Fluid supply device and electrochemical system

Abstract

The invention is based on a fluid supply device (10a; 10b; 10c) for supplying a process unit, in particular an electrochemical cell unit (12a), with a fluid, with at least one fluid guide unit (14a; 14b; 14c) for guiding the fluid to the process unit and with at least one flow measuring unit (16a; 16b; 16c) arranged in the fluid guide unit (14a; 14b; 14c) for detecting at least one flow parameter of the fluid. It is proposed that the fluid guide unit (14a; 14b; 14c) comprises at least one demulsifying unit (18a; 18b; 18c) for counteracting eddies of the fluid at a measuring point of the flow measuring unit (16a; 16b; 16c).

Description

State of the art

[0001] A fluid supply device for supplying a process unit, in particular an electrochemical cell unit, with a fluid, with at least one fluid guide unit for guiding the fluid to the process unit and with at least one flow measuring unit arranged in the fluid guide unit for detecting at least one flow parameter of the fluid has already been proposed. Disclosure of the invention

[0002] The invention is based on a fluid supply device for supplying a process unit, in particular an electrochemical cell unit, with a fluid, with at least one fluid guide unit for guiding the fluid to the process unit and with at least one flow measuring unit arranged in the fluid guide unit for detecting at least one flow parameter of the fluid.

[0003] It is proposed that the fluid guide unit comprise at least one de-turbulence unit for counteracting turbulence in the fluid at a measuring point of the flow measuring unit. The fluid guide device is preferably provided to supply the fluid to the process unit at a defined flow rate. The flow measuring unit is preferably provided to provide the detected flow parameter in order to adjust, in particular to regulate, the defined flow rate. The flow measuring unit can, for example, be provided to detect a volume flow, a mass flow, a particle flow, a molar flow, a flow velocity, or the like as flow parameters. The fluid supply device is preferably provided to supply the process unit with an oxygen-containing fluid, for example air, in particular atmospheric air or synthetic air, or pure oxygen.The processing unit is preferably designed to chemically, in particular electrochemically, convert the fluid provided by the fluid supply device. The flow measuring unit preferably comprises at least one flow sensor for detecting the flow parameter, preferably at least one air mass sensor, particularly preferably at least one hot-film air mass meter.

[0004] The fluid guide unit preferably comprises at least one fluid inlet for admitting the fluid into the fluid guide unit. The fluid inlet is preferably intended to be connected to an external fluid conveying unit or to a fluid supply device's own fluid delivery unit. Particularly preferably, the fluid guide unit comprises at least one further fluid inlet for admitting the fluid into the fluid guide unit. The further fluid inlet is preferably intended to be connected to an external fluid conveying unit or to a further fluid conveying unit that is own to the fluid supply device. The fluid conveying unit and / or the further fluid conveying unit is designed, for example, as a fan, a blower, or a compressor. The fluid conveying units are preferably structurally identical.The fluid guide unit preferably comprises at least one combining element for combining a fluid flow through the fluid inlet and a fluid flow through the further fluid inlet. The fluid guide unit preferably comprises at least one measuring line element in which the flow measuring unit is arranged. The measuring line element and / or the bypass line element are / is preferably fluidically connected in parallel to the at least one fluid inlet and / or the further fluid inlet. A branch of the bypass line element from the measuring line element is preferably arranged downstream of an outlet section of the combining element. Line elements of the fluid guide unit, in particular the combining element, the measuring line element and / or the bypass line element, can be designed in the form of pipes, shafts, hoses or the like.

[0005] The demulsifying unit comprises at least one structural element, which is arranged in a line element, in particular in the combining element and / or the measuring line element, of the fluid guide unit or forms a line element of the fluid guide unit, which is arranged in particular upstream of the measuring point. The structural element is preferably provided to smooth a flow profile of the fluid downstream of the structural element, in particular to counteract fluctuations in the flow parameter at least at the measuring point. The demulsifying unit is preferably provided to keep a swirl number of the fluid at the measuring point of the flow measuring unit in the measuring line element below 0.4, preferably below 0.25, particularly preferably below 0.15.Preferably, the demulsifying unit is provided to limit a fluctuation range of measured values ​​of the flow measuring unit to a maximum of 10%, preferably to a maximum of 8%, particularly preferably to a maximum of 6%, in particular to a maximum of 5%, in particular in a closed and / or in an open state of the bypass line element.

[0006] "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.

