Hydrogen system with housing device

Abstract

Hydrogen plant, in particular a hydrogen-producing electrolysis system (100), comprising a housing device (10) with a receiving volume (20), at least one cell stack (110) within the receiving volume (20) and at least one active ventilation device (30) for promoting a fluid flow (6) within the housing device (10), wherein the housing device (10) comprises at least one inlet opening (12) and at least one outlet opening (14), wherein the at least one inlet opening (12) comprises at least one flow guide device (40) for directing an air flow (2) into the housing device (10) and for diverting a leakage flow (4) within the housing device (10).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrochemical energy conversion system. The invention further relates to a housing device for use with an electrochemical energy conversion system. State of the art

[0002] Currently known electrochemical energy conversion systems in the state of the art mostly include ventilation concepts and devices to supply the systems with sufficient fresh air and to prevent explosive mixtures in the electrochemical energy conversion systems and / or their immediate surroundings. The field of explosion protection in electrochemical energy conversion systems, particularly electrolyzers, encompasses a variety of different solutions for ensuring the safe operation of these systems.

[0003] In the state of the art of electrochemical energy conversion systems, explosion-prone areas are generally those where hydrogen accumulation occurs to a critical extent, particularly in the event of a fault and / or leakage of the electrochemical energy conversion system. This applies especially to the area around the cell stacks of the electrochemical energy conversion system as well as valve areas of the electrochemical energy conversion system.

[0004] In known electrochemical energy conversion systems, particularly electrolyzers, the explosive mixture usually consists of hydrogen and oxygen in a specific concentration ratio. Above or below a certain threshold, the mixture is not ignitable. The aim here is to ensure that the lower threshold, i.e., the lower explosive limit, is never exceeded. For an oxygen-hydrogen mixture, the lower explosive limit is approximately 4% hydrogen. The less hydrogen is present, and thus the more ambient air, especially oxygen, is present, the safer the mixture.

[0005] The interior of an electrochemical energy conversion system, such as an electrolyzer, and especially the space containing the cell stacks, is usually actively ventilated to prevent the gradual accumulation of hydrogen due to, for example, small leaks. This active ventilation ensures a continuous flow of air around the cell stacks, diluting any potential hydrogen concentration. Active ventilation is costly and requires fans and / or blowers with a defined airflow rate.

[0006] The active ventilation is usually dimensioned in such a way that even in the event of a leakage from the electrochemical energy converter system, escaping hydrogen is extracted quickly enough and the lower explosion limit cannot be reached.

[0007] Ventilation concepts in electrochemical energy conversion systems typically involve a defined flow direction. However, depending on the orientation of a leakage flow, very high ventilation rates are necessary to prevent, for example, a leakage flow against the flow direction from exiting an intake port of the electrochemical energy conversion system. Ventilation is usually designed to be continuous, as leaks can occur at any time, resulting in high energy consumption, costs, and maintenance requirements.

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome, or at least partially overcome, the disadvantages described above in the prior art. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide an electrolysis system with which advantageous flow control into and / or within the electrochemical energy conversion system is made particularly easy, advantageously ensures primary explosion protection, and / or avoids excessively high hydrogen concentrations. Furthermore, it is a particular object of the invention to provide a housing device for use with an electrochemical energy conversion system.

[0009] The foregoing problem is solved by the claims. In particular, the problem is solved by an electrolysis system having the features of independent claim 1. Furthermore, the problem is solved by a housing device having the features of independent claim 12.

[0010] Further advantages and details of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings. Features described in connection with the electrochemical energy converter system according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the housing device according to the invention, and vice versa, so that the disclosure regarding the individual aspects of the invention always refers, or can refer, to each other.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the invention, the problem is solved by an electrochemical energy converter system, in particular a hydrogen-producing electrochemical energy converter system, comprising a housing device with a receiving volume, at least one cell stack within the receiving volume and at least one active ventilation device for promoting a fluid flow within the housing device, wherein the housing device comprises at least one inlet opening and at least one outlet opening, wherein the at least one inlet opening comprises at least one flow guide device for directing an air flow into the housing device and for diverting a leakage flow within the housing device.

[0012] The electrochemical energy conversion system is preferably understood as a hydrogen-producing electrolysis system and / or electrolyzer system. Alternatively, the electrochemical energy conversion system is configured as a fuel cell system. The electrochemical energy conversion system is preferably configured as an electrolysis system that is at least partially modular and / or mobile. The electrochemical energy conversion system is preferably configured within a container that is at least partially mobile. The at least one cell stack preferably comprises a plurality of cells, in particular electrochemical cells and / or fuel cells. The cells are preferably understood as functional electrochemical units by means of which at least one electrochemical reaction can be carried out, in particular an electrochemical reaction of the type for which the electrochemical energy conversion system is intended.Preferably, the electrochemical cell is an electrolysis cell. Particularly advantageous is a cell-stack-compatible electrolysis cell, especially one containing a stack of electrolysis cells. Alternatively, the electrochemical cell can be a fuel cell, a battery cell, a measuring cell, a redox cell, or the like.

