Electric power generator equipped with a temperature control system cooperating with a fuel cell, and aircraft

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrical power generator (10) equipped with a fuel cell (15) and at least one tank (20) connected to a fluid feed circuit (22) leading to the fuel cell (15). A temperature control system (35) includes a fuel cell control circuit (45) through which a heat transfer fluid (36) flows and which is configured to regulate the temperature of the fuel cell (15), at least one temperature controller (38) configured to regulate the temperature of the heat transfer fluid (36), and at least one circulator (37) for moving the heat transfer fluid. The temperature control system (35) includes a tank control circuit (50) through which the heat transfer fluid (36) flows, the tank control circuit (50) cooperating with at least one tank (20) or the fluid feed circuit (22). (Shorthand figure: Figure 1)

Description

Title of the invention: Electric energy generator equipped with a temperature regulation system cooperating with a fuel cell, and aircraft

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical energy generator provided with a temperature regulation system cooperating with a fuel cell and an aircraft comprising this electrical energy generator.

[0002] An aircraft may comprise a fuel cell for electrically powering one or more electrically operated components.

[0003] A fuel cell produces electrical energy from the oxidation of a fuel on one electrode coupled with the reduction of an oxidant on another electrode. For example, a fuel cell may be connected to a tank containing dihydrogen forming the fuel, the oxidant possibly taking the form of air or dioxygen.

[0004] Such a fuel cell can, for example, electrically power an electric motor making it possible to set in motion a rotor of an aircraft, such as a lift or even propulsion rotor, a yaw movement control rotor or even a propeller.

[0005] A fuel cell can have the advantage of producing electrical energy with a low environmental impact. However, a fuel cell tends to heat up during use. Therefore, a fuel cell can be associated with a temperature control system. The temperature control system can route a heat transfer fluid into or near the fuel cell. The heat transfer fluid is then cooled in a fluid / air exchanger before returning to the fuel cell. Due to the high heat energy to be removed, the heat exchanger is ventilated by a fan.

[0006] Furthermore, an electrical energy generator comprising a fuel cell, a fuel tank and a temperature control system equipped with a conventional heat exchanger associated with a fan may have the disadvantage of being relatively heavy and bulky, in fact to the detriment of the payload and the useful volume of the aircraft or the profile of the mission to be accomplished.

[0007] To optimize the mass of the installation, the tank can be made from composite materials. In addition, the fuel can be compressed in the tank to a high pressure so that a large quantity of fuel is stored in a restricted volume. The fuel is then expanded to reach a lower pressure in order to power the fuel cell. Such a feature is notably interesting within an aircraft which requires a system which must on the one hand store a large quantity of fuel, unlike a car for example, and on the other hand have a minimized mass and size.

[0008] An aircraft electrical energy generator can thus comprise a composite material tank configured to contain dihydrogen at a pressure of 700 bars, the dihydrogen then being expanded outside the tank by a pressure reducer during operation of the fuel cell. This technology proves to be relatively economical from a mass point of view by minimizing in particular the dimensions of the tank.

[0009] Such an installation is interesting. However, an aircraft is likely to operate in cold weather, for example of the order of -10 degrees Celsius or less, and in hot weather, for example of the order of +30 degrees Celsius or more.

[0010] In cold weather, the expansion of the fuel causes cooling. Due to the low outside temperature and this cooling, a tank made of composite materials can reach a temperature close to its acceptable lower limit. If the fuel is extracted from the tank to supply the fuel cell at a relatively low flow rate, the tank can be heated by the aircraft components located nearby and in particular by the fuel cell itself. However, to supply an electric motor of an aircraft for example, the fuel flow rate can be high.

[0011] In hot weather, the fuel may reach an upper fuel temperature limit when filling the tank under high pressure from a filling station. If this upper temperature limit is reached, filling must be stopped prematurely for safety reasons. The tank may then be partially filled, which may impact the mission to be carried out with the aircraft. For example, the mission duration and / or a range may be reduced if the tank is not completely filled. To remedy this, the filling station may include a refrigeration system. This solution is advantageous, but a refrigeration system for a filling station may be expensive. In addition, the fuel is likely to heat up at the outlet of the filling station before reaching the tank.

[0012] Document US 11,217,841 B2 describes a system and method for thermally regulating an electric battery. The system comprises a thermal management unit connected to a heat exchanger by a circuit comprising a pump. The thermal management unit is in contact with an electric battery and comprises a coolant circulation circuit.

