electrolyzer 223, which has a desiccant bed 2231 for adsorbing water from the hydrogen-containing medium 330 and a heating component 2232 for evaporating the water stored in the desiccant bed 2231.

[0135] By blowing air through the desiccant bed 2231, water from the humid air is collected and adsorbed, especially at ambient temperature, in the desiccant bed 2231, which includes, for example, silica gel, zeolite, activated alumina, calcium chloride. When the desiccant bed 2231 is saturated or when the condensate buffer 22531 is emptied, the desiccant bed 2231 is heated by a heating component 2232 with an energy supply 2265 to desorb moisture from the desiccant bed 2231. The humid and hot air condenses at the condenser surface 22521. When the drying bed 2231 is dried, the heating component 2232 is switched off via the energy supply 2265 to start the next cycle of moisture adsorption.

[0136] The radiator 2266 is configured to remove heat from the condenser surface 22521 during the desorption phase to keep the condenser surface 22521 close to ambient temperature. The condenser surface 22521 may have a hydrophobic coating to facilitate the removal of condensed water. The condenser surface may have features to increase the surface area. The dry air generated during the adsorption phase can be used as the input to a preconcentrator 120 (see Figure 1 ) to extract the analyte 320 contained in the air.

[0137] The aggregate 220 further includes a control unit 229 having an energy source 2291 and a pressure sensor 2292, which are configured to provide signals to a PID - controller 2293 to control the energy source 2291.

[0138] The control unit 229 is configured to control the PEM electrolyzer 223 according to the pressure in the pressurized hydrogen buffer 224 monitored by the pressure sensor 2292. The amount of hydrogen generated by the PEM electrolyzer 223 depends on the supplied current or voltage, especially DC voltage, and thus the PEM electrolyzer 223 can be controlled by the control unit 229 via the energy supply.

[0139] Figure 10 An eighth embodiment of the aggregate 230 is shown. The aggregate 230 includes an inlet port 231 and an outlet port 232. The inlet port is equipped with an exhaust filter 2312 and a pressurized hydrogen buffer 234 configured to store hydrogen 310. The outlet port is in fluid connection with the pressurized hydrogen buffer 234. The aggregate 230 also has a hydrogen pump 235, which is configured to pump the filtered hydrogen 310 from the exhaust filter 2312 to the pressurized hydrogen buffer 234, as described in the fifth embodiment with respect to Figure 7 as shown. Figure 10The embodiment shown differs from the fifth embodiment in that the aggregate 230 includes a drying unit 233 disposed upstream of the outlet 232 in the conveying direction T, and the drying unit is configured to dry the hydrogen gas 310. The drying unit 233 may include a drying desiccant 2331 for adsorbing moisture from the generated hydrogen gas 310, or a heater 2332 for heating the generated hydrogen gas 310.

[0140] Figure 11 A ninth embodiment of the aggregate 240 is shown. The aggregate 240 includes a PEM electrolyzer 243, a pressurized hydrogen buffer zone 244, and a water source 245, as Figure 6 shown. To avoid repetition, reference Figure 4 is made to the description of Figure 2 , and only the differences will be discussed hereinafter. The aggregate 240 further includes an oxygen buffer zone 246 for storing the ascending oxygen gas 350. The aggregate 240 has a first outlet port 242.1, which is configured to be coupled, for example, to the detector 150 of the gas chromatograph 100 to provide the hydrogen gas 310 used as a combustion gas (see Figure 2 ). In addition, the aggregate 240 has a second outlet port 242.2 associated with the oxygen buffer zone 246, and the oxygen buffer zone is configured to be coupled to, for example, the preconcentrator 120 of the gas chromatograph 100 to provide the oxygen gas 350 as a mobile phase (see

[0141] Figure 12 A tenth embodiment of the aggregate 250 is shown. The aggregate 250 includes an aggregate inlet port 251 that allows ambient air 331 used as a hydrogen-containing medium to enter and an outlet port 252 that is configured to be coupled to the gas chromatograph 100, as Figure 1 shown.

