Fluid connector for an electrochemical system; electrochemical system comprising such a connector

Abstract

The present application relates to a connector (10) designed to establish a fluid connection between two ducts (5, 6) of a high-temperature electrolyser-type electrochemical system. The connector (10) comprises a pipe element (30) and a connecting member (32), each comprising an electrically insulating material such as a ceramic. The present application also relates to an electrochemical system comprising at least one such connector (10).

Description

FLUID CONNECTOR FOR ELECTROCHEMICAL SYSTEM; ELECTROCHEMICAL SYSTEM COMPRISING SUCH A CONNECTOR

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of fluidic connectors and to the field of the production of renewable energies, in particular dihydrogen.

[0002] The invention is of particular interest, in no way limiting, for systems comprising solid oxide electrochemical devices, in particular high-temperature electrolysers. State of the art

[0003] Electrochemical systems equipped with high-temperature electrolysers include a thermal enclosure (hotbox) to maintain the electrolysers at temperature during operation.

[0004] Such systems require means to ensure electrical insulation of the stacks of electrolysis cells located in the thermal enclosure.

[0005] There is a need to simplify the means of electrical insulation of such electrochemical systems while ensuring their maintainability.

[0006] The invention aims more generally to secure electrochemical systems.

[0007] To this end, the invention relates to a connector intended to establish a fluid connection between two conduits of an electrochemical system, the connector comprising a conduit element extending along a longitudinal axis and a connecting member intended to cooperate with a so-called connecting end of each of the conduits of the system. The conduit element and the connecting member each comprise an electrically insulating material.The connector is configured to be able to be placed in a so-called connection configuration in which:a first end of the pipe element is opposite the connecting end of a first of said pipes,a second end of the pipe element is opposite the connecting end of a second of said pipes,a first part of the connecting member cooperates with the connecting end of said first pipe to prevent movement of this first pipe in a first direction along the longitudinal axis,a second part of the connecting member cooperates with the connecting end of said second pipe to prevent movement of this second pipe in a second direction along the longitudinal axis.

[0008] The cooperation of the first part of the connecting member with the connecting end of the first conduit may be direct, i.e. in the form of physical contact of these elements with each other, or indirect, i.e. via one or more other parts. Similarly, the cooperation of the second part of the connecting member with the connecting end of the second conduit may also be direct or indirect.

[0009] In one embodiment, the connecting member comprises or forms connecting means configured to connect the first part of the connecting member to the second part of the connecting member.

[0010] Preferably, said connecting means are configured to allow movement of the first part of the connecting member and the second part of the connecting member relative to each other in translation along the longitudinal axis.

[0011] According to a first variant embodiment, the connecting member comprises: a first part forming said first part of the connecting member, a second part forming said second part of the connecting member, one or more elements such as rods.

[0012] Preferably, said elements of the connecting member can be configured to:connect the first part and the second part to each other, andcooperate with the first part and / or the second part and / or one or more other parts of the connecting member according to a helical connection.

[0013] According to a second variant embodiment, the connecting member comprises a first part forming said first part of the connecting member and a second part forming said second part of the connecting member, the first part and the second part cooperating with each other according to a helical connection.

[0014] In the context of this second variant, the first part and the second part of the connecting member can form an enclosure configured to receive the conduit element of the connector, the connecting end of the first conduit and the connecting end of the second conduit.

[0015] In one embodiment, the connector further comprises one or more sealing members for said fluid.

[0016] In one embodiment, when the connector is in the connection configuration: one of said sealing members is configured to be clamped between said first end of the pipe element and the connecting end of said first pipe, another of said sealing members is configured to be clamped between said second end of the pipe element and the connecting end of said second pipe.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally, when the connector is in the connection configuration: one of said sealing members can be configured to be clamped between said first part of the connecting member and the connecting end of said first conduit, another of said sealing members can be configured to be clamped between said second part of the connecting member and the connecting end of said second conduit.

[0018] In one embodiment, the conduit element comprises a material impervious to said fluid.

[0019] The invention also relates to an electrochemical system.

