Electrochemical devices and related processes operating at high temperatures

Abstract

To provide an electrochemical installation operating at high temperatures, for the generation of electricity and / or gaseous compounds or for co-electrolysis, which is not bulky while remaining reliable and easy to operate.SOLUTION: An installation (10) includes a plurality of stacks (14) for carrying out electrochemical reactions, and a heating furnace (16) comprising a chamber (60) configured to receive the stacks (14), and a heating system (62). The installation (10) includes at least one rack (12) including: a self-supporting structure having a plurality of superimposed stages of the stacks (14); and / or a plurality of self-supporting structures defining a plurality of superimposed stages of the stacks (14). The chamber (60) can contain at least one rack (12), and the plurality of the stages of the stack (14) of the one rack or each rack (12) contained in the chamber (60) are configured to be heated together by the heating system (62).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrochemical device comprising a plurality of fuel cell stacks (hereinafter referred to as "stacks") for conducting electrochemical reactions, particularly for the generation of electricity, the production of gaseous compounds or co-electrolysis, and a furnace having a chamber and a heating system configured to receive one rack or each stack. [Background technology]

[0002] Such devices are configured to be deployed on land or sea to generate electricity from fuels such as hydrogen, methane, propane, butane, fermentation gas, gasified biomass, biofuels, synthetic fuels, ammonia, methanol, carbon monoxide, natural gas and / or paint fumes.

[0003] Alternatively or additionally, the device is configured to produce gaseous compounds, such as hydrogen, from renewable electricity sources, in particular electricity generated by wind turbines, tidal power generators or solar panels, or more generally by a power grid.

[0004] In yet another variant, the device is configured to produce gaseous compounds by co-electrolysis, for example from water and carbon dioxide to produce synthesis gas for the synthesis of chemical components by electrolysis. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The device comprises a plurality of stacks, for example solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOEC) or solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC). The invention is also applicable to other high temperature fuel cell technologies (above 100° C.).

[0006] Such cells are primarily intended for stationary applications with output power in the range of 1 kW to 20 MW. The gaseous emissions of the cells can be used to power a secondary gas turbine to increase electrical efficiency. The gaseous emissions can further be fed to a catalytic burner to generate steam that can be used directly or recovered. For example, steam is generated to increase the overall electrical efficiency of the system when used to generate additional electricity.

[0007] A SOFC element (or electrochemical cell) typically consists of four layers, three of which are ceramic. The SOFC element is typically a few millimeters thick. Dozens or hundreds of such elements are stacked in series to form a stack.

[0008] In such elements, oxygen ions migrate through a solid oxide membrane used as an electrolyte at high temperature to react with a gaseous fuel, such as hydrogen, on the anode side.

[0009] The ceramics used in SOFCs only become electrically and ionically active when they reach very high temperatures, so the stack needs to reach temperatures of around 600°C to 1200°C to form the active film.

[0010] The high operating temperature of SOFCs or SOECs means that, unlike proton exchange membrane fuel cells, they do not require expensive catalysts (e.g., platinum), which means that SOFCs or SOECs are not subject to catalyst poisoning by carbon monoxide, making them extremely versatile.

[0011] Thermal expansion requires slow, uniform heating at the start, typically over an hour or so to ramp up to temperature.

[0012] In known systems, fuel cell stacks or electrolysis cells are integrated into the insulated chamber of a small furnace typically used for firing ceramics. Conventionally, fewer than four stacks are individually loaded into the insulated chamber and placed at the bottom of the chamber. Equipment is associated with each chamber and connected to each stack to supply the various fluids required and recover the resulting fluids. Such equipment, referred to as a balance of plant (BOP), is used to process the gases and also to increase the temperature of the gases by heat recovery prior to reaction in the stacks.

[0013] Therefore, large scale deployment of SOFC or SOEC units involves the integration of many, many insulating chambers and an equal number of BOPs.

[0014] The integration of low volume chambers poses many problems, including significant constraints on the placement of the chambers so that they are accessible for processing of materials.

[0015] As a result, the chambers cannot be placed side by side in a compact manner, which means that clearance zones and multi-level constructions are required, in addition to increased pipes and shut-off valves.

[0016] Therefore, this complexity not only prevents a compact layout, but also significantly increases the length of pipes and the number of sensors and valves, thereby increasing the overall heat loss of the system and reducing the energy efficiency of the solution. Additionally, this increased piping increases the risk of leaks or explosions.

[0017] Furthermore, the increasing number of small chambers requires the provision of multiple insulating components and an increasing number of heating resistors for the chamber.

[0018] Such a fragmented arrangement presents additional operational difficulties, as each chamber must be individually brought to operating temperature, significantly increasing the start-up and shut-down times of the system.

[0019] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an electrochemical device that operates at high temperatures, e.g., for electricity generation and / or production or co-electrolysis of gaseous compounds, that is not bulky yet remains reliable and easy to operate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0020] To this end, the subject of the present invention relates to an apparatus of the aforementioned type, comprising at least one rack, the or each rack having a free-standing structure with multiple superimposed tiers of stacks and / or multiple free-standing structures defining multiple superimposed tiers of stacks, each free-standing structure having a fluid distributor capable of supplying at least one fluid to each stack and / or collecting at least one fluid from each stack, the chamber being capable of containing at least one rack, and the racks or multiple tiers of stacks contained in the chamber being configured to be heated together by a heating system.