[0013] Advantageously, the electrochemical cell comprises at least one anode, at which oxygen is preferably formed under normal operating conditions. Preferably, the electrochemical cell comprises at least one cathode, at which hydrogen is preferably formed under normal operating conditions. Advantageously, the electrochemical cell comprises at least one membrane, in particular an advantageously selective proton-conducting membrane, preferably a polymer electrolyte membrane.

[0014] The anode and cathode are preferably separated from each other at least by the membrane. In particular, the anode and / or the cathode is planar and / or layered and / or a layer and / or coating. Preferably, the electrochemical cell comprises at least one functional element, in particular a bipolar element, preferably a bipolar plate. In particular, a first side of the bipolar element forms an anode side of one electrochemical cell, and in particular, a second side of the bipolar element forms a cathode side of another immediately adjacent electrochemical cell. In particular, the first electrochemical cell and / or the second electrochemical cell can be configured as described in this context.In particular, at least some, advantageously at least a large proportion and especially advantageously all electrochemical cells of the cell unit are designed at least essentially identically and / or of the same and / or an analogous design.

[0015] The electrochemical energy conversion system comprises at least one housing device or several housing devices. The housing device is preferably understood as the housing device for the at least one cell stack or for several cell stacks. The housing device is preferably designed as a chimney device around the at least one cell stack and preferably enables, particularly in combination with the ventilation device, defined ventilation, especially for the possible dilution of a hydrogen concentration, in and / or around the cell stacks. Cooling is not the purpose of the ventilation.The housing device preferably allows for the separation of the at least one cell stack from other components of the electrochemical energy conversion system, thus preventing or at least reducing the propagation of leakage into adjacent areas – such as gas-liquid separators (hydrogen-water separators, oxygen-water separators), hydrogen drying systems, water treatment plants, or electrical power supplies like rectifiers, etc. – so that the leakage is channeled and / or diluted in a controlled manner. In particular, the housing device can essentially comprise only cell stacks along with the necessary media inlets and outlets. With the exception of the at least one inlet opening and the at least one outlet opening, the housing device is preferably designed to be airtight or substantially airtight.The phrase "X or essentially X" is to be understood within the scope of the invention as a possible, minor deviation, for example, due to manufacturing tolerances, material and / or process properties, without altering the underlying, intended function of the feature. Preferably, the housing device has no further open recesses besides the at least one inlet opening and the at least one outlet opening. For illustrative purposes, the housing device is configured as a chimney-like structure around the at least one cell stack. The housing device preferably forms the receiving volume, and / or the receiving volume is, in particular, completely formed within the housing device. The housing device preferably comprises wall-mounted units, a floor-mounted unit, and a ceiling-mounted unit. The housing device is preferably cuboid in shape.

[0016] The at least one active ventilation device is preferably configured in and / or on the housing device. Preferably, the at least one active ventilation device is configured above and / or inside the housing device. Preferably, the at least one active ventilation device is arranged and / or attached above the at least one cell stack. Preferably, the at least one outlet opening is arranged above the at least one active ventilation device. The at least one inlet opening and the at least one outlet opening are preferably configured as recesses and / or openings in the housing device, particularly in one of the wall sections. The at least one active ventilation device is configured to promote fluid flow within the housing device and, in particular, through the at least one outlet opening, out of the housing device.

[0017] The at least one active ventilation device is preferably configured as a fan and / or blower. The at least one active ventilation device is preferably designed to promote a fluid flow within the housing device, in particular from the at least one inlet opening to the at least one outlet opening. The at least one active ventilation device is preferably arranged in the airflow between the at least one inlet opening and the at least one outlet opening. Preferably, the at least one active ventilation device is configured in a top area of ​​the housing device and / or at least partially within the at least one outlet opening. Preferably, the fluid flow within the housing device through the at least one active ventilation device is understood as an airflow from bottom to top through the housing device.To illustrate, the inlet opening is preferably located in the bottom area and / or at the bottom of a vertical side wall. The outlet opening is preferably located in a horizontal area of ​​the top and / or roof of the housing.

