Electrochemical device and electrochemical system

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrochemical device (10) with at least one receiving unit (12) for arranging several electrochemical units (14, 16) along an arrangement direction (18), with at least one central product discharge line (20) for the discharge of at least one product from the electrochemical units (14, 16) and with at least one product connection unit (21) for feeding the product into the central product discharge line (20). It is proposed that at least one, in particular each, product connection element (22, 24) of the product connection unit (21) is arranged at a distance from a condensate collection area of ​​the central product discharge line (20) on the central product discharge line (20).

Description

State of the art

[0001] An electrochemical device has already been proposed with at least one receiving unit for arranging a plurality of electrochemical units along an arrangement direction, with at least one central product discharge line for discharging at least one product of the electrochemical units and with at least one product connection unit for feeding the product into the central product discharge line. Disclosure of the invention

[0002] The invention is based on an electrochemical device with at least one receiving unit for arranging a plurality of electrochemical units along an arrangement direction, with at least one central product discharge line for discharging at least one product of the electrochemical units and with at least one product connection unit for feeding the product into the central product discharge line.

[0003] It is proposed that at least one, in particular each, product connection element of the product connection unit is arranged on the central product discharge line at a distance from a condensate collection area of ​​the central product discharge line. The electrochemical units preferably each comprise at least one electrochemical cell, preferably a plurality of electrochemical cells, for electrochemically converting at least one reactant into the at least one product. The electrochemical units comprise, for example, fuel cells, in particular solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC), or electrolysis cells, in particular solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOEC). The electrochemical device is preferably intended for handling a water-containing product. For example, the product is an exhaust gas resulting from a fuel as reactant, which contains, for example, carbon dioxide and water.For example, the product is hydrogen obtained from steam, which contains residues of steam. The electrochemical units can preferably be operated independently of one another, in particular can be switched on and off independently of one another and / or can be modulated independently of one another. The electrochemical device is preferably provided to enable operation, in particular joint operation, of several of the electrochemical units. For example, the electrochemical device comprises a central fluid supply for supplying the electrochemical units with the at least one reactant. For example, the electrochemical device comprises central reactant processing. Particularly preferably, the electrochemical unit comprises a central grid connection unit, preferably with at least one central current transformer, for a joint electrical connection of the electrochemical units to an external power grid and / or to a load.

[0004] A receiving volume of the receiving unit for arranging the electrochemical units can be open or divided into compartments for receiving a single electrochemical unit or a subgroup of the electrochemical units. The receiving unit comprises, for example, a base plate, in particular one that is smooth or provided with rolling elements, for setting up the electrochemical units. In particular, when the electrochemical device is arranged in a closed space, for example a building or a ship, a floor of the space can be used as the base plate of the receiving unit. Additionally or alternatively, the receiving unit comprises, for example, guide rails for automatically aligning the electrochemical units when arranged in the receiving unit.In an advantageously convenient embodiment with regard to maintenance, the receiving unit comprises heavy-duty telescopic rails for storing the electrochemical units in the receiving unit. The receiving unit preferably comprises, in particular for each electrochemical unit to be accommodated and / or per compartment, connections for a fluidic, electrical and / or data-technical integration of the electrochemical units into the electrochemical device. The receiving unit is preferably intended to accommodate at least two, preferably at least four, particularly preferably at least six electrochemical units. The electrochemical device is preferably intended to be operated even when the receiving unit is only partially equipped with electrochemical units.The arrangement direction specified by the receiving unit preferably extends parallel to a maximum longitudinal extent of the receiving unit, in particular of the entire electrochemical device. The electrochemical device is preferably designed to be operated with the arrangement direction at least substantially parallel to a substrate, in particular at least substantially parallel to the horizontal. The arrangement direction, in particular, runs at least substantially parallel to the base plate.

[0005] The electrochemical device comprises at least one further receiving unit for receiving auxiliary units for operating the electrochemical units. Examples of auxiliary units include the aforementioned central fluid supply, the central reactant preparation, the central grid connection unit, or the like. The receiving unit and the further receiving unit are preferably arranged next to one another along a lateral direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction. In particular, the auxiliary units are arranged one behind the other in a further arrangement direction at least substantially parallel to the arrangement direction. A direction perpendicular to the lateral direction and the arrangement direction is referred to as the height direction. The height direction is preferably perpendicular to the base plate.The electrochemical device is preferably intended to be operated with the height direction at least substantially perpendicular to a substrate, in particular at least substantially parallel to the vertical.

