Distributor device, electrochemical device, electrochemical system and / or electrochemical plant

Abstract

The invention relates to a semi-autonomous electrochemical module (10a; 10b) for an electrochemical system (12a; 12b), having at least two electrochemical cell units (16a, 18a, 20a; 16b, 18b, 20b) for electrochemically converting at least one process fluid (22a), having at least one distributor unit (14a; 14b) for supplying the electrochemical cell units (16a, 18a, 20a; 16b, 18b, 20b) with the at least one process fluid (22a), wherein the distributor unit (14a; 14b) comprises at least one fluid interface (24a; 24b) for more particularly reversible connection of the distributor unit (14a; 14b) to a fluid supply unit (26a) of the electrochemical system (12a; 12b), and having at least one local open- or closed-loop control unit (28a; 28b) for decentrally setting a module-specific operating point of the electrochemical cell units (16a, 18a, 20a; 16b, 18b, 20b).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Distribution device, electrochemical device, electrochemical system and / or electrochemical plant

[0003] State of the art

[0004] An electrochemical module with a distribution unit for a common supply of at least two electrochemical cell units is already known from US 8,535,839 B2.

[0005] Disclosure of the invention

[0006] The invention is based on an electrochemical module for an electrochemical system, with at least two electrochemical cell units for an electrochemical conversion of at least one process fluid, with at least one distribution unit for supplying the electrochemical cell units with the at least one process fluid, wherein the distribution unit comprises at least one fluid interface for connecting the distribution unit to a fluid supply unit of the electrochemical system.

[0007] It is proposed that the electrochemical module be designed to be semi-autonomous and comprise at least one local control or regulating unit for decentralized adjustment of a module-specific operating point of the electrochemical cell units. The distribution unit of the semi-autonomous electrochemical module is preferably provided to receive the process fluid at the fluid interface in a state conditioned by the fluid supply unit and to distribute it to the at least two electrochemical cell units. In the conditioned state, the at least one process fluid is, for example, tempered to the operating temperature of the electrochemical cell units, pressurized, provided with an additive, for example steam, reformed, and / or low in at least one additive, such as an odorant, in particular in each case compared to a transport and / or storage state of the process fluid.The electrochemical system can comprise the semi-autonomous electrochemical module as the only electrochemical module or at least one further electrochemical module, in particular at least one further semi-autonomous electrochemical module. The fluid supply unit is preferably centralized and designed to transfer the at least one process fluid to the different electrochemical modules at least substantially in the same prepared state, in particular in the same state apart from deviations resulting from an arrangement of the electrochemical modules relative to the fluid supply unit."Semi-autonomous" should preferably be understood to mean that the electrochemical module is designed to automatically control the operating point, in particular a respective operating point of the electrochemical cell units, in particular by limiting and / or detecting at least one operating parameter of the electrochemical module and / or of the at least one process fluid, preferably by controlling the at least one operating parameter, particularly preferably by regulating the at least one operating parameter. The control or regulating unit can form a module-internal control path and / or a module-internal control loop and / or comprise a system data interface designed to exchange data with a higher-level control or regulating system, in particular of the electrochemical system.The data interface can, for example, be provided to provide an operating parameter detected by the semi-autonomous system, a module-specific permissible parameter range for the operating parameter, a module-specific optimum for the operating parameter or the like and / or to query an operating parameter of the electrochemical system set by the electrochemical system, a target power to be provided by the electrochemical module or the like.

[0008] A "control or regulating unit" is understood in particular to mean a unit with at least one control electronics unit. "Control electronics" is understood in particular to mean a unit with a processor unit and a memory unit, as well as with an operating program stored in the memory unit. "Intended" is understood in particular to mean specially programmed, designed, and / or equipped. The fact that an object is intended for a specific function is understood in particular to mean that the object fulfills and / or executes this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.

[0009] The semi-autonomous electrochemical module preferably comprises at least three, more preferably at least six, more preferably at least twelve electrochemical cell units. The semi-autonomous electrochemical module preferably comprises fewer than 35, more preferably fewer than 25, more preferably fewer than 15 electrochemical cell units. The electrochemical cell units are preferably structurally identical. Alternatively, the electrochemical module comprises differently designed cell units, in particular cell units with a different number of, in particular structurally identical, electrochemical cells. The electrochemical cell units preferably each comprise at least one electrochemical cell, preferably a plurality, in particular at least 100, preferably at least 200, electrochemical cells, which are electrically connected in series for common operation.Preferably, the electrochemical cell units each have a nominal electrical power of at least 2 kW, preferably of at least 5 kW, particularly preferably of at least 7.5 kW, in particular of at least 10 kW. Preferably, an electrochemical cell unit has a nominal electrical power of less than 150 kW, preferably of less than 100 kW, in particular of less than 50 kW. The at least one electrochemical cell is preferably designed as a high-temperature fuel cell, in particular as a solid oxide fuel cell or as a molten carbonate fuel cell, alternatively as a phosphoric acid fuel cell, as a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, or the like. Alternatively, the at least one electrochemical cell is designed as a high-temperature electrolysis cell, in particular as a solid oxide electrolysis cell or as a molten carbonate electrolysis cell, alternatively as a phosphoric acid electrolysis cell, as a polymer electrolyte electrolysis cell, or the like.The semi-autonomous electrochemical module preferably comprises an electrical connection to which the electrochemical cell units are electrically connected in parallel or in series. Alternatively, the electrochemical module comprises at least two, in particular galvanically isolated, electrical connections to which at least one of the electrochemical cell units is connected.

[0010] The at least one electrochemical cell preferably comprises at least one main reactant electrode, at least one further electrode and at least one electrolyte arranged between the electrodes. The distribution unit preferably comprises at least one supply line for supplying the main reactant electrode with at least one reactant as process fluid. The reactant is, for example, a fuel, in particular methane, hydrogen, ammonia and / or another hydrocarbon or a mixture with at least one of the aforementioned substances, in particular natural gas or biogas. Alternatively, the reactant is water, carbon dioxide or another electrolysis reactant, in particular with an oxygen compound. The distribution unit preferably comprises at least one further supply line for supplying the further electrode with a further reactant as process fluid.The further reactant is preferably an oxygen-containing fluid, in particular atmospheric air, synthetic air or pure oxygen, or a purging fluid, in particular an inert gas. Alternatively, the further electrode has no fluid inlet, in particular for the production of pure oxygen or hydrogen at the further electrode. The distribution unit preferably comprises at least one disposal line for removing a reaction product as process fluid from the first electrode. The reaction product comprises, for example, water, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and / or fuel residues. Alternatively, the reaction product comprises, in particular, pure hydrogen or, in particular, pure carbon and, in particular, electrolysis reactant residues. The distribution unit preferably comprises at least one further disposal line for removing a further reaction product as process fluid from the further electrode.The further reaction product is, for example, a low-oxygen variant of the further reactant, pure oxygen, pure hydrogen, or the like. Depending on the intended use, the disposal lines can be fluidically separated or converging. Depending on the intended use, the supply lines can be fluidically separated or converged as branches of a common main line of the distribution unit. The fluid interface preferably comprises an inlet of the supply line, an inlet of the further supply line, an outlet of the further supply line, and / or an outlet of the further disposal line. The electrochemical cell units are preferably fluidically connected in parallel to the supply line, the further supply line, the disposal line, and / or the further disposal line.The supply line, the additional supply line, the disposal line, and / or the additional disposal line can be configured as pipes, hoses, shafts, and / or recesses in a solid base body of the distribution unit, in particular in the form of a distribution plate. The distribution unit, in particular also the fluid interface, is preferably designed for continuous use at temperatures of the at least one process fluid of more than 300°C, preferably more than 500°C, particularly preferably more than 800°C.

