Fuel cell device, in particular prefab fuel cell device

Abstract

The invention is based on a fuel cell device (10), in particular a prefab fuel cell device, comprising at least one gas booster unit (12) which is configured to accelerate and / or compress a gaseous medium, comprising at least one desulfurization unit (14) which is configured to desulfurize the gaseous medium, comprising at least one fuel cell unit (16) which is configured to generate electrical energy from the gaseous medium, comprising at least one water management unit (18) which is configured to supply the fuel cell unit (16) with water in at least one operating step (20), in particular for starting operation of the fuel cell unit (16) for water reforming, wherein the water management unit (18) comprises a tank element (22) and a pump unit (24),and with at least one line element (26) which connects the gas booster unit (12) and the desulfurization unit (14). , It is proposed that the water management unit (18) is designed to dissipate thermal energy from the line element (26) in at least one operating step (20).

Description

State of the art

[0001] A fuel cell device, in particular a prefab fuel cell device, has already been proposed, comprising at least one gas booster unit configured to accelerate and / or compress a gaseous medium, at least one desulfurization unit configured to desulfurize the gaseous medium, at least one fuel cell unit configured to generate electrical energy from the gaseous medium, at least one water management unit configured to supply the fuel cell unit with water in at least one operating step, in particular for starting operation of the fuel cell unit for water reforming, wherein the water management unit has a tank element and a pump unit, and at least one line element connecting the gas booster unit and the desulfurization unit. Disclosure of the invention

[0002] The invention is based on a fuel cell device, in particular a prefab fuel cell device, with at least one gas booster unit which is designed to accelerate and / or compress a gaseous medium, with at least one desulfurization unit which is designed to desulfurize the gaseous medium, with at least one fuel cell unit which is designed to generate electrical energy from the gaseous medium, with at least one water management unit which is designed to supply the fuel cell unit with water in at least one operating step, in particular for starting operation of the fuel cell unit for water reforming, wherein the water management unit has a tank element and a pump unit, and with at least one line element which connects the gas booster unit and the desulfurization unit.

[0003] It is proposed that the water management unit is designed to dissipate thermal energy from the line element in at least one operating step.

[0004] In this context, a "fuel cell device" is to be understood in particular as a device which is designed to provide an energy system for variable use. The fuel cell device preferably has at least one fuel cell unit and at least one auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit. In this context, an "auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit" is to be understood in particular as a unit which is designed to support the operation of a fuel cell unit in an operating step. The auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit preferably has at least one gas booster unit, at least one desulfurization unit and at least one water management unit. The fuel cell device preferably has at least one housing unit in which the fuel cell unit and the associated auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit are permanently installed.Preferably, the fuel cell unit and the associated auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit are mechanically integrated in a centered housing unit. Preferably, the fuel cell unit and the associated auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit are designed so that they can be detachably installed in the housing unit using a tool. In this context, “detachable” should be understood in particular to mean “non-destructively separable”. Preferably, the housing unit is designed as a container. “Configured” should be understood in particular to mean specially programmed, designed and / or equipped. The fact that an object is configured for a specific function should be understood in particular to mean that the object fulfills and / or executes this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.

[0005] In this context, a “fuel cell unit” should be understood in particular to mean a unit which is designed to generate electrical energy from a fuel. The fuel cell unit is preferably designed to generate electrical energy from a gaseous medium. The fuel cell unit is preferably designed to convert the chemical reaction energy of a continuously supplied fuel and an oxidizing agent into electrical energy. Natural gas is advantageously used as the fuel and oxygen as the oxidizing agent. Alternatively, other fuels which appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art, for example methanol, butane and / or hydrogen, are also conceivable. In an operating step of the fuel cell unit, electrical energy is preferably generated between an anode and a cathode. The anode preferably splits off the electrons from the fuel.Preferably, the electrons are guided to the cathode via a connecting element. It is this movement of electrons from anode to cathode that generates the electrical energy.

[0006] In this context, a "gas booster unit" is to be understood in particular as a unit designed to accelerate and / or compress a gaseous medium. The gas booster unit is preferably designed as a compressor. Alternatively, any other design of a gas booster unit that accelerates and / or compresses a gaseous medium and appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art is conceivable. In particular, thermal energy is generated in the gaseous medium through the thermodynamic compression of the gaseous medium by means of the gas booster unit. The gas booster unit preferably accelerates the gaseous medium through a line element via the desulfurization unit to a fuel cell unit. The gas booster unit preferably has at least one rotor blade element, via which a rotary movement is converted into a linear movement of the gaseous medium.The gas booster unit preferably has a drive unit that drives the at least one rotor blade element in rotation. A "rotor blade element" is understood to mean, in particular, an element that converts a converted enthalpy, at least substantially entirely or partially, into flow energy of a gaseous medium.

