AIR SUPPLY MODULE FOR A FUEL CELL SYSTEM FOR AN AIRCRAFT

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an air supply module for a hydrogen fuel cell power generation system and to a power generation system implementing such a module. The invention also relates to a propulsion system powered by such a power generation system and to an aircraft incorporating such a propulsion system. PREVIOUS STATE OF THE ART

[0002] To reduce pollution from kerosene use in aircraft, aircraft with hydrogen-powered engines are being developed. Specifically, hydrogen is used to power a fuel cell, which generates an electric current that, in turn, drives the aircraft's engine. For simplicity, a fuel cell can be considered to consist of multiple fuel cells. Generating the electric current requires a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. Oxygen is present in the air, so the fuel cell must be supplied with air for this reaction to occur. Therefore, a typical electrical power generation system using a fuel cell includes an air supply system.The airflow supplied by the air supply system must, however, have specific quality, temperature, and humidity levels to avoid damaging the fuel cell membrane, among other things. These requirements are relatively difficult to guarantee in an aircraft, since the environmental conditions inside an aircraft vary regularly (during flight or while parked on the ground) throughout the day. Specifically, variations in altitude and temperature, types of air pollution (such as particles like sand, dust, etc.), or the presence of certain gases (such as ozone, sulfur dioxide (SO2), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), nitrogen oxides (NOx), or ammonia (NH3)) can degrade or damage the fuel cell.

[0003] Therefore, to ensure a long service life for the entire system, several components are required in the air supply system (e.g., filters, an intercooler, a heat exchanger, etc.). These components are generally connected to each other by pipes and fittings.

[0004] One drawback of this solution is that these air supply system components, along with the intermediate piping and their connections, represent a significant volume and weight. Furthermore, each of these components typically has its own housing, making access and replacement relatively difficult during maintenance and / or servicing, especially since they may be located close to the fuel cell.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need to provide an air supply system that is less bulky and lighter, and whose maintenance operations are facilitated.

[0006] US2005 / 262818A1, CN117423858A and WO2013 / 164572A2 documents describe prior art fuel cell air supply solutions. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide an air supply module for an electrical power generation system comprising a fuel cell which is lightweight and compact and easy to integrate into an electrical power generation system.

[0008] To this end, an air supply module is proposed for an electrical power generation system comprising a fuel cell, said module comprising a housing which has an inlet orifice and an outlet orifice and in which an airflow flows between said inlet orifice and said outlet orifice in a flow direction.

[0009] According to the invention, the module comprises, housed within the casing between said inlet and said outlet, a first filter having a first inlet and a first outlet for said airflow, and a first heat exchanger having a second inlet and a second outlet for said airflow, said first heat exchanger being located downstream of the first filter with respect to the flow direction. More specifically, said first outlet of said first filter and said second inlet of said first heat exchanger are in direct fluidic communication with each other, without any connecting pipe between them.

[0010] Implementing such an air supply module reduces the volume (and therefore the size) of the fuel cell's air supply and distribution circuit, thus facilitating the module's integration into an electrical power generation system. Indeed, eliminating the need for connecting pipes between the first filter and the first heat exchanger, in particular, results in a significant volume reduction. Furthermore, such a module also offers a substantial weight reduction, which is particularly advantageous when the module is to be installed in an aircraft.

[0011] The module further comprises, housed within the casing, between the inlet port and the outlet port: a second heat exchanger comprising a third inlet and a third outlet of said airflow, said second heat exchanger being disposed downstream of the first heat exchanger, and a second filter comprising a fourth inlet and a fourth outlet of said airflow, said second filter being disposed downstream of the second heat exchanger.

[0012] The second outlet of the first heat exchanger and the third inlet of the second heat exchanger are in direct fluid communication with each other, without any connecting pipes between them. The third outlet of the second heat exchanger and the fourth inlet of the second filter are in direct fluid communication with each other, without any connecting pipes between them.

[0013] According to a particular aspect, the module further comprises, housed within the casing between the inlet and outlet ports, a humidifier having a fifth inlet and a fifth outlet for the airflow, the humidifier being located downstream of the second filter. Specifically, the fifth inlet of the humidifier and the fourth outlet of the second filter are in direct fluidic communication with each other. The fifth outlet of the humidifier and the outlet port of the module are in direct fluidic communication with each other.

