Train with electrolysis cell unit

Abstract

Train (41) with at least one train unit (42, 43) as at least one locomotive (42) and / or at least one wagon (43), wherein wheels are provided on each train unit (42, 43) for driving on tracks (44), wherein at least one electrolysis cell unit (6) and / or at least one electrolysis cell system (7) is provided on and / or in at least one train unit (42, 43) for converting electrical energy into chemical energy.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a train according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for converting electrical energy into chemical energy with an electrolysis cell unit or an electrolysis cell system according to the preamble of claim 12. State of the art

[0002] Fuel cell units, as galvanic cells, convert continuously supplied fuel and oxidant into electrical energy and water through redox reactions at an anode and cathode. Fuel cells are used in a wide variety of stationary and mobile applications, for example, in homes without a power grid connection or in motor vehicles, in rail transport, aviation, aerospace, and shipping. In fuel cell units, a large number of fuel cells are arranged in a stack.

[0003] In fuel cell units, a large number of fuel cells are arranged in a fuel cell stack. Within each fuel cell, there is a gas space for the oxidant, i.e., a flow space for the passage of oxidant, such as ambient air with oxygen. The gas space for the oxidant is formed by channels on the bipolar plate and by a gas diffusion layer for a cathode. The channels are thus formed by a corresponding channel structure of a bipolar plate, and the oxidant, namely oxygen, passes through the gas diffusion layer to the fuel cell's cathode. Similarly, a gas space for fuel is formed at an anode.

[0004] Electrolysis cell units consisting of stacked electrolysis cells, similar to fuel cell units, are used, for example, for the electrolytic production of hydrogen and oxygen from water. Fuel cell units are also known that can be operated as reversible fuel cell units and thus as electrolysis cell units.

[0005] The electrical energy for the power grids is increasingly being generated using renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and tides. However, these renewable energies are often not available at the times when electrical energy is needed in the power grids. Hydrogen can also be used to power vehicles and heat buildings. Hydrogen is produced by electrolysis of water using electrical energy. A system for the production, storage, and distribution of hydrogen is therefore necessary for a hydrogen economy.

[0006] EP 3 505 385 A1 discloses a braking energy recovery system for trains.

[0007] CN 110254255 A shows an electric trailer powered by hydrogen and a fuel cell.

[0008] The CN 113659599 A discloses a multi-energy system for railways. Disclosure of the inventionAdvantages of the invention

[0009] Train according to the invention with at least one train unit as at least one locomotive and / or at least one wagon, wherein wheels are designed on each train unit for running on tracks, wherein preferably on and / or in at least one train unit at least one electrolysis cell unit and / or at least one electrolysis cell system is designed for converting electrical energy into chemical energy and / or a method described in this patent application can be carried out with the train.

[0010] In a further embodiment, a current collector is formed on the train for supplying the train with electrical energy from an overhead line, and the at least one electrolysis cell unit and / or the at least one electrolysis cell system can be operated, in particular exclusively, with electrical energy from the current collector.

[0011] In an additional variant, the pantograph is mounted on the locomotive and / or a wagon.

[0012] In a supplementary embodiment, the train is designed with an electrical line so that the electrical current from one train unit, in particular a locomotive, can be conducted to another train unit, in particular a wagon. For example, the electrical line can be used to conduct current from the train unit with the current collector to the train unit with the at least one electrolysis cell unit and / or with the at least one electrolysis cell system.

[0013] In a further embodiment, the at least one electrolysis cell unit and / or the at least one electrolysis cell system is formed in a wagon.

[0014] Preferably, at least one storage device for hydrogen, in particular at least one pressure vessel, is formed on at least one train unit, in particular a wagon.

[0015] In a further variant, a hydrogen filling station for motor vehicles powered by hydrogen as fuel is formed on and / or in at least one train unit, in particular a wagon.

[0016] In a supplementary embodiment, a reservoir for water, in particular a water tank, is formed on at least one train unit, in particular a wagon.

[0017] In an additional embodiment, a device for treating and / or demineralizing water is provided on at least one train unit, in particular a wagon. In the device for treating and / or demineralizing water, lime is removed from the water before electrolysis and / or an acid is added. Preferably, this device for treating and / or demineralizing water also includes a reservoir for the acid. Preferably, the device for treating and / or demineralizing water includes a filter for separating solids, in particular particles and / or fibers.