[0006] The central product discharge line is preferably provided to collect the product from all electrochemical units arranged and in operation in the receiving unit and to remove it from the electrochemical device. An outlet of the central product discharge line is preferably fluidically connected to a product transfer unit of the electrochemical device. The product transfer unit can, for example, comprise a chimney for discharging the product to the environment, a feed unit for feeding the product into an external distribution network and / or storage system, or a filling station for filling the product into transport and / or storage containers. The central product discharge line is preferably designed for product temperatures of more than 100°C, preferably more than 200°C, particularly preferably more than 300°C, in particular for continuous operation at these temperatures.The central product discharge line can be designed as a pipe or shaft. The central product discharge line can be made of metal or a high-performance plastic that is dimensionally stable up to the above-mentioned temperatures. The central product discharge line is preferably straight. In particular, a geometric centerline, in particular a cylinder axis, of the central product discharge line runs at least substantially parallel to a plane spanned by the arrangement direction and the height direction.

[0007] The central product discharge line preferably has a base region and a connection region in the vertical direction. The base region is preferably oriented facing the base plate, in particular the receiving unit and / or the further receiving unit. The connection region is preferably arranged facing away from the base plate, in particular the receiving unit and / or the further receiving unit. The condensate collection region is preferably formed by the base region. In a cross-section perpendicular to the geometric center line of the central product discharge line, the base region preferably has a profile that runs transversely to the lateral direction and / or is curved in order to guide condensate within the central product discharge line. The product discharge line is particularly preferably circular-cylindrical. Alternatively, only the base region, in particular only an inner wall of the base region, has a slope or curvature.

[0008] The product connection unit is preferably arranged in the connection region. The base region preferably has a maximum extension of at least 5 mm, preferably of at least 7 mm, particularly preferably of at least 10 mm, parallel to the height direction. The base region preferably has a maximum extension of less than 100 mm, preferably of less than 75 mm, particularly preferably of less than 50 mm, parallel to the height direction. In particular, with respect to the height direction, a furthest point of an inner wall of the base region is more than 10 mm, preferably more than 15 mm, particularly preferably more than 20 mm away from a lower edge of at least one, in particular each, product connection element of the product connection unit. The product connection unit preferably comprises at least one, preferably exactly one, product connection element for each electrochemical unit to be arranged in the receiving unit, in particular for each compartment.-The product connection element is preferably formed in one piece with the product discharge line or is integrally connected to the product discharge line.

[0009] "Intended" should be understood in particular to mean specially programmed, designed and / or equipped. The fact that an object is intended for a specific function should be understood in particular to mean that the object fulfills and / or performs this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state. "Substantially parallel" should be understood here in particular to mean an alignment of a direction relative to a reference direction, in particular in a plane, wherein the direction has a deviation from the reference direction of in particular less than 5°, advantageously less than 3° and particularly advantageously less than 1.5°.The expression “substantially perpendicular” is intended here to define in particular an orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, wherein the direction and the reference direction, in particular viewed in a projection plane, enclose an angle of 90° and the angle has a maximum deviation of in particular less than 5°, advantageously less than 3° and particularly advantageously less than 1.5°.

[0010] By means of the design according to the invention, the risk and / or extent of backflow of condensate arising in the central product discharge line through the product connection unit into the electrochemical units can be advantageously kept small.

[0011] It is further proposed that the central product discharge line be aligned at least virtually parallel to the arrangement direction of the receiving unit. Particularly preferably, for operation of the electrochemical device, the central product discharge line is provided so as to be arranged with its geometric center line aligned at least substantially parallel to the horizontal. The geometric center line of the central product discharge line is preferably aligned at least virtually parallel to the base plate. Preferably, at least two, in particular all, product connection elements of the product connection unit are at least substantially the same distance from the receiving unit, in particular within the scope of a manufacturing and assembly tolerance of the electrochemical device."Almost parallel" is to be understood here in particular as an alignment of a direction relative to a reference direction, in particular in a plane, wherein the direction has a deviation from the reference direction, in particular less than 1°, advantageously less than 0.75°, and particularly advantageously less than 0.5°. Alternatively, the central product discharge line is at most substantially parallel to the arrangement direction, in particular the base plate, and in particular has an angle different from 0° to the arrangement direction, in particular the base plate. Due to the design according to the invention, a maximum vertical extension of the electrochemical device in the vertical direction can advantageously be kept low.

