Drive device for driving a machine

Abstract

Drive device (1) for driving a machine, in particular a commercial vehicle, with a motor unit (2) for generating mechanical energy, characterized by an energy unit (3) for providing electrical energy, an electrolyzer system (4) for producing a fuel, in particular hydrogen, wherein the electrolyzer system (4) is connected to the energy unit (3) for energy transmission and a fuel line (5) for conducting the fuel, wherein the fuel line (5) connects the electrolyzer system (4) to the engine unit (2).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a drive device for driving a machine, in particular a commercial vehicle, with a motor unit for generating mechanical energy.

[0002] The high CO2 emissions of conventional combustion engines continue to pose a key challenge in climate policy. While alternative drive concepts, such as battery-electric systems, exist, these are often associated with infrastructural, economic, or application-related limitations. Particularly in agricultural vehicles, which require high tractive forces and long operating times, electric motors are proving unsuitable due to the weight and space required by the necessary batteries. Rural areas also often lack the appropriate charging infrastructure. This creates a need for solutions that enable the lower-emission use of existing engine technology without replacing fundamental system architectures.

[0003] The object of the present invention is to eliminate the disadvantages known from the prior art, in particular to provide an engine unit which can be operated with a fuel whose CO2 emissions are significantly reduced compared to conventional fossil fuels such as petrol or diesel.

[0004] The problem is solved by a drive device and / or a conversion kit having the features of the independent claims. Advantageous or preferred embodiments are each the subject of a corresponding dependent claim.

[0005] A drive device for driving a machine, in particular a commercial vehicle, is proposed. The drive device is preferably designed for agricultural machinery, in particular for tractors. It comprises an engine unit for generating mechanical energy. The engine unit is preferably designed as an internal combustion engine, which can be an existing engine of a tractor or another machine. These engines can be converted relatively easily so that they can be operated with a different combustible fuel. Possible alternative fuels would be, for example, hydrogen or propane.

[0006] Furthermore, the drive device has an energy unit for providing electrical energy. For example, the energy unit can also be a connection device for a power grid. This would be particularly suitable for stationary machines.

[0007] The drive device further comprises an electrolyzer system for generating a fuel, in particular hydrogen, wherein the electrolyzer system is connected to the energy unit for energy transfer. An electrolyzer system offers the advantage that the fuel can be produced directly in the drive device. Preferably, only the exact amount of fuel required for current operation is produced. Furthermore, the electrolyzer system offers the advantage that large quantities of highly flammable fuel do not have to be carried. This reduces the risk of fire. It is particularly advantageous if hydrogen is used as the fuel. Hydrogen can be easily produced from water in an electrolyzer system. Water as a starting product has the advantage, among other things, that it is fire-retardant and harmless to health and the environment.Hydrogen as a fuel offers the advantage that it reacts with oxygen during combustion, producing water as a reaction product. Compared to the reaction products of diesel or gasoline fuels, water has the advantages of being more climate-friendly, safer to health, and more environmentally friendly.

[0008] The drive device also includes a fuel line for conducting the fuel, the fuel line connecting the electrolyzer system to the motor unit. This allows the fuel to be efficiently conducted from the electrolyzer system to the motor unit. Preferably, the electrolyzer system is located in close proximity to the motor unit to ensure a minimal fuel flow path through the fuel line.

[0009] It is particularly advantageous if the electrical energy available to the energy unit comes from so-called "green electricity." Green electricity refers to electrical energy generated from renewable sources such as wind power, solar energy, or hydropower. One example of this is the power supply via a photovoltaic system. If the energy unit is charged or supplied with green electricity, the CO2 balance of the entire drive system is improved. In this way, the downstream components, in particular the electrolyzer system and / or the motor unit, are also indirectly powered by renewable energy.

[0010] It is advantageous if the engine unit comprises at least one inlet system for the fuel flow into a combustion chamber of the engine unit. The inlet system for the fuel flow into the combustion chamber of the engine unit enables a targeted supply of fuel, thereby efficiently supporting the functioning of the engine unit. The inlet system preferably comprises a manifold and an inlet nozzle. It is advantageous if the inlet system can regulate the fuel quantity and adapt it to the required power of the drive unit. The inlet system can preferably be installed in a standard gasoline or diesel engine, or a possibly modified inlet system of the standard engine can be used.

[0011] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the power unit is designed as a rechargeable battery. This enables a rechargeable power supply, allowing the power unit to be used multiple times and operated independently of a permanent external power source.