[0018] The airflow is preferably understood as the flow of air from outside the housing device through the at least one inlet opening into the housing device. The leakage flow is preferably understood as a gaseous leakage flow, in particular from the cell stack. The leakage flow is preferably understood as a flow from a leakage, for example, as a hydrogen flow from the at least one cell stack. The leakage flow is preferably understood as a failure, fault, and / or accident leakage flow. In other words, the leakage flow within the scope of the invention is preferably to be distinguished from normal leakage of the electrochemical energy converter system, which can occur due to diffusion, minor leaks, and / or porosity of the electrochemical energy converter system.The leakage flow preferably exhibits a high-pressure gas flow, particularly from the cell stack, and / or a high-speed flow, particularly a supersonic flow. Depending on the application, the necessary pressure levels for exemplary hydrogen production range from 20 to 700 bar; the latter is the typical refueling pressure for hydrogen vehicles. The electrochemical energy conversion system according to the invention preferably provides the hydrogen at operating pressure as low as ~30 bar. In some applications, this advantageously eliminates the need for a separate compression stage. In this example, the entire or substantially the entire hydrogen system is designed for this pressure.

[0019] For example, and to illustrate, the electrochemical energy conversion system generates hydrogen and preferably supplies it at a pressure above 20 bar, 25 bar, 30 bar, or even 35 bar. A leakage flow from the cell stack thus exits the cell stack at a correspondingly high pressure. The fluid flow is preferably understood as a flow of fluid, for example, a combination of airflow and leakage flow, from within the housing device through the at least one outlet opening from the housing device. The fluid flow is preferably understood as a flow for the possible dilution of a hydrogen content, particularly within the intake volume. The fluid flow is preferably to be distinguished from a cooling device of the electrochemical energy conversion system.

[0020] In the context of this description, directional and location specifications, such as above and below, are preferably to be understood in relation to an installation position and / or installation orientation of the electrochemical energy converter system.

[0021] The electrochemical energy converter system is particularly advantageous because the at least one inlet opening includes at least one flow guide device for directing an airflow into the housing device and for diverting a leakage flow within the housing device.

[0022] The at least one flow guide device is designed as a guide for directing and / or diverting a leakage flow within the housing device. For illustrative purposes, the at least one flow guide device for diverting a leakage flow within the housing device away from the at least one inlet opening is shown.

[0023] In the exemplary embodiment of the electrochemical energy conversion system as an electrolyzer, the hydrogen is preferably supplied by the cell stack at a high pressure, for example, of approximately or above 30 bar. The cell stacks are typically enclosed to direct the airflow, meaning they have essentially continuous side walls that allow for a directed airflow. A cell stack or several combined cell stacks are preferably conceived as a chimney, having a bottom-level and / or lower intake opening and an upper exhaust opening. The airflow direction is from bottom to top, since hydrogen, with a density of 0.0899 g / L, is approximately 14 times lighter than air and therefore rises naturally.

[0024] In the event of a leak with a fluid exit direction contrary to the direction of fluid flow within the housing device, the at least one active venting device preferably enables the at least one flow guide to deflect the leakage flow and direct it away from the at least one inlet opening. The at least one flow guide can be visualized as a hydrogen guardrail. The at least one flow guide preferably prevents the leakage flow from escaping the at least one inlet opening. Preferably, the at least one flow guide is designed such that the momentum of a leakage flow is deflected against, or at least partially against, the fluid flow within the housing device by the at least one active venting device.Preferably, the at least one flow guide device enables the leakage flow to be deflected in the direction of the fluid flow within the housing device by the at least one active ventilation device.

[0025] The at least one flow guide device is preferably understood as a flow guide plate, flow guide vane, and / or as a limiting device for the leakage flow. The at least one flow guide device preferably enables a physical limitation of the leakage flow towards and / or out of the at least one inlet opening and / or preferably deflects the leakage flow away from the at least one inlet opening. Preferably, the at least one flow guide device is designed to be retrofitted into existing electrochemical energy conversion systems.

[0026] The at least one flow guide device preferably prevents the uncontrolled propagation of the leakage flow, for example, of hydrogen. The at least one flow guide device preferably prevents the hydrogen from leaving the at least one housing device via the at least one inlet opening. This is because the ventilation rate is lower outside the housing device, and any hydrogen located there would be carried away too slowly.

[0027] The at least one flow guide device can be understood as a flow barrier, momentum stopper and / or momentum breaker for the leakage flow, which is preferably arranged at the at least one inlet opening of the housing device and breaks the momentum of the leakage flow and deflects it away from the at least one inlet opening in order to keep the leakage flow within the housing device and / or to direct it towards the at least one outlet opening.