[0142] The aggregate 250 preferably includes a PEM electrolyzer 253, a pressurized hydrogen buffer zone 254, and a water source 255. The PEM electrolyzer 253 is configured for PEM electrolysis of water provided by the water source 255 to generate hydrogen gas that is stored in the pressurized hydrogen buffer zone 254. The pressurized hydrogen buffer zone 254 is in fluid connection with the outlet port 252 to supply the hydrogen gas 310 to the gas chromatograph 100 via the outlet port 252. In the Figure 12 shown embodiment, the water source 255 includes a condenser (not shown).

[0143] The aggregate 250 includes a perfluorosulfonic acid dryer unit 256, and the perfluorosulfonic acid dryer unit 256 is configured to remove moisture from the humid hydrogen gas used as the hydrogen-containing medium 330 and process the hydrogen-containing medium 330 to generate dry hydrogen gas 310. The perfluorosulfonic acid dryer unit 256 can be used alone or in combination with the PEM electrolyzer 253, the pressurized hydrogen buffer zone 254, and the water source 255.

[0144] The perfluorosulfonic acid dryer unit 256 includes a perfluorosulfonic acid dryer 2561, an air delivery unit 2562 (such as a pump or a fan), a first perfluorosulfonic acid dryer desiccant bed 2563 having a first bed heater 2564, and preferably a second perfluorosulfonic acid dryer desiccant bed 2565 having a second bed heater 2566. The aggregate 250 also has a first valve 2567.1 and a second valve 2567.2 both associated with the first perfluorosulfonic acid dryer desiccant bed 2563. The first valve 2567.1 is arranged between the inlet 251 and the first perfluorosulfonic acid dryer desiccant bed 2563. In the case of using the perfluorosulfonic acid dryer unit together with the condenser 255, the second valve 2567.2 is arranged between the first perfluorosulfonic acid dryer desiccant bed 2563 and the condenser 255, or is arranged between the first perfluorosulfonic acid dryer desiccant bed 2563 and an exhaust outlet (not shown).

[0145] The first valve 2567.1 is a check valve that only allows flow from the inlet 251 to the first perfluorosulfonic acid dryer desiccant bed 2563, or is a controllable valve configured to selectively allow flow from the inlet 251 to the first perfluorosulfonic acid dryer desiccant bed 2563. The second valve 2567.2 is a check valve that only allows flow from the first perfluorosulfonic acid dryer desiccant bed 2563 to the condenser 255 or the exhaust port (not shown), or is a controllable valve configured to selectively allow flow.

[0146] The first valve 2567.1 selectively enables the flow of the incoming air 331, and the incoming air 331 is blown or pumped by the air delivery unit 2562 through the first perfluorosulfonic acid dryer desiccant bed 2563, which is configured to dry the incoming air 331 by storing moisture. The dried air from the first perfluorosulfonic acid dryer desiccant bed 2563 is provided to the perfluorosulfonic acid dryer 2561 as a purge gas.

[0147] In the perfluorosulfonic acid dryer 2561, for example, a humid hydrogen gas stream from the hydrogen buffer zone 254 or from the outlet of the gas chromatograph 100 flows through a pipeline, and the dry purge gas flows countercurrently outside the pipeline. Although the partial pressure of water in the purge gas is less than that in the humid hydrogen gas, the membrane of the perfluorosulfonic acid dryer 2561 will selectively transfer water and water vapor from the sample gas through its membrane and into the purge gas stream, generating a dry hydrogen output. The perfluorosulfonic acid dryer 2561 is coupled to the outlet 252 for providing the dry hydrogen gas 310 to the gas chromatograph 100 to act as a mobile phase or a combustion gas.

[0148] By heating the first perfluorosulfonic acid dryer desiccant bed 2563 with the first bed heater 2564 and reversing the flow by the air delivery unit 2562, the stored moisture is released and can be directed via the second valve 2567.2 to the condenser 255. The condenser 255 is configured to condense the moist air from the first perfluorosulfonic acid dryer desiccant bed 2563, wherein the PEM electrolyzer 253 is configured to generate hydrogen by electrolysis of the condensate, and the hydrogen buffer 254 stores hydrogen, as described in the embodiment regarding Figure 3 shown. Conversely, the moist air from the first perfluorosulfonic acid dryer desiccant bed 2563 is discharged via an exhaust outlet (not shown).

