Fuel cell device and method for operating a fuel cell device

Abstract

In order to improve a fuel cell device, which comprises at least one fuel cell unit located in the housing and a conduit system having at least one conduit device for a fuel medium and a conduit device for an oxidation medium, an ejector insert located in the conduit system and having an ejector element is arranged in the interior of the housing.

Description

[0001] Fuel cell device and method for operating a fuel cell device

[0002] The invention relates to a fuel cell device and a method for operating a fuel cell device.

[0003] The object underlying the invention is to improve a fuel cell device and a method for operating a fuel cell device.

[0004] In embodiments of the invention, this object is achieved by a fuel cell device which comprises at least one fuel cell unit arranged in a housing device and a line system having at least one line device for a fuel medium and a line device for an oxidation medium, wherein an ejector insert arranged in the line system and having an ejector element is arranged in an interior of the housing device.

[0005] In particular, at least the ejector element and, for example, the ejector insert at least partly form a jet pump, in particular an ejector.

[0006] In particular, the ejector element is tubular with an ejector element inlet and an ejector element outlet.

[0007] Conveniently, the ejector element inlet opens into an intake tract of the jet pump.

[0008] Advantageously, the ejector element outlet forms an outlet of the jet pump.

[0009] In particular, a particular advantage of the solution according to the invention is that, by arranging the ejector insert inside the housing device, an ejector formed by the ejector insert is protected within the housing device. For example, the ejector insert inside the housing device is at least substantially protected from harmful mechanical influences from outside and / or from harmful influences from media outside the housing device.

[0010] In particular, the ejector insert is arranged in the interior of the housing device and is protected from unfavorable thermal conditions outside the housing device.

[0011] In particular, a safer design is made possible by the arrangement of the ejector insert in the interior of the housing device in that parasitic fluid flows escaping, for example due to a leak, which unintentionally escape from a line section with the ejector insert, do not immediately escape into an environment of the fuel cell device, but rather escape into another spatial area in the interior of the housing device.

[0012] In particularly favorable embodiments, it is provided that at least the ejector element and preferably the ejector insert are arranged in the interior of the housing device in a manner thermally separated from an environment of the fuel cell device, in particular thermally separated from an environment of the housing device.

[0013] In particular, one advantage of this is that the risk of condensate formation in the ejector is at least reduced.

[0014] It is particularly advantageous if, at least during operation of the fuel cell device and / or advantageously also at least in a transition phase after switching off the fuel cell device, the ejector insert is arranged in the interior of the housing device at least approximately isothermal to a fluid flowing through the ejector element, in particular at least approximately isothermal to a fluid comprising the fuel medium.

[0015] In particularly advantageous embodiments, it is provided that at least the ejector element and preferably the ejector insert in the interior of the housing device is at least partially, in particular at least largely, surrounded by a fluid, wherein advantageously the surrounding fluid is at least substantially in thermal equilibrium with at least a fluid flowing through the line system and / or is such a fluid, i.e. a fluid flowing through a line section of the line system.

[0016] In particular, it is provided that the surrounding fluid is at least substantially in thermal equilibrium with, and / or is such a fluid, at least with a fluid that flows through a line section of the line system in which the ejector insert is arranged; and / or that the surrounding fluid is at least substantially in thermal equilibrium with, and / or is such a fluid, at least with a fluid that recirculates in the line device for the fuel medium and comprises fuel medium components.

[0017] A particular advantage of this is that at least excessive temperature differences between the ejector element and a fluid flowing through the ejector element are avoided. For example, this can at least reduce the risk of condensate formation in the ejector formed by the ejector insert.

[0018] In particular, it is provided that an outer wall of the housing device delimits the interior of the housing device. In particular, the outer wall comprises several wall sections.

[0019] Advantageously, at least the ejector element and, for example, the ejector insert are arranged at a distance from an inner side of the outer wall that defines the interior. In particular, at least the ejector element is arranged at a distance from the inner side of at least one wall part and / or from the inner sides of several wall parts, wherein this one wall part and / or these several wall parts is / are at least a part of the outer wall and delimits / delimits a spatial region of the interior in which the ejector insert with the ejector element is / are arranged.

[0020] Preferably, the outer wall of the housing device, in particular with at least one wall part, delimits an interior space enclosed by the interior, and advantageously, the at least one fuel cell unit is arranged in the interior space. In some advantageous embodiments, the outer wall of the housing device, in particular with at least one wall part, delimits at least one chamber. In particular, this chamber is a chamber of a media module of the housing device. An interior region of the at least one chamber is part of the interior of the housing device. Advantageously, the ejector insert with the ejector element is arranged in the interior region.

[0021] In particular, at least the ejector element is arranged at a distance from at least one wall part delimiting this chamber.

[0022] For example, this makes it possible to achieve a compact design of the fuel cell device and the housing device and to enable the advantages of the solution according to the invention.

[0023] In some advantageous embodiments, the ejector insert is arranged in a chamber in the interior of the housing device, with the chamber-defining wall parts being arranged at least substantially entirely within the interior, thus, in particular, separating different spatial areas within the interior from one another. A particular advantage is that, due to the chamber being located entirely within the interior with its wall parts, the ejector insert is arranged in a particularly protected manner within the interior, and, in particular, a significant thermal separation from the environment is provided.

[0024] Advantageously, the conduit device for the fuel medium comprises a recirculation line which leads in particular from an anode residual fluid outlet of the at least one fuel cell unit to an anode fluid inlet of the at least one fuel cell unit.

[0025] Conveniently, at least one line region of at least one line of the line system is formed in the interior of the housing device. In particular, at least one line region of at least one line of the line device for the fuel medium is formed in the interior of the housing device. In particular, at least one line region of the recirculation line is formed in the interior of the housing device. For example, at least one line region of at least one line of the line device for an oxidation medium is formed in the interior of the housing device.

[0026] Advantageously, at least one line area in the interior of the housing device is not in contact with the outer wall, at least in sections.

[0027] In particular, one advantage of this is that the at least one line region is designed to be better thermally separated from the surroundings of the housing device due to the at least partial spacing from the outer wall.

[0028] Preferably, the ejector insert is arranged in a line area located in the interior of the housing device.

[0029] Preferably, the ejector insert is arranged in a line area of ​​the recirculation line.

[0030] In particular, at least two inner spatial regions are formed in the interior of the housing device, which are separated from one another by at least one wall part, in particular an inner wall part, of the housing device.

[0031] In particular, a high-pressure region is formed in the conduit device for the fuel medium, which is fluidly connected to at least one anode fluid inlet of at least one fuel cell unit. In particular, a low-pressure region is formed in the conduit device for a fuel medium, which is fluidly connected to at least one anode residual fluid outlet of at least one fuel cell unit.

[0032] Advantageously, at least a portion of the high-pressure region is formed in the interior of the housing device. Advantageously, at least a portion of the low-pressure region is formed in the interior of the housing device.

[0033] In particular, at least the part of the high-pressure region formed in the interior of the housing device and at least the part of the low-pressure region formed in the interior of the housing device are separated from one another by at least one wall part of the housing device, in particular by at least one inner wall part. In particular, the ejector element opens with its ejector element inlet into an inlet chamber in the interior of the housing device. In particular, the ejector element opens with its ejector element outlet into an outlet chamber in the interior of the housing device.

[0034] Advantageously, at least the ejector element extends through a connecting aperture in a wall part. In particular, this wall part, with the connecting aperture, separates the inlet chamber from the outlet chamber. Preferably, the wall part with the connecting aperture is arranged in the interior of the housing device and / or an inner wall part of the housing device.

[0035] In advantageous embodiments, it is provided that the ejector element connects the low-pressure area with the high-pressure area in a fluid-conducting manner.

[0036] In particular, the inlet chamber is part of the low pressure area.

[0037] In particular, the outlet chamber is part of the high pressure area.

[0038] Advantageously, the ejector element extends through a connecting opening in a wall part, wherein this wall part in particular separates the low-pressure region from the high-pressure region. Advantageously, this wall part is arranged in the interior of the housing device and / or is an inner wall part of the housing device.

[0039] Preferably, the ejector element inlet is configured as a confused inlet. Preferably, the ejector element outlet is configured as a diffuse outlet.

[0040] In particular, this promotes the flow of a fluid through the ejector element. For example, it enables the flow of a fluid through the ejector element from the low-pressure region to the high-pressure region.

[0041] In particular, one advantage of a design at least partially as explained above is that the fuel cell device, in particular the configuration of the housing device, can be made safer and / or structurally simpler. Since, for example, the inlet chamber and the outlet chamber and / or at least part of the low-pressure region and the high-pressure region and / or the wall part with the connecting opening are arranged inside the housing device, parasitic fluid flows, in particular from one of the chambers and / or from one of the regions and / or through the connecting opening and / or past the wall part, are less harmful because they reach another spatial region of the interior of the housing device and not into the environment of the fuel cell device.

[0042] For example, seals, in particular seals between the chambers and / or seals between the areas and / or seals on the wall part with the connecting opening, can also be provided, which have to meet lower safety requirements and can thus be designed in a more cost-effective and / or structurally simpler manner.

[0043] In particular, a seal is formed between the at least one wall part and the ejector element in the connection opening.

[0044] Advantageously, at least one of the following is provided: that a force-fitting and / or form-fitting and / or material-fitting connection is formed between the at least one wall part and the ejector element; and / or that an additional sealing compound is provided for sealing.

[0045] It is particularly advantageous if a fluid separator is also arranged in the line section with the ejector insert.

[0046] In particular, the fluid separator is a separator for separating liquid components in a fluid flowing through the line section.

[0047] Advantageously, the fluid separator is designed to separate water, in particular liquid and / or vaporous water.

[0048] A particular advantage of this is that unwanted components in the fluid are at least partially separated from the fluid by the fluid separator. It is particularly advantageous that moisture in the fluid is reduced. For example, separation occurs when vaporous fluid components, in particular, condense on the fluid separator and, for example, remain attached to the fluid separator as liquid droplets.

[0049] For example, separation at the fluid separator occurs when, for example, liquid fluid components adhere to the fluid separator. For example, a surface property of the fluid separator is attractive to the fluid components to be separated. For example, a surface of the fluid separator is at least partially hydrophilic. For example, unwanted fluid components, particularly liquid ones, are separated out by a geometric design of a fluid path at the fluid separator, so that fluid components to be separated cannot flow easily through the correspondingly deactivated fluid path and adhere to the fluid separator.

[0050] In embodiments of the invention, the object mentioned at the outset is achieved by a fuel cell device which comprises at least one fuel cell unit and a line system having at least one line device for a fuel medium and a line device for an oxidation medium, wherein an ejector insert is arranged in the line system, wherein the ejector insert is designed as a combination component and comprises at least one ejector element and is also designed as a fluid separator.

[0051] A particular advantage of this is that the ejector insert, designed as a combination component, fulfills multiple functions. In particular, this enables a high degree of functional integration. In particular, this enables a compact design of the line section with the ejector. This compact design is particularly advantageous in a media module of the fuel cell device and / or in the recirculation line of the line device for the fuel medium.

[0052] In particular, advantageous embodiments provide for combinations of the features of the solutions according to the invention. In particularly favorable embodiments, the ejector insert designed as a combination component has at least one feature and, for example, a combination of features of at least some of the features explained above and / or below, particularly optional features, in particular with regard to the arrangement of at least the ejector element and / or the ejector insert and / or with regard to the design of the line system with its line devices.

[0053] In particularly advantageous embodiments, the ejector insert arranged in the interior of the housing device is designed as a combination component.

[0054] Preferably, a fluid separator is arranged in the recirculation line of the line device for the fuel medium.

[0055] In particular, a fluid with fewer undesirable fluid components can be supplied to the anode of a fuel cell unit through the recirculation line.

[0056] In some favorable designs, this fluid separator is a separate component.

[0057] In particularly advantageous embodiments, this fluid separator is formed by the ejector insert designed as a combination component.

[0058] In preferred embodiments, the ejector insert comprises a separating element, in particular a flat separating element. Advantageously, the separating element at least partially divides an interior region in which the ejector insert is arranged into at least two sub-space regions.

[0059] For example, at least two sub-space areas can be created which are intended to fulfil different functions and which therefore have to fulfil different requirements and / or in which different circumstances are to be created.

[0060] For example, a line region in the interior can be at least partially separated from at least one further sub-space region. In particularly favorable embodiments, the separating element of the ejector insert at least partially separates a line region for a line of the line system from a fluid collection region. In particular, the fluid collection region is provided for fluid components separated by the fluid separator and is designed to collect these separated fluid components.

[0061] In particular, it is advantageous to at least partially separate the line region from the fluid collection region in order to at least reduce the risk of reabsorption of already separated fluid components by a fluid flowing through the line region.

[0062] In particular, a fluid flowing through the separated line region does not flow over a fluid accumulated in the fluid collection region, so that absorption of the accumulated fluid components by flowing over them is at least reduced or preferably at least largely prevented.

[0063] Advantageously, an at least partially separated fluid collection area at least reduces the risk that fluid components accumulated in the fluid collection area escape from the fluid collection area in the event of vibrations, and preferably an undesired entry of already separated fluid components into the line area, for example by spraying and / or sloshing in, is at least largely avoided by a separation.