[0021] The device according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in any technically possible combination:

[0022] - The chamber is permanently attached to the ground or floor.

[0023] - the apparatus comprises a plurality of racks, the chamber being adapted to contain a plurality of racks, the stack of racks contained in the chamber being configured to be heated together by the heating system;

[0024] The furnace has an internal air agitation system suitable for agitating the air in the chamber around each rack.

[0025] The furnace has a neutral gas injector in the chamber that can generate a gas overpressure in the chamber during operation of the furnace, and the furnace advantageously has an analyzer for the extracted gas outside the chamber.

[0026] - The number of stacks in each stack level of the rack exceeds 4.

[0027] - the apparatus comprises a common fluid distribution system provided outside the furnace, the fluid distribution system having at least one inlet pipe for a first supply fluid per stack and at least one outlet pipe for discharging a first product fluid from each stack, the inlet pipe for the first supply fluid and the outlet pipe for the first product fluid being configured to be simultaneously connected to a plurality of freestanding structures of racks included in the furnace, and the fluid distributor of each freestanding structure of racks arranged in the chamber is a first common supply pipe for the first supply fluid connected to each stack of racks, the first common supply pipe being configured to be removably connected to an inlet pipe for the first supply fluid when the freestanding structure of racks is placed in the chamber; a first common recovery pipe for recovering the first product fluid, the first common recovery pipe being connected to each stack and configured to be detachably connected to a discharge pipe for the first product fluid when the freestanding structure of the rack is disposed in the chamber; It has the following characteristics.

[0028] - the fluid distribution system has at least one inlet pipe for a second supply fluid per stack and at least one outlet pipe for discharging a second product fluid to each stack, the inlet pipe for the second supply fluid and the outlet pipe for the second product fluid being configured to be simultaneously connected to a plurality of freestanding structures of racks included in the heating furnace, and the fluid distributor of each freestanding structure of the racks disposed within the chamber is a second common supply pipe for the second supply fluid connected to each stack of racks, the second common supply pipe being configured to be detachably connected to an inlet pipe for the second supply fluid when the freestanding structure of racks is placed in the chamber; a second common recovery pipe for recovering the second product fluid, the second common recovery pipe being connected to each stack and configured to be detachably connected to a discharge pipe for the second product fluid when the freestanding structure of the rack is disposed in the chamber; It has the following characteristics.

[0029] - For each freestanding structure of the rack, the fluid distribution system a first supply tapping configured to be detachably connected to a first common supply pipe for a first supply fluid of the freestanding structure of the rack, for opening and closing an inlet pipe for the first supply fluid; a second discharge tap configured to be detachably connected to the first common collection pipe for the first product fluid of the freestanding structure of the rack, for opening and closing the discharge pipe for the first product fluid; It has the following characteristics.

[0030] - the chamber extends longitudinally along a longitudinal axis, the plurality of freestanding structures of the rack are arranged along the longitudinal axis, and the inlet pipe for the first feed fluid and the outlet pipe for the first product fluid extend parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0031] Each freestanding structure on the rack is mounted so as to be movable relative to the furnace between an operating position located inside the chamber and a maintenance position located outside the chamber.

[0032] - the chamber has a side door for the rack or group of racks, and each free-standing structure of the rack or group of racks is suitable for being pulled out through the side door using a forklift, or the chamber has an upper door for the rack or group of racks, and each free-standing structure of the rack or group of racks is suitable for being pulled out through the upper door by a winch of an overhead crane.

[0033] the stack for generating electricity is a fuel cell, in particular a solid oxide fuel cell, capable of receiving a first feed fluid formed of a fuel and producing a first product fluid comprising water, and a second feed fluid comprising air and producing a second product fluid, or The production stack is a stack for producing at least one gaseous compound, in particular an electrolytic cell or a co-electrolytic cell, which is capable of receiving a first feed fluid, preferably comprising water or water and carbon dioxide, to produce a first product fluid, preferably comprising hydrogen or hydrogen and carbon monoxide, and a second feed fluid, preferably comprising air, to produce a second product fluid, preferably comprising oxygen.

[0034] The heating system comprises at least one electrical resistance arranged in the chamber, the or each electrical resistance being advantageously inserted in at least one metal tube having a through hole and preferentially arranged behind a muffle arranged in the chamber.

[0035] Each stack has a plurality of unit stacking elements arranged one on top of the other, each unit stacking element having a first electrode, an electrolyte, in particular a solid electrolyte, and a second electrode of opposite polarity to that of the first electrode.

[0036] The present invention has as its subject matter providing an apparatus as defined above, wherein the furnace chamber includes at least one rack including a freestanding structure having a plurality of superimposed tiers of stacks, and / or each rack including a plurality of freestanding structures defining a plurality of superimposed tiers of stacks; activating a heating system within the chamber to heat a rack or multiple stacks of racks contained within the chamber together; and * carrying out electrochemical reactions in each stack of each rack contained in the chamber, in particular for the purposes of generating electricity, producing gaseous compounds, and / or co-electrolysis; The electrochemical process includes:

[0037] The process according to the invention can comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in any technically possible combination:

[0038] The heating system brings the air in the chamber, in contact with the or each rack, to a temperature above 400°C, preferentially in the range of 400°C to 1300°C, advantageously in the range of 600°C to 1200°C.

