Test system, air mixture line and gas control unit

Abstract

To provide a test system for evaluating a solid oxide cell, preferably at temperatures between 500°C and 850°C.SOLUTION: A test system includes: at least one gas control unit (12a) for forming a homogeneous fuel gas mixture for a solid oxide cell; at least one fuel gas mixture line (16a); at least one hydrogen gas line (18a); and especially at least one oxygen gas line (20a). Therein, the at least one gas control unit (12a) includes at least three stacked layers (22a) and at least one water supply unit (24a), and connected directly to the at least one hydrogen gas line (18a) for humidifying the homogeneous gas mixture and / or to the at least one oxygen gas line (20a) so as to directly guide gas thereto.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Prior Art Preferably, a test system for characterizing a solid oxide cell at a temperature of 500° C. to 850° C., comprising at least one gas control unit for forming a uniform fuel gas mixture for the solid oxide cell, at least one fuel gas mixture pipeline, at least one hydrogen gas pipeline, and in particular at least one oxygen gas pipeline, wherein the at least one gas control unit comprises at least three stack layers and at least one water supply unit configured to humidify the uniform gas mixture, and in particular is connected so as to directly guide gas to at least one hydrogen gas pipeline and / or at least one oxygen gas pipeline, and is disposed in the water supply layer of the at least three stack layers, a water supply unit; at least one mixing chamber connected so as to directly guide gas to the fuel gas mixture pipeline and the water supply unit, the mixing chamber being configured to form a uniform gas mixture and being disposed in the mixing layer of the at least three stack layers; and at least one test station for the solid oxide cell, the test station being disposed in the test layer of the at least three stack layers. A test system has already been proposed.

[0002] Disclosure of the Invention The present invention begins with a test system for characterizing a solid oxide cell at a temperature of preferably 500°C to 850°C, comprising: at least one gas control unit for forming a uniform fuel gas mixture for the solid oxide cell; at least one fuel gas mixture pipeline; at least one hydrogen gas pipeline; and in particular at least one oxygen gas pipeline, wherein the at least one gas control unit comprises at least three stack layers; at least one feedwater unit configured to humidify the uniform gas mixture and in particular connected to directly guide the gas to at least one hydrogen gas pipeline and / or at least one oxygen gas pipeline, and located within the feedwater layer of the at least three stack layers; at least one mixing chamber connected to directly guide the gas to the fuel gas mixture pipeline and the feedwater unit, the mixing chamber configured to form a uniform gas mixture, and located within the mixing layer of the at least three stack layers; and at least one test station for the solid oxide cell, the test station located within the test layer of the at least three stack layers.

[0003] It is proposed that the gas control unit has at least one additional test station located in the test layer for at least one additional solid oxide cell.

[0004] Preferably, the test system is configured to characterize solid oxide cells of the same type and different types of solid oxide cells, particularly simultaneously and / or staggered in time, in which case at least two solid oxide cells can be housed in one test system at the same time. In this case, individual or all solid oxide cells may be configured as, for example, anode-supported, metal-supported, cathode-supported, and / or electrolyte-supported solid oxide cells. Preferably, the test system is formed to characterize at least two solid oxide cells at the same time. The solid oxide cells may be configured as, for example, solid oxide fuel cells or solid oxide electrolytic cells. The solid oxide cells are preferably configured to convert chemical energy, particularly fuel gas such as natural gas, into electrical energy at a temperature preferably between 450°C and 850°C, particularly preferably between 500°C and 850°C. Preferably, the solid oxide cells, particularly at least one solid oxide cell, have an electrolyte that is airtight and permeable to oxygen ions. Preferably, the solid oxide type cell, and more particularly, at least one solid oxide type cell, has at least one multilayer electrode, particularly an anode and / or cathode. Preferably, the test system is configured to characterize the solid oxide type cell in a temperature range of 500°C to 850°C. In particular, the test system may be configured to characterize the solid oxide type cell without a catalyst in a temperature range of 650°C to 850°C.

[0005] The test system may include at least one gas supply unit. The gas supply unit may have correspondingly arranged fuel gas mixture lines and at least one hydrogen gas line and / or at least one oxygen gas line. Preferably, the fuel gas mixture lines are configured to supply a fuel gas mixture having a carbon monoxide ratio, a carbon dioxide ratio, a methane ratio, a water vapor ratio, a hydrogen ratio, a nitrogen ratio, a methanol ratio, a diesel reformer ratio and / or an argon ratio to a gas control unit, in particular a mixing chamber. Preferably, the fuel gas mixture lines are configured to supply a fuel gas mixture having at least a carbon monoxide ratio, at least a carbon dioxide ratio and at least a methane ratio, in particular together with water vapor, to a gas control unit, in particular a mixing chamber. Preferably, the hydrogen gas lines are configured to supply hydrogen, in particular together with water vapor, to a gas control unit, preferably a feedwater unit and / or in particular a mixing chamber. Preferably, the oxygen gas pipeline is configured to supply oxygen, particularly together with water vapor, to the gas control unit, preferably to the water supply unit and / or particularly to the mixing chamber.

[0006] Preferably, the gas control unit is formed from ceramic, preferably solid ceramic, and in particular from an oxide ceramic such as aluminum oxide or silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, zirconium oxide and / or silicon carbide. In particular, the stack layer of the gas control unit is formed from ceramic, and in particular from an oxide ceramic such as aluminum oxide or silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, zirconium oxide and / or silicon carbide.