[0007] In this context, a "desulfurization unit" is to be understood in particular as a unit designed to desulfurize the gaseous medium. The desulfurization unit preferably desulfurizes the gaseous medium in a cold desulfurization process. In this context, "cold desulfurization" is to be understood in particular as desulfurization at a temperature of a maximum of 100°C, preferably a maximum of 75°C, and particularly preferably 50°C. Alternatively, any other configuration of the desulfurization unit and / or the desulfurization principle that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art is conceivable. The desulfurization unit preferably desulfurizes the gaseous medium at least substantially partially, preferably at least largely, and particularly preferably completely.In this context, "at least substantially" is to be understood in particular as meaning that a deviation from a predetermined value is in particular less than 25%, preferably less than 10%, and particularly preferably less than 5% of the predetermined value. "At least largely" is to be understood in particular as meaning at least 55%, advantageously at least 65%, preferably at least 75%, particularly preferably at least 85%, and particularly advantageously at least 95%. Preferably, a desulfurization unit is designed to remove all sulfur compounds from a gaseous medium.

[0008] In this context, a “water management unit” is to be understood in particular as a unit which is configured to supply the fuel cell unit with water in at least one operating step, in particular for starting operation of the fuel cell unit for water reforming. The water management unit is preferably configured to regulate a water circuit between a tank element and the fuel cell unit. The water management unit preferably has a tank element. In this context, a “tank element” is to be understood in particular as an element which is configured to hold a liquid medium, in particular water. The tank element is preferably configured as a container for storing a liquid medium, in particular water. The tank element is preferably designed as a tank, in particular a water tank.Alternatively, any other design of the tank element that appears reasonable to a person skilled in the art is conceivable. Preferably, the tank element is designed as a closed container. In this case, a “closed container” is to be understood in particular as a container that has no permanently open recesses. Preferably, a water circuit is formed between a tank element of the water management unit and the fuel cell unit. Preferably, the water management unit has a pump unit. In this context, a “pump unit” is to be understood in particular as a unit that transfers kinetic energy to a fluid medium, in particular water. Preferably, the pump unit is designed as a radial or axial pump. Alternatively, all other designs of the pump unit that appear reasonable to a person skilled in the art are conceivable.Preferably, the pump unit is configured to operate a water circuit between a tank element and a fuel cell unit. Preferably, the pump unit is arranged in a water circuit between a tank element and a fuel cell unit.

[0009] In this context, a "line element" should be understood to mean, in particular, an element that connects the gas booster unit and the desulfurization unit. The line element is preferably designed to guide a fluid medium flow. The line element is preferably designed to guide a gaseous medium flow. The line element for guiding a gaseous or liquid medium flow preferably has a circular cross-section perpendicular to a main extension direction of the line element. The line element for guiding a gaseous or liquid medium flow is particularly preferably designed as a pipeline. Alternatively, any other line element for guiding a gaseous or liquid medium flow that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art is conceivable. The line element preferably has a connection point to the gas booster unit.The line element preferably has a coupling point with the desulfurization unit. The connection point and the coupling point are preferably designed as a gas-tight contact point. In this context, a "gas-tight contact point" is understood to mean a contact point that has a technical gas density. The gas-tight contact point preferably has a leakage of preferably a maximum of 5%, preferably a maximum of 3%, and particularly preferably a maximum of 1% of the volume of the medium flowing through. The line element is preferably designed so that it can be detachably connected to the gas booster unit and the desulfurization unit using a tool. In this context, "detachable" is understood in particular to mean "non-destructively separable". Alternatively, it is conceivable for the line element to be firmly connected to the gas booster unit and the desulfurization unit.The fact that at least one first element is “connected” to at least one further element should be understood in particular to mean that the first element is advantageously connected to the further element via at least one frictional connection and / or at least one positive connection, for example via riveting and / or a snap-in connection and / or a tongue and groove connection and / or a clamping connection and / or another connection that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art, and / or is integrally connected to the further element, for example by a welding process, an adhesive process, an injection-molding process and / or another process that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art. Preferably, the line element transfers thermal energy of the gaseous medium to a water management unit.Preferably, the conduit element transfers thermal energy of the gaseous medium to a water management unit at least substantially partially, preferably largely, and particularly preferably completely. In this context, "at least substantially" is to be understood in particular as meaning that a deviation from a predetermined value is in particular less than 25%, preferably less than 10%, and particularly preferably less than 5% of the predetermined value.

[0010] The inventive design of the fuel cell device, in particular the prefab fuel cell device, makes it possible to provide advantageous properties with regard to desulfurization of the gaseous medium. In particular, thermal energy is introduced into the gaseous medium through compression and acceleration by means of the gas booster unit, with the water management unit removing this thermal energy from the gaseous medium so as not to impede desulfurization. This makes it possible to achieve particularly advantageous properties with regard to dissipating the thermal energy of the gaseous medium.

