Method for operating a fuel cell system, in particular SOFC fuel cell system

Abstract

The invention is based on a method for operating a fuel cell system (10), in particular an SOFC fuel cell system, having at least one fuel cell unit (12) which generates electrical energy from a gaseous medium in an energy generation step (34), and having at least one heating unit (16) and at least one control and regulating unit (20) by means of which operation of the fuel cell system (10) is regulated in an operating step (14), wherein the heating unit (16) heats the fuel cell unit (12) to an operating temperature in a starting step (18). It is proposed that in the at least one starting step (18) the control and regulation unit (20) adapts at least one parameter, in particular a time and / or power parameter, of the heating unit (16) depending on consumer parameters.

Description

State of the art

[0001] A method for operating a fuel cell system, in particular an SOFC fuel cell system, with at least one fuel cell unit which generates electrical energy from a gaseous medium in an energy generation step, and with at least one heating unit and with at least one control and regulating unit by means of which operation of the fuel cell system is regulated in an operating step, wherein the heating unit heats the fuel cell unit to an operating temperature in a starting step, has already been proposed. Disclosure of the invention

[0002] The invention is based on a method for operating a fuel cell system, in particular an SOFC fuel cell system, having at least one fuel cell unit which generates electrical energy from a gaseous medium in an energy generation step, and having at least one heating unit and at least one control and regulating unit by means of which operation of the fuel cell system is regulated in an operating step, wherein the heating unit heats the fuel cell unit to an operating temperature in a starting step.

[0003] It is proposed that in the at least one starting step, the control and regulation unit adapts at least one parameter, in particular a time and / or power parameter, of the heating unit depending on consumer parameters.

[0004] In this context, a “fuel cell system” should be understood to mean, in particular, a system that is configured to provide an energy system. The fuel cell system is preferably configured to provide an energy system that can be used and moved variably as a system. The fuel cell system preferably has at least one housing unit in which the fuel cell units and the heating unit are permanently installed. The fuel cell units and the heating unit are preferably installed in the housing unit so that they can be detachably removed using a tool. In this context, “detachable” should be understood to mean, in particular, “non-destructively separable”. “Configured” should be understood to mean, in particular, specially configured, specially programmed, specially designed and / or specially equipped.The fact that an object is configured for a specific function should be understood in particular to mean that the object fulfils and / or executes this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.

[0005] In this context, a “fuel cell unit” is to be understood in particular as a unit which is designed to generate electrical energy from a fuel. The fuel cell unit is preferably designed as an SOFC fuel cell unit, in particular a solid oxide fuel cell. The fuel cell unit is preferably designed to electrochemically generate electrical energy and heat from the chemical energy of an energy carrier. The fuel cell unit is preferably designed to generate electrical energy from a gaseous medium. The fuel cell unit is preferably designed to convert chemical reaction energy of a continuously supplied fuel and an oxidizing agent into electrical energy. For example, natural gas is used as the fuel and oxygen as the oxidizing agent.Alternatively, other fuels deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art, such as methanol, butane, ammonia, and / or hydrogen, are also conceivable. Preferably, in an energy generation step of the fuel cell unit, electrical energy is generated between an anode and a cathode. Preferably, the anode splits off the electrons from the fuel. Preferably, the electrons are conducted to the cathode via a connecting element.

[0006] In this context, a “heating unit” should be understood to mean, in particular, a unit which is configured to generate thermal energy. The heating unit is preferably configured to generate thermal energy and transfer it to a fuel cell unit. The heating unit is preferably provided to bring the heating unit, the fuel cell unit, to an operating temperature before or during regular operation, in particular independently of a fuel of the fuel cell unit, and / or to maintain the fuel cell unit at the operating temperature, in particular independently of a fuel of the fuel cell unit. The heating unit is preferably arranged in a close region of the fuel cell unit. It is also conceivable for the heating unit to be installed in a fuel cell unit.The heating unit is preferably configured to heat the fuel cell unit to an operating temperature in a start-up step. The heating unit is preferably designed as an electrical start-up heater. The heating unit is preferably configured to convert electrical energy into thermal energy. Alternatively and / or additionally, it is conceivable for the heating unit to be designed as a start-up burner. The start-up burner is preferably configured to generate thermal energy from a chemical energy carrier. In particular, the thermal output of the heating element is a maximum of 200% of the rated electrical output of the fuel cell system.

