Electrochemical system, central fluid supply module, and method

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrochemical system (10a; 10b; 10c; 10d; 10e; 10f; 10g) comprising a first electrochemical unit (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d; 12e; 12f) and at least one other electrochemical unit (14a, 16a; 14b, 16b; 14c, 16c; 14d, 16d; 14e, 16e; 14f, 16f) which is fluidically connected in parallel to the first electrochemical unit (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d; 12e; 12f). According to the invention, the electrochemical system (10a; 10b; 10c; 10d; 10e; 10f; 10g) comprises a central fluid supply module (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d; 18e; 18f; 18g) with a fluid delivery unit (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; 20e; 20f; 20g), in particular an individual fluid delivery unit, for supplying the first electrochemical unit (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d; 12e; 12f) and the at least one other electrochemical unit (14a, 16a; 14b, 16b; 14c, 16c; 14d, 16d; 14e, 16e; 14f, 16f) with an oxygen-containing fluid.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Electrochemical central and procedures

[0003] State of the art

[0004] An electrochemical system having a first electrochemical unit and at least one further electrochemical unit connected fluidically in parallel to the first electrochemical unit has already been proposed.

[0005] Disclosure of the invention

[0006] The invention is based on an electrochemical system with a first electrochemical unit and with at least one further electrochemical unit fluidically connected in parallel to the first electrochemical unit.

[0007] It is proposed that the electrochemical system comprise a central fluid supply module with a, in particular single, fluid delivery unit for supplying the first electrochemical unit and the at least one further electrochemical unit with an oxygen-containing fluid. The electrochemical units preferably each comprise several, in particular at least 100, preferably at least 200, electrochemical cells, which are electrically connected in series for joint operation.The electrochemical cells are preferably designed as fuel cells and / or electrolysis cells, in particular as solid oxide fuel cells and / or solid oxide electrolysis cells, alternatively as molten carbonate fuel cells and / or molten carbonate electrolysis cells, as polymer electrolyte fuel cells and / or polymer electrolyte electrolysis cells or the like. The electrochemical system can be designed in particular as a fuel cell system and / or as an electrolysis system. The electrochemical units each have, for example, a nominal electrical output of at least 1 kW, preferably at least 5 kW, in particular of at least 10 kW. The electrochemical units each have, for example, a nominal electrical output of at most 500 kW, of at most 100 kW, particularly preferably of at most 50 kW.In certain embodiments, particularly in an electrolysis system, the electrochemical units can also have higher electrical ratings, particularly in the single-digit megawatt range. The electrochemical units can be electrically connected in series or parallel for joint operation in an operating group, for example in the form of a stack string or a stack tower, or can be provided for independent operation, in particular for independent modulation. The electrochemical units can be arranged in a common assembly, particularly in the form of an exchange module, or in assemblies designed separately from one another. The electrochemical units designed as fuel cells are preferably provided for the electrochemical conversion of the oxygen-containing fluid and a fuel, for example hydrogen, methane, ammonia, natural gas, biogas or the like.The oxygen-containing fluid is preferably air, in particular atmospheric air or synthetic air, or pure oxygen. The electrochemical units designed as electrolysis cells are preferably intended to electrochemically split the oxygen-containing fluid, for example, carbon dioxide or water.

[0008] The central fluid supply module is preferably designed to supply the electrochemical units with the oxygen-containing fluid via a central fluid line. The fluid supply module is preferably designed to supply the electrochemical units with a sufficient amount of the oxygen-containing fluid as a reactant for carrying out the electrochemical conversion. The fluid supply module is preferably designed to control the temperature of the electrochemical units using the oxygen-containing fluid, in particular by adjusting a flow rate and / or a temperature of the oxygen-containing fluid.The electrochemical system preferably comprises a first individual fluid supply which is connected to an inlet of the first electrochemical unit, of an operating group comprising the first electrochemical unit or of an assembly comprising the first electrochemical unit, and at least one further individual fluid supply which is connected to an inlet of the at least one further electrochemical unit, of a further operating group comprising the at least one further electrochemical unit or of a further assembly comprising the at least one further electrochemical unit. Depending on the application, the electrochemical system can in particular have a plurality of further electrochemical units which are arranged in one or more operating groups and / or in one or more assemblies.The electrochemical system, in particular the fluid supply module, preferably comprises at least one distributor whose inlet is connected to the central fluid line and whose outlets are each connected to one of the individual fluid supplies. The distributor can be single-stage or multi-stage. For example, the distributor comprises a distribution stage for distributing the oxygen-containing fluid from the central fluid line to several assemblies, to several operating groups, or to the electrochemical units. For example, the distributor comprises a distribution stage for distributing the oxygen-containing fluid from one of the individual fluid supplies of an assembly to several operating groups or to several electrochemical units of this assembly.For example, the distributor comprises a distribution stage for dividing the oxygen-containing fluid from one of the individual supply lines of an operating group to several electrochemical units of this operating group.

[0009] The fluid conveying unit is designed, for example, as a fan, a blower, a compressor, or a pump. The fluid conveying unit is preferably arranged in the central fluid line upstream of the distributor. The fluid conveying unit can comprise only a single conveying element or several conveying elements, all of which are arranged in or upstream of the central fluid line. For example, the fluid conveying unit can be designed as a twin blower or the like, have multiple fluid intake points, or the like.The electrochemical system, in particular the fluid supply module, preferably comprises at least one temperature control unit for setting a, in particular individual, inlet temperature of the oxygen-containing fluid upon entry of the oxygen-containing fluid into the electrochemical units and / or a, in particular individual, outlet temperature of the oxygen-containing fluid upon exit of the oxygen-containing fluid and / or a product of the electrochemical conversion from the electrochemical units. The electrochemical system, in particular the central fluid supply module, can have a central temperature control unit arranged upstream of the distributor and / or individual temperature control units arranged downstream of the distributor and / or fluidically between two distributor stages of the distributor.

[0010] "Intended" should be understood in particular to mean specifically programmed, designed, and / or equipped. The fact that an object is intended for a specific function should be understood in particular to mean that the object fulfills and / or performs this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.

[0011] The inventive design makes it possible to provide an advantageously efficient electrochemical system, particularly due to a reduction in cost. In particular, the overall costs of the electrochemical system can be advantageously kept low. Furthermore, maintenance work can be advantageously carried out easily. Furthermore, simple control methods can advantageously be used to adjust fluid parameters of the oxygen-containing fluid. Furthermore, a supply of the oxygen-containing fluid to a fuel conversion process, particularly in a starter burner, an afterburner, a CPOX reformer, or the like of the electrochemical system, can advantageously be adjusted independently of the electrochemical units for optimal operation.Furthermore, operating costs can be advantageously kept low by centralizing treatment units for processing the oxygen-containing fluid, such as filtering, drying, desulfurization, chromium plating, or the like. In particular, degradation of the fuel cells can be advantageously kept low, and the service life of the electrochemical unit can be advantageously kept long. In particular, the proportion of acquisition costs to the costs of providing electrical energy can be advantageously kept low.

