Fluid supply device and electrochemical system

Abstract

The invention relates to a fluid supply device for an electrochemical system, with at least one housing (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e; 14f; 14g; 14h; 14i), with at least one fluid inlet (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d; 16e; 16f; 16g; 16h; 16i) for admitting a fluid, in particular air, into the housing (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e; 14f; 14g; 14h; 14i), and with at least one process fluid unit (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d; 18e; 18f; 18g; 18h; 18i) arranged in the housing (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e; 14f; 14g; 14h; 14i) for supplying an electrochemical unit (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; 20e; 20f; 20g; 20h; 20i) of the electrochemical system with the fluid. According to the invention, the fluid supply device comprises an electronics cooling unit (22a; 22b; 22c; 22d; 22e; 22f; 22g; 22h; 22i) arranged in the housing (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e; 14f; 14g; 14h; 14i) for cooling an electronics unit (24a; 24b; 24c; 24d; 24e; 24f; 24g; 24h; 24i) of the electrochemical system by means of the fluid.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Fluid supply device and electrochemical system

[0003] State of the art

[0004] A fluid supply device for an electrochemical system has already been proposed, comprising at least one housing, at least one fluid inlet for introducing a fluid, in particular air, into the housing, and at least one process fluid unit arranged in the housing for supplying an electrochemical unit of the electrochemical system with the fluid.

[0005] Disclosure of the invention

[0006] The invention relates to a fluid supply device for an electrochemical system, comprising at least one housing, at least one fluid inlet for introducing a fluid, in particular air, into the housing, and at least one process fluid unit arranged in the housing for supplying an electrochemical unit of the electrochemical system with the fluid.

[0007] It is proposed that the fluid supply device comprise an electronics cooling unit arranged in the housing for cooling an electronics unit of the electrochemical system by means of the fluid. The fluid supply device is preferably provided for supplying the electrochemical system with an oxygen-containing process fluid, a flushing fluid and / or a coolant as a fluid. The process fluid is, for example, air or an industrial gas with a defined oxygen content and is provided for utilization by the electrochemical unit. The flushing fluid is preferably an inert gas, for example nitrogen and / or carbon dioxide, or air and is provided for expelling process fluids, i.e., fuel, an electrolysis effluent, an electrolysis product and / or the oxygen-containing process fluid, from the electrochemical system.The coolant is preferably air and is intended, for example, to cool the electronics unit of the electrochemical system and / or a motor of a fluid conveying unit of the process fluid unit. The housing is preferably intended to accommodate the electrochemical unit together with the electronics unit.

[0008] The electronics cooling unit and / or the process fluid unit are / is preferably provided to define a flow path for the fluid within the housing. The electronics cooling unit preferably defines a coolant path through the housing. The electronics cooling unit preferably comprises at least one fluid guide element for defining the coolant path. The process fluid unit preferably defines a process fluid path through the housing. The process fluid unit preferably defines a flushing fluid path through the housing. The process fluid unit preferably comprises at least one fluid guide element for defining the coolant path and / or the flushing fluid path. The coolant path, the fluid guide path, and / or the flushing fluid path can be configured to overlap at least in sections or to be spaced apart from one another.Fluid guiding elements can be designed, for example, as a pipe, hose, shaft, baffle, partition, plenum, or the like. The electronics cooling unit and / or the process fluid unit can be designed separately from the housing or at least comprise a fluid guiding element that is formed integrally with the housing. The housing, the electronics cooling unit, and / or the process fluid unit are preferably fluid-tight. The term "tight" for a structure should preferably be understood to mean that the structure has a leakage rate in a direction deviating from an intended flow path through the structure, which leakage rate, for a given pressure difference, is less than 1% of a volume flow along the intended flow path associated with this pressure difference. The electrochemical unit is preferably provided for an electrochemical conversion of a reactant, in particular with the supply of the fluid.The process fluid unit is preferably provided to supply at least one high-temperature fuel cell or a high-temperature electrolysis cell, in particular a solid oxide fuel cell or a solid oxide electrolysis cell, and / or a molten carbonate fuel cell or a molten carbonate electrolysis cell, of the electrochemical unit with the fluid. The process fluid unit preferably comprises an insulating housing, which is provided to accommodate the at least one high-temperature fuel cell or the at least one high-temperature electrolysis cell. The insulating housing is preferably arranged, in particular entirely, within the housing. The process fluid unit preferably comprises at least one process fluid inlet for admitting the fluid into the insulating housing. The process fluid inlet is preferably arranged within the housing and fluidly connected to the fluid inlet.The electronics cooling unit preferably comprises an electronics housing, within which at least one electronic component of the electronics unit is arranged. The electronics housing is preferably arranged, in particular entirely, within the housing. The electronics unit preferably comprises at least one coolant inlet for admitting the fluid into the electronics housing. The coolant inlet is preferably arranged within the housing and fluidly connected to the fluid inlet. The insulation housing and / or the electronics housing can be formed separately from the housing or partially formed by the housing, for example in the form of a subdivision of the interior of the housing with partition walls or the like.For the sake of clarity, the "immediate interior" of the housing is understood to mean the portion of the housing's interior that is outside the electronics housing and outside the insulation housing. Preferably, the immediate interior, a volume of the electronics housing, and a volume of the insulation housing complement each other to form the interior of the housing.

[0009] The process fluid unit preferably comprises at least one process fluid outlet for discharging the fluid from the housing, in particular for discharging an exhaust gas resulting from the fluid to an exhaust gas disposal unit of the electrochemical system. The process fluid unit preferably comprises at least one purge fluid outlet for discharging the purge fluid from the housing. The purge fluid outlet can be identical to the process fluid outlet or formed separately from the process fluid outlet and, in particular, arranged at a distance from the process fluid outlet. The electronics cooling unit preferably comprises at least one coolant outlet for discharging the fluid from the electronics cooling unit. The coolant outlet can be arranged within the housing or extend through the housing.The coolant outlet can be identical to the process fluid outlet or formed separately from the process fluid outlet and in particular arranged at a distance from the process fluid outlet. The fluid inlet is preferably formed as a central fluid inlet to which the process fluid unit and the electronics cooling unit are connected. Alternatively, the process fluid unit and the electronics cooling unit each comprise at least one separate fluid inlet. The coolant path preferably runs from the at least one, in particular central, fluid inlet to the coolant outlet through the housing. The flushing fluid path preferably runs from the at least one, in particular central, fluid inlet to the flushing fluid outlet through the housing. The process fluid path preferably runs from the at least one, in particular central, fluid inlet to the process fluid outlet through the housing.Preferably, all provided flow paths of the fluid lead through the electrochemical unit, through the electronics unit, and / or through a safety element, for example a pressure relief valve, of the housing. Preferably, the immediate interior space, in particular apart from the safety element and / or a maintenance access of the housing, does not have a fluid outlet arranged on the housing for discharging the fluid.