[0013] Document EP 3 611 790 A1 describes electric batteries equipped with a temperature regulation system. Document EP3 611 790 A1 describes in particular electric batteries comprising an enclosure which is provided with spaces which can be filled with a gas and / or a thermally insulating material. The interior of the electric batteries is further cooled by a fluid cooling system.

[0014] Document US 2014 / 0360207 A1 describes a system for thermally regulating an electric battery of a vehicle.

[0015] The present invention therefore aims to propose an electrical energy generator having a fuel cell associated with an innovative temperature regulation system capable of improving the operation of the electrical energy generator in cold weather and / or in hot weather.

[0016] The invention thus relates to an electrical energy generator provided with a fuel cell, the electrical energy generator comprising at least one reservoir configured to contain a fuel, the reservoir being connected to a supply fluid circuit, said supply fluid circuit opening onto the fuel cell, said supply fluid circuit comprising a filling inlet configured to be connected to an external filling station not belonging to the electrical energy generator, said electrical energy generator comprising a temperature regulation system, the temperature regulation system comprising a cell regulation circuit crossed by a heat transfer fluid and configured to regulate the temperature of the fuel cell,the temperature control system comprising at least one temperature regulator configured to regulate a temperature of the heat transfer fluid and at least one circulator to set the heat transfer fluid in motion.

[0017] The temperature control system comprises a reservoir control circuit through which the heat transfer fluid passes, the reservoir control circuit cooperating at least with said at least one reservoir or the supply fluid circuit.

[0018] The term “circuit” designates a system which may comprise one or more means for guiding the movement of a fluid such as pipes, tubes or equivalents, one or more fluid connectors, etc.

[0019] The term "circulator" designates a member for inducing a movement of the heat transfer fluid within the temperature control system, and in particular within the reservoir control circuit and the battery control circuit. The circulator may for example comprise one or more pumps.

[0020] For example, the tank(s) are configured to contain a dihydrogen type fuel. For example, one or more tanks are made of composite materials and / or are configured to withstand an internal pressure of the order of 700 bars.

[0021] Therefore, the electrical energy generator comprises a battery regulation circuit in which a heat transfer fluid circulates, the temperature of which is regulated by a temperature regulator. The cell regulation circuit passes through, alongside and / or close to the fuel cell, for example in the usual manner, to regulate the temperature of the fuel cell in operation, and in particular to cool it.

[0022] In addition, the electrical energy generator comprises a reservoir control circuit coupled to the cell control circuit so that the heat transfer fluid used to regulate the temperature of the fuel cell in operation can also make it possible to limit the limitations in cold weather and / or hot weather identified previously. The reservoir control circuit in fact uses this same heat transfer fluid at regulated temperature in order to reduce the local thermal amplitudes at the level of the reservoir and / or the supply fluid circuit.

[0023] The expression "cold weather" designates a situation where the temperature outside the electrical energy generator is less than or equal to a predetermined low threshold, for example of the order of -10 degrees Celsius. The expression "hot weather" designates a situation where the temperature outside the electrical energy generator is greater than or equal to a predetermined high threshold, the high threshold being greater than the low threshold and for example of the order of 30 degrees Celsius.

[0024] Indeed, to cool the fuel cell, the temperature regulator can regulate the temperature of the heat transfer fluid to a temperature above the low threshold and / or below the high threshold, for example of the order of 20 degrees Celsius.

[0025] In hot weather, the circulator is in operation. The heat transfer fluid can then be set in motion to pass through at least the tank regulation circuit and the temperature regulator. The heat transfer fluid can thus make it possible to cool the fuel as close as possible to the terminal filling zone and / or inside the tank(s), during a tank filling operation, in order to tend to completely fill the tank(s). At the same time, the cell regulation circuit can be stopped, the fuel cell can also be stopped without generating electrical energy.

[0026] In cold weather, the circulator is in operation. At the same time, the cell control circuit and the fuel cell can be in nominal operation. The heat transfer fluid can then be used to heat the tank to limit the risks of reaching a low temperature limit.

[0027] Therefore, the electrical energy generator according to the invention can allow use in a wide temperature range, with a relatively limited mass impact by pooling the circulator and the temperature regulator in particular.

[0028] In hot weather, the filling rate of the fuel tank(s) can then be increased, compared to a usual system.