[0012] It is further proposed that the central fluid supply module comprise at least one fluid buffer downstream of the fluid delivery unit. The fluid buffer is preferably arranged upstream of the distributor. The fluid buffer is preferably designed as a pressure vessel. The fluid supply module preferably comprises at least one charge state sensor, in particular a pressure sensor, in the fluid buffer for measuring a charge state of the fluid buffer. The charge state sensor is preferably connected for data purposes to a control or regulating unit of the fluid delivery unit in order to adjust a delivery rate of the fluid delivery unit, in particular only as a function of the charge state of the fluid buffer. The fluid delivery unit is preferably provided to keep a target charge state of the fluid buffer constant.Preferably, the control or regulating unit of the fluid delivery unit is provided to control the fluid delivery unit only in a manner dependent on a specific operating point, in particular a change in the operating point, of the electrochemical units, mediated via the charge state, in particular a change in the charge state, of the fluid buffer. A "control or regulating unit" is to be understood in particular as a unit with at least one control electronics unit. A "control electronics unit" is to be understood in particular as a unit with a processor unit and with a memory unit as well as with an operating program stored in the memory unit. The design according to the invention allows control of the fluid delivery unit and control of a fluid supply to the electrochemical units to be decoupled to an advantageously large extent.In particular, the control or regulation of the electrochemical system can be advantageously kept simple. Furthermore, the fluid delivery unit can advantageously be operated continuously within a parameter range of the fluid delivery unit with maximum efficiency.

[0013] It is further proposed that the central fluid supply module comprise at least one actuating unit for setting different values ​​of a fluid parameter of a respective portion of the oxygen-containing fluid to the different electrochemical units. Preferably, the distributor, in particular at least one distributor stage of the distributor, is arranged in the fluid supply module. The actuating unit preferably comprises, for each individual fluid line to one of the electrochemical units, one of the operating groups, and / or to one of the assemblies, an actuating element for setting an individual value of the fluid parameter. The actuating elements are preferably designed as continuous valves.Alternatively, particularly in a configuration with a multi-stage distributor and / or a distributor that is arranged at least partially outside the fluid supply module, the actuating elements or an additional actuating element of the actuating unit are designed as shut-off valves. The actuating unit is preferably arranged downstream of the at least one temperature control unit. The actuating unit is preferably provided to individually adjust, in particular to regulate, the inlet temperature and / or the outlet temperature, alternatively a flow rate, of the oxygen-containing fluid as a fluid parameter. Alternatively, particularly in a configuration with multiple temperature control units downstream of the distributor and / or one temperature control unit per electrochemical unit, the actuating unit is arranged upstream of the temperature control units.The design according to the invention allows fluid flows and temperature flows between the electrochemical units, the operating groups and / or the assemblies to be advantageously balanced in a simple and targeted manner.

[0014] It is further proposed that the electrochemical system have at least one system control unit for setting different values ​​of a fluid parameter of a respective portion of the oxygen-containing fluid to the different electrochemical units, which is connected to a fluid outlet of the fluid supply module. The distributor, in particular at least one distributor stage of the distributor, is preferably arranged outside the fluid supply module. The system control unit preferably comprises, for each individual fluid line to one of the electrochemical units, one of the operating groups and / or to one of the assemblies, a system control element for setting an individual value of the fluid parameter. The system control elements are preferably designed as continuous valves. The system control unit is preferably arranged downstream of the at least one temperature control unit.The system control unit is preferably designed to individually adjust, in particular regulate, the inlet temperature and / or the outlet temperature, or alternatively a flow rate, of the oxygen-containing fluid as a fluid parameter. Alternatively, the system control unit is arranged upstream of the at least one temperature control unit. The inventive design allows fluid flows and temperature flows between electrochemical units, the operating groups, and / or the assemblies to be advantageously easily and specifically balanced.

[0015] It is further proposed that the actuating unit and / or the system actuating unit comprise at least one unit actuating element per electrochemical unit as one of the aforementioned actuating elements and / or system actuating elements upstream of the corresponding electrochemical units. In particular, the actuating unit and / or the system actuating unit comprise multiple unit actuating elements within the same assembly and / or operating group. The inventive design makes it possible to achieve a supply of the oxygen-containing fluid that is advantageously specifically and precisely tailored to the electrochemical units.

[0016] It is further proposed that the actuating unit and / or the system actuating unit have at least one operating group actuating element upstream of the corresponding operating group for each operating group that combines several of the electrochemical units. In particular, the actuating unit and / or the system actuating unit comprises several operating group actuating elements within the same assembly. The configuration according to the invention makes it possible to achieve a supply of the oxygen-containing fluid that is advantageously specifically tailored to the operating groups. Furthermore, the fluid flows of the oxygen-containing fluid can be adjusted with advantageously few components. Furthermore, a control method for adjusting the fluid flows of the oxygen-containing fluid can be advantageously kept simple.

[0017] It is further proposed that the actuating unit and / or the system actuating unit have at least one actuating element upstream of the corresponding assembly for each assembly comprising several electrochemical units and / or operating groups. The inventive design makes it possible to achieve a supply of the oxygen-containing fluid that is advantageously specifically tailored to the assemblies. Furthermore, the fluid flows of the oxygen-containing fluid can be adjusted with advantageously few components. Furthermore, a control method for adjusting the fluid flows of the oxygen-containing fluid can be advantageously kept simple.

[0018] It is further proposed that the electrochemical system comprise at least one temperature control unit, in particular the one already mentioned, per electrochemical unit, per operating group, and / or per assembly. The temperature control unit preferably comprises at least one heat exchanger, in particular a recuperator, for preheating the oxygen-containing fluid. The heat exchanger is preferably connected to an exhaust line, in particular an afterburner exhaust line, of the electrochemical system for heat transfer from a product of the electrochemical conversion to the oxygen-containing fluid. Depending on the application, the temperature control unit comprises, for example, an adjustable bypass that bypasses the heat exchanger to cool the oxygen-containing fluid.Depending on the application, the temperature control unit comprises, for example, an additional or alternative heat source to the heat exchanger, in particular an electric heating element and / or a burner, for heating the oxygen-containing fluid. The additional heat source is preferably arranged in a line element of the temperature control unit that is fluidically parallel to the heat exchanger. Alternatively, the additional heat source is arranged in a line element that is fluidically connected in series to the heat exchanger of the temperature control unit. The design according to the invention advantageously allows an intended operating temperature, for which the actuating elements of the actuating unit and / or the system actuating unit must be designed, to be kept low.