[0011] The fluid interface is preferably designed for a reversible connection of the distributor unit to the fluid supply unit of the fuel cell system. A "reversible connection" preferably refers to the establishment of a fluidic connection that can be released without causing damage. For example, the fluid interface comprises at least one hose connector, a flange, in particular a quick-closing flange, or the like. Preferably, the fluid interface comprises precisely one quick-closing element, with which all inlets and outlets of the fluid interface can be simultaneously coupled to the electrochemical system. Alternatively, the fluid interface comprises a plurality of closing elements, with which at least two of the inlets and / or outlets can be coupled to the electrochemical system independently of one another.

[0012] The distribution unit preferably comprises only elements that keep a composition of the at least one process fluid at least substantially constant, in particular apart from an undesired reaction of the distribution unit with the at least one process fluid and / or an undesired leakage of substances from the distribution unit into the process fluid. The distribution unit is preferably free of components that change a composition of the at least one process fluid, such as a reformer, an afterburner, or the like. For example, at least one sensor element for detecting the operating parameter, an actuating element for limiting a maximum flow rate or for setting a module-specific, in particular cell unit-specific, flow rate of the at least one process fluid, or the like can be arranged in the distribution unit.

[0013] The semi-autonomous electrochemical module preferably comprises thermal insulation with at least one receiving space. The electrochemical cell units are preferably arranged within the receiving space. The receiving space can have a single receiving volume in which all electrochemical cell units are arranged together or can have at least two compartments, each of which contains at least one of the electrochemical cell units. Alternatively, the semi-autonomous electrochemical module comprises a plurality of separately formed thermal insulations, each of which contains at least one of the electrochemical cell units.

[0014] The inventive design of the semi-autonomous electrochemical system advantageously allows for a specified range of permissible operating points for the electrochemical cell units to be reliably maintained. In particular, the risk of improper use of the electrochemical cell units by the electrochemical system can be advantageously kept low. The risk of damage or aging of the electrochemical cell units can also be advantageously kept low. Furthermore, an advantageously simple integration into an electrochemical system is enabled, advantageously requiring little detailed knowledge of the electrochemical cell units.Furthermore, the semi-autonomous electrochemical module can be combined with an advantageously large number of configurations of the electrochemical system, in particular the fluid supply unit, in particular without adapting the semi-autonomous electrochemical system to the specific use during production of the semi-autonomous electrochemical system. In particular, application-dependent operational optimization of the semi-autonomous electrochemical module can be limited to a software update of the control or regulating unit. For example, the semi-autonomous electrochemical system can be operated with an advantageously large number of process fluids. A standardized component can advantageously be provided for an advantageously simple structure and advantageously reliable operation of an individually designed electrochemical system.

[0015] It is further proposed that the semi-autonomous electrochemical module comprise at least one common base plate on which the electrochemical cell units are arranged and on which the distribution unit and the control or regulating unit are integrated. The base plate preferably comprises a cell connection surface on which the, in particular all, electrochemical cell units are arranged. The base plate preferably comprises a system connection surface in which the fluid interface is arranged. The cell connection surface and the system connection surface are preferably oriented away from one another. The cell connection surface and the system connection surface can, for example, be oriented at least substantially perpendicular to one another or have at least substantially anti-parallel normal vectors.The base plate is preferably solid, with specific recesses in the base plate forming the supply line, the additional supply line, the disposal line and / or the additional disposal line or accommodating them, in particular with a precise fit. Alternatively, the base plate forms a housing in which the supply line, the additional supply line, the disposal line and / or the additional disposal line are arranged in a common interior space of the housing. Preferably, the distribution unit, in particular apart from the fluid interface, is arranged at least substantially entirely within the base plate. “Substantially entirely” should preferably be understood to mean at least 50%, preferably at least 70%, particularly preferably at least 85% by volume.The fluid interface can protrude from the base plate or at least be substantially flush with the system connection surface of the base plate. The base plate preferably closes the receiving space for the thermal insulation. The base plate is preferably designed as a base, which has a support surface with a normal vector that is aligned at least substantially anti-parallel to the normal vector of the cell connection surface. Alternatively, the base plate is designed as a wall, with a support surface that runs at least substantially perpendicular to the cell connection surface, or as a cover plate, which is intended to be arranged above the electrochemical cell units for operation.Preferably, the installation surface is designed as a sliding and / or rolling surface, or the semi-autonomous electrochemical module has feet, rails, rollers, docking points for an external lifting machine, or the like on the base plate in order to move the semi-autonomous electrochemical module, in particular relative to the fluid supply unit, in order to replace the semi-autonomous electrochemical module. "Substantially parallel" is to be understood here as meaning, in particular, an alignment of a direction relative to a reference direction, in particular in a plane, wherein the direction has a deviation from the reference direction of, in particular, less than 8°, advantageously less than 5°, and particularly advantageously less than 2°. A substantially anti-parallel direction is preferably substantially parallel with respect to a direction opposite the reference direction.The term "essentially perpendicular" is intended here to define in particular an orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, wherein the direction and the reference direction, in particular viewed in a projection plane, enclose an angle of 90° and the angle has a maximum deviation of in particular less than 8°, advantageously less than 5°, and particularly advantageously less than 2°. As an alternative to a base plate, the electrochemical module comprises a rack, a frame, or the like, which accommodates the supply line, the additional supply line, the disposal line, and / or the additional disposal line, or is itself formed by these. Due to the design according to the invention, the semi-autonomous electrical module can advantageously be designed to be compact.

[0016] It is further proposed that the semi-autonomous electrochemical module have a sensor unit connected to the local control or regulating unit. The sensor unit is preferably provided to detect the at least one operating parameter of the electrochemical cell units and / or of the at least one process fluid. The sensor unit preferably comprises a plurality of sensor elements for detecting a plurality of operating parameters of the electrochemical cell units and / or of the at least one process fluid. The sensor unit preferably comprises at least one sensor data interface for transferring the at least one detected operating parameter to the control or regulating unit. The control or regulating unit is preferably provided to process the at least one detected operating parameter and / or to output it in the processed state and / or as raw data via the system data interface, in particular to the higher-level control or regulating system.Preferably, the control or regulating unit is at least provided to output a warning via the system data interface if the at least one operating parameter detected by the sensor unit lies outside a module-specific, in particular cell-unit-specific, permissible parameter range. Particularly preferably, the control or regulating unit is provided to output a control or regulating signal to an actuating element of the semi-autonomous electrochemical module and / or via the system interface depending on the at least one operating parameter detected by the sensor unit. The inventive configuration allows an operating point of the electrochemical cell unit to be advantageously detected in a module-specific manner.