[0039] - In the process, the air around each rack is stirred by an atmospheric stirring system, and while the stacks are heated together, the temperature of the racks or each stack on each rack differs by a maximum of 10% from the average temperature of the racks or stacks on each rack.

[0040] - while the rack or multi-level stack of racks is being heated together, the process comprises the steps of removing at least one free-standing structure of the rack from the chamber and leaving at least one other free-standing structure of the rack arranged in the chamber, and advantageously, after the removing step, returning the removed free-standing structure of the rack to the chamber or arranging another free-standing structure of the rack to replace the removed free-standing structure of the rack.

[0041] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0042] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a first generating device according to the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the device shown in FIG. 1 taken along a vertical plane. [Figure 3] 3 is a partial perspective view of a rack having a plurality of stacks configured to be introduced into the chamber of the apparatus shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4] 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 during the introduction of a rack into the chamber of the apparatus shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 13 shows one side of the heating chamber along with the connections between each rack and a common pipe. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 shows a variant of the device according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0043] A first electrochemical device 10 according to the invention, particularly for generating electricity and / or producing gaseous compounds and / or co-electrolysis, is shown in Figures 1 to 5.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the apparatus 10 includes a plurality of individual racks 12, each supporting a plurality of stacks 14 for conducting electrochemical reactions, particularly for the generation of electricity, the production of gaseous compounds, or co-electrolysis.

[0045] According to the present invention, the generator 10 comprises at least one furnace 16 configured to include at least one rack 12 and to heat the stack 14 of racks or each rack 12 included in the furnace 16 together.

[0046] The generator 10 includes a fluid distribution system 18 configured to be fluidly connected to each rack 12 received within the furnace 16 .

[0047] The device 10 is configured to be placed on land or offshore, for example on an offshore platform. The device rests on the ground or floor 19.

[0048] Each stack 14 generally includes a plurality of stacking elements arranged one on top of the other, each of which (or cell) includes a first electrode, an electrolyte such as a solid electrolyte, and a second electrode of opposite polarity to that of the first electrode.

[0049] The electrodes are formed, for example, from flat unit elements, and the stack 14 has a sandwich shape. In a variant, each electrode is made up of tubular elements, and the stack 14 has a tubular shape.

[0050] 3, each stack 14 has a first inlet 22 for supplying a first feed fluid and a first outlet 24 for withdrawing a first product fluid. The first inlet 22 and the first outlet 24 are in fluid communication with each first electrode of each unit element included in the stack 14.

[0051] Similarly, stack 14 has a second inlet 26 for a second feed fluid and a second outlet 28 for receiving a second product fluid, with second inlet 26 and second outlet 28 in fluid communication with each second electrode of each unit element included in stack 14.

[0052] The stack 14 may be, for example, a solid oxide fuel cell (i.e., "SOFC" as defined above). In such cases, the first electrode is the anode, and the first feed fluid is a fuel that includes or is specifically composed of hydrogen, methane, propane, butane, fermentation gas, gasified biomass, biofuel, and / or synthetic fuel, ammonia, methanol, carbon monoxide, natural gas, and / or paint vapors. As such, the first product fluid is typically water, carbon dioxide, and possibly excess fuel that did not react within the stack 14.

[0053] The second electrode is the cathode. In the same case of a solid oxide fuel cell (i.e., "SOFC" as defined above), the second feed fluid is air. The second product fluid is the remainder of the oxygen-depleted air.

[0054] The electrolyte acts as a membrane separating the fuel on the anode side from the air on the cathode side, and is likewise made of, for example, a ceramic material, for example based on zirconium oxide.

[0055] An electronic current is collected across the electrodes of each unit element to be fed into a power grid.

[0056] Alternatively, the stack is a solid oxide electrolysis cell ("SOEC" as defined above).

[0057] In such a case, the first feed fluid to the anode is air and the first product fluid is oxygen, the second feed fluid at the cathode is water vapor and the second product fluid is hydrogen.

[0058] In a further variation, stack 14 is configured for the co-electrolysis of gaseous compounds, such as water vapor and carbon dioxide to form synthesis gas for the synthesis of chemical components.

[0059] The electrolysis reaction takes place under the influence of an electric current supplied to the electrode terminals of each unit element, for example from a power grid and / or a power generation plant, in particular a renewable power generation plant comprising, for example, at least one wind turbine, at least one tidal power marine turbine and / or at least one solar panel.

[0060] The number of unit elements in each stack 14 is preferentially greater than 10, in particular in the range 50-200.

[0061] 3, the racks 12 are freestanding structures having multiple tiers that are individually movable and integral with other racks 12. In an alternative embodiment, the racks 12 are freestanding multi-tier stacks.

[0062] Each freestanding structure can be introduced into and withdrawn from furnace 16 as a unit.