[0149] The aggregate 250 preferably has a third valve 2567.3 and a fourth valve 2567.4 both associated with the second perfluorosulfonic acid dryer desiccant bed 2565. The third valve 2567.3 is arranged between the inlet 251 and the second perfluorosulfonic acid dryer desiccant bed 2565. In the case of using the perfluorosulfonic acid dryer unit 256 together with the condenser 255, the fourth valve 2567.4 is arranged between the second perfluorosulfonic acid dryer desiccant bed 2565 and the condenser 255, or is arranged between the second perfluorosulfonic acid dryer desiccant bed 2565 and the exhaust outlet (not shown). In the case where the first perfluorosulfonic acid dryer desiccant bed 2563 is saturated, the air delivery unit 2562 is configured to reverse the flow such that (optionally) the flow of the incoming air 331 is achieved by the third valve 2567.3, and the incoming air 331 is blown or pumped by the air delivery unit 2562 through the second perfluorosulfonic acid dryer desiccant bed 2565, which is configured to dry the incoming air 331 by storing moisture. The dry air originating from the second perfluorosulfonic acid dryer desiccant bed 2565 is provided to the perfluorosulfonic acid dryer 2561 and used as the purge gas as described above. As described above regarding the first perfluorosulfonic acid dryer desiccant bed 2563, when the second perfluorosulfonic acid dryer desiccant bed 2565 that supplies the purge gas to the perfluorosulfonic acid dryer 2561 reaches the saturation limit, the moisture from the second perfluorosulfonic acid dryer desiccant bed 2565 can be removed accordingly. To remove the stored moisture from the second perfluorosulfonic acid dryer desiccant bed 2565, the second bed heater 2566 can be used, the air flow needs to be restored by the air delivery unit 2562, and the moist air can be directed to the condenser 255 or discharged as described for the drying of the first perfluorosulfonic acid dryer desiccant bed 2563.

[0150] Figure 13 Shows a schematic diagram of a method 2000 for operating a gas chromatography system 1000 according to the Figure 1 embodiment shown. The gas chromatography system 1000 has according to Figures 3 to 12The aggregates of any of the embodiments shown.

[0151] In a first step 2100, pressurized hydrogen 310 is generated in aggregates 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250. In a second step 2200, the pressurized hydrogen is supplied to the gas chromatograph 100.

[0152] Preferably, supplying the hydrogen 310 to the gas chromatograph 100 at 2200 includes: supplying the hydrogen 310 to the syringe 110 at 2210 to supply the hydrogen 310 to act as a mobile phase for carrying the analyte 320.

[0153] Additionally or alternatively, supplying the hydrogen 310 to the gas chromatograph 100 at 2200 preferably includes: supplying the hydrogen 310 to the preconcentrator 120 at 2220 to supply the hydrogen 310 to act as a mobile phase for carrying the analyte 320.

[0154] Additionally or alternatively, supplying the hydrogen 310 to the gas chromatograph 100 at 2200 preferably includes: supplying the hydrogen 310 to the column 140 at 2230 to supply the hydrogen 310 to act as a mobile phase for carrying the preconcentrated analyte 320.

[0155] In a third step 2300, the analyte 320 is injected into one or more preconcentrators 120. A fourth step 2400 includes concentrating the analyte 320 including volatile organic compounds in one or more preconcentrators 120. Thereafter, in a fifth step 2500, the analyte 320 is carried towards the column 140 in the transport direction T.

[0156] In a sixth step 2600, the method 2000 includes guiding the preconcentrated analyte 320 carried by the mobile phase 310 through the column 140, wherein the column 140 is equipped with a stationary phase 141. In a final step 2700, the method 2000 includes detecting the volatile organic compounds eluted from the column 140 by the gas detector 150.

[0157] Figure 14 Shows for operating Figure 2 An alternative embodiment of the method 3000 for the gas chromatography system 1000’ shown.

