Fluid guiding device, method and electrochemical system

Abstract

The invention is based on a fluid guidance device (10) for an electrochemical system (12), which comprises at least one electrochemical unit (14) for an electrochemical conversion of at least one reactant, with at least one reactant line unit (18) for guiding the reactant, with at least one flushing unit (26) connected to the reactant line unit (18) for flushing the reactant line unit (18) with a flushing fluid, with at least one first fluid control element and with at least one further fluid control element for defining different fluid paths of the reactant and / or the flushing fluid through the reactant line unit (18) and / or the flushing unit (26). It is proposed that the fluid guiding device comprises at least one coupling element in order to make a change in state of the at least one further fluid actuating element dependent on a state and / or a change in state of the at least one first fluid actuating element.

Description

State of the art

[0001] A fluid guidance device for an electrochemical system has already been proposed, which comprises at least one electrochemical unit for an electrochemical conversion of at least one reactant, with at least one reactant line unit for guiding the reactant, with at least one flushing unit connected to the reactant line unit for flushing the reactant line unit with a flushing fluid, with at least one first fluid control element and with at least one further fluid control element for defining different fluid paths of the reactant and / or the flushing fluid through the reactant line unit and / or the flushing unit. Disclosure of the invention

[0002] The invention is based on a fluid guidance device for an electrochemical system, which comprises at least one electrochemical unit for an electrochemical conversion of at least one reactant, with at least one reactant line unit for guiding the reactant, with at least one flushing unit connected to the reactant line unit for flushing the reactant line unit with a flushing fluid, with at least one first fluid control element and with at least one further fluid control element for defining different fluid paths of the reactant and / or the flushing fluid through the reactant line unit and / or the flushing unit.

[0003] It is proposed that the fluid guide unit comprise at least one coupling element in order to make a change in state of the at least one further fluid actuating element dependent on a state and / or a change in state of the at least one first fluid actuating element. The electrochemical unit preferably comprises at least one electrochemical cell, preferably at least 100 electrochemical cells, particularly preferably at least 200 electrochemical cells, for electrochemically converting the reactant. The at least one electrochemical cell can be designed as a fuel cell, in particular as a solid oxide fuel cell, as a molten carbonate fuel cell, as a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, or the like, or as an electrolysis cell, in particular as a solid oxide electrolysis cell, as a molten carbonate electrolysis cell, as a polymer electrolyte electrolysis cell, or the like.The at least one reactant is preferably a fuel comprising, for example, hydrogen, ammonia, methane or the like, in particular natural gas or an electrolysis reactant such as, for example, water, carbon dioxide or the like.

[0004] The fluid guide device is preferably provided to supply the at least one electrochemical unit with the at least one reactant. The reactant line unit preferably comprises at least one reactant inlet, which is provided for connection to an external reactant source, such as an external supply line and / or an external transport container. The reactant line unit preferably comprises at least one reactant outlet, which is provided for connection to the at least one electrochemical cell. The fluid guide device preferably comprises at least two fluidically parallel filter branches that lead from the reactant inlet to the reactant outlet. The filter branches are preferably provided for fluidically integrating replaceable filter units in order to purify the reactant. For example, the filter units are provided for separating sulfur, sulfur compounds and / or chromium from the reactant.The fluid conveying device preferably comprises at least one fluid conveying unit, for example a compressor, a blower, or the like, for transporting the reactant from the reactant inlet to the reactant outlet. The fluid conveying unit is preferably arranged upstream of a branching of the reactant line unit into the filter branches.

[0005] The flushing unit preferably comprises at least one flushing fluid line for feeding an inert flushing fluid, for example nitrogen, carbon dioxide and / or a noble gas, into the reactant line unit. The reactant line unit preferably comprises at least one flushing fluid inlet connected to the flushing fluid line upstream of the fluid delivery unit. The reactant line unit preferably comprises at least one flushing fluid inlet in the filter branches, in particular one in each case, connected to the flushing fluid line. The flushing unit preferably comprises at least one discharge line for discharging a fluid present in the component to be flushed. The reactant line unit preferably comprises at least one flushing fluid outlet connected to the discharge line downstream of the fluid delivery unit. The reactant line unit preferably comprises at least one flushing fluid outlet in the filter branches, in particular one in each case, connected to the discharge line.