[0007] The feedwater unit may include at least one bubbler, in particular at least one vapor pressure saturator (Dampfdrucksaettiger), at least one vaporizer, or at least one reaction chamber. At least one vaporizer and / or at least one bubbler may be configured to be integrated into at least one of at least one fuel gas mixing pipeline, at least one hydrogen gas pipeline, and / or at least one oxygen gas pipeline. Preferably, the feedwater unit has at least one reaction chamber for reacting hydrogen and oxygen in particular. Preferably, the feedwater unit, in particular the reaction chamber, is connected to a mixing chamber to guide the gas directly into at least one hydrogen gas pipeline and at least one oxygen gas pipeline, on a side different from the side to which the feedwater unit, in particular the reaction chamber, is connected. Preferably, the feedwater unit includes at least one catalyst, preferably at least one precious metal catalyst. Preferably, at least one catalyst is located in at least one reaction chamber to catalyze the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. Preferably, a feedwater unit is located within the gas control unit. Preferably, the feedwater unit is located in one of the stack layers of the gas control unit, particularly the feedwater layer. Preferably, the feedwater layer is formed differently from the mixing layer. Preferably, the feedwater layer is formed differently from the test layer. Preferably, the feedwater layer and the mixing layer are directly adjacent stack layers of the gas control unit. Preferably, the feedwater layer is located on the side of the mixing layer opposite to the test layer. Preferably, the test layer forms the second to last layer of the gas control unit in the stack direction, particularly on the test side of the mixing layer. Preferably, the stack direction is oriented at least substantially perpendicular to the largest outer surface of the individual stack layers.The expression "substantially perpendicular" here specifically defines an orientation in one direction relative to a reference direction, in which case this direction and the reference direction form an angle of 90°, particularly when viewed in the projection plane, and this angle has a maximum deviation of less than 8°, preferably less than 5°, and especially preferably less than 2°. Preferably, the feedwater layer forms the second to last layer of the gas control unit in the stacking direction, particularly on the feedwater side of the mixing layer. Preferably, the mixing layer is located between the feedwater layer and the test layer. Preferably, the feedwater unit is located upstream of the mixing chamber with respect to the gas flow to the mixing chamber from at least one fuel gas mixing pipeline, at least one hydrogen gas pipeline and / or at least one oxygen gas pipeline, and is particularly connected to and / or integrated into at least one of the at least one hydrogen gas pipeline and / or at least one oxygen gas pipeline. Preferably, the test layer and the mixed layer are spaced apart from each other by at least one stack layer. Preferably, adjacent stack layers are bonded to each other. Individual stack layers may be hermetically bonded to each other by strips at least 2 mm wide, preferably at least 5 mm wide, particularly within a sealing area defined by each strip, preferably a gold strip, or, for example, a mica strip, a glass strip, and / or a glass-ceramic strip. Individual stack layers may be hermetically bonded to each other by strips preferably 100 to 500 μm thick, preferably a gold strip, or, for example, a mica strip, a glass strip, and / or a glass-ceramic strip, particularly within a sealing area defined by the strips.

[0008] The configuration of the test system according to the present invention advantageously allows for the achievement of a uniform fuel gas mixture in order to uniformly characterize at least two solid oxide type cells simultaneously under identical conditions. In particular, it allows for the measurement of data sets regarding the properties of solid oxide type cells more quickly and uniformly. Advantageously, it allows for the achievement of reliable data sets, particularly for solid oxide type cells, measured under identical conditions. In particular, it allows for the achievement of uniform test conditions, which advantageously enable comparable data sets for solid oxide type cells. Advantageously, it allows for the achievement of a uniformly humidified fuel gas mixture. By simultaneously measuring multiple solid oxide type cells, advantageous environmental standards can be achieved.

[0009] Furthermore, it is proposed that the test system has exhaust gas pipelines for guiding exhaust gas from at least one test station and at least one other test station, wherein at least one exhaust gas pipeline is located at least partially within at least one stack layer distinct from the test layer, of at least three stack layers. Preferably, at least one exhaust gas pipeline is located at least partially within at least one mixing layer. Preferably, at least one exhaust gas pipeline is located at least partially within at least one feedwater layer. Preferably, at least one exhaust gas pipeline extends through at least one mixing layer, particularly along the stacking direction. Preferably, at least one exhaust gas pipeline extends through at least one feedwater layer, particularly along the stacking direction. Preferably, at least one exhaust gas pipeline is located spaced apart from at least one test layer. Preferably, at least one exhaust gas pipeline is located spaced apart from the mixing chamber in the mixing layer. Preferably, at least one exhaust gas pipeline is located spaced apart from the reaction chamber in the feedwater layer. Preferably, at least one exhaust gas pipeline is configured to deliver exhaust gas from at least one test station and at least one other test station. Advantageously, a uniformly temperature-controlled exhaust gas pipeline can be achieved. In particular, the risk of unfavorable exhaust gas flow can be advantageously reduced. Advantageously, uniform test conditions can be achieved for all test stations. Recondensation effects can be advantageously reduced.

[0010] Furthermore, it is proposed that at least one test station and at least one other test station are positioned at the same distance from the mixing chamber with respect to the gas flow path from the mixing chamber to each test station. Preferably, all test stations are positioned at the same distance from the mixing chamber with respect to the gas flow path from the mixing chamber to each test station. Preferably, all test stations are positioned symmetrically in the test layer around one gas outlet from the mixing chamber. Preferably, the mixing chamber has a gas outlet. Preferably, the gas outlet is located in the center of the outer surface of the mixing chamber facing the test layer. Preferably, the gas flow path is formed to be the same length from the mixing chamber, particularly from the gas outlet of the mixing chamber, to each test station. Preferably, the gas flow path is formed to be the same length from the mixing chamber, particularly from the gas outlet of the mixing chamber, to each test station. A uniform supply of a homogeneous gas mixture to the test stations can be advantageously achieved. Furthermore, it is proposed that the gas control unit has at least one, preferably at least two additional test stations located in the test layer. Preferably, all test stations are formed identically, and in particular identically. Preferably, at least one test station is formed similarly to at least one other test station. Preferably, at least one additional test station is configured similarly to at least one test station and / or at least one other test station. Preferably, each test station has a gas inlet, the gas inlet is located at the same distance from at least one mixing chamber, and in particular from the gas outlet of at least one mixing chamber, with respect to the gas flow path from the mixing chamber. Advantageously, low-cost characterization of solid oxide type cells can be achieved. Advantageously, reliable statistics can be achieved based on measurements relating to solid oxide type cells.