[0158] In a first step 3100, pressurized hydrogen 310 and oxygen 350 are generated as by-products in aggregates 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250. In a second step 3200, the pressurized hydrogen is supplied to a gas chromatograph 100, wherein supplying the hydrogen 310 to the gas chromatograph 100 includes supplying the hydrogen 310, which serves as a combustion gas, to a gas detector 150 for operation of the gas detector 150. Additionally, method 3000 includes supplying the oxygen 350, which is generated as a by-product in aggregates 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, to the gas chromatograph 100.

[0159] Preferably, supplying the oxygen 350 includes: supplying the oxygen 350 to a syringe 110 to supply the oxygen 350 to serve as a mobile phase for transporting an analyte 320.

[0160] Additionally or alternatively, supplying the oxygen 350 includes: supplying the oxygen 350 to a preconcentrator 120 to supply the oxygen 350 to serve as a mobile phase for transporting an analyte 320.

[0161] Additionally or alternatively, supplying the oxygen 350 includes: supplying the oxygen 350 to a column 140 to supply the oxygen 350 to serve as a mobile phase for transporting the preconcentrated analyte 320.

[0162] In a third step 3300, the analyte 320 is injected into one or more preconcentrators 120. A fourth step 3400 includes concentrating the analyte 320, which includes volatile organic compounds, in one or more preconcentrators 120. Thereafter, in a fifth step 3500, in a transport direction T, the analyte 320 is transported towards a column 140.

[0163] In a sixth step 3600, method 3000 includes guiding the preconcentrated analyte 320, transported by the mobile phase provided by the oxygen 350, through a column 140, wherein the column 140 is equipped with a stationary phase 141. In a final step 3700, method 3000 includes detecting, by a gas detector 150, the volatile organic compounds eluted from the column 140, wherein the gas detector 150 detects the volatile organic compounds through a combustion process under consumption of the hydrogen 310 provided by aggregates 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250.

[0164] By studying the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and realize other variations of the disclosed embodiments when practicing the claimed invention.

[0165] In a claim, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

[0166] A single unit or device may perform the functions of several items recited in a claim. 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 advantageously.

[0167] Any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope.

[0168] The present invention relates to a gas chromatography system for detecting volatile organic compounds in an analyte with a gas chromatograph having a syringe for injecting the analyte, a preconcentrator, a column equipped with a stationary phase, and a gas detector configured to detect analyte components eluted from the column. The present invention provides an assembly having an outlet coupled to the gas chromatograph and configured to receive and process a hydrogen-containing medium for generating hydrogen and supplying the hydrogen to the gas chromatograph. The present invention also relates to such an assembly and a method of operating a chromatography system.

Claims

1. A gas chromatography system (1000) for detecting volatile organic compounds in an analyte (320), comprising: A gas chromatograph (100) having a syringe (110) for injecting the analyte into the gas chromatograph (100), a preconcentrator (120) configured to concentrate the injected analyte (320), a column (140) equipped with a stationary phase (141), and a gas detector (150) configured to detect components of the analyte (320) eluted from the column (140); and Aggregates (160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250) having an outlet (162, 172, 182, 192, 202, 212, 222, 232, 242, 252) coupled to the gas chromatograph (100) and configured to receive and process a hydrogen-containing medium (330) to generate hydrogen gas (310) and supply the hydrogen gas (310) to the gas chromatograph (100).

2. The gas chromatography system (1000) according to claim 1, Among them, The aggregates (160, 170, 180, 190, 210, 220, 230, 250) include a water source (165, 175, 185, 195, 255) and a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyzer (163, 173, 183, 193, 213, 223, 233, 253) configured to electrolyze water.

3. The gas chromatography system (1000) according to claim 1 or 2, Among them, The aggregates (160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250) have an aggregate inlet port (161, 171, 181, 201, 211, 221, 231, 251) equipped with a filter (1611, 1711, 1812, 2012), the filter being configured to filter the hydrogen-containing medium (330), and wherein the hydrogen-containing medium (330) is ambient air (331), and the filter (181, 201) is an air filter (1611, 1711, 2211) configured to filter the incoming ambient air (331), or wherein the hydrogen-containing medium (330) is hydrogen-containing exhaust gas (332) from the gas chromatograph (100), and the filter (181, 201) is an exhaust filter (1812, 2012) configured to filter the incoming exhaust gas (332), or wherein the hydrogen-containing medium (330) is hydrogen-containing exhaust gas (332) from the gas chromatograph (100), and the filter is a PEM fuel cell (187) configured to filter the incoming exhaust gas (332).