[0064] Advantageously, the flat separating element extends at least substantially in a geometric area.

[0065] In some advantageous embodiments, the geometric surface of the separating element is flat, at least in sections. For example, the geometric surface is flat, at least for the most part.

[0066] In some advantageous embodiments, the geometric surface of the separating element is curved at least in sections. For example, the geometric surface is at least largely a curved surface. Preferably, the ejector element inlet is arranged at least substantially entirely on one side of the separating element. In particular, the ejector element inlet is arranged at least substantially entirely on one side relative to the geometric surface of the separating element, which is in particular flat.

[0067] In particular, supplying a fluid to the ejector element inlet and / or flowing the fluid into the ejector element inlet is improved.

[0068] For example, a flow of a supplied fluid past the ejector element inlet through the separating element is at least reduced when the ejector element inlet is arranged entirely on one side of the separating element.

[0069] For example, at least a portion of the separating element guides supplied fluid to the ejector element inlet, which is arranged in particular entirely on one side.

[0070] It is particularly advantageous if the side on which the ejector element inlet is arranged faces the line area and / or faces away from the fluid collection area.

[0071] Advantageously, at least one passage is provided, in particular as a fluid passage, from the conduit region to the fluid collection region. Advantageously, separated fluid components, which are separated from a fluid flowing through the conduit region, can thus pass from the conduit region to the fluid collection region.

[0072] In favorable embodiments, the separating element has at least one opening. In particular, at least one of the following is provided: at least one opening is formed for a fluid passage from the conduit region to the fluid collection region; and / or at least one opening is formed for a component to pass through, for example, for a sensor to pass through.

[0073] In advantageous embodiments, the separating element comprises a connecting section, and the separating element is attached to the ejector element by means of the connecting section. In some advantageous embodiments, the connecting section extends at least largely along an entire longitudinal extent of the ejector element. Preferably, the connecting section extends substantially from an ejector element inlet to an ejector element outlet. Advantageously, the connecting section is connected to the ejector element along its extension along the ejector element.

[0074] For example, the connecting section is connected to the separating element in a material and / or force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner.

[0075] Preferably, the separating element and in particular at least its connecting section and the ejector element are formed in one piece.

[0076] In some preferred embodiments, the connecting section is arranged at least partially in a region of the ejector element's greatest transverse extent. In particular, the transverse extent of the ejector element is determined in a cross-section that runs at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the ejector element.

[0077] Preferably, it is provided that the connecting section is arranged at least in sections in a respective cross-section which runs at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension direction of the ejector element, in the region of the ejector element in this cross-section which has at least substantially the greatest transverse extension.

[0078] For example, this enables a compact design of the ejector insert.

[0079] In particular, this enables the separating element to be connected to the ejector element at least substantially free of undercuts.

[0080] In particularly advantageous embodiments, it is provided that the ejector element inlet is arranged entirely on one side of the separating element and the separating element is curved along the longitudinal extension direction of the ejector element, so that the separating element is formed in the further course of the longitudinal extension of the ejector element in the region of the greatest transverse extension of the ejector element and is arranged on the ejector element.

[0081] It is particularly advantageous if the connecting section is arranged transversely to a longitudinal extension direction of the ejector element on both sides of the ejector element and in particular is connected to the ejector element on both sides of the ejector element.

[0082] For example, this allows for a good division of the interior space in a structurally advantageous manner. For example, this allows for efficient fluid flow within the interior space.

[0083] It is particularly advantageous if at least in sections the connecting section is arranged in the area of ​​the greatest transverse extent on both sides of the ejector element.

[0084] Advantageously, at least one fluid separator for separating fluid components has at least one fluid separation structure.

[0085] Advantageously, the ejector insert for forming a fluid separator comprises at least one fluid separation structure for separating fluid components.

[0086] Advantageously, a fluid separation structure is designed to separate fluid components to be separated from a fluid flowing past the fluid separation structure.

[0087] For example, the separating function of the fluid separation structure is achieved through its geometric design. For example, the separating function of the fluid separation structure is achieved through its material properties and / or surface properties.

[0088] In particular, a fluid separation structure intended for the separation of water components is designed to be hydrophilic.

[0089] Advantageously, at least one of the following is provided: that at least one fluid separation structure is designed to guide a fluid; and / or that at least one fluid separation structure is arranged on the separating element and, in particular, at least some sections of this fluid separation structure extend away from the separating element; and / or that at least one fluid separation structure is arranged in a line region; and / or that at least one fluid separation structure comprises ribs.

[0090] In particular, guiding a fluid by at least one fluid separation structure is advantageous since unwanted fluid components can be separated out by separation during the guiding of the fluid.

[0091] For example, guiding a fluid through a fluid separation structure is advantageous because several functions are fulfilled by the fluid separation structure and, for example, a more compact design is enabled.

[0092] In particular, a space-saving and / or material-saving implementation can be achieved if at least one fluid separation structure is arranged on the separating element.

[0093] Advantageously, the fluid separation structure is formed on the separating element. It is particularly advantageous if the separating element and the at least one fluid separation structure are formed as a single piece.

[0094] It is particularly advantageous if, in a region of a fluid separation structure, in particular a fluid separation structure arranged on the separating element, an opening, in particular designed as a fluid passage, is formed in the separating element. Advantageously, fluid components separated at the fluid separation structure can thus be efficiently discharged through the opening.

[0095] Advantageously, at least one fluid separation structure is arranged in at least one of the following line regions: in a line region of the recirculation line; and / or in a line region separated from the separating element; and / or in a line region in which the ejector insert is arranged; and / or in a line region which, with respect to a flow of the fluid flowing therein, is arranged upstream of the ejector element inlet.

[0096] In some advantageous embodiments, at least one rib is arranged in the fluid collection area.

[0097] For example, such a rib can at least reduce the escape of fluid from the fluid collection area.

[0098] Advantageously, at least one rib is arranged in the fluid collection area on the separating element and in particular is formed integrally with the separating element.

[0099] Depending on the design, the ejector insert can be made of a variety of materials.

[0100] Preferably, at least the ejector element and / or the separating element and / or at least one fluid separation structure is made of plastic.

[0101] It is particularly advantageous if at least most of the entire ejector insert is made of plastic.

[0102] In some advantageous embodiments, the ejector insert is designed as an injection-molded part.

[0103] Advantageously, the ejector insert, which is designed in particular as an injection-molded part, has no undercuts in relation to a demolding direction.

[0104] In particular, the demolding direction runs perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the ejector element. In particular, the demolding direction runs transversely and in particular at least approximately perpendicularly to a direction in which the separating element extends away from the ejector element. For example, the demolding direction runs at least approximately parallel to a direction in which at least one fluid separation structure extends away from the separating element.

[0105] Advantageously, a propulsion nozzle is arranged in a line of a line system. In particular, at least one propulsion nozzle is arranged in the line device for the fuel medium.

[0106] It is particularly advantageous if the propellant nozzle is arranged in a supply line for fresh fuel medium, and in particular there before, preferably immediately before, a junction of the recirculation line. This is particularly advantageous if the ejector insert with the ejector element is arranged in the area where the recirculation line joins the supply line.

[0107] In particular, the motive nozzle and the ejector insert, together with the ejector element, are part of a jet pump. Advantageously, at least the motive nozzle and the ejector element together form an ejector.

[0108] Advantageously, a nozzle outlet of the drive nozzle is arranged in the region of the ejector element inlet.

[0109] Advantageously, the drive nozzle extends into the inner area in which the ejector insert is located.

[0110] In particular, the drive nozzle extends through an opening in a wall part of the housing device.

[0111] In some advantageous embodiments, the wall part through which the drive nozzle passes is an inner wall part of the housing device.

[0112] In some advantageous embodiments, the wall portion of the housing device through which the propellant nozzle extends is an outer wall portion and at least partly forms the outer wall. In some advantageous embodiments, at least one heat exchanger and / or at least one heating unit is arranged in the conduit device for the fuel medium.

[0113] In some advantageous embodiments, at least one heat exchanger and / or at least one heating unit is arranged in the conduit device for the oxidation medium.

[0114] In embodiments of the invention, the object mentioned at the outset is achieved by a fuel cell device which comprises at least one fuel cell unit and a line system having at least one line device for a fuel medium and a line device for an oxidation medium, wherein in at least one

[0115] At least one heat exchanger and / or at least one heating unit is arranged in a line section of the line device for a fuel medium and / or in at least one line section of the line device for an oxidation medium.

[0116] In particular, a benefit of the solution according to the invention is that the heat exchanger and / or the heating unit can be used to temper, in particular heat, the fluid containing the fuel medium and / or the oxidation medium as needed. In particular, tempering the fluid with the fuel medium and / or the oxidation medium is advantageous for increasing the efficiency of the fuel cell unit. Heating the fluid with the fuel medium and / or the oxidation medium is advantageous in order to at least reduce the risk of condensate formation in the lines and / or to at least partially flush out condensed liquid.

[0117] In particular, it is provided that a heat transfer medium is supplied to the heat exchanger, which has a higher temperature than the fluid in the conduit for a fuel medium and / or an oxidation medium, so that the fluid is heated. In this sense, the heat exchanger is also a heating unit. In some advantageous embodiments, another form of energy, in particular electrical energy and / or chemical energy, is converted into thermal energy in the heating unit to heat the fluid in the conduit for a fuel medium and / or an oxidation medium.

[0118] Particularly advantageous embodiments have combinations of the features described above and / or below. In particular, a fuel cell device with at least one heat exchanger and / or one heating unit has at least one ejector insert in the line system with at least one of the features explained above and / or below, for example optional. In particular, a fuel cell device with an ejector insert arranged in an interior of the housing device has at least one heat exchanger and / or at least one heating unit with at least one of the features explained above and / or below, for example optional.

[0119] In particular, the conduit device for a fuel medium comprises a supply line for supplying the at least one fuel cell unit with a fuel medium. In particular, at least during operation of the fuel cell device, an anode fluid mixture comprising the fuel medium flows in this supply line to the fuel cell unit, in particular to an anode side of the fuel cell unit.

[0120] In particular, the conduit device for an oxidation medium comprises a supply line for supplying the at least one fuel cell unit with an oxidation medium. In particular, at least during operation of the fuel cell device, a cathode fluid mixture comprising the oxidation medium flows to the fuel cell unit, in particular to a cathode side of the fuel cell unit.

[0121] Advantageously, at least one heat exchanger and / or at least one heating unit is arranged in at least one supply line, i.e. in particular in the supply line of the line device for a fuel medium and / or in the supply line of the line device for an oxidation medium.

[0122] This advantageously allows the fluid supplied to the fuel cell unit to be tempered as needed. This also advantageously reduces the risk of condensate formation in the fluid supply line.

[0123] Advantageously, at least one heat exchanger and / or at least one heating unit is arranged upstream of at least one constriction in the line, relative to the direction of flow of a fluid flowing in the line. Advantageously, the at least one constriction can thus be flushed with, in particular, heated fluid to prevent condensate formation and / or to expel condensate.

[0124] In particular, at least one of the following is provided: that at least one heat exchanger and / or at least one heating unit is arranged in the supply line for the fuel medium, with respect to a flow direction of a fluid flowing through the supply line to the fuel cell unit, upstream of a merging of a recirculation line with the supply line for the fuel medium; and / or that at least one heat exchanger and / or at least one heating unit is arranged in the supply line, with respect to a flow direction of a fluid flowing through the supply line to the fuel cell unit, upstream of a drive nozzle arranged in the supply line and / or upstream of the ejector element;and / or that at least one heat exchanger and / or at least one heating unit is arranged in the supply line with respect to a flow direction of a fluid flowing through the supply line to the fuel cell unit upstream of a pressure control unit arranged in the supply line and / or at least upstream of a pressure control valve of a pressure control unit;

[0125] Advantageously, the fuel cell device comprises a temperature control device for the at least one fuel cell unit.

[0126] In particular, the temperature control device comprises a heat exchanger section which is in heat-transferring contact with the at least one fuel cell unit.

[0127] In particular, a temperature control medium of the temperature control device flows through the heat exchanger section, and the temperature control medium is in heat-transferring contact with the at least one fuel cell unit as it flows through the heat exchanger section. This advantageously allows waste heat from the fuel cell unit to be dissipated through the temperature control medium.

[0128] In advantageous embodiments, it is provided that the tempering medium of the tempering device for the at least one fuel cell unit is supplied to at least one heat exchanger, which is arranged in at least one of the line devices for the fuel medium and / or for the oxidation medium, for heat transfer.

[0129] For example, the fuel cell device can be designed in a structurally simple manner, since the fuel cell unit and the fluid with the fuel medium and / or the fluid with the oxidation medium can be tempered with the same tempering device.

[0130] It is particularly advantageous if a tempering medium discharged from the heat exchanger section is supplied to the tempering device to at least one heat exchanger which is arranged in at least one of the line devices for a fuel medium and / or an oxidation medium.

[0131] In particular, the waste heat of the fuel cell unit can be used to temper, in particular to heat, the fluid with the fuel medium and / or the fluid with the oxidation medium.