[0012] It is further proposed that at least one, in particular each, product connection element of the product connection unit is arranged at least substantially centrally between the floor region and a ceiling region of the central product discharge line. The ceiling region is preferably the section of the connection region furthest away from the floor region and in particular has the same size as the floor region. A maximum vertical extent of at least one, in particular each, product connection element of the product connection unit in the vertical direction is preferably smaller than a maximum vertical extent of the central product discharge line in the vertical direction. A maximum vertical extent in the vertical direction is preferably delimited in each case by an upper end point and a lower end point.Preferably, a distance of an upper end point of at least one, in particular each, of the product elements from an upper end point of the central product discharge line is at least substantially the same as a distance of a lower end point of this product element from a lower end point of the central product discharge line. The term “two distances are equal” should preferably be understood to mean that the distances differ from one another by less than 50%, preferably by less than 25%, in particular by less than 15%. Preferably, a connection center line of the at least one, in particular each, product connection element runs at least substantially perpendicular to the height direction. Preferably, the connection center line of the at least one, in particular each, product connection element runs at least substantially parallel to the lateral direction.Alternatively, the connection center line of at least one, in particular each, product connection element runs transversely to the vertical direction and / or the lateral direction. The design according to the invention allows the condensate collection area to be advantageously designed to be voluminous.

[0013] It is further proposed that the electrochemical device have at least one, in particular the aforementioned, further receiving unit for receiving auxiliary units for operating the electrochemical units, wherein the receiving unit and the further receiving unit are arranged next to one another along a lateral direction, in particular the aforementioned one, perpendicular to the arrangement direction, and the further receiving unit and the central product discharge line are arranged one above the other in a vertical direction, in particular the aforementioned one, perpendicular to the arrangement direction and the lateral direction. Alternatively, the central product discharge line and the receiving unit are arranged one above the other in the vertical direction.The inventive design advantageously provides a great deal of flexibility above the receiving unit for connecting or disconnecting the electrochemical units to the central product discharge line. In particular, the product connection unit can be designed and installed in a simple manner. In particular, maintenance work can be carried out easily and quickly.

[0014] It is further proposed that the product connection unit, in particular for each product connection element, comprise at least one bending piece to connect at least one of the electrochemical units to the central product discharge line. The bending piece is particularly preferably designed as a 90° bending piece. The product connection unit is preferably designed to be connected to a product outlet of one of the electrochemical units, which protrudes vertically from a housing of the electrochemical unit. The product connection unit preferably comprises an L-shaped assembly, which encompasses the bending piece or is formed by it, in order to connect one product connection element to each electrochemical unit.A connecting piece of the product connection unit from the bent piece to the product connection element and / or an arm of the bent piece are preferably aligned at least substantially, preferably almost, parallel to the lateral direction, in particular to the base plate. Optionally, the connecting piece and / or the arm has a small angle between 0° and 5° with the lateral direction in the direction of the height direction, wherein the bent piece is further away from the base region in the height direction than the associated product connection element, so that a backflow of condensate through the bent piece is advantageously further impeded. The design according to the invention makes it possible to achieve an advantageously simple and stable product connection unit.

[0015] It is further proposed that the product connection unit, in particular for each product connection element, comprise at least one fabric compensator to connect at least one of the electrochemical units to the central product discharge line. The fabric compensator is preferably arranged upstream of the bending piece, in particular on the bending piece. The fabric compensator is preferably provided for direct connection to the product outlet of one of the electrochemical units. The inventive design advantageously minimizes vibration transmission to any condensate present in the central product discharge line and the risk of overflow.

[0016] It is further proposed that the central product discharge line comprise a drainage interface in the condensate collection region. The drainage interface is preferably arranged at the lower end of the central product discharge line in relation to the vertical direction. The drainage interface preferably comprises at least one opening through the bottom region of the central product discharge line. The electrochemical device preferably comprises a condensate collection channel for discharging the condensate escaping through the drainage interface. The electrochemical device comprises, for example, a siphon connected to the drainage interface to prevent the product, in particular the gaseous product, from escaping through the drainage interface.The central product discharge line preferably comprises a plurality of drainage interfaces, which are arranged in the condensate collection area, in particular distributed in a direction parallel to the geometric center line. The inventive design advantageously allows the maximum total amount of condensate in the central product discharge line to be kept low. In particular, an increase in the condensate level within the central product discharge line up to the product connection unit can be advantageously and reliably prevented.