[0017] It is further proposed that the sensor unit comprises at least one fluid sensor element which is arranged in and / or on the distributor unit for fluid monitoring. The sensor unit preferably comprises, as a fluid sensor element, at least one, in particular at least one in each case, pressure sensor for detecting a pressure of the at least one process fluid, for example in / on the supply line, in / on the further supply line, in / on the disposal line and / or in / on the further supply line. The sensor unit preferably comprises, as a fluid sensor element, at least one, in particular at least one in each case, temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the at least one process fluid, for example in / on the supply line, in / on the further supply line, in / on the disposal line and / or in / on the further supply line.The sensor unit preferably comprises, as a fluid sensor element, at least one, in particular at least one in each case, flow meter for detecting a flow rate of the at least one process fluid, for example in / on the supply line, in / on the further supply line, in / on the disposal line and / or in / on the further supply line. The sensor unit preferably comprises, as a flow meter, a measuring orifice and a differential pressure sensor. The sensor unit preferably comprises, as a fluid sensor, at least one, in particular at least one in each case, analysis sensor for detecting a composition of the at least one process fluid, in particular in / on the supply line and / or in / on the disposal line. For example, the sensor unit comprises, as an analysis sensor, at least one lambda probe for detecting a relative oxygen content or lack of oxygen in the at least one process fluid.Alternatively or additionally, the sensor unit comprises a mass spectrometer, a humidity sensor or the like as an analysis sensor.

[0018] In an advantageously cost-effective and compact embodiment, the fluid sensor elements are arranged in a main branch upstream of a branching of the supply line and / or the further supply line into branches to the individual electrochemical cell units, or in a main branch of the disposal line and / or further disposal line downstream of a junction of the branches from the individual electrochemical cell units. In an advantageously precise embodiment, at least one fluid sensor element is arranged in each of the branches of the supply line, the further supply line, the disposal line, and / or the further disposal line to / from the individual electrochemical cell units, in particular alternatively or in addition to the at least one fluid sensor element in the main branch of the supply line, the further supply line, the disposal line, and / or the further disposal line.By means of the configuration according to the invention, the at least one process fluid can advantageously be evaluated precisely and locally with respect to an operating point of the electrochemical cell units.

[0019] It is further proposed that the sensor unit comprise at least one cell sensor element provided for monitoring an operating state of at least one of the electrochemical cell units. The sensor unit preferably comprises, as a cell sensor element, at least one cell temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the electrochemical cell units. The cell temperature sensor is arranged, for example, directly on or in the electrochemical cell units, within the receiving space of the thermal insulation, on the cell connection surface of the base plate, or the like. The cell temperature sensor is preferably formed separately from the at least one temperature sensor in / on the distribution unit. The sensor unit comprises, as a cell sensor element, for example, at least one voltmeter for detecting an electrical voltage of the electrochemical cell units.The sensor unit preferably comprises at least one ammeter as a cell sensor element for detecting an electrical current flowing through the electrochemical cell units. The sensor unit preferably comprises a cell temperature sensor, a voltmeter, and / or an ammeter for each electrochemical cell unit. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor unit comprises a global cell temperature sensor, which is provided for detecting a temperature of the receiving space for the thermal insulation and / or the base plate. The inventive design advantageously allows an operating point of the electrochemical cell units to be precisely determined.

[0020] It is further proposed that the sensor unit is provided to determine a temporal change in at least one measured variable detected by the sensor unit. The change in the measured variable can be a temporal derivative of the measured variable, a difference quotient of the measured variable with respect to time, a difference in the measured variable in a defined time interval, a duration for a defined difference in the measured variable, or the like. Preferably, the control or regulating unit is provided to store the detected measured variable in its memory unit with time resolution and to determine the change therefrom by means of the processor unit. Alternatively, the control or regulating unit and / or the sensor unit comprises an analog, in particular passive or active, differentiator or the like in order to determine the change in the measured variable.The control or regulating unit can further process and / or output the measured variable and / or the change in the measured variable as an operating parameter. The inventive design allows the control or regulating unit to advantageously react quickly to a change in the operating point.

[0021] It is further proposed that the semi-autonomous electrochemical module comprise an actuating unit, in particular connected to the control or regulating unit, which has at least one fluid actuating element. The actuating unit is preferably provided to limit at least one parameter range of the at least one operating parameter depending on a configuration of the electrochemical cell units, particularly preferably to set a value of the operating parameter predetermined by the control or regulating unit, in particular depending on the operating parameter detected by the sensor unit. The fluid actuating element is preferably provided to specify, in particular actively adjust, the flow rate of the at least one process fluid through the electrochemical cell units.The actuating unit comprises, for example, at least one actively adjustable gas flap, at least one adjustable or fixed throttle plate, at least one valve, or the like as a fluid actuating element. The actuating unit preferably comprises at least one, in particular at least one each, fluid actuating element in the supply line and / or the further supply line. In a specific embodiment, the distributor unit comprises at least one, in particular at least one per electrochemical cell unit, bypass with a shut-off valve of the actuating unit, which fluidically connects the supply line to the disposal line or the further supply line to the further disposal line, bypassing at least one of the electrochemical cell units.

[0022] In an advantageously cost-effective and compact embodiment, the at least one, in particular at least one each, fluid control element is arranged in the main branch of the supply line and / or the further supply line upstream of the branching of the supply line and / or the further supply line into branches to the individual electrochemical cell units. In an advantageously precise embodiment, at least one fluid control element is arranged in each of the branches of the supply line and / or the further supply line to the individual electrochemical cell units, in particular alternatively or in addition to the at least one fluid control element in the main branch of the supply line and / or the further supply line.

[0023] By means of the configuration according to the invention, an operating point of the electrochemical module and the process fluid provided can advantageously be specifically adjusted depending on a configuration and / or a state of the electrochemical cell units.

[0024] It is further proposed that the actuating unit comprise at least one passive fluid actuating element. Preferably, a flow resistance of the distribution unit is designed depending on a configuration of the electrochemical cell units. Preferably, the actuating unit comprises at least one throttle as a passive fluid actuating element. The throttle can be designed as a separate throttle disc or can be formed integrally with the distribution unit by deforming a line element of the distribution unit, in particular the supply line and / or the further supply line. Alternatively or additionally, an average cross-sectional area of ​​the distribution unit is designed depending on the configuration of the electrochemical units.The flow resistance of the distribution unit is preferably designed depending on the number of electrochemical cell units, the total number of electrochemical cells in the electrochemical cell units, the intended operating pressure of the electrochemical cell units, the viscosity of the at least one process fluid, or the like. The inventive design allows the actuator unit to be advantageously implemented cost-effectively and with low wear.

[0025] It is further proposed that the actuating unit comprise at least one actively adjustable fluid actuating element. The control or regulating unit is preferably provided to send an actuating signal to the actively adjustable fluid actuating element. The control or regulating unit is preferably provided to adjust the actively adjustable fluid actuating element as a function of the operating parameter detected by the sensor unit. The control or regulating unit is preferably provided to adjust the flow rate of the at least one process fluid through the electrochemical cell units by means of the actively adjustable fluid actuating element, in particular to at least three different values, preferably continuously. The adjustable fluid actuating element is preferably designed as an adjustable gas flap, as an adjustable throttle disk or control valve.An actuator of the actuating unit for actuating the actuating element can be mechanical, electrical, magnetic, pneumatic, or hydraulic. The inventive design allows a permissible parameter range of the operating parameters of the at least one process fluid to be advantageously kept large. In particular, the semi-autonomous electrochemical module can be operated with an advantageously large number of differently designed electrochemical systems and process fluids.