[0132] In embodiments of the invention, the underlying object mentioned above is achieved by a fuel cell device comprising at least one line system having at least one line device for a fuel medium and / or a line device for an oxidation medium, and in particular at least one fuel cell unit, which is arranged, for example, in a housing device, wherein a filter unit is integrated into at least one line section of the line system. In particular, one advantage of the solution according to the invention is that a line device with an integrated filter unit can be designed to be structurally simpler and / or spatially more compact and / or more cost-effective.

[0133] For example, a housing for a separate filter device can be saved.

[0134] In particular, a separate filter device has connections to which pipe sections of the corresponding piping system must be connected. Such connection points are potential leak points.

[0135] Particularly advantageous embodiments comprise combinations of the features described above and / or below. Favorable embodiments of a fuel cell device comprise an ejector insert arranged in the interior of the housing device and / or at least one heat exchanger and / or a heating unit and / or at least one filter unit integrated into a line section, each with at least one of the features explained above and / or below, for example optional features.

[0136] In advantageous embodiments, a filter unit is integrated into at least one line section of the line device for a fuel medium, in particular into at least one line section of a supply line for the fuel medium.

[0137] In some advantageous embodiments, at least one filter unit is integrated into at least one line section of the line device for an oxidation medium, in particular into a line section of a supply line for the oxidation medium.

[0138] In particular, at least one of the following is provided: that a filter unit is integrated into a line section which, with respect to a flow direction of a fluid flowing through the line, in particular through the supply line, is located upstream of a pressure control unit, in particular at least upstream of a pressure control valve; and / or that at least one filter unit is integrated into a line section which, with respect to a flow direction of a fluid flowing through the line, in particular through the supply line, is located downstream of a heat exchanger and / or a heating unit.

[0139] In particular, it is provided that the filter unit comprises a filter element made of a filter material. Advantageously, the filter material is designed to filter out contaminants and / or is fluid-permeable.

[0140] In particular, the filter unit comprises a holding element holding the filter element.

[0141] Advantageously, the holding element holds the filter element in a line interior of the line section in which the filter unit is integrated.

[0142] In particular, the line section has a cable sheath. Advantageously, the cable sheath separates the interior of the line from the surroundings. In particular, the cable sheath defines the interior of the line with an inner side of the cable sheath.

[0143] In advantageous embodiments, the filter unit is arranged at least for the most part completely in the interior of the line.

[0144] Preferably, the holding element is arranged in a fluid-tight manner on an inner side of the cable sheath of the cable section.

[0145] For example, the holding element is connected to the cable sheath, for example on the inside of the cable sheath, in a form-fitting and / or material-fitting and / or force-fitting manner.

[0146] A fuel cell device according to the invention can be used in a wide variety of applications and can be used to operate a wide variety of machines, devices and vehicles and the like.

[0147] In some advantageous embodiments, a vehicle comprises a fuel cell device with at least one fuel cell unit, and the vehicle is at least partially powered by at least one fuel cell unit of the fuel cell device. Preferably, the fuel cell device has at least one feature and advantageously a combination of at least some of the features explained above and below.

[0148] In particular, the features explained above and below have a particularly favorable effect in a vehicle with such a fuel cell device. In particular, a reliable design of the fuel cell device in a vehicle is of great importance. In particular, a compact design of the fuel cell device in a vehicle is particularly advantageous. In particular, a vehicle is exposed to a wide variety of outside temperatures, particularly during different seasons, so a design of the fuel cell device for flawless operation of the fuel cell device that is at least substantially independent of the outside temperatures is particularly advantageous.

[0149] In embodiments of the invention, the underlying object mentioned at the outset is achieved by a method for operating a fuel cell device, wherein the fuel cell device comprises at least one fuel cell unit and a line system having at least one line device for a fuel medium and a line device for an oxidation medium, wherein the method comprises at least the method step that, during a switch-off process of the at least one fuel cell unit, at least some fluid is supplied to the line device for the fuel medium and / or the line device for the oxidation medium.

[0150] In particular, during the switching-off process, at least some of an anode fluid mixture comprising the fuel medium is supplied to the conduit device for the fuel medium.

[0151] In particular, during the switching-off process, at least some of a cathode fluid mixture comprising the oxidation medium is supplied to the conduit device for the oxidation medium.

[0152] In particular, one advantage of the solution according to the invention is that the fuel cell unit can be used more efficiently and / or that the starting capability, in particular the cold start capability, of the fuel cell device is improved, in particular by supplying at least some fluid to at least the line device for the fuel medium during the switch-off process and / or, for example, by supplying at least some fluid to at least the line device for the oxidation medium. In particular, the line device can be at least partially flushed with the supplied fluid, advantageously in order to at least partially remove unwanted fluid components from the line device. In this way, residual moisture in the line device can advantageously be at least reduced.

[0153] In particular, by supplying at least some fluid during the switch-off process, the switch-off can be carried out in a well-defined procedure and / or the fuel cell device, in particular its line system with the line device, can be brought into a defined state.

[0154] In advantageous embodiments, the method is carried out in a fuel cell device having at least one feature and preferably having a combination of features of at least some of the features explained above and / or below, wherein, in particular as a synergy effect, the fuel cell device can be operated particularly efficiently and / or with a particularly low risk of condensate formation in the line device due to the advantageous design of the fuel cell device and the advantageous method.

[0155] The method according to the invention is also particularly advantageous for other fuel cell devices, in particular for conventional fuel cell devices, in order to improve their efficiency at least through the method. In particular, the method according to the invention is particularly advantageous for these fuel cell devices, since such fuel cell devices, in particular their lines of the line system, are particularly susceptible to condensate formation and this susceptibility is counteracted by the method. For example, the method can thus also improve the starting capability of such fuel cell devices, in particular their cold start capability. To avoid repetition, with regard to embodiments of the fuel cell device operated by the method,reference is made in full to the above and / or below statements regarding a fuel cell device. Advantageously, the fuel cell device has at least one feature and in particular at least one combination of features of at least some of the features explained above and / or below in connection with a fuel cell device, in particular optional features, for example features relating to a supply line of the line device for the fuel medium, wherein the supply line is provided and designed to supply the at least one fuel cell unit with fuel medium, and / or a supply line of the line device for the oxidation medium, wherein the supply line is provided and designed to supply the at least one fuel cell unit with oxidation medium,and / or with respect to a recirculation line in the line device for a fuel medium and / or with respect to a fuel reservoir, which is connected in particular to the line device for the fuel medium, wherein in particular the supply line of the line device for the fuel medium leads from the fuel reservoir to the anode side of the at least one fuel cell unit and / or with respect to at least one heat exchanger and / or at least one heating unit in the line device for the fuel medium and / or in the line device for the oxidation medium and / or with respect to a temperature control device for at least one fuel cell unit.

[0156] In particular, a fuel cell device, in particular a fuel cell device with at least one feature and / or a

[0157] A combination of features of the features explained above and / or below, for example optional features, is formed so that this fuel cell device can be operated according to the method according to the invention. To avoid repetition, explanations given in connection with the method are not explicitly repeated again in connection with statements regarding the fuel cell device; rather, statements related to the method are also understood as statements regarding the fuel cell device. Advantageously, the fluid supplied to the line device during a shutdown process is supplied upstream of at least one constriction.

[0158] In particular, the fluid supplied to the supply line is supplied to the supply line with respect to a flow direction of a fluid flowing in the supply line upstream of a constriction, in particular upstream of a jet pump and / or upstream of a drive nozzle and / or upstream of a pressure control unit and / or at least upstream of a pressure valve, for example of a pressure control unit.

[0159] In particular, the fluid supplied to the line device for a fuel medium during a switching-off process of the supply line is supplied to the supply line with respect to a flow direction of the fluid in this supply line before the recirculation line is joined to the supply line.

[0160] This is particularly advantageous in order to flush through at least one constriction during the switching-off process and / or to flush out fluid components coming from the recirculation line.

[0161] In favorable embodiments, it is provided that the fluid supplied during a switching-off process of the line device for the fuel medium is supplied from the fuel reservoir of the fuel cell device.

[0162] In particular, this has the advantage that the existing design is used for flushing during the switch-off process.

[0163] In particular, at least one of the following is provided: that the fluid supplied during a shutdown process is heated, in particular that the fluid is heated at a heat exchanger which is arranged in at least one of the conduit devices for the fuel medium and / or for the oxidation medium; and / or that a temperature control medium of a temperature control device for the at least one fuel cell unit is supplied to at least one heat exchanger which is arranged in at least one of the conduit devices for the fuel medium and / or for the oxidation medium;and / or that at least one heat exchanger, which is arranged at least in one of the conduit devices for the fuel medium and / or for the oxidation medium, is supplied with temperature control medium discharged from a heat exchanger section, wherein the heat exchanger section is part of the temperature control device for the at least one fuel cell unit and is in heat-transferring contact with the fuel cell unit;

[0164] In some embodiments, the fluid supplied during the shutdown process is heated by a heating unit.

[0165] Preferably, the heat exchanger for controlling the temperature of the fluid supplied during the switching-off process, in particular for heating the same, is arranged in the supply line of the line device.

[0166] In particular, one advantage of heating the fluid supplied during a switch-off process is that residual moisture in the piping system can be more effectively flushed out and / or condensate formation during the switch-off process is at least reduced.

[0167] It is particularly advantageous if the fluid supplied during a switch-off process is supplied in at least one particularly short gas pulse.

[0168] In particular, the exact one gas pulse or the multiple gas pulses can be regulated by a pressure control unit, in particular a pressure control valve, in the line device, in particular in the supply line.

[0169] In particular, an advantage of supplying the fluid in at least one gas pulse is that not too much fluid is used for purging for a shutdown process.

[0170] In particular, one advantage of supplying the fluid in at least one gas pulse is that, due to a preferably high velocity of the fluid in the gas pulse, flushing and, for example, flushing away condensed fluid components is better possible. In particularly advantageous embodiments, the supply of fluid during the switching-off process takes place at least until at least one predefined point, in particular a vulnerable point, in the line device is warmer than another point in the line device, wherein in particular the vulnerable point is a narrower point than the other point; and / or wherein in particular the predefined point is a point on a drive nozzle and / or on a jet pump, in particular in the supply line.

[0171] In particular, the endangered area is at least at risk in the sense that the risk of condensate formation is particularly high.

[0172] In particular, the supply of a fluid into the conduit device for the fuel medium takes place at least as long as explained above and / or below.

[0173] In particular, the method involves warming up the particularly vulnerable area by supplying a heated fluid until it is warmer than another area.

[0174] In particular, the procedure is advantageous during the switch-off process, since the particularly vulnerable location is warmer than another location during the switch-off process and at least for a while thereafter, and thus condensate is more likely to form at the other, particularly less vulnerable location, and preferably the particularly vulnerable location remains at least substantially free of condensate.

[0175] Preferably, at least one of the following is provided: that the supply of a fluid during a switch-off process takes place at least until a fluid in the line is sufficiently dry at at least one predefined point, in particular until a vulnerable point and / or until at least one constriction and / or until a drive nozzle and / or until a jet pump in the corresponding line is at least sufficiently dry; and / or that the supply of a fluid during a switch-off process takes place at least until at least one predefined point at least most of any condensate has been flushed out and / or that in particular the supply of a fluid during the switch-off process takes place at least until at least one constriction and / or a drive nozzle and / or a jet pump is at least substantially free of condensate.

[0176] Advantageously, it can be achieved in this way that during the switching-off process and / or after the switching-off process in the line, at least at the at least one predefined point and in particular at vulnerable points, a risk of condensate formation is at least reduced and advantageously minimized by the sufficient drying.

[0177] For example, sufficient drying and / or flushing away any condensate that may be present can at least reduce or even minimize the risk of freezing, particularly in a vulnerable area.

[0178] In particular, sufficient drying and / or the removal of any condensate that may be present is achieved particularly effectively by gas pulses.

[0179] For example, a fluid in the line is sufficiently dry if a relative humidity of the fluid is less than 70%, preferably less than 50%.

[0180] In particular, the method can be applied to fuel cell devices in a wide variety of applications.

[0181] In particularly advantageous embodiments, in a method for operating a vehicle, wherein the vehicle is at least partially driven by at least one fuel cell unit of a fuel cell device, it is provided that the fuel cell device of the vehicle is operated using a method which has at least one feature and preferably a combination of features of the features explained above and / or below, for example optional features.

[0182] In the above and below, it is to be understood in particular that, for example, features that are at least approximately provided include deviations of up to ±20%, preferably of up to ±10%, for example of up to ±5%, and / or that the feature is at least essentially provided. In the above and below, it is to be understood in particular that, in particular, technically conditioned and / or technically irrelevant deviations are included and / or that, in particular, deviations of up to ±5% are included.

[0183] Above and below, the wording that a feature is provided at least for the most part in an entity, for example that a feature is provided at least for a large part of elements of a total quantity and / or at least for the most part along a length, is to be understood in particular as meaning that the feature is provided in at least half, preferably at least 70% and in particular at least 80%, for example at least 90%, of the entity, i.e. for example the total number and / or the length, and / or that, for example, the feature is provided at least substantially in the entity, i.e. in particular within technically determined and / or technically irrelevant tolerances.

[0184] Above and below, elements and features which are described as being provided for example and / or in particular and / or preferably and / or advantageously and / or preferably and / or in variants and / or the like are optional features which, for example, represent inventive developments but are in particular not absolutely necessary for the success of the basic inventive solution.