[0029] In addition, the temperature control system can prepare the tem- nominal temperature of the fuel cell for its use as soon as the filling of the tank(s) is complete by circulating the heat transfer fluid in the cell regulation circuit at a predetermined temperature.

[0030] The electrical energy generator may further comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

[0031] According to one possibility, the temperature regulator may comprise at least one heater, or at least one cooler or at least one heater and at least one cooler.

[0032] For example, a cooler may include a fluid / air exchanger.

[0033] Depending on the use of the electrical energy generator, the temperature regulator may comprise at least one heater and / or at least one cooler. For example, an aircraft may comprise at least one heater and at least one cooler due to the high thermal amplitudes experienced by this aircraft.

[0034] According to a possibility compatible with the previous ones, the fluid supply circuit may comprise at least one distribution port as well as a hydraulic inlet circuit provided with said filling inlet and a hydraulic distribution circuit opening onto the fuel cell, the distribution port being hydraulically connected to a said at least one reservoir as well as to the hydraulic inlet circuit and to the hydraulic distribution circuit, said reservoir regulation circuit being interfaced between the distribution port and the reservoir.

[0035] The fluid supply circuit may include such a distribution port per reservoir.

[0036] The filling port may for example comprise an inlet path followed by the fuel when filling the associated tank and an outlet path followed by the fuel when the fuel is transferred from the associated tank to the fuel cell. The term "path" designates a system which may comprise one or more means for guiding the movement of a fluid such as pipes, tubes or equivalents, one or more fluidic connectors, etc.

[0037] At least one of the pathways may comprise a pressure regulator, and in particular the outlet pathway. For example, the fuel is stored at a pressure of the order of 700 bars in the tank, the outlet pathway having a pressure regulator so that the fuel pressure drops to a pressure of 3 bars before it enters the fuel cell.

[0038] Regardless of these features, the tank control circuit may be interfaced, i.e. arranged, between the dispensing port and the tank. Thus, the tank control circuit may be useful in both cold and hot weather.

[0039] The temperature control system can also stabilize the operating temperature operation of the filling port, and where appropriate of the regulator to thus allow a high pressure reduction to be obtained precisely, even with a simple single-stage regulator.

[0040] According to a possibility compatible with the previous ones, the reservoir regulation circuit may comprise at least one plate provided with a conduit putting into hydraulic communication an internal space of said at least one reservoir and the fluid supply circuit, said plate comprising a channel attached to the conduit and crossed by the heat transfer fluid.

[0041] Thus, the fuel can circulate from a reservoir to the supply fluid circuit, and vice versa, via the conduit(s). The conduit(s) are furthermore temperature-regulated by the heat transfer fluid circulating in the channel of the plate(s). The same then applies to the fuel circulating in the conduit(s) and / or the reservoir.

[0042] According to a possibility compatible with the previous ones, the channel can be attached to the reservoir.

[0043] This feature can help regulate the temperature of the tank.

[0044] According to a possibility compatible with the previous ones, the channel can communicate hydraulically with a first pipe and a second pipe of the reservoir regulation circuit, the first pipe and the second pipe being in hydraulic communication directly or indirectly with the battery regulation circuit.

[0045] The tank regulation circuit then works well in conjunction with the battery regulation circuit.

[0046] According to a possibility compatible with the previous ones, the fluid supply circuit comprising at least one distribution port, said conduit can open onto said distribution port.

[0047] According to a possibility compatible with the previous ones, said electrical energy generator may comprise at least two reservoirs cooperating respectively with at least two plates, said channels of said plates being hydraulically in communication.

[0048] The plates are then arranged in fluidic series to carry out temperature regulation at each reservoir. The channel of each plate is connected to the battery regulation circuit indirectly at least by another plate.

[0049] Alternatively, a parallel arrangement of the plates is possible.

[0050] According to a possibility compatible with the previous ones, an aircraft can comprise an electrical energy generator according to the invention.

[0051] Optionally, the fuel cell of the aircraft may be electrically connected to at least one electrical machine, said electrical machine being configured to set in motion at least one rotor of said aircraft.