[0011] Furthermore, it is proposed that the line element is guided through the tank element of the water management unit. Preferably, the line element is guided at least substantially partially through the tank element. Preferably, the line element is guided completely through the tank element in a cross-section at least substantially perpendicular to a main extension direction of the line element. Preferably, the line element is guided at least substantially partially, preferably largely, through the tank element parallel to a main extension direction. A "main extension direction" of an object is to be understood in particular as a direction that runs parallel to a longest edge of a smallest geometric cuboid that just completely encloses the object.Preferably, the conduit element is configured to transfer thermal energy from a gaseous medium in the conduit element to a liquid medium, in particular water, in the tank element. Preferably, the thermal energy is transferred from a gaseous medium to a liquid medium in the tank element. In this context, "at least substantially" is understood to mean, in particular, that a deviation from a predetermined value is less than 25%, preferably less than 10%, and particularly preferably less than 5% of the predetermined value.The expression “essentially perpendicular” is intended here in particular to define 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 8°, advantageously less than 5° and particularly advantageously less than 2°. Preferably, the tank element has at least one side wall and at least one top wall. Preferably, the line element is guided through a side wall of the tank element. Alternatively, the line element is guided through a top wall of the tank element. Preferably, the line element is guided through a side wall at a first connection point in order to guide the line element into the tank element. Preferably, the line element is guided through a side wall at a second connection point in order to exit the tank element.Alternatively, any other way of passing the pipe element through the tank element that appears sensible to a specialist is conceivable.

[0012] The line element is preferably connected to the tank element in a watertight manner at a first connection point and at a second connection point. The fact that at least one first element is “connected” to at least one further element should be understood in particular to mean that the first element is advantageously connected to the further element via at least one frictional connection and / or at least one positive connection, for example via a clamping connection and / or another connection that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art, and / or is connected to the further element in a materially bonded manner, for example by a welding process, an adhesive process, an injection-molding process and / or another process that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art. In this context, “watertight” should be understood to mean that the connection point is impermeable to water and / or another liquid medium.In particular, it is conceivable for the line element to be constructed in multiple parts. In particular, it is conceivable for a first section of the line element to lead to the tank element, a second section of the line element to be arranged in the tank element, and the further section of the line element to lead from the tank element to the desulfurization unit. In particular, the sections are releasably connected to one another at their ends in a gas-tight manner, for example via a flange connection. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the tank element to have at least one first coupling point and one further coupling point, to which the sections of the line element are connected. The coupling points are preferably formed at the connection points. This makes it possible to achieve particularly advantageous properties with regard to dissipating the thermal energy of the gaseous medium.

[0013] It is further proposed that the line element in a tank element of the water management unit be designed as a cooling element, in particular a cooling coil element. Preferably, the line element in a tank element is designed as a cooling coil element to transfer thermal energy from a gaseous medium to a liquid medium in the tank element. Preferably, the cooling element is designed to completely dissipate thermal energy of a gaseous medium up to a desired value to a liquid medium in the tank element. Preferably, the cooling element is designed to enlarge the area of the line element in the tank element.

[0014] The cooling element is preferably designed as a cooling coil element. In this context, a "cooling coil element" is understood to mean, in particular, an element that rotates around a center point and forms a winding. Alternatively, any other design of the cooling element that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art, for example, with cooling fins and / or a cooling surface, is also conceivable. Preferably, the conduit element outside the tank element merges seamlessly into a cooling element. This makes it possible to achieve particularly advantageous properties with regard to dissipating the thermal energy of the gaseous medium. It is possible to provide particularly advantageous properties with regard to a surface for dissipating the thermal energy of the gaseous medium.

[0015] Furthermore, it is proposed that the water management unit comprise at least one water circuit element, which forms a water circuit between the tank element and the fuel cell unit, wherein the water circuit element is used as a cooling element for the water contained in the tank element. In this context, a "water circuit element" is to be understood in particular as an element that provides a cyclical rotation of a liquid medium, in particular water, between a tank element and a fuel cell unit. The water circuit element is preferably designed as a further conduit element, which leads from a tank element to a fuel cell unit and from a fuel cell unit to a tank element.Preferably, the further line element has a circular cross-section perpendicular to its main direction of extension. Preferably, the water circuit element is connected to the tank element in a watertight manner. Preferably, the water circuit element is connected to the fuel cell unit in a watertight manner. Preferably, the water circuit element is designed to cool a liquid medium, in particular water, led from a tank element down to a target temperature. Preferably, the water circuit element is designed to dissipate thermal energy of a liquid medium, in particular water, led from a tank element to ambient air. Preferably, the water circuit element is designed to lead a liquid medium, in particular water, from a tank element to a fuel cell unit.In particular, it is conceivable for the water circuit element to have a cooling element configured to enlarge the surface area of the water circuit element in order to provide advantageous properties with regard to an area for dissipating thermal energy. This makes it possible to achieve particularly advantageous properties with regard to dissipating the thermal energy of the liquid medium. In particular, advantageous properties with regard to supplying the fuel cell unit with a liquid medium, in particular water, can be provided.