[0018] In a further variant, at least one battery is provided on at least one train unit, in particular a wagon. The battery serves to store electrical energy when the train is on a track without an overhead line, for example, to operate the locomotive and / or at least one energy component of the train with electrical energy from the battery.

[0019] Preferably, energy components, in particular the at least one electrolysis cell unit and / or the at least one electrolysis cell system and / or the at least one hydrogen storage device and / or the hydrogen filling station and / or the water storage device and / or the device for treating and / or demineralizing water and / or the at least one battery, are designed as replaceable modules in and / or on the at least one train. The energy components as replaceable modules can be easily replaced on a train unit. As a result, a train unit, in particular a wagon, can be equipped with different energy components in a short time and with little effort. This also has advantages for maintenance and servicing and in the event of faults: the modules can be quickly replaced and / or taken to a workshop. The modules are preferably the same size.

[0020] Method according to the invention for converting electrical energy into chemical energy with at least one electrolysis cell unit or with at least one electrolysis cell system, comprising the steps of: conducting an electrolyte to anodes and cathodes in the at least one electrolysis cell unit and / or in the at least one electrolysis cell system, applying an electrical current from an energy source to the anodes and cathodes, generating hydrogen and oxygen from the electrolyte by electrolysis of the electrolyte at the anodes and cathodes, wherein an overhead line above a railway track is used as the energy source for the electrical current and the electrical current from the overhead line is conducted by means of a power line into the at least one electrolysis cell unit and / or into the at least one electrolysis cell system, and the electrolysis and the generation of hydrogen and oxygen are carried out using the electrical current from the overhead line.

[0021] In a supplementary variant, the method, in particular the electrolysis, is carried out with and / or in a train with at least one train unit as at least one locomotive and / or at least one wagon, preferably by operating at least one electrolysis cell unit integrated into the train and / or at least one electrolysis cell system integrated into the train.

[0022] Advantageously, the hydrogen produced in the train is used to refuel motor vehicles with a hydrogen filling station installed or integrated in the train, and preferably at least one electrolysis cell unit and / or at least one electrolysis cell system integrated in the train is operated simultaneously.

[0023] In a further variant, the process described in this patent application is carried out with a move described in this patent application.

[0024] In a further variant, a process described in this patent application can be carried out using the train described in this patent application.

[0025] In an additional embodiment, the train comprises a plurality of train units, in particular a plurality of wagons, each having a plurality of energy components, in particular a plurality of identical energy components. The train can thus be flexibly configured with wagons, for example, to enable an independent supply of water as an electrolyte over a longer period of time with a train comprising a plurality of wagons with a water storage device in the train and / or to enable a greater capacity for electrolysis in the train with a plurality of wagons with electrolysis cell systems and / or to enable a greater capacity for hydrogen storage in the train with a plurality of wagons with at least one hydrogen storage device.

[0026] In a supplementary embodiment, the at least one electrolysis cell unit on and / or in the train is designed as an electrolysis cell unit described in this patent application.

[0027] In a supplementary embodiment, the at least one electrolysis cell system on and / or in the train is designed as an electrolysis cell system described in this patent application.

[0028] In a supplementary embodiment, the at least one fuel cell unit on and / or in the train is designed as a fuel cell unit described in this patent application.

[0029] In a supplementary embodiment, the at least one fuel cell system on and / or in the train, in particular in the locomotive, is designed as a fuel cell system described in this patent application.

[0030] In a supplementary embodiment, the pantograph comprises an electric motor for moving the pantograph. The pantograph is thus designed with joints and can thus establish contact with the overhead line and also release this contact again.

[0031] In a further embodiment, the electrical power or the sum of the electrical powers of the at least one electrolysis cell unit and / or of the at least one electrolysis cell system in each train unit, in particular in each wagon, is at least 50 kW, 100 kW, 500 kW or 1000 kW.

[0032] In an additional variant, the at least one wagon is a freight wagon with at least one energy component in the cargo hold and / or on an outer side of the freight wagon's cargo hold housing. A freight wagon known from the prior art can thus be converted with little effort and equipped with the at least one energy component and / or the fueling station. The fueling station can be installed, for example, in an opening in the cargo hold housing and / or in a subsequently installed recess in the cargo hold housing.