[0011] Furthermore, it is proposed that the gas control unit has at least one additional stack layer, particularly a supply gas distribution layer, which is located between the mixing layer and the test layer and defines a supply gas pipeline, and that the supply gas pipeline connects at least one test station and at least one additional test station to at least one mixing chamber equidistant with respect to at least one gas flow path. Preferably, at least one supply gas distribution layer is located between at least one mixing layer and at least one test layer. Preferably, at least one supply gas distribution layer is located directly adjacent to the mixing layer. Preferably, at least one supply gas distribution layer is located at least one stack layer's distance from the test layer, particularly by the distance of an exhaust gas collection layer. At least one supply gas distribution layer may be located directly adjacent to at least one test layer. At least one supply gas distribution layer may be located at least one stack layer's distance from the mixing layer, particularly by the distance of an exhaust gas collection layer. Preferably, the gas outlet of the mixing chamber is connected to guide the gas to the supply gas distribution layer, particularly to the supply gas pipeline. Preferably, the supply gas pipeline is formed in a symmetrical shape around a central supply gas connector notch, thereby ensuring a uniform connection between the test station and the mixing chamber with respect to the gas flow path from the mixing chamber to the test station. Preferably, the supply gas pipeline is connected to the mixing chamber at the supply gas connector notch, particularly by a linear gas pipeline. A uniform fuel gas mixture can be advantageously supplied to the test station, resulting in a uniform supply. In particular, a uniform gas mixture in the supply gas distribution layer can be advantageously supplied, resulting in a uniform temperature control.

[0012] Furthermore, it is proposed that the gas control unit has at least one additional stack layer, in particular an exhaust gas collection layer as described above, which is located between the mixing layer and the test layer, and defines an exhaust gas sub-pipeline connecting at least one test station and at least one other test station at equidistant with respect to the gas flow path to at least one exhaust gas pipeline. Preferably, at least one exhaust gas collection layer is located between at least one mixing layer and at least one test layer. Preferably, at least one exhaust gas collection layer is located directly adjacent to the test layer. Preferably, at least one exhaust gas collection layer is located at least one stack layer's distance from the mixing layer, in particular at least one supply gas distribution layer's distance. At least one exhaust gas collection layer may be located directly adjacent to at least one mixing layer. At least one exhaust gas collection layer may be located at least one stack layer's distance from the test layer, in particular at least one supply gas distribution layer's distance. Preferably, at least one exhaust gas pipeline is connected to guide the gas to the exhaust gas collection layer, particularly to the exhaust gas sub-pipe. Preferably, the exhaust gas sub-pipe is formed in a symmetrical shape around a central exhaust gas connector notch, thereby ensuring a uniform connection between the exhaust gas pipeline and the test station with respect to the gas flow path and / or effective gas flow path from the test station, particularly with respect to the combination of gas flow path length and the geometric shape of the gas flow path. Preferably, the exhaust gas sub-pipe is connected to the test station by an exhaust gas notch spaced apart from the exhaust gas connector notch, particularly by a linear gas pipeline. Advantageously, a favorably uniform discharge of exhaust gas from the test station can be achieved. In particular, a favorably uniform temperature control of the exhaust gas can be achieved, thereby particularly advantageously reducing backflow effects.

[0013] Furthermore, it is proposed that the gas control unit has at least one other stack layer, in particular a gas distribution layer, the gas distribution layer being located between the mixing layer and the test layer, and the gas distribution layer defining a supply gas pipeline, the supply gas pipeline connecting at least one test station and at least one other test station to at least one mixing chamber at equidistant at least with respect to the gas flow path, and the supply gas pipeline defining an exhaust gas sub-pipeline, the exhaust gas sub-pipeline connecting at least one test station and at least one other test station to at least one exhaust gas pipeline at equidistant at least with respect to the gas flow path. Preferably, the gas distribution layer is configured as an integral variation of the exhaust gas collection layer having the supply gas distribution layer. "Integrated" is understood to mean molded from a single component, in which case the single component is preferably manufactured from a single material, mass and / or cast material, preferably from a single solid material by turning and / or sintering. The supply gas pipeline may be defined by a gas distribution layer at a different height from the exhaust gas sub-pipeline, particularly with respect to the stacking direction. The supply gas pipeline may be defined by a gas distribution layer at the same height as the exhaust gas sub-pipeline, particularly with respect to the stacking direction. Preferably, the supply gas pipeline and the exhaust gas pipeline are spaced apart from each other by at least 5 mm of material in the gas distribution layer. The supply gas distribution layer and / or exhaust gas collection layer may be integrally configured with the test layer. This allows for the advantageous achievement of an inexpensive gas control unit. In particular, it allows for the advantageous achievement of a compact gas control unit.

[0014] Furthermore, it is proposed that the test system has at least one air-mixed pipeline for supplying an air-mixed mixture to at least one test station and at least one other test station, and that the air-mixed pipeline has at least one common rail unit for uniformly supplying the air-mixed mixture to at least one test station and at least one other test station. Preferably, the air-mixed pipeline is located entirely outside the gas control unit. Preferably, the air-mixed mixture is at a pressure of at least 1.5 bar. Preferably, the air-mixed mixture is at a pressure of 1.5 bar to 5 bar.

[0015] The common rail unit preferably has at least one high-pressure pump. The high-pressure pump may be actively pressure-controlled. To control the pressure in a closed-loop manner in a pump that is not closed-loop controlled, the common rail unit may have at least one pressure control valve. Preferably, the air mixture is formed as a mixture of at least nitrogen and at least oxygen. Particularly for cathode supply of solid oxide type cells, this can advantageously achieve a uniform air mixture supply to the test station.