[0010] The at least one fluid inlet is preferably arranged on a ceiling of the housing. The ceiling is preferably arranged opposite a housing base of the housing. The housing base preferably has a foot element, for example a pedestal, a frame, a rail, or the like, for erecting the housing. The fluid supply device preferably comprises at least one fluid guide element which extends from the fluid inlet towards the housing base, hereinafter referred to as a base connection line. The fluid supply device preferably has at least one distributor, at which a common flow path of the fluid flowing in through the fluid inlet branches off into the coolant path and the process fluid path and / or the rinsing fluid path. The distributor is preferably arranged on the housing base and connected to the fluid inlet via the base connection line.Alternatively, the distributor is arranged at the fluid inlet, wherein the bottom connection line preferably defines a portion of the flushing fluid path and / or the process fluid path as part of the process fluid unit.

[0011] "Intended" should be understood in particular to mean specifically programmed, designed, and / or equipped. The fact that an object is intended for a specific function should be understood in particular to mean that the object fulfills and / or performs this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.

[0012] The inventive design allows for advantageously efficient fluid distribution within the housing. In particular, heat flows within the housing can be advantageously designed efficiently. In particular, advantageously low heat dissipation to a location of the electrochemical system can be achieved. Furthermore, energy consumption for adjusting the flow rate of the fluid through the housing can be advantageously kept low. Furthermore, the flow of the fluid through the housing can be advantageously robustly controlled.

[0013] It is further proposed that the fluid supply device comprise at least one modular fluid disposal unit connected to a fluid outlet, in particular the aforementioned coolant outlet, of the electronics cooling unit and / or to a fluid outlet, in particular the aforementioned process fluid outlet and / or the aforementioned rinsing fluid outlet, of the process fluid unit, for adapting the electrochemical system to a location of use. The fluid disposal unit is preferably connected to the coolant outlet, the rinsing fluid outlet and / or the process fluid outlet. The fluid disposal unit is designed in a modular manner in order to adapt the process fluid path, the rinsing fluid path and / or the coolant path, preferably to the conditions of a location of use of the electrochemical system.The fluid disposal unit can be arranged within the housing or connected to a fluid connection of the fluid supply device protruding from the housing. The coolant outlet, the rinsing agent outlet, and / or the process fluid outlet preferably have a fastening element for a preferably non-destructively removable fastening of the fluid disposal unit, such as a flange, a nozzle, a clamping element, or the like. Due to the design according to the invention, the fluid supply device can advantageously be easily adapted to a large number of locations. In particular, depending on the conditions at the location, an advantageously individual balance between safety, efficiency, operating costs, and / or investment costs can be achieved.

[0014] It is further proposed that the fluid supply device comprise a fluid disposal unit connected to a fluid outlet, in particular the aforementioned coolant outlet, of the electronics cooling unit and / or to a fluid outlet, in particular the aforementioned process fluid outlet and / or the aforementioned rinsing fluid outlet, of the process fluid unit, in particular as a module of the aforementioned fluid disposal unit, which comprises a bypass for bypassing the electrochemical unit. The bypass preferably comprises at least one bypass fluid guide element for guiding the fluid. The bypass preferably comprises an actuating element for fully opening and closing, and preferably for partially opening, the bypass fluid guide element. The actuating element is designed, for example, as a shut-off valve, continuous valve, throttle valve, or the like. The bypass preferably comprises at least one check valve.The bypass preferably comprises a sensor element, preferably a flow meter, particularly preferably a thermal flow meter, for detecting a quantity of fluid flowing through the bypass fluid guide element. The sensor element is preferably provided for adjusting, in particular regulating, the actuating element. The bypass preferably connects the flushing fluid outlet to the process fluid outlet or to the coolant outlet. The flushing fluid outlet is preferably arranged upstream of a connection of the process fluid unit for connecting the electrochemical unit. The process fluid unit preferably comprises at least one fluid conveying unit, in particular a blower or a compressor, for conveying the fluid through the electrochemical unit. The flushing fluid outlet can be arranged downstream or upstream of the fluid conveying unit.The bypass is preferably provided for discharging the flushing fluid via the coolant path or via the process fluid path. The bypass is preferably provided for adjusting a process fluid flow through the electrochemical unit and / or for cooling during partial load operation of the electrochemical unit. The bypass is preferably designed as a module of the exhaust gas disposal unit, in particular for installation of the bypass at a location of use of the electrochemical system. The bypass is preferably designed independently of other modules of the exhaust gas disposal unit. Alternatively, the bypass is designed as part of the process fluid unit and, in particular, is at least partially integrally connected, for example by a welding process, to a fluid guide element of the process fluid unit. The design according to the invention advantageously allows for flexible disposal of the flushing fluid.Furthermore, partial load operation of the electrochemical unit can advantageously be carried out safely and reliably.

[0015] It is further proposed that the electronics cooling unit and the process fluid unit be fluidically separated from one another. Preferably, the coolant outlet does not open into the process fluid path and / or the flushing fluid path. Preferably, the process fluid outlet and / or the flushing fluid outlet do not open into the coolant path. The electronics cooling unit and the process fluid unit can be integrated into two fluidically parallel flow paths via the central fluid inlet or can be integrated into two completely separate flow paths within the housing via at least one separate fluid inlet each. Preferably, the fluid disposal unit comprises at least one coolant guide element that connects the coolant outlet to a housing outlet on the housing.The fluid disposal unit preferably comprises a coolant conveying unit, preferably a blower or a fan, for conveying the coolant through the coolant guide element. The housing outlet is preferably provided for discharging the coolant to an environment of the housing, in particular for discharging it to the location of use of the electrochemical system. Alternatively, the fluid disposal unit comprises an external disposal line that is connected to the housing outlet outside the housing or is formed integrally with the coolant guide element in order to discharge the coolant to an environment remote from the location of use of the electrochemical system. The bypass preferably connects the flushing fluid outlet to the process fluid outlet. The process fluid outlet and the housing outlet or the external disposal line are preferably designed to be fluidically separated from one another.The inventive design allows the fluid supply device to be operated safely, since the flushing fluid is disposed of via the process fluid outlet. Furthermore, the fluid supply device can be operated efficiently. In particular, the electronics cooling unit can be kept free of backpressure from the process fluid.

