Distributor device, electrochemical device, electrochemical system and / or electrochemical apparatus

Abstract

A semi-autonomous electrochemical module (10a; 10b) for an electrochemical system (12a; 12b) is proposed, comprising: at least two electrochemical battery cells (16a, 18a, 20a; 16b, 18b, 20b) for electrochemical conversion of at least one process fluid (22a); and at least one distributor unit (14a; 12b) for supplying at least one process fluid (22a) to the electrochemical battery cells (16a, 18a, 20a; 16b, 18b, 20b). 14b), wherein the distributor unit (14a; 14b) includes at least one fluid interface (24a; 24b) for reversibly connecting the distributor unit (14a; 14b) to the fluid supply unit (26a) of the electrochemical system (12a; 12b); and at least one local control or regulation unit (28a; 28b) for dispersively setting the module-specific operating point of the electrochemical battery cells (16a, 18a, 20a; 16b, 18b, 20b).

Description

Background Technology

[0001] An electrochemical module having a distributor unit is known from US 8,535,839 B2, the distributor unit being used to provide common supply to at least two electrochemical battery cells. Summary of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to an electrochemical module for an electrochemical system, comprising: at least two electrochemical battery cells for electrochemically converting at least one process fluid; and at least one distributor unit for supplying at least one process fluid to the electrochemical battery cells, wherein the distributor unit includes at least one fluid interface for connecting the distributor unit to a fluid supply unit of the electrochemical system.

[0003] It is proposed here that the electrochemical module is semi-autonomously configured and includes at least one local control or regulation unit for dispersively setting the module-specific operating point of the electrochemical battery cells. The distributor unit of the semi-autonomous electrochemical module is preferably configured to take over the process fluid at the fluid interface and distribute it to at least two electrochemical battery cells in a prepared state via the fluid supply unit. In the prepared state, at least one process fluid is, for example, heated to the operating temperature of the electrochemical battery cell, subjected to pressure loading, contains additives such as vapor, reformed, and / or particularly lacks at least one neutralizing agent such as a flavoring agent compared to the transport and / or storage state of the process fluid. The electrochemical system can include a semi-autonomous electrochemical module as the sole electrochemical module or include at least one additional electrochemical module, particularly at least one additional semi-autonomous electrochemical module. The fluid supply unit is preferably centralized and configured to transfer at least one process fluid to different electrochemical modules, at least substantially in the same prepared state, particularly in the same state except for deviations caused by the arrangement of the electrochemical modules relative to the fluid supply unit. "Semi-autonomous" preferably refers to the electrochemical module being configured to automatically manage the operating point, particularly the individual operating point, of the electrochemical cell, especially by limiting and / or detecting at least one operating parameter and / or at least one process fluid, preferably by controlling at least one operating parameter, and particularly preferably by adjusting at least one operating parameter. The control or regulation unit can constitute a control section within the module and / or a regulation loop within the module and / or include a system data interface configured to exchange data with a higher-level control or regulation system, particularly for the electrochemical system. The data interface can, for example, be configured to provide operating parameters detected by the semi-autonomous system, module-specific allowable parameter ranges for the operating parameters, module-specific optimal values ​​for the operating parameters, and / or query operating parameters set by the electrochemical system, target power to be provided by the electrochemical module, etc.

[0004] "Control or regulation unit" should in particular refer to a unit having at least one control electronic device. "Control electronic device" should in particular refer to a unit having a processor unit and a storage unit and having an operating program stored in the storage unit. "Setting up" should in particular refer to being specifically programmed, designed, and / or equipped. "An object being set up for a specific function" should in particular refer to an object performing and / or executing such a specific function in at least one application state and / or operating state.

[0005] The semi-autonomous electrochemical module preferably comprises at least three, particularly preferably at least six, and especially preferably at least twelve electrochemical battery cells. The semi-autonomous electrochemical module preferably comprises fewer than 35, preferably fewer than 25, and especially preferably fewer than 15 electrochemical battery cells. The electrochemical battery cells are preferably structurally identical. Alternatively, the electrochemical module comprises battery cells with different constructions, particularly different numbers of battery cells with particularly identical structures. Each electrochemical battery cell preferably comprises at least one electrochemical cell, preferably multiple, particularly at least 100, and preferably at least 200 electrochemical cells, which are electrically connected in series for common operation. Preferably, each electrochemical battery cell has a rated power of at least 2 kW, preferably at least 5 kW, particularly preferably at least 7.5 kW, and especially at least 10 kW. Preferably, each electrochemical battery cell has a rated power of less than 150 kW, preferably less than 100 kW, and especially less than 50 kW. At least one electrochemical cell is preferably configured as a high-temperature fuel cell, particularly as a solid oxide fuel cell or a molten carbonate fuel cell, or alternatively as a phosphoric acid fuel cell, a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, etc. Alternatively, at least one electrochemical cell is configured as a high-temperature electrolyte cell, particularly as a solid oxide electrolyte cell or a molten carbonate electrolyte cell, or alternatively as a phosphate electrolyte cell, a polymer electrolyte electrolytic cell, etc. The semi-autonomous electrochemical module preferably includes an electrical connector on which the electrochemical cell units are connected in parallel or series with each other. Alternatively, the electrochemical module includes at least two electrical connectors, particularly electrically separate, on which at least one of the electrochemical cell units is connected.

[0006] At least one electrochemical cell preferably comprises at least one main reactant electrode, at least one additional electrode, and at least one electrolyte disposed between the electrodes. The distributor unit preferably includes at least one supply line for supplying at least one reactant as a process fluid to the main reactant electrode. The reactant is, for example, a fuel, especially methanol, hydrogen, ammonia, and / or other hydrocarbons, or a mixture containing at least one of the aforementioned substances, especially natural gas or biogas. Alternatively, the reactant is water, carbon dioxide, or other electrolytic reactants, especially those containing oxygen compounds. The distributor unit preferably includes at least one additional supply line for supplying another reactant as a process fluid to the other electrode. The other reactant is preferably an oxygen-containing fluid, especially atmospheric air, synthetic air, or pure oxygen, or a purging fluid, especially an inert gas. Alternatively, the other electrode does not have a fluid inlet, particularly for generating pure oxygen or hydrogen at the other electrode. The distributor unit preferably includes at least one scavenging line for discharging reaction products as process fluids from the first electrode. The reaction products include, for example, water, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and / or residual fuel. Alternatively, the reaction products particularly include pure hydrogen or particularly include pure carbon and particularly include residual electrolysis reactants. The distributor unit preferably includes at least one additional purging line for discharging another reaction product, which is a process fluid, from another electrode. The other reaction product is, for example, an oxygen-deficient variant of the other reactant, pure oxygen, pure hydrogen, etc. Depending on the intended use, the purging lines can be configured fluidically separately or in a manner that allows them to flow into each other. Depending on the intended use, the supply lines can be configured fluidically separately or as branches of a common main line of the distributor unit. The fluid interface preferably includes an inlet to the supply line, an inlet to another supply line, an outlet to another supply line, and / or an outlet to another purging line. The electrochemical cell units are preferably fluidically connected in parallel to the supply line, the other supply line, the purging line, and / or the other purging line. The supply line, another supply line, a purge line, and / or another purge line can be constructed in the form of pipes, hoses, wells, and / or voids within the solid base of the distributor unit, particularly in the form of a distribution plate. The distributor unit, and especially also the fluid interface, is preferably designed for continuous use at temperatures greater than 300°C, preferably greater than 500°C, and particularly preferably greater than 800°C for at least one process fluid.