[0016] Furthermore, an air-mixing duct for the test system according to the present invention is proposed. Favorable compatibility between the air-mixing duct and the gas control unit can be achieved. In particular, suitable replaceability of the air-mixing duct can be achieved.

[0017] Preferably a test system for characterizing a solid oxide cell at a temperature of 500°C to 850°C, comprising at least one gas control unit for forming a uniform fuel gas mixture for the solid oxide cell, at least one fuel gas mixture pipeline, at least one hydrogen gas pipeline, and at least one oxygen gas pipeline, wherein at least one gas control unit is connected to at least three stack layers and at least one feedwater unit located in the feedwater layer of the at least three stack layers, and is connected to at least one hydrogen gas pipeline and / or at least one oxygen gas pipeline to directly guide gas to humidify the uniform gas mixture, and directly guides gas to the fuel gas mixture pipeline and the feedwater unit. Starting from a test system comprising at least one mixing chamber connected to a mixing layer of at least three stack layers and configured to form a homogeneous gas mixture, and located within the mixing layer of at least three stack layers, and at least one test station for a solid oxide cell, located within the test layer of at least three stack layers, it is proposed that at least one feedwater unit comprises a reaction chamber for the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen, and at least one catalyst, preferably a noble metal catalyst, wherein the reaction chamber is located upstream of the at least one mixing chamber with respect to the gas flow and is connected to guide the gas directly to at least one hydrogen gas pipeline and at least one oxygen gas pipeline. Preferably, the test system is configured to characterize a solid oxide cell in a temperature range of 500°C to 850°C.

[0018] Preferably, the catalyst is a platinum catalyst, and is particularly configured in the shape of at least one lattice. Preferably, the catalyst is formed of platinum, at least partially, preferably at least largely.

[0019] The configuration of the test system according to the present invention advantageously enables the achievement of a uniform fuel gas mixture for uniform characterization of solid oxide type cells under identical conditions. In particular, it is advantageous that a uniformly humidified fuel gas mixture can be achieved. In particular, the risk of carbonization of the gas control unit can be reduced.

[0020] Furthermore, it is proposed that the test system has an exhaust gas pipeline for guiding exhaust gas from at least one test station, and that at least one exhaust gas pipeline is at least partially located in at least one stack layer different from the test layer, of at least three stack layers. The at least one exhaust gas pipeline may be identical to the exhaust gas pipeline already described. Preferably, the at least one exhaust gas pipeline is configured to guide exhaust gas from at least one test station. Advantageously, a uniformly temperature-controlled exhaust gas pipeline can be achieved. In particular, the risk of unfavorable exhaust gas flow can be advantageously reduced. Advantageously, uniform test conditions can be achieved for all test stations.

[0021] Furthermore, a gas control unit for a test system according to the present invention is proposed. In particular, improved availability of a gas control unit for simultaneously measuring multiple solid oxide type cells can be achieved. In particular, advantageously short manufacturing time, especially lead time, can be achieved for a gas control unit for simultaneously measuring multiple solid oxide type cells. Particularly advantageously, a unified gas control unit can be achieved, enabling comparable measurement conditions. Advantageously, standardized measurement conditions can be achieved. In particular, a reliable, especially comparable, data set of various gas control units can be achieved. Advantageously, high safety standards can be achieved for the gas control unit.

[0022] The test system according to the present invention, the air mixture pipeline according to the present invention, and / or the gas control unit according to the present invention should not be limited to the above-described uses and embodiments. In particular, the test system according to the present invention, the air mixture pipeline according to the present invention, and / or the gas control unit according to the present invention may have a different number of individual elements, components, and units from those listed herein in order to meet the functional forms described herein. Further, within the numerical ranges described in this disclosure, values within the recited limits are also considered to be disclosed and should be considered to be optionally usable.

[0023] Another advantage will be apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate two embodiments of the present invention. The drawings, the specification, and the claims include a combination of many features. Those skilled in the art will rationally consider these features individually and combine them into significant alternative combinations.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram showing a test system according to the present invention including a gas control unit according to the present invention and an air mixture pipeline according to the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a partially transparent view schematically showing a gas control unit according to the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a schematic diagram showing a part of a gas control unit according to the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a schematic diagram showing a part of a gas control unit according to the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a schematic diagram showing a part of a gas control unit according to the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a schematic diagram showing an air mixture pipeline according to the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a schematic diagram showing a part of an alternative gas control unit according to the present invention of an alternative test system.

[0025] Description of Embodiments Figure 1 shows a test system 10a. The test system 10a is configured to characterize a solid oxide cell. The test system 10a is configured to characterize a solid oxide cell at a temperature of 500°C to 850°C. The test system 10a may be configured to characterize a solid oxide cell at a temperature of 650°C to 850°C and particularly does not have a catalyst 44a.

[0026] The test system 10a has a gas control unit 12a. The gas control unit 12a is configured to form a uniform fuel gas mixture for the solid oxide cell. This test system 10a has a furnace 14a. The gas control unit 12a is disposed within the furnace 14a. The test system 10a has a fuel gas mixture pipeline 16a. The test system 10a has a hydrogen gas pipeline 18a. The test system 10a has an oxygen gas pipeline 20a.

[0027] The gas control unit 12a illustratively includes seven stack layers 22a in this embodiment. The gas control unit 12a includes a water supply unit 24a. The water supply unit 24a is configured to humidify the uniform gas mixture. The water supply unit 24a is connected to at least one hydrogen gas pipeline 18a and at least one oxygen gas pipeline 20a so as to directly guide the gas in this example. The water supply unit 24a is disposed within a water supply layer 26a among the seven stack layers 22a.

[0028] The gas control unit 12a includes a mixing chamber 28a. The mixing chamber 28a is connected to the fuel gas mixture pipeline 16a so as to directly guide the gas. The mixing chamber 28a is connected to the water supply unit 24a so as to directly guide the gas. The mixing chamber 28a is formed to form a uniform gas mixture. The mixing chamber 28a is disposed within a mixing layer 30a among the seven stack layers 22a.