[0020] The system of the invention preferably comprises:at least one electrochemical device,at least one first conduit and one second conduit, the first conduit having a first end connected to a port of the electrochemical device and a second end forming a so-called connecting end, the second conduit having a first so-called connecting end and a second end intended to be connected to auxiliary equipment,at least one connector as defined above, configured so that said first end of the conduit element of the connector is opposite said connecting end of the first conduit and said second end of the conduit element of the connector is opposite said connecting end of the second conduit.

[0021] Said auxiliary equipment may or may not belong to the system of the invention.

[0022] In one embodiment, the at least one electrochemical device is solid oxide.

[0023] In one embodiment, the at least one electrochemical device forms a high temperature electrolyzer.

[0024] In another embodiment, the at least one electrochemical device forms a high temperature fuel cell.

[0025] In one embodiment, the system includes a thermal enclosure in which the electrochemical device, the connector, and at least a portion of the first conduit and the second conduit are disposed.

[0026] The invention makes it possible to electrically isolate an electrochemical device, in particular in the vicinity of it, and in particular makes it possible to ensure the safety of the system without it being necessary to electrically isolate the enclosure itself.

[0027] The connector of the invention also makes it possible to facilitate maintenance operations, for example to replace sealing members.

[0028] More generally, the connector of the invention makes it possible to simultaneously perform electrical insulation and fluid sealing functions using a simple architecture which facilitates maintenance operations.

[0029] Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear on reading the detailed, non-limiting description which follows. Brief description of the figures

[0030] The following detailed description refers to the appended drawings in which:is a schematic view of a system comprising an electrochemical device, conduits and connectors according to the invention, these elements being received in a thermal enclosure;is a schematic view of a system comprising an electrochemical device, conduits and connectors according to the invention, these elements being received in separate chambers of a thermal enclosure;is a schematic view of a part of two conduits and a connector according to the invention, the connector comprising a conduit element and a connecting member;is a schematic view of a part of a conduit having one end in the form of a plate;is a schematic view of a connecting member for a connector according to the invention, the connecting member comprising two plates and threaded rods screwed into one of the plates;lais a schematic view of a connecting member for a connector according to the invention, the connecting member comprising two plates, nuts and threaded rods screwed into the nuts;lais a schematic view of a connecting member for a connector according to the invention, the connecting member comprising two parts connected to each other by helical connection;lais a schematic view of a part of two conduits and of a connector according to the invention, the connector comprising a conduit element, a connecting member and sealing members interposed between the conduit element and the conduits;lais a schematic view of a part of two conduits and of a connector according to the invention, the connector comprising a conduit element, a connecting member and sealing members interposed between the connecting member and the conduits;is a schematic view of a portion of a conduit having a connecting end in the form of a plate having a curved surface.;

[0031] Common references are used in the various figures to designate identical or similar elements. Detailed description of embodiments

[0032] It represents in a simplified manner a system 1 in accordance with the invention.

[0033] The system 1 is an electrochemical system comprising, in a non-limiting manner, an electrochemical device 2, an enclosure 3, four conduits designated by the reference numbers 5 and 6, as well as two connectors each designated by the reference number 10.

[0034] In this example, the electrochemical device 2 is an electrolyser comprising solid oxide electrolytic cells for carrying out vapor phase electrolysis, forming a technology known as “Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell” (SOEC). Such an electrolyser comprises, in a manner known per se, one or more stacks of cells each forming a cathode, an anode and an electrolyte, to constitute a reaction zone.

[0035] The electrochemical device 2 is in this example configured to carry out high-temperature electrolysis, so as to form, on the one hand, an outlet flow of a fluid which comprises dihydrogen and, on the other hand, an outlet flow of a fluid which comprises dioxygen, from an inlet flow of a fluid which comprises in this example water vapor having a temperature which can typically be between 100°C and 850°C.

[0036] With reference to the, the device 2 is in this example provided with two output ports to each of which is connected a first end of a respective one of the conduits 5.

[0037] Each of the connectors 10 is connected, on the one hand to a second end of a respective one of the conduits 5 and, on the other hand, to a first end of a respective one of the conduits 6 (see).