[0014] According to a particular embodiment, said housing comprises internal walls that form a flow channel for said airflow between said inlet orifice and said outlet orifice. Said internal walls establish direct fluid communication between the first outlet of the first filter and the second inlet of the first heat exchanger, and / or the second outlet of the first heat exchanger and the third inlet of the second heat exchanger, and / or the third outlet of the second heat exchanger and the fourth inlet of the second filter, and / or the fourth outlet of the second filter and the fifth inlet of the humidifier.

[0015] According to a particular aspect of the invention, the module comprises a bypass circuit having a sixth inlet and a sixth outlet of a bypass flow, said bypass circuit being disposed between said inlet orifice and an additional outlet orifice of said housing. Said inlet orifice and said sixth inlet are in direct fluidic communication with each other, and said sixth outlet and said additional outlet orifice of the housing are in direct fluidic communication with each other.

[0016] According to another specific feature, the module includes a recirculation circuit comprising a seventh inlet and a seventh outlet of a recirculation flow, said recirculation circuit being arranged between an additional air inlet port of said housing intended to be connected to a recirculation air source and a first additional inlet of said first heat exchanger. Said seventh inlet and said additional inlet port are in direct fluidic communication with each other, and said seventh outlet and said first additional inlet of said first heat exchanger are in direct fluidic communication with each other.

[0017] According to yet another specific aspect, the recirculation circuit further comprises a water separator having an eighth inlet and an eighth outlet for the recirculation flow, the water separator being disposed between the first heat exchanger and the humidifier. The additional inlet and a second additional inlet of the humidifier are in direct fluidic communication with each other, and a second additional outlet of the humidifier and the eighth inlet of the water separator are in direct fluidic communication with each other, such that the recirculation flow circulates from the additional inlet of the water separator through the humidifier. The eighth outlet of the water separator and the first additional inlet of the first heat exchanger are in direct fluidic communication with each other.

[0018] According to another particular aspect, said recirculation circuit further comprises a bypass channel disposed between said additional inlet orifice of said housing and said eighth inlet of said water separator, said eighth inlet of said water separator and said additional inlet orifice being in direct fluidic communication with each other via said bypass channel so that said recirculation flow circulates from said additional inlet orifice to said water separator bypassing said humidifier.

[0019] According to a first embodiment, said bypass circuit and / or said recirculation circuit is mounted outside said module.

[0020] According to a second embodiment, said bypass circuit and / or said recirculation circuit is formed by internal walls of said module.

[0021] According to a particular aspect of the invention, said first filter and / or said second filter is in the form of a removable cartridge of said housing.

[0022] According to another particular aspect, said first filter combines an ozone particle filter and a volatile organic compound converter, said first heat exchanger is of the air / air type, said second heat exchanger is of the liquid / air type and said second filter is a chemical adsorbent filter.

[0023] The invention also relates to an electrical power generation system comprising at least one fuel cell and at least one air supply module as described above and an electric propulsion system powered by electricity from at least one such electrical power generation system.

[0024] The invention also relates to an aircraft comprising at least one propulsion system as described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The features of the invention mentioned above, as well as others, will become clearer upon reading the following description of an exemplary embodiment and its variants, said description being made in relation to the accompanying drawings, among which: There figure 1 is a top view of an aircraft according to the invention; The figure 2 is a perspective view of an example of an air supply module according to the invention; The figure 3 is another perspective view of the module of the figure 2 ; There figure 4a is a schematic view of an air supply module according to a first embodiment of the invention; The figure 4b illustrates the flows within the module of the figure 4a . There figure 5a is a schematic and cross-sectional view of an air supply module according to a second embodiment of the invention: The figure 5b illustrates the flows within the module of the figure 5a ; There figure 6a [ ] is a schematic and cross-sectional view of an air supply module according to a variant of the second embodiment of the invention; and The figure 6b illustrates the flows within the module of the figure 6a . DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PROJECT IN PROGRESS

[0026] There figure 1 shows an aircraft 1 which has a fuselage 11 on either side of which is fixed a wing 12. Under each wing 12 is fixed at least one propulsion system 13.

[0027] By convention, X is called the longitudinal direction of aircraft 1, Y the transverse direction of aircraft 1 which is horizontal when aircraft 1 is on the ground, and Z the vertical direction or vertical height when aircraft 1 is on the ground, these three directions X, Y and Z being orthogonal to each other.