[0007] The inventive design makes it possible to provide a fluid supply device with which a flow rate of a fluid can be advantageously precisely monitored. In particular, the risk and / or extent of deviations in the measured values ​​of the flow measuring unit caused by turbulence can be advantageously minimized. In particular, the overall extent of turbulence at the measuring point of the flow measuring unit can be advantageously minimized. In particular, the difference between turbulence behavior with an open and a closed bypass line element can be advantageously minimized.

[0008] It is further proposed that the demulsifying unit comprise at least one buffer chamber upstream of the flow measuring unit. The buffer chamber preferably comprises a fluid inlet connected to the outlet section of the combining element. The buffer chamber preferably comprises at least one fluid outlet connected to the measuring line element. The buffer chamber preferably comprises at least one further fluid outlet connected to the bypass line element. The buffer chamber is preferably cuboid-shaped. The buffer chamber preferably has a maximum longitudinal extent, wherein the fluid inlet and the at least one fluid outlet, in particular together with the at least one further fluid outlet, of the buffer chamber are preferably arranged on walls of the buffer chamber opposite one another along the maximum longitudinal extent.The buffer chamber preferably has at least one maximum transverse extent, which preferably runs at least substantially perpendicular to the maximum longitudinal extent. The maximum longitudinal extent of the buffer chamber is preferably longer than the maximum transverse extent of the buffer chamber. The fluid inlet of the buffer chamber is preferably arranged coaxially with a principal axis of inertia of the buffer chamber. An axis of symmetry, in particular a cylinder axis, of the fluid inlet, an axis of symmetry, in particular a cylinder axis, of the fluid outlet, and in particular an axis of symmetry, in particular a cylinder axis, of the further fluid outlet preferably lie in the same arrangement plane. The arrangement plane is preferably a mirror plane of the buffer chamber.A section of the measuring line element connected to the fluid outlet of the buffer chamber, the outlet section of the combining element, and / or a section of the bypass line element connected to the further fluid outlet of the buffer chamber preferably run at least substantially parallel to one another. The term "substantially perpendicular" is intended here to define, in particular, an orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, wherein the direction and the reference direction, particularly 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°.“Substantially parallel” is to be understood here in particular as an alignment of a direction relative to a reference direction, in particular in a plane, wherein the direction has a deviation from the reference direction in particular of less than 8°, advantageously less than 5° and particularly advantageously less than 2°. The design according to the invention makes it possible to achieve an advantageously homogeneous velocity profile of the fluid at the measuring point of the flow measuring unit. In particular, a flow uniform distribution index of at least 0.96 can be achieved at the measuring point, which in particular integrates relative deviations of the flow velocity from a mean value over a cross-section of a fluid line and subtracts them from 1. In particular, the influence of manufacturing tolerances of components of the fluid supply device can be advantageously kept small.

[0009] It is further proposed that the buffer chamber has a maximum transverse extent, in particular the maximum transverse extent already mentioned, which is more than twice as large as a maximum transverse extent of a line element, in particular the maximum measuring line element, of the fluid guide unit in which the flow measuring unit is arranged. Preferably, the fluid outlet and the further fluid outlet of the buffer chamber are arranged one behind the other along a straight line that is at least substantially parallel to the maximum transverse extent. Preferably, the maximum transverse extent of the buffer chamber is greater than a sum of the maximum transverse extent of the measuring line element, a maximum transverse extent of the bypass line element, and a minimum distance between the fluid outlet and the further fluid outlet of the buffer chamber. Preferably, the maximum transverse extent of the buffer chamber is only slightly greater than the aforementioned sum.By a quantity being "slightly larger" than a reference value, it should preferably be understood that the quantity has a value of at most 150%, preferably at most 135%, particularly preferably at most 120% of the reference value. Preferably, a further transverse extent of the buffer chamber, which runs at least substantially perpendicular to the maximum transverse extent and the maximum longitudinal extent, is only insignificantly larger than the maximum transverse extent of the measuring line element and / or the bypass line element. Due to the design according to the invention, the influence of an opening state of the bypass line element on vortex formation at the measuring point on the flow measuring unit can advantageously be kept low.

[0010] It is further proposed that the buffer chamber have a fluid outlet, in particular the one already mentioned, which is connected to a line element of the fluid guide unit that accommodates the flow measuring unit, in particular the measuring line element already mentioned, and a further fluid outlet, in particular the one already mentioned, which is connected to a bypass line element of the fluid guide unit, in particular the one already mentioned. The inventive design advantageously minimizes the influence of an opening state of the bypass line element on vortex formation at the measuring point on the flow measuring unit.