[0026] It is further proposed that the actuating unit comprise at least one check valve. The check valve can be designed identically to a fluid actuating element of the actuating unit for, in particular, continuously adjusting the flow rate, or the actuating unit comprises the check valve in addition to or as an alternative to the fluid actuating element for adjusting the flow rate. The check valve is preferably provided for sealing off the supply line, the further supply line, the disposal line, and / or the further disposal line with respect to the at least one process fluid. The fluid actuating element for adjusting the flow rate can be sealed with respect to the process fluid or, in a maximally closed position, allow a minimum flow rate.

[0027] In an advantageously cost-effective and compact embodiment, the check valve, in particular one check valve each, is arranged in the main branch upstream of the branching of the supply line and / or the further supply line into the branches to the individual electrochemical cell units or in a main branch of the disposal line and / or further disposal line downstream of a junction of the branches of the individual electrochemical cell units.In an advantageously individually controllable embodiment, at least one shut-off valve is arranged in each of the branches of the supply line, the further supply line, the disposal line and / or the further disposal line to / from the individual electrochemical cell units, in particular alternatively or in addition to the at least one shut-off valve in the main branch of the supply line, the further supply line, the disposal line and / or the further disposal line. The embodiment according to the invention enables the semi-autonomous electrochemical module, in particular individual electrochemical cell units, to be separated from the electrochemical system with advantageously little effort and advantageously safely. This is advantageous, for example, for a step-by-step power modulation of the electrochemical module and / or the electrochemical system.It is also advantageous, for example, when replacing and / or servicing the semi-autonomous electrochemical module.

[0028] Furthermore, an electrochemical system is proposed with at least one semi-autonomous electrochemical module according to the invention, in particular with a plurality of semi-autonomous electrochemical modules according to the invention, and with at least one fluid supply unit, in particular the one already mentioned, for supplying the at least one electrochemical module with the at least one process fluid. The fluid supply unit of the electrochemical system is preferably provided for conditioning the at least one process fluid, in particular for controlling its temperature, pressurizing it, reforming it, providing it with an additive, for example steam, and / or filtering an additive, for example an odorant, from the at least one process fluid. The fluid supply unit preferably comprises at least one reformer for converting the reactant.The fluid supply unit preferably comprises at least one starter heater for controlling the temperature of the reactant and / or the further reactant. The starter heater preferably comprises at least one electric heating element, alternatively a burner for thermally converting the reactant, for controlling the temperature of the reactant and / or the further reactant. The fluid supply unit comprises, for example, a steam feed unit for mixing the at least one reactant with steam, in particular upstream of the reformer. The fluid supply unit comprises, for example, an afterburner for thermally converting reactant residues in the reaction product. The fluid supply unit comprises, for example, at least one fluid delivery unit for transporting and / or pressurizing the at least one process fluid through the semi-autonomous electrochemical system. Alternatively or additionally, the semi-autonomous electrochemical system comprises the fluid delivery unit.For example, the fluid supply unit and / or the semi-autonomous electrochemical system comprises at least one reactant delivery unit, in particular a blower, a fan, a compressor, and / or a pump, for adjusting a feed rate of the reactant into the distributor or the distribution unit. For example, the fluid supply unit and / or the semi-autonomous electrochemical system comprises at least one further reactant delivery unit, in particular a blower, a fan, a compressor, and / or a pump, for adjusting a feed rate of the further reactant into the distributor or the distribution unit.For example, the fluid supply unit and / or the semi-autonomous electrochemical system comprises at least one recirculation conveying unit, in particular a blower, a fan, a compressor and / or a pump, for adjusting a recirculation rate at which the reaction product is fed back into the reactant via a return line of the fluid conveying unit and / or the distribution unit. For example, the fluid conveying unit and / or the distribution unit comprises at least one heat exchanger, in particular a recuperator, for transferring heat from the reaction product and / or the further reaction product to the reactant and / or the further reactant. The at least one heat exchanger is preferably arranged downstream of the afterburner with respect to the reaction product and / or the further reaction product.For example, the fluid supply unit and / or the semi-autonomous electrochemical system comprises at least one reactant heat exchanger for transferring heat to the reactant. The reactant heat exchanger is preferably arranged upstream of the reformer and preferably downstream of the reactant conveying unit. For example, the fluid supply unit and / or the semi-autonomous electrochemical system comprises at least one further reactant heat exchanger for transferring heat to the further reactant. The further reactant heat exchanger is preferably arranged upstream of the electrochemical cell units and preferably downstream of the further reactant conveying unit. Preferably, the electrochemical system, particularly preferably the semi-autonomous electrochemical module, comprises at least one further reactant bypass for bypassing the further reactant heat exchanger.Preferably, a bypass control element for adjusting a flow rate through the bypass and / or through the reactant heat exchanger is a fluid control element of the control unit of the semi-autonomous electrochemical module or the fluid supply unit. The bypass control element can be implemented, in particular, by a plurality of individual control valves or by a 3-way valve. For example, the fluid supply unit and / or the semi-autonomous electrochemical module comprises at least one recirculation heat exchanger for transferring heat from the recirculated reaction product to the reactant. The recirculation heat exchanger is preferably arranged upstream of the recirculation conveying unit with respect to the recirculated reaction product and downstream of the recirculation conveying unit with respect to a mixture of reactant and recirculated reaction product.

[0029] The fluid supply unit is preferably designed centrally and is intended to supply a plurality of electrochemical modules, in particular semi-autonomous electrochemical modules, with the at least one process fluid. The fluid supply unit preferably comprises a distributor to which the at least one semi-autonomous electrochemical module is connected via the fluid interface. The distributor preferably comprises a plurality of counter-fluid interfaces for connecting a plurality of, in particular semi-autonomous, electrochemical modules. The distributor can comprise spaced-apart line elements for conducting the reactant, the further reactant, the reaction product and / or the further reaction product to / from the semi-autonomous electrochemical module. The line elements of the distributor are preferably integrated into one another in order to enable heat transfer from at least one of the products to at least one of the reactants.For example, the distributor is designed as a double-tube heat exchanger, a tube-bundle heat exchanger, or the like. The distributor preferably connects the disposal line and / or the further disposal line of the semi-autonomous electrochemical module to the afterburner. The distributor preferably connects the supply line to the reformer. The distributor preferably connects the further supply line to the further reactant heat exchanger. The electrochemical system preferably has a nominal electrical output of at least 20 kW, preferably of at least 100 kW, preferably of at least 500 kW, particularly preferably of at least 1000 kW. The electrochemical system preferably has a nominal electrical output of less than 10 MW, preferably of less than 5 MW, in particular of less than 3 MW. The design according to the invention makes it possible to provide an advantageously easily scalable electrochemical system.