[0028] On the other hand, the terms "forward" and "rear" are to be considered in relation to a direction of advance of the aircraft 1 during the operation of the propulsion systems 13, this direction being schematically represented by arrow A.

[0029] In the embodiment of the invention presented here, the propulsion system 13 can take the form of an electric motor comprising a propeller 131 mounted on the motor shaft of the electric motor, which is powered by a fuel cell. The fuel cell is supplied with oxygen and dihydrogen to produce electricity.

[0030] Aircraft 1 further comprises at least one electrical power generation system 100 intended to supply the propulsion systems 13 of aircraft 1. On the figure 1 System 100 is located in the wings 12, but it is easy to understand that System 2 could also be located in the engine nacelle, or in another part of the aircraft, such as the fuselage 11. The electrical power generation system 100 comprises a fuel cell using dihydrogen as fuel. Typically, the electrical power generation system 100 therefore includes a circuit for supplying and distributing dihydrogen (preferably in gaseous form) to the fuel cell and a circuit for supplying and distributing air (preferably dioxygen) to the fuel cell. The dihydrogen and air allow the fuel cell to generate electrical energy through the redox reaction that takes place between the anode and cathode of the fuel cell.

[0031] According to the invention, and as illustrated in the figures 2 à 6b The air supply and distribution circuit includes an air supply module 2 which has a housing 20 having an inlet port 201 and an outlet port 203. An airflow (represented by arrow F in the figures) flows between the inlet port 201 and the outlet port 203 in a flow direction E, which extends globally along the longitudinal axis of the housing 20.

[0032] Preferably, the inlet port 201 is in fluidic communication with an ambient air source. Even more preferably, the ambient air arriving at the inlet port 201 of module 2 is pressurized by a compressor (not shown) that draws ambient air from the propulsion system nacelle. Optionally, a filter (not shown) can be installed upstream of the compressor to filter out larger particles.

[0033] The outlet port 203 is in fluidic communication with the fuel cell in order to supply the latter with dioxygen to obtain the redox reaction and thus create electrical energy.

[0034] Module 2 also includes, housed in casing 20, between the inlet port 201 and the outlet port 203: a first filter 21 having a first inlet 211 through which the airflow F enters the first filter 21 and a first outlet 212 through which the airflow F exits the first filter 21; and a first heat exchanger 22 having a second inlet 221 through which the airflow F enters the first heat exchanger 22 and a second outlet 222 through which the airflow F exits the first heat exchanger 22. The first heat exchanger 22 is arranged downstream of the first filter 21 with respect to the flow direction E, that is to say here between the first filter 21 and the outlet orifice 203.

[0035] The first outlet 212 of the first filter 21 and the second inlet 221 of the first heat exchanger 22 are in direct fluidic communication with each other.

[0036] When the housing 20 does not contain any airflow treatment elements F other than the first filter 21 and the first heat exchanger 22, the second outlet 222 of the first heat exchanger 22 and the outlet port 203 are in direct fluidic communication with each other. When other airflow treatment elements F are implemented in the module 2 (as described later), the second outlet of the first heat exchanger 22 and the outlet port 203 are in indirect fluidic communication with each other. In this case, it is the outlet of the most downstream airflow treatment element F (i.e., the treatment element located last upstream of the outlet port 203 with respect to the direction of airflow F) that is in direct fluidic communication with the outlet port 203 of the housing 20.

[0037] In this description, when it is stated that an output and an input (or more generally two elements) are in direct fluidic communication with each other, it means that the output and the input are directly connected to each other, i.e. without a connecting pipe connected between them.

[0038] More specifically, according to the first embodiment illustrated on the figures 4a And 4b The first filter 21 is thus attached to the first heat exchanger 22, and the first outlet 212 of the first filter 21 therefore leads directly into the second inlet 221 of the first heat exchanger 22, without any intermediate connection. In an alternative configuration, a connector, for example of the male / female type, is integrated between the first outlet 212 and the second inlet 221.

[0039] According to a second embodiment, illustrated on the figures 5a à 6b The first filter 21 and the first heat exchanger 22 are directly connected to each other via internal walls 205 of the housing 20 (as described in more detail later). Therefore, connecting pipes between the first filter 21 and the first heat exchanger 22 are not required.

