CA2230491A1 - Fuel cell with improved water-removal system - Google Patents

Fuel cell with improved water-removal system Download PDF

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Publication number
CA2230491A1
CA2230491A1 CA002230491A CA2230491A CA2230491A1 CA 2230491 A1 CA2230491 A1 CA 2230491A1 CA 002230491 A CA002230491 A CA 002230491A CA 2230491 A CA2230491 A CA 2230491A CA 2230491 A1 CA2230491 A1 CA 2230491A1
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
water
fuel cell
water separator
valve
separator
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
CA002230491A
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Jurgen Mergel
Helmut Wilhelm
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of CA2230491A1 publication Critical patent/CA2230491A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01MPROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04082Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration
    • H01M8/04089Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants
    • H01M8/04119Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants with simultaneous supply or evacuation of electrolyte; Humidifying or dehumidifying
    • H01M8/04156Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants with simultaneous supply or evacuation of electrolyte; Humidifying or dehumidifying with product water removal
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01MPROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M2300/00Electrolytes
    • H01M2300/0017Non-aqueous electrolytes
    • H01M2300/0065Solid electrolytes
    • H01M2300/0082Organic polymers
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02EREDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/50Fuel cells

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Fuel Cell (AREA)

Abstract

The aim of the invention is to provide a fuel cell from which the water produced can be easily removed and for which external wetting is not necessary. The water or water-containing vapour originating in the fuel cell is passed into a water separator where it is condensed. The water separator (2) has a control device in the form of a valve (6) which automatically empties it. A commercially available water separator can be used, with a float valve which opens as soon as enough condensate water is present. Also fitted is a control device designed to control the water or water-vapour outlet. This device is located either in front of or behind the water separator. An inexpensive needle valve has been found to be suitable for use as this device, which can be automated and gives a controlled output flow of water or watervapour/gas mixture. Oxygen losses can thus be minimized to the extent that they become negligible.

Description

. _~ CA 02230491 1998-02-2~
~,~ ,,. ~,,.,e<c~ ~f~

FUEL CELL WITH IMPROVED WATER-REMOVAL SYSTEM

The invention relates to a ~uel cell with a dewatering system.
A ~uel cell with a dewatering system is known ~rom Published, Non-Examined German Patent Application DE 39 07 819 Al and the publication entitled "Pem (polymer-electrolyte-membrane) Fuel Cells ~or Passive Operation" by O.
~lh~rt This involves a PEM ~uel cell operating in the "dead-end" mode, with internal humidi~ication and a special dewatering system.
The product water, that is, water or water vapor, is carried on the cathode side o~ the ~uel cell, in the block operating mode, to a gas and water separation membrane via a wicking system (mass trans~er). This gas and water separation membrane is under oxygen pressure and allows only the product water to pass through it.
The known apparatus has the disadvantage that the ports can become plugged with cont~m;n~nts o~ the individual ~uel cell components, thus hindering water removal ~rom the respective cell block. This decreases the e~iciency o~ the ~uel cell ~rom decreased mass transfer. A ~urther disadvantage is the use o~ a wicking system, which makes it very complicated to replace individual ~uel cells.
From German Patent DE 40 27 655 Cl, a ~uel cell is known in which hydrogen and oxygen are carried in circulation. In each circulation loop, among other elements, there is a moistener, which adjusts the gas to the requisite water content be~ore it enters the cell.
On the cathode side downstream o~ the cell, a water separator is provided, which receives the incident reaction and trans~er water. During operation, the product water caught in the water separator can be drained o~ via a . CA 02230491 1998-02-2~

faucet.
In this known apparatus, the use o~ a water separator through which the gas is carried does not lead to gas losses, because the gases are carried in circulation. However, unlike the "dead-end" mode, the circulation mode requires external moistening.
The object of the invention is to create a fuel cell, in which on the one hand in a simple way the problem of the incident product water is solved, and on the other external humidi~ication can be dispensed with.
This object is attained by a ~uel cell having the characteristics o~ the main claim. Advantageous embodiments will become apparent ~rom the dependent claims.
The water or the vapor containing water is carried into a water separator and condenses there. This avoids the use of a complicated wicking system.
As a means for transporting the water or the vapor containing water, a pipe connection, pump device, or advantageously in the simplest case a bore can serve to carry off water or water vapor.
The water separator has a regulating device in the ~orm o~ a valve (7), which ef~ects an automatic evacuation of the water separator (2). A commercially available water separator can be used, with a ~loat valve that opens as soon as a su~icient amount of condensate (condensate water) occurs.
In the transport o~ water or water vapor, oxygen escapes. A regulating device is therefore also provided to regulate the escape of water or water vapor. This device can be located either upstream or also downstream o~ the water separator. The use o~ an inexpensive needle valve has proved CA 02230491 1998-02-2~

