AIR SUPPLY MODULE FOR AN AIRCRAFT FUEL CELL SYSTEM

Abstract

AIR SUPPLY MODULE FOR AN AIRCRAFT FUEL CELL SYSTEM The invention relates to an air supply module comprising a housing with an inlet and an outlet through which an airflow passes. According to the invention, the module includes, housed within the casing, a first filter and a first heat exchanger which are in direct fluidic communication with each other. The implementation of such an air supply module eliminates the need for connecting pipes between the module's components. This reduces the module's volume (and therefore its size) and weight, thus facilitating its integration into an electrical power generation system incorporating a fuel cell. This is also advantageous when the module is to be installed on board an aircraft. Fig. 2

Description

Title of the invention: AIR SUPPLY MODULE FOR AN AIRCRAFT FUEL CELL SYSTEM technical field

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

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

[0003] Therefore, to ensure a long service life for the entire system, several components are required in the air supply system (for example, filters, an intercooler, a heat exchanger, etc.). These components are generally assembled together by pipes and connections.

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

[0005] There is therefore a need to provide an air supply system that is less bulky and lighter, and whose maintenance operations are facilitated. Description of the invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an air supply module for an electrical power generation system comprising a fuel cell which is lightweight and compact and which is easy to integrate into an electrical power generation system.

[0007] To this end, an air supply module is proposed for an electrical power production system comprising a fuel cell, said module comprising a housing which has an inlet orifice and an outlet orifice and in which an airflow flows between said inlet orifice and said outlet orifice in a flow direction.

[0008] According to the invention, the module comprises, housed within the casing between said inlet and said outlet, a first filter having a first inlet and a first outlet for said airflow, and a first heat exchanger having a second inlet and a second outlet for said airflow, said first heat exchanger being disposed downstream of the first filter with respect to the flow direction. More specifically, said first outlet of said first filter and said second inlet of said first heat exchanger are in direct fluidic communication with each other.

[0009] Implementing such an air supply module reduces the volume (and therefore the size) of the fuel cell's air supply and distribution circuit, thereby facilitating the module's integration into an electrical power generation system. Indeed, eliminating the need for connecting pipes between the first filter and the first heat exchanger, in particular, results in a significant volume reduction. Furthermore, such a module also offers a substantial weight reduction, which is particularly advantageous when the module is to be installed in an aircraft.

[0010] Advantageously, said module further comprises, housed in the casing, between said inlet port and said outlet port:

[0011] - a second heat exchanger comprising a third inlet and a third outlet of said airflow, said second heat exchanger being disposed downstream of the first heat exchanger, and

[0012] - a second filter comprising a fourth input and a fourth output said airflow, said second filter being arranged downstream of the second heat exchanger.

[0013] In particular, said second outlet of said first heat exchanger and said third inlet of said second heat exchanger are in direct fluidic communication with each other. Said third outlet of said second heat exchanger and said fourth inlet of said second filter are in direct fluidic communication with each other.

[0014] According to a particular aspect, said module further comprises, housed in the casing between said inlet and said outlet, a humidifier having a fifth inlet and a fifth outlet of said airflow, said humidifier being disposed downstream of the second filter. In particular, said fifth inlet of said humidifier and said fourth outlet of said second filter are in direct fluidic communication with each other. Said fifth outlet of said humidifier and said outlet of said module are in direct fluidic communication with each other.

[0015] According to a particular embodiment, said housing comprises internal walls that form a flow channel for said airflow between said inlet orifice and said outlet orifice. Said internal walls establish direct fluid communication between the first outlet of the first filter and the second inlet of the first heat exchanger, and / or the second outlet of the first heat exchanger and the third inlet of the second heat exchanger, and / or the third outlet of the second heat exchanger and the fourth inlet of the second filter, and / or the fourth outlet of the second filter and the fifth inlet of the humidifier.

[0016] According to a particular aspect of the invention, the module comprises a bypass circuit having a sixth inlet and a sixth outlet of a bypass flow, said bypass circuit being disposed between said inlet orifice and an additional outlet orifice of said housing. Said inlet orifice and said sixth inlet are in direct fluidic communication with each other, and said sixth outlet and said additional outlet orifice of the housing are in direct fluidic communication with each other.