[0052] The invention also relates to a method for regulating the temperature of an electrical energy generator provided with a fuel cell in the presence of an external temperature less than or equal to a low threshold, the electrical energy generator comprising at least one tank configured to contain a fuel, the tank being connected to a fluid supply circuit, said fluid supply circuit opening onto the fuel cell, said fluid supply circuit comprising a filling inlet configured to be connected to an external filling station not belonging to the electrical energy generator, said electrical energy generator comprising a temperature regulation system, the temperature regulation system comprising a cell regulation circuit crossed by a heat transfer fluid,the temperature control system comprising at least one temperature regulator for regulating a temperature of the heat transfer fluid.

[0053] This method comprises circulating the heat transfer fluid in a reservoir regulation circuit cooperating at least with said at least one reservoir or the supply fluid circuit, for example in particular to regulate a temperature of the reservoir.

[0054] The invention also relates to a method for regulating the temperature of an electrical energy generator provided with a fuel cell in the presence of an external temperature greater than or equal to a high threshold, the electrical energy generator comprising at least one tank configured to contain a fuel, the tank being connected to a supply fluid circuit, said supply fluid circuit opening onto the fuel cell to supply said fuel to said fuel, said supply fluid circuit comprising a filling inlet connected to an external filling station not belonging to the electrical energy generator, said electrical energy generator comprising a temperature regulation system, the temperature regulation system comprising a cell regulation circuit crossed by a heat transfer fluid,the temperature control system comprising at least one temperature regulator for regulating a temperature of the heat transfer fluid and at least one circulator for setting the heat transfer fluid in motion.

[0055] This method comprises circulating the heat transfer fluid in a tank regulation circuit cooperating at least with said at least one tank or the supply fluid circuit to regulate a fuel temperature in hot weather during a tank filling phase using said filling station.

[0056] The invention and its advantages will appear in more detail in the context of the description which follows with examples given for illustrative purposes with reference to the figures annexed which represent:

[0057] [Fig.l], a schematic view of an electrical energy generator according to the invention,

[0058] [Fig.2], a schematic view of a tank regulation circuit comprising a plate,

[0059] [Fig.3], a schematic view of a tank regulation circuit cooperating with two tanks using two series-connected boards,

[0060] [Fig.4], a schematic view of a tank regulation circuit cooperating with two tanks using two parallel boards,

[0061] [Fig.5], a schematic view of an electrical energy generator according to the invention in nominal operation in hot weather, and

[0062] [Fig.6], a schematic view of an electrical energy generator according to the invention during a filling phase in cold weather.

[0063] Elements present in several distinct figures are assigned a single reference.

[0064] [Fig.l] shows an electrical energy generator 10 according to the invention.

[0065] According to the example of [Fig.l], the electrical energy generator 10 is arranged within an aircraft 1 to electrically power at least one electrical load. For example, the fuel cell 15 is electrically connected to at least one electrical machine 5 to provide it with electrical energy. For example, the electrical machine 5 may be an electric motor or a machine capable of operating on request in electric motor or electric generator mode. Optionally, the electrical machine 5 may comprise an output shaft setting in motion at least one rotor 6 or a propeller directly or via a mechanical power transmission chain.

[0066] Alternatively, the electrical energy generator 10 may be arranged within any system requiring the supply of electrical energy, such as a vehicle or the like.

[0067] Independently of this aspect, the electrical energy generator 10 is provided with a conventional fuel cell 15. For example, the fuel cell 15 is a cell operating using dihydrogen as fuel and dioxygen or air as oxidant, the fuel cell generating electrical energy and water in operation.

[0068] The fuel cell 15 can thus comprise in particular a first inlet 16 for receiving the fuel, a second inlet 17 for receiving the oxidant, and an outlet 18 for ejecting the product resulting from its operation such as water in the context of the previous example.

[0069] For example, the oxidant may be contained in air circulating in an air conditioning, heating and / or demisting system of the aircraft 1, this system being connected to the second inlet 17 in the usual manner. The fuel cell may also include an outlet connected to this system to inject the untreated oxidant into it.

[0070] To supply fuel to the fuel cell 15, the electrical energy generator 10 is provided with at least one tank 20 configured to contain a fuel 99 at a certain pressure, and for example at a high pressure. The electrical energy generator 10 may comprise one or more tanks 20.

[0071] Regardless of the number of tanks, the reference “20” designates any tank, the references “201” and “202” designating particular tanks if necessary.

[0072] From then on, the tank(s) 20 are hydraulically connected to a fluid supply circuit 22. This fluid supply circuit 22 is connected to the fuel cell 15, in particular to the first inlet 16, so that the tank(s) 20 can supply fuel 99 to the fuel cell 15 in operation.