[0007] The fluid interface is preferably designed to reversibly connect the distributor unit to the fluid supply unit of the fuel cell system. "Reversible connection" preferably refers to the establishment of a fluid-technical connection that can be released without damage. For example, the fluid interface includes at least one hose fitting, flange, and especially a quick-closing flange, etc. Preferably, the fluid interface includes exactly one quick-closing element, which allows all inlets and outlets of the fluid interface to be simultaneously coupled to the electrochemical system. Alternatively, the fluid interface includes multiple closing elements, which allow at least two of the inlets and / or outlets to be coupled to the electrochemical system independently of each other.

[0008] The distributor unit preferably comprises only elements that, in particular, maintain the composition of at least one process fluid at least substantially constant, except in cases of undesirable reactions between the distributor unit and at least one process fluid and / or undesirable leakage of material from the distributor unit into the process fluid. The distributor unit preferably does not contain structural elements that alter the composition of at least one process fluid, such as reformers, afterburners, etc. The distributor unit may include, for example, at least one sensor element for detecting operating parameters, an adjustment element for limiting the maximum flow rate of at least one process fluid, or an adjustment element for setting the flow rate of at least one process fluid that is module-specific, especially battery cell-specific, of the process fluid.

[0009] The semi-autonomous electrochemical module preferably includes an insulating section with at least one receiving chamber. The electrochemical battery cells are preferably arranged inside the receiving chamber. The receiving chamber can have a single receiving space in which all the electrochemical battery cells are arranged, or the receiving chamber can have at least two compartments, each containing at least one electrochemical battery cell. Alternatively, the semi-autonomous electrochemical module includes multiple insulating sections constructed separately from each other, each containing at least one electrochemical battery cell.

[0010] The semi-autonomous electrochemical system according to the present invention advantageously and reliably adheres to the intervals set at the permissible operating points of the electrochemical cell. In particular, the risk of non-standard use of the electrochemical cell can be advantageously kept low. The risk of damage or aging of the electrochemical cell can be advantageously kept low. Furthermore, advantageously simple integration into the electrochemical system can be achieved, requiring less detailed knowledge of the electrochemical cell. Moreover, the semi-autonomous electrochemical module can be combined with an advantageously large number of designs of the electrochemical system, especially the fluid supply unit, without specifically matching the semi-autonomous electrochemical system to the particular application during its manufacture. In particular, application-dependent operational optimization of the semi-autonomous electrochemical module can be limited to software upgrades of the control or regulation unit. For example, the semi-autonomous electrochemical system can be operated with an advantageously large number of process fluids. A standardized component can be advantageously provided for the advantageously simple construction and advantageously reliable operation of individually designed electrochemical systems.

[0011] Furthermore, it is proposed that the semi-autonomous electrochemical module includes at least one common substrate on which electrochemical battery cells are arranged and where a dispenser unit and a control or regulation unit are integrated. The substrate preferably includes a battery connection surface on which the electrochemical battery cells are arranged. The substrate preferably includes a system connection surface in which a fluid interface is arranged. The battery connection surface and the system connection surface are preferably oriented away from each other. For example, the battery connection surface and the system connection surface can be oriented at least substantially perpendicular to each other or have at least substantially antiparallel normal vectors. The substrate is preferably solid, wherein special voids formed by the substrate form supply lines, another supply line, a purging line, and / or another purging line, or particularly precisely accommodate these lines. Alternatively, the substrate forms a housing in which the supply line, another supply line, a purging line, and / or another purging line are arranged in a common internal space. Preferably, the dispenser unit, except for the fluid interface, is at least substantially entirely arranged inside the substrate. "Substantially complete" preferably means at least 50%, preferably at least 70%, and particularly preferably at least 85% relative to the volume. The fluid interface can extend from the substrate or terminate at least substantially flush with the system connection surface of the substrate. The substrate preferably encloses the receiving chamber of the insulation. Preferably, the substrate is constructed as a base having a mounting surface with a normal vector oriented at least substantially antiparallel to the normal vector of the battery connection surface. Alternatively, the substrate is constructed as a wall having a mounting surface extending at least substantially perpendicular to the battery connection surface, or the substrate is constructed as a cover plate arranged above the electrochemical battery cell for operation. Preferably, the mounting surface is constructed as a sliding surface and / or a rolling surface, or the semi-autonomous electrochemical module has feet, tracks, rollers, docking points for external lifting mechanisms, etc., on the substrate for movement, particularly relative to the fluid supply unit, to replace the semi-autonomous electrochemical module. "Substantially parallel" here should particularly refer to an orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, particularly in a plane, wherein the direction has a deviation of particularly less than 8°, advantageously less than 5°, and particularly advantageously less than 2° relative to the reference direction. A substantially antiparallel direction is preferably substantially parallel with respect to a direction opposite to the reference direction. The expression "substantially perpendicular" here should particularly define an orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, wherein the direction and the reference direction, particularly when viewed in a projection plane, form an angle of 90°, and the angle has a maximum deviation of particularly less than 8°, advantageously less than 5°, and particularly advantageously less than 2°. As an alternative to a substrate, the electrochemical module includes a support, frame, etc., which receives or is formed from supply lines, another supply line, a purging line, and / or another purging line. With the design according to the invention, a semi-autonomous electro-module can be advantageously and compactly constructed.

[0012] Furthermore, it is proposed that the semi-autonomous electrochemical module has a sensor unit connected to a local control or regulation unit. The sensor unit is preferably configured to detect at least one operating parameter of the electrochemical battery cell and / or at least one process fluid. Preferably, the sensor unit includes multiple sensor elements for detecting multiple operating parameters of the electrochemical battery cell and / or at least one process fluid. The sensor unit preferably includes at least one sensor data interface for transferring at least one detected operating parameter to the control or regulation unit. The control or regulation unit is preferably configured to process at least one detected operating parameter and / or output it, in particular, as raw data to a higher-level control or regulation system via the system data interface, in a processed state. Preferably, the control or regulation unit is at least configured to output a warning via the system data interface when at least one operating parameter detected by the sensor unit is outside a module-specific, particularly battery cell-specific, allowable parameter range. Particularly preferred is that the control or regulation unit is configured to output a control or regulation signal to the adjustment element of the semi-autonomous electrochemical module based on at least one operating parameter detected by the sensor unit and / or output the detected operating parameter via the system interface. The design according to the present invention allows for the advantageous, module-specific detection of the operating point of an electrochemical battery cell.