[0030] Furthermore, an electrochemical plant with at least one electrochemical system and with at least one central peripheral device for operating the electrochemical system, in particular a plurality of electrochemical systems, is proposed. The electrochemical plant preferably comprises, as a central peripheral device, at least one filter unit, in particular a desulfurizer, for removing at least one additive, in particular an odorant, from the reactant. The electrochemical plant preferably comprises, as a central peripheral device, at least one control or regulating system, in particular the one already mentioned. The electrochemical plant comprises, as a central peripheral device, for example, a reaction product heat exchanger for transferring the reaction product and / or the further reaction product, in particular an exhaust gas from the afterburner, to a heating circuit, to process water, to drinking water, or the like.The electrochemical system preferably comprises, as a central peripheral device, at least one electrical connection unit, in particular a grid feed-in unit, for connecting the electrochemical system to an electrical power grid. The connection unit preferably comprises at least one central current converter, in particular an inverter. The electrochemical system is preferably intended to integrate a plurality of electrochemical systems. The electrochemical system preferably comprises a plurality of electrochemical systems. The central peripheral devices are preferably designed to operate a plurality of electrochemical systems. The electrochemical system preferably has a nominal electrical output of at least 20 kW, preferably of at least 500 kW, preferably of at least 1000 kW, particularly preferably of at least 2000 kW. The configuration according to the invention makes it possible to provide an advantageously easily scalable electrochemical system.

[0031] The semi-autonomous electrochemical module, the electrochemical system, and / or the electrochemical plant according to the invention are not intended to be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the semi-autonomous electrochemical module, the electrochemical system, and / or the electrochemical plant according to the invention may, in order to fulfill a functionality described herein, have a number of individual elements, components, and units that differs from the number stated herein. Furthermore, in the value ranges specified in this disclosure, values ​​within the stated limits are also to be considered disclosed and can be used arbitrarily.

[0032] Drawings

[0033] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate two exemplary embodiments of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Those skilled in the art will also expediently consider the features individually and combine them into useful further combinations.

[0034] They show:

[0035] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of an electrochemical plant according to the invention,

[0036] Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of an electrochemical system according to the invention,

[0037] Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of an autonomous electrochemical module according to the invention in a perspective view,

[0038] Fig. 4 shows a schematic cross-section of the semi-autonomous electrochemical module according to the invention and

[0039] Fig. 5 shows a schematic cross section of an alternative embodiment of a semi-autonomous electrochemical module according to the invention.

[0040] Description of the embodiments

[0041] Figure 1 shows an electrochemical system 58a. The electrochemical system 58a comprises at least one electrochemical system 12a. The at least one electrochemical system 12a is preferably provided for the electrochemical conversion of at least one reactant and in particular of a further reactant. The electrochemical system 12a is preferably provided to provide at least one conversion product and in particular a further conversion product of the electrochemical conversion and / or electrical power 70a and / or thermal power 72a. The at least one electrochemical system 12a is preferably designed as a fuel cell system, in particular as a high-temperature fuel cell system. The reactant is preferably a fuel, in particular a hydrogen-containing, ammonia-containing and / or hydrocarbon-containing, in particular methane-containing, fuel. The fuel can be a pure substance or a fuel mixture, in particular natural gas or biogas.The further reactant is preferably an oxygen-containing fluid, in particular atmospheric air, synthetic air, or pure oxygen. The electrochemical system 58a preferably comprises a plurality of electrochemical systems, here, for example, at least one further, in particular at least two further, electrochemical system(s) 54a, 56a. The electrochemical system 58a can comprise more than three electrochemical systems 12a, 54a, 56a. The electrochemical systems 12a, 54a, 56a can be of identical or different construction. The electrochemical systems 12a, 54a, 56a can, in particular, have the same or different performance classes. The electrochemical system 58a comprises at least one central peripheral device 60a, 62a, 64a, 66a for operating the at least one electrochemical system 12a, 54a, 56a, in particular several of the, here by way of example all, electrochemical systems 12a, 54a, 56a.In particular, in a design with many electrochemical systems 12a, 54a, 56a, the electrochemical system 58a can comprise several central peripheral devices 60a, 62a, 64a, 66a of the same type, which are intended for operation of different groups of the electrochemical systems 12a, 54a, 56a.

[0042] The electrochemical system 58a preferably comprises at least one reactant processing unit as a central peripheral device 60a. The reactant processing unit is preferably provided to supply the at least one electrochemical system 12a, 54a, 56a with at least one process fluid 22a, preferably with the at least one reactant and, depending on the design, with the additional reactant. In particular, when pure oxygen and / or synthetic air is used as the additional reactant, the reactant processing unit is provided to supply the at least one electrochemical system 12a, 54a, 56a with the additional reactant. In particular, when atmospheric air is used as the additional reactant, the at least one electrochemical system 12a, 54a, 56a can be supplied centrally via the reactant processing unit or from an internal air intake of the electrochemical system 12a, 54a, 56a.The reactant processing unit comprises, for example, at least one filter unit for filtering an additive from at least one process fluid 22a. For example, the reactant processing unit comprises at least one desulfurizer for filtering an odorant from the reactant. For example, the reactant processing unit comprises at least one air filter for cleaning the further reactant. The reactant processing unit preferably comprises at least one compressor for applying an inlet pressure to the at least one process fluid 22a. Alternatively, the reactant processing unit is designed to receive the already pressurized at least one process fluid 22a from an external supply line and to regulate it to the inlet pressure, for example by means of a valve.The reactant preparation unit comprises, for example, at least one temperature control unit, for example an electrical heating element or a recuperator, for preheating and / or drying the at least one process fluid 22a. The electrochemical systems 12a, 54a, 56a are connected to the reactant preparation unit, preferably in parallel, with respect to the at least one process fluid 22a, preferably with respect to the reactant and in particular with respect to the further reactant.

[0043] The electrochemical system 58a preferably comprises at least one electrical connection unit, in particular a grid feed-in unit, as the central peripheral device 62a. The electrical connection unit preferably comprises at least one current transformer, in particular an inverter, for adapting a form of the electrical power 70a provided and / or consumed by the at least one electrochemical system 12a, 54a, 56a to the requirements of an external power grid and / or a load. The electrochemical system 58a preferably comprises at least one electrical energy storage device, in particular a battery, a supercapacitor, or the like, for compensating for short-term fluctuations, in particular a voltage dip, of the external power grid and / or the load, in particular in the sense of a fault ride-through. The electrochemical systems 12a, 54a, 56a are preferably electrically connected in parallel to the electrical connection unit.The at least one electrochemical system 12a, in particular each of the electrochemical systems 12a, 54a, 56a, may comprise, in addition to or alternatively to the current transformer of the electrical connection unit, a system-specific current transformer, which is preferably electrically connected in parallel to the electrical connection unit.

[0044] The electrochemical system 58a preferably comprises at least one reaction product heat exchanger, in particular an exhaust gas heat exchanger, as the central peripheral device 64a. The reaction product heat exchanger is preferably provided to provide the thermal output 72a. The reaction product heat exchanger is preferably provided to provide heat from the reaction product and / or the further reaction product for further use. The reaction product heat exchanger is preferably provided to lower a temperature of the reaction product and / or the further reaction product before discharge. The reaction product heat exchanger is connected, for example, to a heating circuit, a drinking water treatment system, a service water treatment system, a heat transfer medium circuit for providing process heat, for example, to the reactant treatment unit and / or to an external production system.