[0007] A “control and regulating unit” should be understood in particular to mean a unit with at least one control electronics unit. A “control electronics unit” should be understood in particular to mean a unit with a processor unit and with a memory unit as well as with an operating program stored in the memory unit. The control and regulating unit is preferably configured to adapt the operation of the fuel cell system in an operating step. The control and regulating unit is preferably configured to adapt a time and / or power parameter of the heating unit in a start-up step depending on consumer parameters. The control and regulating unit is preferably configured to adapt the operation of the fuel cell system in an operating step and, in parallel, to adapt at least one parameter, in particular a time and / or power parameter, of the heating unit in a start-up step depending on consumer parameters.Preferably, the control and regulation unit has a user interface via which a user can monitor and control an operating step and / or a start-up step. In this context, "consumer parameters" should be understood to mean, in particular, all factors influencing the operation of a fuel cell system. In particular, consumer parameters can be divided into technical, resource, and personnel consumer parameters.

[0008] In this context, an “operating step” is to be understood in particular as a method step in which the fuel cell system is operated, in particular regularly and / or continuously. The operating step preferably comprises an energy generation step. In the energy generation step, electrical energy is preferably generated in a fuel cell system. In this context, an “energy generation step” is to be understood in particular as a method step in which electrical energy is obtained from a gaseous medium. In the operating step, a starting step is preferably carried out. In this context, a “starting step” is to be understood in particular as a method step in which the fuel cell system is started. In the starting step, a fuel cell unit is preferably heated to an operating temperature by the heating unit.Preferably, in the start-up step, a fuel cell unit is heated by the heating unit to an operating temperature of preferably at least 500°C, preferably at least 600°C, and particularly preferably at least 700°C. Preferably, in the start-up step, a parameter, in particular a time and / or power parameter, of the heating unit is adapted depending on consumer parameters. In particular, it is conceivable that in the start-up step, several parameters, in particular a time and / or power parameter, of the heating unit are adapted depending on consumer parameters by means of the control and regulating unit. In particular, it is conceivable that the start-up step is carried out according to plan in an operating step depending on consumer parameters. Preferably, in the start-up step, the fuel cell unit is heated by means of the heating unit at least substantially along a linear function.Alternatively, a starting step is also conceivable in which the heating unit heats the fuel cell unit at least substantially along a cyclically increasing function. Furthermore, any other function of heating the fuel cell unit by a heating unit that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art is conceivable.

[0009] The inventive design of the method for operating a fuel cell system allows for advantageous properties with regard to cost savings. In particular, advantageous properties with regard to an annual peak load can be achieved. In particular, advantageous properties with regard to a consumer's annual peak load can be achieved. In particular, the variable adjustment of the heating unit parameters depending on consumer parameters can provide advantageous properties with regard to user comfort.

[0010] It is further proposed that in at least one start-up step the control and regulating unit regulates the heating power of the heating unit. Preferably, in the start-up step the heating power of the heating unit is regulated as a function of at least one consumer parameter. Preferably, in the start-up step the electrical start-up heating power of the heating unit is reduced. Preferably, in the start-up step the heating rate of the heating unit is reduced by means of the control and regulating unit. Alternatively, it is conceivable that in the start-up step the heating rate of the heating unit is increased by means of the control and regulating unit. In particular, in the start-up step the heating time is extended by reducing the electrical start-up heating power. In particular, the start-up step is extended by the lower start-up heating power. Preferably, in a start-up step the heating power is regulated in real time by means of the control and regulating unit.This makes it possible to achieve particularly advantageous properties with regard to cost savings. It is possible to provide particularly advantageous properties with regard to the operation of a fuel cell system. It is possible to achieve particularly advantageous properties with regard to an annual peak load.