[0185] The description of solutions according to the invention thus includes in particular the various combinations of features defined by the following numbered embodiments:

[0186] 1. A fuel cell device (100) comprising at least one fuel cell unit (112) arranged in a housing device (120) and a line system (122) having at least one line device (124) for a fuel medium and a line device (126) for an oxidation medium, wherein an ejector insert (250) arranged in the line system (122) and having an ejector element (252) is arranged in an interior (214) of the housing device (120).

[0187] 2. Fuel cell device (100) according to embodiment 1, wherein at least the ejector element (252) is arranged in the interior (214) of the housing device (120) in a thermally separated manner from an environment of the fuel cell device (100).

[0188] 3. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least the ejector element (252) in the interior (214) of the housing device (120) is at least partially surrounded by a fluid, wherein the surrounding fluid is at least substantially in thermal equilibrium with at least a fluid flowing through the line system (122) and / or is such a fluid, wherein in particular the surrounding fluid is at least substantially in thermal equilibrium with at least a fluid flowing through a line section of the line system (122) in which the ejector insert (250) is arranged and / or is such a fluid; and / or wherein in particular the surrounding fluid is at least substantially in thermal equilibrium with at least a fluid comprising fuel medium portions recirculating in the line device (124) for the fuel medium and / or is such a fluid.

[0189] 4. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein an outer wall (228) comprising in particular a plurality of wall parts (232) delimits the interior (214) of the housing device (120) and at least the ejector element (252) is arranged at a distance from an inner side (242) of the outer wall (228) delimiting the interior (214).

[0190] 5. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the outer wall (228) of the housing device (120) delimits, in particular with at least one wall part (232), an interior space (114) encompassed by the interior (214), wherein the at least one fuel cell unit (112) is arranged in the interior space (114).

[0191] 6. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the outer wall (228) of the housing device (120), in particular with at least one wall part (232), delimits at least one chamber (238), in particular of a media module (128) of the housing device (120), wherein an inner region (254) of the at least one chamber (238) is part of the interior (214) of the housing device (120), and the ejector insert (250) with the ejector element (252) is arranged in the inner region (254). 7. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least one line region (218) of at least one line of the line system (122) is formed in the interior (214) of the housing device (120), and in particular, at least one line region (218) is not in contact with the outer wall (228) at least in sections.

[0192] 8. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least one line region (218) in the interior (214) of the housing device (120) is a line region of a recirculation line (196), wherein in particular the recirculation line

[0193] (196) leads from an anode residual fluid outlet (222) of the at least one fuel cell unit (112) to an anode fluid inlet (224) of the at least one fuel cell unit (112).

[0194] 9. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least one of the following is provided: that the ejector insert (250) is arranged in a line region (218) of a line located in the interior (214) of the housing device (120); and / or that the ejector insert (250) is arranged in a line region (218) of the recirculation line (196).

[0195] 10. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein in the interior (214) of the housing device (120), in particular in the line region (218), a high-pressure region (326) and a low-pressure region (324) are provided, which are separated by at least one wall part (232) of the housing device (120), and that the ejector element (252) connects the low-pressure region (324) to the high-pressure region (326) in a fluid-conducting manner.

[0196] 11. The fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least the ejector element (252) extends through a connecting opening (328) of a wall part (232), wherein in particular this wall part (232) separates the low-pressure region (324) from the high-pressure region (326). 12. The fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein a seal is formed between the at least one wall part (232) and the ejector element (252) in the connecting opening (328), wherein in particular at least one of the following is provided: that the seal is formed by a force-fitting and / or form-fitting and / or material-fitting connection between the at least one wall part (232) and the ejector element (252); and / or that an additional sealing compound is provided for sealing.

[0197] 13. Fuel cell device (100), in particular according to one of the preceding embodiments, comprising at least one fuel cell unit (112) and a line system (122) having at least one line device (124) for a fuel medium and a line device (126) for an oxidation medium, wherein an ejector insert (250) is arranged in the line system (122), wherein the ejector insert (250) is designed as a combination component and comprises at least one ejector element (252) and is also designed as a fluid separator (352).

[0198] 14. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein a fluid separator (352) is arranged in a recirculation line (196) of the line device (124) for the fuel medium.

[0199] 15. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the ejector insert (250) comprises a particularly flat separating element (366) which at least partially divides an inner region (254), in which the ejector insert (250) is arranged, into at least two sub-space regions (218, 362).

[0200] 16. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the separating element (366) of the ejector insert (250) at least partially separates a line region (218) for a line of the line system (122) from a fluid collection region (362), in particular of the fluid separator (352).

[0201] 17. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the flat separating element (366) extends at least substantially in a geometric surface, in particular in a curved geometric surface. 18. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the ejector element inlet (250) is arranged at least substantially entirely on one side of the separating element (366), in particular on one side relative to the geometric surface of the separating element (366), wherein in particular the side on which the ejector element inlet (250) is arranged faces the line region (218) and / or faces away from the fluid collection region (362).

[0202] 19. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the separating element (366) has at least one opening (382), wherein in particular at least one of the following is provided: that an opening (382) is formed for a fluid passage from the line region (218) to the fluid collection region (362); and / or that at least one opening (382) is formed for a component, in particular a sensor, to pass through.

[0203] 20. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the separating element (366) comprises a connecting section (222) with which the separating element (366) is fastened to the ejector element (252).

[0204] 21. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the connecting section (222) extends along the ejector element (252) at least substantially along an entire longitudinal extent of the ejector element (252), in particular substantially from an ejector element inlet (264) to an ejector element outlet (266), and is connected to the ejector element (252).

[0205] 22. The fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the connecting section (222) is arranged at least partially in a region of the ejector element (252) with its greatest transverse extent, wherein, in particular, the transverse extent of the ejector element (252) is determined in a cross-section running at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension direction of the ejector element (252). 23. The fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the connecting section (222) is arranged transversely to a longitudinal extension direction of the ejector element (252) on both sides of the ejector element (252).

[0206] 24. Fuel cell device (100) according to the preceding embodiment, wherein, for the purpose of forming a fluid separator (352), the ejector insert (250) comprises at least one fluid separation structure for separating fluid components.

[0207] 25. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least one of the following is provided: that at least one fluid separation structure is designed to guide a fluid; and / or that at least one fluid separation structure is arranged on the separating element (366) and in particular at least some sections of this fluid separation structure extend away from the separating element (366); and / or that at least one fluid separation structure is arranged in a line region (218); and / or that at least one fluid separation structure comprises ribs (356).

[0208] 26. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least one rib (356) is arranged in the fluid collection region (362), wherein in particular at least one rib (356) extends away from the separating element (366).

[0209] 27. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the ejector insert (250) is made of plastic, in particular the ejector insert (250) is an injection-molded part.

[0210] 28. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein a drive nozzle (392) is arranged in a line of the line system (122), wherein in particular the drive nozzle (392) and the ejector insert (250) are part of a jet pump. 29. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the drive nozzle (392) extends into the interior region in which the ejector insert (250) is arranged, and in particular the drive nozzle (292) extends through an opening in a wall part of the housing device (120).

[0211] 30. Fuel cell device (100), in particular according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the fuel cell device (100) comprises at least one fuel cell unit (112) and a line system (122) having at least one line device (124) for a fuel medium and a line device (126) for an oxidation medium, wherein at least one heat exchanger (202) and / or at least one heating unit is arranged in at least one line section of the line device (124) for a fuel medium and / or in at least one line section of the line device (126) for an oxidation medium.

[0212] 31. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the line device for a fuel medium comprises a supply line (182) for supplying the at least one fuel cell unit (112) with a fuel medium and that at least one heat exchanger (202) and / or at least one heating unit is arranged in the supply line (182), wherein in particular at least one of the following is provided: that at least one heat exchanger (202) and / or at least one heating unit is arranged in the supply line (162, 182) with respect to a flow direction of a fluid flowing through the supply line (162, 182) to the fuel cell unit (112) before a merging of a recirculation line (196) with the supply line (182) for the fuel medium;and / or that at least one heat exchanger (202) and / or at least one heating unit is arranged in the supply line (162, 182) upstream of a drive nozzle (292) arranged in the supply line (162, 182) and / or upstream of the ejector element (252) with respect to a flow direction of a fluid flowing in the supply line (162, 182) to the fuel cell unit (112); and / or that at least one heat exchanger (202) and / or at least one heating unit is arranged in the supply line (162, 182) upstream of a pressure control unit (188) arranged in the supply line (162, 182) and / or at least upstream of a pressure control valve (314) of a pressure control unit (188) with respect to a flow direction of a fluid flowing in the supply line (162, 182) to the fuel cell unit (112).

[0213] 32. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein a temperature control medium of a temperature control device (142) for the at least one fuel cell unit (112) is supplied to at least one heat exchanger (202), which is arranged in at least one of the line devices (124, 126) for the fuel medium and / or for the oxidation medium, for heat transfer.

[0214] 33. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein a temperature control device (142) is provided for the at least one fuel cell unit (112) and the temperature control device (142) comprises a heat exchanger section (148) which is in heat-transferring contact with the fuel cell unit (112), and in that a temperature control medium discharged from the heat exchanger section (148) is supplied to the temperature control device (142) to at least one heat exchanger (202) which is arranged in at least one of the line devices (124, 126) for a fuel medium and / or for an oxidation medium.

[0215] 34. Fuel cell device (100), in particular according to one of the preceding embodiments, comprising at least one line system (122) which has at least one line device (124) for a fuel medium and / or a line device for an oxidation medium, wherein a filter unit (208) is integrated into at least one line section of the line system (122).

[0216] 35. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least one filter unit (208) is integrated into at least one line section of the line device (124) for a fuel medium, in particular into a line section of the supply line (182) for a fuel medium, wherein in particular at least one of the following is provided: that at least one filter unit (208) is integrated into a line section which, with respect to a flow direction of a fluid flowing through the line, in particular through the supply line (162, 182), is located upstream of a pressure regulating unit (188), in particular at least upstream of a pressure regulating valve (314);and / or that at least one filter unit (208) is integrated into at least one line section which, with respect to a flow direction of a fluid flowing through the line, in particular through the supply line (162, 182), is located downstream of a heat exchanger (202) and / or downstream of a heating unit;

[0217] 36. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the filter unit (208) comprises a filter element (412) made of a filter material and a holding element (414) holding the filter element (412), wherein the holding element (414) is arranged in a fluid-tight manner on an inner side (426) of a line sheath (424) of the line section into which the filter unit (208) is integrated.

[0218] 37. A vehicle which is at least partially powered by at least one fuel cell unit of a fuel cell device (100), wherein the fuel cell device (100) has one or more features of the preceding claims.

[0219] 38. A method for operating a fuel cell device (100), in particular a fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding claims directed to a fuel cell device (100), wherein the fuel cell device (100) comprises at least one fuel cell unit (112) and a line system (122) having at least one line device (124) for a fuel medium and a line device (126) for an oxidation medium, wherein the method comprises at least the method step that, during a switch-off process of the at least one fuel cell unit (112), at least some fluid is supplied to the line device (124) for the fuel medium and / or the line device (126) for the oxidation medium.

[0220] 39. Method according to the preceding embodiment directed to a method, wherein the fluid supplied during a switch-off process to the line device (124) for the fuel medium is supplied from a fuel reservoir (186) of the fuel cell device (100). 40. Method according to one of the preceding embodiments directed to a method, wherein at least one of the following is provided: that the fluid supplied during a switch-off process is heated, in particular that the fluid is heated at a heat exchanger (202) which is arranged in at least one of the line devices (124, 126) for the fuel medium and / or for the oxidation medium; and / or that at least one heat exchanger (202) which is arranged in at least one of the line devices (124, 126) for the« RrAnn <?tnffmAdiurn und / oder für das

[0221] _ 47 _ Oxidation medium is arranged, a ledium of a tempering device

[0222] (142) for the fuel cell unit (112); and / or that at least one heat exchanger (202), which is arranged at least in one of the line devices (124, 126) for the fuel medium and / or for the oxidation medium, is supplied with temperature control medium discharged from a heat exchanger section (148), wherein the heat exchanger section (148) is part of the temperature control device (142) for the at least one fuel cell unit (112) and is in heat-transferring contact with the fuel cell unit (148).

[0223] 41. Method according to one of the preceding embodiments directed to a method, wherein the fluid supplied during a switch-off process is supplied in at least one, in particular short, gas pulse.

[0224] 42. Method according to one of the preceding embodiments directed to a method, wherein the supply of a fluid during the switching-off process takes place at least until at least one predefined point, in particular a vulnerable point, in the line device is warmer than another point in the line device, wherein in particular the vulnerable point is a narrower point than the other point; and / or wherein in particular the predefined point is a point on a drive nozzle (292) and / or on a jet pump in the supply line (162, 182).

[0225] 43. Method according to one of the preceding embodiments directed to a method, wherein at least one of the following is provided: that the supply of a fluid during the switch-off process takes place at least until a fluid in the line is sufficiently dry at at least one predefined point, in particular until a vulnerable point and / or until at least one constriction and / or until a drive nozzle (292) and / or until a jet pump in the corresponding line is sufficiently dry; and / or that the supply of the fluid during the switch-off process takes place at least until at least one predefined point at least most of any condensate present has been flushed out, in particular until at least one constriction and / or a drive nozzle (292) and / or a jet pump is at least substantially free of condensate.