[0016] It is further proposed that the water management unit comprise a sensor unit which is arranged in a vicinity of the tank element, wherein the sensor unit determines a parameter of the water contained in the tank element. The sensor unit is preferably arranged on a side wall and / or top wall of the tank element. The sensor unit is preferably arranged in contact with the tank element. The sensor unit is preferably configured to determine, in particular to measure, a parameter of the liquid medium, in particular water, contained in a tank element. Particularly preferably, the sensor unit is configured to determine, in particular to measure a temperature parameter, in particular the temperature of the liquid medium, in particular water, contained in the tank element.In this context, a "sensor unit" is understood to mean, in particular, a unit configured to record at least one parameter and / or one physical property. Recording can occur actively, such as by generating and transmitting an electrical measurement signal, and / or passively, such as by detecting changes in the properties of a sensor component. Various sensor units are conceivable that would be deemed appropriate by those skilled in the art. This allows for particularly advantageous properties to be achieved with regard to measuring a parameter of the liquid medium.

[0017] Furthermore, it is proposed that the water management unit have a control and regulating unit which controls the pump unit depending on a parameter determined by the sensor unit. The control and regulating unit is preferably designed to process a parameter determined by the sensor unit and to regulate the pump unit depending thereon. The control and regulating unit is preferably designed to control and regulate a liquid medium, in particular water, in a tank element. A “control and / or regulating unit” should be understood in particular to mean a unit with at least one control electronics unit. “Control electronics” 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.Preferably, the pump unit pumps a liquid medium, in particular water, from a tank element into a water circuit element depending on regulation by the control and regulation unit. This can provide particularly advantageous properties with regard to regulation of the water management unit.

[0018] Furthermore, a cooling element according to the invention, in particular a cooling coil element, of a fuel cell device, in particular a prefab fuel cell device, is proposed. Preferably, the cooling element is arranged in a fuel cell device in a water management unit in a tank element. Preferably, the cooling element is formed from a line element of the fuel cell device. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the cooling element to be connected to a line element. Preferably, the cooling element is designed to transfer thermal energy from a gaseous medium flowing through the cooling element to a liquid medium located in the tank element and thus to cool the gaseous medium. Preferably, the cooling element is designed as a cooling coil element. Preferably, the line element runs in a cooling element rotating around a center point.The cooling element preferably has a winding of the line element. Alternatively, any other design of the cooling element that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art, for example with cooling fins and / or cooling surface, is also conceivable. The cooling element is preferably designed so that it can be detached from the tank element using a tool. In particular, it is conceivable for the cooling element to be designed so that it can be detached from the line element using a tool. In this context, “detachable” should be understood in particular to mean “non-destructively separable”. This makes it possible to achieve particularly advantageous properties with regard to dissipating the thermal energy of the gaseous medium. In particular, advantageous properties with regard to maintenance and reliability of the cooling element can be provided.

[0019] Furthermore, the invention is based on a method for operating a fuel cell device according to the invention. It is proposed that, in at least one operating step, the gaseous medium is cooled by the cooling element arranged in a tank element of the hydrogen management unit. Preferably, in one operating step, thermal energy of a gaseous medium is transferred via the cooling element to a liquid medium located in the tank element. Preferably, in one operating step, all thermal energy of the gaseous medium up to a target value is transferred via the cooling element to a liquid medium located in the tank element. Preferably, in one operating step, the thermal energy of a gaseous medium is transferred via the cooling element to a liquid medium located in the tank element at a temperature of not more than 75°C, preferably not more than 60°C, and particularly preferably 45°C.Alternatively, it is conceivable that, in one operating step, a constant thermal energy is removed from the gaseous medium, whereby no target temperature is defined. Furthermore, any other method for cooling a gaseous medium that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art is conceivable. Preferably, in one operating step, thermal energy from a gaseous medium is constantly transferred via the cooling element to a liquid medium located in the tank element. This makes it possible to provide advantageous properties with regard to desulfurization of the gaseous medium. In particular, advantageous properties with regard to removal of the thermal energy of the gaseous medium can be achieved.

[0020] Furthermore, it is proposed that in the operating step, the sensor unit monitors a parameter, in particular a temperature parameter, of the liquid medium, in particular water, in the tank element. Preferably, in one operating step, the sensor unit determines a parameter, in particular a temperature parameter, of the liquid medium, in particular water, in the tank element. Preferably, in one operating step, a parameter determined by the sensor unit, in particular a temperature parameter, of the liquid medium, in particular water, in the tank element is transmitted to the control and regulation unit. Preferably, in one operating step, the sensor unit continuously measures a parameter, in particular a temperature parameter, of the water in the tank element.Alternatively, it is conceivable that in one operating step, the sensor unit determines a parameter, in particular a temperature parameter, of the liquid medium, in particular water, in the tank element in a defined cycle. In particular, a "defined cycle" should be understood as a measurement preferably every 30 seconds, preferably every 20 seconds, and particularly preferably every 10 seconds. Particularly preferably, in one operating step, a temperature parameter, in particular the temperature, of the liquid medium, in particular water, in the tank element is determined. This can provide advantageous properties with regard to monitoring the liquid medium in the tank element.