[0006] The fluid guide unit preferably comprises a filter control unit with fluid control elements for directing the reactant through one or more, in particular all, filter branches. The flushing unit preferably comprises a flushing control unit with flushing control elements for directing the flushing fluid through the fluid conveying unit and / or through one or more, in particular all, filter branches. The fluid control elements of the filter control unit and the flushing control unit can be integrated into one another or formed separately from one another. The fluid control elements coupled to the coupling element can be fluid control elements of the filter control unit and / or fluid control elements of the flushing control unit. The fluid control elements are preferably designed as valves and can be designed as a check valve or continuous valve as well as as a single valve or multi-way valve.

[0007] The coupling element can be provided to permit, prohibit, or force actuation of the at least one further fluid control element depending on a state and / or a change in state of the at least one first fluid control element. The coupling element can be designed, for example, as a mechanical coupling element, a hydraulic coupling element, a pneumatic coupling element, an electrical coupling element, and / or a data coupling element. The fluid guide elements preferably comprise a plurality of coupling elements in order to couple different fluid control elements and / or to couple the same fluid control elements multiple times, in particular redundantly.

[0008] "Intended" should be understood in particular to mean specifically programmed, designed, and / or equipped. The fact that an object is intended for a specific function should be understood in particular to mean that the object fulfills and / or performs this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.

[0009] The design according to the invention advantageously allows the risk of incorrect operation of the fluid-conducting device to be kept low. In particular, the risk of flushing fluid entering the electrochemical unit during operation of the electrochemical unit can be kept low. Furthermore, the risk and / or extent of a particularly uncontrolled escape of the reactant from the fluid-conducting device can be kept low. The fluid-conducting device can advantageously be operated and maintained safely. For example, the filter units can advantageously be replaced safely, in particular while maintaining operation of the electrochemical unit. In particular, the risk to the electrochemical unit, maintenance personnel and / or a site of use can advantageously be kept low. Furthermore, maintenance work can advantageously be carried out quickly and safely.

[0010] It is further proposed that the coupling element mechanically connects the first fluid control element and the at least one further fluid control element. The coupling element is designed, for example, as a rigid connection of the fluid control elements, so that both fluid control elements can only be actuated jointly. The coupling element is designed, for example, as a gear for actuating a blocking element, for example a locking bolt, a latch, or the like, which is driven by an actuating mechanism of the first fluid control element and, depending on its positioning, blocks or permits an actuating mechanism of the at least one further fluid control element. The design according to the invention makes it possible to achieve an advantageously robust coupling of the fluid control elements and to operate the fluid guidance device particularly reliably.

[0011] It is further proposed that the coupling element or a further coupling element of the fluid guide device be designed as a control or regulating unit which is connected to the fluid actuating elements for data purposes. A “control or regulating unit” should be understood in particular as a unit with at least one control electronics unit. A “control electronics unit” should be understood in particular as 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 or regulating unit can comprise at least one condition actuator for actuating the first fluid actuating element and / or at least one sensor for detecting a manual actuation of the first fluid actuating element in order to determine a state and / or a change in state of the first fluid actuating element.The control or regulating unit preferably comprises a target actuator for actuating the further fluid actuating element and / or for locking / unlocking an actuating mechanism of the further fluid actuating element. The control electronics are preferably designed to control the target actuator depending on the state and / or change in state of the first fluid actuating element. The inventive design advantageously allows the coupling of the fluid actuating elements to be flexibly adapted to different situations.

[0012] It is further proposed that the fluid control elements coupled by the at least one coupling element are arranged in a main reactant supply line of the reactant line unit and a main reactant output line of the reactant line unit. The main reactant supply line preferably comprises the reactant inlet. The main reactant supply line preferably extends upstream of the branch in which the filter branches are arranged. The fluid guide unit is preferably connected to the reactant supply line. The fluid control element of the main reactant supply line is preferably designed as a check valve in order to completely block or allow a reactant flow through the fluid guide device. The main reactant output line preferably extends from a filter connection of a main filter branch of the reactant line unit to the reactant outlet. The fluid control element of the main reactant output line is preferably arranged in the main filter branch.Preferably, a change in state of the fluid control element of the main reactant output line due to the coupling element is dependent on a state and / or a change in state of the fluid control element of the main reactant supply line. Particularly preferably, the coupling element blocks the opening of the fluid control element of the main reactant output line toward the reactant outlet when the fluid control element of the main reactant supply line is closed. The inventive design advantageously minimizes the risk of contamination of the electrochemical unit with a fluid different from the reactant.