[0017] According to another particular aspect, the module includes a recirculation circuit having a seventh inlet and a seventh outlet of a recirculation flow, said recirculation circuit being disposed between an additional air inlet orifice of said housing intended to be connected to a recirculation air source and a first inlet additional of said first heat exchanger. Said seventh inlet and said additional inlet orifice are in direct fluidic communication with each other and said seventh outlet and said first additional inlet of said first heat exchanger are in direct fluidic communication with each other.

[0018] According to yet another particular aspect, said recirculation circuit further comprises a water separator having an eighth inlet and an eighth outlet of said recirculation flow, said water separator being disposed between said first heat exchanger and said humidifier. Said additional inlet orifice and a second additional inlet of the humidifier are in direct fluidic communication with each other, and a second additional outlet of said humidifier and said eighth inlet of said water separator are in direct fluidic communication with each other, such that said recirculation flow circulates from said additional inlet orifice of said water separator through said humidifier. Said eighth outlet of said water separator and said first additional inlet of said first heat exchanger are in direct fluidic communication with each other.

[0019] According to another particular aspect, said recirculation circuit further comprises a bypass channel disposed between said additional inlet orifice of said housing and said eighth inlet of said water separator, said eighth inlet of said water separator and said additional inlet orifice being in direct fluidic communication with each other via said bypass channel so that said recirculation flow circulates from said additional inlet orifice to said water separator by bypassing said humidifier.

[0020] According to a first embodiment, said bypass circuit and / or said recirculation circuit is mounted outside said module.

[0021] According to a second embodiment, said bypass circuit and / or said recirculation circuit is formed by internal walls of said module.

[0022] According to a particular aspect of the invention, said first filter and / or said second filter is in the form of a removable cartridge of said housing.

[0023] According to another particular aspect, said first filter combines an ozone particle filter and a volatile organic compound converter, said first heat exchanger is of the air / air type, said second heat exchanger is of the liquid / air type and said second filter is a chemical adsorbent filter.

[0024] The invention also relates to an electrical power generation system comprising at least one fuel cell and at least one air supply module as described above and an electric propulsion system powered by electricity from at least one such electrical power generation system.

[0025] The invention also relates to an aircraft comprising at least one propulsion system as described above. Brief description of the drawings

[0026] The features of the invention mentioned above, as well as others, will become clearer upon reading the following description of an exemplary embodiment and its variants, said description being made in relation to the accompanying drawings, among which:

[0027] [Fig-1] is a top view of an aircraft according to the invention;

[0028] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of an example of an air supply module according to the invention;

[0029] [Fig.3] is another perspective view of the module of [Fig.2];

[0030] [Fig.4a] is a schematic view of an air supply module according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0031] [Fig.4b] illustrates the flows within the module of [Fig.4a].

[0032] [Fig.5a] is a schematic and cross-sectional view of an air supply module according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0033] [Fig.5b] illustrates the flows within the module of [Fig.5a];

[0034] [Fig. 6a] is a schematic and cross-sectional view of an air supply module according to a variant of the second embodiment of the invention; and

[0035] [Fig.6b] illustrates the flows within the module of [Fig.6a].

[0036] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN IMPLEMENTATION EXAMPLE

[0037] Fig. 1 shows an aircraft 1 which has a fuselage 11 on either side of which a wing 12 is fixed. Under each wing 12 is fixed at least one propulsion system 13.

[0038] By convention, X is called the longitudinal direction of aircraft 1, Y the transverse direction of aircraft 1 which is horizontal when aircraft 1 is on the ground, and Z the vertical direction or vertical height when aircraft 1 is on the ground, these three directions X, Y and Z being orthogonal to each other.

[0039] On the other hand, the terms "forward" and "rear" are to be considered in relation to a direction of advance of the aircraft 1 during the operation of the propulsion systems 13, this direction being schematically represented by arrow A.

[0040] In the embodiment of the invention presented here, the propulsion system 13 can take the form of an electric motor comprising a propeller 131 mounted on the motor shaft of the electric motor, which is powered by electricity from a fuel cell. The fuel cell is supplied with oxygen and dihydrogen to produce electricity.