[0019] Furthermore, a central fluid supply module, in particular the one already mentioned, with a, in particular individual, fluid delivery unit for an electrochemical system according to the invention is proposed. The inventive design makes it possible to provide a fluid supply module that is advantageously easily adaptable to a scalable electrochemical system. Furthermore, a method for operating an electrochemical system according to the invention is proposed. The method is preferably intended to control, in particular to regulate, the inlet temperature and / or the outlet temperature of the oxygen-containing fluid, in particular for each individual electrochemical unit, for each individual operating group, or for each individual assembly.The method preferably comprises a feed rate adjustment routine in which a control or regulating unit of the electrochemical system, in particular a local control or regulating unit of the fluid supply module, adjusts the fluid feed rate unit. The method preferably comprises a distributor adjustment routine in which the control or regulating unit of the electrochemical system and / or the local control or regulating unit of the fluid supply module adjusts the adjustment unit, the system adjustment unit and / or the at least one temperature control unit. In the case of group-based control or regulating, the control or regulating unit and / or the local control or regulating unit preferably uses the element of the group which exerts the greatest restriction on a parameter space of the control or regulating, in particular the most worn electrochemical unit and / or operating group, to execute the distributor adjustment routine and / or the feed rate adjustment routine.A "control and / or regulating unit" is understood to mean, in particular, a unit with at least one control electronics unit. "Control electronics" is understood to mean, in particular, a unit with a processor unit and a memory unit, as well as with an operating program stored in the memory unit. The inventive design advantageously allows an electrochemical system to be supplied with an oxygen-containing fluid in a centralized manner.

[0020] It is further proposed that the fluid delivery unit is controlled, in particular only, as a function of a charge level of a fluid reservoir, in particular the aforementioned one, of the central fluid supply module. Preferably, the local control or regulating unit regulates the charge level of the fluid buffer in the delivery setting routine by controlling the fluid delivery unit to a predetermined setpoint. The setpoint can be predetermined by the higher-level control or regulating unit of the electrochemical system or stored in a memory of the control or regulating unit. The delivery setting routine is, in particular, independent of the distributor setting routine. The design according to the invention advantageously allows control of the fluid delivery unit and control or regulating of electrochemical units to be decoupled from one another.In particular, the fluid conveying unit can advantageously be kept in an operating state of maximum efficiency for a long time and without interruption.

[0021] The electrochemical system according to the invention, the central fluid supply module according to the invention, and / or the method according to the invention are not intended to be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the electrochemical system according to the invention, the central fluid supply module according to the invention, and / or the method according to the invention can have a number of individual elements, components, units, and method steps that differs from the number stated herein in order to fulfill a function described herein. Furthermore, in the value ranges specified in this disclosure, values ​​within the stated limits are also to be considered disclosed and can be used arbitrarily.

[0022] Drawings

[0023] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. Seven exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Those skilled in the art will also expediently consider the features individually and combine them into useful further combinations.

[0024] They show:

[0025] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of an electrochemical system according to the invention,

[0026] Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of the electrochemical system according to the invention with details of a central fluid supply module of the electrochemical system, Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a temperature control unit of the electrochemical system according to the invention,

[0027] Fig. 4 is a schematic flow diagram of a method according to the invention,

[0028] Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of an electrochemical system according to the invention,

[0029] Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of an electrochemical system according to the invention,

[0030] Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of an electrochemical system according to the invention,

[0031] Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of an electrochemical system according to the invention,

[0032] Fig. 9 is a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of an electrochemical system according to the invention and

[0033] Fig. 10 is a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of an electrochemical system according to the invention.

[0034] Description of the embodiments

[0035] Figure 1 shows an electrochemical system 10a. The electrochemical system 10a comprises a first electrochemical unit 12a. The electrochemical system 10a comprises at least one further electrochemical unit 14a, 16a connected fluidically in parallel to the first electrochemical unit 12a, here, for example, two further electrochemical units 14a, 16a. The electrochemical units 12a, 14a, 16a preferably each comprise a plurality of solid oxide fuel cells. The electrochemical units 12a, 14a, 16a are interconnected here, for example, as an operating group 30a. In particular, the electrochemical units 12a, 14a, 16a are connected in series to an electronics unit 50a of the electrochemical system 10a for joint operation.Alternatively, the electrochemical units 12a, 14a, 16a are connected to the electronics unit 50a of the electrochemical system 10a, in particular for independent operation, either electrically in parallel or galvanically isolated from one another. The electronics unit 50a preferably comprises at least one current converter, in particular an inverter, for feeding electrical power provided by the electrochemical units 12a, 14a, 16a into an external power grid and / or a consumer. The electrochemical system 10a preferably comprises a control or regulating unit 48a for controlling, in particular modulating, the electrochemical units 12a, 14a, 16a.

[0036] The electrochemical units 12a, 14a, 16a are, for example, part of a single assembly 34a, which is particularly intended to be pre-assembled and / or replaced as a whole. The assembly 34a preferably comprises a mounting structure 42a on which the electrochemical units 12a, 14a, 16a are arranged. The mounting structure 42a is designed here, for example, as a plate, in particular as a distributor plate. The assembly 34a preferably comprises a thermally insulating housing 46a in which the electrochemical units 12a, 14a, 16a are arranged. The mounting structure 42a forms, for example, a wall, in particular a base plate or a base, of the housing 46a. The assembly 34a has a distributor stage 44a, which connects the electrochemical units 12a, 14a, 16a to a common fluid connection. The distribution stage 44a of the assembly 34a is integrated here as an example into the mounting structure 42a.

[0037] The electrochemical system 10a comprises a central fluid supply module 18a. The central fluid supply module 18a is preferably provided for supplying the electrochemical units 12a, 14a, 16a with an oxygen-containing fluid. The central fluid supply module 18a is preferably connected to the distributor stage 44a. The electrochemical system 10a preferably comprises a further central fluid supply module in the form of a fuel supply module 52a for supplying the electrochemical units 12a, 14a, 16a with a fuel. The fuel supply module 52a is preferably connected to a fuel distributor of the assembly 34a. The electrochemical system 10a preferably comprises at least one exhaust gas disposal module 54a for removing at least one product and / or separate products from the fluid side and the fuel side from the electrochemical units 12a, 14a, 16a.The exhaust gas disposal module 54a is functionally illustrated here as a separate module. Alternatively, the exhaust gas disposal module 54a and the central fluid supply module 18a can be integrated into a single module. The electrochemical system 10a preferably includes a thermal management module 56a. The thermal management module 56a is preferably designed to recover process heat from the product in the exhaust gas disposal module 54a and provide it, for example, to the fluid supply module 18a and / or the fuel supply module 52a.

[0038] Figure 2 shows the central fluid supply module 18a. The fluid supply module 18a comprises a, in particular single, fluid delivery unit 20a for supplying the first electrochemical unit 12a and the at least one further electrochemical unit 14a, 16a with an oxygen-containing fluid. The fluid supply module 18a preferably comprises a central fluid line 62a, to which the fluid delivery unit 20a is connected. The central fluid line 62a preferably leads from a fluid inlet of the fluid supply module 18a to a distributor of the electrochemical system 10a. The fluid supply module 18a preferably comprises at least one distributor stage 64a of the distributor. The distributor stage 44a of the assembly 34a is preferably connected to a branch of the distributor stage 64a of the fluid supply module 18a.

