Electrochemical system with improved topology

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrochemical system (10), in particular a fuel cell system (12), comprising a plurality of electrochemical devices (14), in particular fuel cell devices (16), and a plurality of functional units (18). It is proposed to arrange the electrochemical devices (14) and at least one, in particular at least two, of the functional units (18) on a substructure (22), in particular designed as a base plate (20), wherein a support structure (26) is to project from the substructure (22), extending substantially along a longitudinal plane of the electrochemical system (10).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrochemical system, in particular a fuel cell system, comprising a plurality of electrochemical devices, in particular fuel cell devices, and a plurality of functional units. State of the art

[0002] Electrochemical systems, such as fuel cell systems, are already known that feature a variety of fuel cell devices and a variety of functional units. Disclosure of the invention

[0003] In contrast, the present electrochemical system, in particular the fuel cell system, has the advantage that the electrochemical devices and at least one, and in particular at least two, of the functional units are arranged on a substructure, in particular designed as a base plate, wherein a support structure projects from the substructure, extending essentially along a longitudinal plane of the electrochemical system. This allows the center of gravity of the electrochemical system to be advantageously located in a lower region of the overall arrangement of the electrochemical system, which in turn further simplifies the setup and / or transport of the electrochemical system. Moreover, this increases the stability of the overall arrangement of the electrochemical system, which again makes the setup and / or transport of the electrochemical system safer.

[0004] Furthermore, advantageous modifications of the electrochemical system, particularly the fuel cell system, are possible. For example, it is beneficial if the substructure is at least substantially rectangular. This can further simplify the setup and / or transport of the electrochemical system.

[0005] It is also advantageous if the supporting structure is designed like a parapet and / or wall. This allows for a simple and space-saving design.

[0006] It is also advantageous if the support structure has recesses. This saves material, which in turn helps to keep costs down.

[0007] It is also advantageous if the electrochemical devices are arranged on one side, extending from the vertical longitudinal plane of the electrochemical system and / or the support structure, and the functional units are arranged on a second side, extending from the vertical longitudinal plane of the electrochemical system and / or the support structure. This allows the center of gravity of the electrochemical system to be advantageously located in a central area of ​​the overall system arrangement, which in turn simplifies setup and / or transport of the electrochemical system.

[0008] It is also advantageous if a media routing, particularly a central one, is arranged above the electrochemical devices and / or functional units. This facilitates access to the electrochemical devices and functional units, thereby increasing ease of maintenance.

[0009] It is particularly advantageous if the media routing, especially the central routing, is arranged largely from the vertical longitudinal plane of the electrochemical system and / or the support structure on the second side, particularly above the functional units. This allows, firstly, the center of gravity of the electrochemical system to be advantageously located in the central area of ​​the overall system arrangement, and secondly, enables a space-saving arrangement of the media routing.

[0010] It is also advantageous if a load-bearing frame for cabling is attached, at least partially, to the substructure and / or the support structure, particularly the primary frame. This allows for space-saving cabling.

[0011] It is also advantageous if at least a second, and preferably a second, load-bearing frame for a media routing system, particularly a central one, is attached to the substructure and / or the support structure. This allows for a space-saving and stable arrangement of the media routing.

[0012] It is also advantageous if the substructure is equipped with fastening devices for a lifting machine, especially a crane. This simplifies the transport, and in particular the charging, of the electrochemical system.

[0013] In the context of the present invention, an "electrochemical device" can be understood to mean, in particular, a device designed to convert chemical energy into electrical energy or vice versa. An electrochemical device can, for example, be a fuel cell device, which in particular enables the conversion of a fuel, e.g., hydrogen, into electrical energy, or an electrolysis cell device, which in particular enables the conversion of electrical energy into chemical energy, preferably for storage.

[0014] In the present context, an "electrochemical system" can be understood to mean, in particular, a system comprising a multitude of electrochemical devices. Similarly, an "electrochemical system" can also be understood to mean, in particular, a system designed to convert chemical energy into electrical energy or vice versa, especially with the aid of a multitude of electrochemical devices. For example, an electrochemical system can be a fuel cell system, which, especially with the aid of a multitude of fuel cell devices, enables the conversion of a fuel, e.g., hydrogen, into electrical energy, or an electrolysis cell system, which, especially with the aid of a multitude of electrolysis cell devices, enables the conversion of electrical energy into chemical energy, preferably for storage.In particular, an electrochemical system typically has at least one central unit, such as a central control unit, which coordinates the operation of a large number of electrochemical devices, preferably to maximize the overall efficiency of the electrochemical system.