[0041] Aircraft 1 further comprises at least one electrical power generation system 100 intended to supply the propulsion systems 13 of aircraft 1. In [Fig. 1], the system 100 is located in the wings 12, but it is easily understood that System 2 could also be located in the engine nacelle, or in another part of the aircraft, such as the fuselage 11.

[0042] The electrical power generation system 100 comprises a fuel cell using dihydrogen as fuel. Typically, the electrical power generation system 100 therefore includes a supply and distribution circuit for dihydrogen (preferably in gaseous form) to the fuel cell and a supply and distribution circuit for air (preferably dioxygen) to the fuel cell. The dihydrogen and air enable the fuel cell to generate electrical energy through the redox chemical reaction that takes place between the anode and the cathode of the fuel cell.

[0043] According to the invention, and as illustrated in Figs. 2 to 6b, the air supply and distribution circuit comprises an air supply module 2 which includes a housing 20 having an inlet port 201 and an outlet port 203. An airflow (represented by arrow F in the Figs) flows between the inlet port 201 and the outlet port 203 in a flow direction E, which extends globally along the longitudinal axis of the housing 20.

[0044] Preferably, the inlet port 201 is in fluidic communication with an ambient air source. Even more preferably, the ambient air arriving at the inlet port 201 of module 2 is pressurized by a compressor (not shown) which draws ambient air from the propulsion system nacelle. Optionally, a filter (not shown) can be implemented upstream of the compressor to filter out larger particles.

[0045] The outlet port 203 is in fluidic communication with the fuel cell in order to supply the latter with dioxygen to obtain the redox reaction and thus create electrical energy.

[0046] Module 2 further comprises, housed in the casing 20, between the inlet port 201 and the outlet port 203:

[0047] - a first filter 21 comprising a first inlet 211 through which the airflow F enters the first filter 21 and a first outlet 212 through which the airflow F exits the first filter 21; and

[0048] - a first heat exchanger 22 comprising a second inlet 221 by through which the airflow F enters the first heat exchanger 22 and a second outlet 222 through which the airflow F exits the first heat exchanger 22. The first heat exchanger 22 is arranged downstream of the first filter 21 with respect to the flow direction E, i.e. here between the first filter 21 and the outlet orifice 203.

[0049] The first outlet 212 of the first filter 21 and the second inlet 221 of the first heat exchanger 22 are in direct fluidic communication with each other.

[0050] When the housing 20 does not include any airflow treatment element F other than the first filter 21 and the first heat exchanger 22, the second outlet 222 of the first heat exchanger 22 and the outlet port 203 are in direct fluidic communication with each other. When other airflow treatment elements F are implemented in the module 2 (as described later), the second outlet of the first heat exchanger 22 and the outlet port 203 are in indirect fluidic communication with each other. In this case, it is the outlet of the most downstream airflow treatment element F (i.e., the treatment element located last upstream of the outlet port 203 with respect to the direction of airflow F) that is in direct fluidic communication with the outlet port 203 of the housing 20.

[0051] In this description, when it is specified that an output and an input (or more generally that two elements) are in direct fluidic communication with each other, this means that the output and the input are directly connected to each other, that is to say without a connecting pipe connected between them.

[0052] More specifically, according to the first embodiment illustrated in Figs. 4a and 4b, the first filter 21 is thus attached to the first heat exchanger 22, and the first outlet 212 of the first filter 21 therefore leads directly into the second inlet 221 of the first heat exchanger 22, without any intermediate connecting element. In a variant, a connector, for example of the male / female type, is integrated between the first outlet 212 and the second inlet 221.

[0053] According to a second embodiment, illustrated in Figs. 5a to 6b, the first filter 21 and the first heat exchanger 22 are directly connected to each other via internal walls 205 of the housing 20 (as described in more detail later). Thus, it is also possible to eliminate the need for connecting pipes to link the first filter 21 and the first heat exchanger 22.

[0054] In all cases, module 2 according to the invention makes it possible to do without the use of connecting pipes between the first filter 21 and the first heat exchanger 22.