[0029] The gas control unit 12a includes test stations 32a, 36a, 38a, and 38'a. Test stations 32a, 36a, 38a, and 38'a are formed for solid oxide type cells. Test stations 32a, 36a, 38a, and 38'a are located in the test layer 34a of the seven stack layers 22a.

[0030] The gas control unit 12a includes at least one additional test station 32a, 36a, 38a, 38'a. The additional test stations 32a, 36a, 38a, 38a' are formed for solid oxide type cells. The additional test stations 32a, 36a, 38a, 38a' are located in test layer 34a of the seven stack layers 22a. The gas control unit 12a includes two additional test stations 32a, 36a, 38a, 38'a. Each of the additional test stations 32a, 36a, 38a, 38'a is formed for one solid oxide type cell. The additional test stations 32a, 36a, 38a, 38'a are located in test layer 34a of the seven stack layers 22a. All test stations 32a, 36a, 38a, 38a' are identically and specifically molded. Test stations 32a, 36a, 38a, and 38a' are formed similarly to other test stations 32a, 36a, 38a, and 38a'. Additional test stations 38a and 38'a are formed similarly to test stations 32a, 36a, 38a, and 38a' and other test stations 32a, 36a, 38a, and 38a'.

[0031] Each test station 32a, 36a, 38a, 38'a has a gas inlet 40a (see Figure 2). The gas inlet 40a is located at an equal distance from at least one mixing chamber 28a, in particular from the gas outlet 54a of the mixing chamber 28a, with respect to the gas flow path from the mixing chamber 28a. Each test station 32a, 36a, 38a, 38'a has a gas outlet 41a.

[0032] This test system 10a is configured to characterize solid oxide cells of the same type and solid oxide cells of different types simultaneously and with a time staggerment. In this case, individual or all solid oxide cells may be configured as, for example, anode-supported, metal-supported, cathode-supported, and / or electrolyte-supported solid oxide cells. The test system 10a is configured to characterize up to four solid oxide cells simultaneously. The solid oxide cells may be configured as, for example, solid oxide fuel cells or solid oxide electrolytic cells.

[0033] The test system 10a is configured to characterize solid oxide type cells in a temperature range of 500°C to 850°C.

[0034] The fuel gas mixture pipeline 16a is configured to supply a fuel gas mixture having at least a carbon monoxide ratio, at least a carbon dioxide ratio, and at least a methane ratio to the gas control unit 12a, particularly to the mixing chamber 28a. The hydrogen gas pipeline 18a is formed to supply hydrogen to the gas control unit 12a, particularly to the feedwater unit 24a. The oxygen gas pipeline 20a is formed to supply oxygen to the gas control unit 12a, particularly to the feedwater unit 24a.

[0035] The gas control unit 12a is formed of ceramic, preferably solid ceramic, particularly oxide ceramic, such as aluminum oxide. In particular, the stack layer 22a of the gas control unit 12a is preferably formed of ceramic, particularly oxide ceramic, such as aluminum oxide. The water supply unit 24a has a reaction chamber 42a for reacting hydrogen and oxygen in particular. The reaction chamber 42a is connected to at least one hydrogen gas pipeline 18a and at least one oxygen gas pipeline 20a to guide the gas directly.

[0036] Preferably, the water supply unit 24a, particularly the reaction chamber 42a, is connected to the mixing chamber 28a on a side different from the side to which at least one hydrogen gas pipeline 18a and / or at least one oxygen gas pipeline 20a are connected, so as to guide the gas directly.

[0037] The feedwater unit 24a contains a catalyst 44a, in particular a precious metal catalyst. The catalyst 44a is located in the reaction chamber 42a to catalyze the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. The feedwater unit 24a is located within the gas control unit 12a. The feedwater unit 24a is located within one of the stack layers 22a of the gas control unit 12a, in particular within the feedwater layer 26a. The catalyst 44a is a platinum catalyst, in particular formed in the shape of at least one grid. The feedwater layer 26a is formed differently from the mixing layer 30a. The feedwater layer 26a is formed differently from the test layer 34a. The feedwater layer 26a and the mixing layer 30a are stack layers 22a directly adjacent to the gas control unit 12a. The feedwater layer 26a is located on the side of the mixing layer 30a opposite to the test layer 34a.

[0038] The test layer 34a is the second to last layer of the gas control unit 12a in the stacking direction 48a, particularly on the test side 46a of the mixing layer 30a. The stacking direction 48a is oriented perpendicular to the maximum outer surface of the individual stack layers 22a. The feedwater layer 26a is the second to last layer of the gas control unit 12a in the stacking direction 48a, particularly on the feedwater side 50a of the mixing layer 30a. The test layer 34a and the mixing layer 30a are spaced apart from each other by at least one stack layer 22a.

[0039] The water supply side 50a of the mixing layer 30a is the side of the mixing layer 30a facing the hydrogen gas pipeline 18a, the fuel gas mixed pipeline 16a, and the oxygen gas pipeline 20a. The test side 46a of the mixing layer 30a is the side of the mixing layer 30a opposite to the hydrogen gas pipeline 18a, the fuel gas mixed pipeline 16a, and the oxygen gas pipeline 20a. The mixing layer 30a is located between the water supply layer 26a and the test layer 34a.

[0040] The water supply unit 24a is positioned upstream of the mixing chamber 28a with respect to the gas flow from the fuel gas mixing pipeline 16a, the hydrogen gas pipeline 18a, and the oxygen gas pipeline 20a toward the mixing chamber 28a.

[0041] The water supply unit 24a is connected to the hydrogen gas pipeline 18a and the oxygen gas pipeline 20a with respect to the gas flow from the fuel gas mixing pipeline 16a, the hydrogen gas pipeline 18a, and the oxygen gas pipeline 20a toward the mixing chamber 28a.