4. The gas chromatography system (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, Among them, The aggregates (160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250) include a pressurized hydrogen buffer zone (164, 174, 184, 194, 204, 214, 224, 234, 244, 254) that is fluidly connected to the outlets (162, 172, 182, 192, 202, 212, 222, 232, 242, 252) to provide a pressurized hydrogen gas stream (310).

5. The gas chromatography system (1000) according to any one of claims 2-4, Among them, The water sources (165, 175, 225) include a condenser (1651, 1751, 2251) for collecting water and a condensate buffer zone (1653, 1753, 2253) for storing water, and the condenser (1651, 1751, 2251) includes a flow channel (1652, 1752, 2252) having a condenser surface (16521, 17521, 22521) and a cooling unit (166, 176, 226) configured to cool the condenser surface (16521, 17521, 22521), or wherein the water sources (195, 235) are arranged adjacent to the PEM electrolyzers (193, 233) and include at least one of the following: - An open-cell foam (1951) filled with water (333), - A desiccant (233) having a desiccant bed (2331) and a heating component (2332) for evaporating the water stored in the desiccant bed (2331), or wherein the water source (185) includes a water buffer zone (1851), and the aggregate (180) includes a PEM fuel cell or the PEM fuel cell (187) configured to generate electricity, thereby generating water stored in the water buffer zone (1851), wherein oxygen (350) rising from the water buffer zone (1851) is stored in an oxygen buffer zone (186).

6. The gas chromatography system (1000) according to claim 5, Among them, The cooling units (166, 176, 226) include Peltier elements (1661, 1761, 2261), heat sinks (166, 176, 226), and an energy supply (1665, 1765, 2265) coupled to the Peltier elements (1661, 1761, 2261) for providing voltage such that the warm sides (16611, 17611) of the Peltier elements (1661, 1761, 2261) are adjacent to the heat sinks (166, 176, 226) and the opposite cold sides (16612, 17612) of the Peltier elements (1661, 1761, 2261) face the condenser surfaces (16521, 17521, 22521).

7. The gas chromatography system (1000) according to claim 5 or 6, Among them, The condensate buffer (1653) also has a lid (16534) that includes one or more of the following ports (16523, 16522): - A condensate port (16522) configured to connect the flow channel (1652) and the condensate buffer (1653) to direct condensate (340) from the condenser surface (16521) into the condensate buffer (1653), - An oxygen port (16523) configured to allow oxygen (350) to rise from the condensate buffer (1653) into the flow channel (1652) when the aggregate (160) is in an upright position.

8. The gas chromatography system (1000) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, Among them, When the aggregate (160) is in an upright position, the condensate buffer (1653) includes a reservoir (16531) disposed below the condenser (1651) and above the PEM electrolyzer (163).

9. The gas chromatography system (1000) according to any one of claims 5 to 6, Among them, The condenser (1751) includes a plurality of heat conductors (17522, 17523) connecting the PEM electrolyzer (173) and the Peltier element (1761), and a contact surface (1731) that at least partially defines the condenser surface (17521) for cooling the PEM electrolyzer (173), wherein a receiving space (177) is formed between the plurality of heat conductors (17522, 17523), the contact surface (1731), and a thermal insulator (178) attached to the cold side of the Peltier element, The receiving space (177) defines the flow channel and is configured to receive the condensate buffer (1753).

10. The gas chromatography system (1000) according to claim 4, Among them, The aggregate (200) includes a hydrogen pump (205) configured to pump filtered hydrogen (360) from the exhaust filter (201) to the pressurized hydrogen buffer (204).