[0013] It is further proposed that the fluid control elements coupled by the at least one coupling element be arranged in a maintenance inlet line of the reactant line unit and a maintenance outlet line of the reactant line unit. The maintenance inlet line and the maintenance outlet line are preferably part of the same maintenance filter branch, which in particular runs fluidically parallel to the main filter branch. The maintenance inlet line preferably extends from the branching into the filter branches to a filter connection, to a connection of an external filter unit. The maintenance outlet line preferably extends from a further filter connection of the maintenance filter branch to a point where the maintenance filter branch opens into the main filter branch.Preferably, the fluid control element of the maintenance inlet line can only be opened due to the coupling element when the fluid control element of the maintenance outlet line is closed towards the outlet point. Preferably, the fluid control element of the maintenance outlet line can only be opened due to the coupling element when the fluid control element of the maintenance inlet line is open. Preferably, the fluid control element of the maintenance outlet line can only be closed due to the coupling element when the fluid control element of the maintenance inlet line is closed. The design according to the invention advantageously minimizes the risk of contamination of the electrochemical unit with a fluid different from the reactant.

[0014] It is further proposed that the fluid control elements coupled by the at least one coupling element are arranged in the same filter branch of the reactant line unit provided for cleaning the reactant. The fluid control elements are preferably arranged in the main filter branch. The main filter branch preferably comprises an inlet line which extends from the branch into the filter branches to a filter connection of the main filter branch. One of the fluid control elements coupled by the coupling elements is preferably arranged in the inlet line of the main filter branch. One of the fluid control elements coupled by the coupling elements is preferably arranged in the main reactant output line. Due to the coupling element to the filter connection, the fluid control element of the inlet line can preferably only be closed if the fluid control element of the main reactant output line is closed or is closed simultaneously, in particular automatically.The design according to the invention advantageously allows the risk of contamination of the electrochemical unit with a fluid different from the reactant to be kept low.

[0015] It is further proposed that one of the fluid control elements coupled by the at least one coupling element is arranged in the flushing unit and one of the fluid control elements coupled by the at least one coupling element is arranged in the reactant line unit. Preferably, the fluid control element of the reactant line unit is arranged in the main reactant discharge line. Preferably, the fluid control element of the flushing unit is arranged in the flushing line of the flushing unit, which opens into the maintenance filter branch. Preferably, opening the fluid control element of the flushing unit via the coupling unit triggers closing of the fluid control element of the reactant line unit, or the fluid control element of the flushing unit can only be opened due to the coupling element when the fluid control element of the reactant line unit is closed.The design according to the invention advantageously allows the risk of contamination of the electrochemical unit with a fluid different from the reactant to be kept low.

[0016] It is further proposed that the fluid control elements coupled by the at least one coupling element be arranged at different flushing fluid outlets of the flushing unit. Due to the coupling element, a maximum of one of the flushing outlets is preferably open. Optionally, when one of the flushing outlets is opened, the others are closed via the coupling element. Alternatively, due to the coupling element, each of the flushing outlets can only be opened if other flushing outlets are closed. The design according to the invention advantageously minimizes the risk of contamination of the electrochemical unit with a fluid different from the reactant.

[0017] Furthermore, a method for operating a fluid-conducting device according to the invention is proposed, wherein, in at least one method step of the method, a change in state of the at least one further fluid control element is set depending on a state and / or a change in state of the first fluid control element. Preferably, the at least one coupling element prevents or enforces actuation of the at least one further fluid control element during flushing of one of the filter units and / or during flushing of the fluid delivery unit. The inventive design advantageously allows the fluid-conducting device to be operated reliably.

[0018] Furthermore, an electrochemical system is proposed with at least one electrochemical unit for electrochemically converting at least one reactant and with at least one fluid-conducting device fluidically connected to the electrochemical unit for supplying the at least one electrochemical unit with the at least one reactant. If the electrochemical system comprises several electrochemical units, these are preferably fluidically connected in parallel to the reactant outlet. The electrochemical system preferably has a nominal electrical load of at least 10 kW, preferably of at least 20 kW, particularly preferably of at least 100 kW. The electrochemical system preferably comprises a main filter unit for cleaning the reactant, which is connected in the main filter branch. The configuration according to the invention makes it possible to provide an electrochemical system that can advantageously be operated safely.

