Fuel cell device, and fuel cell system having a plurality of fuel cell devices of this type
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2023701382
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-02-01
- Filing Date
- 2023-01-19
- Publication Date
- 2024-12-11
AI Technical Summary
Fuel cell devices with multiple units face challenges in achieving uniform temperature distribution and safety due to thermal interference and potential gas accumulation in cavities, limiting flexibility and increasing part variability in systems.
The fuel cell device arranges units in partial areas separated by thermoplastic foam insulation, allowing for improved temperature distribution and safety by preventing gas accumulation, with flexible unit configurations and modular design, and includes heating units for adaptive temperature control.
This configuration enhances temperature homogeneity, reduces material costs, increases safety, and simplifies handling and assembly by minimizing thermal interference and part variability, while allowing for flexible system arrangements.
Smart Images
Figure 1.1
Abstract
Description
[0001] Description
[0002] title
[0003] Fuel cell device, and fuel cell system with a plurality of such fuel cell devices
[0004] The present invention relates to a fuel cell device comprising a plurality of fuel cell units, as well as a fuel cell system comprising a plurality of such fuel cell devices.
[0005] State of the art
[0006] Fuel cell devices are known which comprise a plurality of fuel cell units, for example fuel cell stacks.
[0007] Disclosure of the invention
[0008] The present fuel cell device with the features of the main claim has the advantage that the plurality of fuel cell units is arranged in subregions, wherein the subregions are separated from one another by at least one thermal insulation. This enables an improved temperature distribution within the fuel cell device.
[0009] The features listed in the subclaims enable advantageous refinements of the fuel cell device according to the main claim. For example, it is advantageous if the thermal insulation is made of a thermoplastic foam, which enables cost-effective implementation. It is also advantageous if the thermal insulation completely fills the space between the sub-areas. This avoids cavities in which explosive gases could accumulate in the event of leaks. Safety can be increased accordingly.
[0010] It is also advantageous if a different number of fuel cell units is arranged in at least two sub-areas, preferably in at least three sub-areas. This allows for greater flexibility with regard to the temperature distribution in the fuel cell device. Greater flexibility can also be achieved when arranging a plurality of such fuel cell devices in a fuel cell system. In particular, this also allows for a reduction in the number of parts.
[0011] It is advantageous if at least a first, preferably smallest, number of fuel cell units, in particular a single fuel cell unit, is arranged in at least one first sub-area, a second, preferably middle, number of fuel cell units, in particular two fuel cell units, is arranged in at least one second sub-area, and / or a third, preferably highest, number of fuel cell units, in particular four fuel cell units, is arranged in at least one third sub-area. This makes it possible to particularly increase the flexibility in arranging a plurality of such fuel cell devices in a fuel cell system. In particular, this also makes it possible to particularly reduce the variety of parts.
[0012] It is also advantageous if the fuel cell device has an outer housing which contains the subregions, thereby enabling simple, modularized handling, in particular also for the arrangement of a plurality of such fuel cell devices in a fuel cell system.
[0013] It is also advantageous if at least one heating unit is arranged in at least one partial area, whereby the temperature distribution in the fuel cell device and possibly also in the case of an arrangement of a plurality of such fuel cell devices in a fuel cell system can be adapted as required.
[0014] As already mentioned, the invention also relates to a fuel cell system. The fuel cell system comprises a plurality of fuel cell devices according to the above description. This provides an improved
[0015] This enables a uniform temperature distribution within the fuel cell system. Furthermore, advantageous refinements of the fuel cell system are possible. For example, it is advantageous if the fuel cell devices are arranged directly adjacent to one another. This enables a particularly good temperature distribution within the fuel cell system.
[0016] It is also advantageous if the fuel cell devices are arranged in such a way that at least a portion of one fuel cell device is arranged adjacent to at least a portion of another fuel cell device, preferably of the same number of fuel cell units. This also enables a particularly good temperature distribution within the fuel cell system.
[0017] It is also advantageous if the fuel cell devices are arranged in such a way that at least one thermal insulation element of one fuel cell device is arranged adjacent to, preferably in alignment with, at least one thermal insulation element of another fuel cell device. This also enables a particularly good temperature distribution within the fuel cell system.
[0018] Drawings
[0019] The drawings schematically illustrate embodiments of the invention and explain them in more detail in the following description.
[0020] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a fuel cell device,
[0021] Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a fuel cell system with a plurality of fuel cell devices from Fig. 1,
[0022] Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a further embodiment of a fuel cell device, Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a further embodiment of a fuel cell system with a plurality of fuel cell devices from Fig. 3.
[0023] Description of the embodiments
[0024] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a fuel cell device 10. The fuel cell device 10 comprises a plurality of fuel cell units 12, in this case fuel cell stacks 14, which in turn comprise a plurality of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs).