[0016] It is further proposed that the fluid supply device comprise a fluid disposal unit, in particular as a module of the aforementioned fluid disposal unit, which comprises at least one fluid guide element which fluidically connects a fluid outlet, in particular the aforementioned coolant outlet, of the electronics cooling unit to a fluid outlet, in particular the aforementioned process fluid outlet, of the process fluid unit. The coolant path preferably opens into the process fluid outlet. The fluid disposal unit preferably comprises at least one check valve arranged on the fluid guide element. The check valve is preferably arranged downstream of the coolant conveying unit. The coolant conveying unit is preferably designed as a blower, alternatively as a fan or compressor. The coolant path, the process fluid path, and the rinsing fluid path preferably open into the process fluid outlet.The design according to the invention allows for advantageously safe operation of the fluid supply device. Furthermore, an additional external disposal line outside the housing or other infrastructure for handling the fluid delivered by the fluid supply device, for example, for personal safety and / or heat management, at a location where the fluid supply device is used, can be dispensed with.

[0017] It is further proposed that the fluid supply device comprise a fluid disposal unit connected to a fluid outlet, in particular the aforementioned coolant outlet, of the electronics cooling unit, in particular as a module of the aforementioned fluid disposal unit, which is arranged at least partially outside the housing. The fluid disposal unit preferably comprises the aforementioned external disposal line. Preferably, the external disposal line has at least one further connection for connecting a further electrochemical unit of the electrochemical system. Preferably, the fluid disposal unit comprises an external fluid conveying unit, which is arranged outside the housing in the external disposal line. The external fluid conveying unit is preferably designed as a blower or fan, alternatively as a compressor.The fluid disposal unit preferably comprises an external heat exchanger that is connected to the external disposal line outside the housing. The external heat exchanger is preferably provided for heat recovery from the fluid in the external disposal line. The external heat exchanger is preferably designed as a low-temperature heat exchanger, in particular for a fluid temperature range between 20° and 80°C. The external heat exchanger can be designed as a passive component, for example as a plate heat exchanger or tube bundle heat exchanger, or as a heat pump. The fluid disposal unit preferably comprises an exhaust line that is connected to the process fluid outlet or is identical thereto. The fluid disposal unit preferably comprises an exhaust gas heat exchanger that is connected to the exhaust line outside the housing.The exhaust gas heat exchanger is preferably designed for fluid temperatures above 100°C, preferably above 200°C. The disposal unit comprises, for example, a connecting fluid guide element that connects the external disposal line to the exhaust gas line. The connecting fluid guide element is preferably arranged downstream of the external fluid delivery unit, the external heat exchanger, and / or the exhaust gas heat exchanger. The inventive design allows the fluid supply device to be advantageously flexibly adapted to a thermal management system at the site of use.

[0018] It is further proposed that the fluid supply device comprises a fluid disposal unit connecting a fluid outlet, in particular the aforementioned coolant outlet, of the electronics cooling unit and an intermediate fluid outlet, in particular the aforementioned rinsing fluid outlet, of the process fluid unit, in particular as a module of the aforementioned fluid disposal unit, wherein the intermediate fluid outlet of the process fluid unit is arranged upstream of a fluid conveying unit, in particular the aforementioned fluid conveying unit, of the process fluid unit.The intermediate fluid outlet is preferably arranged in a ceiling half of the insulation housing. The ceiling half is preferably arranged facing the ceiling of the housing. The intermediate fluid outlet and the process fluid outlet are preferably arranged in different halves of the insulation housing on the insulation housing. The intermediate fluid outlet is preferably provided to feed the flushing fluid out of the insulation housing. The bypass is preferably arranged at the intermediate fluid outlet. The bypass preferably opens into the coolant guide element and / or the coolant delivery unit. Due to the configuration according to the invention, the coolant delivery unit can be used to support a fluid supply to a part of the process fluid unit arranged upstream of the intermediate fluid outlet. Furthermore, a bypass downstream of the fluid delivery unit of the process fluid unit can be dispensed with.

[0019] It is further proposed that the fluid supply device comprise a fluid disposal unit connected to a fluid outlet, in particular the aforementioned coolant outlet, of the electronics cooling unit, in particular as a module of the aforementioned fluid disposal unit, wherein the fluid outlet is arranged within the housing. The coolant outlet preferably opens into the immediate interior of the housing. The coolant path preferably opens into the process fluid path and / or the flushing fluid path upstream of the insulation housing. The coolant path preferably runs through the process fluid inlet. Particularly preferably, an outlet of the distributor for specifying the process fluid path opens into the immediate interior of the housing. The immediate interior is preferably designed as a mixing chamber for mixing the process fluid and / or the flushing fluid with the coolant flowing from the coolant outlet.The coolant guide element is preferably connected to the intermediate outlet in order to drain excess fluid within the process unit. The configuration according to the invention enables the fluid supply device to be operated advantageously efficiently. It is further proposed that the fluid supply device comprise a fluid disposal unit connected to a fluid outlet, in particular the already mentioned coolant outlet, of the electronics cooling unit, in particular as a module of the already mentioned fluid disposal unit, wherein the fluid disposal unit comprises at least one coolant distributor for at least partially diverting the fluid into the process fluid unit. The coolant distributor is preferably arranged at the coolant outlet, in particular downstream, on or within the electronics housing. A branch of the coolant distributor is preferably connected to the coolant guide element.One branch of the coolant distributor preferably opens into the immediate interior of the housing. The coolant distributor is preferably provided to distribute the coolant between the immediate interior of the housing and the housing outlet. The coolant distributor preferably comprises at least one check valve upstream of the immediate interior of the housing. The coolant distributor preferably comprises at least one check valve upstream of the housing outlet. The distributor preferably comprises a fluid delivery unit, in particular a blower or a fan, upstream of the immediate interior of the housing, and / or a fluid delivery unit, in particular a blower or a fan, upstream of the housing outlet, in order to adjust a distribution of the coolant. Alternatively, the distributor comprises at least one continuous valve or the like in order to adjust the distribution of the coolant.Due to the design according to the invention, the fluid supply device can advantageously be operated efficiently.