[0063] FIG. 3 shows a rack 12 having a freestanding structure with two identical base stages.

[0064] Each freestanding structure of the rack 12 supports multiple stacks 14 that can be moved together independently of the stacks 14 on other racks 12 included in the furnace 16, or, if desired, independently of the stacks 14 on other freestanding structures of the same rack 12.

[0065] Each freestanding structure of the rack 12 further has a fluid distributor 30 specific to the freestanding structure of the rack 12, and the fluid distributor 30 is configured to supply a first supply fluid and a second supply fluid to each stack 14 of the rack 12 from a distribution system 18 common to all the racks 12 and to collect the first product fluid and the second product fluid from each stack 14 of the rack 12 to return the first product fluid and the second product fluid to the distribution system 18 common to all the racks 12.

[0066] In the example shown in FIG. 3, each freestanding structure of the rack 12 has a number of stacks 14 of 5 or more, in particular 8 or more, in particular 16 or more, advantageously in the range of 32-56.

[0067] The freestanding stacks 14 of the rack 12 are arranged in stages, for example, in the form of rows 32A-32D of stacks 14.

[0068] In the example shown in FIG. 3, at least two rows 32A, 32B are arranged parallel to each other on the same level, and at least two rows 32C, 32D are arranged above rows 32A, 32B on different levels of the rack 12.

[0069] The stacks 14 located on one level of the rack 12 are separate and vertically spaced apart from the stacks 14 located on another level of the rack 12 .

[0070] Each freestanding distributor 30 of the rack 12 has a first common pipe 34 for supplying a first supply fluid, a first common pipe 36 for recovering a first product fluid, a second common pipe 38 for supplying a second supply fluid, and a second common pipe 40 for recovering a second product fluid, and the common pipes 34-40 are configured to be connected to the distribution system 18.

[0071] The distributor 30 further includes branch connections 44-50 specific to each row 32A-32D for fluidly connecting each common pipe 34-40 to each stack 14 arranged in the row 32A-32D.

[0072] The common pipes 34 to 40 extend parallel to one another beyond the stack 14 and the connecting portions 44 to 50. In this example, the common pipes extend horizontally.

[0073] The common pipes 34 - 40 each have an end flange configured to be removably connected to the distribution system 18 .

[0074] Advantageously, the distribution flanges of at least four common pipes 34-40 of the same rack 12 are coplanar and arranged in a vertical plane perpendicular to the axis of each common pipe 34-40.

[0075] In this example, the connecting portions 44 to 50 are rigid pipes, and all of the connecting portions extend parallel to the corresponding common pipes 34 to 40.

[0076] Each of the connecting portions 44 to 50 is connected to the corresponding common pipe 34 to 40 via one or more horizontal branch connecting portions.

[0077] To this end, each connection 44 is connected on the one hand to the first common pipe 34 and on the other hand via a corresponding tapping to a first inlet 22 which supplies a first feed fluid to each stack 14 in the row 32A to 32D.

[0078] The common pipe 34 is therefore the only pipe that supplies the first supply fluid to all the stacks 14 of the freestanding structure of racks 12 .

[0079] Each connection 46 is connected on the one hand to the first common pipe 36 and on the other hand to a first outlet 24 for recovering the first product fluid from each stack 14 in the rows 32A to 32D via a corresponding tapping.

[0080] Thus, the common pipe 36 is the only pipe that collects the first product fluid through all the stacks 14 of the freestanding structure of racks 12 .

[0081] Each connection 48 is connected on the one hand to the second common pipe 38 and on the other hand via a corresponding tapping to a second inlet 26 that supplies a second supply fluid to each stack 14 in the rows 32A to 32D.

[0082] The common pipe 38 is therefore the only pipe that supplies the second supply fluid to all stacks 14 of the freestanding structure of racks 12 .

[0083] Each connection 50 is connected to a second common pipe 40 and is connected via a corresponding tapping to a second outlet 28 for recovering the second product fluid from each stack 14 in the rows 32A to 32D.

[0084] Thus, the common pipe 40 is the only pipe through which the second product fluid is collected by all stacks 14 of the freestanding structure of racks 12 .

[0085] Alternatively, the connections 44-50 are flexible pipes connected on the one hand to at least one rigid manifold connected to the common pipes 34-40 and on the other hand to the inlets 22, 26 and outlets 24, 28 of each stack 14, respectively.

[0086] As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4, each freestanding structure of rack 12 is movable as a unit between a normal operating position located inside furnace 16 and a maintenance position located outside furnace 16.

[0087] Each rack 12 does not have its own heating means, and each freestanding stack 14 of each rack 12 is configured to be co-heated with other stacks 14 of racks 12 included in the same furnace 16, or other freestanding stacks 14 of the same rack 12, if desired.

[0088] 1 and 2, the furnace 16 includes an insulating chamber 60 configured to simultaneously receive at least one rack 12 for heating multiple levels of stacks 14 together, a heating system 62 for heating the insulating chamber 60, and an air agitation system 64 (see FIG. 2) for uniformly maintaining the temperature within the furnace 16, particularly during start-up and operating phases.

[0089] The chamber 60 is formed by walls 65A to 65E which here define a parallelepiped internal volume 66. The walls 65A to 65E are thermally insulated, for example having a thermal conductivity of less than 0.5 W / mK.