[0055] In this way, and due to the absence of a connecting pipe between the airflow treatment elements 21 and 22, module 2 according to the invention makes it possible to reduce the volume (and therefore the size) of the fuel cell's air supply and distribution circuit. The integration of module 2 into an electrical power generation system 100 is thus facilitated.

[0056] Furthermore, it is possible to assemble all the airflow treatment elements implemented within module 2 before installing the latter in the electrical power generation system 100. Thus, and due to the small size of module 2, its assembly to the electrical power generation system 100 is further facilitated, especially when the electrical power generation system 100 is implemented in an aircraft since the workspace for operators is generally limited within the wing 12 or the fuselage 11 of the aircraft 1.

[0057] Finally, such a module 2 also allows a significant weight saving, which is relatively advantageous when the module 2 has to be carried in an aircraft 1.

[0058] When the first heat exchanger 21 is of the air / air type, the first heat exchanger 21 therefore ensures the cooling or heating of the airflow F with heat-retaining air (which can therefore be colder / hotter than the airflow F that passes longitudinally through the first heat exchanger 22). This heat-retaining air passes generally transversely through the first heat exchanger 22, that is to say, in a direction generally perpendicular to the direction E of the airflow F. To achieve this, the first heat exchanger 22 has a first additional inlet 223 through which the heat-retaining air enters the first heat exchanger 22 and a first additional outlet 224 through which the heat-retaining air exits the first heat exchanger 22. As described in more detail later, the heat-retaining air entering the first heat exchanger 22 can come from a recirculation flow Fr.

[0059] The first additional outlet 224 through which the heated air exits the first heat exchanger 22 thus forms a discharge outlet for the heated air after the heat exchange with the airflow F has been carried out within the first heat exchanger 22. The first additional outlet 224 of the first heat exchanger 22 is in direct fluidic communication with an additional outlet port 208 of the housing 20, which allows the air to be discharged from the housing 20. Preferably, the airflow Fs from the first additional outlet 224 of the first heat exchanger 22 is discharged through the additional outlet port 208 and can be transported to a turbine of the aircraft propulsion system 13, for example. In this way, the consumption and use of air within the module 2 are optimized.

[0060] Preferably, and as illustrated in Figs. 2 to 6b, module 2 further comprises, housed in the casing 20 between the inlet port 201 and the outlet port 203:

[0061] - a second heat exchanger 23 comprising a third inlet 231 by through which the airflow F enters the second heat exchanger 23 and a third outlet 232 through which the airflow F exits the second heat exchanger 23, the second heat exchanger 23 being arranged downstream of the first heat exchanger 22 with respect to the flow direction E; and

[0062] - a second filter 24 having a fourth inlet 241 through which the airflow F enters the second filter 24 and a fourth outlet 242 through which the airflow F exits the second filter 24, the second filter 24 being disposed downstream of the second heat exchanger 23 with respect to the flow direction E.

[0063] More specifically, the second outlet 222 of the first heat exchanger 22 and the third inlet 231 of the second heat exchanger 23 are in direct fluidic communication with each other. Similarly, the third outlet 232 of the second heat exchanger 23 and the fourth inlet 241 of the second filter 24 are in direct fluidic communication with each other.

[0064] Thus, the air flow treatment elements 21 to 24 F are arranged in series, one after the other, without connecting pipes between them to connect them, so as to further promote the reduction of the size of the air supply and distribution circuit.

[0065] Direct fluidic communication between the processing elements 21 to 24 can be obtained by a direct connection according to the first embodiment described in relation to Figs. 4a and 4b or by means of the internal walls 205 of the housing 20 according to the second embodiment described in relation to Figs. 5a to 6b.

[0066] Preferably, and as illustrated in Figs. 4a to 6b, the module 2 further comprises, housed in the casing 20 between the inlet port 201 and the outlet port 203, a humidifier 25a which has a fifth inlet 251 through which the airflow F enters the humidifier 25a and a fifth outlet 252 through which the airflow F exits the humidifier 25a. The humidifier 25a is arranged downstream of the second filter 24 with respect to the flow direction E, i.e. between the second filter 24 and the outlet port 203.