[0042] Each adjacent stack layer 22a is bonded to one another. Individual stack layers 22a are hermetically bonded to each other by gold strips 88a with a thickness of at least 100 μm, and especially up to 500 μm, within a sealing region 86a defined by the gold strips 88a. Individual stack layers 22a are hermetically bonded to each other by gold strips 88a with a width of at least 2 mm, within a sealing region 86a defined by the gold strips 88a.

[0043] The test system 10a has exhaust gas pipelines 52a for drawing exhaust gas from test stations 32a, 36a, 38a, 38a', another test station 32a, 36a, 38a, 38a', and additional test stations 32a, 36a, 38a, 38a' (see Figure 2). The exhaust gas pipelines 52a are partially located within at least one stack layer 22a of the seven stack layers 22a, distinct from the test layer 34a. The exhaust gas pipelines 52a are partially located within the mixing layer 30a.

[0044] The exhaust gas pipeline 52a is partially located within at least one feedwater layer 26a. The exhaust gas pipeline 52a extends through the mixing layer 30a, particularly along the stacking direction 48a. The exhaust gas pipeline 52a extends through at least one feedwater layer 26a, particularly along the stacking direction 48a. The exhaust gas pipeline 52a is located spaced apart from at least one test layer 34a. The exhaust gas pipeline 52a is located within the mixing layer 30a, spaced apart from the mixing chamber 28a.

[0045] The exhaust gas pipeline 52a is located within the feedwater tank 26a, spaced apart from the reaction chamber 42a. The exhaust gas pipeline 52a is formed to lead exhaust gas from test stations 32a, 36a, 38a, 38a', another test station 32a, 36a, 38a, 38a', and additional test stations 32a, 36a, 38a, 38a'. The test stations 32a, 36a, 38a, 38a', another test station 32a, 36a, 38a, 38a', and additional test stations 32a, 36a, 38a, 38a' are spaced the same distance from the mixing chamber 28a with respect to the gas flow path from the mixing chamber 28a to their respective test stations 32a, 36a, 38a, 38'a. All test stations 32a, 36a, 38a, and 38'a are located at the same distance from the mixing chamber 28a with respect to the gas flow path from the mixing chamber 28a to each test station 32a, 36a, 38a, and 38'a. All test stations 32a, 36a, 38a, and 38'a are arranged symmetrically with respect to the gas outlet 54a from the mixing chamber 28a in the test layer 34a. Preferably, the mixing chamber 28a has a gas outlet 54a, which is located in the center of the outer surface of the mixing chamber 28a facing the test layer 34a. The gas flow paths from the mixing chamber 28a, and in particular from the gas outlet 54a of the mixing chamber 28a, to each test station 32a, 36a, 38a, and 38'a are formed to be of equal length. The gas flow paths from the mixing chamber 28a, and especially from the gas outlet 54a of the mixing chamber 28a to each test station 32a, 36a, 38a, and 38'a, are similarly molded and formed (see Figure 4).

[0046] The gas control unit 12a has at least one other stack layer 22a, in particular a supply gas distribution layer 56a (see Figure 4). The supply gas distribution layer 56a is located between the mixing layer 30a and the test layer 34a. The supply gas distribution layer 56a defines a supply gas pipeline 58a. The supply gas pipeline 58a connects the test stations 32a, 36a, 38a, and 38'a equidistant to at least one mixing chamber 28a with respect to the gas flow path.

[0047] The supply gas distribution layer 56a is located directly adjacent to the mixing layer 30a. The supply gas distribution layer 56a is located at least one stack layer 22a's distance from the test layer 34a, and in particular by the distance of the exhaust gas collection layer 66a. The gas outlet 54a of the mixing chamber 28a is connected to the supply gas distribution layer 56a, in particular to the supply gas pipeline 58a. The supply gas pipeline 58a is defined and formed in a symmetrical shape with respect to the gas flow path from the mixing chamber 28a to the test stations 32a, 36a, 38a, 38a', and uniformly connects the test stations 32a, 36a, 38a, 38a' to the mixing chamber 28a. The supply gas pipeline 58a is defined and formed in an X-shape within the supply gas distribution layer 56a (see the top view along the stack direction 48a in Figure 4). The supply gas pipeline 58a is connected to the mixing chamber 28a at the supply gas connector notch 60a, and in particular, by a linear gas pipeline 62a extending in the stacking direction 48a. At ends spaced apart from the supply gas connector notch 60a, the supply gas pipeline 58a is connected to one test station each 32a, 36a, 38a, and 38'a, and in particular, by a linear gas pipeline 64a extending in the stacking direction 48a. Within the supply gas distribution layer 56a, the supply gas pipeline 58a is formed without restriction in the stacking direction 48a. Within the supply gas distribution layer 56a, the supply gas pipeline 58a is formed restricted to at least 95% in the stacking direction 48a.

[0048] The gas control unit 12a has another stack layer 22a, specifically an exhaust gas collection layer 66a. The exhaust gas collection layer 66a is located between the mixing layer 30a and the test layer 34a. The exhaust gas collection layer 66a defines an exhaust gas sub-pipeline 68a. The exhaust gas sub-pipeline 68a connects the test stations 32a, 36a, 38a, and 38a' to the exhaust gas pipeline 52a at least equidistant with respect to the gas flow path.

[0049] The exhaust gas collection layer 66a is located between the mixing layer 30a and the test layer 34a. The exhaust gas collection layer 66a is located directly adjacent to the test layer 34a. The exhaust gas collection layer 66a is located at least the length of one stack layer 22a, and in particular at least the length of one supply gas distribution layer 56a, from the mixing layer 30a. The exhaust gas pipeline 52a is connected to guide the gas to the exhaust gas sub-pipe 68a. The exhaust gas sub-pipe 68a is shaped to surround a central exhaust gas connector notch 70a in order to uniformly connect the test stations 32a, 36a, 38a, 38'a to the exhaust gas pipeline 52a with respect to the gas flow path from the test stations 32a, 36a, 38a, 38'a to the exhaust gas pipeline 52a (see the top view along the stack direction 48a in Figure 3). The exhaust gas section pipeline 68a is connected to test stations 32a, 36a, 38a, and 38'a, particularly via a linear gas pipeline 72a, at an exhaust gas notch 71a spaced apart from the exhaust gas connector notch 70a.