[0013] Furthermore, it is proposed that the sensor unit includes at least one fluid sensor element arranged within and / or at the distributor unit for fluid monitoring. Preferably, the sensor unit, as a fluid sensor element, includes at least one, particularly at least one pressure sensor, for detecting the pressure of at least one process fluid, for example, in / at a supply line, in / at another supply line, in / at a purge line, and / or in / at another purge line. Preferably, the sensor unit, as a fluid sensor element, includes at least one, particularly at least one temperature sensor, for detecting the temperature of at least one process fluid, for example, in / at a supply line, in / at another supply line, in / at a purge line, and / or in / at another purge line. Preferably, the sensor unit, as a fluid sensor element, includes at least one, particularly at least one flow meter, for detecting the flow rate of at least one process fluid, for example, in / at a supply line, in / at another supply line, in / at a purge line, and / or in / at another purge line. Preferably, the sensor unit, as a flow meter, includes a flow orifice plate and a differential pressure sensor. The preferred sensor unit, as a fluid sensor, includes at least one, particularly at least one, analytical sensor for detecting the composition of at least one process fluid, particularly in / at a supply line and / or in / at a purging line. For example, the sensor unit, as an analytical sensor, includes at least one oxygen sensor for detecting the relative oxygen content or oxygen deficiency in at least one process fluid. Alternatively or supplementary, the sensor unit, as an analytical sensor, includes a mass spectrometer, a humidity sensor, etc.

[0014] In an advantageously cost-effective and compact design, the fluid sensor element is located upstream of the branch point where the supply line and / or another supply line branches to the respective electrochemical cell units, or downstream of the confluence of the branches of the purging line and / or another purging line in the main line. In an advantageously precise design, at least one fluid sensor element is arranged in each branch of the supply line, another supply line, the purging line, and / or another purging line leading to / from the respective electrochemical cell units, particularly as an alternative or supplement to at least one fluid sensor element in the main line of the supply line, another supply line, the purging line, and / or another purging line. With the design according to the invention, at least one process fluid can be advantageously, precisely, and locally evaluated regarding the operating point of the electrochemical cell unit.

[0015] Furthermore, it is proposed that the sensor unit includes at least one battery sensor element, which is configured to monitor the operating state of at least one electrochemical battery cell. Preferably, the sensor unit as a battery sensor element includes at least one battery temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the electrochemical battery cell. The battery temperature sensor may be disposed directly in or within the electrochemical battery cell, inside the receiving chamber of the insulation, on the battery connection surface of the substrate, etc. Preferably, the battery temperature sensor is constructed separately from the at least one temperature sensor in / at the dispenser unit. The sensor unit as a battery sensor element may include, for example, at least one voltmeter for detecting the voltage of the electrochemical battery cell. Preferably, the sensor unit as a battery sensor element includes at least one ammeter for detecting the current flowing through the electrochemical battery cell. Preferably, the sensor unit includes a battery temperature sensor, a voltmeter, and / or an ammeter for each electrochemical battery cell. Alternatively or supplementarily, the sensor unit includes an integral battery temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of the receiving chamber of the insulation and / or the substrate. With the design according to the invention, the operating point of the electrochemical battery cell can be advantageously and accurately determined.

[0016] Furthermore, it is proposed that the sensor unit is configured to detect at least one temporal change in a measured parameter detected by the sensor unit. The change in the measured parameter can be the temporal derivative of the measured parameter, the time-varying quotient of the measured parameter, the difference of the measured parameter over a defined time interval, the duration of a defined difference for the measured parameter, etc. Preferably, the control or regulation unit is configured to store the detected measured parameter in its storage unit in a time-resolved manner and to detect changes therefrom by means of a processor unit. Alternatively, the control or regulation unit and / or the sensor unit may include similar, particularly passive or active, differentiators, etc., to detect changes in the measured parameter. The control or regulation unit can continue to process the measured parameter and / or changes in the measured parameter as operating parameters and / or output them. With the design according to the invention, the control or regulation unit can advantageously and rapidly respond to changes in the operating point.

[0017] Furthermore, it is proposed that the semi-autonomous electrochemical module includes an adjustment unit, particularly connected to a control or regulation unit, having at least one fluid adjustment element. The adjustment unit is preferably configured to limit at least one parameter range of at least one operating parameter according to a design scheme of the electrochemical cell, particularly preferably setting a value of the operating parameter pre-given by the control or regulation unit based on the operating parameter detected by a sensor unit. The fluid adjustment element is preferably configured to pre-given, particularly actively set, the flow rate of at least one process fluid through the electrochemical cell. The adjustment unit, as a fluid adjustment element, includes, for example, at least one actively adjustable valve, at least one adjustable or constant throttle plate, at least one valve, etc. Preferably, the adjustment unit includes at least one, particularly at least one, fluid adjustment element located in a supply line and / or another supply line. In one particular design, the distributor unit includes at least one shut-off valve with an adjustment unit, particularly at least one bypass for each electrochemical cell, which fluidly connects the supply line to the purge line or another supply line to another purge line, bypassing at least one of the electrochemical cells.

[0018] In an advantageously cost-effective and compact design, at least one, particularly at least one fluid regulating element is arranged upstream of the branch point where the supply line and / or the other supply line branches to the respective electrochemical cell units. In an advantageously precise design, at least one fluid regulating element is arranged in each branch of the supply line and / or the other supply line leading to the respective electrochemical cell units, particularly as an alternative or supplement to at least one fluid regulating element in the main supply line and / or the other supply line.

[0019] The design scheme according to the present invention allows for the advantageous and explicit coordination of the operating point of the electrochemical module and the provided process fluids based on the design scheme and / or state of the electrochemical battery cell.

[0020] Furthermore, it is proposed that the adjusting unit includes at least one passive fluid regulating element. Preferably, the flow resistance of the distributor unit is designed according to a design scheme of the electrochemical cell. Preferably, the adjusting unit includes at least one throttle valve as a passive fluid regulating element. The throttle valve can be constructed as a separate throttle disc or integrally formed with the distributor unit through a modification of the piping elements of the distributor unit, particularly the supply line and / or another supply line. Alternatively or supplementarily, the average cross-section of the distributor unit is designed according to the design scheme of the electrochemical cell. The flow resistance of the distributor unit is preferably designed according to the number of electrochemical cell units, the total number of electrochemical cells in the electrochemical cell units, the set operating pressure of the electrochemical cell units, the viscosity of at least one process fluid, etc. With the design scheme according to the invention, the adjusting unit can be advantageously implemented with low cost and low wear.

[0021] Furthermore, it is proposed that the adjustment unit includes at least one actively adjustable fluid adjustment element. The control or adjustment unit is preferably configured to send adjustment signals to the actively adjustable fluid adjustment element. The control or adjustment unit is preferably configured to adjust the actively adjustable fluid adjustment element according to operating parameters detected by the sensor unit. The control or adjustment unit is preferably configured to, by means of the actively adjustable fluid adjustment element, preferably steplessly adjust the flow rate of at least one process fluid through the electrochemical cell to at least three different values. The adjustable fluid adjustment element is preferably configured as an adjustable valve, an adjustable throttle plate, or a regulating valve. The actuator of the adjustment unit for manipulating the adjustment element can be configured mechanically, electrically, magnetically, pneumatically, or hydraulically. With the design according to the invention, the permissible parameter range of the operating parameters of at least one process fluid can be advantageously maintained large. In particular, semi-autonomous electrochemical modules can be operated with an advantageously large number of differently configured electrochemical systems and process fluids.