[0040] In all cases, module 2 according to the invention makes it possible to do without the use of connecting pipes between the first filter 21 and the first heat exchanger 22.

[0041] In this way, and due to the absence of a connecting pipe between the airflow treatment elements 21 and 22, module 2 according to the invention reduces the volume (and therefore the size) of the fuel cell's air supply and distribution circuit. The integration of module 2 into an electrical power generation system is thus facilitated.

[0042] Furthermore, it is possible to plan the assembly of all the airflow treatment elements implemented within Module 2 before its installation in the electrical power generation system 100. Thus, and due to the small size of Module 2, its assembly with the electrical power generation system 100 is further facilitated, especially when the electrical power generation system 100 is implemented in an aircraft, since the workspace for operators is generally limited within the wing 12 or the fuselage 11 of the aircraft 1.

[0043] Finally, such a module 2 also allows a significant weight saving, which is relatively advantageous when module 2 has to be carried in an aircraft 1.

[0044] When the first heat exchanger 21 is of the air / air type, it therefore provides cooling or heating of the airflow F with warm air (which can thus be colder / warmer than the airflow F that passes longitudinally through the first heat exchanger 22). This warm air passes generally transversely through the first heat exchanger 22, that is, in a direction generally perpendicular to the direction E of the airflow F. To achieve this, the first heat exchanger 22 has a first additional inlet 223 through which the warm air enters the first heat exchanger 22 and a first additional outlet 224 through which the warm air exits the first heat exchanger 22. As described in more detail later, the warm air entering the first heat exchanger 22 can come from a recirculation flow Fr.

[0045] The first additional outlet 224, through which the heated air exits the first heat exchanger 22, thus forms a discharge outlet for the heated air after the heat exchange with the airflow F has been carried out within the first heat exchanger 22. The first additional outlet 224 of the first heat exchanger 22 is in direct fluidic communication with an additional outlet port 208 of the housing 20, which allows the air to be discharged from the housing 20. Preferably, the airflow Fs from the first additional outlet 224 of the first heat exchanger 22 is discharged through the additional outlet port 208 and can be conveyed to a turbine of the aircraft propulsion system 13, for example. In this way, the consumption and utilization of air within the module 2 are optimized.

[0046] According to the invention, and as illustrated in the figures 2 à 6b Module 2 also includes, housed in casing 20 between inlet port 201 and outlet port 203: a second heat exchanger 23 having a third inlet 231 through which the airflow F enters the second heat exchanger 23 and a third outlet 232 through which the airflow F exits the second heat exchanger 23, the second heat exchanger 23 being disposed downstream of the first heat exchanger 22 with respect to the flow direction E; and a second filter 24 having a fourth inlet 241 through which the airflow F enters the second filter 24 and a fourth outlet 242 through which the airflow F exits the second filter 24, the second filter 24 being disposed downstream of the second heat exchanger 23 with respect to the flow direction E.

[0047] More specifically, the second outlet 222 of the first heat exchanger 22 and the third inlet 231 of the second heat exchanger 23 are directly connected to each other via fluid flow. Similarly, the third outlet 232 of the second heat exchanger 23 and the fourth inlet 241 of the second filter 24 are directly connected via fluid flow.

[0048] Thus, the airflow treatment elements 21 to 24 F are arranged in series, one after the other, without connecting pipes between them to connect them, so as to further promote the reduction of the size of the air supply and distribution circuit.

[0049] Direct fluidic communication between the processing elements 21 to 24 can be achieved by a direct connection according to the first embodiment described in relation to the figures 4a And 4bor by means of the internal walls 205 of the housing 20 according to the second embodiment described in relation to the figures 5a à 6b .

[0050] Preferably, and as illustrated on the figures 4a à 6b Module 2 further comprises, housed in the casing 20 between the inlet port 201 and the outlet port 203, a humidifier 25a which has a fifth inlet 251 through which the airflow F enters the humidifier 25a and a fifth outlet 252 through which the airflow F exits the humidifier 25a. The humidifier 25a is located downstream of the second filter 24 with respect to the flow direction E, that is, between the second filter 24 and the outlet port 203.