[0039] The central fluid supply module 18a preferably comprises at least one treatment unit 58a for treating the oxygen-containing fluid. The treatment unit 58a comprises, for example, a filter, a water separator, a dryer, or the like. The treatment unit 58a is preferably connected along the central fluid line 62a downstream of the fluid inlet of the central fluid supply module 18a and in particular upstream of the fluid delivery unit 20a. The central fluid supply module 18a comprises at least one fluid buffer 22a in the central fluid line 62a downstream of the fluid delivery unit 20a. The central fluid supply module 18a preferably comprises at least one charge state sensor 60a, which is arranged on and / or in the fluid buffer 22a.The central fluid supply module 18a preferably comprises a local control or regulating unit 68a, which is provided for controlling or regulating a charge state of the fluid buffer 22a by controlling the fluid delivery unit 20a as a function of a measurement signal from the charge state sensor 60a. The local control or regulating unit 68a can be a stand-alone component or integrated into the electronics of the fluid delivery unit 20a. The central fluid supply module 18a preferably comprises a preheater 70a, which is provided for preheating the oxygen-containing fluid. The preheater 70a is arranged in the central fluid line 62a, preferably downstream of the fluid buffer 22a and in particular upstream of the distribution stage 64a. The preheater 70a preferably comprises a heat exchanger connected to the heat management module 56a for preheating the oxygen-containing fluid.The central fluid supply module 18a comprises at least one actuating unit 24a for setting different values ​​of a fluid parameter of a respective portion of the oxygen-containing fluid to the different electrochemical units 12a, 14a, 16a. The fluid supply module 18a optionally comprises a housing in which the treatment unit 58a, the fluid delivery unit 20a, the fluid buffer 22a, the local control or regulating unit 68a, the distribution stage 64a, the preheater 70a, and / or the actuating unit 24a are arranged together.

[0040] The electrochemical system 10a preferably comprises at least one further assembly 34a' with electrochemical units 12a', 14a', 16a'. The assemblies 34a, 34a' preferably have at least functionally identical components, which are provided with the same reference numerals. To distinguish them, the reference numerals of the further assemblies 34a', their components, and the components of the fluid supply module 18a assigned to the further assembly 34a' are provided with apostrophes. Particularly preferably, the assemblies 34a, 34a' are structurally identical. Alternatively, the assemblies 34a, 34a' differ, for example, in the number of electrochemical units 12a, 12a', 14a, 14a', 16a, 16a', the number or type of fuel cells per electrochemical unit 12a, 12a', 14a, 14a', 16a, 16a', the design of the assembly-internal distribution stage 44a, 44a' or the like.Depending on the application, the electrochemical system 10a comprises a plurality of further assemblies 34a', although only one is shown for the sake of clarity. The electrochemical system 10a and in particular the central fluid supply module 18a can be designed, in particular depending on the application, for a number of electrochemical units 12a, 12a', 14a, 14a', 16a, 16a', which together have a total rated electrical output of more than 100 kW, preferably more than 500 kW, particularly preferably more than 1 MW. Preferably, the electrochemical system 10a comprises precisely one central fluid supply module 18a for a total rated electrical output of up to 10 MW, preferably up to 100 MW, particularly preferably up to 500 MW. Depending on the application, the electrochemical system 10a can also be divided into a plurality of subsystems, each with its own central fluid supply module 18a.

[0041] Preferably, the distribution stage 64a of the fluid supply module 18a branches the central fluid line 62a into a number of individual fluid lines 66a, 66a', which corresponds to the number of assemblies 34a, 34a' of the electrochemical system 10a or a subsystem of the electrochemical system 10a. The actuating unit 24a preferably comprises one assembly actuating element 36a, 36a' for each assembly 34a, 34a'. The assembly actuating elements 36a, 36a' are preferably arranged in the individual fluid lines 66a, 66a' upstream of the assemblies 34a, 34a' to which they are assigned. The actuating unit 24a has at least one actuating element 32a, 32a' upstream of the corresponding actuating group 30a for each of the operating groups 30a comprising several of the electrochemical units 12a, 14a, 16a.In a configuration such as this, with one operating group 30a, 30a' per assembly 34a, 34a', the operating group control element 32a, 32a' is identical to the corresponding assembly control element 36a, 36a'. Alternatively, the control unit 24a comprises additional control elements as operating group control elements 32a, 32a' in an additional distribution stage or a system control unit integrated, for example, into the distribution stage 44a, 44a'. The assembly control elements 36a, 36a' have, for example, a diameter of at least DN80. The assembly actuating elements 36a, 36a', the operating group actuating elements 32a, 32a' and / or other actuating elements, in particular unit actuating elements, of the actuating unit 24a and / or a system actuating unit are preferably designed for a temperature of the oxygen-containing fluid of at least up to 600°C, preferably of at least up to 400°C, particularly preferably of at least up to 200°C.

[0042] The electrochemical system 10a, in particular the central fluid supply module 18a, has at least one temperature control unit 38a, 38a' per assembly 34a. The temperature control units 38a, 38a' are preferably arranged in the individual fluid lines 66a, 66a' downstream of the assembly actuators 36a, 36a'. Details of the temperature control units 38a, 38a' are shown in Figure 3. The electrochemical system 10a can in particular have exactly one temperature control unit 38a, 38a' per assembly 34a, which are arranged upstream of the assemblies 34a, 34a' as shown here, or at alternative positions 72a, 72a' within the assemblies 34a, 34a' per operating group 30a or per electrochemical unit 12a, 12a', 14a, 14a', 16a, 16a'.The alternative positions 72a, 72a' are preferably arranged in operating group-specific or electrochemical unit-specific fluid branches of the distribution stages 44a, 44a' of the assemblies 34a, 34a'. The temperature control units 38a, 38a' are preferably of identical construction.

[0043] Figure 3 shows an example of the temperature control unit 38a. The temperature control unit 38a preferably comprises at least one heat exchanger 74a connected to the heat management module 56a. The heat exchanger 74a is preferably provided for heating the oxygen-containing fluid, here, for example, in the individual fluid line 66a upstream of the assembly 34a. The temperature control unit 38a preferably comprises an additional heat source 76a in the form of an electrical or thermal heating element. The additional heat source 76a and the heat exchanger 74a are preferably arranged in fluidically parallel branches. Alternatively, the additional heat source 76a and the heat exchanger 74a are arranged in line sections that are fluidically in series. The temperature control unit 38a preferably comprises at least one temperature control element 80a for dividing the fluid between the heat exchanger 74a and the additional heat source 76a.The temperature control unit 38a preferably includes an adjustable bypass 78a. The bypass 78a preferably bypasses the heat exchanger 74a and / or the additional heat source 76a to reduce the temperature of the oxygen-containing fluid as needed. The temperature control element 80a, the heat source 76a, and / or the adjustable bypass 78a are preferably connected to the control or regulating unit 48a for data transmission.