[0033] In an additional embodiment, the train comprises a water pipe for conveying water from a water pipe network into the train. The train can thus use water from the water pipe network when the process is carried out stationary. This allows a very large quantity of hydrogen to be generated on the train and supplied to motor vehicles via the refueling station. The electrical energy for operating the electrolysis cell unit or the electrolysis cell system can be drawn continuously or temporarily from the overhead line during a power surplus, and the water required for the electrolysis can also be continuously drawn from the water pipe network. The underground water pipe network supplies water to households and industry.

[0034] In a supplementary embodiment, the train comprises a hydrogen liquefaction plant for liquefying the produced hydrogen. The liquefaction plant can be used to cool the hydrogen and then store it in the liquid hydrogen storage device.

[0035] In a supplementary variant, the train comprises a compressor for increasing the pressure of the produced hydrogen and for storing the hydrogen in the hydrogen storage device as at least one pressure vessel under a pressure, for example, a pressure greater than 200 bar, 300 bar, 400 bar, or 700 bar. Preferably, the compressor additionally comprises an electric motor for driving the compressor, and the electric motor is preferably powered by electrical energy from the overhead line. The compressor is designed, for example, as a piston compressor. The hydrogen compressor and / or the hydrogen liquefier preferably each form a storage charging device.

[0036] In a further embodiment, the train comprises an energy converter for converting chemical energy in the form of hydrogen into electrical energy. The energy converter is preferably designed as a fuel cell unit and / or a fuel cell system and / or an internal combustion engine. For example, in the event of a shortage of electrical energy in the power grid and / or the overhead line, the energy converter can be used to convert chemical energy in the form of hydrogen in the train into electrical energy and feed it into the overhead line and / or the power grid. The power grid supplies households and industry with electricity.

[0037] In an additional embodiment, the train comprises at least one battery as an electrical energy storage device. The at least one battery can store electrical energy during a surplus of electrical energy in the power grid and / or in the overhead line and later feed it into the overhead line and / or the power grid when there is a shortage of electrical energy in the power grid and / or in the overhead line. The at least one battery can also be used to start up at least one energy component of the train. The power grid, often laid underground, serves to supply households and industry with electrical energy.

[0038] In a further variant, the filling station comprises a dispensing device for hydrogen and / or a flexible hose for conveying hydrogen and / or a counting device for recording the quantity and / or volume and / or mass of the hydrogen refuelled in a motor vehicle and / or an electronic payment device for cashless payment, so that the driver of a motor vehicle can also pay for the hydrogen refuelled cashlessly, for example with a credit card.

[0039] In an additional embodiment, the method described in this patent application for converting electrical energy into chemical energy is carried out by the train while the train is traveling on the tracks, in particular at a speed greater than 10 km / h, 30 km / h, 60 km / h, or 100 km / h. Water electrolysis can also be carried out in a mobile manner while the train is traveling. The electrical energy is drawn from the overhead line during travel, and the necessary electrolyte is present as water in the water storage tank.

[0040] In a further embodiment, at least one line is formed in the train, which fluidically connects the at least one electrolysis cell unit and / or the at least one electrolysis cell system to the hydrogen storage device. The hydrogen generated in the at least one electrolysis cell unit and / or in the at least one electrolysis cell system can thus be introduced into and stored in the hydrogen storage device.

[0041] In an additional embodiment, the method described in this patent application for converting electrical energy into chemical energy is carried out in a stationary manner on the train while the train is stationary on the tracks. The electrolysis of water can also be carried out in a stationary manner. The electrical energy is drawn from the overhead line during standstill, and the necessary electrolyte is present as water in the train's water storage unit and / or is drawn from a water main via a water pipe while the train is stationary.

[0042] In a further embodiment, the pantograph serves as a current introduction device to introduce electrical current into the overhead line, particularly during operation of an energy conversion device, in particular at least one fuel cell unit and / or at least one fuel cell system and / or at least one internal combustion engine. The energy conversion device is preferably operated using hydrogen as fuel.

[0043] In a further embodiment, electrical energy for commissioning energy components is generated with the energy conversion device and / or with the at least one battery.