[0012] It also offers advantages if the power unit is designed to be replaceable. This allows it to be easily replaced as needed, simplifying maintenance, servicing, or operating with pre-charged units, thus increasing the operational readiness of the entire device. When using rechargeable batteries, they can preferably be charged by a solar system. This allows the drive device to operate in a more climate-friendly manner.

[0013] One application example is an agricultural vehicle, for example a tractor, with a drive device according to the invention. The energy unit contained therein in the form of a rechargeable battery can be recharged during regular use of the tractor in the field by a stationary solar system, for example, on the roof of an outbuilding on the farm. Once the rechargeable battery used in the tractor is discharged, it can be replaced on-site with a pre-charged replacement battery without requiring extended interruptions to operation. This enables continuous and grid-independent operation of the vehicle using renewable energy sources, which significantly improves the CO2 balance of the entire drive device.

[0014] It is advantageous if the electrolyzer system includes an electrolyzer unit for separating water into hydrogen and oxygen. Preferably, the energy from a solar-charged battery is used for the separation. This allows the electrolyzer unit to be operated in a climate-friendly manner.

[0015] It is advantageous if the electrolyzer unit is designed such that water is split into hydrogen and oxygen by applying electrical energy. Preferably, the water is separated in the electrolyzer unit along a membrane. Hydrogen is produced on the cathode side, and oxygen on the anode side. The resulting gases can be discharged separately via dedicated outlets.

[0016] It is also advantageous to provide a separation device, particularly a gas-water separator, between the cathode side of the electrolyzer unit and the downstream area. The separation device is preferably designed to separate liquid components or condensate from the generated hydrogen. This ensures that only gaseous hydrogen is supplied to the engine unit. This improves fuel purity, protects downstream components from moisture ingress, and increases combustion efficiency.

[0017] It is advantageous if the electrolyzer system includes a first storage element for storing water. Water as a starting material has the advantage of being neither flammable nor harmful to health or the environment. This increases safety for users and the environment. Furthermore, water is easily accessible and has a good infrastructure, even in rural areas. Furthermore, water is easy to store because it is chemically neutral and non-volatile.

[0018] It is also advantageous if the first storage element includes a first pumping mechanism for transporting the water to the electrolyzer unit. This allows the water to be transported to the electrolyzer unit in a targeted and controlled manner, supporting reliable operation of the electrolyzer system and enabling a demand-based water supply.

[0019] It is also advantageous if the electrolyzer system includes a conduit element for conducting the oxygen generated in the electrolyzer unit. This allows the generated oxygen to be removed in a targeted manner, ensuring safe and trouble-free operation of the electrolyzer unit. Alternatively, the conduit element can also direct the generated oxygen to the engine unit. This would allow an ideal reaction mixture of oxygen and the hydrogen supplied by the fuel line to be achieved in the engine unit.

[0020] It is also advantageous if the electrolyzer system includes a second storage element for storing the hydrogen generated by the electrolyzer unit. This allows the generated hydrogen to be temporarily stored and made available for further operation as needed, increasing the flexibility and usability of the system.

[0021] It is also advantageous if the second storage element comprises a second pumping mechanism for transporting the hydrogen into the fuel line. By integrating a second pumping mechanism into the second storage element, the stored hydrogen can be actively transported into the fuel line, ensuring a reliable and controlled supply of hydrogen to the fuel line.

[0022] It is further advantageous if the electrolyzer system comprises a third pumping mechanism, via which a fluid circuit is realized between the electrolyzer unit and the first storage element. The third pumping mechanism is preferably designed such that water discharged together with the oxygen generated on the anode side of the electrolyzer unit can be recirculated into the first storage element. The recirculated water can be reused for the electrolysis process, thus enabling a closed water circuit within the system. This improves resource efficiency and increases the operational reliability of the overall system.

[0023] It is advantageous if the first storage element includes a venting element for the escape of the oxygen generated by the electrolyzer unit. This allows the oxygen produced during operation of the electrolyzer unit to escape in a controlled manner, preventing pressure buildup in the storage element and increasing operational reliability.

[0024] It is advantageous if the electrolyzer unit is designed as a PEM cell and / or has a stacked plate construction. A PEM cell is a so-called proton exchange membrane cell, in which a proton-conducting membrane is used as the electrolyte. This technology enables particularly compact and efficient hydrogen production at comparatively low operating temperatures in the range of approximately 50°C to 80°C. Due to its fast response time and high power density, PEM technology is particularly suitable for mobile or off-grid applications. Alternatively, the electrolyzer unit can be designed as an alkaline cell.