[0011] It is further proposed that the demulsifying unit comprise a combining element, in particular the one already mentioned, for combining at least two fluid streams, wherein an outlet section of the combining element has a maximum longitudinal extent in a flow direction of the outlet section that is longer than a maximum transverse extent of the outlet section. The combining element preferably comprises a first inlet branch and at least one further inlet branch, which combine to form the outlet section. The combining element is preferably Y-shaped, in particular for connecting a twin fan as a fluid conveying unit and a further fluid conveying unit. The maximum transverse extent of the outlet section is preferably the same as a maximum transverse extent of the measuring line element and / or the bypass line element.The maximum longitudinal extent of the outlet section preferably runs at least substantially perpendicular to the maximum transverse extent of the outlet section. The maximum longitudinal extent of the outlet section is preferably at least 5%, preferably at least 10%, particularly preferably at least 15% greater than the maximum transverse extent. Preferably, the maximum longitudinal extent of the outlet section is only slightly greater than the maximum transverse extent of the outlet section. The configuration according to the invention advantageously provides a mixing section for the fluid flows. In particular, a directional bias of the fluid flows caused by the respective feeding inlet branch can advantageously be effectively counteracted.

[0012] It is further proposed that the demulsifier unit comprise at least one flow splitter element upstream of the flow measuring unit. The at least one flow splitter element is preferably arranged in the measuring line element. The flow splitter element is preferably plate-shaped. The flow splitter element preferably has a maximum length, a maximum width and a maximum material thickness, which are each perpendicular to one another in pairs. The maximum length and the maximum width are preferably greater than, in particular at least twice, preferably at least three times as large as the maximum material thickness. The maximum length is preferably aligned at least substantially parallel to a flow direction of the measuring line element. The maximum width is preferably aligned at least substantially parallel to the maximum transverse extent of the measuring line element.The maximum width preferably extends from one wall section of the measuring line element to the opposite wall section of the measuring line element. A main extension direction of the flow divider element and the flow direction of the measuring line element are preferably arranged at least substantially parallel to one another. The flow divider element preferably divides a section of the measuring line element, in which the flow divider element is arranged, into at least two fluid channels that are at least substantially equal in size, in particular at least substantially parallel. The term "substantially equal in size" for two fluid channels should preferably be understood to mean that a receiving volume of one of the fluid channels is at most insignificantly larger than a receiving volume of the other fluid channel.In a parallel projection of the fluid supply unit along the flow direction of the measuring line element, the flow measuring unit is preferably arranged at least partially, in particular more than 50% of the projected area of ​​the flow measuring unit, concealed by the flow divider element. The flow divider element can be designed as an insert inserted into the measuring line element and / or integrally connected to the measuring line element. The inventive design advantageously interrupts a vortex.

[0013] It is further proposed that the demulsifier unit comprise at least one further flow splitter element which is aligned transversely to the flow splitter element. The further flow splitter element is preferably constructed identically to the flow splitter element. The further flow splitter element is preferably arranged in the measuring line element in a manner analogous to the flow splitter element. A main extension plane of the flow splitter element and a main extension plane of the further flow splitter element are preferably aligned at least substantially perpendicular to one another. A "main extension plane" of a structural unit is to be understood in particular as a plane which is parallel to a largest side surface of a smallest imaginary cuboid which just completely encloses the structural unit, and in particular runs through the center of the cuboid.The flow splitter element and the further flow splitter element are preferably formed integrally with one another. The flow splitter element and the further flow splitter element preferably form a flow splitter unit. A maximum length of the flow splitter unit is preferably equal to the maximum length of the flow splitter element and / or a maximum length of the further flow splitter element. The flow splitter unit preferably has a cross-shaped profile in a cross-section perpendicular to the maximum length of the flow splitter element. The inventive design advantageously allows small vortices to be interrupted.

[0014] It is further proposed that the at least one flow divider element has an aspect ratio of at least 0.5. The aspect ratio is preferably the maximum length of the flow divider element divided by the maximum width of the flow divider element. The aspect ratio is preferably greater than 0.6, particularly preferably greater than 0.7. The inventive design advantageously allows vortices to be effectively interrupted. In particular, a fluctuation range of the measured values ​​of less than 4% can be achieved. Furthermore, an additional pressure drop caused by the swirling unit can advantageously be kept small, in particular below 0.4 mbar.