[0073] In addition, the fluid supply circuit 22 comprises a filling inlet 23 to allow the filling of the tank(s) 20 with fuel 99. For example, such a filling inlet 23 comprises a filling valve 230. The filling inlet 23 is configured to be connected to an external filling station 24 not belonging to the electrical energy generator 10.

[0074] For example, the supply fluid circuit 22 comprises a distribution port 25 per reservoir 20. Regardless of the number of distribution ports, the reference “25” designates any distribution port, the references “251” and “252” designating particular distribution ports if necessary.

[0075] Such a distribution port 25 is then in hydraulic communication with the internal space 21 of a tank 20 as well as with the first inlet 16 of the fuel cell 15 and the filling inlet 23. Thus, the distribution port 25 may comprise a circulation pipe 26 in hydraulic communication with a hydraulic inlet circuit 28 provided with the filling inlet 23. In addition, the distribution port 25 may comprise a distribution link 27 connected to a hydraulic distribution circuit 29 opening onto the fuel cell 15, and in particular connected to the first inlet 16. Optionally, the hydraulic distribution circuit 29 may comprise a distribution valve 291, possibly controlled by a controller 90.

[0076] The controller 90 may comprise one or more processing units. Each processing unit may comprise, for example, at least one processor and at least one memory, at least one integrated circuit, at least one programmable system, at least one logic circuit, these examples not limiting the scope given to the expression “processing unit”. The term processor may designate both a central processing unit known by the acronym CPU, a graphics processing unit GPU, a digital unit known by the acronym DSP, a microcontroller...

[0077] According to one embodiment, one or more tanks 20 are made from composite materials. In a complementary or alternative manner, one or more tanks 20 are made to contain the fuel 99 in an internal space 21 at a high pressure, for example of the order of 700 bars. If necessary, the distribution port 25 may comprise a pressure reducer, illustrated by a black square in FIGS. 2 to 4, so that the fuel 99 drops to a lower pressure in the hydraulic distribution circuit 29, for example of the order of 3 bars.

[0078] Regardless of the manner of producing the fuel cell 15 and the tank(s) 20, the electrical energy generator 10 comprises a temperature regulation system 35.

[0079] This temperature regulation system 35 is provided with a heat transfer fluid 36 as well as at least one temperature regulator 38 configured to regulate a temperature of the heat transfer fluid 36 and at least one circulator 37 to set the heat transfer fluid 36 in motion in the temperature regulator 38 and in a plurality of hydraulic circuits.

[0080] A temperature regulator 38 may be provided with at least one heater 42. For example, an upstream heating pipe 421 conveys the heat transfer fluid 36 into the heater 42 which discharges the heat transfer fluid 36 into a downstream heating pipe 422.

[0081] The term “piping” means any device which may comprise one or more pipes or an equivalent.

[0082] The controller 90 can control the heater 42 in the usual manner as a function of at least one setpoint and a temperature sensor (not shown). Optionally, the upstream heating pipe 421 is provided with a control valve controlled by the controller 90, to authorize or prohibit the circulation of the heat transfer fluid 36 in the heater 42 as required.

[0083] In a complementary or alternative manner, the temperature regulator 38 may be provided with at least one cooler 39. For example, an upstream cooling pipe 391 conveys the heat transfer fluid 36 into the cooler 39 which discharges the heat transfer fluid 36 into a downstream cooling pipe 392.

[0084] The controller 90 can control the cooler 39 in the usual manner according to at least one setpoint and a temperature sensor (not shown). Optionally, the upstream cooling pipe 391 is provided with a reservoir control valve controlled by the controller 90, to authorize or prohibit the circulation of the heat transfer fluid 36 in the cooler 39 according to the need.

[0085] According to the example illustrated, the cooler 39 may comprise a radiator-type exchanger 41 hydraulically connected to the upstream cooling pipe 391 and to the downstream cooling piping 392. Optionally, the cooler 39 may comprise a fan 340 for ventilating the radiator 41. The fan 340 may be set in motion electrically, or mechanically using the circulation of air circulating in an air conditioning, heating and / or demisting system of the aircraft 1.

[0086] According to the illustrated example, the temperature control system 35 comprises a cooler 39 and a heater 42 hydraulically arranged in series one behind the other. Therefore, the downstream cooling pipe 392 supplies the upstream heating pipe 421 with heat transfer fluid 36, the downstream heating pipe 422 supplying the upstream cooling pipe 391 with heat transfer fluid. According to another example, the cooler 39 and the heater 42 can be hydraulically arranged in parallel.