[0021] It is further proposed that, in at least one operating step, the control and regulation unit monitors and / or performs a temperature switch of the water between a water circuit element and a tank element. Preferably, parameters determined by the sensor unit in one operating step, in particular temperature parameters, are received and evaluated by the control and regulation unit. Preferably, the control and regulation unit regulates a temperature switch of the liquid medium, in particular water, between a water circuit element and a tank element as soon as the parameter of the liquid medium of the tank element exceeds a setpoint.Additionally, it is conceivable for the control and regulation unit to perform a temperature switch of the liquid medium, in particular water, between a water circuit element and a tank element in a defined cycle in order to prevent algae and / or bacteria growth if the target temperature is not reached within the defined cycle. Preferably, the control and regulation unit controls and / or regulates the supply of a liquid medium, in particular water, to the fuel cell unit. This allows for advantageous properties with regard to controlling the water management unit. In particular, advantageous properties with regard to dissipating the thermal energy of the gaseous medium can be achieved.

[0022] Furthermore, it is proposed that in at least one operating step, the control and regulation unit actuates the pump unit to convey the liquid medium, in particular water, from the tank element into a water circuit and to replace it with colder water as soon as a defined temperature threshold of the liquid medium, in particular water, in the tank element, in particular a maximum of 60°C, is reached. Preferably, in one operating step, the liquid medium, in particular water, is conveyed from the tank element into a water circuit when the sensor unit transmits a defined temperature threshold of the liquid medium, in particular water, in the tank element to the control and regulation unit.Preferably, in one operating step, the liquid medium, in particular water, is pumped from the tank element into a water circuit as soon as a temperature threshold value of the liquid medium, in particular water, in the tank element of 75°C, preferably 60°C and particularly preferably 50°C is determined by the sensor unit. Preferably, the control and regulating unit controls a pump unit depending on a value determined by the sensor unit. Preferably, in one operating step, the liquid medium, in particular water, is pumped from the tank element into a water circuit by means of the pump unit when a defined temperature threshold value has been exceeded. This can provide advantageous properties with regard to controlling the water management unit. In particular, advantageous properties with regard to dissipating the thermal energy of the gaseous medium can be achieved.

[0023] It is further proposed that in at least one operating step the liquid medium, in particular water, is cooled to a target temperature in a water circuit element. Preferably, in one operating step, thermal energy is extracted from the liquid medium, in particular water, in the water circuit element until a target temperature is reached. Preferably, in one operating step, thermal energy is extracted from the liquid medium, in particular water, in a water circuit element until a maximum temperature of at least substantially 45°C, preferably a maximum of at least substantially 35°C, and particularly preferably a maximum of at least substantially 25°C is reached. Preferably, in one operating step, thermal energy of the liquid medium, in particular water, is transferred to ambient air. This can provide advantageous properties with regard to cooling the liquid medium.

[0024] The fuel cell device according to the invention, in particular a prefab fuel cell device, is not intended to be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the fuel cell device according to the invention, in particular a prefab fuel cell device, may have a number of individual elements, components, units, and method steps 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. drawing

[0025] 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.

[0026] They show: Fig. 1 a fuel cell device according to the invention in a schematic representation, Fig. 2 a cooling element according to the invention for a fuel cell device according to the invention in a schematic representation and Fig. 3 a schematic flow diagram of a method for operating a fuel cell device according to the invention. Description of the embodiment

[0027] Fig. 1 shows a fuel cell device 10, in particular a prefab fuel cell device. The fuel cell device 10 has at least one fuel cell unit 16 and at least one auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit. The auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit has at least one gas booster unit 12, at least one desulfurization unit 14, and at least one water management unit 18. The fuel cell device 10 has at least one housing unit 36, in which the fuel cell unit 16 and the associated auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit are permanently installed. The fuel cell unit 16 and the associated auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit are mechanically integrated in the center of the housing unit 36. The fuel cell unit 16 and the associated auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit are detachably installed in the housing unit 36 using a tool. The housing unit 36 is designed as a container.