[0028] The electrochemical energy conversion system preferably comprises further equipment. The electrochemical energy conversion system is preferably understood as a functional part of a device and / or a machine, in particular an electrolyzer, designed to carry out at least one electrochemical process. In particular, the electrochemical energy conversion system can also comprise the entire device and / or the entire machine, especially the electrolyzer. Preferably, the electrochemical energy conversion system is configured to convert electrical energy into chemical bond energy and / or chemical bond energy into electrical energy. In particular, at least one chemical reaction, associated with an electric current, takes place during normal operation, especially a redox reaction.Preferably, the electrochemical energy conversion system is designed as an electrolysis device, particularly preferably as a hydrogen electrolysis device, which is especially intended for the electrochemical splitting of water into hydrogen and oxygen. The electrochemical energy conversion system can be designed to supply at least one gas, in particular hydrogen, at an overpressure relative to the surroundings. In particular, the electrochemical energy conversion system can be connected to a gas container, in particular a hydrogen tank, and it is conceivable that the operating pressure of the electrochemical energy conversion system is adjustable to and / or adapted to the fill level of the gas container. For example, it is conceivable that the electrochemical energy conversion system generates the gas against the fill pressure of the gas container and fills it, in particular without the use of a compressor or the like.

[0029] Alternatively, the electrochemical energy conversion system may include a fuel cell device, a battery device, a measuring device, a generator device, an analyzer device, an electrodeposition device, an anodizing device, an electroplating device, a redox reactor device, or the like.

[0030] For example, the electrochemical energy conversion system comprises a water circuit, hydrogen preparation, hydrogen drying, a power supply, a fluid supply, and / or a cooling device. In particular, the fluid supply is designed to supply the electrochemical cells of the cell stack with at least one fluid, preferably water, advantageously deionized water. Advantageously, the fluid supply is designed to provide water as a reactant for electrolytic water splitting and / or as a coolant for the cell unit and / or the cell stack and / or the electrochemical cells of the cell unit. Preferably, the fluid supply comprises at least one fluid circuit through which the fluid circulates, particularly advantageously, at least temporarily in at least one normal operating condition.

[0031] Preferably, the cell stack forms part of the fluid circuit, such that, in particular, the fluid circulates at least partially through the cells of the cell stack during normal operation. The fluid supply of the electrochemical energy conversion system can also comprise only a part of a complete fluid supply circuit and, for example, have corresponding connections for integration into a circuit. For example, a fluid reservoir and / or a fluid pump and / or at least sections of suitable fluid lines or the like can be designed separately from the fluid supply and / or connected to it and / or connectable to it.

[0032] Preferably, the housing device includes recesses and / or interfaces for connecting the electrochemical energy conversion system to the aforementioned devices. These recesses are preferably designed to allow passage through the said interface for the ventilation concept of the electrochemical energy conversion system and are preferably airtight or substantially airtight.

[0033] The housing device is preferably understood to be a sheet metal cladding. The housing device is preferably designed to be sufficiently stable, in particular tear-resistant, to withstand leakage flow, especially high-pressure leakage flow, from the electrochemical energy conversion system.