[0015] It is further proposed that the deturbulence unit comprise at least one additional flow splitter element arranged downstream of the flow splitter element. Preferably, the deturbulence unit comprises at least one further additional flow splitter element extending transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the additional flow splitter element. Preferably, the additional flow splitter element and the further additional flow splitter element form an additional flow splitter unit, analogous to the flow splitter element and the further flow splitter element. A main extension plane of the additional flow splitter element preferably extends transversely to the main extension plane of the flow splitter element.Preferably, the main extension planes of the additional flow splitter element and the flow splitter element enclose an angle between 15° and 75°, preferably between 30° and 60°, particularly preferably between 40° and 50°, in particular 45°. Preferably, a minimum distance between the flow splitter element and the additional flow splitter element is smaller than the maximum length, preferably less than half the maximum length, particularly preferably less than a quarter of the maximum length, of the flow splitter element. In particular, the flow splitter element and the additional flow splitter element touch each other. Preferably, the entirety of the flow splitter elements has an aspect ratio of at least 0.5, preferably greater than 0.6, particularly preferably greater than 0.7, with the individual flow splitter elements each having a smaller aspect ratio.The inventive design advantageously and effectively interrupts eddies. In particular, a fluctuation range of the measured values ​​of less than 7% can be achieved. Furthermore, any additional pressure drop caused by the swirling unit can advantageously be kept small, in particular below 0.6 mbar.

[0016] It is further proposed that the at least one flow divider element be arranged in a line element accommodating the flow measuring unit, in particular in the aforementioned measuring line element, of the fluid guide unit downstream of a branch of a bypass line element, in particular the aforementioned bypass line element, of the fluid guide unit. The inventive design advantageously minimizes the influence of an opening state of the bypass line element on vortex formation at the measuring point on the flow measuring unit.

[0017] Furthermore, an electrochemical system with at least one electrochemical cell unit and with at least one fluid supply device according to the invention connected to the electrochemical cell unit is proposed. The electrochemical cell unit preferably comprises a plurality of electrochemical cells, in particular fuel cells and / or electrolysis cells, which are preferably electrically connected in series for joint operation. The electrochemical cell unit is preferably provided for electrochemically converting the fluid. The electrochemical system preferably comprises at least one heat exchanger for transferring heat from a product of the electrochemical conversion to the fluid. The measuring line element is preferably connected to the heat exchanger. The bypass line element preferably bypasses the heat exchanger.The electrochemical system preferably comprises at least one actuating unit, for example a plurality of individual valves, a three-way valve, an adjustable bypass flap, or the like, for adjusting the degree of opening of the bypass line element and / or the measuring line element. The actuating unit is preferably integrated into the fluid supply device. Alternatively, the actuating unit is arranged downstream of the fluid supply device. Preferably, an outlet of the heat exchanger and the bypass line are connected to a common supply line of the electrochemical system to the electrochemical cell unit. The electrochemical system preferably comprises the fluid delivery unit and in particular the at least one further fluid delivery unit, which is / are connected to the fluid supply device.The design according to the invention makes it possible to provide an electrochemical system whose fluid supply, in particular air supply, can advantageously be precisely monitored and adjusted.

[0018] The fluid supply device 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 supply device and / or the electrochemical system according to the invention can have a number of individual elements, components, and units that differs from the number stated herein to fulfill a functionality described herein. Furthermore, in the value ranges specified in this disclosure, values ​​within the stated limits are also to be considered disclosed and can be used arbitrarily. Drawings

[0019] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate three exemplary embodiments 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.

[0020] They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an electrochemical system according to the invention, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a fluid supply device according to the invention with a buffer chamber, Fig. 3 a schematic comparison of two flow profiles of the fluid supply device according to the invention from Fig. 2, Fig. 4 a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of a fluid supply device according to the invention with at least one flow divider element with a high aspect ratio, Fig. 5 a schematic representation of the flow divider element of the fluid supply device from Fig. 4, Fig. 6 a schematic comparison of two flow profiles of the fluid supply device according to the invention from Fig. 4, Fig. 7 a schematic representation of a further alternative embodiment of a fluid supply device according to the invention with at least two flow divider elements arranged one behind the other and rotated relative to each other, Fig. 8 a schematic representation of the flow divider elements of the fluid supply device from Fig. 7 and Fig. 9 a schematic comparison of two flow profiles of the fluid supply device according to the invention from Fig. 7. Description of the embodiments

[0021] Fig. 1 shows an electrochemical system 44a. The electrochemical system 44a is embodied, by way of example, as a fuel cell system. The electrochemical system 44a comprises at least one electrochemical cell unit 12a. The electrochemical cell unit 12a comprises, for example, at least one, preferably at least 100, in particular at least 200, solid oxide fuel cell(s) or solid oxide electrolysis cell(s). The electrochemical system 44a preferably comprises at least one air supply 46a for supplying the electrochemical cell unit 12a with a fluid, in particular an oxygen-containing fluid, preferably air, in particular on the cathode side. The electrochemical system 44a comprises at least one fuel supply 48a for supplying the electrochemical cell unit 12a with a fuel, such as hydrogen, ammonia, methane, in particular natural gas and / or biogas, in particular on the anode side.The electrochemical cell unit 12a is preferably provided to electrochemically react the fluid with the fuel.