[0067] The fifth inlet 251 of the humidifier 25a and the fourth outlet 242 of the second filter 24 are in direct fluidic communication with each other. Similarly, the fifth outlet 252 of the humidifier 25a and the outlet 203 of module 2 are in direct fluidic communication with each other. The humidifier 25 provides the appropriate humidity to the airflow F before the airflow F enters the fuel cell.

[0068] Thus, all the airflow treatment elements 21 to 25a are arranged in series, one after the other, without connecting pipes between them, so as to further reduce the size of the air supply and distribution circuit. Direct fluid communication between the treatment elements 21 to 25a can be achieved by a direct connection according to the first embodiment of Figs. 4a and 4b or by means of the internal walls 205 of the housing 20 according to the second embodiment of Figs. 5a to 6b.

[0069] Preferably, and as illustrated in Figs. 4a to 6b, the airflow treatment elements F, namely the first filter 21, the first heat exchanger 22, the second heat exchanger 23, the second filter 24, and the humidifier 25a, are arranged one after the other, generally parallel to each other along a longitudinal axis of the module 2 extending generally parallel to the airflow F. Thus, the airflow F can successively pass through the treatment elements 21 to 25a without its direction being significantly altered transversely. This reduces the overall size of the module 2 and also decreases the drag of the airflow F throughout the module 2, thereby optimizing its operation.

[0070] Figs. 5a to 6b illustrate the second embodiment. As previously described, the housing 20 of module 2 has internal walls 205 that form a flow channel 207 for the airflow F between the inlet port 201 and the outlet port 203. More specifically, the internal walls 205 fluidly connect at least some of the treatment elements 21 to 25a of the airflow F. In this example, all the treatment elements 21 to 25a are fluidly connected by internal walls 205. In other words, all the elements are in direct fluidic communication with each other through the internal walls 205 of the housing 20. Similarly, the inlet port 201 and the outlet port 203 are here fluidly connected respectively to the first filter 21 and the humidifier 25a.

[0071] The internal walls 205 can therefore allow, as a choice, for direct fluid communication to be made between the first outlet 212 of the first filter 21 and the second inlet 221 of the first heat exchanger 22, and / or the second outlet 222 of the first heat exchanger 22 and the third inlet 231 of the second heat exchanger 23, and / or the third outlet 233 of the second heat exchanger 23 and the fourth inlet 241 of the second filter 24, and / or the fourth outlet 242 of the second filter 24 and the fifth inlet 251 of the humidifier 25a.

[0072] In this way, the air flow F processing elements 21 to 25a can be put into fluidic communication without requiring the implementation of connecting pipes which would weigh down module 2 and increase its size.

[0073] In the examples illustrated in Figs. 4a to 6b, all the treatment elements 21 to 25a are arranged in the housing 20 and are in direct fluidic communication with each other. In an alternative, it would be possible for some of the treatment elements to be arranged outside the housing 20. For example, the humidifier 25a could be arranged at the outlet of the housing 20, and preferably, in direct fluidic communication with the outlet port 203.

[0074] Preferably, the module 2 comprises a bypass circuit 26 which includes a sixth inlet 261 through which the bypass flow Fd enters the bypass circuit 26 and a sixth outlet 262 through which the bypass flow Fd exits the bypass circuit 26. The bypass circuit 26 is preferably disposed between the inlet port 201 and an additional outlet port 208 of the housing 20. More specifically, the inlet port 203 of the housing 20 and the sixth inlet 261 of the bypass circuit 26 are in direct fluidic communication with each other, and the sixth outlet 262 of the bypass circuit is in direct fluidic communication with the additional outlet port 208 of the housing 20.

[0075] In this way, part of the airflow entering the housing 20 can be directed directly to the additional outlet 208 of the housing 20 in order to adjust the flow rate and / or the quantity of air entering the processing elements 21 to 25a of the airflow F.

[0076] As illustrated in Figs. 4a to 6b, the bypass circuit 26 further includes a valve 263 disposed between the sixth inlet 261 and the sixth outlet 262. This valve allows the bypass circuit 26 to be selectively opened and closed.