[0019] The fluid-conducting device according to the invention, the method according to the invention, and / or the electrochemical system according to the invention are not intended to be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the fluid-conducting device according to the invention, the method according to the invention, and / or the electrochemical system according to the invention may, in order to fulfill a function described herein, have a number of individual elements, components, units, and 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. Drawings

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

[0021] They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an electrochemical system according to the invention with a fluid guide device according to the invention and Fig. 2 a schematic flow diagram of a method according to the invention. Description of the embodiment

[0022] Fig. 1 shows a combination of an electrochemical system 12 and an external filter unit 24. The electrochemical system 12 comprises at least one electrochemical unit 14, in particular a fuel cell unit, connected to a fluid-conducting device 10 for electrochemically converting at least one reactant, in particular a fuel. The electrochemical system 12 preferably comprises a main filter unit 16 for cleaning the at least one reactant. The main filter unit 16 preferably comprises at least two, here, for example, four, filter elements 17, 17', 17'', 17''' connected in series for fluidic purposes for cleaning the at least one reactant. The filter elements 17, 17', 17'', 17''' are preferably provided for desulfurizing the reactant.The filter elements 17, 17', 17'', 17''' contain, for example, granules for adsorbing and / or absorbing sulfur and / or sulfur compounds, which must be replaced regularly. The main filter unit 16 preferably comprises internal check valves 56 upstream and downstream of the filter elements 17, 17', 17'', 17''' to prevent fluid exchange between the filter elements 17, 17', 17'', 17''' and the environment, particularly during transport of the main filter unit 16. The external filter unit 24 is preferably a maintenance device designed to be temporarily connected to the electrochemical system 12 during maintenance of the electrochemical system 12. The external filter unit 24 preferably comprises at least one filter element 25 for cleaning the reactant.The filter element 25 is preferably provided for desulfurizing the reactant, in particular while the main filter unit 16 is being replaced.

[0023] The electrochemical system 12 comprises at least one fluid-conducting device 10 with a reactant line unit 18 for the reactant. The reactant line unit 18 preferably comprises a main supply line for conducting the reactant. The main supply line preferably leads from a reactant inlet 40 of the fluid-conducting device 10 to a reactant outlet 28 of the fluid-conducting device 10. The at least one electrochemical unit 14 is preferably connected to the fluid-conducting device 10 downstream of the reactant outlet 28. If the electrochemical system 12 comprises a plurality of electrochemical units 14, these are preferably connected in parallel for fluidic purposes to the reactant outlet 28. The fluid-conducting device 10 comprises at least one main filter branch 20 to a fluidic connection of the main filter unit 16.The fluid guide device 10 comprises at least one maintenance filter branch 22 to a fluid connection of the at least one external filter unit 24.

[0024] The main filter branch 20 and the maintenance filter branch 22 are fluidically connected in parallel to the reactant outlet 28 and the reactant inlet 40 of the main supply line. The fluid guide device 10 preferably comprises a fluid conveying unit 42 for transporting the reactant through the main supply line. A branch 44 of the main supply line 18 into the main filter branch 20 and the at least one maintenance filter branch 22 is preferably arranged downstream of the fluid conveying unit 42. A mouth 46 of the at least one maintenance filter branch 22, which rejoins the filter branches 20, 22 and into the main filter branch 20, is preferably arranged upstream of the reactant outlet 28. Preferably, the fluid guiding device 10 comprises an inlet filter 48 for pre-cleaning the reactant in the main supply line downstream of the reactant inlet 40 and upstream of the branch 44, in particular upstream of the fluid conveying unit 42.Preferably, the fluid guiding device 10 comprises an outlet filter 50 in the main supply line downstream of the orifice 46 and upstream of the reactant outlet 28 for subsequent purification of the reactant.

[0025] The main filter branch 20 and the at least one maintenance filter branch 22 preferably each comprise at least two filter connections 52, 54 for fluidically connecting the filter units 16, 24 to the respective filter branch 20, 22. The fluid guide device 10 preferably comprises a housing in which the main supply line 18, the fluid conveying unit 42, the inlet filter 48 and / or the outlet filter 50 are arranged. The reactant inlet 40, the reactant outlet 28 and / or the filter connections 52, 54 preferably form passages through the housing. The reactant inlet 40, the reactant outlet 28 and / or the filter connections 52 of the main filter branch 20 are designed, for example, as flanges, in particular with an opening width of at least DN40. The filter connections 52 of the at least one maintenance filter branch 22 are designed, for example, as flanges, in particular with an opening width of at least DN25.