[0034] Such a designed electrolysis system is particularly advantageous because it facilitates the efficient flow of currents into and / or within the electrochemical energy converter system, advantageously ensures primary explosion protection, and / or prevents excessively high hydrogen concentrations within the housing. The electrochemical energy converter system preferably enables a housing ventilation concept with cost, material, and / or maintenance savings, especially for the at least one active ventilation device and / or for necessary sensor devices.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, an electrochemical energy converter system may include at least one flow guide device, preferably collar-shaped, located within the housing device on and / or around the at least one inlet opening. The at least one flow guide device is preferably structurally designed on and / or around the at least one inlet opening and / or attached to it. The at least one flow guide device is preferably designed as a collar device at least on one side or around the entire circumference of the at least one inlet opening to allow for the diversion of leakage flow within the housing device from as many directions as possible.For the exemplary arrangement of the at least one inlet opening below the at least one cell stack, a collar-shaped design of the at least one flow guide device at least above and / or in the upper half of the at least one inlet opening is advantageous. An electrolysis system designed in this way is particularly advantageous because the design of the at least one flow guide device makes it particularly easy to guide flows into and / or within the electrochemical energy converter system, advantageously ensures primary explosion protection, and / or avoids excessively high hydrogen concentrations within the housing.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, an electrochemical energy converter system may be provided with at least one flow guide device that is at least partially angled, in particular perpendicular, to the housing device and / or at least partially plate-shaped. The arrangement and design of the at least one flow guide device primarily serves to direct an airflow into the housing device and to redirect any leakage flow within the housing device. For this purpose, the at least one flow guide device is preferably configured at least partially angled, in particular perpendicular, to the housing device and / or as a wall element of the housing device. Preferably, the at least one flow guide device is configured at least in the section bordering the housing device at an angle, in particular perpendicular, to the housing device.In a further section, the at least one flow guide device is preferably shaped and / or bent differently, in particular curved, as described in detail below. The plate-shaped design of the at least one flow guide device is preferably understood to be such that the at least one flow guide device has significantly larger dimensions in one principal plane of extension than in the third spatial plane. Visually, the at least one flow guide device is designed to be significantly longer and wider than it is thick.An electrolysis system designed in this way is particularly advantageous because the design of the at least one flow guide device makes it particularly easy to guide flows into and / or within the electrochemical energy converter system, advantageously ensures primary explosion protection and / or avoids excessively high hydrogen concentrations within the housing device.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, an electrochemical energy converter system may include at least one flow guide device comprising an end facing away from the housing device, in particular a free end, wherein the end is configured at least partially at an angle and / or curve for redirecting the momentum of the leakage flow within the housing device. Such a configuration of the at least one flow guide device preferably enables a particularly advantageous momentum redirection of the leakage flow within the housing device. Preferably, the at least one flow guide device enables the redirection of the leakage flow at least partially upwards, or at least laterally, so that the leakage flow is advantageously carried along by the fluid flow within the housing device through the at least one active venting device and / or the two flows advantageously combine.The at least partially angled design of the far end, particularly the free end, of the at least one flow guide device is preferably understood to refer to the housing device and / or the adjacent section of the at least one flow guide device. For illustrative purposes, the at least one flow guide device is initially designed at right angles to the housing device and then curved upwards to enable an advantageous deflection of the leakage flow.An electrolysis system designed in this way is particularly advantageous because the design of the at least one flow guide device makes it particularly easy to guide flows into and / or within the electrochemical energy converter system, advantageously ensures primary explosion protection and / or avoids excessively high hydrogen concentrations within the housing device.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, in an electrochemical energy conversion system, the at least one flow guide device can extend, in particular exclusively, into the housing device and / or into the receiving volume. Preferably, the at least one flow guide device is configured within, and in particular exclusively within, the housing device and / or the receiving volume. The at least one flow guide device is preferably attached to an inner surface of the housing device or, as described below, configured as a component of the housing device. Such a configuration and arrangement of the at least one flow guide device enables a space-saving arrangement of the electrochemical energy conversion system.The design of the at least one flow guide within the housing preferably enables advantageous redirection of the leakage flow within the housing and simultaneously preferably avoids a negative influence on the inflow through the at least one inlet opening. An electrolysis system designed in this way is particularly advantageous because the design of the at least one flow guide facilitates advantageous flow guidance into and / or within the electrochemical energy converter system, advantageously ensures primary explosion protection, and / or prevents excessively high hydrogen concentrations within the housing.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, in an electrochemical energy converter system, the at least one flow guide device can be connected to the housing device, in particular by a material bond, monolithically, and / or integrally. A common configuration of the at least one flow guide device and the housing device enables a particularly advantageous flow path for the leakage flow and / or the inflow through the at least one inlet opening. The at least one flow guide device is illustrated by way of example as part of the housing device. By way of example, the at least one flow guide device is configured, at least partially, as a bent section of the housing device.For example, the at least one flow guide device is designed in at least two parts, such that at least one part of the flow guide device is bonded to the housing device in a monolithic and / or integral manner, and at least another part of the flow guide device is connected to the first part of the flow guide device, for example by screws, rivets, and / or adhesive. The at least one flow guide device is thus advantageously adaptable using simple and cost-effective means, for example, to changes in the cell stack and / or the electrochemical energy conversion system.An electrolysis system designed in this way is particularly advantageous because the design of the at least one flow guide device makes it particularly easy to guide flows into and / or within the electrochemical energy converter system, advantageously ensures primary explosion protection and / or avoids excessively high hydrogen concentrations within the housing device.

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, in an electrochemical energy converter system, the at least one flow guide device and / or the at least one inlet opening can be arranged below the at least one cell stack and / or in the lower 30%, 20%, or 10% of the height of the at least one cell stack. The height of the at least one cell stack is preferably understood as the vertical extent along the height of the at least one cell stack in an installation position.