[0025] The stacked plate design also allows for space-saving arrangement and easy scaling of performance through modular expansion. Multiple units can be combined to form a so-called stack, allowing the generated hydrogen demand to be flexibly adapted to different application scenarios. This design thus contributes to the compactness as well as the efficiency and expandability of the electrolyzer unit.

[0026] It is also advantageous if the drive device comprises a control unit, wherein the control unit can control the motor unit, the energy unit, and / or the electrolyzer system, in particular the first pumping mechanism and / or the second pumping mechanism. Providing a control unit that can control the motor unit, the energy unit, and / or the electrolyzer system—in particular the pumping mechanisms—enables coordinated and automated operation of the drive device, thereby increasing efficiency and reducing operating effort.

[0027] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the control unit comprises at least one operating element, in particular a dashboard, for operating the control unit. The operating element can, for example, have an input device, such as buttons, switches, a touch panel, or a rotary dial. Additionally or alternatively, the operating element can be provided with a display via which information on the operating state of the drive device can be output. Furthermore, visual or acoustic signaling or display units, such as LEDs, warning lights, or acoustic signaling devices, can be provided to provide feedback on operating parameters or malfunctions.

[0028] The provision of such an operating element improves the operability of the drive device and enables easy monitoring and control of the operating states by a user, which in turn contributes to operational safety and user-friendliness.

[0029] It is advantageous if the drive device comprises a return line for returning a reaction product, in particular water, from the motor unit to the electrolyzer system. A return line for returning the reaction product from the motor unit to the electrolyzer system allows the reaction product to be reused, thereby reducing overall resource consumption and increasing the efficiency of the system. The return line can, in particular, be connected to the first storage element.

[0030] It is also advantageous if the electrolyzer system comprises a condensation device for recovering the reaction product returned through the return line. The condensation device is preferably arranged on the first storage element. The condensation device can be designed as a heat exchanger, cooling element, or thermoelectric module that cools and condenses the returned reaction product. It can have a thermally conductive surface, a housing with passive cooling, or integrated cooling structures. Additionally or alternatively, drainage channels, condensate storage, or filter elements can be provided to selectively collect the condensed medium and feed it to the first storage element.

[0031] Condensation makes the recycled medium, especially water, usable again. This improves resource efficiency and enables a largely closed water cycle within the electrolyzer system.

[0032] It is also advantageous if the fuel line includes a control unit for regulating the amount of fuel supplied to the engine unit, in particular to the combustion chamber of the engine unit. The control unit can be designed as an electrically or electronically controlled valve, a metering device, or a controllable flow-limiting element. It can operate depending on sensor values, control commands, or operating parameters and adjust the amount of fuel supplied. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can be coupled to the control unit of the drive device to enable automated adjustment of the fuel supply.

[0033] The control unit allows the fuel quantity to be adjusted as needed. This supports efficient combustion, increases efficiency, and reduces unwanted emissions.

[0034] Furthermore, a conversion kit for an internal combustion engine is proposed. This comprises an energy unit for providing electrical energy. The energy unit is preferably designed as a replaceable accumulator that can be charged, for example, via an external solar system. The conversion kit further comprises an electrolyzer system for generating a fuel, in particular hydrogen. The electrolyzer system is connected to the energy unit for energy transmission. The electrolyzer system preferably comprises an electrolyzer unit, which in an advantageous embodiment is designed in the form of a PEM cell and / or in a stacked plate construction. Alternatively, the electrolyzer unit can be designed as an alkaline cell. In addition, the conversion kit comprises a fuel line for connecting the electrolyzer system to the internal combustion engine.The fuel line preferably comprises a control unit for controlling the fuel supply.

[0035] Furthermore, the conversion kit can include one or more pumping mechanisms for pumping water and / or hydrogen, a control unit for the higher-level control of the system components, and / or a condensation device for recovering reaction water. The conversion kit offers the advantage of converting existing gasoline or diesel engines to run on hydrogen. This allows the engines to operate in a significantly more climate-friendly manner. Especially for agricultural machinery, the conversion kit represents a cost-effective alternative, for example, for converting tractors to lower-emission operation without requiring a completely new purchase.

[0036] Further advantages of the invention are described in the following exemplary embodiments. It shows: Fig. 1 a perspective schematic view of a drive device for driving a machine and Fig. 2 a schematic sectional view of a conversion kit with a schematic combustion engine.

[0037] Fig. 1 shows a perspective schematic view of a drive device 1 for driving a machine (not shown). The drive device 1 comprises a motor unit 2. The motor unit 2 is preferably a diesel or gasoline engine that has been converted to operate with hydrogen, among other things, by an inlet system (not shown). The drive device 1 further comprises an electrolyzer system 4. In addition, the drive device 1 has a fuel line 5. This connects the motor unit 2 to the electrolyzer system 4 and serves to convey a fuel. The drive device 1 also has an energy unit 3. This is preferably designed as an accumulator 8. It is advantageous if the accumulator 8 is designed to be replaceable. The energy unit 3 provides electrical energy, in particular for the electrolyzer system 4.