[0017] It is further proposed that the electrochemical device comprises a fluid connection unit which comprises at least the majority of all fluid connections necessary for operation of the electrochemical units, including an outlet of the central product discharge line, wherein the fluid connection unit is arranged entirely on a single side of the receiving unit. The fluid connection unit preferably comprises an educt inlet for admitting an educt, in particular the fuel or an electrolysis educt, into the electrochemical device. The fluid connection unit comprises, for example, at least one further educt inlet for admitting an alternative educt, in particular an alternative fuel. For example, the fuel comprises hydrogen, methane and / or ammonia. For example, the alternative fuel predominantly comprises hydrogen, in particular pure hydrogen.For example, the fluid connection unit comprises a flushing fluid inlet for flushing the electrochemical device with an inert fluid, in particular nitrogen. The product transfer unit is preferably connected to the fluid connection unit or formed as part of the fluid connection unit. The fluid connection unit is preferably arranged at a longitudinal end of the electrochemical device relative to the arrangement direction. In particular, the fluid connection unit is arranged on a housing wall of the electrochemical device, which extends in a plane spanned by the lateral direction and the height direction.Due to the design according to the invention, the electrochemical device can advantageously be connected to a common fluid supply in a space-saving manner with several, in particular identical, electrochemical devices, and an advantageously simple, efficiently scalable electrochemical system can be realized.

[0018] Furthermore, an electrochemical system with at least one electrochemical device according to the invention and with at least one electrochemical unit arranged in the receiving unit is proposed. The electrochemical system preferably comprises a plurality of electrochemical units arranged in the receiving unit. The electrochemical units are preferably connected to the central product discharge line. In a configuration with a plurality of electrochemical devices, the electrochemical system preferably comprises a central fluid distribution system to which the electrochemical devices are connected with their respective fluid connection units.The design according to the invention makes it possible to provide an advantageously compact, particularly with respect to the height direction, flat electrochemical system, which can be operated in an advantageously reliable and low-wear manner due to an advantageously low condensate return flow rate.

[0019] The electrochemical device and / or the electrochemical system according to the invention should not be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the electrochemical device and / or the electrochemical system according to the invention can have a number of individual elements, components, and units that differs from the number stated herein to fulfill a functionality described herein. Furthermore, in the value ranges specified in this disclosure, values ​​within the stated limits are also to be considered disclosed and can be used arbitrarily. Drawings

[0020] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Those skilled in the art will also expediently consider the features individually and combine them into useful further combinations.

[0021] They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an electrochemical system according to the invention, Fig. 2 shows a further schematic representation of the electrochemical system according to the invention in a direction angled by 90° to the Fig. 1 rotated perspective and Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a fluidic interconnection of several electrochemical devices of the electrochemical system according to the invention. Description of the embodiment

[0022] Fig. 1 shows an electrochemical system 42. The electrochemical system 42 comprises at least one electrochemical device 10. The electrochemical system 42 comprises at least one electrochemical unit 14. The electrochemical system 42 preferably comprises at least one, here by way of example five, further electrochemical units 16.

[0023] The electrochemical device 10 preferably comprises a mounting unit 48, in particular a housing. The mounting unit 48 preferably comprises at least one base plate 50. The base plate 50 is preferably intended for setting up the electrochemical system 42 on a substrate. The mounting unit 48 optionally comprises feet, in particular adjustable feet, for an at least substantially parallel alignment of the base plate 50 to the horizontal. If the mounting unit 48 is designed as a housing, this is designed, for example, as a large-capacity container, in particular a sea freight container, preferably as an ISO container. Alternatively, the mounting unit 48 is intended for arranging the electrochemical device 10 in a closed space, for example a building or a ship.