[0044] Figure 4 shows a flowchart of a method 40a for operating the electrochemical system 10a. The method 40a preferably includes a delivery adjustment routine 82a for adjusting the fluid delivery unit 20a. The method 40a preferably includes a distributor adjustment routine 84a for adjusting the adjustment unit 24a.

[0045] The delivery adjustment routine 82a preferably comprises a fluid buffer measuring step 86a and a delivery adjustment step 88a. In the fluid buffer measuring step 86a, the charge level sensor 60a preferably detects a charge level of the fluid buffer 22a. The charge level can be an absolute value or a relative value of a charge of the fluid buffer 22a and / or a change in the charge of the fluid buffer 22a. Preferably, in the delivery adjustment step 88a, the local control or regulating unit 68a adjusts the fluid delivery unit 20a, in particular only depending on the charge level of a fluid buffer 22a of the central fluid supply module 18a. The control or regulating unit 68a preferably regulates a pressure in the fluid buffer 22a to a constant setpoint.In the distributor adjustment step, the control or regulating unit 48a preferably adjusts the adjustment unit 24a and / or the temperature control units 38a, 38a' to adjust at least one fluid parameter of the oxygen-containing fluid depending on the respective assembly 34a, 34a'. In the distributor adjustment routine 84a, the preheater 70a preferably preheats the oxygen-containing fluid for all assemblies 34a, 34a' connected to the distributor stage 64a to a temperature below a maximum permissible temperature of the adjustment unit 24a.

[0046] The following paragraph refers to an embodiment in which the temperature control units 38a, 38a' are arranged upstream of the assemblies 34a, 34a'. The control or regulating unit 48a regulates an inlet temperature of the oxygen-containing fluid upon entry into the assemblies 34a, 34a' to a target temperature by controlling the actuating unit 24a and the temperature control units 38a, 38a'. The target temperature is preferably at an intended operating temperature of the electrochemical cells used in the electrochemical units 12a, 12a', 14a, 14a', 16a, 16a', optionally additionally a heat loss compensation amount, for solid oxide fuel cells and / or solid oxide electrolysis cells, for example, between 400°C and 600°C, in particular between 500°C and 550°C. As a result, the assembly actuators 36a, 36a' can be realized using standard products and do not have to be manufactured specifically for the electrochemical system 10a.The assembly control elements 36a, 36a' preferably control a total volume flow as an adjustable variable per assembly 34a, 34a'. In particular, all electrochemical units 12a, 14a, 16a or 12a', 14a', 16a' in the same assembly 34a, 34a' are supplied with the same inlet temperature of the oxygen-containing fluid, particularly if the assembly-internal distribution stage 44a, 44a' is provided for a uniform distribution of the fluid. The assembly control elements 36a, 36a' preferably form the respective primary and in particular sole control element for adjusting the inlet temperature for each assembly 34a, 34a'. Preferably, the adjustable bypass 78a and / or the heat source 76a form further control elements for adjusting the inlet temperature. Preferably, the control or regulating unit 48a uses the electrochemical unit 12a, 14a, 16a or 14a' for each assembly 34a, 34a'.12a', 14a', 16a', which specifies the strongest specifications for a required volume flow of the oxygen-containing fluid in order to adjust the actuating unit 24a and / or the respective temperature control unit 38a. Alternatively or additionally, the control or regulating unit 48a sets and / or limits an electrical current through the electrochemical units 12a, 14a, 16a or 12a', 14a', 16a' in order to control electrochemical heat generation in the electrochemical units 12a, 14a, 16a or 12a', 14a', 16a'. In particular, the control or regulating unit 48a uses an outlet temperature of the oxygen-containing fluid from the electrochemical units 12a, 14a, 16a or 12a', 14a', 16a' as a boundary condition, in particular in addition to a fuel utilization of the electrochemical units 12a, 14a, 16a or 12a', 14a', 16a', in order to determine and / or limit the electrical current.The control or regulating unit 48a is particularly intended to keep the outlet temperature of the oxygen-containing fluid below a maximum value or at an outlet setpoint, for example, between 500°C and 700°C, preferably between 600°C and 650°C, for solid oxide fuel cells and / or solid oxide electrolysis cells.

[0047] In an embodiment in which the temperature control units 38a, 38a' are arranged at the alternative positions 72a, 72a', the assembly control elements 36a, 36a' control a total volume flow of the oxygen-containing fluid per assembly 34a, 34a', whereby the inlet temperature can vary for each electrochemical unit 12a, 14a, 16a, 12a', 14a', 16a'. The control or regulating unit 48a adjusts the assembly control elements 36a, 36a' depending on the actual value of the inlet temperature that is furthest from the setpoint value of the inlet temperature for each assembly 34a, 34a'.

[0048] In an alternative embodiment, the central fluid supply module 18a comprises a, in particular single, central temperature control unit at the position of the preheater 70a. The control or regulating unit 48a preferably uses the electrochemical unit 12a, 14a, 16a or 12a', 14a', 16a' with the highest outlet temperature per assembly 34a, 34a' in order to determine the total volume flow per assembly 34a, 34a' via the actuating unit 24a.

[0049] Further exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in Figures 5 to 10. The following descriptions and the drawings are essentially limited to the differences between the exemplary embodiments, whereby with regard to components with the same designation, in particular with regard to components with the same reference numerals, reference can in principle also be made to the drawings and / or the description of the other exemplary embodiments, in particular Figures 1 to 4. To distinguish the exemplary embodiments, the letter a is placed after the reference numerals of the exemplary embodiment in Figures 1 to 4. In the exemplary embodiments in Figures 5 to 10, the letter a is replaced by the letters b to g.

[0050] Figure 5 shows an electrochemical system 10b. The electrochemical system 10b comprises a first electrochemical unit 12b. The electrochemical system 10b comprises at least one further electrochemical unit 14b, 16b connected fluidically in parallel to the first electrochemical unit 12b.

[0051] The electrochemical system 10b comprises a central fluid supply module 18b. The fluid supply module 18b comprises a, in particular single, fluid delivery unit 20b for supplying the first electrochemical unit 12b and the at least one further electrochemical unit 14b, 16b with an oxygen-containing fluid. An actuating unit 24b of the central fluid supply module 18b comprises, for each electrochemical unit 12b, 14b, 16b or each operating group 30b, 30b', 30b", at least one unit actuating element 28b, 28b', 28b" or one operating group actuating element 32b, 32b', 32b" upstream of the corresponding electrochemical units 12b, 14b, 16b or the corresponding operating group 30b, 30b', 30b".Preferably, a distribution stage 64b of the fluid supply module 18b comprises for each electrochemical unit 12b, 14b, 16b or operating group 30b, 30b', 30b" of an assembly 34b of the electrochemical system 10b an individual fluid line 66b, 66b', 66b", which is connected to a central fluid line 62b of the central fluid supply module 18b. The unit control elements 28b, 28b', 28b" or the operating group control elements 32b, 32b', 32b" are preferably arranged in the individual fluid lines 66b, 66b', 66b". The electrochemical system 10b, in particular the fluid supply module 18b, preferably comprises at least one temperature control unit 38b, 38b', 38b" in each individual fluid line 66b, 66b', 66b" to the electrochemical units 12b, 14b, 16b, which are arranged downstream of the unit control elements 28b, 28b', 28b" or the operating group control elements 32b, 32b', 32b".