[0022] Furthermore, it is proposed that the regulating unit includes at least one shut-off valve. The shut-off valve can be constructed in the same way as the fluid regulating element of the regulating unit for particularly stepless flow rate regulation, or the regulating unit can include a shut-off valve as a supplement or alternative to the fluid regulating element for flow rate regulation. The shut-off valve is preferably configured to seal off a supply line, another supply line, a purge line, and / or another purge line relative to at least one process fluid. The fluid regulating element for flow rate regulation can be sealed relative to the process fluid or allow a minimum flow rate in a maximally closed position.

[0023] In an advantageously cost-effective and compact design, shut-off valves, particularly each shut-off valve, are arranged in the main line upstream of the branch point where the supply line and / or another supply line branches to the individual electrochemical cell units, or downstream of the confluence of the branches of the individual electrochemical cell units in the main line of the purge line and / or another purge line. In an advantageously individually operable design, at least one shut-off valve is arranged in each branch of the supply line, another supply line, purge line, and / or another purge line leading to / from the individual electrochemical cell units, particularly as an alternative or supplement to at least one shut-off valve in the main line of the supply line, another supply line, purge line, and / or another purge line. With the design according to the invention, the semi-autonomous electrochemical module, particularly the individual electrochemical cell units, can be advantageously and safely separated from the electrochemical system with less overhead. This is advantageous, for example, for tiered power modulation of the electrochemical module and / or electrochemical system. Furthermore, this is advantageous, for example, when replacing and / or maintaining semi-autonomous electrochemical modules.

[0024] Furthermore, an electrochemical system is proposed, comprising at least one semi-autonomous electrochemical module according to the invention, particularly multiple semi-autonomous electrochemical modules according to the invention, and at least one, particularly as mentioned, fluid supply unit for supplying at least one process fluid to the at least one electrochemical module. The fluid supply unit of the electrochemical system is preferably configured to prepare at least one process fluid, particularly to temperature it, pressure it, reform it, add additives such as steam, and / or filter neutralizers, such as flavoring agents, from the at least one process fluid. Preferably, the fluid supply unit includes at least one reformer for converting reactants. Preferably, the fluid supply unit includes at least one starter heater for temperature control of reactants and / or another reactant. The starter heater preferably includes at least one electric heating element, or alternatively, a burner for thermal reaction of the reactants to temperature control of the reactants and / or another reactant. The fluid supply unit includes, for example, a steam feeder unit upstream of the reformer for mixing at least one reactant with steam. The fluid supply unit includes, for example, a burner for thermal reaction of residual reactants in the reaction products. The fluid supply unit includes, for example, at least one fluid delivery unit for transporting at least one process fluid through the semi-autonomous electrochemical system and / or pressurizing it. Alternatively or supplementally, the semi-autonomous electrochemical system includes a fluid delivery unit. For example, the fluid supply unit and / or the semi-autonomous electrochemical system includes at least one reactant delivery unit, particularly a blower, fan, compressor, and / or pump, to regulate the rate of reactant delivery to a distributor or distributor unit. For example, the fluid supply unit and / or the semi-autonomous electrochemical system includes at least one additional reactant delivery unit, particularly a blower, fan, compressor, and / or pump, to regulate the rate of delivery of another reactant to a distributor or distributor unit. For example, the fluid supply unit and / or the semi-autonomous electrochemical system includes at least one recirculation delivery unit, particularly a blower, fan, compressor, and / or pump, for regulating the recirculation rate at which reaction products are fed back to the reactants via a feedback line of the fluid delivery unit and / or a distributor unit. For example, the fluid transport unit and / or distributor unit includes at least one heat exchanger, particularly a rekuperator, for transferring heat from the reaction products and / or another reaction product to the reactants and / or another reactant. Preferably, at least one heat exchanger is arranged downstream of the afterburner relative to the reaction products and / or another reaction product. For example, the fluid supply unit and / or semi-autonomous electrochemical system includes at least one reactant heat exchanger for transferring heat to the reactants. The reactant heat exchanger is preferably arranged upstream of the reformer and more preferably downstream of the reactant transport unit.For example, the fluid supply unit and / or semi-autonomous electrochemical system includes at least one additional reactant heat exchanger for heat transfer to another reactant. This additional reactant heat exchanger is preferably located upstream of the electrochemical cell and, more preferably, downstream of the other reactant delivery unit. The preferred electrochemical system, particularly the semi-autonomous electrochemical module, includes at least one additional reactant bypass for bypassing the other reactant heat exchanger. The bypass adjustment element, preferably a fluid adjustment element of the adjustment unit of the semi-autonomous electrochemical module or the fluid supply unit, is used to regulate the flow rate through the bypass and / or through the reactant heat exchanger. The bypass adjustment element can be implemented, in particular, by multiple individual adjustment valves or by a three-way valve. For example, the fluid supply unit and / or semi-autonomous electrochemical module includes at least one recirculation heat exchanger for transferring heat from the feedback reaction product to the reactant. The recirculation heat exchanger is preferably located upstream of the recirculation delivery unit relative to the feedback reaction product and downstream of the recirculation delivery unit relative to the mixture consisting of the reactant and the feedback reaction product.

[0025] The fluid supply unit is preferably centrally located and configured to supply at least one process fluid to multiple electrochemical modules, particularly semi-autonomous electrochemical modules. The fluid supply unit preferably includes a distributor to which at least one semi-autonomous electrochemical module is connected via a fluid interface. Preferably, the distributor includes multiple mating fluid interfaces for connecting multiple, particularly semi-autonomous, electrochemical modules. The distributor can include spaced-apart piping elements to guide reactants, another reactant, reaction products, and / or another reaction product to / from the semi-autonomous electrochemical module. Preferably, the piping elements of the distributor are integrated into each other to enable heat transfer from at least one product to at least one reactant. For example, the distributor is configured as a two-tube heat exchanger, a tube bundle heat exchanger, etc. The distributor preferably connects the purge line and / or another purge line of the semi-autonomous electrochemical module to a burner. The distributor preferably connects the supply line to a reformer. The distributor preferably connects another supply line to another reactant heat exchanger. The electrochemical system preferably has a rated power of at least 20 kW, more preferably at least 100 kW, more preferably at least 500 kW, and particularly preferably at least 1000 kW. The electrochemical system preferably has a rated power of less than 10 MW, more preferably less than 5 MW, and particularly less than 3 MW. The design according to the invention provides an advantageously easily scalable electrochemical system.