[0087] According to another aspect, the circulator 37 may comprise one or more pumps. According to the example of [Fig.l], a pump is arranged on the downstream cooling pipe 392. Such a pump may, however, be arranged on any other pipe.

[0088] Independently of the preceding possibilities, the temperature regulation system 35 comprises a cell regulation circuit 45 crossed by the heat transfer fluid 36. The function of the cell regulation circuit 45 is to circulate the heat transfer fluid 36 in, against or near the fuel cell 15 in order to regulate the temperature of this fuel cell 15.

[0089] For example, the cell regulation circuit 45 successively comprises an upstream cell regulation pipe 451 supplying a regulation pipe 452 running in, against or next to the fuel cell 15, then a downstream cell regulation pipe 453. Optionally, the upstream cell regulation pipe 451 comprises a cell regulation valve 454 controlled by the controller 90.

[0090] According to the example illustrated, the downstream cooling pipe 392 supplies heat transfer fluid 36 to the upstream stack control pipe 451, the downstream stack control pipe 453 opening onto the upstream cooling pipe 391.

[0091] Furthermore, the temperature regulation system 35 comprises a reservoir regulation circuit 50 through which the heat transfer fluid 36 passes. This reservoir regulation circuit 50 cooperates with the reservoir(s) 20 and / or the supply fluid circuit 22.

[0092] The heat transfer fluid 36 can thus regulate the temperature of the fuel 99 and / or the tank 20.

[0093] The reservoir regulation circuit 50 may be arranged at the interface between the reservoir(s) 20 and the supply fluid circuit 22.

[0094] For example, the tank control circuit 50 is interfaced between the port(s) distribution 25 and the reservoir(s) 20.

[0095] With reference to [Fig.2], the tank regulation circuit 50 comprises at least one plate 51, or even one plate 51 per tank 20. Whatever the number of tanks 20, the reference “51” designates any plate, the references “511” and “512” designating particular plates if necessary.

[0096] Such a plate 51 is provided with a conduit 52 placing the internal space 21 of a reservoir 20 and the fluid supply circuit 22 in hydraulic communication, in particular the distribution port 25 which is shown schematically. The conduit 52 may extend into and / or outside the reservoir 20.

[0097] In addition, the plate 51 comprises a channel 53 attached to the conduit 52 and crossed by the heat transfer fluid 36. The channel 53 can partially or totally surround the conduit 52. This channel 53 can extend outside the tank 20, and possibly also be attached to the tank 20.

[0098] Furthermore, the channel 53 is in hydraulic connection with a first pipe 54 and a second pipe 55 of the reservoir regulation circuit 50 which are in hydraulic communication directly or indirectly with the cell regulation circuit 45. For example, the downstream cooling pipe 392 or the upstream cell regulation pipe 451 supplies the first pipe 54 with heat transfer fluid 36, the second pipe 55 opening onto the upstream cooling pipe 391 or the downstream cell regulation pipe 453.

[0099] According to the examples of figures 3 and 4, the electrical energy generator 10 may comprise at least two reservoirs 201, 202 cooperating respectively with at least two plates 511, 512.

[0100] According to [Fig. 3], the plates 511, 512 are hydraulically arranged in series. Thus, an inlet pipe 56 forms the first pipe 54 of a first plate 511 and supplies this first plate 511 with heat transfer fluid 36. An intermediate pipe 57 extends between the first plate 511 and the second plate 512. This intermediate pipe 57 represents the second pipe 55 of the first plate 511 and the first pipe 54 of the second plate 512. Finally, an outlet pipe 58 forms the second pipe 55 of the second plate 512.

[0101] According to [Fig.4], the plates 511,512 are hydraulically arranged in parallel.

[0102] [Fig. 5] illustrates the operation of an electrical energy generator 10 according to the invention in hot weather during a filling phase. Only one tank 20 is shown but the following explanations are valid regardless of the number of tanks 20.

[0103] If applicable, the cell control valve 454 and the distribution valve 291 are closed, the fuel cell 15 being stopped.