11. The gas chromatography system (1000) according to any one of claims 2 - 10, Among them, The aggregates (160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250) have a control unit (169, 179, 189, 199, 200, 219, 229), at least one sensor (1692, 1792, 17941, 1892, 1992, 2092, 2192, 2292) and a controller (1693, 1793, 1893, 1993, 2093, 2193, 2293). The control unit (169, 179, 189, 199, 200, 219, 229) has a controllable energy source (1691, 1791, 1891, 1991, 2091, 2291) configured to supply voltage or current. The at least one sensor (1692, 1792, 17941, 1892, 1992, 2092, 2192, 2292) is used to provide a sensor signal. The controller (1693, 1793, 1893, 1993, 2093, 2193, 2293) is a PID-controller in particular. The controller (1693, 1793, 1893, 1993, 2093, 2193, 2293) is configured to control the voltage or current supply based on the sensor signal. The control unit is configured for one, more than one, or all of the following: Controlling the hydrogen collection in the pressurized hydrogen buffer (164, 174, 184, 194, 204, 214, 224, 234, 244, 254) by causing the controller (1693, 1793, 1893, 1993, 2093, 2193, 2293) to be configured to control the supply of voltage or current from the energy source (1691, 1791, 1891, 1991, 2091, 2291) to the PEM electrolyzer (163, 173, 183, 193, 213, 223, 233) based on the sensor signal of the sensor (1692, 1792, 17941, 1892, 1992, 2092, 2192, 2292), wherein the sensor is a pressure sensor (1692, 1792, 1992, 2092, 2292) that detects the pressure in the pressurized hydrogen buffer (164, 174, 184, 194, 204, 214, 224, 234, 244, 254) or a flow sensor (1892) that detects the hydrogen flow rate entering the pressurized hydrogen buffer, or Controlling the temperature of the condenser surface (17521) by causing the controller (1793) to be configured to control the supply of voltage or current from the energy source (1791) to the cooling unit (176) based on the sensor signal, wherein the sensor is a temperature sensor (17941) that detects the temperature of the condenser surface (17521), or By configuring the controller (1693) to control the amount of condensate stored in the condensate buffer (1653) by controlling the supply of voltage or current from the energy source (1691) to the cooling unit (166) based on the signal of the condensate level monitoring unit (1695), or By configuring the controller (1693) to control the amount of condensate stored in the condensate buffer (1653) by controlling the float switch (16535) associated with the condensate buffer (1653), By configuring the controller (2093) to control the hydrogen collection in the pressurized hydrogen buffer (204) by controlling the supply of voltage or current from the energy source (2091) to the pump (205) based on the sensor signal of the sensor (2092), wherein the sensor (2092) is a pressure sensor (2092) for detecting the pressure in the pressurized hydrogen buffer (204) or a flow sensor (1892) for detecting the hydrogen flow rate into the pressurized hydrogen buffer (204), or By configuring the controllers (1893, 2193) to control the amount of water stored in the water buffers (1851, 2151) by controlling the supply of voltage or current from the energy sources (1891, 2191) to the fuel cells (187, 217) based on the sensor signals of the sensors (1892, 2192), wherein the sensors are pressure sensors (2192) for detecting the pressure in the pressurized hydrogen buffers (184, 214) or flow sensors (1892) for detecting the hydrogen flow rate into the pressurized hydrogen buffers (184, 214).

12. The gas chromatography system (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, Among them, The aggregate (210) includes an idle mode storage unit (2141) fluidly connected to the pressurized hydrogen buffer (214), and the idle mode storage unit (2141) includes a solid storage medium (21411) configured to form a hydride in contact with hydrogen, a pressure release valve (21413) configured to release pressure from the idle mode storage unit (2141), and a hydride storage heater (21412) configured to heat the solid storage medium (21411) to reform hydrogen from the formed hydride.

13. The gas chromatography system (1000) according to any one of claims 3 - 12, Among them, The aggregate (220) includes an intermediate storage unit (223) disposed downstream of the aggregate inlet port (221) and upstream of the PEM electrolyzer (223), and the intermediate storage unit (223) has a desiccant bed (2231) for adsorbing water from the hydrogen-containing medium (330) and a heating component (2232) for evaporating the water stored in the desiccant bed (2231).