[0051] The fifth inlet 251 of the humidifier 25a and the fourth outlet 242 of the second filter 24 are directly connected by a fluidic interface. Similarly, the fifth outlet 252 of the humidifier 25a and the outlet 203 of module 2 are directly connected by a fluidic interface. The humidifier 25 provides the appropriate humidity to the airflow F before it enters the fuel cell.

[0052] Thus, all the airflow treatment elements 21 to 25a are arranged in series, one after the other, without connecting pipes between them, so as to further reduce the footprint of the air supply and distribution circuit. Direct fluid communication between the treatment elements 21 to 25a can be achieved by a direct connection according to the first embodiment of the figures 4a And 4bor by means of the internal walls 205 of the housing 20 according to the second embodiment of the figures 5a à 6b Preferably, and as illustrated on the figures 4a à 6b The airflow treatment elements F, namely the first filter 21, the first heat exchanger 22, the second heat exchanger 23, the second filter 24, and the humidifier 25a, are arranged sequentially, generally parallel to each other, along a longitudinal axis of module 2 extending generally parallel to the airflow F. Thus, the airflow F can successively pass through the treatment elements 21 to 25a without its direction being significantly altered transversely. This reduces the overall size of module 2 and also decreases the drag of the airflow F throughout the module, thereby optimizing its operation.

[0053] THE figures 5a à 6b illustrate the second embodiment. As previously described, the housing 20 of module 2 has internal walls 205 that form a flow channel 207 for the airflow F between the inlet port 201 and the outlet port 203. More specifically, the internal walls 205 fluidly connect at least some of the treatment elements 21 to 25a of the airflow F. In this example, all the treatment elements 21 to 25a are fluidly connected by internal walls 205. In other words, all the elements are in direct fluidic communication with each other through the internal walls 205 of the housing 20. Similarly, the inlet port 201 and the outlet port 203 are here fluidly connected respectively to the first filter 21 and the humidifier 25a.

[0054] The internal walls 205 can therefore allow, as a choice, for direct fluidic communication to be made from the first outlet 212 of the first filter 21 to the second inlet 221 of the first heat exchanger 22, and / or from the second outlet 222 of the first heat exchanger 22 to the third inlet 231 of the second heat exchanger 23, and / or from the third outlet 233 of the second heat exchanger 23 to the fourth inlet 241 of the second filter 24, and / or from the fourth outlet 242 of the second filter 24 to the fifth inlet 251 of the humidifier 25a.

[0055] In this way, the air flow F processing elements 21 to 25a can be put into fluidic communication without requiring the implementation of connecting pipes which would weigh down module 2 and increase its size.

[0056] In the examples illustrated on the figures 4a à 6b All the treatment elements 21 to 25a are arranged in the housing 20 and are in direct fluidic communication with each other. In an alternative configuration, the humidifier 25a could be positioned outside the housing 20, and preferably in direct fluidic communication with the outlet port 203.

[0057] Preferably, module 2 includes a bypass circuit 26 which has a sixth inlet 261 through which the bypass flow Fd enters the bypass circuit 26 and a sixth outlet 262 through which the bypass flow Fd exits the bypass circuit 26. The bypass circuit 26 is preferably arranged between the inlet port 201 and an additional outlet port 208 of the housing 20. More specifically, the inlet port 203 of the housing 20 and the sixth inlet 261 of the bypass circuit 26 are in direct fluidic communication with each other, and the sixth outlet 262 of the bypass circuit is in direct fluidic communication with the additional outlet port 208 of the housing 20.

[0058] In this way, part of the airflow entering the housing 20 can be directed directly to the additional outlet port 208 of the housing 20 in order to adjust the flow rate and / or quantity of air entering the processing elements 21 to 25a of the airflow F.

[0059] As illustrated on the figures 4a à 6b The bypass circuit 26 further includes a valve 263 arranged between the sixth inlet 261 and the sixth outlet 262. This valve allows the bypass circuit 26 to be selectively opened and closed.

[0060] The bypass circuit 26 thus allows a portion of the airflow (becoming the bypass flow Fd) to be selectively directed from the inlet port 201 of the housing 20 to the additional outlet port 208 of the housing 20 and, when connected there, to supply air to the turbine of the aircraft propulsion system 13.