[0020] Furthermore, an electrochemical system is proposed with at least one electrochemical unit for the electrochemical conversion of a reactant and with at least one fluid supply device according to the invention. The electrochemical unit preferably comprises at least one electrochemical cell, particularly preferably at least one high-temperature electrochemical cell, in particular the aforementioned high-temperature fuel cell or the aforementioned high-temperature electrolysis cell. The at least one electrochemical cell is preferably designed as a solid oxide fuel cell or solid oxide electrolysis cell, or as a molten carbonate fuel cell or molten carbonate electrolysis cell.Alternatively, the at least one electrochemical cell is designed as a phosphoric acid fuel cell / electrolysis cell, as a direct methanol fuel cell / electrolysis cell, as a polymer electrolyte fuel cell / electrolysis cell or the like. The reactant is, for example, a fuel which preferably comprises hydrogen, ammonia, methane or another hydrocarbon as the main energy carrier and which is in particular designed as natural gas or biogas. An oxygen electrode of the at least one fuel cell is preferably connected to the process fluid unit. When using an electrolysis cell, the reactant is, for example, water. The electrochemical unit preferably comprises a plurality of electrochemical cells which are arranged in one or more stacks. The electrochemical cells are preferably electrically connected in series and are in particular intended for joint operation.

[0021] The electrochemical unit preferably comprises peripheral devices for operating the at least one electrochemical cell. Examples of peripheral devices include, for example, a reformer for reforming the fuel, an afterburner for thermally converting fuel residues downstream of the at least one fuel cell, a product recirculation unit, a reactant conveying unit for adjusting a reactant volume flow, at least one internal heat exchanger for recovering heat from the product of the electrochemical conversion, a recirculation conveying unit for feeding the product back into the reactant, and / or the like. The process fluid outlet is preferably connected to the afterburner. The peripheral devices are preferably arranged within the housing. Depending on an intended operating temperature, some or all of the peripheral devices can be arranged inside or outside the insulating housing.

[0022] The design according to the invention makes it possible to provide an advantageously efficient electrochemical system which can be easily adapted to a location of use.

[0023] The fluid supply device and / or the electrochemical system according to the invention are not intended to be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the fluid supply device and / or the electrochemical system according to the invention can have a number of individual elements, components, and units that differs from the number stated herein to fulfill a function described herein. Furthermore, in the value ranges specified in this disclosure, values ​​within the stated limits are also to be considered disclosed and can be used arbitrarily.

[0024] Drawings

[0025] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate nine exemplary embodiments of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Those skilled in the art will also expediently consider the features individually and combine them into further meaningful combinations.

[0026] They show:

[0027] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of an electrochemical system according to the invention,

[0028] Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a fluid supply device according to the invention,

[0029] Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of a fluid supply device according to the invention,

[0030] Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a further alternative embodiment of a fluid supply device according to the invention,

[0031] Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of a further alternative embodiment of a fluid supply device according to the invention,

[0032] Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of a further alternative embodiment of a fluid supply device according to the invention, Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of a further alternative embodiment of a fluid supply device according to the invention,

[0033] Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of a further alternative embodiment of a fluid supply device according to the invention,

[0034] Fig. 9 is a schematic representation of a further alternative embodiment of a fluid supply device according to the invention and

[0035] Fig. 10 is a schematic representation of a further alternative embodiment of a fluid supply device according to the invention.

[0036] Description of the embodiments

[0037] Figure 1 shows an electrochemical system 12a, which is embodied, for example, as a fuel cell system. The inventive concept can be easily transferred to an electrochemical system embodied as an electrolyzer or as a fuel cell-electrolysis combination. The electrochemical system 12a comprises at least one electrochemical unit 20a for electrochemically converting a fuel. The electrochemical system 12a comprises at least one fluid supply device 10a. The fluid supply device 10a is provided for supplying the electrochemical unit 20a with a fluid. The fluid is preferably provided for use as a coolant, as a rinsing fluid, and / or as a process fluid. The fluid is preferably ambient air. The fluid supply device 10a comprises at least one housing 14a.The fluid supply device 10a comprises at least one fluid inlet 16a for introducing the fluid into the housing 14a. The fluid supply device 10a comprises at least one process fluid unit 18a arranged in the housing 14a for supplying the electrochemical unit 20a of the electrochemical system 12a with the fluid. The fluid supply device 10a comprises at least one electronics cooling unit 22a arranged in the housing 14a for cooling an electronics unit 24a (cf. Fig. 2) of the electrochemical system 12a by means of the fluid. The fluid supply device 10a comprises, for example, a central fluid supply 32a, which is connected to the fluid inlet 16a outside the housing 14a. Alternatively, the fluid inlet 16a is designed for directly sucking in the fluid from an environment of the housing 14a, for example as a ventilation grille or the like.The fluid supply device 10a preferably provides a process fluid path 34a within the housing 14a, which preferably leads through the process fluid unit 18a. The fluid supply device 10a preferably provides a flushing fluid path 36a within the housing 14a, which preferably leads at least partially through the process fluid unit 18a. The fluid supply device 10a preferably provides a coolant path 38a within the housing 14a, which preferably leads through the electronics cooling unit 22a. The process fluid unit 18a preferably comprises a process fluid outlet 40a for discharging the fluid, in particular an exhaust gas resulting from the fuel and the fluid, from the housing 14a. The electronics cooling unit 22a preferably comprises a coolant outlet 42a for discharging the fluid from the electronics unit 24a.The coolant outlet 42a is connected, for example, to a housing outlet 44a of the fluid supply device 10a to discharge the fluid from the housing 14a. In an advantageously simple embodiment, the housing outlet 44a is provided for discharging the fluid into the space surrounding the housing 14a, for example in the form of a ventilation grille.

[0038] The fluid supply device 10a comprises a modular fluid disposal unit 26a connected to a fluid outlet of the electronics cooling unit 22a and / or to a fluid outlet of the process fluid unit 18a for adapting the electrochemical system 12a to a location of use. The fluid disposal unit 26a comprises, for example, an external disposal line 46a, which is connected to the housing outlet 44a and leads away from the housing 14a. The fluid disposal unit 26a preferably comprises, in particular depending on a pressure loss of the external disposal line 46a, an external fluid conveying unit 48a for conveying the fluid through the external disposal line 46a. The fluid disposal unit 26a preferably comprises an external heat exchanger 50a for heat recovery of the fluid heated by the electronics cooling unit 22a.The fluid disposal unit 26a preferably comprises an exhaust line 56a, which is connected to the process fluid outlet 40a or is formed integrally therewith and leads away from the housing 14a. The fluid disposal unit 26a preferably comprises an exhaust gas heat exchanger 52a, which is connected to the exhaust line 56a. The fluid disposal unit 26a optionally comprises a connecting fluid guide element 54a, which fluidically connects the exhaust line 56a and the external disposal line 46a, preferably downstream of the exhaust gas heat exchanger 52a and / or the external heat exchanger 50a.