[0022] The electrochemical system 44a comprises at least one fluid supply device 10a connected to the electrochemical cell unit 12a, in particular as part of the air supply 46a. The fluid supply device 10a comprises at least one fluid guide unit 14a for guiding the fluid to the process unit. The fluid supply device 10a comprises at least one flow measuring unit 16a arranged in the fluid guide unit 14a for detecting at least one flow parameter of the fluid. The air supply 46a preferably comprises a first fluid conveying unit 50a for conveying the fluid through the fluid supply device 10a. The air supply 46a preferably comprises at least one further fluid conveying unit 52a for conveying the fluid through the fluid supply device 10a.The fluid delivery unit 50a and the at least one further fluid delivery unit 52a are preferably connected in parallel for fluid technology purposes to a respective inlet of the fluid supply device 10a. The fluid delivery unit 50a and the at least one further fluid delivery unit 52a are preferably of identical construction. Particularly preferably, the fluid delivery unit 50a and the further fluid delivery unit 52a are designed as twin fans. The air supply 46a preferably comprises a supply line 54a, which is connected to an inlet of the electrochemical cell unit 12a. The air supply 46a preferably comprises a bypass 56a, which opens into the supply line 54a upstream of the electrochemical cell unit 12a. The bypass 56a and the supply line 54a are preferably connected in parallel for fluid technology purposes to a respective outlet of the fluid supply device 10a.The air supply 46a preferably comprises at least one actuating unit 58a for dividing the fluid in the fluid supply device 10a between the bypass 56a and the supply line 54a. The actuating unit 58a is embodied here, for example, as a control valve arranged in the bypass 56a. The electrochemical system 44a preferably comprises a heat exchanger 60a arranged in the supply line 54a downstream of the fluid supply device 10a. The bypass 56a preferably bypasses the heat exchanger 60a and preferably opens into the supply line 54a downstream of the heat exchanger 60a. The heat exchanger 60a is preferably connected to an exhaust line 62a, in particular an afterburner exhaust line, of the electrochemical system 44a for disposing of a product of an electrochemical conversion of the fluid.

[0023] Fig. 2 shows the fluid supply device 10a. The fluid guide unit 14a preferably comprises a combining element 28a for combining a fluid flow generated by the fluid delivery unit 50a with a fluid flow generated by the further fluid delivery unit 52a. The combining element 28a is preferably Y-shaped with two fluid inlets and a single outlet section 30a. The fluid guide unit 14a preferably comprises at least one measuring line element 64a. A measuring point of the flow measuring unit 16a is preferably arranged in the measuring line element 64a. The measuring line element 64a preferably forms a first partial section of the supply line 54a or the entire supply line 54a. The fluid guide unit 14a preferably comprises at least one bypass line element 26a. The bypass line element 26a preferably forms a first partial section of the bypass 56a or the entire bypass 56a.The bypass line element 26a and the measuring line element 64a are preferably fluidically connected in parallel to the outlet section 30a of the combining element 28a. The flow directions of the bypass line element 26a, the measuring line element 64a, and / or the outlet section 30a are preferably geometrically aligned at least substantially parallel.