[0061] Preferably, module 2 includes a recirculation circuit 27 which has a seventh inlet 271 through which a recirculation flow Fr enters the recirculation circuit 27 and a seventh outlet 272 through which the recirculation flow Fr exits the recirculation circuit 27. The recirculation circuit 27 is located between an additional inlet port 206 of the housing 20, intended to be connected to a recirculation air source, and the first additional inlet 223 of the first heat exchanger 22. More specifically, the seventh inlet 271 of the recirculation circuit 27 and the additional inlet port 206 of the housing 20 are in direct fluid communication with each other. Similarly, the seventh outlet 272 of the recirculation circuit 27 and the first additional inlet 223 of the first heat exchanger 22 are in direct fluid communication with each other.

[0062] The additional air inlet port 206 is in fluidic communication with a recirculating air source, which in this example is air from the fuel cell. This recirculating air is obtained after the redox reaction in the fuel cell.

[0063] Thus, the recirculation circuit 27 allows warm air to enter at the first additional inlet 223 of the first heat exchanger 22. Specifically, the warm air that enables heat exchange with the airflow F within the first heat exchanger 22 comes from the fuel cell. In this way, the consumption and use of air within module 2 and the fuel cell are optimized.

[0064] The recirculation circuit 27 therefore supplies the first heat exchanger 22 with heated air.

[0065] However, it could be envisaged that the calorific air used by the first heat exchanger 22 comes from another source of air supply which would be in fluidic communication with the additional inlet port 206.

[0066] Preferably, the recirculation circuit 27 further comprises a water separator 25b having an eighth inlet 253 and an eighth outlet 254 of the recirculation flow Fr, the water separator 25b being disposed between the first heat exchanger 22 and the humidifier 25a.

[0067] Thus, the recirculation circuit 27 can include a water separator 25b which allows the water to be removed from the recirculation flow Fr coming here from the fuel cell before this recirculation flow is used as heat air in the first heat exchanger 22. Thus, the water recovery unit 25b allows the moisture from the recirculation flow Fr to be recovered in order to protect the heat exchanger 22 through which the recirculation flow Fr passes and the turbine of the aircraft propulsion system 13 from moisture, when the additional outlet port 208 is connected to it.

[0068] More specifically, the additional inlet port 206 of the housing 20 and a second additional inlet 255 of the humidifier 25a are in direct fluidic communication with each other, and a second additional outlet 256 of the humidifier 25a and the eighth inlet 253 of the water separator 25b are in direct fluidic communication with each other. In this way, the recirculation flow Fr circulates from the additional inlet port 206 to the water separator 25b via the humidifier 25a. Thus, the moisture in the recirculation flow Fr from the fuel cell is used, in part, to supply water to the humidifier 25b so as to humidify the airflow F destined to exit module 2 and then enter the fuel cell.

[0069] In addition, the eighth outlet 254 of the water separator 25b and the first additional inlet 223 of the first heat exchanger 22 are in direct fluidic communication with each other to supply the latter with calorific air.

[0070] Preferably, the recirculation circuit 27 further includes a bypass channel 274 located between the additional inlet port 206 of the housing 20 and the eighth inlet 253 of the water separator 25a. The eighth inlet 253 of the water separator 25b and the additional inlet port 206 are in direct fluidic communication with each other via the bypass channel 274. In this way, the recirculation flow Fr can flow directly from the additional inlet port 206 to the water separator 25b, bypassing the humidifier 25a. Thus, only the portion of the recirculation flow Fr necessary to supply water to the humidifier 25a passes through the humidifier 25a. The remaining portion of the recirculation flow Fr therefore passes directly through the bypass channel 274.

[0071] The recirculation circuit 27 may also include a bypass valve 273, located at the bypass channel 274, which consequently allows air from the fuel cell to pass through the humidifier 25a or not.

[0072] According to the first embodiment illustrated on the figures 4a And 4b The bypass circuit 26 and / or the recirculation circuit 27 is mounted outside the housing 20. In this example, both the bypass circuit 26 and the recirculation circuit 27 are mounted outside the housing 20. This allows for a housing 20 with a simple structure in which the processing elements 21 to 25 are housed.

[0073] According to the second embodiment illustrated on the figures 5a à 6b The bypass circuit 26 and / or the recirculation circuit 27 is formed by internal walls 205 of the housing 20. In this example, both the bypass circuit 26 and the recirculation circuit 27 are integrated into the housing 20. In other words, the internal walls 205 of the housing 20 define the bypass circuits 26 and the recirculation circuit 27. This implementation thus makes it possible to limit the size and weight of the air supply module 2.