[0044] In a further embodiment, electrical energy is generated by the energy conversion device and / or the at least one battery and fed into the overhead line. The energy conversion device and / or the at least one battery can thus be used to feed electrical energy into the overhead line and / or the power grid during a peak or maximum power demand in the overhead line and / or the power grid.

[0045] Preferably, the train is connected to a power grid via an electrical line for feeding power from the train into the power grid and / or for feeding power from the power grid into the train. Power from the power grid can thus be used for electrolysis, and conversely, when power demand in the power grid is high, electrical energy can be fed into the power grid as power from the train.

[0046] In a further embodiment, the train is fluidly connected to a hydrogen filling station and / or a hydrogen consumer, e.g., an industrial plant, and / or a hydrogen pipeline network outside the train via a hydrogen pipeline. The filling station and / or the consumer and / or the hydrogen pipeline network can thus be arranged outside the train and supplied with hydrogen from the train via the hydrogen pipeline for refueling motor vehicles and / or for supplying the hydrogen consumer with hydrogen for feeding hydrogen into the hydrogen pipeline network. The hydrogen pipeline network is generally formed in the ground, for example, beneath roads in cities.

[0047] Preferably, the at least one electrolysis cell unit in the train is at least one reversible fuel cell unit.

[0048] In a further embodiment, the track gauge of the train is between 1000 mm and 1800 mm, in particular 1435 mm. Preferably, the track gauge of the train is greater than 600 mm. 1435 mm is the standard track gauge in many parts of Europe. Therefore, the train is preferably not suitable for a narrow-gauge track and / or the train is not suitable for a toy train.

[0049] In a supplementary embodiment, a supporting body, in particular made of steel, is formed on each tractor unit.

[0050] In a further embodiment, the fuel cell system comprises a fuel supply system with a pressure vessel for fuel as hydrogen as a process fluid and an oxidant supply system with a gas delivery device for oxidant as a process fluid.

[0051] In a supplementary variant, the fuel cell system comprises a fuel cell unit, a cooling system, an oxidant supply system and a fuel supply system.

[0052] In a further embodiment, the electrolysis cell system comprises an electrolysis cell unit and an electrolyte supply system.

[0053] Preferably the fuel is hydrogen, hydrogen-rich gas, reformate gas or natural gas.

[0054] Advantageously, the electrochemical cells and / or components of the electrochemical cells are essentially flat and / or disc-shaped.

[0055] In another variant, the electrochemical cell unit comprises a housing and / or a connection plate. The stack is enclosed by the housing and / or the connection plate.

[0056] In a complementary variant, the oxidizing agent is air with oxygen or pure oxygen.

[0057] In a further embodiment, the at least one electrolysis cell unit is a PEM electrolysis cell unit and / or a SOFE high-temperature electrolyzer.

[0058] Preferably, the fuel cell unit is a PEM fuel cell unit with PEM fuel cells or an SOFC fuel cell unit with SOFC fuel cells or an alkaline fuel cell (AFC). Short description of the drawings

[0059] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show: Fig. 1 a highly simplified representation of a fuel cell system, Fig. 2 a highly simplified representation of an electrolysis cell system and Fig. 3 a highly simplified side view of a train with a locomotive and several carriages.

[0060] In Fig. 1, a fuel cell unit 1 is shown as a fuel cell stack 3, i.e., as a fuel cell stack 3. The fuel cell unit 1 comprises the fuel cell stack 3, a housing 13, and a connecting plate 15. The housing 13 defines an interior space 14. The connecting plate 15 also functions as a housing 13 and is fixed to the remaining housing 13 by fixing elements 16, in particular screws 17. In the fuel cell stack 2, fuel cells 4 are stacked as PEM fuel cells 5 and arranged in alignment. Due to the large number of stacked fuel cells 4 of approximately 300 to 400 fuel cells 4, these are in Fig. 1 not all are shown for the sake of simplicity. The principle of fuel cells 4 is that electrical energy or electrical current is generated by means of an electrochemical reaction. Hydrogen H2 is fed to an anode (not shown) as a gaseous fuel as a recirculation fuel and the anode forms the negative pole. A gaseous oxidant, namely air with oxygen, is fed to a cathode (not shown), i.e. the oxygen in the air provides the necessary gaseous oxidant. Reduction (electron absorption) takes place at the cathode. Oxidation (electron release) takes place at the anode. The fuel cells 4 also comprise an ion exchange membrane as a proton exchange membrane (Proton Exchange Membrane, PEM), which is arranged between the anode and the cathode.On both sides of the PEM, each facing the gas chamber, are the electrodes known as the anode and cathode (not shown). A unit consisting of the PEM, anode, and cathode is called a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) (not shown). A gas diffusion layer (GDL) is located on top of the anode and cathode. A bipolar plate (not shown) is located on top of the GDL. The electrically conductive bipolar plate serves as a current collector, for water drainage, and for conducting the reaction gases.