[0026] Furthermore, an electrochemical device is proposed, comprising at least one electrochemical system and at least one central peripheral device for operating the electrochemical system, particularly multiple electrochemical systems. The electrochemical device preferably includes at least one filtration unit, particularly a desulfurizer, as the central peripheral device for removing at least one neutralizer, particularly an aroma-generating agent, from the reactants. The electrochemical device preferably includes at least one control or regulation system, particularly as mentioned above, as the central peripheral device. The electrochemical device may include, for example, a reaction product heat exchanger as the central peripheral device for transferring reaction products and / or another reaction product, particularly from the exhaust gas of a burner, to a heating circuit, industrial water, drinking water, etc. The electrochemical device preferably includes at least one electrical connection unit, particularly a grid feed unit, as the central peripheral device for connecting the electrochemical device to a power grid. The connection unit preferably includes at least one central converter, particularly an inverter. The electrochemical device is preferably configured to integrate multiple electrochemical systems. Preferably, the electrochemical device includes multiple electrochemical systems. The central peripheral device is preferably designed to operate multiple electrochemical systems. The preferred electrochemical system has a rated power of at least 20 kW, preferably at least 500 kW, more preferably at least 1000 kW, and particularly preferably at least 2000 kW. The design according to the invention provides an electrochemical device that is advantageously and easily scalable.

[0027] The semi-autonomous electrochemical module, electrochemical system, and / or electrochemical device according to the present invention should not be limited to the applications and embodiments described above. In particular, the semi-autonomous electrochemical module, electrochemical system, and / or electrochemical device according to the present invention can have a different number of elements, components, and units than those mentioned here, in order to fulfill the operating principle described in this document. Furthermore, values ​​within the mentioned limits should also be considered as disclosed and freely usable. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Other advantages will become apparent from the following description of the accompanying drawings. Two embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings. The drawings, description, and claims contain a large number of features in combination. Those skilled in the art will also be able to observe these features individually and generalize them into other meaningful combinations.

[0029] in: Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the electrochemical device according to the present invention is shown. Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the electrochemical system according to the present invention is shown. Figure 3 A perspective view shows a schematic diagram of the autonomous electrochemical module according to the present invention. Figure 4 A schematic cross-section of the semi-autonomous electrochemical module according to the present invention is shown, and Figure 5 A schematic cross-section is shown as an alternative design of the semi-autonomous electrochemical module according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Figure 1 An electrochemical device 58a is shown. The electrochemical device 58a includes at least one electrochemical system 12a. The at least one electrochemical system 12a is preferably configured for the electrochemical reaction of at least one reactant and, in particular, another reactant. The electrochemical system 12a is preferably configured to provide at least one reaction product and, in particular, another reaction product and / or electrical power 70a and / or thermal power 72a of the electrochemical reaction. The at least one electrochemical system 12a is preferably configured as a fuel cell system, in particular as a high-temperature fuel cell system. The reactant is preferably a fuel, in particular containing hydrogen, ammonia, and / or hydrocarbons, in particular containing methane. The fuel can be a pure substance or a fuel mixture, in particular natural gas or biogas. The other reactant is preferably an oxygen-containing fluid, in particular atmospheric air, synthetic air, or pure oxygen. Preferably, the electrochemical device 58a includes multiple electrochemical systems, and here, by way of example, includes at least one additional, in particular at least two additional electrochemical systems 54a, 56a. The electrochemical device 58a can include more than three electrochemical systems 12a, 54a, 56a. Electrochemical systems 12a, 54a, and 56a can be configured with identical or different structures. Electrochemical systems 12a, 54a, and 56a can particularly have the same or different power ratings. Electrochemical device 58a includes at least one central peripheral device 60a, 62a, 64a, or 66a for operating at least one electrochemical system 12a, 54a, or 56a, and particularly multiple electrochemical systems, exemplarily all of the electrochemical systems 12a, 54a, and 56a herein. Particularly in designs having multiple electrochemical systems 12a, 54a, and 56a, electrochemical device 58a can include multiple central peripheral devices 60a, 62a, 64a, and 66a of the same type, configured to operate different groups of electrochemical systems 12a, 54a, and 56a.

[0031] The electrochemical device 58a preferably includes at least one reactant preparation unit as a central peripheral device 60a. The reactant preparation unit is preferably configured to supply at least one process fluid 22a to at least one electrochemical system 12a, 54a, 56a, preferably to at least one reactant, and, according to the design scheme, to another reactant. Particularly when pure oxygen and / or synthetic air are used as another reactant, the reactant preparation unit is configured to supply the other reactant to at least one electrochemical system 12a, 54a, 56a. Particularly when atmospheric air is used as another reactant, the supply to at least one electrochemical system 12a, 54a, 56a can be centrally carried out through the reactant preparation unit or by the air intake of the electrochemical system 12a, 54a, 56a itself. The reactant preparation unit includes, for example, at least one filter unit for filtering neutralizing agents from at least one process fluid 22a. For example, the reactant preparation unit includes at least one desulfurizer for filtering aroma agents from the reactants. For example, the reactant preparation unit includes at least one air filter for purifying another reactant. The preferred reactant preparation unit includes at least one compressor for applying input pressure to at least one process fluid 22a. Alternatively, the reactant preparation unit is designed to take over at least one process fluid 22a already under pressure from an external supply line and regulate it to the input pressure, for example by means of a valve. The reactant preparation unit includes, for example, at least one temperature control unit, such as an electric heating element or a co-current heat exchanger, for preheating and / or drying at least one process fluid 22a. The electrochemical systems 12a, 54a, 56a are preferably connected in parallel with respect to at least one process fluid 22a, preferably with respect to the reactant, and especially with respect to another reactant, in a fluidic technical manner to the reactant preparation unit.

[0032] The electrochemical device 58a preferably includes at least one electrical connection unit, particularly a grid feed-in unit, as a central peripheral device 62a. The electrical connection unit preferably includes at least one converter, particularly an inverter, for matching the form of the electrical power 70a provided and / or consumed by at least one electrochemical system 12a, 54a, 56a to the requirements of the external power grid and / or load. The electrochemical device 58a preferably includes at least one energy storage device, particularly a battery, supercapacitor, etc., for compensating for short-term fluctuations, particularly voltage disturbances, in the sense of fault ride-through, of the external power grid and / or load. The electrochemical systems 12a, 54a, 56a are preferably connected in parallel to the electrical connection unit in terms of electrical properties. At least one electrochemical system 12a, particularly each electrochemical system, can include its own converter as a supplement or alternative to the converter of the electrical connection unit, which is preferably connected in parallel to the electrical connection unit in terms of electrical properties.

[0033] The electrochemical device 58a preferably includes at least one reaction product heat exchanger, particularly an exhaust gas heat exchanger, as a central peripheral device 64a. The reaction product heat exchanger is preferably configured to provide thermal power 72a. The reaction product heat exchanger is preferably configured to provide heat from the reaction products and / or another reaction product for further utilization. The reaction product heat exchanger is preferably configured to reduce the temperature of the reaction products and / or another reaction product before output. The reaction product heat exchanger is connected, for example, to a heating circuit, a drinking water preparation unit, an industrial water preparation unit, or a heat exchanger circuit to provide process heat, such as to a reactant preparation unit and / or to external production equipment.