[0028] The fuel cell device 10 has at least one fuel cell unit 16, which is configured to generate electrical energy from a gaseous medium. The fuel cell unit 16 is configured to generate electrical energy from a gaseous medium. The fuel cell unit 16 is configured to convert chemical reaction energy of a continuously supplied fuel and an oxidizing agent into electrical energy. Natural gas is used as the fuel and oxygen as the oxidizing agent. Alternatively, other fuels that would be deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art, such as methanol, butane, and / or hydrogen, are also conceivable. In an operating step 20 of the fuel cell unit 16, 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 via a connecting element.This movement of electrons from anode to cathode generates the electrical energy. The fuel cell device 10 has at least one gas booster unit 12, which is configured to accelerate and / or compress a gaseous medium. The gas booster unit 12 is designed as a compressor. Alternatively, any other design of a gas booster unit 12 that would be deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art is conceivable, which accelerates and / or compresses a gaseous medium. The thermodynamic compression of the gaseous medium by means of the gas booster unit 12 generates thermal energy in the gaseous medium. The gas booster unit 12 accelerates the gaseous medium through a conduit element 26 via the desulfurization unit 14 to the fuel cell unit 16.The gas booster unit 12 has at least one rotor blade element, via which a rotary movement is converted into a linear movement of the gaseous medium. The gas booster unit 12 has a drive unit that drives the at least one rotor blade element in rotation. The fuel cell device 10 has at least one desulfurization unit 14, which is configured to desulfurize the gaseous medium. The desulfurization unit 14 desulfurizes the gaseous medium in a cold desulfurization process. Alternatively, any other configuration of the desulfurization unit 14 and / or the desulfurization principle that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art is conceivable. The desulfurization unit 14 completely desulfurizes the gaseous medium. The desulfurization unit 14 is configured to remove all sulfur compounds from a gaseous medium.The fuel cell device 10 has at least one water management unit 18, which is configured to supply the fuel cell unit 16 with water in at least one operating step 20, in particular for starting operation of the fuel cell unit 16 for water reforming. The water management unit 18 has a tank element 22 and a pump unit 24. The water management unit 18 is configured to regulate a water circuit with the fuel cell unit 16. The tank element 22 is configured as a container for storing a liquid medium, in particular water. The tank element 22 is designed as a tank, in particular a water tank. Alternatively, any other design of the tank element 22 that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art is conceivable. The tank element 22 is designed as a closed container.A water circuit is formed between the tank element 22 of the water management unit 18 and the fuel cell unit 16. The pump unit 24 is designed as a radial or axial pump. Alternatively, all other designs of the pump unit 24 that appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art are conceivable. The pump unit 24 is configured to operate a water circuit between the tank element 22 and the fuel cell unit 16. The pump unit 22 is arranged in a water circuit between the tank element 22 and the fuel cell unit 16. The fuel cell device 10 has at least one line element 26 that connects the gas booster unit 12 and the desulfurization unit 14. The water management unit 18 is configured to dissipate thermal energy from the line element 26 in at least one operating step 20. The line element 26 is designed to guide a fluid medium flow.The line element 26 is designed to guide a gaseous medium flow. The line element 26 has a circular cross-section for guiding a gaseous or liquid medium flow perpendicular to a main direction of extension of the line element 26. The line element 26 is designed as a pipeline for guiding a gaseous or liquid medium flow. Alternatively, any other design of the line element 26 for guiding a gaseous or liquid medium flow that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art is conceivable. The line element 26 has a connection point 38 with the gas booster unit 12. The line element 26 has a coupling point 40 with the desulfurization unit 14. The connection point 38 and the contact point 40 are designed as a gas-tight contact point. The line element 26 is designed to be detachably connected to the gas booster unit 12 and the desulfurization unit 14 using a tool.Alternatively, it is conceivable that the line element 26 is permanently connected to the gas booster unit 12 and the desulfurization unit 14. The line element 26 transfers thermal energy of the gaseous medium to the water management unit 18. The line element 26 transfers thermal energy of the gaseous medium to the water management unit 18, at least substantially in part.

[0029] The line element 26 is guided through the tank element 22 of the water management unit 18. The line element 26 is guided at least substantially partially through the tank element 22. The line element 26 is guided completely through the tank element 22 in a cross-section at least substantially perpendicular to a main extension direction of the line element 26. The line element 26 is guided at least substantially partially, preferably largely, through the tank element 22 parallel to a main extension direction. The line element 26 is designed to transfer thermal energy from a gaseous medium in the line element 26 to a liquid medium, in particular water, in the tank element 22. The thermal energy is transferred from a gaseous medium to a liquid medium in the tank element 22. The tank element 22 has at least one side wall 42 and at least one top wall 44.The line element 26 is guided through the side wall 42 of the tank element 22. Alternatively, the line element 26 is guided through the top wall 44 of the tank element 22. The line element 26 is guided through a side wall 42 at a first connection point 46 in order to guide the line element 26 into the tank element 22. The line element 26 is guided through a side wall 42 at a second connection point 48 in order to exit the tank element 22. Alternatively, any other way of guiding the line element 26 through the tank element 22 that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art is conceivable. The line element 26 is connected in a watertight manner to the side wall 42 of the tank element 22 at a first connection point 46 and at a second connection point 48. In particular, it is conceivable for the line element 26 to be designed in several parts.In particular, it is conceivable for a first section of the line element 26 to lead to the tank element 22, a second section of the line element 26 to be arranged in the tank element 22, and the further section of the line element 26 to lead from the tank element 22 to the desulfurization unit 14. In particular, the sections are detachably connected to one another at their ends in a gas-tight manner, for example via a flange connection. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the tank element 22 to have at least one first coupling point and one further coupling point, to which the sections of the line element 26 are connected. The coupling points are formed at the connection points 46, 48.

[0030] The line element 26 is designed as a cooling element 28, in particular a cooling coil element, in a tank element 22 of the water management unit 18. The line element 26 is designed as a cooling coil element 28 in a tank element 22 to transfer thermal energy from a gaseous medium to a liquid medium in the tank element 22. The cooling element 28 is designed to completely dissipate thermal energy from a gaseous medium up to a target value to a liquid medium in the tank element 22. The cooling element 28 is designed to enlarge the area of the line element 26 in the tank element 22. The cooling element 28 is designed as a cooling coil element. Alternatively, any other design of the cooling element 28 that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art is also conceivable, for example, with cooling fins and / or a cooling surface. Outside the tank element 22, the line element 26 merges seamlessly into the cooling element 28.