[0061] In the fuel cell unit 1, the fuel cells 4 are arranged between two clamping elements 18 as clamping plates 19. An upper clamping plate 20 rests on the uppermost fuel cell 4 and a lower clamping plate 21 rests on the lowermost fuel cell 4. The clamping elements 18 apply a compressive force to the fuel cells 4, i.e. the upper clamping plate 20 rests with a compressive force on the uppermost fuel cell 4 and the lower clamping plate 21 rests with a compressive force on the lowermost fuel cell 4. The fuel cell stack 3 is thus clamped in order to ensure the tightness for the fuel, the oxidizing agent and the coolant, in particular due to elastic seals, and also to keep the electrical contact resistance within the fuel cell stack 3 as low as possible.To clamp the fuel cells 4 with the clamping elements 18, four connecting devices 22 are designed as bolts 23 on the fuel cell unit 1, which are subjected to tensile stress. The four bolts 23 are firmly connected to the clamping plates 19.

[0062] An opening for introducing recirculation fuel into the recirculation fuel channels is formed in the connecting plate 15 and in the lower clamping plate 21. Furthermore, an opening for discharging recirculation fuel from the recirculation fuel channels is formed in the connecting plate 15 and in the lower clamping plate 21 as the clamping element 18. Further openings are formed in the connecting plate 15 and the lower clamping plate 21 as the clamping element 18 for introducing oxidizing agent and discharging oxidizing agent, and openings (not shown) for introducing coolant and discharging coolant. Thus, a total of 6 openings are formed in the connecting plate 15 and the lower clamping plate 21 (only partially in Fig. 1).

[0063] A fuel cell system 2 comprises, in addition to the fuel cell unit 1, an oxidant supply system 26 for supplying the fuel cell stack 3 with air as the oxidant. The oxidant supply system 26 comprises a gas delivery device 27, for example, a blower, a compressor, a turbo compressor driven by an electric motor and / or a turbine, and oxidant lines 28.

[0064] In addition to the fuel cell unit 1, the fuel cell system 2 also comprises a fuel supply system 29 for supplying the fuel cell stack 3 with hydrogen as fuel. The fuel supply system 29 comprises a pressure vessel 30, a fuel line 31 as a process fluid line, valves (not shown) for fuel, in particular an injector for controlling the volume flow of fuel introduced from the fuel line 31 into the recirculation line 32, a heat exchanger (not shown) for fuel, a pressure reducer (not shown), a recirculation fuel line 32 as a process fluid line, a recirculation fuel feed device 33, an electric motor (not shown) for driving the recirculation fuel feed device 33, and a water separator 34 for separating water from the recirculation fuel.a water tank (not shown) for collecting the water collected in the water separator 34, a drain valve (not shown) for draining water from the water tank, and a drain valve as a purge valve (not shown) for discharging recirculation fuel into the environment. In the fuel supply system 29 for supplying the fuel cell stack 3 with hydrogen as fuel, the hydrogen stored in the pressure tank 30 at a high pressure of, for example, 400 bar is supplied to the fuel cells 4 through the fuel line 31. After the fuel has been passed through the fuel cells 4, the hydrogen is not completely consumed.So that this hydrogen derived from the fuel cells 4 is fed back to the fuel cells 4 in a circuit via the recirculation fuel line 32. The recirculation fuel conveying device 33 is used to convey the recirculation fuel through the recirculation fuel line 32. After the fuel passes through the fuel cells 4, the moisture content of the fuel increases, so that to prevent an excessive water or moisture content in the recirculation fuel, the fuel supply system 29 includes the water separator 34. The water separated in the water separator 34 is collected in the water tank (not shown) and discharged into the environment through the drain valve (not shown). Excess recirculation fuel is discharged into the environment through the purge valve (not shown).