[0015] In the context of the present invention, a "functional unit" shall be understood to mean, in particular, a component or subsystem of the electrochemical system that performs a specific function or task during the normal operation of the electrochemical system, especially in the context of the generation and / or conversion of energy by the electrochemical system. This functional unit may comprise a combination of materials, components, and processes that contribute to the efficient operation of the electrochemical system.

[0016] In the context of the present invention, a "vertical longitudinal plane" is understood to be, in particular, an imaginary plane extending in a vertical direction and encompassing the longitudinal axis of an object or arrangement. Specifically, the vertical longitudinal plane divides the object or arrangement into two halves. Accordingly, in the context of the present invention, a first side of an object or arrangement, with respect to a vertical longitudinal plane, can be understood as a first half of the object or arrangement, while a second side of the object or arrangement, with respect to the same longitudinal plane, can be understood as a second half of the object or arrangement.

[0017] In the context of the present invention, a “longitudinal axis” of an object or arrangement shall in particular be understood to be an axis which is parallel to a longest edge of a smallest imaginary cuboid which just completely encloses the object or arrangement, and in particular passes through the center of the cuboid.

[0018] In the context of the present invention, a “longitudinal end” shall be understood in particular to mean an end of an object or arrangement with respect to the extension of its longitudinal axis.

[0019] In the context of the present invention, a "transverse side" shall be understood in particular to mean the smallest side surface of a smallest imaginary cuboid which just barely encloses the object or arrangement completely and which runs perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0020] In the context of the present invention, a "fluid unit" is understood to mean, in particular, a functional unit comprising pneumatic and / or hydraulic components. Accordingly, a fluid unit can be a hydraulic unit, a pneumatic unit, or a combination of a hydraulic and a pneumatic unit. In particular, the fluid unit is intended to perform fluidic (hydraulic and / or pneumatic) functions or tasks for the operation of the electrochemical system. Preferably, the fluid unit is intended to prepare, treat, and / or utilize media such as natural gas and / or water for the operation of the electrochemical system.

[0021] In the context of the present invention, an "electrical unit" shall be understood to mean, in particular, a functional unit comprising electrical components, circuits and / or modules. Specifically, the electrical unit is intended to perform electrical functions or tasks for the operation of the electrochemical system.

[0022] In the context of the invention, the term "essentially" is to be understood in particular as meaning that a condition or property to which the term refers is present or fulfilled in its fundamental or important aspects or characteristics, but possibly not in all details or with perfect accuracy. In particular, the term indicates that, although there may be some minor tolerances, deviations, variations, or imperfections, the condition or property is nevertheless present. In particular, the term indicates that a close approximation to the condition or property has been achieved, even if it is not 100% perfect or exact. In particular, the term indicates that the condition or property has been achieved to at least 90%, preferably at least 95%. Drawings

[0023] The drawings show various partial representations of an exemplary embodiment of an electrochemical system for illustrative purposes and are explained in more detail in the following description. They show Fig. 1 a schematic top view of the embodiment of the electrochemical system in a partial representation with a substructure, a support structure, supporting frame, a plurality of electrochemical devices, a plurality of functional units, an interface arrangement and a media guide; Fig. 2 a schematic side view of a first side of the embodiment of the electrochemical system in a partial representation with a substructure, a support structure, supporting frame, a plurality of electrochemical devices, a plurality of functional units, an interface arrangement and a media guide; Fig. 3 a schematic side view of a second side of the embodiment of the electrochemical system in a partial representation with a substructure, a support structure, supporting frame, a plurality of electrochemical devices, a plurality of functional units, an interface arrangement and a media guide; Fig. 4 a schematic top view of the embodiment of the electrochemical system in a partial representation with a substructure, a plurality of electrochemical devices, a plurality of functional units and an interface arrangement; Fig. 5 a schematic side view of a first side of the embodiment of the electrochemical system in a partial representation with a substructure, a plurality of electrochemical devices, a plurality of functional units and an interface arrangement; Fig. 6 a schematic side view of a second side of the embodiment of the electrochemical system in a partial representation with a substructure, a plurality of electrochemical devices, a plurality of functional units and an interface arrangement; Fig. 7 a schematic top view of the embodiment of the electrochemical system in a partial representation with a substructure, a support structure and supporting frame; Fig. 8 a schematic side view of a first side of the embodiment of the electrochemical system in a partial representation with a substructure, a support structure, supporting frame and supporting frame; Fig. 9 a schematic side view of a second side of the embodiment of the electrochemical system in a partial representation with a substructure, a support structure, and supporting frame. Description of the exemplary implementations

[0024] The figures show various partial representations of an embodiment of an electrochemical system 10, in this case a fuel cell system 12, to illustrate the invention. In the embodiment shown, the electrochemical system 10, or the fuel cell system 12, comprises a plurality of electrochemical devices 14, in this case fuel cell devices 16, and a plurality of functional units 18.