[0038] The electrolyzer system 4 comprises an electrolyzer unit 9. In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, this is constructed in a stacked plate design. The electrolyzer unit 9 is supplied with electrical energy by the energy unit 3 and separates water into hydrogen and oxygen. Furthermore, the electrolyzer system 4 comprises a first storage element 10. Water is stored in this first storage element and is fed to the electrolyzer unit 9 via a line 21.

[0039] The first storage element 10 has a first pumping mechanism 11. This is shown in Fig. 1, the first pump mechanism 11 is arranged outside the first storage element 10 and pumps the water from the first storage element 10 via the line 21 to the electrolyzer unit 9. Alternatively, the first pump mechanism 11 can be arranged in the first storage element 10. The electrolyzer system 4 comprises a line element 12. This connects the electrolyzer unit 9 to the first storage element 10 and serves to conduct the oxygen generated in the electrolyzer unit 9.

[0040] In an advantageous embodiment, the conduit element 12 comprises a third pumping mechanism (not shown), via which a fluid circuit is realized between the electrolyzer unit 9 and the first storage element 10. The third pumping mechanism is preferably designed such that water discharged together with the oxygen generated on the anode side of the electrolyzer unit 9 can be fed back into the first storage element 10. The recirculated water can be reused for the electrolysis process, thereby enabling a closed water circuit within the system. This improves resource efficiency and increases the operational reliability of the overall system.

[0041] The first storage element 10 has a venting element 13. This allows the oxygen conducted through the line element 12 to escape from the first storage element 10. This prevents excess pressure from building up in the first storage element 10, thereby increasing operational reliability.

[0042] The electrolyzer system 4 comprises a second storage element 14. This stores the hydrogen produced by the electrolyzer unit 9.

[0043] In an advantageous embodiment, a separation device (not shown), in particular a gas-water separator, is provided between the cathode side of the electrolyzer unit 9 and the second storage element 14. The separation device is designed to separate liquid components or condensate from the generated hydrogen. This ensures that only gaseous hydrogen is supplied to the second storage element 14. This improves the purity of the fuel and protects downstream components from moisture ingress.

[0044] The second storage element 14 has a second pumping mechanism 15. This pumps the hydrogen generated in the electrolyzer unit 9 via the fuel line 5 to the engine unit 2. Preferably, the amount of hydrogen delivered by the second pumping mechanism 15 is adapted to the power currently required by the engine unit 2.

[0045] The drive device 1 comprises a return line 18. This returns the reaction product, in the present embodiment water, back to the first storage element 10. Preferably, the electrolyzer system 4 comprises a condensation device (not shown) which condenses the water passed through the return line 18, whereby the reaction product can be recovered.

[0046] Furthermore, the drive device 1 comprises a control unit 16. This serves to control the motor unit 2, the energy unit 3, and / or the electrolyzer system 4. Additionally or alternatively, the first pump mechanism 11 and / or the second pump mechanism 15 can also be controlled by the control unit 16. Furthermore, the control unit 16 has several control elements 17. These serve to provide user-friendly and centralized control of the control unit 16.

[0047] During normal use, the water from the first storage element 10 is fed by the first pump mechanism 11 via line 21 into the electrolyzer unit 9. There, the water is separated into hydrogen and oxygen using electrical energy provided by the energy unit 3. The resulting oxygen is fed through the line element 12 back into the first storage element 10, where it can escape through the venting element 13. The hydrogen produced in the electrolyzer unit 9 is stored in the second storage element 14. The second pump mechanism 15 feeds the hydrogen via the fuel line 5 to the engine unit 2, which is powered by the combustion of the hydrogen. The hydrogen reacts with oxygen, producing water as a reaction product. The reaction product is fed back to the first storage element 10 via the return line 18.This recycling contributes to the conservation of resources and enables a largely closed water cycle.

[0048] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic sectional view of a conversion kit 19 for converting an internal combustion engine 20 to alternative fuel operation. The conversion kit 19 comprises an energy unit 3 for providing electrical energy. Furthermore, the conversion kit 19 comprises an electrolyzer system 4 for generating a fuel, in this embodiment hydrogen. Preferably, the electrolyzer system 4 comprises features of the Fig.1. The described features can be implemented individually or in any combination. Furthermore, the conversion kit 19 has a fuel line 5. Through this, the hydrogen is conducted from the electrolyzer system 4 to the internal combustion engine 20. Furthermore, the conversion kit 19 comprises an inlet system 6. This is designed for the flow of hydrogen into a combustion chamber 7 of the internal combustion engine 20. Preferably, the inlet system 6 comprises a manifold 22 and an inlet nozzle 23.

