WO2001003216A1 - Device for heating/cooling a fuel cell and fuel cell system - Google Patents

Device for heating/cooling a fuel cell and fuel cell system Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001003216A1
WO2001003216A1 PCT/DE2000/002155 DE0002155W WO0103216A1 WO 2001003216 A1 WO2001003216 A1 WO 2001003216A1 DE 0002155 W DE0002155 W DE 0002155W WO 0103216 A1 WO0103216 A1 WO 0103216A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fuel cell
heating
cooling medium
fuel
flow line
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/DE2000/002155
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Martin Sattler
Markus Keutz
Original Assignee
Atecs Mannesmann Ag
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 Atecs Mannesmann Ag filed Critical Atecs Mannesmann Ag
Publication of WO2001003216A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001003216A1/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04007—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids related to heat exchange
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04298—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems
    • H01M8/043—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems applied during specific periods
    • H01M8/04302—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems applied during specific periods applied during start-up
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04223—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids during start-up or shut-down; Depolarisation or activation, e.g. purging; Means for short-circuiting defective fuel cells
    • H01M8/04225—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids during start-up or shut-down; Depolarisation or activation, e.g. purging; Means for short-circuiting defective fuel cells during start-up
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M2250/00—Fuel cells for particular applications; Specific features of fuel cell system
    • H01M2250/20—Fuel cells in motive systems, e.g. vehicle, ship, plane
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M2300/00—Electrolytes
    • H01M2300/0017—Non-aqueous electrolytes
    • H01M2300/0065—Solid electrolytes
    • H01M2300/0082—Organic polymers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04007—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids related to heat exchange
    • H01M8/04014—Heat exchange using gaseous fluids; Heat exchange by combustion of reactants
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04007—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids related to heat exchange
    • H01M8/04014—Heat exchange using gaseous fluids; Heat exchange by combustion of reactants
    • H01M8/04022—Heating by combustion
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04007—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids related to heat exchange
    • H01M8/04029—Heat exchange using liquids
    • Y—GENERAL 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
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/50—Fuel cells
    • Y—GENERAL 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
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
    • Y02T90/00—Enabling technologies or technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02T90/40—Application of hydrogen technology to transportation, e.g. using fuel cells

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an arrangement for heating / cooling a fuel cell.
  • the invention further relates to a fuel cell system.
  • Fuel cells have been known for a long time and have become significantly more important, particularly in the automotive industry.
  • fuel cells Similar to battery systems, fuel cells generate electrical energy chemically, with the individual reactants being fed continuously and the reaction products being continuously discharged.
  • the fuel cell is based on the functional principle that electrically neutral molecules or atoms combine with each other and thereby exchange electrons. This process is called the redox process.
  • the oxidation and reduction processes are spatially separated from each other, which is done for example via a membrane. Such membranes have the property of exchanging protons but retaining gases.
  • the electrons released during the reduction can be conducted as electrical current through a consumer, for example the electric motor of an automobile.
  • Hydrogen is used as fuel and oxygen as oxidant. If you want to operate the fuel cells with a readily available or storable fuel such as natural gas, methanol or the like, you first have to convert the respective hydrocarbons into a hydrogen-rich gas.
  • the fuel cells are ideally operated in a narrow temperature range. In the case of fuel cells with a proton-conducting polymer membrane (PEM fuel cells), which are preferably used in mobile applications, for example in vehicles, this temperature range is approximately between 60 ° C. and 90 ° C.
  • the present invention has for its object to provide an arrangement for heating / cooling a fuel cell, with which the fuel cell can be operated as far as possible in the ideal temperature range.
  • an arrangement is to be provided with which the fuel cell, for example at the start of a fuel cell system, can be accelerated to the ideal operating temperature.
  • a correspondingly improved fuel cell system is to be provided.
  • this object is achieved by a
  • Arrangement for heating / cooling a fuel cell with a flow line for a heating / cooling medium, which is connected or connectable to the fuel cell in such a way that a thermal exchange takes place or can take place between the fuel cell and the heating / cooling medium in the flow line, and with a heating device which is thermally connected or connectable to the fuel cell.
  • the arrangement according to the invention allows a fuel cell to be heated very quickly to the ideal operating temperature range in a simple manner. Loss heat is regularly generated in the fuel cell during operation, which causes the fuel cell to heat up. After the operating temperature has been reached, the temperature in the
  • the fuel cell is now additionally heated via a separate heating device which is thermally connected or connectable to the fuel cell.
  • the heating device can be connected either directly or indirectly to the fuel cell.
  • An indirect connection can be made, for example, via the flow line for the heating / cooling medium of the fuel cell. This configuration is described in more detail below.
  • the fuel cell can be preheated by the separate heating device and thus accelerated to the ideal operating temperature. This means that the fuel cell is fully operational in a very short time. This is particularly desirable when operating fuel cells in vehicles, since the vehicle should normally be moved as soon as possible after boarding.
  • it may be desirable to start the fuel cell at a predetermined point in time which can be done, for example, using a suitable time control, for example a timer or the like.
  • the start time for the fuel cell can first be set using the time control.
  • the heating device is then started, among other things, so that it can preheat the fuel cell and bring it to the ideal operating temperature.
  • the flow line for the heating / cooling medium is connected or connectable to the fuel cell in such a way that a thermal exchange between the fuel cell and the heating / cooling medium takes place or can take place in the flow line.
  • the fuel line can be penetrated by the flow line, for example, at least in some areas.
  • the flow line can be designed, for example, as a pipe coil or the like.
  • the heating / cooling medium flows through the flow line, as a result of which heat is exchanged between the heating / cooling medium and the fuel cell.
  • the heating / cooling medium which flows through the flow line can initially be cooled. When flowing through that area of the flow line which is located in the fuel cell, the heat loss generated by the fuel cell is given off to the heating / cooling medium located in the flow line.
  • the heating / cooling medium in the flow line can also be used to heat the fuel cell.
  • the heating / cooling medium that flows through the flow line is before entering the Fuel cell heated.