[0026] The fluid guide device 10 preferably comprises a filter control unit for directing the reactant through the main filter branch 20 and / or the maintenance filter branch 22. The filter control unit preferably comprises at least one main filter inlet valve 58, in particular in the form of a check valve, upstream of the filter connections 52 of the main filter branch 20 and downstream of the branch 44. The filter control unit preferably comprises at least one main filter outlet valve 60, in particular in the form of a check valve, downstream of the filter connections 52 of the main filter branch 20 and upstream of the outlet point 46. The filter control unit preferably comprises at least one further filter inlet valve 62, in particular in the form of a check valve, upstream of the filter connections 54 of the maintenance filter branch 22 and downstream of the branch 44.Preferably, the filter control unit comprises at least one further filter outlet valve 64, in particular in the form of a shut-off valve, downstream of the filter connections 54 of the maintenance filter branch 22 and upstream of the outlet point 46.

[0027] The fluid guide device 10 comprises a flushing unit 26 connected to the main supply line 18 for selectively flushing the main filter branch 20 and / or the maintenance filter branch 22. The flushing unit 26 preferably comprises at least one flushing fluid line 66, 68 for supplying an inert flushing fluid, in particular nitrogen. The external filter unit 24 preferably comprises a flushing fluid supply 70 for connecting the at least one flushing fluid line 66, 68. Alternatively, the electrochemical system 12 comprises an internal flushing fluid supply, to which the at least one flushing fluid line 66, 68 is connected. The external filter unit 24 preferably comprises an internal flushing fluid line 72 for supplying the inert flushing fluid to the filter element 25 of the external filter unit 24.The fluid guiding device 10 preferably comprises a discharge line 74 for discharging a fluid to be flushed out of the main filter branch 20 and / or the maintenance filter branch 22. The discharge line 74 is preferably connected to a fluid disposal line 76 of the electrochemical system 12.

[0028] The flushing unit 26 comprises at least one flushing fluid inlet 30 that opens into the main filter branch 20. The flushing fluid inlet 30 is preferably a fluid outlet of the flushing fluid line 66. The flushing fluid inlet 30 is preferably arranged downstream of the branch 44 and upstream of the filter connections 52 of the main filter branch 20. The flushing unit 26 preferably comprises a flushing control unit for activating or deactivating a flushing process with the inert flushing fluid. The flushing unit 26 preferably comprises a main filter flushing valve, in particular in the form of a shut-off valve, at the flushing fluid inlet 30 to open or close the flushing fluid inlet 30. The main filter flushing valve and the main filter inlet valve 58 are, for example, integrated into one another as a three-way valve. Alternatively, the main filter flushing valve and the main filter inlet valve 58 are designed as separate components.In particular, the main filter inlet valve 58 is arranged at the flushing fluid inlet 30.

[0029] The flushing unit 26 comprises at least one flushing fluid outlet 32 ​​branching off from the main filter branch 20. The flushing fluid outlet 32 ​​is preferably a fluid inlet into the discharge line 74. The flushing fluid outlet 32 ​​is preferably arranged upstream of the orifice 46 and downstream of the filter connections 52 of the main filter branch 20. The flushing unit 26 preferably comprises a further main filter flushing valve, in particular in the form of a shut-off valve, at the flushing fluid outlet 32 ​​in order to open or close the flushing fluid outlet 32. The further main filter flushing valve and the main filter outlet valve 60 are, for example, integrated into one another as a three-way valve. Alternatively, the further main filter flushing valve and the main filter outlet valve 60 are arranged as separate components. In particular, the main filter outlet valve 60 is arranged at the flushing fluid outlet 32.

[0030] The flushing unit 26 comprises at least one further flushing fluid outlet 34, which branches off from the maintenance filter branch 22. The further flushing fluid outlet 34 is preferably a fluid inlet into the discharge line 74. The further flushing fluid outlet 34 is preferably arranged upstream of the orifice 46 and downstream of the filter connections 54 of the maintenance filter branch 22. The flushing unit 26 preferably comprises a further filter flushing valve, in particular in the form of a shut-off valve, at the further flushing fluid outlet 34 in order to open or close the further flushing fluid outlet 34. The further filter flushing valve and the further filter outlet valve 64 are, for example, integrated into one another as a three-way valve. Alternatively, the further filter flushing valve and the further filter outlet valve 64 are designed as separate components. In particular, the further filter outlet valve 64 is arranged at the further flushing fluid outlet 34.