[0038] The conduits 6 each comprise a second end intended to connect them to peripheral equipment not shown.

[0039] In the example of 1a, one of the conduits 5, one of the conduits 6 and one of the connectors 10 form a first assembly connected to one of said output ports of the device 2 in order to route one of said output flows formed by the device 2 to one of said peripheral equipment, while the other connector 10 and the other conduits 5 and 6 form a second assembly connected to the other output port of the device 2 in order to route the other of said output flows formed by the device 2 to another of said peripheral equipment.

[0040] In a non-limiting manner, the peripheral equipment may typically include one or more compression and / or purification and / or storage devices for these flows.

[0041] In this example, enclosure 3 of system 1 is a thermal enclosure, also called a “hot box”, which receives device 2 in order to maintain its temperature.

[0042] The enclosure 3 may be equipped with heating means (not shown) configured to heat the volume formed by the enclosure 3.

[0043] In operation, the temperature in enclosure 3 can typically reach a temperature between 600°C and 850°C.

[0044] In the example of the, the conduits 5, the connectors 10 and a part of the conduits 6 also extend into the enclosure 3.

[0045] Lamontre shows an alternative embodiment in which the enclosure 3 comprises a wall 20 delimiting two chambers 3A and 3B.

[0046] The wall 20 may be configured to maintain the chamber 3B at a lower temperature than the chamber 3C.

[0047] In the embodiment of the, the device 2 and a part of the conduits 5 are arranged in the chamber 3A, while another part of the conduits 5, which pass through the wall 20, as well as the connectors 10 and a part of the conduits 6 extend into the chamber 3B of the enclosure 3.

[0048] The diagram shows a part of two conduits 5 and 6, as well as a connector 10 comprising a conduit element 30 extending along a longitudinal axis A1, as well as a connecting member 32, also called a “locking member” or “compression member”.

[0049] The visible part on each of the conduits 5 and 6 comprises an end 40, also called the “connecting end”.

[0050] In this example, the connecting end 40 of each of the conduits 5 and 6 has a geometry illustrated in isolation in the.

[0051] With reference to the non-limiting embodiment of the, the conduit 5 / 6 conventionally comprises a cylindrical part 42 at the end of which is fixed, for example by welding, a plate forming said connecting end 40.

[0052] The connecting end 40 thus has, in this example, a surface 44 called external and a surface 46 called internal, the cylindrical part 42 of the conduit extending in line with the internal surface 46.

[0053] The conduit 5 / 6 of course includes an orifice 48 extending along the axis A1 and opening onto the external surface 44.

[0054] The connecting end 40 thus extends transversely, relative to the axis A1.

[0055] In a non-limiting manner, the surfaces 44 and 46 of the connecting end 40 are in this non-limiting example parallel to each other and are each orthogonal to the axis A1.

[0056] In the embodiment of the, the pipe element 30 is in the form of a tube of axis A1 having axial ends 52 and 54 each defining an annular bearing surface.

[0057] The conduit element 30 thus forms an orifice (not shown in the) which passes axially through this element 30 from one side to the other, thus opening onto the bearing surface of each of the ends 52 and 54.

[0058] In this example, the conduit element 30 comprises an electrically insulating material, for example a ceramic capable of maintaining its electrical insulating function at the temperature to which this material is exposed during operation of the system.

[0059] For non-limiting example, the conduit element 30 may comprise an alumina having a high purity, typically greater than 97%.

[0060] In this document, the term "electrically insulating material" means a material whose electrical resistivity measured at 800°C can be at least 15,000 ohm.meters, preferably greater than 100,000 ohm.meters.

[0061] The connecting member 32 of the comprises two parts 62 and 64 connected to each other by connecting means 66.

[0062] In this example, each of the portions 62 and 64 comprises an electrically insulating material, for example a ceramic such as high purity alumina, or even boron nitride.

[0063] Figures 5 to 7 schematically represent different non-limiting solutions for forming such a connecting member 32.