  • the heating device is preferably designed as a burner or an electrical heating element.
  • the heating device is designed as a burner, in particular as a catalytic burner, it can be operated, for example, from a partial flow of the fuel which is actually intended for the fuel cell. If the fuel of the fuel cell is generated in an upstream module from another energy source, such as methanol, gasoline, natural gas, methane, coal gas, biogas or another hydrocarbon, the heating device can also be operated directly with these hydrocarbons. It is also conceivable to operate the heating device via the exhaust gas flow of the fuel and / or the oxidizing agent of the fuel cell, since these still contain combustible components (cathode exhaust gas) or oxygen (anode exhaust gas).
  • another energy source such as methanol, gasoline, natural gas, methane, coal gas, biogas or another hydrocarbon
  • the heating device is designed as an electrical heating element, the required electrical energy can be made available by a battery, in particular in the first time, that is to say when the fuel cell is started up. If the fuel cell is used in a vehicle, the battery for the vehicle electrical system can be used as the battery.
  • Heating element can be designed, for example, but not exclusively, as a heating wire, heating coil or the like.
  • the flow line for the heating / cooling medium is advantageously designed as a closed heating / cooling circuit. This way the amount of in the
  • Circulating heating / cooling medium can be minimized, since no heating / cooling medium can escape from the flow line during a circulation cycle.
  • the heating device is arranged in the flow line.
  • the heat which is required in particular for the rapid start of the fuel cell, can be transferred via the heating / cooling circuit of the fuel cell.
  • This indirect thermal connection of the heating device with the fuel cell achieves, on the one hand, that the fuel cell can be preheated and accelerated to the ideal operating temperature.
  • the heating device can also take on further functions which are described in more detail below.
  • Heating / cooling medium may be provided.
  • the flow rate of the heating / cooling medium within the flow line can be set via such a conveying device.
  • the flow rate of the heating / cooling medium also influences the heat exchange rate between the heating / cooling medium and the fuel cell.
  • the conveyor can be designed differently. If, for example, a liquid heating / cooling medium such as water, oil or the like is used, the delivery device is preferably designed as a pump. For example, as a heating / cooling medium
  • the conveyor is preferably designed as a blower.
  • the invention is not limited to the conveyor devices mentioned.
  • a heat sink can advantageously be arranged in the flow line.
  • the heat / cooling medium flowing through the flow line can transfer the heat loss from the fuel cell to the heat sink.
  • the heat sink can be a cooler, for example, which emits the heat to the ambient air.
  • the heat sink can be connected to the flow line via a valve, in particular a three-way valve.
  • this valve is switched in such a way that the heating / cooling medium can be guided past the heat sink, for example via a suitable bypass line. If the heater is located within the flow line, can in this way, the fuel cell is first brought to the desired temperature. When the fuel cell has reached the ideal operating temperature and the heat loss must now be dissipated, the valve can be switched so that the heat absorbed by the heating / cooling medium is released to the heat sink.
  • a further heat sink can advantageously be provided in the flow line. This acts, for example, as a heater acting outside the fuel cell and can be used, for example, to air-condition the passenger cell of a vehicle.
  • the heat sink can be designed, for example, as a heat exchanger.
  • Fuel-generated heat loss can thus be removed from the heating / cooling medium flowing through the flow conduit and transported to the further heat exchanger.
  • the heat is extracted from the heating / cooling medium in the heat exchanger so that it can subsequently be used for air conditioning the passenger compartment.
  • the heating device described above which is connected to the fuel cell, is arranged in the flow line, this can also be used to heat the passenger cell - for example as additional heating or auxiliary heating. This is particularly useful if the
  • Fuel cell is operated in the low power range, where it generates little waste heat and the heat loss at the heat sink or the heat sinks is large, for example at low outside temperatures.
  • the heating device can be used not only for preheating the fuel cell, but also in the stationary operation of the
  • Fuel cell where it can counteract a cooling of the operating temperature of the fuel cell below the minimum value of the ideal temperature range of the fuel cell. This can be necessary for systems with and without a heat sink if the fuel cell is operated at a low power output and the outside temperatures are extremely low.
  • a fuel cell system with at least one fuel cell and with an arrangement according to the invention as described above for heating / cooling the fuel cell.
  • the advantages, effects, effects and the Operation of the fuel cell system is referred to in full and referred to the above statements regarding the arrangement according to the invention for heating / cooling the fuel cell.
  • the heating device can preferably be connected to a supply line for the fuel for the fuel cell.
  • the heating device if it is designed as a burner, can be operated from a partial flow of the fuel of the fuel cell.
  • the heating device can be connected to an arrangement for generating / processing the fuel for the fuel cell.
  • a heating device designed as a burner can be operated directly with substances from which the fuel for the fuel cell is produced or processed.
  • the heating device can be connected to a derivation for the fuel and / or a derivation for the oxidizing agent from the fuel cell.
  • the exhaust gas flows emerging from the fuel cell are usually hot, so that this heat can be used to heat the heating / cooling medium within the flow line.
  • the fuel cell system can have two or more
  • An arrangement according to the invention as described above for heating / cooling a fuel cell in or for a vehicle can advantageously be used. Furthermore, a fuel cell system according to the invention as described above can also preferably be used in or for a vehicle.
  • the vehicle sector offers particularly good possible uses for the invention in this field.
  • Examples include fuel cells for mobile devices such as computers or the like, right up to power plants.
  • the fuel line technology is particularly suitable for the decentralized energy supply of houses, industrial plants or the like.
  • the present invention is preferably used in connection with fuel cells with polymer membranes (PEM). These fuel cells have a high electrical efficiency, cause only minimal emissions, have an optimal part-load behavior and are essentially free of mechanical wear.
  • PEM polymer membranes
  • Figure shows a schematic view of a fuel cell system according to the invention.
  • the figure shows a fuel cell system 10 for a vehicle, which has a number of fuel cells 11, which are combined to form a fuel cell stack. For the sake of clarity, there is only one in the figure
  • Fuel cell 11 shown.