[0104] From then on, the circulator 37 is put into operation to circulate the ca- carrier 36 within the tank regulation circuit 50 and the temperature regulator 38. The filling station 24 is then connected to the filling inlet 23 to inject the fuel 99 there. The heat transfer fluid 36 can make it possible to optimize the filling by tending to cool the fuel 99 as close as possible to the tank(s) 20.

[0105] [Fig.6] illustrates the operation of an electrical energy generator 10 according to the invention in cold weather with a fuel cell 15 in operation. Only one tank 20 is shown but the following explanations are valid regardless of the number of tanks 20.

[0106] If necessary, the cell control valve 454 is opened to regulate the temperature of the fuel cell 15. If necessary, the distribution valve 291 is opened so that the tank(s) 20 supply fuel 99 to the fuel cell 15.

[0107] From then on, the circulator 37 is in operation to circulate the heat transfer fluid 36 within the temperature regulation system 35. The heat transfer fluid 36 flows into the cell regulation circuit 45 and the temperature regulator 38 to regulate the temperature of the fuel cell 15. In addition, the heat transfer fluid 36 can flow into the tank regulation circuit 50 to regulate the temperature, in particular in cold weather, of the tank 20 and / or of the fuel 99.

[0108] Naturally, the present invention is subject to numerous variations as to its implementation. Although several embodiments have been described, it is understood that it is not conceivable to exhaustively identify all possible modes. It is of course conceivable to replace a means described by an equivalent means without departing from the scope of the present invention and the claims.

Claims

Claims

1. An electrical energy generator (10) provided with a fuel cell (15), the electrical energy generator (10) comprising at least one reservoir (20) configured to contain a fuel (99), the reservoir (20) being connected to a supply fluid circuit (22), said supply fluid circuit (22) opening onto the fuel cell (15), said supply fluid circuit (22) comprising a filling inlet (23) configured to be connected to an external filling station (24) not belonging to the electrical energy generator (10), said electrical energy generator (10) comprising a temperature control system (35), the temperature control system (35) comprising a cell control circuit (45) traversed by a heat transfer fluid (36) and configured to regulate the temperature of the fuel cell (15),the temperature control system (35) comprising at least one temperature regulator (38) configured to regulate a temperature of the heat transfer fluid (36) and at least one circulator (37) for setting the heat transfer fluid (36) in motion, characterized in that said temperature control system (35) comprises a reservoir control circuit (50) through which the heat transfer fluid (36) passes, the reservoir control circuit (50) cooperating at least with said at least one reservoir (20) or the supply fluid circuit (22), said reservoir control circuit (50) comprising at least one plate (51) provided with a conduit (52) placing in hydraulic communication an internal space (21) of said at least one reservoir (20) and the supply fluid circuit (22), the plate (51) comprising a channel (53) attached to the conduit (52) and through which the heat transfer fluid (36) passes.,

2. An electrical energy generator according to claim 1, characterized in that the temperature regulator (38) comprises at least one heater (42), or at least one cooler (39) or at least one heater (42) and at least one cooler (39).

3. Electrical energy generator according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the fluid supply circuit (22) comprises at least one distribution port (25) as well as a hydraulic inlet circuit (28) provided with said filling inlet (23) and a hy- hydraulic distribution circuit (29) opening onto the fuel cell (15), the distribution port (25) being hydraulically connected to at least one said reservoir (20) as well as to the inlet hydraulic circuit (28) and to the distribution hydraulic circuit (29), said reservoir regulation circuit (50) being interfaced between the distribution port (25) and the reservoir (20).

4. Electrical energy generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the channel (53) is attached to the reservoir (20).

5. An electrical energy generator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the channel (53) communicates hydraulically with a first pipe (54) and a second pipe (55) of the reservoir regulation circuit (50), the first pipe (54) and the second pipe (55) being in hydraulic communication directly or indirectly with the battery regulation circuit (45).

6. Electrical energy generator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the fluid supply circuit (22) comprising at least one distribution port (25), said conduit (52) opens onto said distribution port (25).

7. Electrical energy generator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said electrical energy generator (10) comprises at least two reservoirs (201, 202) cooperating respectively with at least two said plates (511, 512), said channels (531, 532) of said plates (511, 512) being hydraulically in communication.

8. Aircraft (1), characterized in that said aircraft (1) comprises an electrical energy generator (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. Aircraft according to claim 8, characterized in that said fuel cell (15) is electrically connected to at least one electrical machine (5), said electrical machine (5) being configured to set in motion at least one rotor (6) of said aircraft (1).

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