[0011] It is further proposed that in at least one operating step the control and regulating unit adapts the time of the start step of the heating unit. Preferably, in the operating step the time of the start step of the heating unit is adapted depending on at least one consumer parameter. Preferably, in a start step the time of the start of the heating of the fuel cell unit by means of a heating unit is determined by the control and regulating unit. Preferably, the start of the start step is adapted by the control and regulating unit. Preferably, in an operating step the time of the start of the heating of the fuel cell unit by means of a heating unit on the control and regulating unit is determined and / or adapted by a user. Alternatively, it is conceivable that in the operating step the control and regulating unit automatically determines and / or adapts the time of the start step depending on consumer parameters.This makes it possible to achieve particularly advantageous properties with regard to cost savings. It is possible to provide particularly advantageous properties with regard to the operation of a fuel cell system. It is possible to achieve particularly advantageous properties with regard to an annual peak load.

[0012] It is further proposed that in at least one operating step, the time of the start-up step of the heating unit is determined based on a historical load profile and / or the previous peak load of the consumer. Preferably, in the operating step, the consumer parameter has the historical load profile and / or the previous peak load of the consumer. Preferably, the historical load profile shows an operating load of the consumer depending on a point in time. Preferably, in the operating step, the time of the start-up step of the heating unit is determined without exceeding the previous peak load. Preferably, in the operating step, the time of the start-up step of the heating unit is adjusted based on a historical load profile and / or the previous peak load of the consumer of at least one billing period. Preferably, in at least one operating step, a future load profile is created based on a historical load profile.Preferably, in the operating step, the time of the heating unit's start-up step is determined based on the future load profile and / or the previous peak load of the consumer's respective billing period. Preferably, in an operating step, the time of the heating unit's start-up step is determined when a lower operating load is expected in a historical and / or future load profile. This makes it possible to achieve particularly advantageous properties with regard to cost savings. It is possible to provide particularly advantageous properties with regard to the operation of a fuel cell system. It is possible to achieve particularly advantageous properties with regard to an annual peak load.

[0013] It is further proposed that in at least one operating step the heating unit is designed as an electric start-up heater and is supplied with electrical power from an external source. Preferably, in the start-up step the heating unit is supplied with electrical power from an external source. Preferably the external source is designed as an electrical network. In particular it is conceivable that in the operating step the heating unit draws electrical power from a public power grid. Preferably in the operating step when the fuel cell system is operated in parallel with the grid the heating unit is supplied from a public power grid. Alternatively any other external source that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art is conceivable for supplying the heating unit with electrical power. In this way particularly advantageous properties with regard to supplying the heating unit can be provided.

[0014] It is further proposed that in at least one operating step the heating unit is supplied with electrical power by a further fuel cell system. Preferably, in the starting step the heating unit is supplied with electrical power by a further fuel cell system. Preferably, the further fuel cell system is designed identically to the fuel cell system. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the further fuel cell system is designed differently from the fuel cell system. Preferably, in the starting step the heating unit is at least substantially partially, preferably at least largely and preferably completely supplied with electrical power by a further fuel cell system. Preferably, the further fuel cell system is in an energy generation step after a starting step and does not require a supply of electrical power.In particular, it is conceivable that the heating unit is supplied with electrical power in the operating step by an electrical network and a further fuel cell system. Preferably, the further fuel cell system assumes the share of supplying the heating unit with electrical power that would exceed a maximum load of the electrical network of a consumer. Alternatively, any other division of the supply of electrical power to a heating unit between the further fuel cell system and the electrical network that appears reasonable to a person skilled in the art is conceivable. In this context, “at least substantially” should be understood to mean, in particular, that a deviation from a predetermined value deviates by less than 25%, preferably less than 10%, and particularly preferably less than 5% of the predetermined value.The expression "at least largely" is understood to mean, in particular, at least 55%, advantageously at least 65%, preferably at least 75%, particularly preferably at least 85%, and particularly advantageously at least 95%. This makes it possible to achieve particularly advantageous properties with regard to cost savings. It is possible to provide particularly advantageous properties with regard to the operation of a fuel cell system. It is possible to achieve particularly advantageous properties with regard to an annual peak load.