[0024] The electrochemical device 10 comprises at least one receiving unit 12. The electrochemical units 14, 16 are arranged in the receiving unit 12. The base plate 50 preferably forms a base surface of the receiving unit 12, on which the electrochemical units 14, 16 are arranged. The electrochemical units 14, 16 are arranged one behind the other along an arrangement direction 18 of the receiving unit 12. The arrangement direction 18 preferably runs at least substantially parallel to the base plate 50. The electrochemical device 10 preferably has its greatest longitudinal extent parallel to the arrangement direction 18. The receiving unit 12 preferably comprises unit connections 52 for a fluidic, electrical, and / or data connection of the electrochemical units 14, 16 arranged in the receiving unit 12.

[0025] The electrochemical units 14, 16 preferably each comprise a plurality of electrochemical cells interconnected for common operation, an internal current transformer connected to the electrochemical cells, and fluid peripheral devices for internal handling of process fluids. The electrochemical cells are provided for the electrochemical conversion of at least one reactant into at least one product. The fluid peripheral devices include, for example, fans for conveying the at least one reactant, internal heat exchangers for transferring heat from the at least one product to the at least one reactant, a reactant pretreatment unit, for example a reformer, a product post-treatment unit, for example an afterburner, a start-up heater for bringing the electrochemical cells to a specified operating temperature, or the like.The electrochemical cells, the internal current transformer, and the fluid peripheral devices are preferably arranged in a common unit housing of the respective electrochemical unit 14, 16. The unit housing preferably has at least one reactant inlet, at least one product outlet, and at least one electrical power connection. The electrochemical units 14, 16 can preferably be operated independently of one another, in particular modulated. The electrochemical units 14, 16 preferably each have a nominal electrical power of at least 10 kW, preferably at least 15 kW. When fully equipped with electrochemical units 14, 16, the electrochemical system 42 preferably has a nominal electrical power of at least 100 kW.

[0026] The electrochemical units 14, 16 are embodied, for example, as fuel cell units, in particular as solid oxide fuel cell units. The electrochemical units 14, 16 preferably each comprise at least one fuel inlet and at least one air inlet as reactant inlets. The electrochemical units 14, 16 preferably each comprise at least one, in particular exactly one, product outlet for discharging a fuel exhaust gas-air exhaust gas mixture, which has been post-treated, in particular, by the afterburner. The unit connections 52 preferably comprise at least one air connection 54 and one fuel connection 56 per electrochemical unit 14, 16. The unit connections 52 are arranged on a side of the electrochemical units 14, 16 opposite the base plate 50, in particular above it, relative to a height direction 36 perpendicular to the arrangement direction 18.The electrochemical device 10 preferably comprises a central fuel supply, to which the fuel inlets of the electrochemical units 14, 16 are connected, in particular in parallel. The electrochemical device 10 preferably comprises at least one air intake 58, here, for example, a central one, to which the air inlets of the electrochemical units 14, 16 are connected, in particular in parallel. Alternatively, the air inlets of the electrochemical units 14, 16 are configured for individual air intake.

[0027] The electrochemical device 10 comprises a central product discharge line 20 for discharging the at least one product from the electrochemical units 14, 16. The electrochemical device 10 comprises at least one product connection unit 21 for feeding the product into the central product discharge line 20. The product connection unit 21 is preferably connected to the product outlets of the electrochemical units 14, 16. The central product discharge line 20 preferably extends over at least 50%, in particular at least 75%, of a maximum extent of the receiving unit 12 in the direction of the arrangement direction 18.The product connection unit 21 preferably comprises a product connection element 22, 24 for each of the electrochemical units 14, 16, wherein the product connection elements 22, 24 are arranged distributed over a longitudinal extent of the central product discharge line 20 in the direction of the arrangement direction 18, in particular at regular intervals. The central product discharge line 20 is preferably connected downstream of the product connection unit 21 to a product heat exchanger 60 for recovering heat from the product. The product heat exchanger 60 is provided, for example, for transferring the heat to a heating circuit of the electrochemical device 10 and / or for preheating the at least one reactant before transfer to the electrochemical units 14, 16. The product discharge line 20 is preferably connected to a product transfer unit 62, which is preferably arranged downstream of the product heat exchanger 60.When the electrochemical units 14, 16 are designed as fuel cell units, the product transfer unit 62 comprises, for example, a chimney for releasing the product into the environment.