[0024] The fluid guide unit 14a comprises at least one demulsifier unit 18a for counteracting fluid vortices at the measuring point of the flow measuring unit 16a. The demulsifier unit 18a comprises at least one buffer chamber 20a upstream of the flow measuring unit 16a. Preferably, a fluid inlet of the buffer chamber 20a is connected to the outlet section 30a of the combining element 28a. The buffer chamber 20a has a fluid outlet to which the measuring line element 64a is connected. The buffer chamber 20a has a further fluid outlet to which the bypass line element 26a is connected. The buffer chamber 20a is preferably cuboid-shaped. The fluid outlet and the further fluid outlet of the buffer chamber 20a are preferably arranged on the same wall of the buffer chamber 20a. The fluid inlet of the buffer chamber 20a is preferably arranged on a wall opposite the wall with the fluid outlets of the buffer chamber 20a.The combining element 28a, the buffer chamber 20a, and a unit comprising the measuring line element 64a and the bypass line element 26a are preferably arranged one behind the other along a principal axis of inertia of the buffer chamber 20a. The buffer chamber 20a has a maximum longitudinal extent 66a at least substantially parallel to this principal axis of inertia and a maximum transverse extent 22a at least substantially perpendicular to this principal axis of inertia. The maximum transverse extent 22a of the buffer chamber 20a is more than twice as large as a maximum transverse extent 24a of the measuring line element 64a. The maximum longitudinal extent 66a of the buffer chamber 20a is preferably greater than the maximum transverse extent 22a. The outlet section 30a of the combining element 28a has, in the passage direction of the outlet section 30a, a maximum longitudinal extent 32a which is longer than a maximum transverse extent 34a of the outlet section 30a.The outlet section 30a, the measuring line element 64a, and / or the bypass line element 26a each have / have, for example, a maximum transverse extension 24a, 34a of at least 50 mm, preferably of at least 60 mm, particularly preferably of at least 70 mm. The outlet section 30a, the measuring line element 64a, and / or the bypass line element 26a are designed, in particular, as DN70 pipe sections. The maximum longitudinal extension 32a of the outlet section 30a is preferably at least 60 mm, preferably at least 70 mm, particularly preferably at least 80 mm. The buffer chamber 20a preferably causes an additional pressure loss of less than 3 mbar, preferably less than 2 mbar, in particular less than 1.5 mbar.

[0025] Fig. 3 shows a comparison of two flow profiles in a cross section through the measuring point of the flow measuring unit 16a perpendicular to a flow direction of the measuring line element 64a. Fig. 3a shows a flow profile in a closed state of the bypass line element 26a. Fig. 3b shows a flow profile when the bypass line element 26a is open. Different states of the bypass line element 26a can be set, for example, using the actuating unit 58. The flow profiles are represented as a contour diagram of a flow velocity of the fluid. The fluid has, in particular, regions 68a, 68a' with a relatively low flow velocity, for example, 10 m / s, regions 70a, 70a' with an average flow velocity, for example, 13 m / s, and regions 72a' with a relatively high flow velocity, for example, 15 m / s. The measuring point is preferably arranged in a central region of the measuring line element 64a, which is defined by a radius around a center point of the cross-section that is less than 25%, in particular less than 15%, of the maximum transverse extent 24a of the measuring line element 64a.At the measuring point, the flow velocity is advantageously independent of the state of the bypass line element 26a. In particular, the fluctuation range of measured values ​​of the flow measuring unit 16a can be kept below 5%. The swirl number of the fluid at the measuring point is preferably less than 0.4, preferably less than 0.25, in particular less than 0.15. Differences between the regions 68a, 68a', 70a, 70a', and 72a' of the flow profile can advantageously be kept small with the buffer chamber 20a. The flow profiles, in particular, have a flow uniformity index of at least 0.96.

[0026] In the Fig. 4 to 9 show two further embodiments of the invention. The following descriptions and the drawings are essentially limited to the differences between the embodiments, whereby with regard to components with the same designation, in particular with regard to components with the same reference numerals, reference is also made to the drawings and / or the description of the other embodiments, in particular to the Fig. 1 to 3. To distinguish the embodiments, the letter a is added to the reference numerals of the embodiment in the Fig. 1 to 3. In the examples of the Fig. In numbers 4 to 9, the letter a is replaced by the letters b to c.

[0027] Fig. 4 shows a fluid supply device 10b for supplying a process unit, in particular an electrochemical cell unit, with a fluid. The fluid supply device 10b comprises at least one fluid guide unit 14b for guiding the fluid to the process unit. The fluid supply device 10b comprises at least one flow measuring unit 16b arranged in the fluid guide unit 14b for detecting at least one flow parameter of the fluid. The fluid guide unit 14b comprises at least one demudation unit 18b for counteracting eddies of the fluid at a measuring point of the flow measuring unit 16b. A combining element 28b of the demudation unit 18b is preferably connected directly to a measuring line element 64b. A bypass line element 26b preferably branches off from the measuring line element 64b.In particular, the measuring line element 64b and the bypass line element 26b are aligned at an angle, in particular at an acute angle, to each other. The demulsifier unit 18b comprises at least one flow divider element 36b upstream of the flow measuring unit 16b. The at least one flow divider element 36b is arranged in the measuring line element 64b downstream of the branching point of the bypass line element 26b from the measuring line element 64b.