  • the arrangement 20 has a flow line 21 designed as a closed heating / cooling circuit 22, through which a liquid heating / cooling medium, for example water, oil or the like, flows.
  • a liquid heating / cooling medium for example water, oil or the like
  • part of the flow line 21 is connected to the fuel cell 11 in such a way that a thermal exchange between the fuel cell 11 and the heating / cooling medium takes place or can take place in the flow line 21.
  • the fuel cell 11 is part of the Flow line 21 passes through.
  • the flow line 21 is preferably designed as a coil.
  • a pump device 24 is also provided, via which the flow rate of the heating /
  • Cooling medium is set and regulated.
  • a heat sink 25 designed as an air-cooled cooler is provided, which is connected to the flow line 21 via a three-way valve 26.
  • a bypass line 27 is also provided, which is connected to the valve 26 and the flow line 21.
  • a further heat sink 28 is provided in the flow line 21, which, like the heat sink 25, is designed as an indirect heat exchanger and is used, for example, for air conditioning the passenger compartment of the vehicle (not shown) in which the fuel cell 11 is installed.
  • the fuel cell system 10 When the fuel cell system 10 is used to operate a vehicle, it is desirable that the fuel cell system 10 provide sufficient power immediately after the vehicle is started to operate the vehicle. For this it is necessary that the fuel cell 1 1 as quickly as possible to the ideal operating temperature, which in the case of a PEM fuel cell is between 60 ° C. and
  • the fuel cell 11 is thus preheated via the heating device 23 and accelerated to the ideal operating temperature.
  • valve 26 is switched in the starting phase of the fuel cell 11 in such a way that that the heating / cooling medium is conducted past the heat sink 25 via the bypass line 27.
  • the same can also be provided for the heat sink 28.
  • the heat loss generated in the fuel cell 11 must be dissipated. This is done via the heating / cooling medium flowing through the flow line 21.
  • the heat loss generated in the fuel cell 11 is transferred to the heating / cooling medium circulating in the heating / cooling circuit 22.
  • This heat carried by the heating / cooling medium can now be transferred to the heat sink 25, which in the present case is designed as an air-cooled cooler.
  • the valve 26 is first switched over in such a way that the bypass line 27 is blocked and the heating / cooling medium now flows through the heat sink 25.
  • the heat sink 25 absorbs the heat stored in the heating / cooling medium and releases it to the ambient air.
  • the fuel cell 11 is operated, for example, only in the low power range, where it generates only a little waste heat, and if the heat removal at the further heat sink 28, which serves as regular heating for the passenger cell, is particularly high, for example due to low outside temperatures, that can Heating device 23 as an additional heater or as an auxiliary heater for the
  • Passenger cell can be used. Via the heating device 23, the heating / cooling medium in the flow conduit 21, which has already taken up the small waste heat from the fuel cell 11, is further heated, so that a sufficient heat potential is generated in the heating / cooling medium, which is released to the heat sink 28 can be.
  • a corresponding heat potential is generated in the heating / cooling medium, which is released to the heat sink 28 can be.
  • the valve 26 can be switched in such a way that that the heating / cooling medium is passed temporarily or only with a partial flow via the bypass line 27 to avoid an excessive drop in temperature.
  • the heating device 23 can not only be used for preheating the fuel cell system 10, but is also in stationary operation. of the fuel cell system 10 is useful because, at low electrical power, it can counteract a lowering of the operating temperature of the fuel cell 11 below the minimum value of the ideal temperature range.

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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)
  • Electric Propulsion And Braking For Vehicles (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a fuel cell system (10) that comprises a fuel cell (11) and a device (20) for heating/cooling said fuel cell (11). The device (20) facilitates preheating of the fuel cell (11), especially in the case of an accelerated start of the fuel cell system (10), and bringing the fuel cell to the ideal operating temperature more quickly. To this end, a heating element (23) is provided in a flow duct (21) for a heating/cooling medium and heats said heating/cooling medium. Since the flow duct (21) is linked with the fuel cell (11) in such a manner that a thermal exchange between the fuel cell and the heating/cooling medium in the flow duct (21) can take place, the heat produced by the heating element (23) in the heating/cooling medium can be conveyed to the fuel cell (11). In the steady operation of the fuel cell (11) the heating/cooling medium transported through the flow duct (21) can transfer the lost heat of the fuel cell (11) to a heat sink (25; 28). If the fuel cell is operated in a motor vehicle, the heating element (23), in addition to its use for quickly heating up the fuel cell (11), can be also used as a supplementary heating or auxiliary heating for the motor vehicle.

Description

Anordnung zum Beheizen/Kühlen einer Brennstoffzelle und Brennstoffzellensystem Arrangement for heating / cooling a fuel cell and fuel cell system
Beschreibungdescription
Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine Anordnung zum Beheizen/Kühlen einer Brennstoffzelle. Weiterhin betrifft die Erfindung ein Brennstoffzellensystem.The present invention relates to an arrangement for heating / cooling a fuel cell. The invention further relates to a fuel cell system.
Brennstoffzellen sind bereits seit langem bekannt und haben insbesondere im Bereich der Automobilindustrie in den letzten Jahren erheblich an Bedeutung gewonnen.Fuel cells have been known for a long time and have become significantly more important, particularly in the automotive industry.