[0065] In addition to the fuel cell unit 1, the fuel cell system 2 also comprises a cooling system (not shown) for controlling the temperature of the fuel cell stack 3, i.e., for cooling the fuel cell stack 3. The cooling system for controlling the temperature of the fuel cell stack 3 comprises coolant lines as process fluid lines, a heat exchanger, and a pump for circulating the coolant. The coolant is conducted through coolant channels in the bipolar plates of the fuel cells 4, and the heat is dissipated to the environment at the heat exchanger. In addition to the fuel cell unit 1, the fuel cell system 2 also comprises the oxidant supply system 26, the fuel supply system 29, and the cooling system (not shown) as a coolant supply system.

[0066] The fuel cell unit 1 can, with modifications not shown, in particular valves, also optionally be used and operated as an electrolysis cell unit 6, i.e., it forms a reversible fuel cell unit 1 or is designed to be operable only as an electrolysis cell unit 6. Some features are described below that enable the operation of the fuel cell unit 1 as an electrolysis cell unit 6. A liquid electrolyte, namely highly diluted sulfuric acid with a concentration of approximately c (H2SO4) = 1 mol / l, is used for the electrolysis. A sufficient concentration of oxonium ions H30 + in the liquid electrolyte is necessary for electrolysis. In Fig. 2 shows an electrolysis cell unit 6 which can only be used for electrolysis.

[0067] The polarity of the electrodes with electrolysis when operated as an electrolysis cell unit 6 is reversed (not shown) to that when operated as a fuel cell unit 1, so that hydrogen H2 is formed at the cathodes in the channels for fuel, through which the liquid electrolyte is passed, and the hydrogen H2 is absorbed by the liquid electrolyte and transported along in dissolved form. Analogously, the liquid electrolyte is passed through the channels for oxidizing agents and oxygen O2 is formed at the anodes or at the channels for oxidizing agents. The fuel cells 2 of the fuel cell unit 1 function as electrolysis cells 9 when operated as an electrolysis cell unit 6. The fuel cells 2 and electrolysis cells 9 thus form electrochemical cells 24. The oxygen O2 formed is absorbed by the liquid electrolyte and transported along in dissolved form.The hydrogen H2 formed is absorbed by the liquid electrolyte and transported along in dissolved form. The liquid electrolyte is stored in a storage container 35 and is conveyed by a pump 37 and through electrolyte lines 36 through the channels in the electrolysis cell stack 8. For a reversible fuel cell unit 1 (not shown) according to . Fig. 1, two 3-way valves (not shown) are provided on the recirculation fuel line 32 and the oxidant line 28. These valves are switched during operation as the electrolysis cell unit 6, so that instead of recirculation fuel and oxidant, the liquid electrolyte is fed by the pump 37 from the storage tank 35 into the recirculation fuel line 32 and the oxidant line 28 as the electrolyte line 36. A hydrogen separator 38 separates the hydrogen obtained from the electrolysis from the electrolyte. An oxygen separator 39 separates the oxygen obtained from the electrolysis from the electrolyte. The electrolyte is circulated through the electrolysis cell unit 6, and sulfuric acid is added according to consumption using a device (not shown).In addition to the electrolysis cell unit 6 with the electrolysis cell stack 8, the electrolysis cell system 6 also includes an electrolyte supply system 12. The electrolyte supply system 12 includes the storage tank 35, the electrolyte lines 36, the pump 37, as well as the hydrogen separator 38 and the oxygen separator 39. A fuel cell unit 1 and an electrolysis cell unit 6 form an electrochemical cell unit 25. A fuel cell system 2 and an electrolysis cell system 7 form an electrochemical cell system 11.