[0045] The electrochemical system 58a preferably includes a control or regulating system as a central peripheral device 66a. The control or regulating system is preferably provided to adjust the overall power of the electrochemical system 58a. The control or regulating system is preferably provided to coordinate the operation of the electrochemical systems 12a, 54a, 56a with each other, with the other central peripheral devices 60a, 62a, 64a, and / or with an external source of electrical power 70a and / or thermal power 72a.

[0046] Figure 2 shows an organizational chart of the electrochemical system 12a. The electrochemical system 12a comprises at least one semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10a. The electrochemical system 12a can, as shown here for the sake of simplicity, have precisely one electrochemical module, namely the semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10a, or several electrochemical modules, in particular several semi-autonomous electrochemical modules. The electrochemical modules can be of identical construction or different designs, in particular have different power classes. The semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10a comprises at least two electrochemical cell units 16a, 18a, 20a (see Figure 3) for the electrochemical conversion of the at least one process fluid 22a. The semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10a comprises at least one distribution unit 14a for supplying the electrochemical cell units 16a, 18a, 20a with the at least one process fluid 22a.The semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10a comprises at least one local control or regulating unit 28a for decentralized adjustment of a module-specific operating point of the electrochemical cell units 16a, 18a, 20a. The semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10a comprises at least one sensor unit 32a connected to the local control or regulating unit 28. The sensor unit 32a is preferably provided to detect at least one operating parameter of the semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10a and / or of the at least one process fluid 22a. The semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10a comprises at least one actuating unit 44a connected to the local control or regulating unit 28a. The actuating unit 44a is preferably provided to adjust at least one operating parameter of the semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10a and / or of the at least one process fluid 22a, in particular the operating parameter detected by the sensor unit 32a.The control or regulating unit 28a is preferably provided to control the actuating unit 44a, in particular as a function of operating parameters determined by means of the sensor unit 32a.

[0047] The local control or regulating unit 28a preferably comprises at least one system data interface for exchanging data with the higher-level control or regulating system. Particularly preferably, the local control or regulating unit 28a implements an abstraction level and / or data encapsulation for communication with the control or regulating system. For example, the local control or regulating unit 28a is provided to adjust a control or regulating process as a function of a target power of the electrochemical system 12a and / or the semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10a specified by the control or regulating system. The local control or regulating unit 28a is preferably provided to query data from the control or regulating system in order to adjust the actuating unit 44a in a module-specific manner.Data queried by the local control or regulating unit 28a can include, for example, the target power of the semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10a and / or the electrochemical system 12a, the composition of the at least one reactant and / or the further reactant, an input state, in particular temperature and / or pressure, of the reactant and / or the further reactant upon transfer to the semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10a, a degree of utilization of other electrochemical modules and / or other electrochemical systems 54a, 56a, a maximum permissible operating temperature of the reaction product and / or the further reaction product, a maximum permissible pressure of the reaction product and / or the further reaction product, a target value of a fuel utilization, a set recirculation rate or the like.The local control or regulating unit 28a is preferably provided to adjust the actuating unit 44a depending on specific data relating to the electrochemical cell unit 16a, 18a, 20a. The specific data, stored in particular in a memory unit of the control or regulating unit 28a, include, for example, a model type of the electrochemical cell units 16a, 18a, 20a, an operating time of the electrochemical cell units 16a, 18a, 20a, a degree of wear of the electrochemical cell units 16a, 18a, 20a, specific voltage-current characteristics of the electrochemical cell units 16a, 18a, 20a, specific impedance characteristics of the electrochemical cell units 16a, 18a, 20a, and / or the like. In a particularly precise embodiment, the control or regulating unit 28a comprises a digital twin of the electrochemical cell units 16a, 18a, 20a.The control or regulating unit 28a is preferably provided to update the specific data about the electrochemical cell units 16a, 18a, 20a, for example, by means of the at least one operating parameter detected by the sensor unit 32a, in particular by a long-term analysis of the operating parameter detected by the sensor unit 32a, by an aging model of the electrochemical cell units 16a, 18a, 20a, or the like stored in the memory unit of the control or regulating unit 28a. The control or regulating unit 28a preferably comprises at least one external data interface for updating firmware of the control or regulating unit 28a, a mathematical model of the electrochemical cell units 16a, 18a, 20a, a mathematical model of the electrochemical conversion, or the like.The external data interface can be, for example, an Ethernet interface, in particular a wired or wireless interface, a mobile radio interface, a USB interface or the like.

[0048] The electrochemical system 12a preferably comprises a fluid supply unit 26a. The fluid supply unit 26a is preferably provided to supply the at least one semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10a with the reactant and the additional reactant. The fluid supply unit 26a is preferably provided to transfer the reactant and the additional reactant in a state heated to the operating temperature of the electrochemical cell units 16a, 18a, 20a. The electrochemical cell units 16a, 18a, 20a each comprise, for example, at least one, in particular a plurality of, solid oxide fuel cells. In particular, the electrochemical cell units 16a, 18a, 20a have an intended operating temperature of at least 400°C, preferably of at least 600°C.The fluid supply unit 26a preferably comprises at least one starter heater 74a and / or heat exchanger, in particular a recuperator, for heating the reactant and / or the further reactant to the operating temperature of the electrochemical cell units 16a, 18a, 20a. The starter heater 74a comprises, for example, an electric heating element and / or a burner for heating the reactant and / or the further reactant. The heat exchanger of the fluid supply unit 26a is preferably provided for transferring heat from the reaction product and / or the further reaction product to the reactant and / or the further reactant.

[0049] The fluid supply unit 26a preferably comprises at least one, in particular at least one each, fluid conveying unit 76a, in particular a fan, a blower, a compressor, a pump, or the like, and / or a control valve for adjusting a flow rate of the reactant and / or the further reactant through the electrochemical system 12a. The fluid supply unit 26a comprises, for example, a reformer 78a for reforming the reactant. The fluid supply unit 26a preferably comprises further system-specific peripheral devices for operating the at least one semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10a, such as an afterburner, a recirculation conveying unit, a recirculation recuperator, or the like.

[0050] The distribution unit 14a of the semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10a comprises at least one fluid interface 24a for a, in particular reversible, connection of the distribution unit 14a to the fluid supply unit 26a of the electrochemical system 12a. The fluid supply unit 26a preferably comprises a plurality of counter-fluid interfaces for a fluidically parallel connection of a plurality of electrochemical modules to the fluid supply unit 26a. Figure 3 shows the semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10a. The semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10a preferably comprises up to twelve electrochemical cell units 16a, 18a, 20a. Here, the semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10a is illustrated by way of example with three electrochemical cell units 16a, 18a, 20a. The electrochemical cell units 16a, 18a, 20a are preferably arranged side by side along a single arrangement direction or in a grid-like manner along two arrangement directions, as shown here.The electrochemical cell units 16a, 18a, 20a may be arranged spaced apart from one another or in direct physical contact with one another.