[0090] In this example, the interior volume 66 of the chamber 60 is capable of receiving at least one rack 12, particularly one to ten racks 12. Thus, the interior volume 66 of the chamber 60 can contain more than ten stacks 14, particularly more than one hundred stacks 14, for example several hundred stacks 14.

[0091] The internal volume of the chamber 60 is, for example, 9 m 3 exceeding 9m 3 ~100 m 3 is within the range.

[0092] When the chamber 60 receives one rack or each rack 12, the free space within the internal volume 66 not occupied by the rack 12 is greater than 50% of the volume of the rack 12 so that the heating system 62, the muffle (e.g., made of fire-resistant steel), the internal air agitation system and the pipes 34-40 can be placed within the chamber 60.

[0093] The wall 65 has at least one side wall 65A and at least one side wall 65B positioned opposite the distribution system 18, and advantageously has an opposing side door 65C in front of each rack 12 for accessing the internal volume 66 to selectively insert each rack 12 into the internal volume 66 or withdraw each rack 12 outside the internal volume 66.

[0094] Wall 65 further comprises, where appropriate, a lower wall 65D and an upper wall 65E which close the interior volume 66 from above and below, respectively.

[0095] The side wall 65A has openings 68 for the common pipes 34 to 40 to cross, and each opening 68 can be crossed by a corresponding common pipe 34 to 40 of the rack 12.

[0096] Thus, when the freestanding structure of the rack 12 is in its normal operating position inserted into the interior volume 66, each common pipe 34-40 of the freestanding structure of the rack 12 protrudes from the interior volume 66 through a corresponding opening 68 in the side wall 65A toward the distribution system 18 for connection to the distribution system 18.

[0097] When the freestanding structure of the rack 12 occupies a maintenance position outside the interior volume 66, the cross opening 68 at the front of the rack 12 in its normal operating position is advantageously suitable for blocking by an insulating sleeve (not shown).

[0098] Thus, the other freestanding structures of racks 12 located within interior volume 66 remain in their normal operating positions during maintenance of one of the freestanding structures of racks 12 withdrawn from interior volume 66.

[0099] The heating system 62 is capable of heating the gaseous air in the internal volume 66 to a temperature above 450°C, for example, in the range of 450°C to 1300°C, particularly in the range of 600°C to 1200°C.

[0100] In this example, the heating system comprises an electrical resistance, for example arranged vertically between the insulating chamber 60 and the or each rack 12. For this reason, the furnace 16 advantageously comprises an insulating plate called a "muffle".

[0101] This plate protects the connectors of the racks 12 from direct radiation. If the racks 12 are side by side, it is further possible to place a muffle / resistor / muffle system between the racks 12.

[0102] Generally, the resistors heat the chamber 60 rapidly for start-up and maintain the temperature as needed in the event of endothermic operation of the stack 14 (as may occur in electrolysis mode).

[0103] In such cases, the feed fluid introduced into the stack 14 is heated to maintain the stack 14 at the reaction temperature, thus minimizing the power that needs to be supplied to the stack 14 to cause the desired electrochemical reactions, particularly in electrolysis / co-electrolysis configurations.

[0104] Advantageously, each electrical resistor is inserted into at least one steel metal tube having a through hole.

[0105] The electrical resistance is therefore protected from the outside during start-up and shut-down phases. The steel pipe has sufficient openings for internal air flow and heat exchange.

[0106] The electrical resistance is adapted to heat the entire interior volume 66 so as to simultaneously increase the temperature of each rack 12 contained in the interior volume 66 and each stack 14 contained in the rack 12 .

[0107] Alternatively or additionally, the heating system comprises at least one burner.

[0108] The agitation system 64 may, for example, consist of an agitator advantageously disposed on the upper wall 65E. The agitator may agitate the gaseous air within the interior volume 66 to improve the uniformity of heat exchange. The agitator may also be suitable for use in forcing a rapid and controlled cooling of the temperature of the interior volume 66 within the furnace 16.

[0109] The agitator significantly enhances heat transfer and significantly reduces heating and cooling times. The agitator is suitable for generating a gas current in the air surrounding the or each rack 12.

[0110] Each agitator has a rotatable agitating member supporting at least one blade and a motor for rotating the moveable member.

[0111] The agitator is preferentially mounted to the wall of the chamber 60 , with the motor located outside the interior volume 66 and the rotating agitator member located within the interior volume 66 .

[0112] The stirring system 64 is advantageously associated with a system (not shown) for injecting a neutral gas (e.g., nitrogen) and, if appropriate, an in-pipe analyzer capable of detecting the possible presence of hydrogen in the outlet stream outside the furnace 16.

[0113] The stirring creates an overpressure in the interior volume 66 of the chamber 60 .

[0114] In this way, the chamber 60 operates in an inert atmosphere, limiting the risk of accidents (explosions, fires) due to possible release of leaking gases.

[0115] The ingestion of air and therefore oxygen is avoided, preventing oxidation of the chamber compound and its components as well as the risk of explosion / fire.

[0116] The overpressure further limits the risk of leakage from the stack 14 .