[0050] The test system 10a has an air-mixed gas pipeline 74a (see Figure 1). The air-mixed gas pipeline 74a is formed to supply an air-mixed gas to test stations 32a, 36a, 38a, and 38'a. The air-mixed gas pipeline 74a has a common rail unit 76a. The common rail unit 76a is for uniformly supplying the air-mixed gas to test stations 32a, 36a, 38a, and 38'a. The air-mixed gas pipeline 74a is located entirely outside the gas control unit 12a. The air-mixed gas is formed as a mixture of at least nitrogen and at least oxygen. The common rail unit 76a is connected to the individual test stations 32a, 36a, 38a, and 38'a by four gas pipelines 78a.

[0051] The gas control unit 12a has a base layer 80a for connecting the metal furnace bottom 84a to the gas control unit 12a. The gas control unit 12a has a cover layer 82a for covering the gas control unit 12 and for maintaining the test stations 32a, 36a, 38a, 38'a at a specified temperature during the test process.

[0052] The exhaust gas pipeline 52a extends in the stacking direction 48a, passing through the mixing layer 30a, the feedwater layer 26a, the base layer 80a, and the supply gas distribution layer 56a, and partially through the exhaust gas collection layer 66a.

[0053] Figure 2 shows the gas control unit 12a in particular, along with only one of the test stations 32a, 36a, 38'a, 38'a, in a partially transparent view for clarity. Figure 3 shows the exhaust gas collection layer 66a in particular, from a viewpoint along the stacking direction 48a. Figure 4 shows the supply gas distribution layer 56a in particular, from a viewpoint along the stacking direction 48a. In particular, the supply gas distribution layer 56a and the exhaust gas collection layer 66a are coupled to the adjacent stacking layer 22a by a 5 mm thick gold strip 88a on the open side of the exhaust gas partial pipeline 68a and the supply gas pipeline 58a to form an airtight seal area 86a defined by the gold strip 88a. Figures 3 and 4 are schematic and not drawn with uniform dimensions, but are useful for understanding purposes only. Figure 5 shows the test layer 34a in particular from a viewpoint along the stacking direction 48a, together with all four test stations 32a, 36a, 38a, and 38'a in one exemplary array. Figure 6 shows the common rail unit 76a in particular from a viewpoint along the stacking direction 48a. The common rail unit 76a defines the outer gas flow ring 90a to generate a uniform air mixture.

[0054] Figure 7 shows another embodiment of the present invention. The following description and drawings are substantially limited to the differences between embodiments, and with respect to components with the same name, and in particular components having the same reference number, it is also possible to refer to the drawings and / or descriptions of the other embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 6. To distinguish these embodiments, the letter 'a' is appended to the reference number of the embodiments in Figures 1 to 6. In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the letter 'a' is replaced with the letter 'b'.

[0055] Figure 7 shows an alternative test system 10b. The test system 10b has a gas control unit 12b. The gas control unit 12b has a stack layer 22b, in particular a gas distribution layer 92b. The gas distribution layer 92b is configured as an integrated variation of the exhaust gas collection layer 66a with a supply gas distribution layer 56a obtained from a prior embodiment.

[0056] The gas distribution layer 92b is located between the mixing layer 30b and the test layer 34b. The gas distribution layer 92b defines the supply gas pipeline 58b. The supply gas pipeline 58b connects four test stations 32b, 36b, 38b, and 38b' to the mixing chamber 28b at equidistant distances, at least with respect to the gas flow path. The gas distribution layer 92b defines the exhaust gas sub-pipeline 68b.

[0057] The exhaust gas sub-pipeline 68b connects the four test stations 32b, 36b, 36b, and 38b' to the exhaust gas pipeline 52b at equidistant intervals with respect to an effective gas flow path from the test stations 32b, 36b, 38b, and 38b' to the exhaust gas pipeline 52b, particularly with respect to the combination of the length of the gas flow path and the geometric shape of the gas flow path.

[0058] The supply gas pipeline 58b is limited to the same height as the exhaust gas pipeline 68b by the gas distribution layer 92b, particularly with respect to the stacking direction 48b. The supply gas pipeline 58b and the exhaust gas pipeline 52b are spaced apart from each other by at least 5 mm of material in the gas distribution layer 92b.

[0059] The exhaust gas sub-pipeline 68b is formed symmetrically around the central exhaust gas connector notch 70b to uniformly connect test stations 32b, 36b, 38b, 38b' to the exhaust gas pipeline 52b with respect to an effective gas flow path from test stations 32b, 36b, 38b, 38b' to the exhaust gas pipeline 52b, particularly in terms of the combination of the length of the gas flow path and the geometric shape of the gas flow path. Figure 7 shows the gas distribution layer 92b in particular in a plan view from above along the stack direction 48b.