[0051] The semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10a comprises a base plate 30a on which the electrochemical cell units 16a, 18a, 20a are arranged together. The base plate 30a has, in particular, a flat cell connection surface on which the electrochemical cell units 16a, 18a, 20a are arranged. The semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10a preferably comprises thermal insulation 80a that surrounds the electrochemical cell units 16a, 18a, 20a individually, in groups, or, as shown here by way of example, all together. The cell connection surface of the base plate 30a preferably closes a receiving space of the thermal insulation 80a that accommodates the electrochemical cell units 16a, 18a, 20a.

[0052] The distribution unit 14a is integrated into the base plate 30a. The base plate 30a is designed here, for example, as a base on which the electrochemical cell units 16a, 18a, 20a are arranged, in particular mounted. The base plate 30a has, for example, a mounting surface for mounting the semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10a on a substrate, which preferably runs at least substantially parallel to the cell connection surface. The base plate 30a is preferably solid or designed as a housing. The base plate 30a is preferably made of heat-resistant steel, for example Inocel600. The base plate 30a preferably comprises a system connection surface on which the fluid interface 24a is arranged. The system connection surface runs, for example, at least substantially perpendicular to the cell connection surface and / or the mounting surface.The fluid interface 24a comprises, for example, at least one inlet 82a for receiving the reactant. The fluid interface 24a preferably comprises at least one inlet 86a for receiving the further reactant. The fluid interface 24a comprises at least one outlet 84a for discharging the reaction product and / or the further reaction product. The local control or regulating unit 28a is arranged, for example, in and / or on the base plate 30a, in particular embedded in the base plate 30a. Alternatively, the semi-autonomous electrochemical module comprises at least one, in particular thermally insulating, spacer, by means of which the local control or regulating unit 28a is arranged at a distance from the base plate 30a.

[0053] Figure 4 shows a cross-section of the semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10a. The distribution unit 14a preferably comprises at least one supply line 88a for guiding and distributing the reactant from the inlet 82a of the fluid interface 24a to the electrochemical cell units 16a, 18a, 20a. The distribution unit 14a preferably comprises at least one further supply line 90a for guiding and distributing the further reactant from the inlet 86a of the fluid interface 24a to the electrochemical cell units 16a, 18a, 20a. The electrochemical cell units 16a, 18a, 20a are preferably arranged fluidically parallel at the fluid interface 24a with respect to the reactant and / or the further reactant. The supply line 88a and / or the further supply line 90a preferably run through the base plate 30a, in particular from the system connection surface to the cell connection surface.

[0054] The sensor unit 32a comprises at least one fluid sensor element 34a, 36a, which is arranged in and / or on the distributor unit 14a for fluid monitoring. The sensor unit 32a preferably comprises at least one reactant pressure sensor and / or a reactant temperature sensor as the fluid sensor element 34a, which is connected to the supply line 88a. The reactant pressure sensor is designed, for example, as a differential pressure sensor, in particular above a measuring orifice of the supply line 88a. The reactant pressure sensor is preferably provided for detecting a pressure, a differential pressure, and / or a flow rate of the reactant. The reactant temperature sensor is preferably provided for detecting a temperature of the reactant. The reactant pressure sensor and / or the reactant temperature sensor are / are shown here, for example, in a main branch of the supply line 88a upstream of a branch to the individual electrochemical cell units 16a, 18a, 20a.Alternatively or additionally, the sensor unit 32a comprises one, in particular one each, reactant pressure sensor and / or reactant temperature sensor in at least one, in particular each, branch of the supply line 88a to an individual one of the electrochemical cell units 16a, 18a, 20a.

[0055] The sensor unit 32a preferably comprises at least one further reactant pressure sensor and / or one further reactant temperature sensor as a fluid sensor element 36a, which is connected to the further supply line 90a. The further reactant pressure sensor is designed, for example, as a differential pressure sensor, in particular above a measuring orifice of the further supply line 90a. The further reactant pressure sensor is preferably provided for detecting a pressure, a differential pressure and / or a flow rate of the further reactant. The further reactant temperature sensor is preferably provided for detecting a temperature of the further reactant. The further reactant pressure sensor and / or the further reactant temperature sensor are / are shown here, for example, in a main branch of the further supply line 90a upstream of a branch to the individual electrochemical cell units 16a, 18a, 20a.Alternatively or additionally, the sensor unit 32a comprises in at least one, in particular each, branch of the further supply line 90a to a single one of the electrochemical cell units 16a, 18a, 20a one, in particular one each, further reactant pressure sensor and / or further reactant temperature sensor.

[0056] The sensor unit 32a comprises at least one cell sensor element 40a. The cell sensor element 40a is provided for monitoring an operating state of at least one of the electrochemical cell units 16a, 18a, 20a. For example, the sensor unit 32a comprises at least one cell temperature sensor as the cell sensor element 40a. The cell temperature sensor is designed here, for example, as a global temperature sensor for detecting a temperature within the receiving space of the thermal insulation 80a. The cell temperature sensor is arranged, for example, on the cell connection surface of the base plate 30a, in particular embedded therein. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor unit 32a comprises at least one cell temperature sensor on each of the electrochemical cell units 16a, 18a, 20a.The sensor unit 32a preferably comprises at least one electrical ammeter and / or an electrical voltmeter as a cell sensor element, which are not shown here, for detecting an electrical current produced or absorbed by the electrochemical cell units 16a, 18a, 20a and / or an electrical voltage applied to the electrochemical cell units 16a, 18a, 20a.

[0057] The actuating unit 44a comprises at least one fluid actuating element 46a, 48a, 50a, 52a. The actuating unit 44a comprises at least one passive fluid actuating element 46a, 48a. The passive fluid actuating element 46a preferably adjusts a transverse extent of the supply line 88a, in particular the branches of the supply line 88a leading to the individual electrochemical cell units 16a, 18a, 20a, to a configuration of the electrochemical cell units 16a, 18a, 20a. The passive fluid actuating element 48a preferably adjusts a transverse extent of the further supply line 90a, in particular the branches of the further supply line 90a leading to the individual electrochemical cell units 16a, 18a, 20a, to a configuration of the electrochemical cell units 16a, 18a, 20a.The passive fluid control element 46a, 48a can be designed in particular as an average transverse extension of the supply line 88a and / or the further supply line 90a or as a throttle, in particular a non-adjustable or only manually adjustable throttle.

[0058] The actuating unit 44a comprises at least one actively adjustable fluid actuating element 50a, 52a. The actuating unit 44a comprises, for example, a control valve, an adjustable gas flap, an adjustable throttle, or the like as an actively adjustable fluid actuating element 50a, 52a. The actuating unit 44a preferably comprises at least one actuator for actuating the at least one adjustable fluid actuating element 50a, 52a.

[0059] Preferably, the actuating unit 44a comprises at least one actively adjustable reactant fluid actuating element 50a in the supply line 88a. The actively adjustable reactant fluid actuating element 50a is shown here, by way of example, in the main branch of the supply line 88a upstream of the branch to the individual electrochemical cell units 16a, 18a, 20a. Alternatively or additionally, the actuating unit 44a comprises one, in particular one each, actively adjustable reactant fluid actuating element 50a in at least one, in particular each, branch of the supply line 88a to an individual one of the electrochemical cell units 16a, 18a, 20a.