[0031] The external filter unit 24 preferably comprises an internal filter inlet valve 80. The internal filter inlet valve 80 is preferably arranged on the internal flushing fluid line 72 to allow or prevent the inert flushing fluid from flowing into the filter element 25 of the external filter unit 24. The internal filter inlet valve 80 is designed here, for example, as a three-way valve, which is arranged here at an opening of the internal flushing fluid line 72 into an educt supply of the external filter unit 24 to the filter element 25. The further filter inlet valve 62 is preferably arranged upstream of the internal filter inlet valve 80 when the external filter unit 24 is connected to the fluid guide device 10.

[0032] The flushing unit 26 comprises at least one additional flushing fluid outlet 36, which branches off from the main supply line 18 upstream of the main filter branch 20 and the maintenance filter branch 22. The additional flushing fluid outlet 36 is preferably a fluid inlet into the discharge line 74. The additional flushing fluid outlet 36 is preferably arranged downstream of the fluid delivery unit 42. The flushing unit 26 preferably comprises at least one additional flushing fluid inlet 78, which opens into the main supply line 18 upstream of the fluid delivery unit 42, in particular upstream of the inlet filter 48. The additional flushing fluid inlet 78 can be a fluid outlet of the flushing fluid line 66 or, as shown here, of an additional flushing fluid line 68 of the flushing unit 26, which can be connected to the flushing fluid supply 70, in particular independently of the flushing fluid line 66.The flushing unit 26 preferably comprises at least one additional flushing fluid valve at the additional flushing fluid outlet 36 to close the additional flushing fluid outlet 36 or the main supply line.

[0033] The fluid guide device 10 comprises at least one coupling element for making a change in the state of at least one further fluid control element of the filter control unit and / or the flushing control unit dependent on a state and / or a change in the state of at least one first fluid control element of the filter control unit and / or the flushing control unit. The at least one coupling element can mechanically connect the first fluid control element and the at least one further fluid control element or be designed as a control or regulating unit that is connected to the fluid control elements for data purposes.

[0034] The fluid guide device 10 comprises a coupling element that couples fluid control elements in a main reactant supply line of the reactant line unit 18 and a main reactant output line of the reactant line unit 18. The main reactant supply line is preferably a section of the main supply line that is connected to the reactant inlet 40. The main reactant output line is preferably a section of the main supply line that is connected to the reactant outlet 28. The electrochemical system 12 preferably comprises an reactant inlet valve 94 that is arranged in the main reactant supply line, in particular upstream of the inlet filter 48 and in particular upstream of the additional flushing fluid inlet 78. The fluid guide device preferably comprises at least one coupling element that couples the reactant inlet valve 94 to the main filter outlet valve 60.Preferably, the main filter outlet valve 60 cannot be opened to the reactant outlet 28 due to the coupling element when the reactant inlet valve 94 is closed.

[0035] The fluid guide device 10 comprises a further coupling element that couples fluid control elements in a maintenance inlet line of the maintenance filter branch 22 and a maintenance outlet line of the maintenance filter branch 22, namely the further filter inlet valve 62 and the further filter outlet valve 64. Due to the further coupling element, the filter outlet valve 64 can preferably only be opened to the reactant outlet 28 when the filter inlet valve 62 is open. Due to the further coupling element, the filter inlet valve 62 can preferably only be opened when the filter outlet valve 64 to the reactant outlet 28 is closed.

[0036] The fluid guide device 10 preferably comprises at least one additional coupling element which couples fluid control elements in the main filter branch 20 of the reactant line unit 18, namely the main filter inlet valve 58 and the main filter outlet valve 60. Due to the additional coupling element, an reactant inlet of the main filter inlet valve 58 can preferably only be closed if the main filter outlet valve 60 is closed towards the reactant outlet 28.

[0037] The fluid guide device 10 comprises a further additional coupling element, which couples a fluid control element in the flushing unit 26, namely the internal filter inlet valve 80, and a fluid control element in the reactant line unit 18, namely the main filter outlet valve 60. Preferably, the internal filter inlet valve 80 can only be opened when the main filter outlet valve 60 is closed in the direction of the reactant outlet 28.

[0038] Preferably, the fluid guide device 10 comprises at least one flushing coupling element, which couples the additional main filter flushing valve to the flushing fluid outlet 32, the additional filter flushing valve to the additional flushing fluid outlet 34, and / or the additional flushing fluid valve toward the additional flushing fluid outlet 36 of the flushing unit 26. Preferably, the flushing coupling element allows the opening of only one of the flushing fluid outlets 32, 34, 36.