[0039] The electrochemical system 12a preferably comprises at least one further electrochemical unit 20a', which is arranged in a separate housing 14a' with its own process fluid unit 18a' and with its own electronics cooling unit 22a' of the fluid supply device 10a. The components of the fluid supply device 10a assigned to the further electrochemical unit 20a' are preferably structurally identical to the components of the fluid supply device 10a assigned to the electrochemical unit 20a. The electronics cooling units 22a, 22a' are preferably connected in parallel fluidically to the central fluid supply 32a and / or the external disposal line 46. The process fluid units 18a, 18a' are preferably connected in parallel fluidically to the central fluid supply 32a and / or the exhaust line 56a.

[0040] The fluid disposal unit 26a is preferably of modular design, so that the already mentioned advantageously simple design can be retrofitted depending on the location of the electrochemical system 12a, in particular at the location of the electrochemical system 12a, for example depending on whether the location can be sufficiently ventilated and / or temperature-controlled.

[0041] Figure 2 shows an interior of the housing 14a. The fluid inlet 16a is preferably arranged on a ceiling region of the housing 14a. The fluid supply device 10a preferably comprises a distributor 66a for distributing the fluid flowing through the fluid inlet 16a to the coolant path 38a, the flushing fluid path 36a, and / or the process fluid path 34a. The distributor 66a is preferably arranged on a housing base of the housing 14a. The housing base is preferably arranged opposite the ceiling region. The fluid supply device 10a preferably comprises at least one fluid guide element extending from the fluid inlet 16a to the distributor 66a. The distributor 66a is preferably arranged in an immediate interior of the housing 14a, in particular outside an electronics housing of the electronics cooling unit 22a and / or outside an insulation housing of the process fluid unit 18a.Solid arrows in the figure preferably symbolize fluid guide elements for pipe-connected transport of the fluid. Dashed arrows preferably symbolize a free, i.e., non-pipe-connected, flow of the fluid within the housing 14a. The electronics cooling unit 22a is preferably connected to the distributor 66a via a pipe. The process fluid unit 18a is preferably connected to the immediate interior space via the immediate interior space. The distributor 66a preferably has at least one opening that opens into the immediate interior space, allowing free flow of the fluid from the distributor 66a to the process fluid unit 18a.

[0042] The electronics unit 24a comprises, for example, an inverter for coupling out an electrical current generated by the electrochemical unit 20a, power electronics for controlling a fluid delivery unit of the electrochemical unit 20a and / or the fluid supply device 10a, and / or further components, such as a fuse, a control or regulating unit, a communication interface, a power supply, or the like. The components of the electronics unit 24a are preferably arranged in an electronics housing of the electronics cooling unit 22a. The coolant path 38a preferably leads through the electronics housing. The coolant outlet 42a is preferably arranged on the electronics housing or downstream of the electronics housing, in particular within the housing 14a. The fluid disposal unit 26a preferably comprises at least one coolant guide element 58a, which connects the coolant outlet 42a to the housing outlet 44a.The fluid disposal unit 26a preferably comprises a coolant conveying unit 64a, which is arranged on the coolant guide element 58a, in particular downstream of the electronics unit 24a. The coolant conveying unit 64a is preferably designed as a fan.

[0043] The process fluid unit 18a preferably comprises at least one low-temperature compartment 72a, in which components of the electrochemical unit 20a are arranged, which are designed for an operating temperature of less than 100°C. The electrochemical unit 20a comprises, for example, at least one fan, one sensor, one actuator, one pre-burner, or the like, which are arranged in the low-temperature compartment 72a. Components of the electrochemical unit 20a, which are designed for an operating temperature of more than 100°C, are preferably arranged within the insulating housing. The electrochemical unit 20a comprises, for example, the at least one fuel cell, a reformer, an afterburner, an internal exhaust gas heat exchanger, or the like, which is / are arranged within the insulating housing.The low-temperature compartment 72a is preferably arranged within the immediate interior space and fluidly connected thereto. The process fluid unit 18a preferably comprises a process fluid inlet 68a for introducing the fluid into the insulation housing. The process fluid inlet 68a is preferably connected to the internal exhaust gas heat exchanger of the electrochemical unit 20a. The process fluid unit 18a preferably comprises at least one fluid guide element, which is connected to the process fluid inlet 68a outside the insulation housing, for guiding the fluid from the ceiling region of the housing 14a to the process fluid inlet 68a.

[0044] The internal exhaust gas heat exchanger is preferably arranged on a base of the insulation housing or forms this base. The process fluid unit 18a preferably comprises an internal process fluid inlet 70a arranged within the insulation housing. The internal process fluid inlet 70a is preferably arranged on a ceiling region of the insulation housing facing away from the process fluid inlet 68a, in particular the internal exhaust gas heat exchanger. The internal process fluid inlet 70a is fluidly connected to the process fluid inlet 68a, in particular to an outlet of the internal exhaust gas heat exchanger, via a free flow of the fluid within the insulation housing. The process fluid unit 18a preferably comprises at least one process fluid guide unit, which connects the internal process fluid inlet 70a to the process fluid outlet 40a via a line.The at least one fuel cell is preferably connected to the at least one process fluid supply unit. The process fluid unit 18a preferably comprises at least one fluid delivery unit 28a, preferably a compressor or a blower, which is connected to the process fluid supply unit, preferably upstream of the electrochemical unit 20a. The process fluid unit 18a preferably comprises a purge fluid outlet 62a. The purge fluid outlet 62a is connected to the process fluid supply unit, preferably downstream of the fluid delivery unit 28a and preferably upstream of the electrochemical unit 20a.