[0025] As shown in the exemplary embodiment, the electrochemical devices 14 and at least one, in the illustrated case two, of the functional units 18 are arranged on a substructure 22, in this case designed as a base plate 20. This allows the center of gravity of the electrochemical system 10 to be advantageously located in a lower region 24 of the overall arrangement of the electrochemical system 10, which in turn simplifies the setup and / or transport of the electrochemical system 10.

[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, a support structure 26 protrudes from the substructure 22, extending essentially along a longitudinal plane L of the electrochemical system 10. This increases the stability of the overall arrangement, in this case the substructure and thus also the overall arrangement of the electrochemical system 10, which in turn makes the setup and / or transport of the electrochemical system 10 safer.

[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, the substructure 22 is rectangular. This further simplifies the setup and / or transport of the electrochemical system 10.

[0028] The supporting structure 26, in turn, is designed in the form of a parapet and / or wall in the case shown. This allows for a simple and space-saving design.

[0029] Furthermore, the support structure 26 in the illustrated embodiment has recesses 28. This allows material to be saved, which in turn helps to keep costs down.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, a load-bearing frame 30, in this case a first load-bearing frame 32, is attached to, or rather mounted on, the support structure 28. This allows for space-saving cabling (which is not shown in detail here for the sake of clarity).

[0031] Alternatively, it would also be possible for the load-bearing frame 30, or the first load-bearing frame 32, to be attached to, or on, the substructure. It would also be possible for the load-bearing frame 30, or the first load-bearing frame 32, to be attached to, or on, both the support structure 28 and the substructure 22.

[0032] In the case shown, the supporting frame 30, in this instance the first supporting frame 32, forms a receptacle for the cabling. This allows for a particularly space-saving design.

[0033] On or onto the supporting frame 30, in this case on or onto the first supporting frame 32, a second supporting frame 34 is attached or mounted for a media guide 36, which is central in this case. Simultaneously, this supporting frame 30, or this second supporting frame 34, is attached or mounted on the substructure 22. This enables a space-saving and stable arrangement of the media guide 36.

[0034] Alternatively, it would also be possible that the load-bearing frame 30, in this case the second load-bearing frame 34, is at least partially attached directly to or mounted on the support structure 28. It is also possible that the load-bearing frame 30, in this case the second load-bearing frame 34, is attached or mounted exclusively to or mounted on the support structure 26, exclusively to or mounted on the first load-bearing frame 32, or exclusively to or mounted on the substructure 22.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the electrochemical devices 14 are arranged on a first side 40 starting from a vertical longitudinal plane of the electrochemical system 10, while the functional units 18 are arranged on a second side 42 starting from the same vertical longitudinal plane of the electrochemical system 10. This allows the center of gravity of the electrochemical system 10 to be advantageously located in a central region 44 of the overall arrangement of the electrochemical system 10, which in turn simplifies the setup and / or transport of the electrochemical system 10.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, an outer housing 46 is mounted on the substructure 22, or the base plate 20, which at least substantially surrounds the electrochemical devices 14 and the functional units 18. This allows the electrochemical system 10 to be installed and / or transported even in environments with adverse external influences, such as outdoors exposed to the elements or in rooms with high levels of dirt, while the components within the electrochemical system 10 remain protected. This also increases safety.

[0037] Alternatively, it is also possible that no outer casing 46 is attached to the substructure. This can save costs if the environment does not present any adverse influences.

[0038] Starting from the vertical longitudinal plane of the electrochemical system 10, in the illustrated embodiment an interface arrangement 48 is arranged on the second side 40, in this case at a longitudinal end 50, specifically on a transverse side 52, of the electrochemical system 10. This allows the interfaces for the components within the electrochemical system 10 to be grouped at one location, which in turn simplifies installation.