[0074] Preferably, the first filter 21 and / or the second filter 24 are in the form of a removable cartridge within the housing 20. This facilitates the maintenance of the filters, which are considered "consumable" components. Indeed, unlike the prior art where it is necessary to disassemble each filter, which is connected by means of connecting pipes to the other airflow treatment elements F, the invention provides for quick and easy removal and installation of the filters, thus simplifying maintenance operations. This implementation is made possible by the housing 20, which integrates the filters 21 and 24.

[0075] According to the illustrated examples, the first filter 21 combines a first mechanical filtration stage and, optionally, downstream of the first filtration stage, a second ozone filtration stage (also called an ozone converter). Placing the second filtration stage downstream of the first filtration stage protects the ozone filtration from particles retained by the mechanical filtration. The second filtration stage could be omitted if the fuel cell were to accept air containing ozone.

[0076] In addition, the first heat exchanger 22 is of the air / air type, the second heat exchanger 23 is of the liquid / air type and the second filter 24 is a chemical adsorbent filter.

[0077] Such a combination of filters and heat exchangers allows optimal treatment of the air that feeds the fuel cell, thus optimizing the performance of the fuel cell.

[0078] As illustrated on the figures 5a à 6b , when the second heat exchanger 23 is of the air / liquid type, it has a refrigerant inlet 233 through which the refrigerant enters the second heat exchanger 23 and a refrigerant outlet 234 through which the refrigerant exits the second heat exchanger 2. The refrigerant inlet 233 and outlet 234 can open outside the housing 20 so as to allow the supply of refrigerant to the second heat exchanger 23 and the discharge of refrigerant from the second heat exchanger 23.

[0079] Although not illustrated, it is clearly understood that valves and / or sensors can be implemented within the housing 20 in order to optimize the management of airflow in module 2.

Claims

1. Air supply module (2) for a system (100) for producing electrical energy comprising a fuel cell, said air supply module (2) comprising: - a housing (20) which has an inlet orifice (201) and an outlet orifice (203) and through which an air flow (F) flows along a direction of flow (E) between said inlet orifice (201) and said outlet orifice (203), and - accommodated in the housing (20), between said inlet orifice (201) and said outlet orifice (203), a first filter (21) having a first inlet (211) and a first outlet (212) for said air flow (F) and a first heat exchanger (22) having a second inlet (221) and a second outlet (222) for said air flow (F), said first heat exchanger (22) being disposed downstream of the first filter (21) with respect to the direction of flow (E), and wherein said first outlet (212) of said first filter (21) and said second inlet (221) of said first heat exchanger (22) are in direct fluidic communication with one another, without a connecting hose being connected in between, characterized in that said module (2) also comprises, accommodated in the housing (20), between said inlet orifice (201) and said outlet orifice (203), a second heat exchanger (23) having a third inlet (231) and a third outlet (232) for said air flow (F), said second heat exchanger (23) being disposed downstream of the first heat exchanger (22), and a second filter (24) having a fourth inlet (241) and a fourth outlet (242) for said air flow (F), said second filter (24) being disposed downstream of the second heat exchanger (23), wherein said second outlet (222) of said first heat exchanger (22) and said third inlet (231) of said second heat exchanger (23) are in direct fluidic communication with one another, without a connecting hose being connected in between, and wherein said third outlet (232) of said second heat exchanger (23) and said fourth inlet (241) of said second filter (24) are in direct fluidic communication with one another, without a connecting hose being connected in between.

2. Air supply module (2) according to Claim 1, characterized in that said module (2) also comprises, accommodated in the housing (20), between said inlet orifice (201) and said outlet orifice (203), a humidifier (25a) having a fifth inlet (251) and a fifth outlet (252) for said air flow (F), said humidifier (25a) being disposed downstream of the second filter (24), wherein said fifth inlet (251) of said humidifier (25a) and said fourth outlet (242) of said second filter (24) are in direct fluidic communication with one another, and wherein said fifth outlet (252) of said humidifier (25a) and said outlet orifice (203) of said module (2) are in direct fluidic communication with one another.