[0015] It is further proposed that in at least one operating step, a start step takes place depending on a time of the required power and / or an availability of the technical personnel. Preferably, the consumer parameter has a time of the required power and / or an availability of the technical personnel. Preferably, a start of a start step is adapted by means of the control and regulation unit depending on a time of the required power. Preferably, a start of a start step is adapted by means of the control and regulation unit depending on an availability of the technical personnel. Preferably, in a start step, the heating power of the heating unit is adapted by means of the control and regulation unit depending on a time of the required power.Preferably, in a start-up step, the heating power of the heating unit is adjusted by means of the control and regulation unit depending on the availability of technical personnel. Preferably, in a start-up step, the heating power of the heating unit and the start of a start-up step are adjusted by means of the control and regulation unit depending on the availability of technical personnel, the time of the required power, the historical and / or future power profile, and / or the previous peak load. This makes it possible to achieve particularly advantageous properties with regard to cost savings. In particular, advantageous properties with regard to the operation of a fuel cell system can be provided.

[0016] Furthermore, it is proposed that in at least one start step, the parameters of the heating unit are automatically adjusted depending on variable requirements. Preferably, in the start step, the parameters of the heating unit are automatically adjusted depending on variable requirements in real time. Preferably, in the start step, the parameters of the heating unit are automatically adjusted depending on a real power profile and / or a real power requirement. Preferably, in the start step, a heating power of the heating unit is adjusted depending on a real power profile and / or a real power requirement. Preferably, the parameters of the heating unit are automatically adjusted depending on variable requirements by means of the control and regulation unit.Alternatively, it is conceivable that, in the start-up step, the heating unit parameters are adjusted via the control and regulation unit depending on variable user requirements. This can achieve particularly advantageous properties with regard to cost savings. It can provide particularly advantageous properties with regard to the operation of a fuel cell system. It can provide particularly advantageous properties with regard to an annual peak load.

[0017] It is further proposed that in at least one start-up step, the parameters of the heating unit are automatically adjusted by means of the control and regulation unit as soon as the maximum load could be exceeded. Preferably, in the start-up step, a heating output of the heating unit is automatically adjusted by means of the control and regulation unit as soon as the reference load of the consumer approaches a maximum load, in particular the annual maximum load. In particular, it is conceivable that in the start-up step, a heating output of the heating unit is automatically adjusted by means of the control and regulation unit as soon as the reference load of the consumer approaches a maximum load, in particular the annual maximum load. Particularly preferably, in the start-up step, the heating output of the heating unit is automatically reduced by means of the control and regulation unit as soon as the reference load of the consumer approaches a maximum load, in particular the annual maximum load.In particular, it is conceivable that, in the start-up step, heating of the heating unit is automatically stopped by means of the control and regulation unit as soon as the consumer's reference load approaches a peak load, in particular the annual peak load. Preferably, in the start-up step, a heating output of the heating unit is automatically and continuously adjusted by means of the control and regulation unit as soon as the consumer's reference load approaches a peak load, in particular the annual peak load. This allows for particularly advantageous properties with regard to cost savings to be achieved. Particularly advantageous properties with regard to an annual peak load can be provided.

[0018] The invention further proposes a fuel cell system, in particular an SOFC fuel cell system, for carrying out a method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one fuel cell unit which, in an energy generation step, is configured to generate electrical energy from a gaseous medium, comprising at least one heating unit which, in a start-up step, is configured to heat a fuel cell unit to an operating temperature, and comprising at least one control and regulating unit by means of which operation of the fuel cell system is regulated in an operating step. Preferably, the fuel cell system is configured to carry out an operating step. Preferably, the fuel cell system is configured to generate electrical energy.The fuel cell system preferably has a supply element that supplies an energy carrier, for example, hydrogen and / or natural gas, and / or electrical energy to the fuel cell system. The fuel cell system preferably has a discharge element that discharges exhaust gases and / or electrical energy from a fuel cell system. This allows advantageous properties to be provided with respect to a fuel cell system.