[0068] In Fig.3 shows a train 41. The train 41 comprises a locomotive 42 and three wagons 43. The locomotive 42 and the wagon 43 each form a train unit 42, 43. The train units 42, 43 comprise wheels, in particular at least four wheels, and a supporting body. The train 41 is arranged with its wheels on a track 44 with two rails and can travel on this track 44. The train 41 is supplied with electrical energy and electrical current from an overhead line 45 above the tracks 44. The locomotive 42 is driven by an electric motor for propulsion (not shown), and the electric motor in the locomotive 42 is supplied with electrical energy by a fuel cell system 2 with a fuel cell unit 1. Alternatively, the locomotive 42 can be equipped only with the electric motor for propulsion, so that electrical energy from the overhead line 45 is used directly to operate the electric motor.In a further option, the locomotive 42 is designed with a diesel engine or hydrogen engine as an internal combustion engine (not shown) and a generator to supply the electric motor in the locomotive 42 with electrical energy.

[0069] A pantograph 46 is installed in a wagon 43. The pantograph 46 is movably mounted with joints for contact with the overhead line 45 and for interrupting contact with the overhead line 45. For this purpose, the pantograph 46 can be moved by an electric motor (not shown). In the first wagon 43 with the pantograph 46, a small reservoir 49 for water as a water tank for water as an electrolyte, a device 52 for treating and / or demineralizing water, and an electrolysis cell system 7 with an electrolysis cell unit 6 are installed. In a further second wagon 43, a storage device 47 for hydrogen is installed as a larger number of pressure vessels 48. In the last third wagon 43 of the train 41, a large reservoir 49 for water is installed as a large water tank 50.Furthermore, a water line 51 is installed in the train 41 for conducting the water from the last, third carriage 43 with the large water tank 50 into the device 52 for treating and / or demineralizing water and from the device 52 into the reservoir 49 in the second carriage 43 for water as electrolyte after treatment and / or demineralization. The reservoir 49 thus also forms the storage container 35 for electrolyte. For this purpose, a water pump (not shown) for pumping the water is installed in the water line 51. The storage device 47 for hydrogen, the reservoir 49 for water and the device 52 for treating and / or demineralizing water each form energy components 40. Energy components 40 with and / or for hydrogen and / or carrying hydrogen and / or comprising hydrogen are connected to one another in a fluid-conducting manner for hydrogen by means of lines (not shown) for hydrogen.

[0070] To convert electrical energy into chemical energy in the form of hydrogen, an electrolyte, such as water, is passed through the electrolysis cell unit 6 of the electrolysis cell system 7, and the electrolysis cell system 7, including the electrolysis cell unit 6 and the electrolyte supply system 12, is operated using electrical energy from the overhead line 45, which is taken from the current collector 46. For this purpose, appropriate power lines for conducting current are provided in the train 41. The electrolysis in the electrolysis cell unit 6 can be carried out while the train 41 is stationary, for example at a station, and also while the train 41 is traveling on the track 44. The oxygen produced during the electrolysis is discharged into the environment, and the hydrogen is conducted to the hydrogen storage device 47 via a hydrogen line (not shown) and stored there.To store the hydrogen in the hydrogen storage device 47, the train 41 is additionally equipped with an electric motor-driven compressor for storing the hydrogen in the pressure vessels 48 at a high pressure, for example, a pressure greater than 200 bar, 300 bar, 400 bar, or 700 bar. The electric motor for driving the compressor (not shown) is powered by electrical energy from the overhead line 45.

[0071] A hydrogen filling station (not shown) is also installed in the second carriage 43 with the hydrogen storage device 47. The filling station comprises a hydrogen dispenser, a flexible hose, and a counting device for recording the quantity and / or volume and / or mass of the hydrogen filled in a motor vehicle. Optionally, the filling station includes an electronic payment device for cashless payment, so that the driver of a motor vehicle can also pay for the hydrogen filled in cashlessly, for example, with a credit card. While a motor vehicle is being refueled, the train 41 is stationary in an area of ​​a station accessible to motor vehicles.

[0072] Overall, the train 41 according to the invention and the method according to the invention for converting electrical energy into chemical energy offer significant advantages. The railway infrastructure with tracks 44 and overhead lines 45 can be used with the train 41 for the production of hydrogen, for the distribution of hydrogen, and for the storage of electrical energy with chemical energy in hydrogen.