[0117] The compactness of the furnace 16 is further maximized to reduce heat losses associated with sweeping and / or stirring.

[0118] The agitation system 64 provides uniform internal temperature throughout the internal volume 66, allowing parallel operation of multiple racks 12, and optionally multiple freestanding tiers of identical racks 12, in the same chamber.

[0119] Agitation prevents the appearance of hot spots within the furnace 16 and thus a significant temperature increase of one stack 14 compared to the other stacks (eg, more than 10% compared to the average temperature of the stacks 14).

[0120] The constant and uniform temperature of the various stacks 14 limits the risk of a stack 14 breaking and causing significant imbalances in the utilization of the stacks 14. Thus, the life span of all stacks 14 contained within the interior volume 66 is uniform.

[0121] The arrangement of the stacks 14 in the form of racks 12 within the interior volume 66 of the furnace 16 and the sharing of the supply of each rack 12 outside the furnace 16 by the distribution system 18 optimizes the space within the interior volume 66 to be occupied almost exclusively by the racks 12.

[0122] In this way, the distribution connections 44-50 of each stack 14 are located directly in the internal volume 66 within the chamber 60 and are subject to the same temperature changes as the stack 14, further minimizing thermal stresses on all pipes.

[0123] Additionally, heat exchange can occur between the various common pipes 34-40 and between the various connections 44-50 within the internal volume 66. In this way, the process becomes easier to implement and dedicated heat exchanges, especially the most difficult heat exchangers operating at the highest temperatures in the system, are eliminated.

[0124] The provision of a furnace 16 common to a movable freestanding structure supporting multiple stacks 14 and multiple racks 12, or multiple freestanding structures of racks 12 as needed, avoids the need to supply a specific furnace for each stack 14 or small group of individual stacks 14, as heating and ventilation as well as utilities are shared via a distribution system 18. Thus, the need to provide a specific heating system, utility system and ventilation for each stack 14 or small group of stacks 14 is eliminated.

[0125] 1 and 2, the distribution system 18 has an inlet pipe 70 for a first feed fluid, an outlet pipe 72 for discharging a first product fluid, an inlet pipe 74 for a second feed fluid, and an outlet pipe 76 for discharging a second product fluid.

[0126] 1 and 2, the distribution system 18 further includes tappings 80-86 associated with each rack 12 and respectively connected to each pipe 70-76, each tapping 80-86 having a corresponding connecting valve (see 82A, 86A in FIG. 2) for connecting each corresponding pipe 70-76 to a respective common pipe 34-40 of each rack 12.

[0127] In this example, at least one group of tubes 70-76 is associated with each furnace 16 for connection to each rack 12 included in the furnace 16. In the example shown in Figure 1, two furnaces 16 are arranged parallel to each other, and each furnace 16 has a distribution system 18 that is shared by the two furnaces.

[0128] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the tubes 70-76 extend parallel to the longitudinal axis A-A' of the furnace 16 in front of and along the side wall 65A.

[0129] The tappings 80 to 86 protrude transversely outside the wall 65A toward the wall 65A relative to the axis A-A'.

[0130] At least a part of the free ends of the tappings 80 to 86 is in the same vertical plane parallel to the axis A-A'.

[0131] When the or each rack 12 is placed within the internal volume 66 of the chamber 60, the free ends of the common pipes 34-40 can be detachably connected to the free ends of the tappings 80-86, with the common pipes 34-40 protruding through the lateral openings 68.

[0132] Thus, the connections between the tappings 80-86 and each rack 12 are readily accessible so that they can be identified and easily separated if the rack 12, and if necessary, the freestanding structure of the rack 12, needs to be moved outside the interior volume 66 of the furnace 16.

[0133] By arranging the tubes 70-76 parallel to the axis A-A' of the furnace 16, the compactness of the apparatus 10 is further enhanced while maintaining easy access to the connections.

[0134] Thus, for the same surface area on the ground, the device 10's capacity for electricity generation and / or fuel fluid is increased, whereas for the same capacity to generate electricity and / or fuel fluid, the overall size of the device 10 is reduced.

[0135] The operation of the device 10 will now be described.

[0136] Initially, prior to start-up, each rack 12 or each freestanding structure of racks 12 is placed into position within the interior volume 66 of the furnace 16, for example, using a lift truck 90 as shown in FIG.

[0137] Once each rack 12 or each freestanding structure of racks 12 is positioned within the interior volume 66, the side door 65C is opened and the common pipes 34-40 are passed across the respective openings 68, thereby advancing the rack or freestanding structure of racks 12 towards the side wall 65A.

[0138] The free ends of the common pipes 34 - 40 are then removably connected to the corresponding tappings 80 - 86 of the distribution system 18 .

[0139] Once all of the racks 12 or all of the freestanding structures of racks 12 have been placed within the chamber 60, the side door 65C is closed to enclose the interior volume 66.

[0140] The heating system 62 operates by supplying power to an electrical resistor to bring the gaseous air in the internal volume 66 to a temperature above 450° C., in particular to a temperature in the range of 450° C. to 1300° C., for example to a temperature in the range of 600° C. to 1200° C. Thus, progressive and common heating, assisted by stirring of the internal air of a plurality of racks 12, and, if necessary, of each freestanding structure of the racks 12 and each stack 14 contained in one or each rack 12, is achieved in a very simple manner.