[0028] The central product discharge line 20 is particularly preferably circular-cylindrical. The central product discharge line 20 preferably has an inner diameter of more than 100 mm, preferably of at least 300 mm, and preferably of less than 600 mm. The central product discharge line 20 preferably comprises, along the height direction 36, a base region 26 facing the base plate 50 and a ceiling region 28 oriented away from the base plate 50. At least one, in particular each, product connection element 22, 24 of the product connection unit 21 is arranged on the central product discharge line 20 at a distance from a condensate collection region of the central product discharge line 20. The product connection elements 22, 24 are preferably arranged above the base region 26 with respect to the height direction 36. The condensate collection region is preferably formed by the base region 26.The base region 26 preferably has a maximum height extension of more than 5 mm, in particular more than 10 mm, along the height direction 36, and preferably has a maximum height extension of less than 50 mm, in particular less than 25 mm. The product connection elements 22, 24 can, for example, be designed as a mere opening through a wall, in particular a lateral surface, of the central product discharge line 20, or can additionally form a nozzle, a flange, or the like at this opening. A lower edge of the opening of one of the product connection elements 22, 24 is preferably arranged above the base region 26 with respect to the height direction 36, or directly at an upper end plane of the base region 26.The terms "top" and "bottom" preferably always refer to the vertical direction 36, which is preferably at least substantially perpendicular to the base plate 50, wherein "bottom" means toward the base plate 50 or closer to the base plate 50, and "top" means directed away from the base plate 50 or further away from the base plate 50. The electrochemical device 10 is preferably intended to be operated with the vertical direction 36 aligned at least substantially parallel to the vertical. The base region 26 forms, in particular, a channel in which condensate, in particular water, of the product can collect without flowing back through the product connection unit 21 to the electrochemical units 14, 16.The central product discharge line 20 comprises at least one drainage interface in the condensate collection area to remove the condensate from the central product discharge line 20, for example via a siphon connected to the drainage interface and / or via a collecting channel outside the central product discharge line 20.

[0029] The central product discharge line 20 is oriented at least almost parallel to the arrangement direction 18 of the receiving unit 12, in particular at least with respect to an angle starting from the arrangement direction 18 in the direction of the height direction 36. Preferably, the central product discharge line 20 is oriented, in particular also with respect to an angle starting from the arrangement direction 18 in the direction of a lateral direction 34 perpendicular to the height direction 36 and the arrangement direction 18 (cf. Fig. 2) aligned at least substantially, in particular almost, parallel to the arrangement direction 18. An alignment of the central product discharge line 20 preferably refers to an alignment of a geometric center line, in particular a cylinder axis, of the central product discharge line 20. Preferably, all product connection elements 22, 24 are at the same distance from the base plate 50.

[0030] Fig. 2 shows the electrochemical system 42 viewed along the arrangement direction 18. The product connection elements 22, 24 are arranged at least substantially centrally between the condensate collection area, i.e., the floor area 26, and the ceiling area 28 of the central product discharge line 20. In particular, the geometric center line, in particular the cylinder axis, of the product discharge line 20 and a geometric center line of the product connection elements 22, 24 lie in a plane, in particular at least substantially perpendicular to the height direction 36.

[0031] The electrochemical device 10 comprises at least one further receiving unit 30 for receiving auxiliary units 32. The auxiliary units 32 are provided for operating the electrochemical units 14, 16. Due to perspective reasons, only one auxiliary unit 32 is visible here; for further details regarding the auxiliary units 32, please refer to Fig. 3. The receiving unit 12 and the further receiving unit 30 are arranged next to one another along the lateral direction 34. Preferably, the base plate 50 forms a support surface for the further receiving unit 30, which is connected, in particular in a stepless manner, to the support surface of the receiving unit 30.

[0032] The central product discharge line 20 is arranged in the vertical direction 36 above the further receiving unit 30. In particular, the central product discharge line 20 is arranged offset in the lateral direction 34 relative to the receiving unit 12, so that a plane perpendicular to the lateral direction 34 can be arranged without any intersection point between the receiving unit 12 and the central product discharge line 20.

[0033] The product connection unit 21 comprises, in particular for each product connection element 22, 24, at least one 90° bend 44, 46 to connect one of the product outlets of the electrochemical units 14, 16 to the central product discharge line 20. A connecting piece between the bend 44 and the central product discharge line 20 preferably runs at least substantially perpendicular to the vertical direction 36. The product connection unit 21 comprises, in particular for each product connection element 22, 24, at least one fabric compensator 38, in particular on the bend 44, to connect at least one of the electrochemical units 14, 16 to the central product discharge line 20.