Claims

1. 1. A test system for characterizing solid oxide cells, preferably at temperatures between 500°C and 850°C, comprising: at least one gas control unit (12a; 12b) for forming a homogeneous fuel gas mixture for said solid oxide cell; at least one fuel gas mixture line (16a; 16b); at least one hydrogen gas line (18a; 18b); In particular, at least one oxygen gas line (20a; 20b) It is equipped with The at least one gas control unit (12a; 12b) At least three stack layers (22a; 22b); at least one water supply unit (24a; 24b) configured to humidify the homogeneous gas mixture, in particular connected in a gas-conducting manner directly to the at least one hydrogen gas line (18a; 18b) and / or the at least one oxygen gas line (20a; 20b), and arranged in a water supply layer (26a; 26b) of the at least three stack layers (22a; 22b); at least one mixing chamber (28a; 28b) directly connected to the fuel gas mixture line (16a; 16b) and the water supply unit (24a; 24b) in a gas conducting manner, the mixing chamber (28a; 28b) being configured to form the homogeneous gas mixture and being disposed within a mixing layer (30a; 30b) of the at least three stack layers (22a; 22b); at least one test station (32a, 36a, 38a, 38a'; 32b, 36b, 38b, 38b') for a solid oxide cell, the test station (32a, 36a, 38a, 38a'; 32b, 36b, 38b, 38b') being arranged in a test layer (34a; 34b) of the at least three stack layers (22a; 22b); 1. A test system comprising:

1. A test system, comprising: a gas control unit (12a; 12b) having at least one further test station (32a, 36a, 38a, 38a'; 32b, 36b, 38b, 38b') arranged in the test layer (34a; 34b) for at least one further solid oxide cell.

2. 2. The test system according to claim 1, further comprising an exhaust gas line (52a; 52b) for conducting exhaust gas from the at least one test station (32a, 36a, 38a, 38a'; 32b, 36b, 38b, 38b') and the at least one further test station (32a, 36a, 38a, 38a'; 32b, 36b, 38b, 38b'), wherein the at least one exhaust gas line (52a; 52b) is at least partially arranged in at least one stack layer (22a; 22b) of the at least three stack layers (22a; 22b) that is different from the test layer (34a; 34b).

3. 3. The test system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one test station (32a, 36a, 38a, 38a'; 32b, 36b, 38b, 38b') and the at least one other test station (32a, 36a, 38a, 38a'; 32b, 36b, 38b, 38b') are arranged at the same distance from the mixing chamber (28a; 28b), at least with respect to a gas flow path from the mixing chamber (28a; 28b) to the respective test station (32a, 36a, 38a, 38a'; 32b, 36b, 38b, 38b').

4. 3. The test system according to claim 1, wherein the gas control unit (12a; 12b) has at least one, preferably at least two, additional test stations (32a, 36a, 38a, 38a'; 32b, 36b, 38b, 38b') arranged in the test layer (34a; 34b).

5. The gas control unit (12a; 12b) has at least one further stack layer (22a; 22b), in particular a feed gas distribution layer (56a; 56b), which is arranged between the mixing layer (30a; 30b) and the test layer (34a; 34b), and which defines a feed gas line (58b), which is connected to the feed gas line (58b).

3. The test system according to claim 1, wherein a test station (32a, 36a, 38a, 38a'; 32b, 36b, 38b, 38b') and the at least one further test station (32a, 36a, 38a, 38a'; 32b, 36b, 38b, 38b') are connected to the at least one mixing chamber (28a; 28b) at least equidistantly in the gas flow path.

6. The gas control unit (12a; 12b) has at least one further stack layer (22a; 22b), in particular an exhaust gas collecting layer (66a; 66b), which is arranged between the mixing layer (30a; 30b) and the test layer (34a; 34b), and which defines an exhaust gas partial line (68a; 68b), which is connected to the exhaust gas partial line (68a; 68b).

3. The test system according to claim 2, wherein the at least one test station (32a, 36a, 38a, 38a'; 32b, 36b, 38b, 38b') and the at least one further test station (32a, 36a, 38a, 38a'; 32b, 36b, 38b, 38b') are connected to the at least one exhaust gas line (52a; 52b) at least equidistantly in the gas flow path.

7. The gas control unit (12b) has at least one further stack layer (22b), in particular a gas distribution layer (92b), which is arranged between the mixing layer (30b) and the test layer (34b), and the gas distribution layer (92b) defines a supply gas line (58b), which connects the at least one test station (32b, 36b, 38b, 38b') and the at least one further test station (32b, 36b, 38b, 38b').

3. The test system according to claim 2, wherein the supply gas line (58b) is connected to the at least one mixing chamber (28b) at least equidistantly with respect to the gas flow path, and the supply gas line (58b) defines an exhaust gas partial line (68b), which connects the at least one test station (32b, 36b, 38b, 38b') and the at least one further test station (32b, 36b, 38b, 38b') to the at least one exhaust gas line (52b) at least equidistantly with respect to the gas flow path.

8. At least one air mixture line (74a; 74b) is provided for supplying an air mixture to the at least one test station (32a, 36a, 38a, 38a'; 32b, 36b, 38b, 38b') and the at least one other test station (32a, 36a, 38a, 38a'; 32b, 36b, 38b, 38b'), and the air mixture line (74a; 74b) is 3. The test system according to claim 1, further comprising at least one common rail unit (76a; 76b) for uniformly supplying the air-fuel mixture to at least one test station (32a, 36a, 38a, 38a'; 32b, 36b, 38b, 38b') and the at least one further test station (32a, 36a, 38a, 38a'; 32b, 36b, 38b, 38b').

9. 9. An air mixture line of a test system (10a; 10b) according to claim 8.

10. 2. The test system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one water supply unit (24a; 24b) has a reaction chamber (42a; 42b) for reacting hydrogen with oxygen and at least one catalyst (44a; 44b), preferably a noble metal catalyst, the water supply unit (24a; 24b) is arranged upstream of the at least one mixing chamber (28a; 28b) in terms of gas flow, and the water supply unit (24a; 24b) is connected to the at least one hydrogen gas line (18a; 18b) and the at least one oxygen gas line (20a; 20b) in a directly gas-conducting manner.

11. 11. The test system according to claim 10, further comprising an exhaust gas line (52a; 52b) for conducting exhaust gas from the at least one test station (32a, 36a, 38a, 38a'; 32b, 36b, 38b, 38b'), the at least one exhaust gas line (52a; 52b) being at least partially arranged in at least one stack layer (22a; 22b) of the at least three stack layers (22a; 22b) that is different from the test layer (34a; 34b).

12. A gas control unit (12a; 12b) of a test system (10a; 10b) according to claim 1 or 2.

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