[0141] The valves of the corresponding tappings 80-86 are then opened. The first feed fluid flows from the inlet pipe 70 through each tapping 80 to the first common pipe 34 of each rack 12, and then through each connection 44 of the rack 12. The fluid then enters each stack 14 via the first inlet 22 connected to the connection 44. The first feed fluid reacts at the first electrode to produce a first product fluid.

[0142] The first product fluid is collected at each first outlet 24, then collected at the connection 46, and then reaches the first common pipe 36. The first product fluid is then discharged through the discharge pipe 72 via the tapping 82.

[0143] Similarly, the second supply fluid flows from the inlet pipe 74 through each tapping 84 to the second common pipe 38 of each rack 12, and then through each connection 48 of the rack 12. The fluid then enters each stack 14 via the second inlet 26 connected to the connection 48.

[0144] The second feed fluid reacts at the second electrode to produce a second product fluid, which is discharged through the second outlet 28 and then through the connection 50 to the second common pipe 40. The fluid is then collected in the discharge pipe 76 via the tapping 86.

[0145] When maintenance is to be performed on a particular stack 14 or a particular rack 12, the side door 65C disposed opposite that rack 12 is opened.

[0146] The valves 80A to 86A connected to the rack 12 are closed, and the free ends of the pipes 34 to 40 of the rack 12 are removed from the tappings 80 to 86.

[0147] The rack 12, or if necessary, the freestanding structure of the rack 12, can be removed from the interior volume 66 and transported to a maintenance location outside the interior volume 66 without having to move other racks 12, or if necessary, other freestanding structures of the rack 12. Once maintenance has been performed, the rack 12, or if necessary, the freestanding structure of the rack 12, can be returned to its predetermined position in the same location or can be replaced with another rack 12, or if necessary, another freestanding structure of the rack 12.

[0148] 6, an access door 65C to the interior volume 66 is provided in the top wall 65E. After disassembling the connecting pipe spools ("spools") of the distribution system 18, which may be provided above the chamber 60, each rack 12, and if necessary each free-standing structure of the rack 12, can be moved through the top wall 65E by an overhead crane 92.

[0149] In this example, the overhead crane 92 has a horizontal beam 94 provided above the furnace 16 and a winch 96 mounted so as to be movable along the horizontal beam 94 transverse to the axis A-A' of the furnace 16.

[0150] In such a configuration, the agitation system 64 is located, for example, below the rack or racks 12. To position the agitator motor below the chamber 60, the chamber 60 is raised.

[0151] Therefore, disassembly of the motor and agitator assembly is not required during maintenance.

[0152] Furthermore, the operation of the device 10 of this modified example is similar to the operation of the device 10 shown in FIGS.

[0153] In a variant (not shown), the pipes 70-76 of the distribution system 18 are located below the furnace 16, so that the opening 68 is provided in the floor 65D of the chamber 60.

Claims

1. a plurality of stacks (14) for carrying out electrochemical reactions; a furnace (16) having a chamber (60) for receiving each stack (14) and a heating system (62), the furnace (16) having a neutral gas injector in the chamber (60) capable of generating a gas overpressure in the chamber (60) during operation of the furnace (16); At least one rack (12) It is equipped with the at least one rack (12) has a freestanding structure with multiple stacked tiers of the stack (14) and / or a plurality of freestanding structures defining multiple stacked tiers of the stack (14); Each freestanding structure has a fluid distributor (30) capable of supplying at least one fluid to and / or collecting at least one fluid from each stack (14); The chamber (60) may include the at least one rack (12), and a stack (14) of multiple superimposed tiers of the at least one rack (12) included in the chamber (60) is configured to be heated together by the heating system (62), electrochemical device (10).

2. 2. The electrochemical device (10) of claim 1, comprising a plurality of racks (12), wherein the chamber (60) can include the plurality of racks (12), and wherein a stack (14) of the plurality of racks (12) included in the chamber (60) is configured to be heated together by the heating system (62).

3. 2. The electrochemical device (10) of claim 1, wherein the furnace (16) includes an air agitation system (64) therein capable of agitating air within a chamber (60) surrounding the at least one rack (12).

4. 2. The electrochemical device (10) of claim 1, wherein the number of stacks (14) in each stage of the stacks (14) of the rack (12) exceeds four.