[0045] The fluid disposal unit 26a comprises a bypass 60a for bypassing the electrochemical unit 20a. The bypass 60a is preferably connected to the flushing fluid outlet 62a. The bypass 60a preferably connects the flushing fluid outlet 62a to the process fluid outlet 40a for disposing of the flushing fluid via the process fluid outlet 40a. The bypass 60a preferably comprises at least one check valve, an actuating element, preferably a continuous valve, and / or a flow meter, in particular for regulating the actuating element. The bypass 60a is preferably provided for cooling during partial load operation of the electrochemical unit 20a. The process fluid guide unit preferably comprises at least one check valve 74a, which is arranged in a supply line of the process fluid guide unit to the electrochemical unit 20a or downstream of a return point of the bypass 60a into the process fluid guide unit.

[0046] The electronics cooling unit 22a and the process fluid unit 18a are fluidically separated from each other. Preferably, the electronics cooling unit 22a and the process fluid unit 18a are arranged in two fluid flow paths that run fluidically parallel from the distributor 66a and lead out of the housing 14a via mutually independent fluid outlets, namely the housing outlet 44a and the process fluid outlet 40a. The flushing fluid path 36a and the process fluid path 34a are preferably identical in sections, in particular with the exception of the bypass 60a.

[0047] Further exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in Figures 3 to 10. The following descriptions and the drawings are essentially limited to the differences between the exemplary embodiments, whereby with regard to components with the same designation, in particular with regard to components with the same reference symbols, reference can in principle also be made to the drawings and / or the description of the other exemplary embodiments, in particular Figures 1 to 2. To distinguish the exemplary embodiments, the letter a is placed after the reference symbols of the exemplary embodiment in Figures 1 to 2. In the exemplary embodiments in Figures 3 to 10, the letter a is replaced by the letters b to i.

[0048] Figure 3 shows an electrochemical system 12b. The electrochemical system 12b comprises at least one electrochemical unit 20b for electrochemically converting a fuel. The electrochemical system 12b comprises at least one fluid supply device 10b. The fluid supply device 10b is provided for supplying the electrochemical unit 20b with a fluid. The fluid supply device 10b comprises at least one housing 14b. The fluid supply device 10b comprises at least one fluid inlet 16b for introducing the fluid into the housing 14b. The fluid supply device 10b comprises at least one process fluid unit 18b arranged in the housing 14b for supplying the electrochemical unit 20b of the electrochemical system 12b with the fluid.The fluid supply device 10b comprises at least one electronics cooling unit 22b arranged in the housing 14b for cooling an electronics unit 24b of the electrochemical system 12b using the fluid. A fluid disposal unit 26b of the fluid supply device 10b comprises a bypass 60b for bypassing the electrochemical unit 20b. The bypass 60b preferably connects a flushing fluid outlet 62b of the process fluid unit 18b to a housing outlet 44b of the fluid supply device 10b. The fluid disposal unit 26b preferably comprises a fan as the coolant delivery unit 64b. The fluid disposal unit 26b preferably comprises at least one check valve arranged downstream of the coolant delivery unit 64b. A housing outlet 44b of the fluid supply device 10b is preferably designed to connect an external disposal line (see Fig. 1) of the fluid disposal unit 26b.For further details of the fluid supply device 10b, reference is made to Figures 1 and 2 and their description.

[0049] Figure 4 shows an electrochemical system 12c. The electrochemical system 12c comprises at least one electrochemical unit 20c for electrochemically converting a fuel. The electrochemical system 12c comprises at least one fluid supply device 10c. The fluid supply device 10c is provided for supplying the electrochemical unit 20c with a fluid. The fluid supply device 10c comprises at least one housing 14c. The fluid supply device 10c comprises at least one fluid inlet 16c for introducing the fluid into the housing 14c. The fluid supply device 10c comprises at least one process fluid unit 18c arranged in the housing 14c for supplying the electrochemical unit 20c of the electrochemical system 12c with the fluid.The fluid supply device 10c comprises at least one electronics cooling unit 22c arranged in the housing 14c for cooling an electronics unit 24c of the electrochemical system 12c using the fluid. The fluid supply device 10c comprises a fluid disposal unit 26c, which comprises at least one fluid guide element that fluidically connects a fluid outlet of the electronics cooling unit 22c to a fluid outlet of the process fluid unit 18c. The fluid supply device 10c preferably comprises at least one coolant guide element 58c that connects a coolant outlet 42c of the electronics cooling unit 22c to a process fluid outlet 40c of the process fluid unit 18c. The fluid disposal unit 26c preferably comprises a fan as the coolant conveying unit 64c, which is arranged in the coolant guide element 58c.The fluid disposal unit 26c preferably comprises at least one non-return element arranged downstream of the coolant guide element 58c. A coolant path 38c, a process fluid path 34c, and a flushing fluid path 36c preferably run through the process fluid outlet 40c. For further details of the fluid supply device 10c, reference is made to Figures 1 to 3 and their description. Figure 5 shows an electrochemical system 12d. The electrochemical system 12d comprises at least one electrochemical unit 20d for electrochemically converting a fuel. The electrochemical system 12d comprises at least one fluid supply device 10d. The fluid supply device 10d is provided for supplying the electrochemical unit 20d with a fluid. The fluid supply device 10d comprises at least one housing 14d.The fluid supply device 10d comprises at least one fluid inlet 16d for introducing the fluid into the housing 14d. The fluid supply device 10d comprises at least one process fluid unit 18d arranged in the housing 14d for supplying the electrochemical unit 20d of the electrochemical system 12d with the fluid. The fluid supply device 10d comprises at least one electronics cooling unit 22d arranged in the housing 14d for cooling an electronics unit 24d of the electrochemical system 12d using the fluid. The electronics cooling unit 22d and the process fluid unit 18d are fluidically separated from one another. A housing outlet 44d is preferably designed for connecting an external disposal line (cf. Fig. 1) of a fluid disposal unit 26d of the fluid supply device 10d. The fluid disposal unit 26d preferably comprises a fan as the coolant conveying unit 64d.For further details of the fluid supply device 10d, reference is made to Figures 1 to 4 and their description.