[0025] A reducing agent, in this case fuel, specifically natural gas, and an oxidizing agent, in this case air, are supplied to the fuel cell device 10 and distributed among the fuel cell units 12. The reducing agent or fuel is supplied to an anode chamber of a fuel cell unit 12, while the oxidizing agent or air is supplied to a cathode chamber of a fuel cell unit 12. In each fuel cell unit 12, the reducing agent or fuel is then electrochemically converted with the assistance of the oxidizing agent or air, generating electricity and heat.
[0026] The plurality of fuel cell units 12 are now arranged in subregions 16, in the illustrated case across four subregions 16, wherein the subregions 16 are separated from one another by at least one thermal insulation 18, in the illustrated case by two thermal insulations 18. This enables an improved temperature distribution within the fuel cell device 10. This prevents the individual fuel cell units 12 from thermally influencing one another excessively, which in turn results in a more homogeneous temperature distribution across the fuel cell device 10 as a whole. It also prevents individual fuel cell units 12 with different degrees of aging and degradation from negatively affecting one another thermally.
[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of fuel cell units 12, in the illustrated case two fuel cell units 12 each, are arranged in at least one sub-area 16, in the illustrated case in each sub-area 16. Thus, it is not absolutely necessary to thermally insulate each fuel cell unit 12 individually, which in turn saves material costs.
[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the thermal insulation 18 is made of a thermoplastic foam. This enables a cost-effective implementation.
[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, the thermal insulation 18 completely fills the space between the partial areas 16. This prevents cavities in which explosive gases could accumulate in the event of leaks. Safety can be increased accordingly.
[0030] In the case shown in Fig. 1, the sub-regions 16 each have the same number of fuel cell units 12, in this case two fuel cell units 12 each.
[0031] Fig. 3, in turn, shows a schematic representation of another exemplary embodiment of a fuel cell device 10. In contrast to the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 1, at least two subregions 16 of the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 3 have a different number of fuel cell units 12. This allows for greater flexibility with regard to the temperature distribution in the fuel cell device 10. Greater flexibility can also be achieved when arranging a plurality of such fuel cell devices 10 in a fuel cell system 100. In particular, this also allows for a reduction in the number of parts.
[0032] In the exemplary embodiment of the fuel cell device 10 shown in Fig. 3, at least a first, in the present case smallest, number of fuel cell units 12, in the case shown a single fuel cell unit 12, are arranged in at least one first sub-area 20, a second, in the present case middle, number of fuel cell units 12, in the case shown two fuel cell units 12, are arranged in at least one second sub-area 22, and a third, in the present case highest, number of fuel cell units, in particular four fuel cell units 12, are arranged in at least one third sub-area 24. This makes it possible to particularly increase the flexibility in arranging a plurality of such fuel cell devices 10 in a fuel cell system 100. In particular, this also makes it possible to particularly reduce the variety of parts.The exemplary embodiments of the fuel cell device 10 shown in the figures each have an outer housing containing the subregions 16. This enables simple, modularized handling, particularly for the arrangement of a plurality of such fuel cell devices 10 in a fuel cell system 100.
[0033] Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 show schematic representations of exemplary embodiments of fuel cell systems 100 with a plurality of fuel cell devices 10. Thus, the exemplary embodiment of the fuel cell system 100 from Fig. 2 has a plurality of fuel cell devices 10 from Fig. 1, while the exemplary embodiment of the fuel cell system 100 has a plurality of fuel cell devices 10 from Fig. 3. This enables an improved temperature distribution within the respective fuel cell systems 100.
[0034] In the illustrated embodiments of the fuel cell systems 100, the fuel cell devices 10 are arranged directly adjacent to one another. This enables a particularly good temperature distribution within the respective fuel cell systems 100.
[0035] The fuel cell devices 10 are structurally identical in the illustrated embodiments of the fuel cell systems 100. They are arranged such that each fuel cell device 10 is rotated 90° relative to the adjacent fuel cell device 10 in the plane. Thus, the previously described configuration of the fuel cell devices 10 enables a simple arrangement in a fuel cell system 100 that does not necessarily require individual adaptations of each fuel cell device 10. Accordingly, both the manufacture and assembly of a fuel cell system 100 are simplified.
[0036] In the exemplary embodiments shown, the fuel cell devices 10 are arranged one next to the other in such a way that at least one partial area 16 of a fuel cell device 10 is adjacent to at least one partial area 16 of another
[0037] Fuel cell devices 10, in the cases shown, the same number of fuel cell units 12, are arranged. This also enables a particularly good temperature distribution within the fuel cell system.
[0038] Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiments, the
[0039] Fuel cell devices 10 are arranged adjacent to one another such that at least one thermal insulation 18 of one fuel cell device is arranged adjacent to, and in the cases shown in alignment with, at least one thermal insulation 18 of another fuel cell device 10. This also enables a particularly good temperature distribution within the fuel cell system.
[0040] Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiments of the fuel cell devices 10 shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, at least one heating unit 30 is arranged in at least one partial region 16. This enables an adjustment of the temperature distribution within the respective fuel cell devices 10.