Ähnlich wie Batteriesysteme erzeugen Brennstoffzellen elektrische Energie auf chemischem Wege, wobei die einzelnen Reaktanten kontinuierlich zugeführt und die Reaktionsprodukte kontinuierlich abgeführt werden. Dabei liegt den Brennstoffzellen das Funktionsprinzip zugrunde, daß sich elektrisch neutrale Moleküle oder Atome miteinander verbinden und dabei Elektronen austauschen. Dieser Vorgang wird als Redoxprozeß bezeichnet. Bei der Brennstoffzelle werden die Oxidations- und Reduktionsprozesse räumlich voneinander getrennt, was beispielsweise über eine Membran erfolgt. Solche Membranen haben die Eigenschaft, Protonen auszutauschen, Gase jedoch zurückzuhalten. Die bei der Reduktion abgegebenen Elektronen lassen sich als elektrischer Strom durch einen Verbraucher leiten, beispielsweise den Elektromotor eines Automobils.Similar to battery systems, fuel cells generate electrical energy chemically, with the individual reactants being fed continuously and the reaction products being continuously discharged. The fuel cell is based on the functional principle that electrically neutral molecules or atoms combine with each other and thereby exchange electrons. This process is called the redox process. In the fuel cell, the oxidation and reduction processes are spatially separated from each other, which is done for example via a membrane. Such membranes have the property of exchanging protons but retaining gases. The electrons released during the reduction can be conducted as electrical current through a consumer, for example the electric motor of an automobile.
Als gasförmige Reaktionspartner für die Brennstoffzelle werden beispielsweiseAs gaseous reactants for the fuel cell, for example
Wasserstoff als Brennstoff und Sauerstoff als Oxidationsmittel verwendet. Will man die Brennstoffzellen mit einem leicht verfügbaren oder zu speichernden Brennstoff wie Erdgas, Methanol oder dergleichen betreiben, muß man die jeweiligen Kohlenwasserstoffe zunächst in ein wasserstoffreiches Gas umwandeln. Die Brennstoffzellen werden idealerweise in einem engen Temperaturbereich betrieben. Bei Brennstoffzellen mit protonenleitender Polymermembran (PEM- Brennstoffzellen), die bevorzugt in mobilen Anwendungen, beispielsweise in Fahrzeugen, eingesetzt werden, liegt dieser Temperaturbereich etwa zwischen 60° C und 90° C.Hydrogen is used as fuel and oxygen as oxidant. If you want to operate the fuel cells with a readily available or storable fuel such as natural gas, methanol or the like, you first have to convert the respective hydrocarbons into a hydrogen-rich gas. The fuel cells are ideally operated in a narrow temperature range. In the case of fuel cells with a proton-conducting polymer membrane (PEM fuel cells), which are preferably used in mobile applications, for example in vehicles, this temperature range is approximately between 60 ° C. and 90 ° C.
Der vorliegenden Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Anordnung zum Beheizen/Kühlen einer Brennstoffeelle zu schaffen, mit der die Brennstoffzelle möglichst weitgehend im idealen Temperaturbereich betrieben werden kann. Insbesondere soll eine Anordnung bereitgestellt werden, mit der die Brennstoffeelle, etwa zum Start eines Brennstoffeellensystems, beschleunigt auf die ideale Betriebstemperatur gebracht werden kann. Weiterhin soll ein entsprechend verbessertes Brennstoffeellensystem bereitgestellt werden.The present invention has for its object to provide an arrangement for heating / cooling a fuel cell, with which the fuel cell can be operated as far as possible in the ideal temperature range. In particular, an arrangement is to be provided with which the fuel cell, for example at the start of a fuel cell system, can be accelerated to the ideal operating temperature. Furthermore, a correspondingly improved fuel cell system is to be provided.
Diese Aufgabe wird gemäß dem ersten Aspekt der Erfindung gelöst durch eineAccording to the first aspect of the invention, this object is achieved by a
Anordnung zum Beheizen/Kühlen einer Brennstoffeelle, mit einer Strömungsleitung für ein Heiz-/ Kühlmedium, die derart mit der Brennstoffzelle verbunden oder verbiπdbar ist, daß ein thermischer Austausch zwischen der Brennstoffzelle und dem Heiz- /Kühlmedium in der Strömungsleitung stattfindet oder stattfinden kann, und mit einer Heizeinrichtung, die mit der Brennstoffzelle thermisch verbunden oder verbindbar ist.Arrangement for heating / cooling a fuel cell, with a flow line for a heating / cooling medium, which is connected or connectable to the fuel cell in such a way that a thermal exchange takes place or can take place between the fuel cell and the heating / cooling medium in the flow line, and with a heating device which is thermally connected or connectable to the fuel cell.
Durch die erfindungsgemäße Anordnung kann eine Brennstoffeelle auf einfache Weise sehr schnell auf den idealen Betriebstemperaturbereich erwärmt werden. Regelmäßig entsteht in der Brennstoffzelle während des Betriebs Verlustwärme, wodurch sich die Brennstoffeelle aufheizt. Nach Erreichen der Betriebstemperatur muß daher die in derThe arrangement according to the invention allows a fuel cell to be heated very quickly to the ideal operating temperature range in a simple manner. Loss heat is regularly generated in the fuel cell during operation, which causes the fuel cell to heat up. After the operating temperature has been reached, the temperature in the