[0050] Figure 6 shows an electrochemical system 12e. The electrochemical system 12e comprises at least one electrochemical unit 20e for electrochemically converting a fuel. The electrochemical system 12e comprises at least one fluid supply device 10e. The fluid supply device 10e is provided for supplying the electrochemical unit 20e with a fluid. The fluid supply device 10e comprises at least one housing 14e. The fluid supply device 10e comprises at least one fluid inlet 16e for introducing the fluid into the housing 14e. The fluid supply device 10e comprises at least one process fluid unit 18e arranged in the housing 14e for supplying the electrochemical unit 20e of the electrochemical system 12e with the fluid.The fluid supply device 10e comprises at least one electronics cooling unit 22e arranged in the housing 14e for cooling an electronics unit 24e of the electrochemical system 12e by means of the fluid. The fluid supply device 10e comprises a fluid disposal unit 26e connecting a fluid outlet of the electronics cooling unit 22e and an intermediate fluid outlet of the process fluid unit 18e, wherein the intermediate fluid outlet of the process fluid unit 18e is arranged upstream of a fluid conveying unit 28e of the process fluid unit 18e. The intermediate fluid outlet is preferably arranged on a ceiling region of an insulation housing of the process fluid unit 18e. The intermediate fluid outlet is preferably a flushing fluid outlet 62e. A bypass 60e of the fluid disposal unit 26e preferably connects the intermediate fluid outlet to a coolant guide element 58e and / or a coolant conveying unit 64e of the fluid disposal unit 26e.The coolant delivery unit 64e is preferably designed as a fan. A coolant path 38e and a flushing fluid path 36e preferably lead via a housing outlet 44e of the fluid supply device 10e. The housing outlet 44e is preferably designed to connect an external disposal line (see Fig. 1) of the fluid disposal unit 26e of the fluid supply device 10e. For further details of the fluid supply device 10e, reference is made to Figs. 1 to 5 and their description.

[0051] Figure 7 shows an electrochemical system 12f. The electrochemical system 12f comprises at least one electrochemical unit 20f for electrochemically converting a fuel. The electrochemical system 12f comprises at least one fluid supply device 10f. The fluid supply device 10f is provided for supplying the electrochemical unit 20f with a fluid. The fluid supply device 10f comprises at least one housing 14f. The fluid supply device 10f comprises at least one fluid inlet 16f for introducing the fluid into the housing 14f. The fluid supply device 10f comprises at least one process fluid unit 18f arranged in the housing 14f for supplying the electrochemical unit 20f of the electrochemical system 12f with the fluid.The fluid supply device 10f comprises at least one electronics cooling unit 22f arranged in the housing 14f for cooling an electronics unit 24f of the electrochemical system 12f using the fluid. The fluid supply device 10f comprises a fluid disposal unit 26f connecting a fluid outlet of the electronics cooling unit 22f and an intermediate fluid outlet of the process fluid unit 18f, wherein the intermediate fluid outlet of the process fluid unit 18f is arranged upstream of a fluid delivery unit 28f of the process fluid unit 18f. The intermediate fluid outlet is preferably arranged on a ceiling region of an insulation housing of the process fluid unit 18f. The intermediate fluid outlet is preferably a flushing fluid outlet 62f. A bypass 60f of the fluid disposal unit 26f preferably connects the intermediate fluid outlet to a coolant guide element 58f and / or a coolant conveying unit 64f of the fluid disposal unit 26f.The coolant conveying unit 64f is preferably designed as a fan. The coolant guide element 58f is preferably connected to a process fluid outlet 40f of the process fluid unit 18f. For further details of the fluid supply device 10f, reference is made to Figures 1 to 6 and their description.

[0052] Figure 8 shows an electrochemical system 12g. The electrochemical system 12g comprises at least one electrochemical unit 20g for electrochemically converting a fuel. The electrochemical system 12g comprises at least one fluid supply device 10g. The fluid supply device 10g is provided for supplying the electrochemical unit 20g with a fluid. The fluid supply device 10g comprises at least one housing 14g. The fluid supply device 10g comprises at least one fluid inlet 16g for introducing the fluid into the housing 14g. The fluid supply device 10g comprises at least one process fluid unit 18g arranged in the housing 14g for supplying the electrochemical unit 20g of the electrochemical system 12g with the fluid.The fluid supply device 10g comprises at least one electronics cooling unit 22g arranged in the housing 14g for cooling an electronics unit 24g of the electrochemical system 12g using the fluid. The fluid supply device 10g has a fluid disposal unit 26g connected to a coolant outlet 42g of the electronics cooling unit 22g, wherein the coolant outlet 42g is arranged within the housing 14g. The fluid disposal unit 26g comprises at least one coolant distributor 30g for at least partially diverting the fluid into the process fluid unit 18g. The coolant distributor 30g is preferably connected to the coolant outlet 42g. The coolant distributor 30g preferably comprises at least one outlet that opens into an immediate interior space of the housing 14g.The outlet of the coolant distributor 30g opening into the immediate interior space is preferably arranged downstream of a low-temperature compartment 72g of the process fluid unit 18g with respect to a process fluid path 34g of the fluid supply device 10g. The coolant distributor 30g preferably comprises at least one outlet to which a coolant guide element 58g of the fluid disposal unit 26g is connected. A coolant conveying unit 64g is preferably designed as a fan. A housing outlet 44g of the fluid supply device 10g is preferably designed as a ventilation grille. The coolant distributor 30g preferably has at least one check valve per outlet.The fluid disposal unit 26g preferably comprises at least one further coolant conveying unit 76g, which is arranged at the outlet of the coolant distributor 30g opening into the immediate interior space. The further coolant conveying unit 76g is preferably designed as a fan. For further details of the fluid supply device 10g, reference is made to Figures 1 to 7 and their description.

[0053] Figure 9 shows an electrochemical system 12h. The electrochemical system 12h comprises at least one electrochemical unit 20h for electrochemically converting a fuel. The electrochemical system 12h comprises at least one fluid supply device 10h. The fluid supply device 10h is provided for supplying the electrochemical unit 20h with a fluid. The fluid supply device 10h comprises at least one housing 14h. The fluid supply device 10h comprises at least one fluid inlet 16h for introducing the fluid into the housing 14h. The fluid supply device 10h comprises at least one process fluid unit 18h arranged in the housing 14h for supplying the electrochemical unit 20h of the electrochemical system 12h with the fluid.The fluid supply device 10h comprises at least one electronics cooling unit 22h arranged in the housing 14h for cooling an electronics unit 24h of the electrochemical system 12h using the fluid. The fluid supply device 10h has a fluid disposal unit 26h connected to a coolant outlet 42h of the electronics cooling unit 22h, wherein the coolant outlet 42h is arranged within the housing 14h. The coolant outlet 42h preferably opens into an immediate interior space of the housing 14h. The coolant outlet 42h of the coolant distributor 30h is preferably arranged downstream of a low-temperature compartment 72h of the process fluid unit 18h with respect to a process fluid path 34h of the fluid supply device 10h. A coolant guide element 58h of the fluid disposal unit 26h is preferably connected to an intermediate fluid outlet, in particular a rinsing fluid outlet 62h, of the process fluid unit 18h.A coolant delivery unit 64h is preferably designed as a fan. The coolant guide element 58h is preferably connected to a housing outlet 44h of the fluid supply device 10h. The housing outlet 44h is preferably designed to connect an external disposal line (see Fig. 1) of the fluid disposal unit 26h. For further details of the fluid supply device 10h, reference is made to Figs. 1 to 8 and their description.