[0028] Fig. 5 shows a section of the measuring line element 64b, in which the at least one flow splitter element 36b is arranged. The demulsifier unit 18b preferably comprises two flow splitter elements 36b, 38b. The flow splitter elements 36b, 38b are preferably plate-shaped. The respective main extension planes of the flow splitter elements 36b, 38b are aligned transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to one another. The flow splitter elements 36b, 38b are preferably arranged integrated into one another, in particular formed as a single piece. The flow splitter elements 36b, 38b form, in particular, a cross, which divides the measuring line element 64b into four at least substantially equal, at least substantially parallel fluid channels. The flow splitter elements 36b, 38b preferably extend over an entire inner diameter of the measuring line element 64b.The flow divider elements 36b, 38b have an aspect ratio of at least 0.5, particularly preferably at least 0.7. For example, a maximum length of the flow divider elements 36b, 38b is preferably at least 50 mm, if the measuring line element 64b is configured as a DN70 pipe section. The maximum length of the flow divider elements 36b, 38b is preferably aligned at least substantially parallel to a flow direction of the measuring line element 64b. The flow divider elements 36b, 38b preferably generate an additional pressure drop of less than 0.5 mbar, in particular less than 0.4 mbar, particularly preferably less than 0.35 mbar.

[0029] Fig. 6 shows a comparison of two flow profiles in a cross section perpendicular to a flow direction of the measuring line element 64b through the measuring point of the flow measuring unit 16b. Fig. 6a shows a flow profile in a closed state of the bypass line element 26b. Fig. 6b shows a flow profile when the bypass line element 26b is open. The flow profiles are represented as a contour diagram of a flow velocity of the fluid. The fluid has, in particular, regions 68b, 68b' with a relatively low flow velocity, for example, 3 m / s, regions 70b, 70b' with an average flow velocity, for example, 12 m / s, and regions 72b, 72b' with a relatively high flow velocity, for example, 20 m / s. The measuring point is preferably arranged behind the flow divider element 36b, 38b, in particular behind an intersection point of the flow divider elements 36b, 38b, in a parallel projection along the flow direction of the measuring line element 64b, as shown here. At the measuring point, the flow velocity is advantageously independent of a state of the bypass line element 26b in the central region 70b, 70b'.In particular, the fluctuation range of measured values ​​of the flow measuring unit 16b can be kept below 4%. The swirl number of the fluid at the measuring point is preferably less than 0.4, preferably less than 0.25, in particular less than 0.15.

[0030] For further details of the fluid supply device 10b, please refer to the description of Fig. 1 to 3.

[0031] Fig. 7 shows a fluid supply device 10c for supplying a process unit, in particular an electrochemical cell unit, with a fluid. The fluid supply device 10c comprises at least one fluid guide unit 14c for guiding the fluid to the process unit. The fluid supply device 10c comprises at least one flow measuring unit 16c arranged in the fluid guide unit 14c for detecting at least one flow parameter of the fluid. The fluid guide unit 14c comprises at least one demulsifier unit 18c for counteracting vortices of the fluid at a measuring point of the flow measuring unit 16c. The demulsifier unit 18c comprises two flow splitter elements 36c, 38c and at least one additional flow splitter element 40c, 42c arranged downstream of the flow splitter elements 36c, 38c.

[0032] Fig. 8 shows a section of a measuring line element 64c of the fluid guide unit 14c, in which the flow divider elements 36c, 38c, 40c, 42c are arranged. The flow divider elements 36c, 38c form a cross-shaped unit that divides the measuring line element 64c into four at least substantially equal, at least substantially parallel fluid channels. The additional flow divider element 40c and a further additional flow divider element 42c preferably form a similar further cross-shaped unit that divides the measuring line element 64c into four at least substantially equal, at least substantially parallel fluid channels downstream of the flow divider elements 36c, 38c. A main extension plane of the additional flow divider element 40c preferably has an angle between 40° and 50° to a main extension direction of the flow divider element 36c.The flow divider elements 36c, 38c and the additional flow divider elements 40c, 42c can be structurally identical or, for example, have different maximum lengths. Preferably, the entirety of the flow divider elements 36c, 38c, 40c, 42c has an aspect ratio of at least 0.5, preferably of at least 0.7. For example, if the measuring line element 64c is configured as a DN70 pipe section, the entirety of the flow divider elements 36c, 38c, 40c, 42c has a maximum length of at least 50 mm. An additional pressure drop through the entirety of the flow divider elements 36c, 38c, 40c, 42c is preferably less than 1 mbar, preferably less than 0.8 mbar, particularly preferably less than 0.6 mbar.