[0039] Fig.2 shows a flow diagram of a method 38 for operating the fluid guide device 10. During regular operation 82 of the electrochemical system 12, the filter actuating unit directs the reactant through the main filter branch 20 to the reactant outlet 28. During regular operation 82, the main filter unit 16 preferably filters the reactant. In particular, during regular operation 82, the additional filter inlet valve 62 and the additional filter outlet valve 64 are closed. Preferably, during regular operation 82, the flushing fluid inlet 30 and the flushing fluid outlet 32 ​​are closed. During regular operation 82, the additional flushing fluid inlet 78 and the additional flushing fluid outlet 36 are preferably closed.

[0040] When the main filter unit 16 is replaced, the reactant is continuously supplied in a filtered state at the reactant outlet 28 of the main supply line 18. Preferably, the external filter unit 24 is connected to the fluid guide device 10, particularly during regular operation 82, when the main filter unit 16 is to be replaced.

[0041] The method 38 preferably comprises a flushing step 84. In the flushing step 84, a transport fluid located in the external filter unit 24 is preferably flushed out and replaced with the reactant. Preferably, in the flushing step 84, the further filter inlet valve 62 and the further flushing fluid outlet 34 are opened so that a portion of the reactant flows from the branch 44 through the maintenance filter branch 22 into the discharge line 74. The further filter inlet valve 62 is preferably opened so slowly and / or only partially that a decrease in the reactant flow at the reactant outlet 28 allows continued operation of the electrochemical unit 14, in particular keeps the reactant usage, for example, fuel usage of the electrochemical unit, below a predetermined limit. A supply of the reactant to the electrochemical unit 14 is preferably maintained via the main filter branch 20.At the end of the rinsing step 84, the additional filter outlet valve 64 is opened and the additional rinsing fluid outlet 34 is closed, so that the reactant flows via the maintenance filter branch 22 and, in particular, parallel via the main filter branch 20 to the reactant outlet 28. Preferably, the additional filter inlet valve 62 is fully opened at the end of the rinsing step 84 at the latest.

[0042] The method 38 preferably comprises a main filter flushing step 86. In the main filter flushing step 86, the reactant located in the main filter unit 16 is preferably flushed out and replaced with the inert flushing fluid. In the main filter flushing step 86, the main filter inlet valve 58 and the main filter outlet valve 60 are preferably closed. During the main filter flushing step 86 of the main filter branch 20, the maintenance filter branch 22 is supplied with the reactant. In the main filter flushing step 86, the flushing fluid inlet 30 and the flushing fluid outlet 32 ​​are preferably opened so that the inert flushing fluid flows from the flushing fluid line 66 via the main filter branch 20 into the discharge line 74. At the end of the main filter flushing step 86, the internal shut-off valves 56 are preferably closed to lock the inert flushing fluid in the main filter unit 16.

[0043] The method 38 preferably comprises an exchange step 88. In the exchange step 88, the main filter unit 16 is preferably detached as a whole from the filter connections 52 of the main filter branch 20 and a new main filter unit 16 is connected to the filter connections 52 of the main filter branch 20.

[0044] The method 38 preferably comprises a further main filter flushing step 90. In the further main filter flushing step 90, a transport fluid located in the new main filter unit 16 is preferably flushed out and replaced with the reactant. Preferably, the flushing fluid inlet 30 is closed at the latest in the further main filter flushing step 90. Preferably, in the main filter flushing step 90, the main filter inlet valve 58 is opened and, in particular, the flushing fluid outlet 32, if it has been closed again, so that the reactant flows from the branch 44 through the main filter branch 20 into the discharge line 74. During the further main filter flushing step 90 of the main filter branch 20, the maintenance filter branch 22 is supplied with the reactant.At the end of the further main filter rinsing step 90, the main filter outlet valve 60 is preferably opened and the rinsing fluid outlet 32 ​​is closed, so that the reactant flows via the main filter branch 20 and in particular parallel via the maintenance filter branch 22 to the reactant outlet 28.