Brennstoffeelle entstehende überschüssige Verlustwärme abgeführt werden. Die Aufheizphase der Brennstoffzelle bis zum Erreichen der idealen Betriebstemperatur benötigte bisher einen unerwünscht langen Zeitraum, was insbesondere für einen schnellen Start der Brennstoffeelle von Nachteil war. Gemäß einem Grundgedanken der vorliegenden Erfindung erfolgt die Erwärmung der Brennstoffeelle nunmehr zusätzlich über eine gesonderte Heizeinrichtuπg, die mit der Brennstoffeelle thermisch verbunden oder verbindbar ist. Dabei kann die Heizeinrichtung entweder direkt oder indirekt mit der Brennstoffzelle verbunden sein. Eine indirekte Verbindung kann beispielsweise über die Strömungsleitung für das Heiz-/Kühlmedium der Brennstoffzelle erfolgen. Diese Ausgestaltung wird weiter unten näher beschrieben. Wenn beispielsweise ein schneller Start - etwa ein Kaltstart - der Brennstoffzelle erforderlich ist, kann die Brennstoffzelle durch die separate Heizeinrichtung vorgeheizt und somit beschleunigt auf die ideale Betriebstemperatur gebracht werden. Damit ist die Brennstoffzelle bereits nach kürzester Zeit voll einsatzbereit. Dies ist insbesondere beim Betrieb von Brennstoffzellen in Fahrzeugen wünschenswert, da das Fahrzeug normalerweise möglichst direkt nach dem Einsteigen bewegt werden soll. In anderer Ausgestaltung kann es erwünscht sein, die Brennstoffeelle zu einem vorgegebenen Zeitpunkt zu starten, was beispielsweise über eine geeignete Zeitsteuerung -etwa einen Timer oder dergleichen- erfolgen kann. In diesem Fall kann der Start-Zeitpunkt für die Brennstoffeelle zunächst über die Zeitsteuerung festgelegt werden. Zum eingestellten Zeitpunkt wird dann unter anderem auch die Heizeinrichtung gestartet, so daß diese die Brennstoffeelle vorheizen und auf die ideale Betriebstemperatur bringen kann. Die beiden beschriebenen Beispiele sind rein exemplarischer Natur, so daß die Erfindung nicht auf diese beiden Ausführungsformen beschränkt ist.Excess heat loss generated by the fuel is dissipated. The heating-up phase of the fuel cell until the ideal operating temperature was reached previously required an undesirably long period of time, which was disadvantageous in particular for a quick start of the fuel cell. According to a basic idea of the present invention, the fuel cell is now additionally heated via a separate heating device which is thermally connected or connectable to the fuel cell. The heating device can be connected either directly or indirectly to the fuel cell. An indirect connection can be made, for example, via the flow line for the heating / cooling medium of the fuel cell. This configuration is described in more detail below. If, for example, a quick start - such as a cold start - of the fuel cell is required, the fuel cell can be preheated by the separate heating device and thus accelerated to the ideal operating temperature. This means that the fuel cell is fully operational in a very short time. This is particularly desirable when operating fuel cells in vehicles, since the vehicle should normally be moved as soon as possible after boarding. In another embodiment, it may be desirable to start the fuel cell at a predetermined point in time, which can be done, for example, using a suitable time control, for example a timer or the like. In this case, the start time for the fuel cell can first be set using the time control. At the set time, the heating device is then started, among other things, so that it can preheat the fuel cell and bring it to the ideal operating temperature. The two examples described are purely exemplary in nature, so that the invention is not restricted to these two embodiments.
Erfindungsgemäß ist die Strömungsleitung für das Heiz-/ Kühlmedium derart mit der Brennstoffzelle verbunden oder verbindbar, daß ein thermischer Austausch zwischen der Brennstoffzelle und dem Heiz-/Kühlmedium in der Strömungsleitung stattfindet oder stattfinden kann. Dazu kann die Brennstoffeelle beispielsweise zumindest bereichsweise von der Strömungsleitung durchsetzt sein. In demjenigen Bereich der Strömungsleitung, der die Brennstoffzelle durchsetzt, kann die Strömungsleitung beispielsweise als Rohrschlange oder dergleichen ausgebildet sein. Die Strömungsleitung wird von dem Heiz-/ Kühlmedium durchströmt, wodurch ein Wärmeaustausch zwischen dem Heiz-/Kühlmedium und der Brennstoffeelle erfolgt.According to the invention, the flow line for the heating / cooling medium is connected or connectable to the fuel cell in such a way that a thermal exchange between the fuel cell and the heating / cooling medium takes place or can take place in the flow line. For this purpose, the fuel line can be penetrated by the flow line, for example, at least in some areas. In the area of the flow line that passes through the fuel cell, the flow line can be designed, for example, as a pipe coil or the like. The heating / cooling medium flows through the flow line, as a result of which heat is exchanged between the heating / cooling medium and the fuel cell.
Insbesondere, wenn das Heiz-/ Kühlmedium zum Kühlen der Brennstoffeelle, das heißt zur Abfuhr der Verlustwärme in der Brennstoffzelle, dient, kann das Heiz-/Kühlmedium, das die Strömungsleitung durchströmt, zunächst noch gekühlt werden. Beim Durchströmen desjenigen Bereichs der Strömungsleitung, der sich in der Brennstoffzelle befindet, wird die von der Brennstoffeelle erzeugte Verlustwärme an das in der Strömungsleitung befindliche Heiz-/ Kühlmedium abgegeben.In particular, if the heating / cooling medium is used to cool the fuel cell, ie to dissipate the heat loss in the fuel cell, the heating / cooling medium which flows through the flow line can initially be cooled. When flowing through that area of the flow line which is located in the fuel cell, the heat loss generated by the fuel cell is given off to the heating / cooling medium located in the flow line.
Auf der anderen Seite kann das in der Strömungsleitung befindliche Heiz-/Kühlmedium auch zum Beheizen der Brennstoffzelle herangezogen werden. In diesem Fall wird das Heiz-/Kühlmedium, das die Strömungsleitung durchströmt, vor dem Eintritt in die Brennstoffeelle erwärmt. Eine solche Ausgestaltungsform der Erfindung wird im weiteren Verlauf der Beschreibung näher beschrieben.On the other hand, the heating / cooling medium in the flow line can also be used to heat the fuel cell. In this case, the heating / cooling medium that flows through the flow line is before entering the Fuel cell heated. Such an embodiment of the invention will be described in the further course of the description.
Bevorzugte Ausführungsformen der erfindungsgemäßen Anordnung ergeben sich aus den Unteransprüchen.Preferred embodiments of the arrangement according to the invention result from the subclaims.
Vorzugsweise ist die Heizeinrichtung als Brenner oder elektrisches Heizelement ausgebildet.The heating device is preferably designed as a burner or an electrical heating element.