[0226] 44. A method for operating a vehicle, wherein the vehicle is at least partially powered by at least one fuel cell unit of a fuel cell device (100), wherein the fuel cell device (100) is operated according to at least one of the preceding embodiments directed to a method.

[0227] Preferred embodiments and features of the invention and, for example, advantages thereof are the subject of the following detailed description and the drawings of several embodiments in different variants.

[0228] The drawing shows:

[0229] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a fuel cell device of the embodiment;

[0230] Fig. 2 is a sectional view of an ejector insert of the embodiment arranged in a chamber;

[0231] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the ejector insert;

[0232] Fig. 4 is a partially sectioned perspective view of the ejector insert of the embodiment;

[0233] Fig. 5 is a sectional view similar to Fig. 2 of another embodiment; Fig. 6 is a sectional view similar to Fig. 2 of another embodiment;

[0234] Fig. 7 a sectional view of a filter unit integrated into a line section

[0235] An embodiment of a fuel cell device designated as a whole by 100 comprises at least one fuel cell unit 112, which is arranged in an interior space 114 of a housing component 116 of a housing device designated as a whole by 120.

[0236] By way of example, the embodiment of a fuel cell device 100 is shown schematically in Fig. 1.

[0237] The fuel cell unit 112 comprises at least one fuel cell element, preferably a plurality of fuel cell elements, wherein in the one fuel cell element or in the plurality of fuel cell elements a fuel medium and an oxidation medium are at least partially chemically converted into a product medium and in the process chemical energy is converted into electrical energy.

[0238] In particular, the fuel cell device 100 has at least one power connection for a power consumer. The electrical energy is provided at the power connection.

[0239] For example, the plurality of fuel cell elements are arranged one above the other in exactly one stack or in several stacks in a respective stacking direction and are interconnected.

[0240] In particular, the fuel medium is hydrogen.

[0241] In particular, the oxidation medium is oxygen.

[0242] The fuel cell device 100 further comprises a line system 122 connected to the at least one fuel cell unit 112, having at least one line device 124 for the fuel medium and a line device 126 for the oxidation medium for supplying the respective medium to the at least one fuel cell unit 112 and for discharging remaining portions of these media and the product medium away from the fuel cell unit 112.

[0243] In particular, the housing device 120 comprises a media module 128 which is preferably at least partially attached to the housing component 116 and / or at least partially integrated into the housing component 116, in which at least partially lines and / or components of the line system 122 are arranged and, for example, formed.

[0244] In particular, the line system 122 also comprises a line device 132 for ventilating the housing component 116 with at least one ventilation line 134 and one vent line 136, wherein an aeration fluid supplied through the ventilation line 134 advantageously flows through the interior 114 and flows around the at least one fuel cell unit 112 and entrains undesired fluid components in the interior 114, in particular, for example, fuel medium components escaping from leaks in the at least one fuel cell unit 112, and the aeration fluid with the undesired entrained fluid components is discharged via the vent line 136.

[0245] Advantageously, the fuel cell device 100 comprises a temperature control device 142 in order to keep the at least one fuel cell unit 112 in a temperature range permissible for proper operation of the fuel cell device 100, in particular depending on an operating state of the fuel cell device 100, wherein the temperature control device 142 is designed for cooling and / or heating the fuel cell unit 112 as required.

[0246] In particular, the temperature control device 142 comprises a temperature control unit 144. Advantageously, in the temperature control unit 144, a temperature control medium of the temperature control device 142 is brought to a corresponding temperature in order to temperature control the fuel cell unit 112 as required.

[0247] In particular, the temperature control device 142 comprises a line device 146 for a

[0248] Temperature control medium. Conduit device 146 advantageously forms a temperature control circuit. Conduit device 146 advantageously comprises a heat exchanger section 148 for the temperature control medium, wherein the temperature control medium in the heat exchanger section 148 is in heat-transferring contact with the fuel cell unit 112.

[0249] Conveniently, the conduit device 146 for the temperature control medium comprises a supply line 152 for supplying the temperature control medium, in particular from the temperature control unit 144, to the heat exchanger section 148 and a return line 154 for returning the temperature control medium from the heat exchanger section 148, in particular to the temperature control unit 144.

[0250] In particular, the line device 146 for the temperature control medium and for temperature control of the at least one fuel cell unit 112 is part of the line system 122.

[0251] The conduit device for the oxidation medium 126 comprises a supply line 162, which leads to a cathode side 164 of the fuel cell unit 112 and via which the oxidation medium, in particular a cathode fluid mixture comprising the oxidation medium, can be supplied to the fuel cell unit 112 and is supplied to the fuel cell device 100 during proper operation.

[0252] In particular, a supply unit 166 with, for example, a fluid conveying unit, for example a blower and / or a compressor, is arranged in the supply line 162.

[0253] Preferably, the cathode fluid mixture is an air mixture from an environment of the fuel cell device 100, which is prepared by the supply unit 166, in particular purified by a filter 168.

[0254] For example, the supply unit 166 draws in a fluid mixture comprising the oxidation medium via a suction line section 172 of the supply line 162, in particular from an environment of the fuel cell device 100, and supplies the particularly treated fluid mixture as a cathode fluid mixture via a supply line section 174 of the supply line 162 to the fuel cell unit 126. The line device 126 for the oxidation medium further comprises a discharge line 176, which leads from the cathode side 164 of the fuel cell unit 112 for discharging a cathode residual fluid mixture, which in particular comprises chemically unreacted portions of the supplied oxidation medium and, for example, portions of the supplied cathode fluid mixture and, for example, at least portions of the product medium.

[0255] In particular, the discharge line 176 leads into an environment of the fuel cell device 100. For example, the cathode residual fluid mixture is discharged into the environment.

[0256] In particular, the line device 126 for the oxidation medium comprises a bypass line 178, which is in particular at least partially formed by a line section connecting the supply line section 174 to the discharge line 176, wherein in particular by the bypass line 178 a flow in the line device 126 can be maintained by bypassing the fuel cell unit 126.

[0257] In particular, the line device 124 for the fuel medium comprises a supply line 182, which leads to an anode side 184 of the at least one fuel cell unit 112 and via which the fuel medium, in particular an anode fluid mixture comprising the fuel medium, can be supplied to the at least one fuel cell unit 112 and is supplied to the fuel cell device 100 during proper operation.

[0258] Preferably, the fuel cell device 100 comprises a fuel reservoir 186 for storing fuel medium. In particular, a fluid mixture comprising the fuel medium, in particular the anode fluid mixture, is stored in the fuel reservoir 186. Conveniently, the supply line 182 leads from the fuel reservoir 186 to the anode side 184 of the fuel cell unit 112.

[0259] In particular, a pressure control unit 188 is arranged in the supply line 182 for the fuel medium, with which a high pressure of the fluid comprising the fuel medium in the fuel reservoir 186 can be regulated down and a pressure of the fuel medium supplied to the fuel cell unit 112, in particular the anode fluid mixture, can be adjusted.

[0260] In particular, the conduit device 124 for the fuel medium further comprises a discharge line 192, which leads away from the anode side 184 of the at least one fuel cell unit 112 for discharging an anode residual fluid mixture. In particular, the anode residual fluid mixture comprises chemically unreacted portions of the supplied fuel medium and, for example, at least portions of the supplied anode fluid mixture and, for example, at least portions of the product medium.

[0261] Preferably, a connecting line 194 is also formed in the line device 124 for the fuel medium between the discharge line 192 and the supply line 182, so that this connecting line 194, together with at least line sections of the discharge line 192 and the supply line 182, forms a recirculation line 196, through which chemically unreacted fuel medium components in the fuel cell unit 112, which are discharged from the anode side 184 via the discharge line 192, can be fed back to the anode side 184 via the supply line 182 and are fed to the fuel cell device 100 during proper operation.

[0262] In particular, the conduit device 124 for the fuel medium comprises a fluid conveying unit 198 which conveys the fuel medium, in particular the anode fluid mixture, to the anode side 184 and which is advantageously arranged in the supply line 182 and / or recirculation line 196.

[0263] In some variants, the fluid delivery unit 198 comprises at least one actively driven unit, for example a blower and / or a compressor.

[0264] In some advantageous variants, the fluid conveying unit 198 comprises at least one passively acting unit, for example a jet pump.

[0265] In particular, the passively acting unit of the fluid conveying unit 198 is arranged in the conduit device 124 for the fuel medium in a region where the connecting line 194 and the supply line 182 meet, and in this passive fluid conveying unit, the fluid comprising fresh fuel medium from the supply line 182 as the driving medium sucks in the fluid, in particular the anode residual fluid mixture, in the connecting line 194 as the suction medium, and these fluid mixtures mix and flow together to the anode side 184.

[0266] Conveniently, a heat exchanger 202 is arranged in the supply line 182 for the fuel medium. In particular, a heat transfer medium in the heat exchanger 202 is in heat-transferring contact with the fluid flowing through the supply line 182.

[0267] In some variants, a separate pipe circuit is provided for the heat exchange medium.

[0268] In some advantageous variants, a supply line 204 to the heat exchanger 202 is provided, wherein tempering medium flowing through the supply line 204 from the heat exchanger section 148 of the line device 146 for the tempering device 142 is supplied to the heat exchanger 202 as a heat transfer medium.

[0269] For example, in some variations, the supply line 204 to the heat exchanger 202 branches off from the return line 154, which leads away from the heat exchanger section 148, so that a portion of the temperature control medium discharged from the heat exchanger section 148 is guided to the heat exchanger 202 and, for example, another portion of the returned temperature control medium is guided through another line section of the return line 154 from the heat exchanger section 148 directly to the temperature control unit 144.

[0270] For example, in some variations, the return line 154, which leads away from the heat exchanger section 148, merges into the supply line 204 to the heat exchanger 202, so that in these variations at least substantially all of the temperature control medium discharged from the heat exchanger section 148 is supplied to the heat exchanger 202 as heat transfer medium.

[0271] In particular, at least in these variants, a return line 206 leads from the heat exchanger 202 to the temperature control unit 144. In particular, the design with the heat exchanger 202 and its heat transfer medium is configured such that heat is transferred from the heat transfer medium to the fluid flowing through the supply line 182. Advantageously, the heat exchanger 202 is thus part of a heating unit.

[0272] In some variants, at least one heating element is arranged as a heating unit in the supply line 182. In particular, another form of energy is converted into thermal energy in the heating element to heat the fluid in the supply line 182. For example, the heating element is an electrically operated heating element.

[0273] In particular, the heating unit, i.e. in particular the heat exchanger 202 and / or the heating element, is arranged in the supply line 182 between the fuel reservoir 186 and the junction of the connecting line 194 with the supply line 182 and preferably arranged between the fuel reservoir 186 and the pressure control unit 188.

[0274] In some advantageous variants, a heating unit for the fluid flowing through the supply line 162 is arranged in the supply line 162 for the oxidation medium. In particular, at least one heat exchanger and / or at least one heating element is arranged in the supply line 162 for the oxidation medium. To avoid repetition, with regard to advantageous embodiments thereof, reference is made in full to the explanations regarding the heating unit, in particular the heat exchanger 202 and / or the heating element in the supply line 182 for the fuel medium.

[0275] Advantageously, a filter device is arranged in the supply line 182 for the fuel medium.

[0276] Preferably, a filter unit 208, which in particular forms the filter device, is integrated into a line section of the supply line 182 for the fuel medium. Conveniently, the filter unit 208 is integrated into a line section of the supply line 182, wherein this line section is located between the heat exchanger 202 and the pressure control unit 188.

[0277] An embodiment of a filter unit 208 integrated into a line section is explained in more detail below.

[0278] In some advantageous variants, a filter unit 208 is integrated into other line sections of the line device 124 for a fuel medium.

[0279] In some advantageous variants, a filter unit 208 is integrated into a line section of the line device 126 for an oxidation medium, in particular into a line section of the supply line 162 for an oxidation medium.

[0280] In some advantageous variants, a filter unit 208 is integrated into a line section of the line device 146 for the temperature control device.

[0281] Advantageously, for guiding the fluid in the conduit device 124 for the fuel medium, a conduit region 218 of the supply line 182 and the recirculation line 196 is defined in an interior 214 of the housing device 120.

[0282] The line area 218 is shown in detail in the area where the connecting line 194 joins the supply line 182 as an example in Fig. 2.

[0283] In particular, the conduit region 218 extends at least along a portion of the fluid paths of the supply line 182 and the recirculation line 196.

[0284] The fluid path corresponding to the recirculation line 196 runs from an anode residual fluid outlet 222 of the at least one fuel cell unit 112 to an anode fluid inlet 224 thereof, as shown schematically in Fig. 1 by way of example.

[0285] The interior 214 of the housing device 120 comprises at least the interior space 114 of the housing component 116 and / or an interior region 212 of the media module 128, in particular having a plurality of chambers. In particular, the housing component 116 comprises one or more wall parts, which form / form an outer wall surrounding the interior space 114 as part of an outer wall 228 of the housing device 120 delimiting the interior 214.

[0286] The media module 128 also comprises a plurality of wall parts 232 surrounding its interior region 212, wherein at least two wall parts 232I and 232II enclose a chamber 238 as part of the interior region 212, and at least one and / or some of the wall parts, here for example at least the wall part 232II, at least partially forms / forms a part of the outer wall 228 of the housing device 120.