[0073] Optionally, an energy converter for converting chemical energy in hydrogen into electrical energy can also be present in the train 41. The energy converter is, for example, a fuel cell unit 1 or a fuel cell system 2 or a hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine with a generator. If there is a surplus of electrical energy, this can be taken from the overhead line 45 and converted into chemical energy by means of the electrolysis cell system 7. If there is a shortage of electrical energy on the overhead line 45 and / or in the power grid, the chemical energy stored in the hydrogen can be converted back into electrical energy and fed into the overhead line 45 via the pantograph 46 and / or into the power grid via an electrical line (not shown).For this purpose, the train 41 additionally includes an inverter for converting direct current from the fuel cell system 2 into alternating current via the overhead line 45. The pantograph also functions as a current introduction device. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 3 505 385 A1

[0006] CN 110254255 A

[0007] CN 113659599 A

[0008]

Claims

[1] Train (41) with at least one train unit (42, 43) as at least one locomotive (42) and / or at least one wagon (43), wherein wheels on each train unit (42, 43) are designed to travel on tracks (44), characterized by that on and / or in at least one traction unit (42, 43) at least one electrolysis cell unit (6) and / or at least one electrolysis cell system (7) is designed to convert electrical energy into chemical energy. [2] Train according to claim 1, characterized by that a current collector (46) for supplying the train (41) with electrical energy from an overhead line (45) is formed on the train (41), and the at least one electrolysis cell unit (6) and / or the at least one electrolysis cell system (7) can be operated with electrical energy from the current collector (46). [3] Train according to claim 2, characterized by that the pantograph (46) is formed on the locomotive (42) and / or a wagon (43). [4] Train according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by that the train (41) is designed with an electrical line so that the electrical current from one train unit (42, 43), in particular a locomotive (42), can be conducted into another train unit (42, 43), in particular a wagon (43). [5] Train according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least one electrolysis cell unit (6) and / or the at least one electrolysis cell system (7) is formed in a wagon (43). [6] Train according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one storage device (47) for hydrogen, in particular at least one pressure vessel (48), is formed on at least one train unit (42, 43), in particular a wagon (43). [7] Train according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized bythat a filling station for hydrogen for motor vehicles powered by hydrogen as fuel is formed on and / or in at least one train unit (42, 43), in particular a wagon (43). [8] Train according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by that a reservoir (49) for water, in particular a water tank (50), is formed on at least one train unit (42, 43), in particular a wagon (43). [9] Train according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by that a device (52) for the treatment and / or demineralization of water is formed on at least one train unit (42, 43), in particular a wagon (43). [10] Train according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one battery is formed on at least one train unit (42, 43), in particular a wagon (43). [11] Train according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by that energy components (40), in particular the at least one electrolysis cell unit (6) and / or the at least one electrolysis cell system (7) and / or the at least one storage device (47) for hydrogen and / or the filling station for hydrogen and / or the storage (49) for water and / or the device (52) for the treatment and / or demineralization of water and / or the at least one battery, are designed as exchangeable modules in and / or on the at least one train (41). [12] Method for converting electrical energy into chemical energy with at least one electrolysis cell unit (6) or with at least one electrolysis cell system (7) with the steps: - supplying an electrolyte to anodes and cathodes in the at least one electrolysis cell unit (6) and / or in the at least one electrolysis cell system (7), - Applying an electric current from an energy source to the anodes and cathodes, - Production of hydrogen and oxygen from the electrolyte by electrolysis of the electrolyte at the anodes and cathodes, characterized by that an overhead line (45) above a railway track (44) is used as the energy source for the electrical current, and electrical current from the overhead line (45) is conducted by means of a power line into the at least one electrolysis cell unit (6) and / or into the at least one electrolysis cell system (7), and the electrolysis and the generation of hydrogen and oxygen are carried out using the electrical current from the overhead line (45). [13] Method according to claim 12, characterized by that the process, in particular the electrolysis, is carried out with and / or in a train (41) with at least one train unit (42) as at least one locomotive (42) and / or at least one wagon (43). [14] Method according to claim 13, characterized by that the hydrogen produced in the train (41) is used to refuel motor vehicles with a hydrogen filling station installed or integrated in the train (41). [15] Method according to one or more of claims 12 to 14, characterized by that the method is carried out with a train (41) according to one or more of claims 1 to 11.

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