[0041] This arrangement of the at least one flow guide and / or the at least one inlet opening allows for advantageous deflection of the leakage flow in a lower region of the housing device, thus covering as many leakage flows and / or leakage locations within the housing device as possible. In particular, the cell stack(s) is arranged relative to the inlet opening such that there is no direct line of sight between leakage-prone elements of the cell stack (such as media coupling points) or the cell stack as a whole and the inlet opening or the deflection device. A hydrogen leakage flow that escapes from a leakage opening with high momentum due to the high pressure is stopped by the deflection device and therefore cannot escape through the inlet opening of the housing device.Preferably, the at least one flow guide enables the deflection of the leakage flow upstream of and / or around the at least one inlet opening. The at least one inlet opening is preferably configured at least partially below and / or at least partially within the at least one flow guide. The at least one flow guide and / or the at least one inlet opening are preferably configured in a section of the housing device near the bottom. An electrolysis system configured in this way is particularly advantageous because the design of the at least one flow guide and / or the at least one inlet opening makes it particularly easy to guide flows into and / or within the electrochemical energy conversion system, advantageously ensures primary explosion protection, and / or avoids excessively high hydrogen concentrations within the housing device.

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, an electrochemical energy converter system may be provided with at least one inlet opening configured at least partially vertically and / or horizontally. A vertical configuration of the at least one inlet opening allows for advantageous arrangement and / or integration of the at least one inlet opening in, for example, a side wall of the housing device. A horizontal configuration of the at least one inlet opening, on the other hand, allows for advantageous isolation of the at least one inlet opening from leakage flow within the housing device. The horizontal configuration of the at least one inlet opening preferably includes a lateral offset in a wall section of the housing device. For illustrative purposes, the wall sections of the housing device for the configuration of the at least one inlet opening are laterally offset from one another.Preferably, a lower wall section is offset laterally outwards relative to an upper wall section. An electrolysis system designed in this way is particularly advantageous because the design of the at least one inlet opening facilitates the advantageous flow of currents into and / or within the electrochemical energy conversion system, advantageously ensures primary explosion protection, and / or prevents excessively high hydrogen concentrations within the housing.

[0043] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, an electrochemical energy conversion system may include a logic device and at least one sensor device for detecting leakage flow. The logic device is configured to control the electrochemical energy conversion system, in particular the at least one cell stack, based on the detected leakage flow. The logic device is preferably configured to control and / or regulate the electrochemical energy conversion system based on the detected leakage flow. The at least one sensor device is preferably configured to detect a hydrogen concentration. The logic device is configured either together with the electrochemical energy conversion system or separately from it.The at least one sensor device is preferably connected to the logic device via data communication and / or signal communication. The logic device is configured, for example, to control the energy supply to the electrochemical energy conversion system and / or to regulate the at least one active ventilation device. An electrolysis system configured in this way is particularly advantageous because the logic device and the at least one sensor device facilitate the advantageous flow of currents into and / or within the electrochemical energy conversion system, advantageously provide primary explosion protection, and / or prevent excessively high hydrogen concentrations within the housing.

[0044] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, an electrochemical energy converter system may be provided that the at least one inlet opening, the at least one outlet opening, the at least one active ventilation device, and / or the at least one flow guide device are controllable, in particular wherein the logic device for controlling the at least one inlet opening, the at least one outlet opening, the at least one active ventilation device, and / or the at least one flow guide device is configured based on the detected leakage flow. The control of the at least one inlet opening, the at least one outlet opening, the at least one active ventilation device, and / or the at least one flow guide device preferably comprises opening and / or closing, activating and / or deactivating, adjusting the angle, and / or controlling the voltage and / or current.The control of the at least one inlet opening, the at least one outlet opening, the at least one active aeration device, and / or the at least one flow guide device is preferably understood as control and / or regulation. Controlling the at least one inlet opening, the at least one outlet opening, the at least one active aeration device, and / or the at least one flow guide device based on the detected leakage flow advantageously enables the electrochemical energy converter system to adapt to an occurring leakage, to the leakage intensity, and / or to a change in the leakage. By way of illustration and example, when a low leakage flow is detected, the at least one active aeration device is increased in intensity, and when a higher leakage flow is detected, the at least one cell stack is switched off.An electrolysis system designed in this way is particularly advantageous because the design of the logic device, which includes at least one inlet opening, at least one outlet opening, at least one active ventilation device and / or at least one flow guide device and at least one sensor device, makes it particularly easy to achieve primary explosion protection and / or avoids excessively high hydrogen concentrations within the housing device.

[0045] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, an electrochemical energy converter system may include a base tray assembly in its housing, wherein the base tray assembly is located below the at least one inlet opening. The housing preferably has a base tray assembly in the form of a surrounding rim at the bottom. The at least one inlet opening is preferably arranged above the base tray assembly. For illustrative purposes, the base tray assembly can be understood as a door threshold. The base tray assembly is preferably inclined inwards at 90° or more. The base tray assembly preferably has a height of at least 3 cm, more preferably at least 4 cm, or at least 5 cm. The base tray assembly preferably provides a collection volume for escaping leakage flows and / or prevents lateral escape of leakage flows in the bottom area.An electrolysis system designed in this way is particularly advantageous because the bottom tray device makes it particularly easy to guide flows into and / or within the electrochemical energy converter system, advantageously ensures primary explosion protection and / or avoids excessively high hydrogen concentrations within the housing device.