[0034] Electrochemical device 58a preferably includes a control or regulation system as a central peripheral device 66a. The control or regulation system is preferably configured to regulate the total power of electrochemical device 58a. The control or regulation system is preferably configured to coordinate the operation of electrochemical systems 12a, 54a, and 56a with each other using other central peripheral devices 60a, 62a, 64a and / or external reception of electrical power 70a and / or thermal power 72a.

[0035] Figure 2 A structural diagram of the electrochemical system 12a is shown. The electrochemical system 12a includes at least one semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10a. The electrochemical system 12a can have exactly one electrochemical module, i.e., the semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10a, or multiple electrochemical modules, particularly multiple semi-autonomous electrochemical modules, as shown herein for simplicity. The electrochemical modules can be constructed with identical or different structures, particularly having different power ratings. The semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10a includes at least two electrochemical battery cells 16a, 18a, 20a (see...). Figure 3The semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10a includes at least one distributor unit 14a for supplying at least one process fluid 22a to the electrochemical battery cells 16a, 18a, and 20a. The semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10a includes at least one local control or regulation unit 28a for dispersively setting module-specific operating points for the electrochemical battery cells 16a, 18a, and 20a. The semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10a includes at least one sensor unit 32a connected to the local control or regulation unit 28a. The sensor unit 32a is preferably configured to detect at least one operating parameter of the semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10a and / or at least one process fluid 22a. The semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10a includes at least one adjustment unit 44a connected to the local control or regulation unit 28a. The adjustment unit 44a is preferably configured to adjust at least one operating parameter of the semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10a and / or at least one process fluid 22a, particularly detected by the sensor unit 32a. The control or adjustment unit 28a is preferably configured to operate the adjustment unit 44a, particularly based on the operating parameters identified by the sensor unit 32a.

[0036] The local control or regulation unit 28a preferably includes at least one system data interface for exchanging data with a higher-level control or regulation system. Particularly preferred is that the local control or regulation unit 28a implements an abstraction layer and / or data encapsulation for communicating with the control or regulation system. For example, the local control or regulation unit 28a is configured to adjust the control or regulation process according to the rated power pre-given by the control or regulation system for the electrochemical system 12a and / or the semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10a. The local control or regulation unit 28a is preferably configured to query data from the control or regulation system so that the adjustment unit 44a can be adjusted module-specifically. The data queried by the local control or regulation unit 28a may include, for example, the rated power of the semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10a and / or electrochemical system 12a, the composition of at least one reactant and / or another reactant, the input status of the reactant and / or another reactant when transferred to the semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10a, especially temperature and / or pressure, the loading rate of other electrochemical modules and / or other electrochemical systems 54a, 56a, the maximum permissible operating temperature of the reaction product and / or another reaction product, the maximum permissible pressure of the reaction product and / or another reaction product, the rated value of fuel utilization, the set recycling rate, etc. The local control or regulation unit 28a is preferably configured to adjust the adjustment unit 44a according to specific data regarding the electrochemical battery cells 16a, 18a, 20a. In particular, specific data stored in the storage unit of the control or regulation unit 28a includes, for example, the model type of the electrochemical battery cells 16a, 18a, and 20a, the operating duration of the electrochemical battery cells 16a, 18a, and 20a, the wear degree of the electrochemical battery cells 16a, 18a, and 20a, specific voltage-current characteristic curves of the electrochemical battery cells 16a, 18a, and 20a, specific impedance characteristic curves of the electrochemical battery cells 16a, 18a, and 20a, etc. In a particularly precise design, the control or regulation unit 28a includes digital twins of the electrochemical battery cells 16a, 18a, and 20a. The control or regulation unit 28a is preferably configured to update specific data about the electrochemical battery cells 16a, 18a, and 20a, for example, by means of at least one operating parameter detected by the sensor unit 32a, particularly through long-term analysis of the operating parameters detected by the sensor unit 32a, through aging models of the electrochemical battery cells 16a, 18a, and 20a stored in the storage unit of the control or regulation unit 28a, etc. Preferably, the control or regulation unit 28a includes at least one external data interface for upgrading the firmware of the control or regulation unit 28a, the mathematical models of the electrochemical battery cells 16a, 18a, and 20a, the mathematical models of the electrochemical reactions, etc.External data interfaces can be wired or wireless Ethernet interfaces, mobile radio interfaces, USB interfaces, etc.

[0037] The electrochemical system 12a preferably includes a fluid supply unit 26a. The fluid supply unit 26a is preferably configured to supply reactants and another reactant to at least one semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10a. The fluid supply unit 26a is preferably configured to transfer reactants and another reactant while the reactants are heated to the operating temperature of the electrochemical battery cells 16a, 18a, 20a. The electrochemical battery cells 16a, 18a, 20a, for example, each include at least one, and in particular multiple, solid oxide fuel cells. In particular, the electrochemical battery cells 16a, 18a, 20a have a specified operating temperature of at least 400°C, preferably at least 600°C. The fluid supply unit 26a preferably includes at least one initial heater 74a and / or a heat exchanger, especially a co-current heat exchanger, for heating the reactants and / or another reactant to the operating temperature of the electrochemical battery cells 16a, 18a, 20a. The starting heater 74a includes, for example, an electric heating element and / or a burner for heating the reactants and / or another reactant. The heat exchanger of the fluid supply unit 26a is preferably configured to transfer heat from the reaction products and / or another reaction product to the reactants and / or another reactant.

[0038] The fluid supply unit 26a preferably includes at least one, particularly at least one, fluid delivery unit 76a, especially a fan, blower, compressor, pump, etc., and / or a regulating valve for adjusting the flow rate of reactants and / or another reactant through the electrochemical system 12a. The fluid supply unit 26a may include, for example, a reformer 78a for reforming the reactants. The fluid supply unit 26a preferably includes additional peripheral equipment for operating at least one semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10a, such as a burner, a recirculation delivery unit, a recirculation co-current heat exchanger, etc.

[0039] The dispenser unit 14a of the semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10a includes at least one fluid interface 24a for reversibly connecting the dispenser unit 14a to the fluid supply unit 26a of the electrochemical system 12a. The fluid supply unit 26a preferably includes multiple paired fluid interfaces for connecting multiple electrochemical modules in parallel to the fluid supply unit 26a in a fluidic manner.

[0040] Figure 3A semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10a is shown. The semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10a preferably comprises up to twelve electrochemical battery cells 16a, 18a, and 20a. Here, the semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10a is exemplarily shown using three electrochemical battery cells 16a, 18a, and 20a. The electrochemical battery cells 16a, 18a, and 20a are preferably arranged side-by-side along a single arrangement direction or in a grid-like arrangement along two arrangement directions, as shown here. The electrochemical battery cells 16a, 18a, and 20a can be arranged spaced apart from each other or arranged in direct physical contact with each other. The semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10a includes a substrate 30a on which the electrochemical battery cells 16a, 18a, and 20a are commonly arranged. The substrate 30a particularly has a flat battery connection surface on which the electrochemical battery cells 16a, 18a, and 20a are arranged. The preferred semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10a includes an insulating portion 80a that surrounds the electrochemical battery cells 16a, 18a, and 20a individually, in groups, or all together as exemplarily shown herein. The battery connection surface of the substrate 30a preferably encloses the receiving chamber of the insulating portion 80a that receives the electrochemical battery cells 16a, 18a, and 20a.