[0077] The bypass circuit 26 thus allows a portion of the airflow (becoming the bypass flow Fd) to be selectively directed from the inlet port 201 of the housing 20 to the additional outlet port 208 of the housing 20 and, when connected thereto, to supply air to the turbine of the aircraft propulsion system 13.

[0078] Preferably, the module 2 comprises a recirculation circuit 27 which includes a seventh inlet 271 through which a recirculation flow Fr enters the recirculation circuit 27 and a seventh outlet 272 through which the recirculation flow Fr exits the recirculation circuit 27. The recirculation circuit 27 is disposed between an additional inlet port 206 of the housing 20 intended to be connected to a recirculation air source and the first additional inlet 223 of the first heat exchanger 22. More specifically, the seventh inlet 271 of the recirculation circuit 27 and the additional inlet port 206 of the housing 20 are in direct fluidic communication with each other. Similarly, the seventh outlet 272 of the recirculation circuit 27 and the first additional inlet 223 of the first heat exchanger 22 are in direct fluidic communication with each other.

[0079] The additional air inlet port 206 is in fluidic communication with a recirculating air source which, in this example, is air from the fuel cell. This recirculating air is obtained here after the redox reaction of the fuel cell.

[0080] Thus, the recirculation circuit 27 allows warm air to enter at the first additional inlet 223 of the first heat exchanger 22. In particular, here, the warm air allows heat exchange with the airflow F The heat from the first heat exchanger 22 comes from the fuel cell. In this way, the consumption and use of air within module 2 and the fuel cell are optimized.

[0081] The recirculation circuit 27 therefore allows the first heat exchanger 22 to be supplied with calorific air.

[0082] However, it could be envisaged that the calorific air used by the first heat exchanger 22 comes from another source of air supply which would be in fluidic communication with the additional inlet port 206.

[0083] Preferably, the recirculation circuit 27 further comprises a water separator 25b having an eighth inlet 253 and an eighth outlet 254 of the recirculation flow Fr, the water separator 25b being disposed between the first heat exchanger 22 and the humidifier 25a.

[0084] Thus, the recirculation circuit 27 may include a water separator 25b which allows the water to be removed from the recirculation flow Fr coming here from the fuel cell before this recirculation flow is used as heat air in the first heat exchanger 22. Thus, the water recovery unit 25b allows the moisture from the recirculation flow Fr to be recovered in order to protect the heat exchanger 22 through which the recirculation flow Fr passes and the turbine of the aircraft propulsion system 13 from moisture, when the additional outlet port 208 is connected to it.

[0085] More specifically, the additional inlet port 206 of the housing 20 and a second additional inlet 255 of the humidifier 25a are in direct fluidic communication with each other, and a second additional outlet 256 of the humidifier 25a and the eighth inlet 253 of the water separator 25b are in direct fluidic communication with each other. In this way, the recirculation flow Fr circulates from the additional inlet port 206 to the water separator 25b via the humidifier 25a. Thus, the moisture in the recirculation flow Fr from the fuel cell is used, in part, to supply water to the humidifier 25b so as to humidify the airflow F destined to exit the module 2 and then enter the fuel cell.

[0086] In addition, the eighth outlet 254 of the water separator 25b and the first additional inlet 223 of the first heat exchanger 22 are in direct fluidic communication with each other to supply the latter with calorific air.

[0087] Preferably, the recirculation circuit 27 further comprises a bypass channel 274 disposed between the additional inlet port 206 of the housing 20 and the eighth inlet 253 of the water separator 25a, the eighth inlet 253 of the water separator 25b and the additional inlet port 206 being in direct fluidic communication with each other via the bypass channel 274. In this way, the recirculation flow Fr can flow directly from the additional inlet port 206 to the water separator 25b, bypassing the humidifier 25a. Thus, only the portion of the recirculation flow Fr necessary to supply water to the humidifier 25a passes through the humidifier 25a. The other portion of the recirculation flow Fr therefore passes directly through the bypass channel 274.

[0088] The recirculation circuit 27 may also include a bypass valve 273, located at the bypass channel 274, which consequently allows air from the fuel cell to pass through the humidifier 25a or not.