[0019] The method according to the invention for operating a fuel cell system is not intended to be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the method according to the invention for operating a fuel cell system may, in order to fulfill a functionality described herein, have a number of individual elements, components, and units as well as method steps that differs from the number stated 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. drawing

[0020] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawing illustrates 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 further meaningful combinations.

[0021] They show: Fig. 1 A fuel cell system according to the invention in a schematic representation, Fig. 2 a schematic flow diagram of a method for operating a fuel cell system according to the invention, Fig. 3 a performance diagram of a load profile in a schematic representation, Fig. 4 a performance diagram of a load profile with a heating phase of the fuel cell unit in a schematic representation and Fig. 5 a performance diagram of a load profile with a heating phase of the fuel cell unit according to the invention in a schematic representation. Description of the embodiment

[0022] Fig. 1 shows a fuel cell system 10, in particular an SOFC fuel cell system, for carrying out a method according to the invention.

[0023] The fuel cell system 10 is preferably configured to provide an energy system that can be variably deployed and moved as a system. The fuel cell system 10 has at least one housing unit in which a fuel cell unit 12 and a heating unit 16 are permanently installed. The fuel cell unit 12 and the heating unit 16 are detachably installed in the housing unit using a tool.

[0024] The fuel cell system 10 has at least one fuel cell unit 12, which is configured to generate electrical energy from a gaseous medium in an energy generation step 14. The fuel cell unit 12 is designed as an SOFC fuel cell unit, in particular a solid oxide fuel cell. The fuel cell unit 12 is configured to electrochemically generate electrical energy and heat from the chemical energy of an energy carrier. The fuel cell unit 12 is configured to generate electrical energy from a gaseous medium. The fuel cell unit 12 is configured to convert a chemical reaction energy of a continuously supplied fuel and an oxidizing agent into electrical energy. For example, natural gas is used as the fuel and oxygen as the oxidizing agent.Alternatively, other fuels deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art, such as methanol, butane, and / or hydrogen, are also conceivable. In an operating step 14 of the fuel cell unit 12, electrical energy is generated between an anode and a cathode. The anode splits off the electrons from the fuel. The electrons are conducted to the cathode 39 via a connecting element.

[0025] The fuel cell system 10 has at least one heating unit 16, which is configured to heat a fuel cell unit 12 to an operating temperature in a start-up step 18. The heating unit 16 is configured to generate thermal energy and transfer it to a fuel cell unit 12. The heating unit 16 is provided to bring the heating unit 16 to an operating temperature before or during regular operation, the fuel cell unit 12, in particular independently of a fuel of the fuel cell unit 12, and / or to maintain the fuel cell unit 12 at the operating temperature, in particular independently of a fuel of the fuel cell unit 12. The heating unit 16 is arranged in a vicinity of the fuel cell unit 12. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the heating unit 16 to be installed in a fuel cell unit 12.The heating unit 16 is configured to heat the fuel cell unit 12 to an operating temperature in a start-up step 18. The heating unit 16 is designed as an electrical start-up heater. The heating unit 16 is configured to convert electrical energy into thermal energy. Alternatively and / or additionally, it is conceivable for the heating unit 16 to be designed as a start-up burner. The start-up burner is configured to generate thermal energy from a chemical energy carrier. The thermal output of the heating element 16 is a maximum of 200% of the rated electrical output of the fuel cell system 10.

[0026] The fuel cell system 10 has a control and regulation unit 20, by means of which the operation of the fuel cell system 10 is regulated in an operating step 14. The control and regulation unit 20 is configured to adapt the operation of the fuel cell system 10 in an operating step 14. The control and regulation unit 20 is configured to adapt a time and / or power parameter of the heating unit 16 depending on consumer parameters in a starting step 18. The control and regulation unit 20 is configured to adapt the operation of the fuel cell system 10 in an operating step 14 and, in parallel, to adapt at least one parameter, in particular a time and / or power parameter, of the heating unit 16 depending on consumer parameters in a starting step 18.The control and regulation unit 20 has a user interface via which a user can monitor and control an operating step 14 and / or a starting step 18.