3. Air supply module (2) according to either one of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that said housing (20) has internal walls (205) that form a flow channel (207) for said air flow (F) between said inlet orifice (201) and said outlet orifice (203), wherein said internal walls (205) place the first outlet (212) of the first filter (21) in direct fluidic communication with the second inlet (221) of the first heat exchanger (22), and / or the second outlet (222) of the first heat exchanger (22) in direct fluidic communication with the third inlet (231) of the second heat exchanger (23), and / or the third outlet (233) of the second heat exchanger (23) in direct fluidic communication with the fourth inlet (241) of the second filter (24), and / or the fourth outlet (242) of the second filter (24) in direct fluidic communication with the fifth inlet (251) of the humidifier (25a).

4. Air supply module (2) according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises a bypass circuit (26) having a sixth inlet (261) and a sixth outlet (262) for a bypass flow (Fd), said bypass circuit (26) being disposed between said inlet orifice (201) and an additional outlet orifice (208) of said housing (20), and wherein said inlet orifice (201) and said sixth inlet (261) are in direct fluidic communication with one another, and wherein said sixth outlet (262) and said additional outlet orifice (208) of the housing (20) are in direct fluidic communication with one another.

5. Air supply module (2) according to any one of Claims 2 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a recirculation circuit (27) having a seventh inlet (271) and a seventh outlet (272) for a recirculation flow (Fr), said recirculation circuit (27) being disposed between an additional air inlet orifice (206) of said housing (20) that is intended to be connected to a source of recirculation air and a first additional inlet (223) of said first heat exchanger (22), wherein said seventh inlet (271) and said additional inlet orifice (206) are in direct fluidic communication with one another, and wherein said seventh outlet (272) and said first additional inlet (223) of said first heat exchanger (22) are in direct fluidic communication with one another.

6. Air supply module (2) according to Claim 5 when it is dependent on Claim 2, characterized in that said recirculation circuit (27) also has a water separator (25b) having an eighth inlet (253) and an eighth outlet (254) for said recirculation flow (Fr), said water separator (25b) being disposed between said first heat exchanger (22) and said humidifier (25a); wherein said additional inlet orifice (206) and a second additional inlet (255) of the humidifier (25a) are in direct fluidic communication with one another, and wherein a second additional outlet (256) of said humidifier (25a) and said eighth inlet (253) of said water separator (25b) are in direct fluidic communication with one another such that said recirculation flow (Fr) flows from said additional inlet orifice (206) to said water separator (25b), passing through said humidifier (25a); and wherein said eighth outlet (254) of said water separator (25b) and said first additional inlet (223) of said first heat exchanger (22) are in direct fluidic communication with one another.

7. Air supply module (2) according to Claim 6, characterized in that said recirculation circuit (27) also has a bypass channel (274) disposed between said additional inlet orifice (206) of said housing (20) and said eighth inlet (253) of said water separator (25a), said eighth inlet (253) of said water separator (25b) and said additional inlet orifice (206) being in direct fluidic communication with one another via said bypass channel (274) such that said recirculation flow (Fr) flows from said additional inlet orifice (206) to said water separator (25b), bypassing said humidifier (25a).

8. Air supply module (2) according to any one of Claims 4 to 7, characterized in that said bypass circuit (26) and / or said recirculation circuit (27) is / are mounted on the outside of said module (2).

9. Air supply module (2) according to any one of Claims 4 to 7, characterized in that said bypass circuit (26) and / or said recirculation circuit (27) is / are formed by internal walls (205) of said module (2).

10. Air supply module (2) according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said first filter (21) and / or said second filter (24) is / are in the form of a cartridge that is removable from said housing (20).

11. Air supply module (2) according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, wherein said first filter (21) has a first mechanical filter stage or a first mechanical filter stage and a second ozone filter stage disposed downstream of said first filter stage, wherein said first heat exchanger (22) is of the air / air type, wherein said second heat exchanger (23) is of the liquid / air type, and wherein said second filter (24) is an adsorbent chemical filter.

12. System (100) for producing electrical energy, comprising at least one fuel cell and at least one module (2) according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that said fuel cell is supplied with air from the outlet orifice (203) of said at least one module (2).

13. Electrical propulsion system (13) of an aircraft (1), characterized in that it is supplied with electricity by at least one system (2) for producing electrical energy according to Claim 12.

14. Aircraft (1) comprising at least one electrical propulsion system (13) according to Claim 13.