Wenn die Heizeinrichtung als Brenner, insbesondere als katalytischer Brenner, ausgebildet ist, kann sie beispielsweise aus einem Teilstrom des Brennstoffs der eigentlich für die Brennstoffzelle bestimmt ist, betrieben werden. Wird der Brennstoff der Brennstoffzelle in einer vorgeschalteten Baugruppe aus einem anderen Energieträger erzeugt, wie zum Beispiel Methanol, Benzin, Erdgas, Methan, Kohlegas, Biogas oder einem anderen Kohlenwasserstoff, so kann die Heizeinrichtung auch direkt mit diesen Kohlenwasserstoffen betrieben werden. Es ist auch denkbar, die Heizeinrichtung über den Abgasstrom des Brennstoffs und/oder des Oxidationsmittels der Brennstoffzelle zu betreiben, da in diesen noch brennbare Bestandteile (Kathodenabgas) bzw. Sauerstoff (Anodenabgas) enthalten sind.If the heating device is designed as a burner, in particular as a catalytic burner, it can be operated, for example, from a partial flow of the fuel which is actually intended for the fuel cell. If the fuel of the fuel cell is generated in an upstream module from another energy source, such as methanol, gasoline, natural gas, methane, coal gas, biogas or another hydrocarbon, the heating device can also be operated directly with these hydrocarbons. It is also conceivable to operate the heating device via the exhaust gas flow of the fuel and / or the oxidizing agent of the fuel cell, since these still contain combustible components (cathode exhaust gas) or oxygen (anode exhaust gas).
Wenn die Heizeinrichtung als elektrisches Heizelement ausgebildet ist, kann die benötigte elektrische Energie insbesondere in der ersten Zeit, das heißt in der Zeit des Anfahrens der Brennstoffzelle, durch eine Batterie zur Verfügung gestellt werden. Wenn die Brennstoffeelle in einem Fahrzeug verwendet wird, kann als Batterie die Batterie für das Bordnetz des Fahrzeugs verwendet werden. Das elektrischeIf the heating device is designed as an electrical heating element, the required electrical energy can be made available by a battery, in particular in the first time, that is to say when the fuel cell is started up. If the fuel cell is used in a vehicle, the battery for the vehicle electrical system can be used as the battery. The electrical
Heizelement kann beispielsweise, jedoch nicht ausschließlich, als Heizdraht, Heizspule oder dergleichen ausgebildet sein.Heating element can be designed, for example, but not exclusively, as a heating wire, heating coil or the like.
Vorteilhaft ist die Strömungsleitung für das Heiz-/Kühlmedium als geschlossener Heiz-/ Kühlkreislauf ausgebildet. Auf diese Weise kann die Menge des in derThe flow line for the heating / cooling medium is advantageously designed as a closed heating / cooling circuit. This way the amount of in the
Strömungsleitung zirkulierenden Heiz-/Kühlmediums minimiert werden, da während eines Umlaufzyklus kein Heiz-/ Kühlmedium aus der Strömungsleitung entweichen kann. In weiterer Ausgestaltung ist die Heizeinrichtung in der Strömungsleitung angeordnet. Dadurch kann die Übertragung der Wärme, die insbesondere zum schnellen Start der Brennstoffzelle erforderlich ist, über den Heiz-/Kühlkreislauf der Brennstoffeelle erfolgen. Durch diese indirekte thermischen Verbindung der Heizeinrichtung mit der Brennstoffeelle wird zum einen erreicht, daß die Brennstoffzelle vorgeheizt und beschleunigt auf die ideale Betriebstemperatur gebracht werden kann. Zum anderen kann die Heizeinrichtung bei einer derartigen Anordnung noch weitere Funktionen übernehmen, die weiter unten näher beschrieben werden.Circulating heating / cooling medium can be minimized, since no heating / cooling medium can escape from the flow line during a circulation cycle. In a further embodiment, the heating device is arranged in the flow line. As a result, the heat, which is required in particular for the rapid start of the fuel cell, can be transferred via the heating / cooling circuit of the fuel cell. This indirect thermal connection of the heating device with the fuel cell achieves, on the one hand, that the fuel cell can be preheated and accelerated to the ideal operating temperature. On the other hand, with such an arrangement, the heating device can also take on further functions which are described in more detail below.
In weiterer Ausgestaltung kann in der Strömungsleitung eine Fördereinrichtung für dasIn a further embodiment, a conveyor for the
Heiz-/Kühlmedium vorgesehen sein. Über eine solche Fördereinrichtung kann die Strömungsgeschwindigkeit des Heiz-/ Kühlmediums innerhalb der Strömungsleitung eingestellt werden. Die Strömungsgeschwindigkeit des Heiz-/Kühlmediums beeinflußt gleichzeitig auch die Wärmeaustauschrate zwischen dem Heiz-/ Kühlmedium und der Brennstoffeelle.Heating / cooling medium may be provided. The flow rate of the heating / cooling medium within the flow line can be set via such a conveying device. The flow rate of the heating / cooling medium also influences the heat exchange rate between the heating / cooling medium and the fuel cell.
Je nach Art des verwendeten Heiz-/Kühlmediums kann die Fördereinrichtung unterschiedlich ausgebildet sein. Wenn beispielsweise ein flüssiges Heiz-/Kühlmedium wie Wasser, öl oder dergleichen verwendet wird, ist die Fördereinrichtung vorzugsweise als Pumpe ausgebildet. Wird als Heiz-/Kühlmedium beispielsweise einDepending on the type of heating / cooling medium used, the conveyor can be designed differently. If, for example, a liquid heating / cooling medium such as water, oil or the like is used, the delivery device is preferably designed as a pump. For example, as a heating / cooling medium
Gas wie Luft oder dergleichen verwendet, ist die Fördereinrichtung vorzugsweise als Gebläse ausgebildet. Die Erfindung ist nicht auf die genannten Fördereinrichtungen beschränkt.Used gas such as air or the like, the conveyor is preferably designed as a blower. The invention is not limited to the conveyor devices mentioned.
Vorteilhaft kann in der Strömungsleitung eine Wärmesenke angeordnet sein. Im eingeschwungenen Betrieb bei Nenntemperatur der Brennstoffeelle kann durch das die Strömungsleitung durchströmende Heiz-/Kühlmedium die Verlustwärme der Brennstoffzelle an die Wärmesenke übertragen werden. Die Wärmesenke kann beispielsweise ein Kühler sein, der die Wärme an die Umgebungsluft abgibt.A heat sink can advantageously be arranged in the flow line. In steady-state operation at the nominal temperature of the fuel cell, the heat / cooling medium flowing through the flow line can transfer the heat loss from the fuel cell to the heat sink. The heat sink can be a cooler, for example, which emits the heat to the ambient air.