[0027] Fig. 2 shows a method for operating a fuel cell system 10, in particular an SOFC fuel cell system, with at least one fuel cell unit 12, which generates electrical energy from a gaseous medium in an energy generation step 34. The fuel cell system 10 has a control and regulating unit 20, by means of which operation of the fuel cell system 10 is regulated in an operating step 14. The fuel cell system 10 has a heating unit 16. In a start-up step 18, the heating unit 16 heats the fuel cell unit 12 to an operating temperature. In the operating step 14, electrical energy is generated in a fuel cell system 10. In the operating step 14, a start-up step 18 is carried out. In the start-up step 18, a fuel cell unit 12 is heated to an operating temperature by a heating unit 16.In the start-up step 18, a fuel cell unit 12 is heated by a heating unit 16 to an operating temperature of at least 600°C. In the start-up step 18, a parameter, in particular a time and / or power parameter, of the heating unit 16 is adjusted depending on consumer parameters. In particular, it is conceivable that in the start-up step 18, several parameters, in particular a time and / or power parameter, of the heating unit 16 are adjusted depending on consumer parameters by means of the control and regulating unit 20. In particular, it is conceivable that a start-up step 18 is carried out as planned in an operating step 14 depending on consumer parameters. In the start-up step 18, the fuel cell unit 12 is heated by means of the heating unit 16 at least substantially along a linear function.Alternatively, a starting step 18 is also conceivable in which the heating unit 16 heats the fuel unit 12 at least substantially along a cyclically increasing function. Furthermore, any other function of heating the fuel cell unit 12 by a heating unit 16 that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art is conceivable. In at least one starting step 18, the control and regulation unit 20 adapts at least one parameter, in particular a time and / or power parameter, of the heating unit 16 depending on consumer parameters. In at least one starting step 18, the control and regulation unit 20 regulates the heating power of the heating unit 16. In the starting step 18, the electrical starting heating power of the heating unit 16 is reduced. In the starting step 18, the heating rate of the heating unit 16 is reduced by means of the control and regulation unit 20.Alternatively, it is conceivable that in the start step 18, the heating rate of the heating unit 16 is increased by means of the control and regulation unit 20. In the start step 18, the heating time is extended by reducing the electrical starting heating power. The lower starting heating power extends the start step 18. The heating power is regulated in real time in a start step 18 by means of the control and regulation unit 20.

[0028] In at least one operating step 14, the control and regulation unit 20 adjusts the time of the start step 18 of the heating unit 16. In the operating step 14, the time of the start step 18 of the heating unit 16 is adjusted depending on at least one consumer parameter. In the start step 18, the time of the start of heating of the fuel cell unit 12 by means of a heating unit 16 is determined by the control and regulation unit 20. The start of the start step 18 is adjusted by the control and regulation unit 20. In the operating step 14, the time of the start of heating of the fuel cell unit 12 by means of a heating unit 16 on the control and regulation unit 20 is determined and / or adjusted by a user. Alternatively, it is conceivable that in the operating step 14, the control and regulation unit 20 automatically determines and / or adjusts the time of the start step 18 depending on consumer parameters.