[0054] Figure 10 shows an electrochemical system 12i. The electrochemical system 12i comprises at least one electrochemical unit 20i for electrochemically converting a fuel. The electrochemical system 12i comprises at least one fluid supply device 10i. The fluid supply device 10i is provided for supplying the electrochemical unit 20i with a fluid. The fluid supply device 10i comprises at least one housing 14i. The fluid supply device 10i comprises at least one fluid inlet 16i for introducing the fluid into the housing 14i. The fluid supply device 10i comprises at least one process fluid unit 18i arranged in the housing 14i for supplying the electrochemical unit 20i of the electrochemical system 12i with the fluid.The fluid supply device 10i comprises at least one electronics cooling unit 22i arranged in the housing 14i for cooling an electronics unit 24i of the electrochemical system 12i using the fluid. The fluid supply device 10i has a fluid disposal unit 26i connected to a coolant outlet 42i of the electronics cooling unit 22i, wherein the coolant outlet 42i is arranged within the housing 14i. The coolant outlet 42i preferably opens into an immediate interior space of the housing 14i. The coolant outlet 42i of the coolant distributor 30i is preferably arranged downstream of a low-temperature compartment 72i of the process fluid unit 18i with respect to a process fluid path 34i of the fluid supply device 10i. A coolant guide element 58i of the fluid disposal unit 26i is preferably connected to an intermediate fluid outlet, in particular a flushing fluid outlet 62i, of the process fluid unit 18i.A coolant delivery unit 64i is preferably designed as a fan. The coolant guide element 58i is preferably connected to a process fluid outlet 40i of the process fluid unit 18i. For further details of the fluid supply device 10i, reference is made to Figures 1 to 9 and their description.

Claims

Claims 1. A fluid supply device for an electrochemical system, comprising at least one housing (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e; 14f; 14g; 14h; 14i), with at least one fluid inlet (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d; 16e; 16f; 16g; 16h; 16i) for introducing a fluid, in particular air, into the housing (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e; 14f; 14g; 14h; 14i) and with at least one process fluid unit (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d; 18e; 18f; 18g; 18h; 18i) arranged in the housing (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e; 14f; 14g; 14h; 14i) for supplying an electrochemical unit (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; 20e; 20f; 20g; 20h; 20i) of the electrochemical system with the fluid, characterized by an electronics cooling unit (22a; 22b; 22c; 14d; 14e; 14f; 14g; 14h; 14i) arranged in the housing (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e; 14f; 14g; 14h; 14i) 22d; 22e; 22f; 22g; 22h; 22i) for cooling an electronic unit (24a; 24b; 24c; 24d; 24e; 24f; 24g; 24h; 24i) of the electrochemical system by means of the fluid.

2. Fluid supply device according to claim 1, characterized by at least one modular fluid disposal unit (26a; 26b; 26c; 26d; 26e; 26f; 26g; 26h; 26i) connected to a fluid outlet of the electronics cooling unit (22a; 22b; 22c; 22d; 22e; 22f; 22g; 22h; 22i) and / or to a fluid outlet of the process fluid unit (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d; 18e; 18f; 18g; 18h; 18i) for adapting the electrochemical system to a place of use.

3. Fluid supply device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by a fluid disposal unit (26a; 26b; 26c; 26d; 26e; 26f; 26g) connected to a fluid outlet of the electronics cooling unit (22a; 22b; 22c; 22d; 22e; 22f; 22g) and / or to a fluid outlet of the process fluid unit (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d; 18e; 18f; 18g), which comprises a bypass to bypass the electrochemical unit (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; 20e; 20f; 20g).

4. Fluid supply device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronics cooling unit (22a; 22d) and the process fluid unit (18a; 18d) are fluidically separated from one another.

5. Fluid supply device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a fluid disposal unit (26b; 26c; 26e; 26f; 26g 26h; 26i) which comprises at least one fluid guide element which fluidically connects a fluid outlet of the electronics cooling unit (22b; 22c; 22e; 22f; 22g; 22h; 22i) to a fluid outlet of the process fluid unit (18b; 18c; 18e; 18f; 18g; 18h; 18i).

6. Fluid supply device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a fluid disposal unit (26a; 26b; 26c; 26e; 26f; 26h; 26i) connected to a fluid outlet of the electronics cooling unit (22a; 22b; 22c; 22e; 22f; 22h; 22i), which is arranged at least in sections outside the housing (14a; 14b; 14c; 14e; 14f; 14h; 14i).

7. Fluid supply device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a fluid disposal unit (26e; 26f; 26h; 26i) connecting a fluid outlet of the electronics cooling unit (22e; 22f; 22h; 22i) and an intermediate fluid outlet of the process fluid unit (18e; 18f; 18h; 18i), wherein the intermediate fluid outlet of the process fluid unit (18e; 18f; 18h; 18i) is arranged upstream of a fluid conveying unit (28e; 28f; 28h; 28i) of the process fluid unit (18e; 18f; 18h; 18i).

8. Fluid supply device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a fluid disposal unit (26a; 26b; 26c; 26d; 26e; 26f; 26g; 26h; 26i) connected to a fluid outlet of the electronics cooling unit (22a; 22b; 22c; 22d; 22e; 22f; 22g; 22h; 22i), wherein the fluid outlet is arranged within the housing (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e; 14f; 14g; 14h; 14i).

9. Fluid supply device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a fluid disposal unit (26g) connected to a fluid outlet of the electronics cooling unit (22g), wherein the fluid disposal unit (26g) comprises at least one coolant distributor (30g) for at least partially diverting the fluid into the process fluid unit (18g) 10. Electrochemical system with at least one electrochemical unit (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; 20e; 20f; 20g; 20h; 20i) for an electrochemical conversion of a fuel and with at least one fluid supply device according to one of the preceding claims.

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