[0089] According to the first embodiment illustrated in Figs. 4a and 4b, the bypass circuit 26 and / or the recirculation circuit 27 is mounted outside the housing 20. In this example, both the bypass circuit 26 and the recirculation circuit 27 are mounted outside the housing 20. This makes it possible to provide a housing 20 with a simple structure in which the processing elements 21 to 25 are housed.

[0090] According to the second embodiment illustrated in Figs. 5a to 6b, the bypass circuit 26 and / or the recirculation circuit 27 is formed by internal walls 205 of the housing 20. In this example, both the bypass circuit 26 and the recirculation circuit 27 are integrated into the housing 20. In other words, the internal walls 205 of the housing 20 define the bypass circuits 26 and the recirculation circuit 27. Such an implementation thus makes it possible to limit the size and weight of the air supply module 2.

[0091] Preferably, the first filter 21 and / or the second filter 24 are in the form of a cartridge removable from the housing 20. This facilitates the maintenance of the filters, which are considered "consumable" components. Indeed, unlike the prior art where it is necessary to disassemble each filter, which is connected by means of connecting pipes to the other airflow treatment elements F, the invention provides for quick and easy removal and installation of the filters, thus simplifying maintenance operations. This implementation is made possible by the housing 20, which integrates the filters 21 and 24.

[0092] According to the illustrated examples, the first filter 21 combines a first mechanical filtration stage and, optionally, downstream of the first filtration stage, a second ozone filtration stage (also called an ozone converter). Placing the second filtration stage downstream of the first filtration stage protects the ozone filtration from particles retained by the mechanical filtration. The second filtration stage could be omitted if the fuel cell were to accept air containing ozone.

[0093] In addition, the first heat exchanger 22 is of the air / air type, the second heat exchanger 23 is of the liquid / air type and the second filter 24 is an adsorbent chemical filter.

[0094] Such a combination of filters and heat exchangers allows optimal treatment of the air that feeds the fuel cell, thus optimizing the performance of the fuel cell.

[0095] As illustrated in Figs. 5a to 6b, when the second heat exchanger 23 is of the air / liquid type, it has a refrigerant inlet 233 through which the refrigerant enters the second heat exchanger 23 and a refrigerant outlet 234 through which the refrigerant exits the second heat exchanger 2. The refrigerant inlet 233 and outlet 234 can open out of the housing 20 so as to allow the refrigerant to be supplied to the second heat exchanger 23 and the refrigerant to be discharged from the second heat exchanger 23.

[0096] Although not illustrated, it is clearly understood that valves and / or sensors can be implemented within the housing 20 in order to optimize the management of airflow in module 2.

Claims

Demands

1. An air supply module (2) for an electrical power generation system (100) comprising a fuel cell, said air supply module (2) comprising: - a housing (20) having an inlet port (201) and an outlet port (203) and through which an airflow (F) flows between said inlet port (201) and said outlet port (203) in a flow direction (E), and - housed within the housing (20), between said inlet port (201) and said outlet port (203), a first filter (21) having a first inlet (211) and a first outlet (212) of said airflow (F) and a first heat exchanger (22) having a second inlet (221) and a second outlet (222) of said airflow (F), said first heat exchanger (22) being disposed downstream of the first filter (21) with respect to the flow direction (E),and where said first outlet (212) of said first filter (21) and said second inlet (221) of said first heat exchanger (22) are in direct fluidic communication with each other.

2. Air supply module (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that said module (2) further comprises, housed in the casing (20), between said inlet port (201) and said outlet port (203), a second heat exchanger (23) comprising a third inlet (231) and a third outlet (232) of said airflow (F), said second heat exchanger (23) being disposed downstream of the first heat exchanger (22), and a second filter (24) comprising a fourth inlet (241) and a fourth outlet (242) of said airflow (F), said second filter (24) being disposed downstream of the second heat exchanger (23), wherein said second outlet (222) of said first heat exchanger (22) and said third inlet (231) of said second heat exchanger (23) are in direct fluidic communication with each other,and where said third outlet (232) of said second heat exchanger (23) and said fourth inlet (241) of said second filter (24) are in direct fluidic communication with each other.

3. Air supply module (2) according to claim 2, characterized in that said module (2) further comprises, housed in the casing

4.