[0029] In at least one operating step 14, the time of the start step 18 of the heating unit 16 is determined based on a historical load profile 22 and / or a previous maximum load 24 of the consumer. In the operating step 14, the consumer parameter has the historical load profile 22 and / or the previous maximum load 24 of the consumer. The historical load profile 22 shows an operating load 32 of the consumer depending on a point in time over a defined period, for example, a weekday (see Fig. 3 - 5). Fig. Figure 3 shows a performance diagram of a consumer's standard load profile 22. The maximum load 24, in particular the annual peak load, and the resulting billing level are determined by the maximum value of the operating load 32. The operating load 32 varies over a defined period of time. Fig. 5 shows a performance diagram of a standard load profile 22 (load profile A) with a heating phase of the fuel cell unit 12. Heating of the fuel cell unit 12 by a heating unit 16 increases the operating load 32 in a heating area 30. If this increase 36 of the operating load 32 occurs at a highest level of the standard operating load 32, the maximum load 24, in particular the annual maximum load, is increased and the consumer moves up to a new billing level in this billing period depending on the maximum load 24, in particular the annual maximum load. Fig. 3 shows a performance diagram of a load profile 22 (load profile B) with a heating phase of the fuel cell unit 12 according to the invention. In operating step 14, the time of the start step 18 of the heating unit 16 is determined without exceeding the previous maximum load 24. In operating step 14, the time of the start step 18 of the heating unit 16 is adjusted based on a historical load profile 22 and / or the previous maximum load 24 of the consumer for at least one billing period. In operating step 14, a future load profile 22 is created based on a historical load profile 22. In operating step 14, the time of the start step 18 of the heating unit 16 is determined based on the future load profile 22 and / or the previous maximum load 24 of the respective billing period of the consumer.In an operating step 14, the time of the start step 18 of the heating unit 16 is determined when a lower operating load 32 is expected in a historical and / or future load profile 22 (see . Fig. 5). In an operating step 14, the time of the start step 18 of the heating unit 16 and / or the heating power of the heating unit 16 is determined if a lower operating load 32 is expected in a historical and / or future load profile 22 without increasing the peak load 24, in particular the annual peak load.

[0030] In at least one operating step 14, the heating unit 16 is designed as an electric start-up heater and is supplied with electrical power from an external source 26. In the starting step 18, the heating unit 16 is supplied with electrical power from an external source 26. The external source 26 is designed as an electrical network. In particular, it is conceivable that in the operating step 14 the heating unit 16 draws electrical power from a public power grid. In the operating step 14, when the fuel cell system 10 is operated in parallel with the grid, the heating unit 16 is supplied from a public power grid. Alternatively, any other external source 26 that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art is conceivable for supplying the heating unit 16 with electrical power.

[0031] In at least one operating step 14, the heating unit 16 is supplied with electrical power by a further fuel cell system 28. In the starting step 18, the heating unit 16 is supplied with electrical power by a further fuel cell system 28. The further fuel cell system 28 is designed identically to the fuel cell system 10. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the further fuel cell system 28 is designed differently than the fuel cell system 10. In the starting step 18, the heating unit 16 is at least substantially partially supplied with electrical power by a further fuel cell system 28. The further fuel cell system 28 is in an energy generation step 34 after a starting step 18 and does not require a supply of electrical power.

[0032] In particular, it is conceivable that the heating unit 16 is supplied with electrical power in operating step 14 by an electrical network and a further fuel cell system 28. The further fuel cell system 28 assumes the portion of the supply of electrical power to the heating unit 16 that would exceed a maximum load 24 of a consumer's electrical network. Alternatively, any other distribution of the supply of electrical power to a heating unit 16 between the further fuel cell system 28 and the electrical network that appears reasonable to a person skilled in the art is conceivable.

[0033] In at least one operating step 14, a start step 18 takes place depending on a time of the required power and / or the availability of the technical personnel. The consumer parameter has a time of the required power and / or the availability of the technical personnel. The start of a start step 18 is adjusted by means of the control and regulation unit 20 depending on a time of the required power. The start of a start step 18 is adjusted by means of the control and regulation unit 20 depending on the availability of the technical personnel. In a start step 18, the heating power of the heating unit 16 is adjusted by means of the control and regulation unit 20 depending on a time of the required power. In a start step 18, the heating power of the heating unit 16 is adjusted by means of the control and regulation unit 20 depending on the availability of the technical personnel.In a start step 18, the heating power of the heating unit 16 and a start of a start step 18 are adjusted by means of the control and regulation unit 20 depending on the availability of the technical personnel, the time of the required power, the historical and / or future power profile 26 and / or the previous maximum load 28.