[0287] In particular, the wall parts 232 with a respective inner side 242 delimit the interior area 212, in particular the chamber 238.

[0288] In some inner wall parts, here for example in the case of the wall part 232I, an opposite side of the wall part, this opposite side being located opposite the inner side 242I facing the chamber 238, delimits at least in sections another spatial region of the interior of the housing device 120 and thus the opposite side forms at least in the corresponding sections a further inner side 242'1.

[0289] In some outer wall parts, here for example in the case of the wall part 23211, an opposite side of the wall part, this opposite side being located opposite the inner side 2421 facing the chamber 238, faces the surroundings of the fuel cell device 100 and is arranged adjacent thereto, so that this opposite side is, at least in the corresponding sections, an outer side 244II of the wall part 232II partially forming the outer wall 228.

[0290] Preferably, the wall parts 232 of the media module 128 are made of plastic, in particular injection-molded parts.

[0291] An ejector insert with an ejector element 252, shown separately as an example in Figures 3 and 4 and designated as a whole by 250, is arranged as part of the fluid conveying unit 198 in the chamber 238, in particular so that at least the ejector element 252 is arranged within the interior region 254 of the chamber 238 and at least substantially thermally separated from the environment of the fuel cell device 100.

[0292] Preferably, the ejector insert is formed in one piece.

[0293] Preferably, the ejector insert 250 is made of plastic. It is particularly advantageous if the ejector insert 250 is an injection-molded part.

[0294] In particular, the ejector element 252 extends longitudinally along a longitudinal extension direction 262 from an ejector element inlet 264 to an ejector element outlet 266 and is in particular at least substantially tubular.

[0295] In particular, a front section 272 of the ejector element 252 is designed as a confuser 274 at the ejector element inlet 264, wherein the front section 272 is advantageously tapered starting from the ejector element inlet 264 with increasing extension in the longitudinal extension direction 262.

[0296] Preferably, an end portion 276 of the ejector element 252 is formed as a diffuser 278 at the ejector element outlet 266, wherein the end portion 276 is formed to widen in the longitudinal direction 262 toward the ejector element outlet 266.

[0297] In particular, the ejector element 252 includes a mixing chamber 282 between the ejector element inlet 264 and the ejector element outlet 266, for example in a middle section 284 between the front section 272 and the end section 276.

[0298] In particular, the fluid delivery unit 198 comprises a drive nozzle 292 arranged in the supply line 182, via which fluid comprising fresh fuel medium is conveyed, in particular from the fuel reservoir 186, into the chamber 238 to the ejector element inlet 264. In particular, the drive nozzle 292 and the ejector insert 250 together form a jet pump, in particular an ejector.

[0299] In particular, a nozzle outlet 294 of the drive nozzle 292 is arranged in the region of the ejector element inlet 264, for example, the drive nozzle 292 with the nozzle outlet 294 protrudes slightly into the ejector element inlet 264 or is arranged shortly before it.

[0300] An intake tract 296, into which the fluid from the propellant nozzle 292 is sprayed, is formed in the region of the ejector element inlet 264 and fluid from the interior region 254 of the chamber 238 is sucked into the intake tract 296.

[0301] The sucked fluid flows together with the fluid from the drive nozzle 292 through the ejector element 252 to the ejector element outlet 266.

[0302] In particular, a wall part 232, here for example the wall part 23211 which at least partially forms the outer wall 228, has an opening 312 through which the drive nozzle 292 projects into the chamber 238, wherein the area in the opening 312 between the wall part 232 and the drive nozzle 292 is sealed, for example, by a sealing compound.

[0303] In particular, a pressure control valve 314, which is, for example, part of the pressure control unit 188, is connected upstream of the drive nozzle 292, and the pressure control valve 314 can be used to regulate the fluid volume flow flowing through the drive nozzle 292 and thus the amount of fresh fuel medium supplied.

[0304] In some inexpensive variants, the drive nozzle 292 and the pressure control valve 314 form a common assembly.

[0305] In one of the wall parts, here for example in the wall part 232I facing the interior 214 on both sides, a line opening 322 is formed, via which the part of the line region 218 located in the interior region 254 of the chamber 238 is fluid-conductingly connected to the anode residual fluid outlet 222 and this region forms a low-pressure region 324 of the recirculation line 196.

[0306] In addition, the conduit region 218 has a high pressure region 326 which is connected to the anode fluid inlet 224.

[0307] The low-pressure region 324 and the high-pressure region 326 are separated from one another, in particular, by a separating section 327 of a wall part 232 defining the chamber 328, here, for example, the wall part 232II. A connecting aperture 328 is formed in the separating section 327, through which the ejector element 252 extends. The ejector element inlet 264 opens into the low-pressure region 324 and the ejector element outlet 266 opens into the high-pressure region 326. Thus, the low-pressure region 324 is fluidly connected to the high-pressure region 326 through the ejector element 252.

[0308] In particular, the ejector element outlet 266 opens into a chamber interior region 334 of a further chamber 336 of the media module 128 surrounded by wall parts 232.

[0309] In this embodiment, this further, high-pressure side chamber 326 is also formed by the two wall parts 232I and 232II, which surround the chamber 238 receiving the ejector insert 250, and the two chambers 238 and 336 are separated from each other by the separating section 327.

[0310] In addition, a high-pressure side line opening 338 is formed in a wall part 232 surrounding the further, high-pressure side chamber 336, here for example in the wall part 232I facing the interior 214 at least in sections on both sides, through which a section of the line region 218 of the recirculation line 196 fluidly connects the high-pressure side chamber 336 to the anode fluid inlet 224.

[0311] Advantageously, the connecting opening 328 is spaced from the outer wall 228.

[0312] For example, the separating section 327 is a wall section that extends from a section of the wall part 232II that forms part of the outer wall 228.

[0313] A seal 346 is provided in the connecting aperture 328, which seals between the wall part 232 and the section of the ejector element 252 extending through the connecting aperture 328, thus also separating the low-pressure region 324 of the recirculation line 196 from its high-pressure region 326. For example, the seal 346 is an O-ring or an added sealing compound.

[0314] Preferably, the ejector insert 250 is also designed as a combination component as a fluid separator 352.

[0315] For this purpose, the ejector insert 250 comprises fluid separation structures projecting into the line region 218, in particular designed as ribs 356.

[0316] In particular, the ejector insert 250 comprises a separating element 366 which, in the inner region 254, at least partially separates the line region 218 from a collection region 362 for a separated fluid.

[0317] The fluid separation structures are arranged in the part of the line region 218 located in the inner region 254 such that the anode residual fluid mixture recirculating through the recirculation line 196 flows towards the fluid separation structures and is, for example, deflected in its flow by them, and undesired fluid components contained in the fluid mixture, in particular a liquid phase, advantageously liquid and / or vaporous water, are at least partially separated at the fluid separation structures.

[0318] In particular, the fluid separation structures guide the fluid flow in the conduit region 218 to the ejector element inlet 264.

[0319] In particular, the fluid separation structures, which are designed in particular as ribs 356, are arranged on the separating element 366 and preferably extend away from it in a rib extension direction 368.

[0320] Preferably, the ribs 356 are curved at least in sections along their course, wherein their course runs at least approximately perpendicular to their extension in the rib extension direction 368.

[0321] The collection area 362 is in particular at least partially surrounded by the separating element 366 and at least a portion of one of the wall parts 232 delimiting the chamber 238, so that a collection space for fluid components separated at the fluid separation structures, in particular a liquid, is advantageously formed.

[0322] In particular, with a proper arrangement of the ejector insert 250 in the chamber 238, the collection region 362 is formed at least substantially below the line region 218 with respect to the direction of gravity.

[0323] Advantageously, the separating element 366 has exactly one or more openings 382.

[0324] Advantageously, at least one opening 382 is formed in the region of the fluid separation structures arranged in the line region 218, for example adjacent to these fluid separation structures, which are designed in particular as ribs 356.

[0325] In particular, at least one opening, for example here the openings 382I and 382II, is designed as a fluid passage and connects a section of the line region 218 to the collection region 362 in a fluid-conducting manner. Thus, fluid separated at the fluid separation structures, in particular a separated liquid phase, for example water, can escape into the collection region 362 through the openings 382I, 382II designed as fluid passages.

[0326] For example, the ejector insert 250 also has ribs 372 which extend into the collection region 362 and advantageously extend away from the separating element 366 in a rib extension direction 368' opposite to the rib extension direction 368 of the ribs 356 in the line region 218, as shown by way of example in Fig. 2.

[0327] The separating element 366 is advantageously flat and extends substantially in a geometric separating surface 374, by which, in particular, the collection region 362 is separated from the conduit region 218. In particular, an extension in the separating surface 374 of the separating element 366 is substantially larger, in particular at least ten times larger, than an extension of the separating element 366 perpendicular to the separating surface 374. The separating element 366 is attached to the ejector element 252 by a connecting section 376 thereof.

[0328] In particular, the connecting section 376 extends in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal extension direction 262 of the ejector element 252 on both sides thereof.

[0329] Preferably, the connecting section 376 extends at least partially away from the ejector element 252 in a region in which the ejector element 252 has its widest transverse extent relative to a cross section. The cross section extends, in particular, at least approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the ejector element and / or to the rib extension direction 368, 368'.

[0330] Advantageously, the ejector insert 250 thus has no undercut in relation to the rib extension direction 368, 368' even in the connection area of ​​the connection section 376 to the ejector element 252.

[0331] In particular, the connecting section 376 is connected centrally to the ejector element 252 at least in sections, preferably for the most part, in particular at least in the central section 284 and / or for example in the end section 276, with respect to an extension of the ejector element 252 in the rib extension direction 368, 368'.

[0332] In the region of the ejector element inlet 264, for example at least partially in the front section 272 of the ejector element 252, the ejector element 252 is arranged at least substantially completely in the line region 218 and thus on one side of the separating element 366, so that the ejector element inlet 264 opens completely into the line region 218.

[0333] In particular, the separating surface 374 is a curved surface which bends, in particular in the direction of the longitudinal extension direction 262, toward the ejector element inlet 264 in the direction of the collecting region 362, so that the ejector element inlet 264 lies entirely on one side of the separating surface 374 in which the line region 218 is arranged. The separating element 366 preferably has an orifice section 378 which projects beyond the ejector element inlet 264 in the longitudinal extension direction 262. Advantageously, the propulsion nozzle 292 is arranged with its nozzle outlet 294 in the region of the orifice section 278. Advantageously, the intake tract 296 is separated from the collecting region 262 by the orifice section 278.

[0334] For example, in favorable variants, the separating element is provided with precisely one or more openings through which, for example, another component, in particular a sensor, protrudes. Although this design is not explicitly illustrated in the drawings, it is understandable and feasible for a person skilled in the art.

[0335] In particular, a design, a mode of operation and, for example, advantages of the embodiment are briefly summarized as follows.

[0336] In the line device 124 for the fuel medium of the fuel cell device 100, the recirculation line 196 is designed to conduct anode residual fluid mixture, which still at least partially comprises fuel medium components, from the anode residual fluid outlet 222 of the fuel cell unit 112 to the anode fluid inlet 224 of the fuel cell unit 112, wherein for this purpose the recirculation line 196 opens into the supply line 182 for the fuel medium and these lines lead with a common section to the anode fluid inlet 224.

[0337] When the recirculation line 196 is joined to the supply line 182, a particularly passive fluid conveying unit 198 is provided, in which preferably the fluid comprising fresh fuel medium from the supply line 182 as the driving medium sucks in the anode residual fluid mixture as the suction medium and these fluid mixtures are conveyed together to the anode fluid inlet 224.

[0338] For this purpose, the ejector insert 250 with the ejector element 252 is provided, which is arranged in the interior 214 of the housing device 120 of the fuel cell device 100, preferably in a chamber 238 of the media module 128. Advantageously, the ejector insert 250 is arranged at a distance from the sections of the wall parts 232 forming the outer wall 228 of the housing device 120 and is thus advantageously arranged thermally separated from the surroundings of the fuel cell device 100.

[0339] In the chamber 238, the ejector insert 250, in particular the ejector element 252, is surrounded by the fluid flowing through the conduit region 218 and in particular by the fluid in the collection region 362 which is in thermal equilibrium with the flowing fluid.

[0340] Advantageously, the jet pump formed by the ejector insert 250 functions more efficiently due to the isothermal connection to the fluid being sucked in and the fluid flowing through it. Environmental interference, particularly caused by temperature differences, is at least reduced, thus at least reducing harmful effects such as condensate formation.

[0341] In particular, the arrangement of the ejector insert 250 in the interior 214, particularly in the interior region 212 of the media module 128, advantageously results in fewer sealing points to the surroundings of the fuel cell device 100. For example, in the area where the recirculation line 196 feeds into the supply line 182, sealing to the outside of the line region 218 is only required at the engaging drive nozzle 292.