[0039] In this case, the interface arrangement 48 is attached to the outer housing 46; alternatively, it is also conceivable to attach the interface arrangement to another structure or component of the electrochemical system 10, such as the substructure 22, the support structure 26, a supporting frame 30, an electrochemical device 14 and / or a functional unit 18. This is particularly possible if no outer housing 46 is present.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the first of the functional units 18 is a fluid unit 54 and the second of the functional units 18 is an electronic unit 56. This allows hydraulic and electrical components to be arranged in a spatially bundled manner, which in turn improves assembly and ease of maintenance.

[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, a third of the functional units 18 is a heat exchanger 58, which in this case is central. This allows the extraction of thermal energy, or heat, to be spatially concentrated at one point in the electrochemical system 10.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid unit 54 is arranged downstream of the electrical unit 56, starting from the interface arrangement 48. This enables a simplified electrical connection, particularly with short cable runs, while at the same time allowing efficient use of the reduced component count of a fluid power connection, especially with longer pipe runs.

[0043] The central media guide 36 is arranged above the electrochemical devices 14 and / or the functional units 18 in the illustrated embodiment. This facilitates access to the electrochemical devices 14 and the functional units 18, thereby increasing ease of maintenance.

[0044] In the example shown, the media guide 36 is for media to be discharged from the electrochemical system 10, in this case, exhaust gas. Alternatively and / or additionally, it is also possible that media guide 36 and / or another (not shown) media guide is for media to be supplied to the electrochemical system 10, such as water or fuel (e.g., natural gas). However, for the sake of clarity in illustrating the topology, only media guide 36 for exhaust gas is shown here.

[0045] In the case shown, the media guide 36 is arranged largely from the vertical longitudinal plane of the electrochemical system 10 on the second side 42, in this case above the functional units 18. This allows, firstly, the center of gravity of the electrochemical system 10 to be advantageously located in the central region 44 of the overall arrangement of the electrochemical system 10, and secondly, enables a space-saving arrangement of the media guide 36.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the media guide 36 is attached to one of the supporting frames 30, in this case the second supporting frame 34. This enables a particularly stable arrangement of the media guide 36.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, one of the functional units 18, or the heat exchanger 58, is arranged directly on the media guide 36. This allows for efficient extraction of thermal energy, or heat, while simultaneously enabling a space-saving arrangement that also facilitates access to the electrochemical devices 14 and the functional units 18, thereby increasing ease of maintenance.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the heat exchanger 58 is attached to one of the supporting frames 30, in this case the second supporting frame 34. This allows for a stable arrangement.

[0049] Alternatively, it is also possible that the heat exchanger 58, possibly with its own construction, is attached to the substructure 22, to the support structure 26, to the outer housing 46, to an electrochemical device 14 and / or to a functional unit 18.

[0050] Finally, the substructure is equipped with 22 fastening devices 60 for a lifting machine, in particular a crane. This simplifies the transport, in particular the loading, of the electrochemical system 10.

Claims

[1] Electrochemical system (10), in particular fuel cell system (12), comprising - a plurality of electrochemical devices (14), in particular fuel cell devices (16), and - a variety of functional units (18), characterized by that the electrochemical devices (14) and at least one, in particular at least two, of the functional units (18) are arranged on a substructure (22), in particular designed as a base plate (20), wherein a support structure (26) protrudes from the substructure (22) and extends substantially along a longitudinal plane of the electrochemical system (10). [2] Electrochemical system (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the substructure (22) is at least substantially rectangular. [3] Electrochemical system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the supporting structure (26) is designed like a parapet and / or wall. [4] Electrochemical system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the support structure (26) has recesses (28). [5] Electrochemical system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the electrochemical devices (14) are arranged on a first side (40) starting from the vertical longitudinal plane of the electrochemical system (10) and / or the support structure (26) and the functional units (18) are arranged on a second side (42) starting from the vertical longitudinal plane of the electrochemical system (10) and / or the support structure (26). [6] Electrochemical system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, a, in particular central, media guide (36) is arranged above the electrochemical devices (14) and / or the functional units (18). [7] Electrochemical system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the, in particular central, media guide (36) is arranged for the most part starting from the vertical longitudinal plane of the electrochemical system (10) and / or the support structure (26) on the second side, in particular above the functional units (18). [8] Electrochemical system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a, in particular first, supporting frame (30, 32) for cabling is at least partially attached to the substructure (22) and / or to the support structure (26). [9] Electrochemical system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat a supporting frame (30, 32), in particular a second supporting frame, preferably attached to the first supporting frame (32), for a media guide (36), in particular a central one, is attached at least partially to the substructure (22) and / or to the support structure (26). [10] Electrochemical system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that fastening means (60) for a lifting machine, in particular a crane, are formed on the substructure (22).

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