[0041] Distributor unit 14a is integrated into substrate 30a. Substrate 30a is exemplarily configured as a base on which electrochemical battery cells 16a, 18a, and 20a are arranged, and particularly mounted. Substrate 30a exemplarily has a placement surface for mounting a semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10a on the substrate, said placement surface preferably extending at least substantially parallel to the battery connection surface. Substrate 30a is preferably solidly formed or constructed as a housing. Substrate 30a is preferably made of heat-resistant steel, such as Inocel 600. Substrate 30a preferably includes a system connection surface on which a fluid interface 24a is arranged. The system connection surface extends, for example, at least substantially perpendicular to the battery connection surface and / or the placement surface. Fluid interface 24a includes, for example, at least one inlet 82a for receiving reactants. Fluid interface 24a preferably includes at least one inlet 86a for receiving another reactant. Fluid interface 24a includes at least one outlet 84a for discharging reaction products and / or another reaction product. Local control or regulation units 28a may be disposed, for example, within and / or located in the substrate 30a, particularly embedded in the substrate 30a. Alternatively, a semi-autonomous electrochemical module may include at least one particularly thermally insulating spacer, by means of which the local control or regulation units 28a are arranged separately from the substrate 30a.

[0042] Figure 4A cross-section of the semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10a is shown. The dispenser unit 14a preferably includes at least one supply line 88a for guiding reactants from the inlet 82a of the fluid interface 24a and dispensing them to the electrochemical battery cells 16a, 18a, and 20a. The dispenser unit 14a preferably includes at least one additional supply line 90a for guiding another reactant from the inlet 86a of the fluid interface 24a and dispensing it to the electrochemical battery cells 16a, 18a, and 20a. The electrochemical battery cells 16a, 18a, and 20a are preferably arranged in parallel with respect to the reactants and / or another reactant at the fluid interface 24a in a fluidic manner. The supply line 88a and / or the other supply line 90a preferably extend through the substrate 30a, particularly from the system connection surface to the battery connection surface.

[0043] Sensor unit 32a includes at least one fluid sensor element 34a, 36a, which is arranged in and / or at the distributor unit 14a for fluid monitoring. Preferably, sensor unit 32a includes at least one reactant pressure sensor and / or reactant temperature sensor as fluid sensor element 34a, which is connected to the supply line 88a. The reactant pressure sensor is exemplarily configured as a differential pressure sensor, particularly located above the flow orifice plate of the supply line 88a. The reactant pressure sensor is preferably configured to detect the pressure, pressure difference, and / or flow rate of the reactants. The reactant temperature sensor is preferably configured to detect the temperature of the reactants. The reactant pressure sensor and / or reactant temperature sensor are exemplarily drawn here upstream of the branches leading to the respective electrochemical cell units 16a, 18a, 20a in the main line of the supply line 88a. As an alternative or supplementary option, sensor unit 32a has at least one branch of a single electrochemical cell in the supply line 88a leading to the electrochemical cell cells 16a, 18a, 20a, and in particular each branch has a reactant pressure sensor and / or a reactant temperature sensor.

[0044] The preferred sensor unit 32a includes at least one additional reactant pressure sensor and / or additional reactant temperature sensor as a fluid sensor element 36a, which is connected to another supply line 90a. The additional reactant pressure sensor is exemplarily configured as a differential pressure sensor, particularly located above the flow orifice plate of the other supply line 90a. The additional reactant pressure sensor is preferably configured to detect the pressure, pressure difference, and / or flow rate of the other reactant. The additional reactant temperature sensor is preferably configured to detect the temperature of the other reactant. The additional reactant pressure sensor and / or the additional reactant temperature sensor are exemplarily depicted here upstream of the branches leading to the respective electrochemical cell units 16a, 18a, 20a in the main line of the other supply line 90a. As an alternative or supplementary option, sensor unit 32a has at least one branch of a single electrochemical battery cell in another supply line 90a leading to electrochemical battery cells 16a, 18a, 20a, and in particular each branch has one additional reactant pressure sensor and / or one additional reactant temperature sensor.

[0045] Sensor unit 32a includes at least one battery sensor element 40a. The battery sensor element 40a is configured to monitor the operating state of at least one of the electrochemical battery cells 16a, 18a, and 20a. For example, sensor unit 32a includes at least one battery temperature sensor as battery sensor element 40a. The battery temperature sensor is exemplarily configured here as a general temperature sensor for detecting the temperature inside the receiving chamber of the insulation portion 80a. The battery temperature sensor is exemplarily arranged on, and particularly embedded in, the battery connection surface of the substrate 30a. Alternatively or supplementarily, sensor unit 32a includes at least one battery temperature sensor on each of the electrochemical battery cells 16a, 18a, and 20a. Sensor unit 32a preferably includes at least one ammeter and / or voltmeter (not shown here) as battery sensor elements for detecting the current generated or consumed by the electrochemical battery cells 16a, 18a, and 20a and / or the voltage applied to the electrochemical battery cells 16a, 18a, and 20a.

[0046] The adjustment unit 44a includes at least one fluid adjustment element 46a, 48a, 50a, 52a. The adjustment unit 44a includes at least one passive fluid adjustment element 46a, 48a. Preferably, the passive fluid adjustment element 46a coordinates the lateral extension of the supply line 88a, particularly the branches of the supply line 88a leading to the respective electrochemical battery cells 16a, 18a, 20a, with the design of the electrochemical battery cells 16a, 18a, 20a. Preferably, the passive fluid adjustment element 48a coordinates the lateral extension of another supply line 90a, particularly the branches of the other supply line 90a leading to the respective electrochemical battery cells 16a, 18a, 20a, with the design of the electrochemical battery cells 16a, 18a, 20a. Passive fluid control elements 46a, 48a can be configured as an average lateral extension of supply line 88a and / or another supply line 90a, or configured as a throttle valve that is particularly non-adjustable or can only be manually adjusted.

[0047] The adjustment unit 44a includes at least one actively adjustable fluid adjustment element 50a, 52a. The adjustment unit 44a may include, for example, an adjustment valve, an adjustable valve, an adjustable throttle valve, etc., as the actively adjustable fluid adjustment element 50a, 52a. The adjustment unit 44a preferably includes at least one actuator for manipulating at least one adjustable fluid adjustment element 50a, 52a.

[0048] The preferred adjustment unit 44a includes at least one actively adjustable reactant-fluid adjustment element 50a located in the supply line 88a. The actively adjustable reactant-fluid adjustment element 50a is exemplarily depicted here upstream of a branch in the main line of the supply line 88a leading to the respective electrochemical battery cells 16a, 18a, 20a. Alternatively or supplementarily, the adjustment unit 44a includes one, and in particular one actively adjustable reactant-fluid adjustment element 50a, in at least one branch of the supply line 88a leading to a single electrochemical battery cell among the electrochemical battery cells 16a, 18a, 20a.