[0052] An operating group 30b, 30b', 30b" preferably consists of at least two electrochemical units that are fluidically parallel and electrically connected in series and / or parallel. Here, for example, electrochemical units 12b, 12b', electrochemical units 14b, 14b', and electrochemical units 16b, 16b' each form one of the operating groups 30b, 30b', 30b".

[0053] In a method for operating the electrochemical system 10b analogous to the method 40a of Figure 4, the actuating unit 24b controls the total volume flow of the oxygen-containing fluid per electrochemical unit 12b, 14b, 16b or per operating group 30b, 30b', 30b". A control or regulating unit of the electrochemical system 10b preferably uses the actuating unit 28b as the primary and in particular only actuating element to adjust an inlet temperature of the oxygen-containing fluid. In a configuration with operating groups 30b, 30b', 30b", the control or regulating unit 48b preferably uses the electrochemical unit 12b, 12b', 14b, 14b', 16b, 16b' with the strongest specification for a volume flow of the oxygen-containing fluid per operating group 30b, 30b', 30b". Fluids to reach the inlet temperature.In an alternative variant of the electrochemical system 10b without individual temperature control units 38b, 38b', 38b", the oxygen-containing fluid is brought to a uniform inlet temperature by a preheater 70b of the electrochemical system 10b, so that an individual inlet temperature can be adjusted electrochemical-unit-specifically or operating group-specifically by the control unit 24b via a volume flow of the oxygen-containing fluid.

[0054] For further features of the electrochemical system 10b, reference is made to Figures 1 to 4.

[0055] Figure 6 shows an electrochemical system 10c. The electrochemical system 10c comprises a first electrochemical unit 12c. The electrochemical system 10c comprises at least one further electrochemical unit 14c, 16c, 12c', 14c', 16c' connected fluidically in parallel to the first electrochemical unit 12c. The electrochemical system 10c comprises a central fluid supply module 18c. The fluid supply module 18c comprises a, in particular single, fluid delivery unit 20c for supplying the first electrochemical unit 12c and the at least one further electrochemical unit 14c, 16c, 12c', 14c', 16c' with an oxygen-containing fluid.The electrochemical system 10c comprises at least one system control unit 26c for setting different values ​​of a fluid parameter of a respective portion of the oxygen-containing fluid to the different electrochemical units 12c, 14c, 16c, 12c', 14c', 16c', which is connected to a fluid outlet of the fluid supply module 18c. The system control unit 26c preferably comprises, upstream of each electrochemical unit 12c, 14c, 16c, 12c', 14c', 16c', at least one unit control element 28c in a distribution stage 44c, 44c' of assemblies 34c, 34c' of the electrochemical system 10c. The electrochemical system 10c comprises, for example, in addition to the system actuating unit 26c, an actuating unit 24c as part of the central fluid supply module 18c, which preferably comprises one assembly actuating element 36c, 36c' of each assembly 34c, 34c' of the electrochemical system 10c.The electrochemical system 10c preferably comprises at least one temperature control unit 38c, 38c' for each assembly 34c, 34c', which is fluidically arranged, in particular, between the actuating unit 24c and the system actuating unit 26c. Alternatively, the electrochemical system 10c comprises at least one temperature control unit 38c, 38c' for each electrochemical unit 12c, 12c', 14c, 14c', 16c, 16c', which are arranged at alternative positions 72c, 72c' downstream of the system actuating unit 26c. In a method analogous to the method 40a of Figure 4, the assembly actuating elements 36c, 36c' preferably control a total volume flow of the oxygen-containing fluid for each assembly 34c, 34c'. Alternatively, the total volume flow per assembly 34c, 34c' is adjusted via the sum of partial volume flows by the unit control elements 28c. The total volume flow to be adjusted is preferably determined by the inlet temperature to be achieved for the oxygen-containing fluid.

[0056] In an embodiment with the temperature control units 38c, 38c' upstream of the unit actuating elements 28c, a control or regulating unit 48c of the electrochemical system 10c preferably uses the unit actuating elements 28c to set a uniform distribution of the total volume flow to the electrochemical units 12c, 14c, 16c or 12c', 14c', 16c' for each assembly 34c, 34c', and in particular to compensate for any deviating behavior of individual electrochemical units 12c, 14c, 16c, 12c', 14c', 16c'. Hydraulic / pneumatic compensation of the deviating behavior of the electrochemical units 12c, 14c, 16c or12c', 14c', 16c' within each assembly 34c, 34c' is carried out by the control or regulating unit 48c preferably within the scope of a permissible temperature bandwidth by means of a volume flow variation by means of the unit actuating elements 28c and thus a partial compensation of temperature differences of the electrochemical units 12c, 14c, 16c or 12c', 14c', 16c' within each assembly 34c, 34c', in which an underload or reduction of the electrochemical units 12c, 14c, 16c or 12c', 14c', 16c' with respect to a provided electrical current is minimized. An adjustment of the assembly control element 36c, 36c' as the primary control element of the total volume flow and a corrective adjustment of the unit control elements 28c are preferably carried out depending on those electrochemical units 12c, 14c, 16c or 12c', 14c', 16c' with the greatest restriction of an available parameter space.Adjusting the outlet temperature of the oxygen-containing fluid upon exiting the electrochemical units 12c, 14c, 16c or 12c', 14c', 16c' is preferably carried out at least partially by adjusting the individual partial volume flows using the unit control elements 28c. The temperature control units 38c, 38c' can advantageously be designed simply with only one heat exchanger. In particular, the temperature control units 38c, 38c' can be designed without a bypass and / or without an additional heat source. Furthermore, adjusting the electrical current of the electrochemical units 12c, 14c, 16c or 12c', 14c', 16c' to limit released process heat can be omitted.For additional control, the temperature control units 38c, 38c' can also be designed with a bypass and / or additional heat source and / or the control or regulating unit can be provided to adjust the electrical current of the electrochemical units 12c, 14c, 16c or 12c', 14c', 16c'.

[0057] When the temperature control units 38c, 38c' are arranged at the alternative positions 72c, 72c' downstream of the unit control elements 28c, the temperature control units 38c, 38c' are preferably designed to heat individual partial volume flows of the oxygen-containing fluid to the electrochemical units 12c, 14c, 16c, 12c', 14c', 16c' to the inlet temperature. The unit control elements 28c can advantageously be realized using standardized prefabricated parts. The total volume flow of the oxygen-containing fluid per assembly 34c, 34c' is preferably determined by the sum of the partial volume flows. The unit control elements 28c preferably form the primary and, in particular, only control elements for adjusting the respective partial volume flows. The temperature control units 38c, 38c' are preferably equipped with a bypass and / or additional heat source.Alternatively or additionally, the control or regulating unit 48c is provided for adjusting the electrical current of the electrochemical units 12c, 14c, 16c or 12c', 14c', 16c' in order to limit the released process heat.