In weiterer Ausgestaltung kann die Wärmesenke über ein Ventil, insbesondere ein Drei-Wege-Ventil mit der Strömungsleitung verbunden sein. Insbesondere zum Start der Brennstoffzelle wird dieses Ventil derart geschaltet, daß das Heiz-/Kühlmedium - etwa über eine geeignete Bypass-Leitung - an der Wärmesenke vorbeigeführt werden kann. Wenn die Heizeinrichtung innerhalb der Strömungsleitung angeordnet ist, kann auf diese Weise zunächst die Brennstoffzelle auf die gewünschte Temperatur gebracht werden. Wenn die Brennstoffzelle die ideale Betriebstemperatur erreicht hat und nunmehr die Verlustwärme abgeführt werden muß, kann das Ventil so umgestellt werden, daß die vom Heiz-/Kühlmedium aufgenommene Wärme an die Wärmesenke abgegeben wird.In a further embodiment, the heat sink can be connected to the flow line via a valve, in particular a three-way valve. In particular at the start of the fuel cell, this valve is switched in such a way that the heating / cooling medium can be guided past the heat sink, for example via a suitable bypass line. If the heater is located within the flow line, can in this way, the fuel cell is first brought to the desired temperature. When the fuel cell has reached the ideal operating temperature and the heat loss must now be dissipated, the valve can be switched so that the heat absorbed by the heating / cooling medium is released to the heat sink.
Vorteilhaft kann in der Strömungsleitung noch eine weitere Wärmesenke vorgesehen sein. Diese fungiert beispielsweise als außerhalb der Brennstoffzelle wirkende Heizung und kann etwa zur Klimatisierung der Fahrgastzelle eines Fahrzeugs dienen. Dazu kann die Wärmesenke beispielsweise als Wärmetauscher ausgebildet sein. Die in derA further heat sink can advantageously be provided in the flow line. This acts, for example, as a heater acting outside the fuel cell and can be used, for example, to air-condition the passenger cell of a vehicle. For this purpose, the heat sink can be designed, for example, as a heat exchanger. The in the
Brennstoffeelle entstehende Verlustwärme kann somit über das die Strömungsleituπg durchströmende Heiz-/Kühlmedium aus dieser abgeführt und zu dem weiteren Wärmetauscher transportiert werden. Im Wärmetauscher wird dem Heiz-/Kühlmedium die Wärme entzogen, so daß diese anschließend zur Klimatisierung der Fahrgastzelle verwendet werden kann.Fuel-generated heat loss can thus be removed from the heating / cooling medium flowing through the flow conduit and transported to the further heat exchanger. The heat is extracted from the heating / cooling medium in the heat exchanger so that it can subsequently be used for air conditioning the passenger compartment.
Insbesondere, wenn die weiter oben beschriebene Heizeinrichtung, die mit der Brennstoffzelle verbunden ist, in der Strömungsleitung angeordnet ist, kann diese ebenfalls zur Beheizung der Fahrgastzelle - etwa als Zusatzheizung oder Standheizung - benutzt werden. Dies ist insbesondere dann sinnvoll, wenn dieIn particular, if the heating device described above, which is connected to the fuel cell, is arranged in the flow line, this can also be used to heat the passenger cell - for example as additional heating or auxiliary heating. This is particularly useful if the
Brennstoffzelle im niedrigen Leistungsbereich betrieben wird, wo sie nur wenig Abwärme erzeugt, und die Wärmeabnahme an der Wärmesenke oder den Wärmesenken groß ist, zum Beispiel bei niedrigen Außentemperaturen. Die Heizeinrichtung kann in der beschriebenen Betriebsart nicht nur zum Vorheizen der Brennstoffeelle genutzt werden, sondern auch im stationären Betrieb derFuel cell is operated in the low power range, where it generates little waste heat and the heat loss at the heat sink or the heat sinks is large, for example at low outside temperatures. In the described operating mode, the heating device can be used not only for preheating the fuel cell, but also in the stationary operation of the
Brennstoffzelle, wo sie eine Abkühlung der Betriebstemperatur der Brennstoffeelle unter den Minimalwert des idealen Temperaturbereichs der Brennstoffzelle entgegenwirken kann. Dies kann sowohl bei Systemen mit und ohne Wärmesenke notwendig sein, wenn die Brennstoffeelle bei niedriger Leistungsabgabe betrieben wird und die Außentemperaturen extrem niedrig sind.Fuel cell, where it can counteract a cooling of the operating temperature of the fuel cell below the minimum value of the ideal temperature range of the fuel cell. This can be necessary for systems with and without a heat sink if the fuel cell is operated at a low power output and the outside temperatures are extremely low.
Gemäß dem zweiten Aspekt der vorliegenden Erfindung wird ein Brennstoffzellensystem bereitgestellt, mit wenigstens einer Brennstoffzelle und mit einer wie vorstehend beschriebenen erfindungsgemäßen Anordnung zum Beheizen/Kühlen der Brennstoffzelle. Zu den Vorteilen, Effekten, Wirkungen und der Funktionsweise des Brennstoffeellensystems wird auf die vorstehenden Ausführungen zur erfindungsgemäßen Anordnung zum Beheizen/Kühlen der Brennstoffeelle vollinhaltlich Bezug genommen und hiermit verwiesen.According to the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fuel cell system with at least one fuel cell and with an arrangement according to the invention as described above for heating / cooling the fuel cell. The advantages, effects, effects and the Operation of the fuel cell system is referred to in full and referred to the above statements regarding the arrangement according to the invention for heating / cooling the fuel cell.
Vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungsformen des Brennstoffzellensystems ergeben sich aus denAdvantageous embodiments of the fuel cell system result from the
Unteransprüchen.Dependent claims.