[0049] The preferred adjustment unit 44a includes at least one actively adjustable reactant-fluid adjustment element 52a located in another supply line 90a. The actively adjustable reactant-fluid adjustment element 52a is exemplarily depicted here upstream of a branch in the main line of the other supply line 90a leading to the respective electrochemical battery cells 16a, 18a, 20a. Alternatively or supplementarily, the adjustment unit 44a includes one, in particular one actively adjustable reactant-fluid adjustment element 52a in at least one branch of the other supply line 90a leading to the individual electrochemical battery cells 16a, 18a, 20a, and especially in each branch.

[0050] The adjusting unit 44a includes at least one, particularly one shut-off valve, in one of the supply lines 88a and / or another supply line 90a, which is exemplarily the same as the actively adjustable fluid adjusting elements 50a and 52a. Alternatively, the adjusting unit 44a may include at least one shut-off valve in addition to the actively adjustable fluid adjusting elements 50a and 52a.

[0051] The control or regulation unit 28a preferably includes at least one data interface for operating the electrochemical system 12a and / or the inverter 92a of the system itself, which has been mentioned in particular. Alternatively or as a supplement, the regulation unit 44a includes at least one electrical regulation element for limiting the current flowing through the electrochemical battery cells 16a, 18a, 20a.

[0052] exist Figure 5 Another embodiment of the invention is shown below. The following description and drawings are essentially limited to the differences between embodiments, wherein reference can also be made to other embodiments, particularly those with the same designations, especially those having the same reference numerals. Figures 1 to 4 The accompanying drawings and / or descriptions are provided. To distinguish the embodiments, in... Figures 1 to 4 The letter 'a' is added after the reference numerals in the embodiments shown in the figures. Figure 5 In one embodiment, the letter 'a' is replaced by the letter 'b'.

[0053] Figure 5 A semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10b for use in an electrochemical system is shown. The semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10b is specifically configured for insertion into... Figure 2In the electrochemical system 12a, which is explained in detail below, a semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10b includes at least two electrochemical cell units 16b, 18b, and 20b for electrochemical conversion of at least one process fluid. The semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10b includes at least one distributor unit 14b for supplying at least one process fluid to the electrochemical cell units 16b, 18b, and 20b. The distributor unit 14b includes at least one fluid interface 24b and at least one local control or regulation unit 28b, wherein the fluid interface is used to reversibly connect the distributor unit 14b to the fluid supply unit of the electrochemical system, and the local control or regulation unit is used to disperse the module-specific operating points of the electrochemical cell units 16b, 18b, and 20b.

[0054] The adjustment unit 44b of the semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10b specifically includes only passive adjustment elements 46b and 48b. The control or regulation unit 28b is preferably configured to provide operating parameters of the electrochemical module 10b and / or at least one process fluid detected by the sensor unit of the semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10b and / or control signals generated based on the detected operating parameters, and in particular to transmit them to a higher-level control or regulation device.

[0055] The sensor unit of the semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10b includes, for example, multiple battery temperature sensors as battery sensor elements 40b and 42b. The battery temperature sensors are arranged at different locations on the battery connection surface of the substrate 30b of the semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10b. The sensor unit of the semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10b preferably includes an analytical sensor as a fluid sensor element 38b located in the supply line 88b and / or purging line of the distributor unit 14b. The analytical sensor is preferably configured to analyze the composition of at least one process fluid, particularly the composition of reactants and / or reaction products of a chemical reaction. The analytical sensor is, for example, configured as an oxygen sensor, which is particularly used to determine the oxygen content and / or oxygen deficiency of at least one process fluid.

[0056] For other features of the semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10b, please refer to... Figures 1 to 4 The sensor unit of the semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10b can also be easily integrated into the semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10a.

Claims

1. A semi-autonomous electrochemical module (10a; 10b) for an electrochemical system (12a; 12b), comprising: at least two electrochemical battery cells (16a, 18a, 20a; 16b, 18b, 20b) for electrochemical conversion of at least one process fluid (22a); and at least one distributor unit (14a; 12b) for supplying at least one process fluid (22a) to the electrochemical battery cells (16a, 18a, 20a; 16b, 18b, 20b). 14b), wherein the distributor unit (14a; 14b) includes at least one fluid interface (24a; 24b) for reversibly connecting the distributor unit (14a; 14b) to the fluid supply unit (26a) of the electrochemical system (12a; 12b); and at least one local control or regulation unit (28a; 28b) for dispersively setting the module-specific operating point of the electrochemical battery cells (16a, 18a, 20a; 16b, 18b, 20b).

2. The semi-autonomous electrochemical module (10a; 10b) according to claim 1, characterized in that A common substrate (30a; 30b) is provided on which the electrochemical battery cells (16a, 18a, 20a; 16b, 18b, 20b) are arranged, and a distributor unit (14a; 14b) and a local control or regulation unit (28a; 28b) are integrated on the substrate.

3. The semi-autonomous electrochemical module (10a; 10b) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that A sensor unit (32a) is connected to a local control or adjustment unit (28a; 28b).

4. The semi-autonomous electrochemical module (10a; 10b) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The sensor unit (32a) includes at least one fluid sensor element (34a, 36a; 34b, 36b, 38b), which is arranged in and / or at the distributor unit (14a; 14b) for fluid monitoring.

5. The semi-autonomous electrochemical module (10a; 10b) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The sensor unit (32a) includes at least one battery sensor element (40a; 40b, 42b) configured to monitor the operating status of at least one of the electrochemical battery cells (16a, 18a, 20a; 16b, 18b, 20b).

6. The semi-autonomous electrochemical module (10a; 10b) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that, The sensor unit (32a) is configured to detect the temporal change of at least one measurement parameter detected by the sensor unit (32a).

7. The semi-autonomous electrochemical module (10a; 10b) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that... In particular, at least one adjustment unit (44a; 44b) is connected to a local control or adjustment unit (28a; 28b), the adjustment unit including at least one fluid adjustment element (46a, 48a, 50a, 52a; 46b, 48b, 50b, 52b).

8. The semi-autonomous electrochemical module (10a; 10b) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The adjustment unit (44a; 44b) includes at least one passive fluid adjustment element (46a, 48a; 46b, 48b).

9. The semi-autonomous electrochemical module (10a) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that... The adjustment unit (44a) includes at least one actively adjustable fluid adjustment element (50a, 52a).

10. The semi-autonomous electrochemical module (10a) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that, The adjustment unit (44a) includes at least one shut-off valve.

11. An electrochemical system (12a) having at least one semi-autonomous electrochemical module (10a; 10b) according to any one of the preceding claims, in particular a plurality of semi-autonomous electrochemical modules (10a; 10b) and having at least one fluid supply unit (26a) for supplying at least one process fluid (22a) to at least one electrochemical module (10a; 10b).

12. An electrochemical device (58a) having at least one electrochemical system (12a, 54a, 56a) according to claim 11 and having at least one central peripheral device (60a, 62a, 64a, 66a) for operating the electrochemical system (12a, 54a, 56a), especially multiple electrochemical systems (12a, 54a, 56a).

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