to be advantageous; this valve can be automated and it enables a regulated out~low o~ water or a mixture o~ water vapor and gas. The loss o~ oxygen can thus be minimized.
It has been demonstrated that the oxygen loss is negligibly slight, because o~ the automated regulation. A
"dead-end" mode o~ operation is there~ore possible in a practical way in the cell, and thus external moistening is dispensable.
Exemplary Embodiment:
Fig. 1 shows a PEM ~uel cell 1 with a dewatering system.
Fig. 2 shows a water separator 2 with automated evacuation o~ water/condensate.
Fig. 1 shows a PEM ~uel cell 1 with a water separator 2 as its dewatering system. Located in the upper portion o~
the ~uel cell 1 are the supply lines ~or oxygen 3 and hydrogen 4. The water produced as a product o~ the reaction o~ these gases is conducted out o~ the ~uel cell 1 via the bore 5. The water or the water vapor is conducted out by means of an out~low o~ gas (~2) The water separator 2 is mounted at the outlet o~ the bore (5). The water is collected in it. The water separator 2 is automatically evacuated via a ~loat valve 6. The water separator 2 is connected to a needle valve 7. With this needle valve 7, the outi~low oi~ gas (~2) can be adjusted.
Fig. 2 shows the water separator 2 with automatic condensate (condensate water) evacuation. Here the bore 5 is the supply line ~or the water or water vapor into the water separator 2. The drain line 8 o~ the outElow oi~ gas (~2) is located in the upper portion o~ the water separator 2. The ~loat valve 6 opens automatically, as soon as a ~loat 9 is ~ ~ CA 02230491 1998-02-25 ~ . .

pressed upward by a su~icient quantity o~ (condensate) water.

Claims (4)

CLAIMS:
1. A fuel cell having the characteristics:
a) means for supplying the product water or product water vapor produced in the fuel cell to a dewatering system are provided;
b) the dewatering system includes a water separator (2);
c) the water separator has a regulating device in the form of a valve (6), which effects the automatic evacuation of the water separator (2);
d) a device (7) for regulating the outflow of gas from the fuel cell is provided;
e) a circulatory mode for the product water is not provided.
2. The fuel cell of claim 1, characterized in that a bore is provided as the supply line (5) of the product water to the water separator (2).
3. The fuel cell of claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the regulating device for the valve providing the evacuation is a float valve (6).
4. The fuel cell of one or more of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the device for regulating the outflow of gas from the water separator (2) comprises a needle valve (7).
CA002230491A 1995-08-30 1996-08-22 Fuel cell with improved water-removal system Abandoned CA2230491A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19531852A DE19531852C1 (en) 1995-08-30 1995-08-30 Fuel cell with drainage system for water or steam
DE19531852.8 1995-08-30
PCT/DE1996/001571 WO1997008767A1 (en) 1995-08-30 1996-08-22 Fuel cell with water-removal system

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2230491A1 true CA2230491A1 (en) 1997-03-06

Family

ID=7770729

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA002230491A Abandoned CA2230491A1 (en) 1995-08-30 1996-08-22 Fuel cell with improved water-removal system