5. a common fluid distribution system (18) located outside the furnace (16); The fluid distribution system (18) includes at least one inlet pipe (70) for a first supply fluid for each stack (14) and at least one outlet pipe (72) for discharging a first product fluid produced in each stack (14); the inlet pipe (70) for the first supply fluid and the outlet pipe (72) for the first product fluid are configured to be simultaneously connected to a plurality of freestanding structures of racks (12) included in the furnace (16); The fluid distributor (30) of each freestanding structure of racks (12) disposed within the chamber (60) comprises: a first common supply pipe (34) for the first supply fluid, connected to each stack (14) of racks (12), configured to be detachably connected to an inlet pipe (70) for the first supply fluid when the freestanding structure of racks (12) is disposed within the chamber (60); a first common return pipe (36) for the first product fluid connected to each stack (14), the first common return pipe (36) being configured to be detachably connected to a discharge pipe (72) for the first product fluid when the freestanding structure of the rack (12) is disposed within the chamber (60); 5. The electrochemical device (10) of claim 1, comprising:

6. The fluid distribution system (18) includes at least one inlet pipe (74) for a second supply fluid for each stack (14) and at least one outlet pipe (76) for discharging a second product fluid produced in each stack (14); the inlet pipe (74) for the second supply fluid and the outlet pipe (76) for the second product fluid are configured to be simultaneously connected to a plurality of freestanding structures of racks (12) included in the furnace (16); Each freestanding fluid distributor (30) in the rack (12) disposed within the chamber (60) comprises: a second common supply pipe (38) for supplying the second supply fluid, connected to each stack (14) of racks (12), configured to be detachably connected to an inlet pipe (74) for the second supply fluid when the freestanding structure of racks (12) is placed in the chamber (60); a second common return pipe (40) for the second product fluid connected to each stack (14), configured to be removably connected to a second discharge pipe (76) for the second product fluid when the freestanding structure of the rack (12) is disposed within the chamber (60); 6. The electrochemical device (10) of claim 5, comprising:

7. The fluid distribution system (18) includes, for each freestanding structure of the rack (12): a first supply tapping (80) configured to be detachably connected to the first common supply pipe (34) for a first supply fluid of the freestanding structure of the rack (12) and for opening and closing the inlet pipe (70) for the first supply fluid; a second discharge tapping (82) configured to be detachably connected to the first common return pipe (36) for the first product fluid of the freestanding structure of the rack (12) and for opening and closing the discharge pipe (72) for the first product fluid; 6. The electrochemical device (10) of claim 5, comprising:

8. 6. The electrochemical device (10) of claim 5, wherein the chamber (60) extends longitudinally along a longitudinal axis (A-A'), the plurality of freestanding structures of the rack (12) are arranged along the longitudinal axis (A-A'), and the inlet pipe (70) for the first feed fluid and the outlet pipe (72) for the first product fluid extend parallel to the longitudinal axis.

9. 5. The electrochemical apparatus (10) of claim 1, wherein each freestanding structure of the rack (12) is mounted so as to be movable relative to the furnace (16) between an operating position disposed inside the chamber (60) and a maintenance position disposed outside the chamber (60).

10. The chamber (60) has a side door (65C) for the rack (12) or group of racks (12), and each freestanding structure of the rack (12) or group of racks (12) can be pulled out through the side door (65C) by a forklift (90), or 10. The electrochemical device (10) of claim 9, wherein the chamber (60) has an upper door (65C) for the rack (12) or group of racks (12), and each free-standing structure of the rack (12) or group of racks (12) can be pulled through the upper door (65C) by a winch (96) of an overhead crane (92).

11. The stack (14) for generating electricity is a fuel cell, which is capable of receiving a first feed fluid formed of a fuel and producing a first product fluid comprising water, and receiving a second feed fluid comprising air and producing a second product fluid, or 5. The electrochemical device (10) of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the production stack (14) is an electrolysis cell or a co-electrolysis cell capable of receiving a first feed fluid comprising water or water and carbon dioxide to produce a first product fluid comprising hydrogen or hydrogen and carbon monoxide, and receiving a second feed fluid comprising air to produce a second product fluid comprising oxygen.

12. 5. The electrochemical device (10) of claim 1, wherein the heating system (62) comprises at least one electrical resistor disposed within the chamber (60).

13. providing an electrochemical device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the chamber (60) of the furnace (16) includes at least one rack (12) including a freestanding structure with multiple stacked tiers of the stack (14) and / or each rack (12) including multiple freestanding structures defining multiple stacked tiers of the stack (14); activating a heating system (62) within the chamber (60) to heat together the stacks (14) of at least one rack (12) contained within the chamber (60); and conducting an electrochemical reaction in each stack (14) of each rack (12) contained within the chamber (60).

14. agitating the air around the at least one rack (12) with an air agitation system (64); 14. The electrochemical process of claim 13, wherein the temperature of each stack (14) of the at least one rack (12) differs from the average temperature of the stacks (14) of the at least one rack (12) by at most 10% while heating the stacks (14) together.

15. 15. The electrochemical process of claim 14, further comprising the steps of: removing at least one freestanding structure of the racks from the chamber while heating the multi-level stack of at least one rack together, and leaving at least one other freestanding structure of the racks disposed in the chamber; and, after the removing step, returning the removed freestanding structure of the rack to the chamber or disposing another freestanding structure of the rack in place of the removed freestanding structure of the rack.

16. The electrochemical device (10) of claim 1, wherein the furnace (16) has an analyzer for gases extracted outside the chamber.

17. An electrochemical device (10) as described in claim 12, wherein the or each electrical resistor is inserted into at least one metal tube having a through hole or is positioned behind a muffle arranged in the chamber (60).

18. An electrochemical process as described in claim 13, wherein the heating system (62) heats the air in the chamber (60) in contact with the rack or each rack (12) to a temperature exceeding 400°C.

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