[0049] During intended use, the energy unit 3 supplies the electrolyzer system 4 with electrical energy. The electrolyzer system 4 separates water into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen is fed via the fuel line 5 to the inlet system 6. The hydrogen flows through the inlet system 6 into the combustion chamber 7 of the internal combustion engine 20, whereupon it is ignited and drives the internal combustion engine 20.

[0050] It is advantageous that an existing combustion engine 20 can be converted to hydrogen operation using the conversion kit 19. This makes the use of the combustion engine 20 more climate-friendly. Furthermore, such a conversion is significantly less expensive than purchasing a new climate-friendly drive system. Furthermore, the conversion produces less waste, as no new drives or completely new vehicles need to be purchased. List of reference symbols 1 drive device 2 Motor unit 3 energy units 4 Electrolyzer system 5 Fuel line 6 Inflow system 7 Combustion chamber 8 accumulator 9 Electrolyzer unit 10 first storage element 11 first pumping mechanism 12 line element 13 Ventilation element 14 second storage element 15 second pumping mechanism 16 Control unit 17 Control element 18 Return line 19 Conversion kit 20 combustion engine 21 Line 22 manifolds 23 Inlet nozzle

Claims

[1] Drive device (1) for driving a machine, in particular a commercial vehicle, with a motor unit (2) for generating mechanical energy, characterized by an energy unit (3) for providing electrical energy, an electrolyzer system (4) for producing a fuel, in particular hydrogen, wherein the electrolyzer system (4) is connected to the energy unit (3) for energy transmission and a fuel line (5) for conducting the fuel, wherein the fuel line (5) connects the electrolyzer system (4) to the engine unit (2). [2] Drive device according to the preceding claim, characterized by that the engine unit (2) comprises at least one inflow system (6) for the fuel to flow into a combustion chamber (7) of the engine unit (2). [3] Drive device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the energy unit (3) is designed as an accumulator (8). [4] Drive device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the energy unit (3) is designed to be replaceable. [5] Drive device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the electrolyzer system (4) comprises an electrolyzer unit (9) for separating water into hydrogen and oxygen. [6] Drive device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the electrolyzer system (4) comprises a first storage element (10) for storing water. [7] Drive device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first storage element (10) comprises a first pumping mechanism (11) for transporting the water to the electrolyzer unit (9). [8] Drive device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the electrolyzer system (4) comprises a conduit element (12) for conducting the oxygen generated in the electrolyzer unit (9). [9] Drive device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first storage element (10) comprises a venting element (13) for the escape of the oxygen generated by the electrolyzer unit (9). [10] Drive device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the electrolyzer system (4) comprises a second storage element (14) for storing the hydrogen produced by the electrolyzer unit (9). [11] Drive device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the second storage element (14) comprises a second pumping mechanism (15) for transporting the hydrogen into the fuel line (5). [12] Drive device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the electrolyzer unit (9) is designed as a PEM cell and / or as an alkaline cell and / or is constructed in a stacked plate design. [13] Drive device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by in that the drive device (1) comprises a control unit (16), wherein the control unit (16) can control the motor unit (2), the energy unit (3) and / or the electrolyzer system (4), in particular the first pumping mechanism (11) and / or the second pumping mechanism (15). [14] Drive device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the control unit (16) comprises at least one operating element (17), in particular a dashboard, for operating the control unit (16). [15] Drive device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the drive device (1) comprises a return line (18) for returning a reaction product, in particular water, from the motor unit (2) to the electrolyzer system (4). [16] Drive device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the electrolyzer system (4) comprises a condensation device for recovering the reaction product returned through the return line (18), wherein the condensation device is preferably arranged on the first storage element (10). [17] Drive device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the fuel line (5) comprises a control unit for regulating the amount of fuel provided for the engine unit (2), in particular for the combustion chamber (7) of the engine unit (2). [18] Conversion kit (19) for an internal combustion engine (20), characterized byan energy unit (3) for providing electrical energy, an electrolyzer system (4) for generating a fuel, in particular hydrogen, wherein the electrolyzer system (4) is connected to the energy unit (3) for energy transmission, and a fuel line (5) for connecting the electrolyzer system (4) to the internal combustion engine (20).

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