[0064] In the embodiment of the, the parts 62 and 64 each comprise a plate extending transversely with respect to the axis A1 and the connecting means 66 comprise in this example four metal rods (only two rods 66 being visible in the), each extending along the axis A1.

[0065] In this example, the plate 62 forms a surface 72 called internal, a surface 74 called external, an orifice (not shown) centered on the axis A1, also called “central orifice”, as well as four threaded orifices (not shown) made in corners of this plate 62, also called “connecting orifices”. These different orifices extend along the axis A1 and each open on the one hand onto the internal surface 72 and on the other hand onto the external surface 74 of the plate 62.

[0066] Similarly, the plate 64 forms a surface 76 called internal, a surface 78 called external, an orifice (not shown) centered on the axis A1, also called “central orifice”, as well as four orifices (not shown) made in corners of this plate 64, also called “connecting orifices”. These different orifices extend along the axis A1 and each open on the one hand onto the internal surface 76 and on the other hand onto the external surface 78 of the plate 64. Each of the connecting orifices of the plate 64 comprises in this example a counterbore forming a chamber which opens onto the external surface 78 of the plate 64.

[0067] In the example of the, each of the rods 66 includes a first end having a head (not shown) and a second threaded end.

[0068] Each of the rods 66 passes through a respective one of the connecting orifices formed by the plate 64 so that its head is housed in the corresponding chamber, resting on the corresponding counterbore, and so that its threaded end cooperates with the thread of a respective one of the connecting orifices formed by the plate 62.

[0069] Screwing or unscrewing the rods 66 with respect to the connecting orifices of the plate 62 thus makes it possible to bring the plates 62 and 64 closer or further apart, respectively, relative to each other along the axis A1.

[0070] The embodiment of the is described only according to its differences from that of the, the preceding description applying by analogy.

[0071] The member 32 of the is distinguished from that of the in that the connecting orifices formed by the plate 62 are devoid of threads and the rods 66 are configured to pass through these connecting orifices so that their second threaded end cooperates with nuts 80 arranged on the side of the external surface 74 of the plate 62.

[0072] In the embodiment of the, the part 62 of the member 32 comprises a cylindrical portion 92 of axis A1 and a portion 94 extending transversely relative to the axis A1, the portion 94 being integral with a first axial end of the portion 92. The portion 92 comprises a second axial end provided with an internal thread. By analogy with the embodiment of the, the portion 94 of the part 62 forms an internal surface 72, an external surface 74, as well as a central orifice 96.

[0073] The part 64 of the member 32 of the comprises a cylindrical portion 102 of axis A1 and a portion 104 extending transversely relative to the axis A1, the portion 104 being integral with a first axial end of the portion 102. The portion 102 comprises a second axial end provided with an external thread. By analogy with the embodiment of the, the portion 104 of the part 64 forms an internal surface 76, an external surface 78, as well as a central orifice 106.

[0074] In the example of 1a, the parts 62 and 64 cooperate with each other according to a helical connection formed by said internal thread of said second end of the portion 92 of the part 62 and by said external thread of said second end of the portion 102, constituting said connection means 66.

[0075] The above description of course applies by analogy to the embodiment of the.

[0076] In a non-limiting but particularly advantageous manner, the parts 62 and 64 of the member 32 together delimit an enclosure 110 making it possible to improve the fluidic sealing of the connector 10 of the invention.

[0077] In each of the embodiments of figures 5 to 7, which may have numerous variants, the connecting means 66 are configured to allow movement of the part 62 and the part 64 of the connecting member 32 relative to each other in translation along the axis A1.

[0078] The connecting member 32 thus makes it possible to lock the connector 10, in particular by exerting a compressive force on the assembly as described below.

[0079] The figure shows the connector 10 in a so-called connection configuration, in which it establishes a fluid connection between the conduits 5 and 6.

[0080] More precisely, with reference to figures 3 and 4, the connecting end 40 of the conduit 5 is opposite the end 52 of the conduit element 30 while the connecting end 40 of the conduit 6 is opposite the end 54 of the conduit element 30, so that the orifice 48 (see) of each of the conduits 5 and 6 is in fluid communication with the orifice formed by the conduit element 30.