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0847601B1 (en)
CA (1) CA2230491A1 (en)
DE (2) DE19531852C1 (en)
ES (1) ES2142093T3 (en)
WO (1) WO1997008767A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (28)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19749004C2 (en) * 1997-11-06 2002-04-25 Forschungszentrum Juelich Gmbh Manufacturing process for an electrically conductive connection between a ceramic and a metallic component
DE19757320C2 (en) * 1997-12-23 2001-08-02 Forschungszentrum Juelich Gmbh Electrode with good carbon monoxide compatibility for fuel cells
DE19757318C1 (en) * 1997-12-23 1999-02-25 Forschungszentrum Juelich Gmbh Fuel cell with electric heating
DE19757319C1 (en) * 1997-12-23 1999-06-17 Forschungszentrum Juelich Gmbh Fuel cell demonstration model
DE19808331C2 (en) * 1998-02-27 2002-04-18 Forschungszentrum Juelich Gmbh Gas distributor for a fuel cell
DE19812498C1 (en) * 1998-03-21 1999-06-17 Forschungszentrum Juelich Gmbh Controlling electrode catalyst suspension application onto a support during fuel cell electrode production
DE19815209C2 (en) * 1998-04-04 2000-01-20 Forschungszentrum Juelich Gmbh Process for producing a PEM fuel cell by means of plasma treatment and its use
DE19815796C2 (en) * 1998-04-08 2000-06-08 Forschungszentrum Juelich Gmbh Fuel cell stack with a bipolar plate having a porous wall
DE19817615C1 (en) * 1998-04-21 1999-05-27 Forschungszentrum Juelich Gmbh Strontium, magnesium and cobalt and/or iron doped lanthanum gallate material for a high temperature fuel cell
DE19825872C1 (en) * 1998-06-10 1999-10-07 Forschungszentrum Juelich Gmbh High temp. fuel cell with thermoelectric elements
DE19905564C2 (en) * 1999-02-11 2001-06-28 Forschungszentrum Juelich Gmbh Fuel cell stack with feed and / or discharge channels
DE19907369C2 (en) * 1999-02-20 2002-12-12 Forschungszentrum Juelich Gmbh Power source with cells connected in series
DE19908989C2 (en) * 1999-03-03 2001-07-05 Forschungszentrum Juelich Gmbh Fuel cell with modular, flexible gas distribution structures
DE19915227A1 (en) * 1999-04-03 2000-10-05 Forschungszentrum Juelich Gmbh Fuel cell for using a liquid-solid electrolyte membrane has areas including acid for proton penetration of the membrane and alkaline solution for OH ion penetration of the membrane from the cathode side.
DE19935719C2 (en) * 1999-07-29 2003-01-30 Forschungszentrum Juelich Gmbh Cooling system for fuel cells
DE10000465C2 (en) * 2000-01-07 2003-06-18 Forschungszentrum Juelich Gmbh Fuel cells connected mechanically to one another and methods for their production
DE10033898B4 (en) * 2000-07-12 2009-06-18 Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH High temperature fuel cell and fuel cell stack
DE10040499C2 (en) * 2000-08-18 2002-06-27 Forschungszentrum Juelich Gmbh Contact layer and a fuel cell comprising such a contact layer
DE10110819B4 (en) * 2001-03-06 2013-01-31 Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH Method for operating a fuel cell
DE10119377B4 (en) * 2001-04-19 2005-10-20 Forschungszentrum Juelich Gmbh Method for operating a direct methanol fuel cell
DE10141738B4 (en) * 2001-08-25 2008-04-30 Nucellsys Gmbh Fuel cell system with at least one fuel cell
DE10235859B4 (en) * 2002-08-05 2008-11-20 Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH Corrosion-resistant, gas-tight media connection for low-temperature fuel cells
US8354069B2 (en) 2005-03-08 2013-01-15 Authentix, Inc. Plug flow system for identification and authentication of markers
DE102005014077B4 (en) 2005-03-23 2012-05-24 Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH Interconnector for high-temperature fuel cells and method for its production and method for operating a fuel cell
AT511054A1 (en) * 2010-10-27 2012-08-15 Vaillant Group Austria Gmbh CONDENSATE
DE102011120536A1 (en) * 2011-12-08 2013-06-13 Daimler Ag Liquid separator for a fuel cell system
EP2703058B1 (en) * 2012-08-28 2017-10-11 Eberspächer catem GmbH & Co. KG Fuel cell system with a collecting vessel for a liquid separator and method of operating the vessel
DE102013019818A1 (en) 2013-11-26 2015-05-28 Daimler Ag Anode circuit

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE59604314D1 (en) 2000-03-02
ES2142093T3 (en) 2000-04-01
DE19531852C1 (en) 1996-12-19
EP0847601A1 (en) 1998-06-17
WO1997008767A1 (en) 1997-03-06
EP0847601B1 (en) 2000-01-26

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