14. The gas chromatography system (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, Among them, wherein the aggregate (230) includes a drying unit (233) which is arranged upstream of the outlet (232) and is configured to dry the hydrogen gas (310), and wherein the drying unit (233) includes at least one of the following: - a drying adsorbent (2331) for storing moisture from the generated hydrogen gas (310).

15. The gas chromatography system (1000) according to any one of claims 1 - 5, further comprising: a perfluorosulfonic acid dryer unit (256) configured to remove moisture from the hydrogen-containing medium (330), the perfluorosulfonic acid dryer unit (256) having a perfluorosulfonic acid dryer (2561), an air delivery unit (2562), and at least one perfluorosulfonic acid dryer desiccant bed (2563, 2565).

16. The gas chromatography system (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, Among them, the outlet (162, 182, 192, 202, 212, 222, 232, 242, 252) is coupled to one, more, or all of the following for supplying hydrogen gas (310) to the gas chromatograph (100): - the syringe (110) for supplying the hydrogen gas (310) to act as a mobile phase for transporting the analyte (320) in the transport direction (T), - the preconcentrator (120) for supplying the hydrogen gas (310) to act as a mobile phase for transporting the analyte (320) in the transport direction (T), - the column (140) for supplying the hydrogen gas (310) to act as a mobile phase for transporting the preconcentrated analyte (320) in the transport direction (T), or - the gas detector (150) for supplying the hydrogen gas (310) to act as a combustion gas for operating the gas detector (150).

17. The gas chromatography system (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, Among them, wherein the aggregate (160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250) is configured to generate oxygen (350) as a by-product and is coupled to the gas chromatograph (100) for supplying oxygen (350) to at least one of the following: - the syringe (110) for supplying the oxygen (350) to act as a mobile phase for transporting the analyte (320) in the transport direction (T), - the preconcentrator (120) for supplying the oxygen (350) to act as a mobile phase for transporting the analyte (320) in the transport direction (T), - the column (140) for supplying the oxygen (350) to act as a mobile phase for transporting the preconcentrated analyte (320) in the transport direction (T), or - The pre - concentrator (120) for supplying the oxygen (350) for pre - concentrating the analyte (320).

18. An aggregate (160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250) for a gas chromatography system (1000), in particular for an aggregate (160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250) for a gas chromatography system (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, which is for providing a hydrogen gas stream. The aggregate (160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250) has outlets (162, 182, 192, 202, 212, 222, 232, 242, 252) for coupling to the gas chromatography system (1000) and is configured to receive and process a hydrogen - containing medium (330) to generate hydrogen (310) and supply the hydrogen (310) to the gas chromatograph (100) in a transport direction (T).

19. A method (2000) for operating a gas chromatography system (1000), in particular for operating a gas chromatography system (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, which comprises the following steps: - Generating (2100) pressurized hydrogen (310) for the gas chromatograph. - Supplying (2200) the pressurized hydrogen (310) into the gas chromatograph (100). - Injecting (2300) an analyte into the pre - concentrator (120) of the gas chromatograph (100). - Concentrating (2400) the analyte (320) comprising volatile organic compounds in the pre - concentrator (120). - Transporting (2500) the analyte (320) from the pre - concentrator (120) to a column (140) equipped with a stationary phase (141) by the mobile phase (310) in the transport direction (T). - Guiding (2600) the pre - concentrated analyte (320) carried by the mobile phase (310) through the column (140), and - Detecting (2700) volatile organic compounds eluted from the column (140) by a gas detector (150).

20. The method (2000) according to claim 19. Among them, Supplying (2200) hydrogen (310) to the gas chromatograph (100) includes one, more or all of the following: - Supplying the hydrogen (310) to the syringe (110) so that the hydrogen (310) serves as a mobile phase for transporting the analyte (320). - Supplying the hydrogen (310) to the pre - concentrator (120) so that the hydrogen (310) serves as a mobile phase for transporting the analyte (320). - Supply the hydrogen gas (310) to the column (140) to supply the hydrogen gas (310) as a mobile phase for transporting the pre-concentrated analyte (320), and - Supply the hydrogen gas (310) to the gas detector (150) to supply the hydrogen gas (310) as a combustion gas for operating the gas detector (150).

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