[0045] The method 38 preferably comprises a further rinsing step 92. In the further rinsing step 92, the reactant is preferably rinsed out of the external filter unit 24 and replaced with the inert rinsing fluid. In the further rinsing step 92, the further filter outlet valve 64 and the further filter inlet valve 62 are preferably closed. In the further rinsing step 92, the electrochemical unit 14 is preferably supplied with the reactant via the main filter branch 20. In the further rinsing step 92, the internal filter inlet valve 80 is preferably switched from an reactant feed to a rinsing fluid feed into the filter element 25 of the external filter unit 24. In the further rinsing step 92, the further rinsing fluid outlet 34 is preferably opened so that the inert rinsing fluid flows from the internal rinsing fluid line 72 via the maintenance filter branch 22 into the discharge line 74.Preferably, at the end of the further rinsing step 92, internal shutoff valves of the external filter unit 24 are closed to enclose the inert rinsing fluid in the filter element 25 of the external filter unit 24. After the further rinsing step 92, the external filter unit 24 can be separated again from the electrochemical system 12.

[0046] For maintenance and / or replacement of the fluid delivery unit 42, the method 38 comprises further method steps 96, 98, 100. In a preparatory step 96 of the method 38, the reactant inlet valve 94 is closed, the additional flushing fluid outlet 36 is opened, the main supply line downstream of the flushing fluid outlet 36 is closed, and in particular the additional flushing fluid inlet 78 is opened, so that the inert flushing fluid flows via the flushing line 68 through the fluid delivery unit 42 into the discharge line 74. Preferably, in the preparatory step 96, the main filter outlet valve 60 is automatically closed by the coupling element in the direction of the reactant outlet 28. In a delivery unit maintenance step 98 of the method 38, the flushing fluid inlet 78 is closed, and the fluid delivery unit 42 is preferably serviced and / or replaced.At the end of the conveying unit maintenance step 98, the reactant inlet valve 94 is preferably opened so that the reactant flows through the fluid conveying unit 42 into the discharge line 74. In a further conveying flushing step 100 of the method 38, the additional flushing fluid outlet 36 is preferably closed, the main supply line is opened, and the flushing fluid outlet 32 ​​is opened so that the reactant is directed through the fluid conveying unit 42 and through the main filter unit 16 into the discharge line 74. To resume regular operation 82, at the end of the further conveying flushing step 100, the main filter outlet valve 60 can be opened in the direction of the reactant outlet 28 and the flushing fluid outlet 32 ​​can be closed.

Claims

[1] Fluid guiding device (10) for an electrochemical system (12), which comprises at least one electrochemical unit (14) for an electrochemical conversion of at least one reactant, with at least one reactant line unit (18) for guiding the reactant, with at least one flushing unit (26) connected to the reactant line unit (18) for flushing the reactant line unit (18) with a flushing fluid, with at least one first fluid control element and with at least one further fluid control element for defining different fluid paths of the reactant and / or the flushing fluid through the reactant line unit (18) and / or the flushing unit (26), characterized by at least one coupling element to make a change in state of the at least one further fluid control element dependent on a state and / or change in state of the at least one first fluid control element. [2] Fluid guiding device (10) according to claim 1, characterized bythat the coupling element mechanically connects the first fluid control element and the at least one further fluid control element. [3] Fluid guiding device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the coupling element or another coupling element is designed as a control or regulating unit which is connected to the fluid control elements for data purposes. [4] Fluid guiding device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the fluid control elements coupled by the at least one coupling element are arranged in a main reactant supply line of the reactant line unit (18) and a main reactant output line of the reactant line unit (18). [5] Fluid guiding device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the fluid control elements coupled by the at least one coupling element are arranged in a maintenance input line of the reactant line unit (18) and a maintenance output line of the reactant line unit (18). [6] Fluid guiding device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the fluid control elements coupled by the at least one coupling element are arranged in the same filter branch (20, 22) of the educt line unit (18) provided for cleaning the educt. [7] Fluid guiding device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that one of the fluid control elements coupled by the at least one coupling element is arranged in the flushing unit (26) and one of the fluid control elements coupled by the at least one coupling element is arranged in the reactant line unit (18). [8] Fluid guiding device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the fluid control elements coupled by the at least one coupling element are arranged at different flushing fluid outlets (32, 34, 36) of the flushing unit (26). [9] Method (38) for operating a fluid guiding device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in at least one method step a change in state of the at least one further fluid actuating element is set as a function of a state of the first fluid actuating element. [10] Electrochemical system (12) with at least one electrochemical unit (14) for electrochemically converting at least one reactant and with at least one fluid guide device (10) fluidically connected to the electrochemical unit (14) for supplying the at least one electrochemical unit (14) with the at least one reactant.

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