[0081] The conduit element 30 and the conduits 5 and 6 are held in this configuration by the connecting member 32.

[0082] More specifically, with reference to Figures 3 to 7, the central orifice of the part 62 of the connecting member 32 receives the part 42 of the conduit 5 and the internal surface 72 of this part 62 comes to bear on the internal surface 46 of the connecting end 40 of the conduit 5, thus preventing a displacement of the conduit 5 in a direction S1 along the axis A1. Axially on the other side, the central orifice of the part 64 of the connecting member 32 receives the part 42 of the conduit 6 and the internal surface 76 of this part 64 comes to bear on the internal surface 46 of the connecting end 40 of the conduit 6, thus preventing a displacement of the conduit 6 in a direction S2 along the axis A1, S2 being opposite to S1.

[0083] The connection of the parts 62 and 64 of the connecting member 32 makes it possible to modify the distance along the axis A1 between the surfaces 72 and 76 which are respectively formed by the parts 62 and 64, which in this example makes it possible to exert a predetermined compressive force on the assembly formed by the conduits 5 and 6 and the conduit element 30 of the connector 10.

[0084] The fluidic sealing of the assembly can be improved by interposing sealing members 120 on the one hand between the conduit 5 and the conduit element 30 of the connector 10 and, on the other hand, between the conduit 6 and the conduit element 30, as illustrated for example in.

[0085] More precisely, in the example of 1a, one of the sealing members 120 is interposed between the bearing surface formed by the end 52 of the pipe element 30 and the external surface 44 formed by the connecting end 40 of the pipe 5, while the other sealing member 120 is interposed between the bearing surface formed by the end 54 of the pipe element 30 and the external surface 44 formed by the connecting end 40 of the pipe 6.

[0086] The sealing members are preferably separate parts of the conduit element 30 and the conduits 5 and 6.

[0087] However, alternatively or additionally, one or more of said sealing members may be formed by the conduit element 30 and / or by the conduits 5 and / or 6 which may for this purpose comprise parts and / or a coating in a fluid-tight material, for example a mica-type material.

[0088] Illustrates another variant in which a sealing member 120 is interposed between the conduit 5 and the portion 62 of the connecting member 32, that is to say more precisely between the internal surface 46 formed by the connecting end 40 of the conduit 5 and the internal surface 72 formed by the portion 62 of the connecting member 32, and in which another sealing member 120 is interposed between the conduit 6 and the portion 64 of the connecting member 32, that is to say more precisely between the internal surface 46 formed by the connecting end 40 of the conduit 6 and the internal surface 76 formed by the portion 64 of the connecting member 32 (see figures 4, 5 and 9).

[0089] Of course, the embodiments of figures 8 and 9, in particular, can be combined, for example by placing sealing members both between each of the conduits 5 and 6 and the conduit element 30, and between each of the conduits 5 and 6 and the corresponding part 62 or 64 of the connecting member 32.

[0090] The connector 10 according to each of the embodiments of figures 3, 8 and 9, as well as their combinations and variants, can be equipped with a connecting member 32 according to any one of the embodiments of figures 5 to 7 or a variant or combination of these embodiments.

[0091] In the examples described above, the portions 62 and 64 of the connecting member 32 and the conduit element 30 of the connector 10 comprise an electrically insulating material. Of course, variations may be made to these examples to electrically insulate the conduits 5 and 6 from one another. For example, one of the portions 62 and 64 of the connecting member 32 may comprise an electrically insulating material and the other of these portions 62 and 64 may comprise an electrically conductive material, and / or the conduit element 30 may comprise an electrically conductive material when the connector 10 comprises one or more additional components (not shown) which are electrically insulating and which are interposed between the conduit element 30 and one and / or the other of the conduits 5 and 6.

[0092] Furthermore, the components of the connector 10 and the conduits 5 and 6 may have a geometry different from those illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 9. For example, the conduits 5 and 6 may comprise a connecting end 40 as illustrated in , in which said internal surface 46 is not planar, in which case the surfaces of the connector 10 which cooperate with these internal surfaces 46 of the conduits 5 and 6 preferably have a complementary geometry.