[0034] Fig. 3 shows a compact arrangement of the electrochemical device 10 with at least one, here by way of example three, further electrochemical devices 10', 10" in a viewing direction along the height direction 36.

[0035] For example, the electrochemical device 10 comprises at least one central reactant pretreatment unit 64, in particular a desulfurizer, as an auxiliary unit 32. For example, the electrochemical device 10 comprises at least one further central reactant pretreatment unit 66, in particular for pressurizing the reactant and / or for feeding steam into the reactant, as an auxiliary unit 32. For example, the electrochemical device 10 comprises at least one central control or regulating unit 68, in particular for controlling the electrochemical units 14, 16, as an auxiliary unit 32. For example, the electrochemical device 10 comprises at least one central storage unit 70 for storing electrical energy as an auxiliary unit 32. For example, the electrochemical device 10 comprises at least one grid connection unit 72 for connecting the electrochemical device 10 to an external power grid as an auxiliary unit 32.

[0036] The electrochemical device 10 preferably comprises a fluid connection unit 40, which comprises at least the majority of all fluid connections necessary for operation of the electrochemical units 14, 16, including an outlet of the central product discharge line 20. The fluid connection unit 40 is arranged entirely on a single side of the receiving unit 12, in particular at one end of the electrochemical device 10 in the arrangement direction 18. An end of the electrochemical device 10 opposite the fluid connection unit 40 along the arrangement direction 18 is preferably designed as a connecting wall 76, in particular a planar one, which is particularly preferably free of connections.

[0037] The electrochemical devices 10, 10', 10" are preferably connected to a central fluid distribution system 74 of the electrochemical system 42 by means of their respective fluid connection units 40, 40', 40". Preferably, two of the electrochemical devices 10, 10' are arranged with their fluid connection units 40, 40' facing each other, in particular enclosing a section of the central fluid distribution system 74 between them. Preferably, two of the electrochemical devices 10', 10" are arranged with their respective connecting walls 76', 76" facing each other and in particular in direct contact with each other.

Claims

[1] Electrochemical device (10) with at least one receiving unit (12) for arranging a plurality of electrochemical units (14, 16) along an arrangement direction (18), with at least one central product discharge line (20) for discharging at least one product of the electrochemical units (14, 16) and with at least one product connection unit (21) for feeding the product into the central product discharge line (20), characterized by that at least one, in particular each, product connection element (22, 24) of the product connection unit (21) is arranged on the central product discharge line (20) at a distance from a condensate collecting area of ​​the central product discharge line (20). [2] Electrochemical device (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the central product discharge line (20) is aligned at least almost parallel to the arrangement direction (18) of the receiving unit (12). [3] Electrochemical device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the at least one, in particular each, product connection element (22, 24) is arranged at least substantially centrally between the condensate collection area and a ceiling area (28) of the central product discharge line (20). [4] Electrochemical device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one further receiving unit (30) for receiving auxiliary units (32) for operating the electrochemical units (14, 16), wherein the receiving unit (12) and the further receiving unit (30) are arranged next to one another along a lateral direction (34) perpendicular to the arrangement direction (18), and the further receiving unit (30) and the central product discharge line (20) are arranged one above the other in a height direction (36) perpendicular to the arrangement direction (18) and the lateral direction (34). [5] Electrochemical device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the product connection unit (21), in particular for each product connection element (22, 24), comprises at least one bending piece (44, 46) in order to connect at least one of the electrochemical units (14, 16) to the central product discharge line (20). [6] Electrochemical device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the product connection unit (21), in particular for each product connection element (22, 24), comprises at least one fabric compensator (38) in order to connect at least one of the electrochemical units (14, 16) to the central product discharge line (20). [7] Electrochemical device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the central product discharge line (20) comprises a drainage interface in the condensate collection area. [8] Electrochemical device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a fluid connection unit (40) which comprises at least the majority of all fluid connections necessary for operation of the electrochemical units (14, 16), including an outlet of the central product discharge line (20), wherein the fluid connection unit (40) is arranged entirely on a single side of the receiving unit (12). [9] Electrochemical system (42) with at least one electrochemical device (10) according to one of the preceding claims and with at least one electrochemical unit (14, 16) arranged in the receiving unit (12).

Images