[0033] Fig. 9 shows a comparison of two flow profiles in a cross section perpendicular to a flow direction of the measuring line element 64c through the measuring point of the flow measuring unit 16c. Fig. 9a shows a flow profile in a closed state of a bypass line element 26c of the fluid guide unit 14c. Fig. 9b shows a flow profile when the bypass line element 26c is open. The flow profiles are depicted as a contour diagram of a flow velocity of the fluid. The fluid has, in particular, regions 68c, 68c' with a relatively low flow velocity, for example, 5 m / s, regions 70c, 70c' with an average flow velocity, for example, 10 m / s, and regions 72c, 72c' with a relatively high flow velocity, for example, 20 m / s. The measuring point is preferably arranged behind the flow splitter elements 36c, 38c, 40c, 42c, in particular behind an intersection point of the flow splitter elements 36c, 38c and behind an intersection point of the additional flow splitter elements 40c, 42c, in a parallel projection along the flow direction of the measuring line element 64c, as depicted here.At the measuring point, the flow velocity is advantageously independent of the state of the bypass line element 26c in the central region 70c, 70c'. In particular, the fluctuation range of measured values ​​of the flow measuring unit 16c can be kept below 7%. The swirl number of the fluid at the measuring point is preferably less than 0.4, preferably less than 0.25, in particular less than 0.15.

[0034] For further details of the fluid supply device 10c, please refer to the description of Fig. 1 to 6.

Claims

[1] Fluid supply device (10a; 10b; 10c) for supplying a process unit, in particular an electrochemical cell unit (12a), with a fluid, with at least one fluid guide unit (14a; 14b; 14c) for guiding the fluid to the process unit and with at least one flow measuring unit (16a; 16b; 16c) arranged in the fluid guide unit (14a; 14b; 14c) for detecting at least one flow parameter of the fluid, characterized by that the fluid guide unit (14a; 14b; 14c) comprises at least one demulsifying unit (18a; 18b; 18c) for counteracting swirls of the fluid at a measuring point of the flow measuring unit (16a; 16b; 16c). [2] Fluid supply device (10a) according to claim 1, characterized by that the demulsifying unit (18a) comprises at least one buffer chamber (20a) upstream of the flow measuring unit (16a). [3] Fluid supply device (10a) according to claim 2, characterized bythat the buffer chamber (20a) has a maximum transverse extent (22a) which is more than twice as large as a maximum transverse extent (24a) of a line element of the fluid guide unit (14a) in which the flow measuring unit (16a) is arranged. [4] Fluid supply device (10a) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by that the buffer chamber (20a) has a fluid outlet which is connected to a line element of the fluid guide unit (14a) which receives the flow measuring unit (16a), and has a further fluid outlet which is connected to a bypass line element (26a) of the fluid guide unit (14a). [5] Fluid supply device (10a; 10b; 10c) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the deturbulence unit (18a; 18b; 18c) comprises a combining element (28a; 28b; 28c) for combining at least two fluid streams, wherein an outlet section (30a; 30b; 30c) of the combining element (28a; 28b; 28c) has a maximum longitudinal extent (32a) in a passage direction of the outlet section (30a; 30b; 30c) which is longer than a maximum transverse extent (34a) of the outlet section (30a; 30b; 30c). [6] Fluid supply device (10b; 10c) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the demulsifying unit (18b; 18c) comprises at least one flow divider element (36b; 36c) upstream of the flow measuring unit (16b; 16c). [7] Fluid supply device (10b; 10c) according to claim 6, characterized by that the demulsifying unit (18b; 18c) comprises at least one further flow dividing element (38b; 38c) which is aligned transversely to the flow dividing element (36b; 36c). [8] Fluid supply device (10b; 10c) according to one of claims 6 to 7, characterized by that the at least one flow divider element (36b) has an aspect ratio of at least 0.

5. [9] Fluid supply device (10c) according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized by that the deturbulence unit (18c) comprises at least one additional flow dividing element (40c, 42c) arranged downstream of the flow dividing element (36c). [10] Fluid supply device (10b; 10c) according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized by that the at least one flow divider element (36b; 36c) is arranged in a line element of the fluid guide unit (14b; 14c) receiving the flow measuring unit (16b; 16c) downstream of a branch of a bypass line element (26b; 26c) of the fluid guide unit (14b; 14c). [11] Electrochemical system (44a) with at least one electrochemical cell unit (12a) and with at least one fluid supply device (10a; 10b; 10c) according to one of the preceding claims connected to the electrochemical cell unit (12a).

Images