[0093] More generally, the connector of the invention can be implemented in a system 1 as described above with reference to 1 or 2, or in a different system, for example in a system comprising one or more electrochemical devices forming high-temperature fuel cells.

Claims

Connector (10) provided for establishing a fluid connection between two conduits (5, 6) of an electrochemical system (1), the connector (10) comprising a conduit element (30) extending along a longitudinal axis (A1) and a connecting member (32) intended to cooperate with a so-called connecting end of each of the conduits (5, 6) of the system (1), the conduit element (30) and the connecting member (32) each comprising an electrically insulating material, the connector (10) being configured to be able to be placed in a so-called connection configuration in which:a first end (52) of the conduit element (30) is opposite the connecting end (40) of a first of said conduits (5),a second end (54) of the conduit element (30) is opposite the connecting end (40) of a second of said conduits (6),a first part (62) of the connecting member (32) cooperates with the connecting end (40) of said first conduit (5) to prevent movement of this first conduit (5) in a first direction (S1) along the longitudinal axis (A1), a second part (64) of the connecting member (32) cooperates with the connecting end (40) of said second conduit (6) to prevent movement of this second conduit (6) in a second direction (S2) along the longitudinal axis (A1)., Connector (10) according to claim 1, wherein the connecting member (32) comprises or forms connecting means (66) configured to connect the first part (62) of the connecting member (32) to the second part (64) of the connecting member (32), said connecting means (66) being configured to allow movement of the first part (62) of the connecting member (32) and the second part (64) of the connecting member (32) relative to each other in translation along the longitudinal axis (A1). Connector (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connecting member (32) comprises:a first part (62) forming said first part of the connecting member (32),a second part (64) forming said second part of the connecting member (32),one or more elements such as rods (66), these elements (66) being configured to:connect the first part (62) and the second part (64) to each other, andcooperate with the first part (62) and / or the second part (64) and / or one or more other parts (80) of the connecting member (32) in a helical connection. Connector (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connecting member (32) comprises a first part (62) forming said first part of the connecting member (32) and a second part (64) forming said second part of the connecting member (32), the first part (62) and the second part (64) cooperating with each other in a helical connection. Connector (10) according to claim 4, wherein the first part (62) and the second part (64) of the connecting member (32) form an enclosure (110) configured to receive the conduit element (30) of the connector (10), the connecting end (40) of the first conduit (5) and the connecting end (40) of the second conduit (6). Connector (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising one or more members (120) for sealing said fluid. Connector (10) according to claim 6, wherein, when the connector (10) is in the connection configuration: one of said sealing members (120) is configured to be clamped between said first end (52) of the conduit element (30) and the connecting end (40) of said first conduit (5), another of said sealing members (120) is configured to be clamped between said second end (54) of the conduit element (30) and the connecting end (40) of said second conduit (6). Connector (10) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, when the connector (10) is in the connection configuration: one of said sealing members (120) is configured to be clamped between said first part (62) of the connecting member (32) and the connecting end (40) of said first conduit (5), another of said sealing members (120) is configured to be clamped between said second part (64) of the connecting member (32) and the connecting end (40) of said second conduit (6). Connector (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the conduit element (30) comprises a material impervious to said fluid. Electrochemical system (1) comprising:at least one electrochemical device (2), preferably solid oxide, forming for example a high temperature electrolyser or a high temperature fuel cell,at least one first conduit (5) and one second conduit (6), the first conduit (5) having a first end connected to a port of the electrochemical device (2) and a second end forming a so-called connecting end (40), the second conduit (6) having a first so-called connecting end (40) and a second end intended to be connected to auxiliary equipment,at least one connector (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 configured so that said first end (52) of the conduit element (30) of the connector (10) is opposite said connecting end (40) of the first conduit (5) and that said second end (54) of the conduit element (30) of the connector (10) is opposite said connecting end (40) of the second conduit (6), optionally, a thermal enclosure (3) in which the electrochemical device (2), the connector (10) and at least part of the first conduit (5) and the second conduit (6) are arranged.,

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