[0046] According to a second aspect of the invention, the problem is solved by a housing device for use with an electrochemical energy conversion system, in particular a hydrogen-producing electrochemical energy conversion system, according to the first aspect. The housing device comprises a receiving volume for receiving at least one cell stack of the electrochemical energy conversion system, at least one inlet opening, and at least one outlet opening. The at least one inlet opening comprises a flow guide device for directing an airflow into the housing device and for diverting any leakage flow within the housing device.

[0047] The described housing device offers all the advantages already described for the electrochemical energy converter system according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0048] Preferably, the housing device comprises at least one active ventilation device. The at least one active ventilation device is designed to promote fluid flow within the housing device and, in particular, through the at least one outlet opening from the housing device. The housing device is preferably designed as a chimney-like device for arrangement around at least one cell stack and preferably enables, especially in combination with the ventilation device, defined ventilation, particularly for the possible dilution of a hydrogen concentration, in and / or around the cell stacks.The housing device also preferably enables the separation of at least one cell stack from other system components of the electrochemical energy converter system, so that the spread of the leakage flow into adjacent areas is prevented or at least reduced, so that the leakage flow is directed in a defined manner and / or diluted.

[0049] An electrolysis system according to the invention and a housing device are explained in more detail below with reference to drawings.

[0050] They each show schematically: Fig. 1 in a perspective view an electrolysis system with two cell stacks each in a housing device, Fig. 2 in a perspective view another electrolysis system with two cell stacks each in a housing device and Fig. 3 in a detailed side view another electrolysis system with a cell stack in a housing device.

[0051] Elements with the same function and mode of operation are in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3 each with the same reference numerals.

[0052] In Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows an electrolysis system 100 with two cell stacks, each in a housing 10, in a perspective view. The electrochemical energy converter system 100 comprises two housings 10, each with a receiving volume 20, a cell stack 110 within the receiving volume 20, and an active ventilation device 30 for conveying a fluid flow 6 within the housings 10. Each housing 10 includes an inlet opening 12 and an outlet opening 14. The inlet openings 12 each include a flow guide 40 for directing an air flow 2 into the housings 10 and for diverting a leakage flow 4 within the housing 10. A leakage flow 4 is shown in the right-hand housing 10, which is diverted by the flow guide 40 in the right-hand housing 10.The flow guide devices 40 are collar-shaped within the respective housing device 10 and around the respective inlet opening 12. The flow guide devices 40 are partially angled, here perpendicular, to the housing device 10 and partially plate-shaped. The upper of the flow guide devices 40 shown on the left comprises a free end 42 facing away from the housing device 10, the end 42 being partially angled to the momentum diversion of the leakage flow 4 within the housing device 10. The flow guide devices 40 extend exclusively into the housing device 10 and into the receiving volume 20. The flow guide devices 40 are materially bonded to the housing devices 10. The flow guide devices 40 and the inlet openings 12 are arranged below the cell stacks 110. The inlet openings 12 are each vertically oriented.The electrochemical energy conversion system 100 further comprises a logic device 50 and a sensor device 60 for detecting the leakage flow 4, wherein the logic device 50 is configured to control the electrochemical energy conversion system 100 based on the detected leakage flow 4. The active ventilation devices 30 are controllable, and the logic device 50 is configured to control the active ventilation devices 30. The electrochemical energy conversion system 100 is configured within a container device.

[0053] In Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows a further electrolysis system 100 with two cell stacks 110, each in a housing 10, in a perspective view. The electrochemical energy converter system 100 comprises two housings 10, each with a receiving volume 20, each containing a cell stack 110 within the receiving volume 20, and each with an active ventilation device 30 for conveying a fluid flow 6 within the housings 10. The housings 10 each include an inlet opening 12 and an outlet opening 14. The inlet openings 12 each include a flow guide 40 for directing an air flow 2 into the housings 10 and for diverting a leakage flow 4 within the housings 10. In the right-hand housing 10, a leakage flow 4 is shown, which is diverted by the flow guide 40 in the right-hand housing 10.The flow guide devices 40 are configured within the respective housing device 10. The flow guide device 40 shown on the left is configured around the respective inlet opening 12. The flow guide devices 40 are configured at an angle to the housing device 10 in some sections and in a plate-like shape in others. The flow guide devices 40 extend exclusively into the housing device 10 and into the receiving volume 20. The flow guide devices 40 are materially bonded to the housing devices 10. The flow guide devices 40 and the inlet openings 12 are arranged below the cell stacks 110. The inlet opening 12 shown on the left is configured vertically. The housing devices 10 each comprise a bottom tray device 16, the bottom tray devices 16 being configured below the inlet openings 12.