[0058] In a configuration without temperature control units 38c, 38c', a preheater 70c of the electrochemical system 10c is provided upstream of the distributor stage 64c to heat the oxygen-containing fluid to the inlet temperature. The assembly control elements 36c, 36c' and the unit control elements 28c preferably have a maximum permissible temperature load that is greater than the inlet temperature. An outlet temperature of the oxygen-containing fluid upon exiting the electrochemical units 12c, 14c, 16c or 12c', 14c', 16c' is preferably set by the control or regulating unit 48c via the unit control elements 28c. For further features of the electrochemical system 10c, reference is made to Figures 1 to 5.

[0059] Figure 7 shows an electrochemical system 10d. The electrochemical system 10d is particularly similar to the electrochemical system 10c of Figure 6, wherein the electrochemical system 10d does not include an actuating unit. A central fluid supply module 18d of the electrochemical system 10d preferably includes a distribution stage 64d, which is provided for a non-adjustable, particularly uniform, distribution of an oxygen-containing fluid to a plurality of assemblies 34d, 34d' of the electrochemical system 10d.

[0060] For further features of the electrochemical system 10d, reference is made to Figures 1 to 5 and in particular 6.

[0061] Figure 8 shows an electrochemical system 10e. The electrochemical system 10e comprises a first electrochemical unit 12e. The electrochemical system 10e comprises at least one further electrochemical unit 14e, 16e, 12e', 14e', 16e' connected fluidically in parallel to the first electrochemical unit 12e. The electrochemical system 10e comprises a central fluid supply module 18e. The fluid supply module 18e comprises a fluid delivery unit 20e, in particular a single one, for supplying the first electrochemical unit 12e and the at least one further electrochemical unit 14e, 16e, 12e', 14e', 16e' with an oxygen-containing fluid. The electrochemical system 10e preferably comprises a plurality of assemblies 34e, 34e' with electrochemical units 12e, 14e, 16e, 12e', 14e', 16e'. The electrochemical units 12e, 14e, 16e, 12e', 14e', 16e' are preferably combined within the assemblies 34e, 34e' into a plurality of operating groups 30e, 30e'.The assemblies 34e, 34e' preferably each comprise a group distribution stage 90e, which is connected downstream to a distribution stage 64e of the central fluid supply module 18e. The assemblies 34e, 34e' preferably comprise a plurality of distribution stages 44e, 44e', each connected to an output branch of the group distribution stage 90e. The electrochemical units 12e, 14e, 16e and 12e', 14e', 16e' of the same operating group 30e, 30e' are preferably connected to the same distribution stage 44e, 44e'. The electrochemical units 12e, 14e, 16e or 12e', 14e', 16e' of different operating groups 30e, 30e' are preferably connected to different distribution stages 44e, 44e'.

[0062] The electrochemical system 10e preferably comprises a system actuating unit 26e, with at least one operating group actuating element 32e for each operating group 30e, 30e'. The operating group actuating elements 32e are preferably fluidically arranged between the group distribution stage 90e and the distribution stages 44e, 44e' of the respective assemblies 34e, 34e'. The electrochemical system 10e preferably comprises an actuating unit 24e with at least one assembly actuating element 36e for each assembly 34e, 34e'. The assembly actuating elements 36e, 36e' are preferably fluidically arranged between a distribution stage 64e of the central fluid supply module 18e and the group distribution stage 90e.

[0063] The electrochemical system 10e preferably comprises temperature control units 38e, 38e'. The temperature control units 38e, 38e' are arranged, for example, downstream of the assembly actuators 36e, 36e' and upstream of the group distribution stage 90e. Alternatively, the temperature control units 38e, 38e' are arranged at alternative positions 72e downstream of the distribution stages 44e, 44e' of the assemblies 34e, 34e' and upstream of the electrochemical units 12e, 14e, 16e, 12e', 14e', 16e'. Alternatively, the temperature control units 38e, 38e' are arranged at further alternative positions 92e downstream of the operating group control elements 32e and upstream of the distribution stages 44e, 44e' of the assemblies 34e, 34e'.

[0064] When the temperature control units 38e, 38e' are arranged upstream of the group distribution stage 90e, they are intended to heat a total volume flow of the oxygen-containing fluid for each of the assemblies 34e, 34e' to an inlet temperature. The assembly control elements 36e, 36e' can advantageously be implemented as standardized prefabricated parts. The operating group control elements 32e are preferably designed for operation at the inlet temperature. The assembly control elements 36e, 36e' preferably control the total volume flow of the oxygen-containing fluid for each assembly 34e, 34e'. Alternatively, the operating group control elements 32e control the total volume flow as a sum of partial volume flows through the operating group control elements 32e. Preferably, each operating group 30e, 30e' within an assembly 34e, 34e' is supplied with an equal partial volume flow of the oxygen-containing fluid.The total volume flow is preferably adjusted by a control or regulating unit 48e of the electrochemical system 10e such that the inlet temperature can be achieved at each electrochemical unit 12e, 14e, 16e, 12e', 14e', 16e' of an operating group 30e, 30e'. Hydraulic / pneumatic compensation for deviating behavior of the electrochemical unit 12e, 14e, 16e, 12e', 14e', 16e' is preferably carried out only within the same operating group 30e, 30e'. The hydraulic / pneumatic compensation is preferably used to counteract a temperature of the hottest electrochemical unit 12e, 14e, 16e, or 12e', 14e', 16e' within an operating group 30e, 30e'. An outlet temperature of the oxygen-containing fluid from the electrochemical units 12e, 14e, 16e, respectively.12e', 14e', 16e' within an operating group 30e, 30e' is preferably carried out by adjusting the individual partial volume flows using the operating group control elements 32e, whereby the electrochemical unit 12e, 14e, 16e, or 12e', 14e', 16e' within an operating group 30e, 30e' with the most severe restriction of a parameter space is used to adjust the corresponding operating group control element 32e. With hydraulic / pneumatic balancing between different operating groups 30e, 30e', the temperature control units 38e, 38e' can advantageously be designed simply with only one heat exchanger and in particular without an additional heat source and / or without a bypass. Additionally or alternatively, in the case of hydraulic balancing between different operating groups 30e, 30e', an adjustment of an electrical current of the electrochemical units 12e, 14e, 16e, respectively.12e', 14e', 16e' can be omitted to limit the resulting process heat.