[0031] The water management unit 18 has at least one water circuit element 30, which forms a water circuit between the tank element 22 and the fuel cell unit 16, wherein the water circuit element 30 is used as a cooling element 28 for the water contained in the tank element 22. The water circuit element 30 is designed as a further line element, which leads from the tank element 22 to the fuel cell unit 16 and from the fuel cell unit 16 to the tank element 22. The further line element has a circular cross-section perpendicular to its main direction of extension. The water circuit element 30 is connected to the tank element 22 in a watertight manner. The water circuit element 30 is connected to the fuel cell unit 12 in a watertight manner. The water circuit element 30 is designed to cool a liquid medium, in particular water, led from the tank element 22 to a desired temperature.The water circuit element 30 is configured to dissipate thermal energy from a liquid medium, in particular water, conveyed from the tank element 22 to the ambient air. The water circuit element 30 is configured to convey a liquid medium, in particular water, from the tank element 22 to the fuel cell unit 16. In particular, it is conceivable for the water circuit element 30 to have a cooling element configured to enlarge the surface area of the water circuit element 30 in order to provide advantageous properties with regard to a surface area for dissipating thermal energy.

[0032] The water management unit 18 has a sensor unit 32, which is arranged in a close vicinity of the tank element 22, wherein the sensor unit 32 determines a parameter of the water located in the tank element 22. The sensor unit 32 is arranged on a side wall 42 or a top wall 46 of the tank element 22. The sensor unit 32 is arranged in contact with the tank element 22. The sensor unit 32 is configured to determine, in particular to measure, a parameter of the liquid medium, in particular water, located in the tank element 22. The sensor unit 32 is configured to determine, in particular to measure, a temperature parameter, in particular the temperature, of the liquid medium, in particular water, located in the tank element 22.

[0033] The water management unit 18 has a control and regulation unit 34, which controls the pump unit 24 depending on a parameter determined by the sensor unit 32. The control and regulation unit 34 is configured to process a parameter determined by the sensor unit 32 and to regulate the pump unit 24 depending thereon. The control and regulation unit 34 is configured to control and regulate a liquid medium, in particular water, in a tank element 22. The pump unit 24 pumps a liquid medium, in particular water, from the tank element 22 into a water circuit element 30 depending on a regulation of the control and regulation unit 34.

[0034] Fig. 2 shows a cooling element 28, in particular a cooling coil element, of a fuel cell device 10, in particular a prefab fuel cell device. The cooling element 28 is arranged in the fuel cell device 16 in a water management unit 18 in a tank element 22. The cooling element 28 is formed from a line element 26 of the fuel cell device 10. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the cooling element 28 to be connected to a line element 26. The cooling element 28 is configured to transfer thermal energy from a gaseous medium flowing through the cooling element 28 to a liquid medium located in the tank element 22 and thus to cool the gaseous medium. The cooling element 28 is designed as a cooling coil element. The line element 26 designed as a cooling element 28 rotates around a center point. The cooling element 28 has a winding of the line element 26.Alternatively, any other configuration of the cooling element 28 that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art, for example, with cooling fins and / or a cooling surface, is also conceivable. The cooling element 28 is designed to be detachable from the tank element 22 using a tool. In particular, it is conceivable for the cooling element 28 to be detachable from a part of the line element 26 using a tool.

[0035] Fig.3 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method for operating a fuel cell device 10 according to the invention. In at least one operating step 20, the gaseous medium is cooled by the cooling element 28 arranged in a tank element 22 of the hydrogen management unit 18. In the operating step 20, thermal energy of the gaseous medium is transferred via the cooling element 28 to a liquid medium located in the tank element 22. In the operating step 20, all thermal energy of the gaseous medium is transferred via the cooling element 28 to the liquid medium located in the tank element 22 until a target temperature is reached. Alternatively, it is conceivable that a constant thermal energy is removed from the gaseous medium in the operating step 20, whereby no target temperature is defined. Furthermore, any other method for cooling a gaseous medium that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art is conceivable.In the operating step 20, a thermal energy of the gaseous medium is constantly transferred via the cooling element 28 to the liquid medium located in the tank element 22.

[0036] In operating step 20, the sensor unit 32 monitors a parameter, in particular a temperature parameter, of the liquid medium, in particular water, in the tank element 22. In operating step 20, the sensor unit 32 determines a parameter, in particular a temperature parameter, of the liquid medium, in particular water, in the tank element 22. In operating step 20, a parameter, in particular a temperature parameter, of the liquid medium, in particular water, in the tank element 22 determined by the sensor unit 32 is transmitted to the control and regulation unit 34. In operating step 20, the sensor unit 32 continuously measures a parameter, in particular a temperature parameter, of the water in the tank element 22. Alternatively, it is conceivable that in operating step 20, the sensor unit 32 determines a parameter, in particular a temperature parameter, of the liquid medium, in particular water, in the tank element 22 in a defined cycle.In the operating step 20, a temperature parameter, in particular the temperature, of the liquid medium, in particular water, in the tank element 22 is determined.