[0054] In Fig.Figure 3 schematically shows a detailed side view of another electrolysis system 100 with a cell stack 110 in a housing device 10. The electrochemical energy converter system 100 comprises a housing device 10 with a receiving volume 20, a cell stack 110 within the receiving volume 20, and an active ventilation device 30 for promoting a fluid flow 6 within the housing device 10, wherein the housing device 10 includes an inlet opening 12 and an outlet opening 14. The inlet opening 12 includes a flow guide 40 for directing an air flow 2 into the housing device 10 and for diverting a leakage flow 4 within the housing device 10. The flow guide 40 is collar-shaped within the housing device 10 and around the inlet opening 12. The flow guide 40 extends exclusively into the housing device 10 and into the receiving volume 20.The flow guide device 40 is materially connected to the housing device 10. The flow guide device 40 and the inlet opening 12 are arranged below the cell stacks 110. Reference symbol list 2 Airflow 4 Leakage flow 6 Fluid flow 10 Housing device 12 Inlet opening 14. Outflow opening 16 Base tray device 20 recording volume 30 Ventilation device 40 Flow guide device 42 End of the flow guide device 50 logic device 60 Sensor device 100 electrochemical energy converter system 110 cell stacks

Claims

[1] Hydrogen plant, in particular a hydrogen-producing electrolysis system (100), comprising a housing device (10) with a receiving volume (20), at least one cell stack (110) within the receiving volume (20) and at least one active ventilation device (30) for promoting a fluid flow (6) within the housing device (10), wherein the housing device (10) comprises at least one inlet opening (12) and at least one outlet opening (14), wherein the at least one inlet opening (12) comprises at least one flow guide device (40) for directing an air flow (2) into the housing device (10) and for diverting a leakage flow (4) within the housing device (10). [2] Electrochemical energy conversion system (100) according to claim 1, characterized by, that the at least one flow guide device (40), in particular collar-shaped, is designed within the housing device (10), on which at least one inlet opening (12) and / or around which at least one inlet opening (12) is designed. [3] Electrochemical energy conversion system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the at least one flow guide device (40) is designed at least partially at an angle, in particular at right angles, to the housing device (10) and / or at least partially in a plate-like shape. [4] Electrochemical energy conversion system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the at least one flow guide device (40) comprises an end (42) facing away from the housing device (10), in particular a free end, wherein the end (42) is designed at least sectionally at an angle and / or curve for the impulse diversion of the leakage flow (4) within the housing device (10). [5] Electrochemical energy conversion system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the at least one flow guide device (40) extends, in particular exclusively, into the housing device (10) and / or into the receiving volume (20). [6] Electrochemical energy conversion system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the at least one flow guide device (40) is connected to the housing device (10), in particular in a materially bonded, monolithic and / or one-piece manner. [7] Electrochemical energy conversion system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the at least one flow guide device (40) and / or the at least one inlet opening (12) is arranged below the at least one cell stack (110) and / or in the lower 30%, 20% or 10% of a height extension of the at least one cell stack (110). [8] Electrochemical energy conversion system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one inlet opening (12) is designed at least sectionally vertically and / or horizontally. [9] Electrochemical energy conversion system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the electrochemical energy conversion system (100) comprises a logic device (50) and at least one sensor device (60) for detecting the leakage flow (4), wherein the logic device (50) is designed to control the electrochemical energy conversion system (100), in particular the at least one cell stack (110), on the basis of the detected leakage flow (4). [10] Electrochemical energy conversion system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the at least one inlet opening (12), the at least one outlet opening (14), the at least one active ventilation device (30) and / or the at least one flow guide device (40) are controllable, in particular wherein the logic device (50) for controlling the at least one inlet opening (12), the at least one outlet opening (14), the at least one active ventilation device (30) and / or the at least one flow guide device (40) is designed on the basis of the detected leakage flow (4). [11] Electrochemical energy conversion system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the housing device (10) comprises a bottom tray device (16), wherein the bottom tray device (16) is designed below the at least one inlet opening (12). [12] Housing device (10) for use with an electrochemical energy converter system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the housing device (10) comprises a receiving volume (20) for receiving at least one cell stack (110) of the electrochemical energy converter system (100), at least one inlet opening (12) and at least one outlet opening (14), wherein the at least one inlet opening (12) comprises a flow guide device (40) for directing an air flow (2) into the housing device (10) and for diverting a leakage flow (4) within the housing device (10).

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