[0342] It is particularly advantageous that the high-pressure region 326, which is fluidly connected to the anode fluid inlet 224, is separated from the low-pressure region 324, which is fluidly connected to the anode residual fluid outlet 222, in the recirculation line 196 by the separating section 327 arranged in the interior region 212 of the media module 218, since a pressure difference between these two pressure regions is in the range of at most a few 100 mbar, for example of at most 150 mbar, and thus a seal can be provided with lower requirements than if the high-pressure region 326 and / or low-pressure region 324 had to be additionally sealed from the environment, to which a pressure difference of a few bar, for example of at least approximately 3.3 bar, exists.In addition, the seal at the separating section 327, in particular between the low-pressure region 324 and the high-pressure region 326 and / or between the wall part 232 and the ejector element 252, does not have to meet the highest sealing requirements, since small parasitic flows between these regions and / or between these parts have at least substantially no harmful effect.

[0343] The design of the combination component as an ejector insert 250 and as a fluid separator 352 is particularly advantageous, since this enables a space-saving solution through the function-integrating combination component and / or simplifies production, since only one component has to be manufactured instead of two separate components for the fluid separator and the ejector.

[0344] In particular, the ejector typically specifies the design geometry in the media module 128, and adaptation of the fluid separator to the specified geometry is easier with the combination component than if a separate component has to be adapted to the specified geometry.

[0345] In particular, the ejector insert comprises the separating element 366, which acts, for example, as a so-called baffle. The separating element 366 advantageously at least partially separates the conduit region 118, through which fluid flows, from the collecting region 362, in which separated fluid, in particular a liquid, for example, water, collects, so that entrainment of the separated fluid by the flow of the other fluid is at least reduced.

[0346] Preferably, a heating unit, in particular the heat exchanger 202 and / or, for example, a heating element, is arranged in the supply line 182 for the fuel medium and / or in the supply line 162 for the oxidation medium. A fluid flowing through the supply line 162, 182 can thus be advantageously heated. This is particularly advantageous because it can increase the efficiency of the fuel cell unit 112. In particular, heating the fluid is advantageous in order to at least partially flush out fluid, in particular water, condensed in the line with the heated fluid. Preferably, a return line 154, which leads from a heat exchanger section 148 of a temperature control device 142 for the fuel cell unit 112, leads to a supply line 204 to the heat exchanger 202.Advantageously, a temperature control medium, which absorbs waste heat from the fuel cell unit 112 in the heat exchanger section 148, can thus be at least partially guided to the heat exchanger 202, so that the waste heat in the heat exchanger 202 can be used to heat the fluid flowing through the supply line 162, 182.

[0347] In advantageous embodiments of a method for operating a fuel cell device 100, it is provided that during a shutdown process of the fuel cell unit 112, in particular during a shutdown process of the fuel cell device 100, at least some fluid is supplied to the supply line 182 for the fuel medium. A particular advantage of this is that during such a supply of at least some fluid, the supply line 182 is at least partially flushed out, and advantageously, at least some unwanted fluid components, in particular liquid and / or vaporous water, are flushed out of the supply line 182.

[0348] Accordingly, in some variants of the method, at least some fluid is supplied to the supply line 162 for the oxidation medium in order to advantageously flush out this supply line 162 at least partially.

[0349] Such a method is particularly advantageous in a fuel cell device 100 having at least one feature and preferably having at least one combination of some of the features explained above and below, for example optional features, since in this way a risk of formation of water condensate and / or freezing of a line of the line system 122, in particular the supply line 162, 182 for the oxidation medium and / or for the fuel medium, in particular in the region of the ejector insert 250 and / or the drive nozzle 292, can be further reduced.

[0350] However, the method is also advantageous for other fuel cell devices 100, for example for conventional fuel cell devices 100, since these are more susceptible to condensate formation and thus measures that counteract condensate formation, such as the method described herein, are particularly important.

[0351] Advantageously, the fluid is supplied to the supply line 162, 182 in at least one gas pulse. Advantageously, the at least one gas pulse can be regulated by the pressure control unit 188 and in particular by its pressure control valve 314.

[0352] Advantageously, the gas pulse only introduces a small amount of fluid into the line. In particular, the high velocity of the gas pulse allows accumulated condensate to be removed, especially at narrow points.

[0353] Advantageously, fluid is supplied into the supply line 162, 182 at least until the fluid in the supply line 162, 182 has a sufficiently low relative humidity, and thus advantageously the risk of condensate formation is minimized.

[0354] Preferably, the particularly warmed-up fluid is supplied to the supply line 162, 182 at least until constrictions in the supply line 162, 182, in particular at the drive nozzle 292 and / or at the ejector element 252 and / or, for example, at the ejector insert 250, have a higher temperature than other locations in the corresponding line device, for example in the supply line 162, 182, so that if condensate still forms, it forms at less endangered locations.

[0355] In particular, it is advantageous for this purpose to use the temperature control medium discharged from the heat exchanger section 148 having a temperature TT2 to heat the supplied fluid, so that the supplied fluid advantageously also has at least approximately this temperature TT2.

[0356] In particular, a temperature TA1 of the anode fluid mixture comprising the fuel medium from the fuel reservoir 186 is typically lower than a temperature TT2 of a tempering medium discharged from the heat exchanger section 148 through the return line 154. In particular, the temperature TA1 of the anode fluid mixture comprising the fuel medium supplied from the fuel reservoir 186 is often also lower than a temperature TT1 of the tempering medium supplied to the heat exchanger section 148 through the supply line 152.

[0357] In particular, a temperature TE of the supply line 162, 182 and in particular a temperature TE of components with a constriction in the supply line 162, 182, such as the drive nozzle 292 and / or the ejector element 252 and, for example, the ejector insert 250, is typically at least lower than the temperature TT2 of the tempering medium discharged from the heat exchanger section 148 and, for example, also lower than the temperature TT1 of the tempering medium supplied from the heat exchanger section 148.

[0358] In particular, these temperature conditions also exist at least at the beginning of a switch-off process of the fuel cell unit and / or during operation of the fuel cell unit.

[0359] Therefore, the supply line 162, 182, and in particular their constrictions, are susceptible to condensate formation. Particularly at corresponding ambient temperatures, i.e., particularly close to 0°C and below, the condensate, particularly the resulting water droplets, can freeze. The condensate, and in particular the frozen condensate, can at least impede the flow of fluid through the supply line 162, 182 during a start-up of the fuel cell unit, thus jeopardizing the frost-start capability of the fuel cell device.

[0360] In particular, the anode residual fluid mixture has a high relative humidity and is, for example, saturated. Therefore, the section of the fuel supply line 182 from the junction of the recirculation line 196 with the fuel supply line 182, at least up to the fuel cell unit 112, is particularly at risk of condensate formation. In this section, the steel pump with its constrictions is particularly at risk.

[0361] In particular, the risk of condensate formation and / or the endangerment of frost start capability is counteracted by the advantageous embodiments of the fuel cell device 100 and / or the advantageous configuration of the method for operating the fuel cell device 100, as described in this application. In further exemplary embodiments, which are illustrated by way of example in Figures 5 and 6, those elements and features which are at least substantially identical in design and / or which fulfill at least substantially the same basic function as in another exemplary embodiment explained are provided with the same reference numerals, and with regard to the description thereof, unless otherwise and / or additionally described below, reference is made in full to the explanations in connection with the other, in particular the first and / or subsequent, exemplary embodiments.In particular, if a special embodiment is to be particularly pointed out in a further embodiment, a letter identifying the respective embodiment is added to the corresponding reference symbol as a suffix.

[0362] In a further embodiment, which is shown by way of example in Fig. 5, the chamber 238, in which an ejector insert 250 is arranged, is also surrounded by two wall parts 2321 and 23211.

[0363] In this embodiment, however, it is provided that an opening 312a for the drive nozzle 292 is formed by at least two wall parts 232I and 232II, so that the drive nozzle is arranged in particular between these two wall parts 232I, 232II.

[0364] In this exemplary embodiment, it is provided in particular that the separating section 327a is formed by the at least two wall parts 232I and 232II and the connecting opening 328a for the ejector element 252 is formed by these at least two wall parts 232I and 232II, so that in this region the ejector element 252 is arranged between at least two wall parts 232I and 232II.

[0365] In a further exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 6, it is provided that an opening 312b for the drive nozzle 292 is formed only by one wall part, here the wall part 232I, which essentially delimits the line region 218.

[0366] In particular, this embodiment provides that a

[0367] Connecting opening 328b for the ejector element 252 is formed in a wall part, here in the wall part 2321, which essentially delimits the line area 218.

[0368] Otherwise, these embodiments are essentially designed like the others, in particular like the first explained embodiment, so that for the description of the same, reference is made in full to the above and / or following explanations.

[0369] In further embodiments which are not explicitly shown in the drawings, combinations of the designs of the individual different embodiments are provided.

[0370] For example, in some embodiments, the opening 312 for the drive nozzle 292 is formed by one wall part and the connecting opening 228 for the ejector element 252 is formed by at least two wall parts 232.

[0371] In other embodiments, the opening 312 for the drive nozzle 292 is formed by at least two wall parts 232 and one of the at least two wall parts 232 forms the connecting opening 228 for the ejector element 252.

[0372] In yet other embodiments, one of the at least two wall parts 232 forms the opening 312 for the drive nozzle 292 and the other of the at least two wall parts 232 at least substantially forms the connecting opening 228 for the ejector element 252.

[0373] A filter unit 208 integrated into a line section comprises, in particular, a filter element 412 made of a filter material. The filter material is advantageously designed to be fluid-permeable. In particular, the filter material is designed to filter out contaminants, for example, to filter out dirt particles.

[0374] In particular, the filter material has filter passage openings which have a transverse extent of, for example, at most 1 mm transverse to a passage direction.

[0375] Preferably, the transverse dimension of the filter passage openings is in the micrometer range. In particular, the integrated filter unit 208 comprises a holding element 414. The holding element 414 holds the filter element 412, in particular, in a conduit interior 422 of the conduit section.

[0376] Advantageously, the entire filter unit 208 is arranged at least at and in particular in the line interior 422.

[0377] The conduit interior 422 is designed and configured to guide the fluid. The conduit section comprises a conduit sheath 424, which separates the conduit interior 422 from the surroundings of the conduit interior 422. An inner side 426 of the conduit sheath 424 delimits the conduit interior 422.

[0378] For example, the cable sheath 424 is a hose wall, particularly in a cable section of a hose system.

[0379] For example, the piping system connects the heat exchanger 202 to the pressure control unit 188 in a fluid-conducting manner.

[0380] In some inexpensive variants, at least part of the cable sheath 424 is a connection piece.

[0381] For example, the holding element 414 is arranged on an inner side of a connection piece of the pressure control unit 188, in particular a connection piece of the pressure control valve 314.

[0382] In some advantageous variants, the holding element 414 is arranged on an inner side of a connection piece in the heat exchanger 202.

[0383] In some inexpensive variants, the holding element 414 and thus the filter unit 208 are removably mounted on the line section.

[0384] For example, the holding element 414 has a thread and, advantageously, the cable sheath 424 has a corresponding counter-thread.

[0385] For example, a retainer is provided for releasably mounting the retaining element 414 into the cable interior 422. For example, a section 428 of the retaining element 414 is clamped between two cable pieces of the cable section.

[0386] In particular, a sealing element 432 is provided which forms a fluid-tight seal between the holding element 414 and the inner side 426 of the cable sheath 424.

[0387] In some favorable variants, the filter unit 208 is installed firmly and not non-destructively detachably in the line section, in particular in the line interior 422.

[0388] In particular, the holding component 414 is arranged fixedly and in particular not non-destructively detachably on the inner side 426 of the cable sheath 424.

[0389] For example, the holding element 414 and the cable sheath 424 are integrally connected to one another, in particular on the inner side 426 of the cable sheath 424.

[0390] For example, the holding element 414 is pressed into a line piece of the line section and / or warm embedded.

[0391] List of reference symbols

[0392] Fuel cell device

[0393] Fuel cell unit

[0394] Interior

[0395] Housing component

[0396] Housing equipment

[0397] piping system

[0398] Line device for fuel medium

[0399] Line device for oxidation medium media module

[0400] Ventilation duct system

[0401] ventilation line

[0402] vent line

[0403] T emperator

[0404] Temperature control unit

[0405] Line equipment for temperature control device

[0406] Heat exchanger section

[0407] Supply line to heat exchanger section Return line from heat exchanger section Supply line for oxidation medium

[0408] Cathode side

[0409] supply unit

[0410] filter

[0411] Suction line section

[0412] Supply line section

[0413] discharge line

[0414] Bypass line

[0415] Supply line for fuel medium

[0416] Anode side

[0417] B re nn Stoff rese rvo ir

[0418] Pressure control unit discharge line

[0419] connecting line

[0420] Recirculation line

[0421] Fluid conveying unit

[0422] heat exchanger

[0423] Supply line to heat exchanger

[0424] Return line from heat exchanger

[0425] filter unit

[0426] Interior of the media module

[0427] Interior of the housing

[0428] Management area

[0429] Anode residual fluid outlet

[0430] Anode fluid inlet

[0431] exterior wall

[0432] Wall section

[0433] chamber

[0434] inside

[0435] outside

[0436] Ejector insert

[0437] Ejector element

[0438] Interior

[0439] Longitudinal direction

[0440] Ejector element inlet

[0441] Ejector element outlet

[0442] Front section

[0443] Confused

[0444] final section

[0445] diffuser

[0446] Mixing chamber

[0447] Middle section

[0448] Propulsion nozzle

[0449] Nozzle outlet

[0450] Intake tract opening

[0451] Pressure control valve low-pressure side line opening low-pressure area high-pressure area

[0452] Separation section

[0453] Connection breakthrough

[0454] Chamber interior high-pressure side chamber high-pressure side line opening sealing

[0455] Fluid separator

[0456] ribs

[0457] Collection area

[0458] Separating element

[0459] Rib extension direction Ribs Separation surface

[0460] Connection section

[0461] Mouth section breakthroughs

[0462] filter element

[0463] Holding element

[0464] Cable interior

[0465] Cable sheath

[0466] Inside of the cable sheath Section of the holding element Sealing element

Claims

Patent claims 1. A fuel cell device (100) comprising at least one fuel cell unit (112) arranged in a housing device (120) and a line system (122) having at least one line device (124) for a fuel medium and a line device (126) for an oxidation medium, wherein an ejector insert (250) arranged in the line system (122) and having an ejector element (252) is arranged in an interior (214) of the housing device (120).