[0034] In at least one start step 18, the parameters of the heating unit 16 are automatically adjusted depending on variable requirements. In the start step 18, the parameters of the heating unit 16 are automatically adjusted depending on variable requirements in real time. In the start step 18, the parameters of the heating unit 16 are automatically adjusted depending on a real power profile 22 and / or a real power requirement. In the start step 18, a heating power of the heating unit 16 is adjusted depending on a real power profile 22 and / or a real power requirement. The parameters of the heating unit 16 are automatically adjusted depending on variable requirements by means of the control and regulation unit 20. Alternatively, it is conceivable that in the start step 18, the parameters of the heating unit 16 are adjusted depending on variable requirements by a user via the control and regulation unit 20.

[0035] In at least one start step 18, the parameters of the heating unit 16 are automatically adjusted by means of the control and regulation unit 20 as soon as the maximum load could be exceeded. In the start step 18, a heating output of the heating unit 16 is automatically adjusted by means of the control and regulation unit 20 as soon as the reference load of the consumer increases to near a maximum load, in particular the annual maximum load. In particular, it is conceivable that in the start step 18, a heating output of the heating unit 16 is automatically adjusted by means of the control and regulation unit 20 as soon as the reference load of the consumer increases to near a maximum load, in particular the annual maximum load. In the start step 18, the heating output of the heating unit 16 is automatically reduced by means of the control and regulation unit 20 as soon as the reference load of the consumer increases to near a maximum load, in particular the annual maximum load.In particular, it is conceivable that in the start step 18, heating of the heating unit 16 is automatically stopped by means of the control and regulation unit 20 as soon as the reference load of the consumer approaches a maximum load, in particular the annual peak load. In the start step 18, a heating output of the heating unit 16 is automatically and continuously adjusted by means of the control and regulation unit 20 as soon as the reference load of the consumer approaches a maximum load, in particular the annual peak load. In the start step 18, the control and regulation unit 20 prevents the annual peak load from being exceeded by adjusting the heating output of the heating unit 16 by means of the control and regulation unit 20.

Claims

[1] Method for operating a fuel cell system (10), in particular an SOFC fuel cell system, with at least one fuel cell unit (12) which generates electrical energy from a gaseous medium in an energy generation step (34) and with at least one heating unit (16) and with at least one control and regulating unit (20) by means of which an operation of the fuel cell system (10) is regulated in an operating step (14), wherein the heating unit (16) heats the fuel cell unit (12) to an operating temperature in a starting step (18), characterized by that in the at least one start step (18) at least one parameter, in particular a time and / or power parameter, of the heating unit (16) is adapted by the control and regulation unit (20) depending on consumer parameters. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized bythat in at least one starting step (18) the control and regulating unit (20) regulates the heating power of the heating unit (16). [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that in at least one operating step (14) the control and regulating unit (20) adapts the time of the start step (18) of the heating unit (16). [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that in at least one operating step (14) the time of the start step (18) of the heating unit (16) is determined on the basis of a historical load profile (22) and / or the previous maximum load (24) of the consumer. [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that in at least one operating step (14) the heating unit (16) is designed as an electric start heater and is supplied with electrical power from an external source (26). [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat in at least one operating step (14) the heating unit (16) is supplied with electrical power by a further fuel cell system (28). [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that in at least one operating step (14) a start step (18) takes place depending on a time of the required power and / or an availability of the technical personnel. [8] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that in at least one start step (18) an automatic adjustment of the parameters of the heating unit (16) takes place depending on variable requirements. [9] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that in at least one start step (18) an automatic adjustment of the parameters of the heating unit (16) takes place by means of the control and regulation unit (20) as soon as the maximum load could be exceeded. [10] Fuel cell system (10), in particular SOFC fuel cell system, for carrying out a method according to one of the preceding claims, with at least one fuel cell unit (12) which is designed in an energy generation step (34) to obtain electrical energy from a gaseous medium, with at least one heating unit (16) which is designed in a start-up step (18) to heat a fuel cell unit (12) to an operating temperature, and with at least one control and regulating unit (20) by means of which an operation of the fuel cell system (10) is regulated in an operating step (14).

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