[0060] Preferably, the actuating unit 44a comprises at least one actively adjustable further reactant fluid actuating element 52a in the further supply line 90a. The actively adjustable further reactant fluid actuating element 52a is shown here, by way of example, in the main branch of the further supply line 90a upstream of the branch to the individual electrochemical cell units 16a, 18a, 20a. Alternatively or additionally, the actuating unit 44a comprises one, in particular one each, actively adjustable further reactant fluid actuating element 52a in at least one, in particular each, branch of the further supply line 90a to an individual one of the electrochemical cell units 16a, 18a, 20a.

[0061] The actuating unit 44a comprises at least one, in particular one each, check valve in the supply line 88a and / or the further supply line 90a, which, for example, is / are identical to the actively adjustable fluid actuating element 50a, 52a. Alternatively, the actuating unit 44a comprises the at least one check valve in addition to the actively adjustable fluid actuating element 50a, 52a.

[0062] The control or regulating unit 28a preferably comprises at least one data interface for controlling a current transformer 92a, in particular the aforementioned system-specific current transformer 92a, of the electrochemical system 12a and / or the electrical connection unit. Alternatively or additionally, the actuating unit 44a comprises at least one electrical actuating element for limiting the electrical current flowing through the electrochemical cell units 16a, 18a, 20a.

[0063] Figure 5 shows a further exemplary embodiment of the invention. The following descriptions and the drawings are essentially limited to the differences between the exemplary embodiments, whereby with regard to components with the same designation, in particular with regard to components with the same reference numerals, reference can in principle also be made to the drawings and / or the description of the other exemplary embodiment, in particular Figures 1 to 4. To distinguish the exemplary embodiments, the letter a is placed after the reference numerals of the exemplary embodiment in Figures 1 to 4. In the exemplary embodiment in Figure 5, the letter a is replaced by the letter b.

[0064] Figure 5 shows a semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10b for an electrochemical system. The semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10b is particularly intended for use in the electrochemical system 12a, which was explained in more detail in Figure 2. The semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10b comprises at least two electrochemical cell units 16b, 18b, 20b for electrochemically converting at least one process fluid. The semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10b comprises at least one distribution unit 14b for supplying the electrochemical cell units 16b, 18b, 20b with the at least one process fluid.The distribution unit 14b comprises at least one fluid interface 24b for a, in particular reversible, connection of the distribution unit 14b to a fluid supply unit of the electrochemical system, and with at least one local control or regulating unit 28b for a decentralized setting of a module-specific operating point of the electrochemical cell units 16b, 18b, 20b.

[0065] An actuating unit 44b of the semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10b comprises, in particular, only passive actuating elements 46b, 48b. The control or regulating unit 28b is preferably provided to provide operating parameters of the electrochemical module 10b and / or of the at least one process fluid detected by a sensor unit of the semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10b and / or control signals generated as a function of the detected operating parameters, in particular to transmit them to a higher-level control or regulating system.

[0066] The sensor unit of the semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10b comprises, for example, a plurality of cell temperature sensors as cell sensor elements 40b, 42b. The cell temperature sensors are arranged, for example, at different locations on a cell connection surface of a base plate 30b of the semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10b. The sensor unit of the semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10b preferably comprises an analysis sensor as a fluid sensor element 38b in a supply line 88b and / or a disposal line of the distribution unit 14b. The analysis sensor is preferably provided for analyzing a composition of the at least one process fluid, in particular a reactant and / or a reaction product of the electrochemical reaction. The analysis sensor is designed, for example, as a lambda probe, in particular for determining an oxygen content and / or an oxygen deficiency of the at least one process fluid.

[0067] For further features of the semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10b, please refer to Figures 1 to 4. The special features of the sensor unit of the semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10b can also be easily integrated into the semi-autonomous electrochemical module 10a.

Claims

1 . Semi-autonomous electrochemical module (10a; 10b) for an electrochemical system (12a; 12b), with at least two electrochemical cell units (16a, 18a, 20a; 16b, 18b, 20b) for an electrochemical conversion of at least one process fluid (22a), with at least one distributor unit (14a; 14b) for supplying the electrochemical cell units (16a, 18a, 20a; 16b, 18b, 20b) with the at least one process fluid (22a), wherein the distributor unit (14a; 14b) comprises at least one fluid interface (24a; 24b) for a, in particular reversible, connection of the distributor unit (14a; 14b) to a fluid supply unit (26a) of the electrochemical system (12a; 12b), and with at least one local control or Control unit (28a; 28b) for a decentralized setting of a module-specific operating point of the electrochemical cell units (16a, 18a, 20a; 16b, 18b, 20b).

2. Semi-autonomous electrochemical module (10a; 10b) according to claim 1, characterized by a common base plate (30a; 30b) on which the electrochemical cell units (16a, 18a, 20a; 16b, 18b, 20b) are arranged and on which the distribution unit (14a; 14b) and the local control or regulating unit (28a; 28b) are integrated.

3. Semi-autonomous electrochemical module (10a; 10b) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by a sensor unit (32a) connected to the local control or regulating unit (28a; 28b).

4. Semi-autonomous electrochemical module (10a; 10b) according to claim 3, characterized in that the sensor unit (32a) comprises at least one fluid sensor element (34a, 36a; 34b, 36b, 38b) which is arranged in and / or on the distributor unit (14a; 14b) for fluid monitoring.

5. Semi-autonomous electrochemical module (10a; 10b) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the sensor unit (32a) comprises at least one cell sensor element (40a; 40b, 42b) which is provided for monitoring an operating state of at least one of the electrochemical cell units (16a, 18a, 20a; 16b, 18b, 20b) 6. Semi-autonomous electrochemical module (10a; 10b) according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the sensor unit (32a) is provided to determine a temporal change in at least one measured variable detected by the sensor unit (32a).

7. Semi-autonomous electrochemical module (10a; 10b) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one actuating unit (44a; 44b), in particular connected to the local control or regulating unit (28a; 28b), which comprises at least one fluid actuating element (46a, 48a, 50a, 52a; 46b, 48b, 50b, 52b).

8. Semi-autonomous electrochemical module (10a; 10b) according to claim 7, characterized in that the actuating unit (44a; 44b) comprises at least one passive fluid actuating element (46a, 48a; 46b, 48b).

9. Semi-autonomous electrochemical module (10a) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the actuating unit (44a) comprises at least one actively adjustable fluid actuating element (50a, 52a).

10. Semi-autonomous electrochemical module (10a) according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the actuating unit (44a) comprises at least one shut-off valve.

11. Electrochemical system (12a) with at least one semi-autonomous electrochemical module (10a; 10b), in particular a plurality of semi-autonomous electrochemical modules (10a; 10b), according to one of the preceding claims and with at least one fluid supply unit (26a) for supplying the at least one electrochemical module (10a; 10b) with the at least one process fluid (22a).

12. Electrochemical system (58a) with at least one electrochemical system (12a, 54a, 56a) according to claim 11 and with at least one central peripheral device (60a, 62a, 64a, 66a) for operating the electrochemical system (12a, 54a, 56a), in particular a plurality of electrochemical systems (12a, 54a, 56a).

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