2. Fuel cell device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least the ejector element (252) is arranged thermally separated from an environment of the fuel cell device (100) in the interior (214) of the housing device (120).

3. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the ejector element (252) in the interior (214) of the housing device (120) is at least partially surrounded by a fluid, wherein the surrounding fluid is at least substantially in thermal equilibrium with at least a fluid flowing through the line system (122) and / or is such a fluid, wherein in particular the surrounding fluid is at least substantially in thermal equilibrium with at least a fluid flowing through a line section of the line system (122) in which the ejector insert (250) is arranged and / or is such a fluid; and / or wherein in particular the surrounding fluid is at least substantially in thermal equilibrium with at least a fluid comprising fuel medium portions recirculating in the line device (124) for the fuel medium and / or is such a fluid.

4. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an outer wall (228) comprising in particular a plurality of wall parts (232) delimits the interior (214) of the housing device (120) and at least the ejector element (252) is surrounded by a delimiting inner side (242) of the outer wall (228).

5. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer wall (228) of the housing device (120), in particular with at least one wall part (232), delimits an interior space (114) enclosed by the interior (214), wherein the at least one fuel cell unit (112) is arranged in the interior space (114).

6. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer wall (228) of the housing device (120), in particular with at least one wall part (232), delimits at least one chamber (238), in particular of a media module (128) of the housing device (120), wherein an inner region (254) of the at least one chamber (238) is part of the interior (214) of the housing device (120) and the ejector insert (250) with the ejector element (252) is arranged in the inner region (254).

7. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the interior (214) of the housing device (120) at least one line region (218) of at least one line of the line system (122) is formed and in particular at least one line region (218) is not in contact with the outer wall (228) at least in sections.

8. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one line region (218) in the interior (214) of the housing device (120) is a line region of a recirculation line (196), wherein in particular the recirculation line (196) leads from an anode residual fluid outlet (222) of the at least one fuel cell unit (112) to an anode fluid inlet (224) of the at least one fuel cell unit (112).

9. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one of the following: that the ejector insert (250) is arranged in a line region (218) of a line located in the interior (214) of the housing device (120); and / or that the ejector insert (250) is arranged in a line region (218) of the recirculation line (196).

10. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the interior (214) of the housing device (120), in particular in the line region (218), a high-pressure region (326) and a low-pressure region (324) are provided, which are separated by at least one wall part (232) of the housing device (120), and that the ejector element (252) connects the low-pressure region (324) to the high-pressure region (326) in a fluid-conducting manner.

11. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the ejector element (252) extends through a connecting opening (328) of a wall part (232), wherein in particular this wall part (232) separates the low-pressure region (324) from the high-pressure region (326).

12. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a seal is formed between the at least one wall part (232) and the ejector element (252) in the connection opening (328), wherein in particular at least one of the following is provided: that the seal is formed by a force-fitting and / or form-fitting and / or material-fitting connection between the at least one wall part (232) and the ejector element (252); and / or that an additional sealing compound is provided for sealing.

13. Fuel cell device (100), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one fuel cell unit (112) and a line system (122) having at least one line device (124) for a fuel medium and a line device (126) for an oxidation medium, wherein an ejector insert (250) is arranged in the line system (122), wherein the ejector insert (250) is designed as a combination component and comprises at least one ejector element (252) and is also designed as a fluid separator (352).

14. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a fluid separator (352) is arranged in a recirculation line (196) of the line device (124) for the fuel medium.

15. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ejector insert (250) comprises a particularly flat separating element (366) which at least partially divides an inner region (254), in which the ejector insert (250) is arranged, into at least two sub-space regions (218, 362).

16. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separating element (366) of the ejector insert (250) at least partially separates a line region (218) for a line of the line system (122) from a fluid collection region (362), in particular of the fluid separator (352).

17. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flat separating element (366) extends at least substantially in a geometric surface, in particular in a curved geometric surface.

18. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ejector element inlet (250) is arranged at least substantially entirely on one side of the separating element (366), in particular on one side relative to the geometric surface of the separating element (366), wherein in particular the side on which the ejector element inlet (250) is arranged faces the line region (218) and / or faces away from the fluid collection region (362).

19. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separating element (366) has at least one opening (382), wherein in particular at least one of the following is provided: that an opening (382) is formed for a fluid passage from the line region (218) to the fluid collection region (362); and / or that at least one opening (382) is formed for a component, in particular a sensor, to pass through.

20. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separating element (366) comprises a connecting section (222) with which the separating element (366) is fastened to the ejector element (252).

21. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting section (222) extends at least substantially along an entire longitudinal extent of the ejector element (252), in particular substantially from an ejector element inlet (264) to an ejector element outlet (266), along the ejector element (252) and is connected to it.

22. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting section (222) is arranged at least partially in a region of a greatest transverse extent of the ejector element (252) thereto, wherein in particular the transverse extent of the ejector element (252) is determined in a cross-section which is at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension direction of the ejector element (252).

23. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting section (222) is arranged transversely to a longitudinal extension direction of the ejector element (252) on both sides of the ejector element (252).

24. Fuel cell device (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that for the formation as a fluid separator (352) the ejector insert (250) comprises at least one fluid separation structure for separating fluid components.

25. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one of the following: that at least one fluid separation structure is designed to guide a fluid; and / or that at least one fluid separation structure is arranged on the separating element (366) and in particular at least some sections of this fluid separation structure extend away from the separating element (366); and / or that at least one fluid separation structure is arranged in a line region (218); and / or that at least one fluid separation structure comprises ribs (356).

26. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one rib (356) is arranged in the fluid collection region (362), wherein in particular at least one rib (356) extends away from the separating element (366).

27. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ejector insert (250) is made of plastic, in particular that the ejector insert (250) is an injection-molded part.

28. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a drive nozzle (392) is arranged in a line of the line system (122), wherein in particular the drive nozzle (392) and the ejector insert (250) are part of a jet pump.

29. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive nozzle (392) extends into the inner region in which the ejector insert (250) is arranged, and in particular that the drive nozzle (292) extends through an opening in a wall part of the housing device (120).

30. Fuel cell device (100), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fuel cell device (100) comprises at least one fuel cell unit (112) and at least one line device (124) for a line system (122) comprising a fuel medium and a line device (126) for an oxidation medium, wherein at least one heat exchanger (202) and / or at least one heating unit is arranged in at least one line section of the line device (124) for a fuel medium and / or in at least one line section of the line device (126) for an oxidation medium.

31. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the line device for a fuel medium comprises a supply line (182) for supplying the at least one fuel cell unit (112) with a fuel medium and that at least one heat exchanger (202) and / or at least one heating unit is arranged in the supply line (182), wherein in particular at least one of the following is provided: that at least one heat exchanger (202) and / or at least one heating unit is arranged in the supply line (162, 182) with respect to a flow direction of a fluid flowing through the supply line (162, 182) to the fuel cell unit (112) before a merging of a recirculation line (196) with the supply line (182) for the fuel medium;and / or that at least one heat exchanger (202) and / or at least one heating unit is arranged in the supply line (162, 182) upstream of a drive nozzle (292) arranged in the supply line (162, 182) and / or upstream of the ejector element (252) with respect to a flow direction of a fluid flowing in the supply line (162, 182) to the fuel cell unit (112); and / or that at least one heat exchanger (202) and / or at least one heating unit is arranged in the supply line (162, 182) upstream of a pressure control unit (188) arranged in the supply line (162, 182) and / or at least upstream of a pressure control valve (314) of a pressure control unit (188) with respect to a flow direction of a fluid flowing in the supply line (162, 182) to the fuel cell unit (112).

32. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a temperature control medium of a temperature control device (142) for the at least one fuel cell unit (112) is supplied to at least one heat exchanger (202), which is arranged in at least one of the line devices (124, 126) for the fuel medium and / or for the oxidation medium, for heat transfer.

33. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a temperature control device (142) is provided for the at least one fuel cell unit (112) and the temperature control device (142) comprises a heat exchanger section (148) which is in heat-transferring contact with the fuel cell unit (112), and in that a temperature control medium discharged from the heat exchanger section (148) is supplied to the temperature control device (142) to at least one heat exchanger (202), which is arranged in at least one of the line devices (124, 126) for a fuel medium and / or for an oxidation medium.

34. Fuel cell device (100), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one line system (122) which has at least one line device (124) for a fuel medium and / or a line device for an oxidation medium, wherein a filter unit (208) is integrated into at least one line section of the line system (122).

35. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one filter unit (208) is integrated into at least one line section of the line device (124) for a fuel medium, in particular into a line section of the supply line (182) for a fuel medium, wherein in particular at least one of the following is provided: that at least one filter unit (208) is integrated into a line section which, with respect to a flow direction of a fluid flowing through the line, in particular through the supply line (162, 182), is located upstream of a pressure control unit (188), in particular at least upstream of a pressure control valve (314); and / or that at least one filter unit (208) is integrated into at least one line section which is located downstream of a heat exchanger (202) and / or downstream of a heating unit with respect to a flow direction of a fluid flowing through the line, in particular through the supply line (162, 182).

36. Fuel cell device (100) according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the filter unit (208) comprises a filter element (412) made of a filter material and a holding element (414) holding the filter element (412), wherein the holding element (414) is arranged in a fluid-tight manner on an inner side (426) of a line sheath (424) of the line section into which the filter unit (208) is integrated.

37. A vehicle which is at least partially powered by at least one fuel cell unit of a fuel cell device (100), characterized in that the fuel cell device (100) has one or more features of the preceding claims.

38. A method for operating a fuel cell device (100), in particular a fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding claims directed to a fuel cell device (100), wherein the fuel cell device (100) comprises at least one fuel cell unit (112) and a line system (122) having at least one line device (124) for a fuel medium and a line device (126) for an oxidation medium, wherein the method comprises at least the method step that, during a switch-off process of the at least one fuel cell unit (112), at least some fluid is supplied to the line device (124) for the fuel medium and / or the line device (126) for the oxidation medium.

39. Method according to the preceding method claim, characterized in that the fluid supplied during a switching-off process of the line device (124) for the fuel medium is supplied from a fuel reservoir (186) of the fuel cell device (100).

40. Method according to one of the preceding method claims, characterized by at least one of the following: that the fluid supplied during a shutdown process is heated, in particular that the fluid is heated at a heat exchanger (202) which is arranged in at least one of the line devices (124, 126) for the fuel medium and / or for the oxidation medium; and / or that a temperature control medium of a temperature control device (142) for the fuel cell unit (112) is supplied to at least one heat exchanger (202) which is arranged in at least one of the line devices (124, 126) for the fuel medium and / or for the oxidation medium;and / or that at least one heat exchanger (202), which is arranged at least in one of the line devices (124, 126) for the fuel medium and / or for the oxidation medium, is supplied with temperature control medium discharged from a heat exchanger section (148), wherein the heat exchanger section (148) is part of the temperature control device (142) for the at least one fuel cell unit (112) and is in heat-transferring contact with the fuel cell unit (148); 41 . Method according to one of the preceding method claims, characterized in that the fluid supplied during a switch-off process is supplied in at least one, in particular short, gas pulse.

42. Method according to one of the preceding method claims, characterized in that the supply of a fluid during the switching-off process takes place at least until at least one predefined point, in particular a vulnerable point, in the line device is warmer than another point in the line device, wherein in particular the vulnerable point is a narrower point than the other point; and / or wherein in particular the predefined point is a point on a drive nozzle (292) and / or on a jet pump in the supply line (162, 182).

43. Method according to one of the preceding method claims, characterized by at least one of the following: that the supply of a fluid during the switch-off process takes place at least until a fluid in the line is sufficiently dry at at least one predefined point, in particular until a vulnerable point and / or until at least one constriction and / or until a drive nozzle (292) and / or until a jet pump in the corresponding line is sufficiently dry; and / or that the supply of the fluid during the switch-off process takes place at least until at least one predefined point at least most of any condensate present has been flushed out, in particular until at least one constriction and / or a drive nozzle (292) and / or a jet pump is at least substantially free of condensate.

44. A method for operating a vehicle, wherein the vehicle is driven at least partially by at least one fuel cell unit of a fuel cell device (100), wherein the fuel cell device (100) is operated according to at least one of the preceding method claims.

Images