[0037] In at least operating step 20, the control and regulation unit 34 monitors and / or performs a temperature switch of the liquid medium, in particular water, between a water circuit element 30 and a tank element 22. In operating step 20, parameters determined by the sensor unit 32, in particular temperature parameters, are received and evaluated by the control and regulation unit 34. The control and regulation unit 34 regulates a temperature switch of the liquid medium, in particular water, between the water circuit element 30 and the tank element 22 as soon as the parameter of the liquid medium in the tank element 22 exceeds a target value.Additionally, it is conceivable for the control and regulation unit 34 to perform a temperature switch of the liquid medium, in particular water, between the water circuit element 30 and the tank element 22 in a defined cycle to prevent algae and / or bacteria growth if the target temperature is not reached within the defined cycle. The control and regulation unit 34 controls and / or regulates the supply of a liquid medium, in particular water, to the fuel cell unit 16.

[0038] In at least operating step 20, the control and regulation unit 34 controls the pump unit 24 to pump the liquid medium, in particular water, from the tank element 22 into a water circuit and to replace it with colder water as soon as a defined temperature threshold value of the liquid medium, in particular water, in the tank element 22, of in particular a maximum of 60°C, is reached. In operating step 20, the liquid medium, in particular water, is pumped from the tank element 22 into the water circuit element 30 when the sensor unit 32 transmits a defined temperature threshold value of the liquid medium, in particular water, in the tank element 22 to the control and regulation unit 34. In operating step 20, the liquid medium, in particular water, is pumped from the tank element 22 into the water circuit element 30 as soon as a temperature threshold value of the liquid medium, in particular water, of 60°C is determined by the sensor unit 32.The control and regulation unit 34 controls the pump unit 24 depending on a value determined by the sensor unit 32. In operating step 20, the liquid medium, in particular water, is pumped from the tank element 22 into the water circuit element 30 by means of the pump unit 34 when a defined temperature threshold has been exceeded.

[0039] In at least operating step 20, the liquid medium, in particular water, is cooled to a target temperature in the water circuit element 30. In operating step 20, thermal energy is extracted from the liquid medium, in particular water, in the water circuit element 30 until a target temperature is reached. In operating step 20, thermal energy is extracted from the liquid medium, in particular water, in the water circuit element 30 until a maximum temperature of 25°C is reached. In operating step 20, thermal energy of the liquid medium, in particular water, is transferred to ambient air.

Claims

A fuel cell device (10), in particular a prefab fuel cell device, comprising at least one gas booster unit (12) configured to accelerate and / or compress a gaseous medium, at least one desulfurization unit (14) configured to desulfurize the gaseous medium, at least one fuel cell unit (16) configured to generate electrical energy from the gaseous medium, at least one water management unit (18) configured to supply the fuel cell unit (16) with water in at least one operating step (20), in particular for starting operation of the fuel cell unit (16) for water reforming, wherein the water management unit (18) comprises a tank element (22) and a pump unit (24), and at least one line element (26) connecting the gas booster unit (12) and the desulfurization unit (14),characterized in that the water management unit (18) is designed to dissipate thermal energy from the line element (26) in at least one operating step (20). Fuel cell device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the line element (26) is guided through the tank element (22) of the water management unit (18). Fuel cell device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the line element (26) in the tank element (22) of the water management unit (18) is designed as a cooling element (28), in particular a cooling coil element. Fuel cell device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the water management unit (18) has at least one water circuit element (30) which forms a water circuit between the tank element (22) and the fuel cell unit (16), wherein the water circuit element (30) is used as a cooling element (28) for the water located in the tank element (22). Fuel cell device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the water management unit (18) has a sensor unit (32) which is arranged in a close region of the tank element (22), wherein the sensor unit (32) determines a parameter of the water located in the tank element (22). Fuel cell device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the water management unit (18) has a control and regulating unit (34) which controls the pump unit (24) depending on a parameter determined by the sensor unit (32). Cooling element (28), in particular cooling coil element, of a fuel cell device (10), in particular prefab fuel cell device, according to claim 3. Method for operating a fuel cell device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in at least one operating step (20) the gaseous medium is cooled by the cooling element (28) arranged in a tank element (22) of the hydrogen management unit (18). Method according to claim 7, characterized in that in the operating step (20) the sensor unit (32) monitors a parameter, in particular temperature parameter, of the liquid medium, in particular water, in the tank element (22). Method according to claim 7, characterized in that in at least one operating step (20) the control and regulating unit (34) monitors and / or carries out a temperature switch of the liquid medium, in particular water, between a water circuit element (30) and the tank element (22). Method according to claim 7, characterized in that in at least one operating step (20) the control and regulating unit (34) controls the pump unit (24) in order to convey the liquid medium, in particular water, from the tank element (22) into a water circuit and to replace it with colder water as soon as a defined temperature threshold value of the liquid medium, in particular water, in the tank element (22), in particular a maximum of 60°C, is reached. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that in at least one operating step (20) the liquid medium, in particular water, is cooled to a desired temperature in a water circuit element (30).

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