[0041] In the exemplary embodiments shown, at least one heating unit 30 is arranged in at least one partial area 16 at the same distance from all fuel cell units 12 located in this partial area 16. This allows the temperature distribution to be adjusted uniformly for a plurality of fuel cell units 12 in this partial area 16 using this heating unit 30.
[0042] Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiments shown, at least one heating unit 30 is arranged at an edge 32 of at least one partial region 16. As a result, the temperature distribution can also be adjusted with one heating unit 30 for adjacent partial regions 16, in particular adjacent fuel cell devices 10 within a fuel cell system 100.
[0043] Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiments shown, no heating unit 30 is arranged in at least one partial area 16, whereby an adjustment of the temperature distribution can be specifically dispensed with in these partial areas 16 and costs can be saved accordingly.
[0044] In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 3, a different number of heating units 30 is arranged in at least two subregions 16, in the case shown with a different number of fuel cell units 12. This allows for greater flexibility in adapting the temperature distribution in the fuel cell device 10. Greater flexibility in adapting the temperature distribution can also be achieved when arranging a plurality of such fuel cell devices 10 in a fuel cell system 100. In particular, this also allows for a reduction in the number of parts. In the exemplary embodiment of Fig.3, in at least one first sub-area 20 with at least a first, in this case smallest, number of fuel cell units 12, in particular a single fuel cell unit 12, no heating unit 30 is arranged, in at least one second sub-area 22 with a second, in this case middle, number of fuel cell units 12, in particular two fuel cell units 12, no or at least one heating unit 30 is arranged, and in at least one third sub-area 24 with a third, preferably highest, number of fuel cell units 12, in particular four fuel cell units 12, at least one heating unit 30 is arranged. This enables a particularly good adaptation of the temperature distribution within the fuel cell device. This allows the flexibility of adapting the temperature distribution when arranging a plurality of such fuel cell devices 10 in a fuel cell system 100 to be particularly increased.In particular, this can also significantly reduce the variety of parts.
[0045] In the exemplary embodiments of the fuel cell systems 100 shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 4, the fuel cell devices 10 are arranged next to one another in such a way that at least one partial region 16 of a fuel cell device 12 with at least one heating unit 30—in the cases shown, the partial region 16 in which the heating unit 30 is arranged in an edge 32 of the partial region 16—is arranged adjacent to at least one partial region 16 of another fuel cell device 10—in the cases shown, with the same number of fuel cell units 12, with no heating unit 30. This also enables a particularly good adaptation of the temperature distribution within the respective fuel cell systems 100.
[0046] Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment of the fuel cell system 100 shown in Fig. 4, the fuel cell devices 10 are arranged next to one another in such a way that at least one partial region 16 of a fuel cell device 10 with no heating unit 30 is arranged adjacent to at least one partial region 16 of another fuel cell device 10, in the cases shown with the same number of fuel cell units 12, also with no heating unit 30. This also enables particularly good adaptation of the temperature distribution within the fuel cell system 100. In particular, these partial regions 16 are located in the center in the exemplary embodiment shown, i.e., they are surrounded by all other partial regions 16.
Claims
Claims 1. Fuel cell device (10) comprising a plurality of fuel cell units (12), characterized in that the plurality of fuel cell units (12) is arranged in sub-areas (16), wherein the sub-areas (16) are separated from each other by at least one thermal insulation (18).
2. Fuel cell device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the thermal insulation (18) is formed from a thermoplastic foam.
3. Fuel cell device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thermal insulation (18) completely fills a space between the sub-areas (16).
4. Fuel cell device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a different number of fuel cell units (12) are arranged in at least two sub-areas (16), preferably in at least three sub-areas (16).
5. Fuel cell device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least a first, preferably smallest, number of fuel cell units (12), in particular a single fuel cell unit (12), are arranged in at least a first sub-area (20), a second, preferably medium, number of fuel cell units (12), in particular two fuel cell units (12), and / or in at least a third sub-area (24) a third, preferably highest, number of fuel cell units (12), in particular four fuel cell units (12). Fuel cell device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fuel cell device (10) has an outer housing (26) which includes the sub-areas (16). Fuel cell device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one heating unit (30) is arranged in at least one sub-area (16). Fuel cell system (100) comprising a plurality of fuel cell devices (10) according to one of the preceding claims. Fuel cell system (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that the fuel cell devices (10) are arranged directly adjacent to one another.Fuel cell system (100) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the fuel cell devices (10) are arranged one another such that at least one partial area (16) of a fuel cell device (10) is arranged adjacent to at least one partial area (16) of a further fuel cell device (10), preferably with the same number of fuel cell units (10). Fuel cell system (100) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the fuel cell devices (10) are arranged one another such that at least one thermal insulation (18) of a fuel cell device (10) is arranged adjacent to, preferably in alignment with, at least one thermal insulation of a further fuel cell device (10).