5.

6. (20), between said inlet port (201) and said outlet port (203), a humidifier (25a) having a fifth inlet (251) and a fifth outlet (252) of said airflow (F), said humidifier (25a) being disposed downstream of the second filter (24), wherein said fifth inlet (251) of said humidifier (25a) and said fourth outlet (242) of said second filter (24) are in direct fluidic communication with each other, and wherein said fifth outlet (252) of said humidifier (25a) and said outlet port (203) of said module (2) are in direct fluidic communication with each other. Air supply module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said housing (20) has internal walls (205) which form a flow channel (207) for said airflow (F) between said inlet orifice (201) and said outlet orifice (203), where said internal walls (205) put in direct fluidic communication the first outlet (212) of the first filter (21) to the second inlet (221) of the first heat exchanger (22), and / or the second outlet (222) of the first heat exchanger (22) to the third inlet (231) of the second heat exchanger (23), and / or the third outlet (233) of the second heat exchanger (23) to the fourth inlet (241) of the second filter (24), and / or the fourth outlet (242) of the second filter (24) to the fifth inlet (251) of the humidifier (25a). Air supply module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a bypass circuit (26) having a sixth inlet (261) and a sixth outlet (262) of a bypass flow (Fd), said bypass circuit (26) being disposed between said inlet orifice (201) and an additional outlet orifice (208) of said housing (20) and wherein said inlet orifice (201) and said sixth inlet (261) are in direct fluidic communication with each other and wherein said sixth outlet (262) and said additional outlet orifice (208) of the housing (20) are in direct fluidic communication with each other. Air supply module (2) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that it comprises a recirculation circuit (27) having a seventh inlet (271) and a seventh outlet (272) of a recirculation flow (Fr), said circuit of recirculation (27) being disposed between an additional air inlet orifice (206) of said housing (20) intended to be connected to a recirculation air source and a first additional inlet (223) of said first heat exchanger (22), wherein said seventh inlet (271) and said additional inlet orifice (206) are in direct fluidic communication with each other and wherein said seventh outlet (272) and said first additional inlet (223) of said first heat exchanger (22) are in direct fluidic communication with each other.

7. Air supply module (2) according to claim 6, characterized in that said recirculation circuit (27) further comprises a water separator (25b) comprising an eighth inlet (253) and an eighth outlet (254) of said recirculation flow (Fr), said water separator (25b) being disposed between said first heat exchanger (22) and said humidifier (25a); where said additional inlet orifice (206) and a second additional inlet (255) of the humidifier (25a) are in direct fluidic communication with each other and where a second additional outlet (256) of said humidifier (25a) and said eighth inlet (253) of said water separator (25b) are in direct fluidic communication with each other so that said recirculation flow (Fr) flows from said additional inlet orifice (206) to said water separator (25b) through said humidifier (25a);and where said eighth outlet (254) of said water separator (25b) and said first additional inlet (223) of said first heat exchanger (22) are in direct fluidic communication with each other.;

8. Air supply module (2) according to claim 7, characterized in that said recirculation circuit (27) further comprises a bypass channel (274) disposed between said additional inlet orifice (206) of said housing (20) and said eighth inlet (253) of said water separator (25a), said eighth inlet (253) of said water separator (25b) and said additional inlet orifice (206) being in direct fluidic communication with each other via said bypass channel (274) so ​​that said recirculation flow (Fr) flows from said additional inlet orifice (206) to said water separator (25b) bypassing said humidifier (25a).

9. Air supply module (2) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that said bypass circuit (26) and / or said recirculation circuit (27) is mounted outside said module (2).

10. Air supply module (2) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that said bypass circuit (26) and / or said recirculation circuit (27) is formed by internal walls (205) of said module (2).

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

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

13. Electrical power generation system (100) comprising at least one fuel cell and at least one module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that said fuel cell is supplied with air from the outlet port (203) of said at least one module (2).

14. An electric propulsion system (13) for an aircraft (1), characterized in that it is powered by electricity from at least one electrical power generation system (2) according to claim 13.

15. Aircraft (1) comprising at least one electric propulsion system (13) according to claim 14.

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