[0065] When the temperature control units 38e, 38e' are arranged at the alternative positions 72e or the further alternative positions 92e downstream of the group distribution stage 90e, the temperature control units 38e, 38e' determine the inlet temperature for each of the operating groups 30e, 30e'. The operating group control elements 32e can advantageously be designed as standardized prefabricated parts. The sum of the partial volume flows through the operating group control elements 32e preferably determines the total volume flow per assembly 34e, 34e'. This eliminates the need for the assembly control elements 36e, 36e' (see Fig. 9). The temperature control units 38e, 38e' preferably have a bypass and / or an additional heat source to adjust the outlet temperature of the oxygen-containing fluid. Additionally or alternatively, the control or regulating unit 48e is adapted to adjust the electrical current of the electrochemical units 12e, 14e, 16e, respectively.12e', 14e', 16e' are provided to limit the resulting process heat. Since a final balancing of the partial volume flows and / or the electrical current is carried out within the respective assembly 34e, 34e', data exchange and related coordination between the assemblies 34e, 34e' can be advantageously dispensed with.

[0066] In a configuration without temperature control units 38e, 38e', a preheater 70e is provided to adjust the inlet temperature of the oxygen-containing fluid for all connected operating groups 30e, 30e'. The assembly control elements 36e, 36e' and the operating group control elements 32e are preferably designed for operation at the inlet temperature. The total volume flow is determined via the electrochemical unit 12e, 14e, 16e, 12e', 14e', 16e' with the highest demand. The control or regulating unit 48e is provided to adjust the electrical current of the electrochemical units 12e, 14e, 16e, or 12e', 14e', 16e' to limit the resulting process heat.

[0067] For further features of the electrochemical system 10e, reference is made to Figures 1 to 7.

[0068] Figure 9 shows an electrochemical system 10f. The electrochemical system 10f is particularly similar to the electrochemical system 10e of Figure 8, wherein the electrochemical system 10f does not include an actuating unit. A central fluid supply module 18f of the electrochemical system 10f preferably includes a distribution stage 64f, which is provided for a non-adjustable, in particular uniform, distribution of an oxygen-containing fluid to several assemblies 34f, 34f' of the electrochemical system 10f. For further features of the electrochemical system 10f, reference is made to Figures 1 to 7 and in particular Figure 8.

[0069] Figure 10 shows a minimal design variant of a central fluid supply module 18g. The central fluid supply module 18g comprises, in particular, a preheater 70g, which is connected directly downstream of a, in particular, individual, fluid delivery unit 20g of the central fluid supply module 18g. A fluid outlet of the preheater 70g is, in particular, simultaneously a fluid outlet of a central fluid line 62g of the central fluid supply module 18g and a fluid outlet of the central fluid supply module 18g. The central fluid supply module 18g, in particular, does not comprise a fluid buffer and / or an internal distribution stage.

[0070] For further features of the electrochemical system 10g, reference is made to Figures 1 to 9.

Claims

Claims 1 . Electrochemical system (10a; 10b; 10c; 10d; 10e; 10f; 10g) with a first electrochemical unit (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d; 12e; 12f) and with at least one further electrochemical unit (14a, 16a; 14b, 16b; 14c, 16c; 14d, 16d; 14e, 16e; 14f, 16f) fluidically connected in parallel to the first electrochemical unit (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d; 12e; 12f), characterized by a central fluid supply module (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d; 18e; 18f; 18g) with one, in particular single, fluid conveying unit (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; 20e; 20f; 20g) to supply the first electrochemical unit (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d; 12e; 12f) and the at least one further electrochemical unit (14a, 16a; 14b, 16b; 14c, 16c; 14d, 16d; 14e, 16e; 14f, 16f) with an oxygen-containing fluid.

2. Electrochemical system (10a; 10b; 10c; 10d; 10e; 10f) according to claim 1, characterized in that the central fluid supply module (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d; 18e; 18f) comprises at least one fluid buffer (22a; 22b; 22c; 22d; 22e; 22f) downstream of the fluid conveying unit (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; 20e; 20f).

3. Electrochemical system (10a; 10b; 10c; 10d; 10e; 10f) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the central fluid supply module (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d; 18e; 18f) has at least one actuating unit (24a; 24b; 24c; 24d; 24e; 24f) for setting different values ​​of a fluid parameter of a respective portion of the oxygen-containing fluid to the different electrochemical units (12a, 14a, 16a; 12b, 14b, 16b; 12c, 14c, 16c; 12d, 14d, 16d; 12e, 14e, 16e; 12f, 14f, 16f).

4. Electrochemical system (10c; 10d; 10e; 10f) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one system setting unit (26c; 26d; 26e; 26f) for setting different values ​​of a fluid parameter of a respective portion of the oxygen-containing fluid to the different electrochemical units (12c, 14c, 16c; 12d, 14d, 16d; 12e, 14e, 16e; 12f, 14f, 16f), which is connected to a fluid outlet of the fluid supply module (18c; 18d; 18e; 18f).

5. Electrochemical system (10b; 10c) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the actuating unit (24b; 24c) and / or the system actuating unit (26c) comprises at least one unit actuating element (28b; 28c) for each electrochemical unit (12b, 14b, 16b; 12c, 14c, 16c) upstream of the corresponding electrochemical units (12b, 14b, 16b; 12c, 14c, 16c).

6. Electrochemical system (10a; 10b; 10e; 10f) according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the actuating unit (24a; 24b; 24e; 24f) and / or the system actuating unit (26a; 26b; 26e; 26f) per operating group (30a; 30b; 30e; 30f) which comprises several of the electrochemical units (12a, 14a, 16a; 12b, 14b, 16b; 12e, 14e, 16e; 12f, 14f, 16f), has at least one operating group actuating element (32a; 32b; 32e, 32f) upstream of the corresponding operating group (30a; 30b; 30e; 30f).

7. Electrochemical system (10a; 10c; 10e) according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the actuating unit (24a; 24c; 24e) and / or the system actuating unit (26c; 26e) for each assembly (34a; 34c; 34e) which combines several of the electrochemical units (12a, 14a, 16a; 12c, 14c, 16c; 12e, 14e, 16e) and / or operating groups (30a; 30e) has at least one assembly actuating element (36a; 36c; 36e) upstream of the corresponding assembly (34a; 34c; 34e).

8. Electrochemical system (10a; 10b; 10c; 10d; 10e; 10f) according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized by at least one temperature control unit (38a; 38b; 38c; 38d; 38e; 38f) per electrochemical unit (12a, 14a, 16a; 12b, 14b, 16b; 12c, 14c, 16c; 12d, 14d, 16d; 12e, 14e, 16e; 12f, 14f, 16f), per operating group (30a; 30b; 30d; 30e; 30f) and / or per assembly (34a; 34b; 34c; 34d; 34e; 34f).

9. Central fluid supply module (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d; 18e; 18f; 18g) with one, in particular single, fluid conveying unit (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; 20e; 20f; 20g) for an electrochemical system (10a; 10b; 10c; 10d; 10e; 10f; 10g) according to one of the preceding claims.

10. A method (40a) for operating an electrochemical system (10a; 10b; 10c; 10d; 10e; 10f; 10g) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

11. Method (40a) according to claim 10, characterized in that the fluid conveying unit (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; 20e; 20f) is controlled, in particular only, as a function of a charge state of a fluid buffer (22a; 22b; 22c; 22d; 22e; 22f) of the central fluid supply module (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d; 18e; 18f).

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