Vorzugsweise kann die Heizeinrichtung mit einer Zuleitung für den Brennstoff für die Brennstoffzelle verbunden sein. Dadurch kann die Heizeinrichtung, wenn diese als Brenner ausgebildet ist, aus einem Teilstrom des Brennstoffs der Brennstoffeelle betrieben werden.The heating device can preferably be connected to a supply line for the fuel for the fuel cell. As a result, the heating device, if it is designed as a burner, can be operated from a partial flow of the fuel of the fuel cell.
In weiterer Ausgestaltung kann die Heizeinrichtung mit einer Anordnung zum Erzeugen/Aufbereiten des Brennstoffs für die Brennstoffzelle verbunden sein. In dieser Ausgestaltung kann eine als Brenner ausgebildete Heizeinrichtung direkt mit solchen Stoffen betrieben werden, aus denen der Brennstoff für die Brennstoffzelle erzeugt beziehungsweise aufbereitet wird.In a further embodiment, the heating device can be connected to an arrangement for generating / processing the fuel for the fuel cell. In this embodiment, a heating device designed as a burner can be operated directly with substances from which the fuel for the fuel cell is produced or processed.
In anderer Ausgestaltung kann die Heizeinrichtung mit einer Ableitung für den Brennstoff und/oder der Ableitung für das Oxidationsmittel aus der Brennstoffeelle verbunden sein. Üblicherweise sind die aus der Brennstoffzelle austretenden Abgasströme heiß, so daß diese Wärme zur Erwärmung des Heiz-/ Kühlmediums innerhalb der Strömungsleitung verwendet werden kann.In another embodiment, the heating device can be connected to a derivation for the fuel and / or a derivation for the oxidizing agent from the fuel cell. The exhaust gas flows emerging from the fuel cell are usually hot, so that this heat can be used to heat the heating / cooling medium within the flow line.
In weiterer Ausgestaltung kann das Brennstoffeellensystem zwei oder mehrIn a further embodiment, the fuel cell system can have two or more
Brennstoffeellen aufweisen. Üblicherweise werden in einem Brennstoffeellensystem mehr als zwei Brennstoffzellen verwendet, die dann einen sogenannten Brennstoffzellenstack bilden. Die Anzahl der in einem solchen Brennstoffeellenstack zusammengefaßten Brennstoffeellen ergibt sich aus den Leistungsanforderungen an das Brennstoffeellensystem.Have fuel cells. Usually more than two fuel cells are used in a fuel cell system, which then form a so-called fuel cell stack. The number of fuel cells combined in such a fuel cell stack results from the performance requirements for the fuel cell system.
Vorteilhaft kann eine wie vorstehend beschriebene erfindungsgemäße Anordnung zum Beheizen/Kühlen einer Brennstoffzelle in einem oder für ein Fahrzeug verwendet werden. Weiterhin kann auch ein wie vorstehend beschriebenes erfindungsgemäßes Brennstoffeellensystem vorzugsweise in einem oder für ein Fahrzeug verwendet werden.An arrangement according to the invention as described above for heating / cooling a fuel cell in or for a vehicle can advantageously be used. Furthermore, a fuel cell system according to the invention as described above can also preferably be used in or for a vehicle.
Auf Grund der rasanten Entwicklung der Brennstoffeellentechnologie imDue to the rapid development of fuel cell technology in the
Fahrzeugsektor bieten sich für die Erfindung auf diesem Gebiet besonders gute Einsatzmöglichkeiten. Dennoch sind auch andere Einsatzmöglichkeiten denkbar. Zu nennen sind hier beispielsweise Brennstoffzellen für mobile Geräte wie Computer oder dergleichen bis hin zu Kraftwerksanlagen. Hier eignet sich die Brennstoffzeileπtechnik besonders für die dezentrale Energieversorgung von Häusern, Industrieanlagen oder dergleichen.The vehicle sector offers particularly good possible uses for the invention in this field. However, other possible uses are also conceivable. Examples include fuel cells for mobile devices such as computers or the like, right up to power plants. Here, the fuel line technology is particularly suitable for the decentralized energy supply of houses, industrial plants or the like.
In bevorzugter Weise wird die vorliegende Erfindung in Verbindung mit Brennstoffzellen mit Polymermembranen (PEM) verwendet. Diese Brennstoffeellen haben einen hohen elektrischen Wirkungsgrad, verursachen nur minimale Emissionen, weisen ein optimales Teillastverhalten auf und sind im wesentlichen frei von mechanischem Verschleiß.The present invention is preferably used in connection with fuel cells with polymer membranes (PEM). These fuel cells have a high electrical efficiency, cause only minimal emissions, have an optimal part-load behavior and are essentially free of mechanical wear.
Die Erfindung wird nun auf exemplarische Weise an Hand eines Ausführungsbeispiels unter Bezugnahme auf die beiliegende Zeichnung näher erläutert. Es zeigt die einzigeThe invention will now be explained in more detail using an exemplary embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings. It shows the only one
Figur in schematischer Ansicht ein erfindungsgemäßes Brennstoffeellensystem.Figure shows a schematic view of a fuel cell system according to the invention.
In der Figur ist ein Brennstoffeellensystem 10 für ein Fahrzeug dargestellt, das eine Reihe von Brennstoffeellen 11 aufweist, die zu einem Brennstoffeellenstack zusammengefaßt sind. Der besseren Übersicht halber ist in der Figur nur eine einzigeThe figure shows a fuel cell system 10 for a vehicle, which has a number of fuel cells 11, which are combined to form a fuel cell stack. For the sake of clarity, there is only one in the figure
Brennstoffeelle 11 dargestellt.Fuel cell 11 shown.
Weiterhin ist eine Anordnung 20 zum Beheizen/Kühlen der Brennstoffeelle 1 1 vorgesehen. Die Anordnung 20 weist eine als geschlossener Heiz-/Kühlkreislauf 22 ausgebildete Strömungsleitung 21 auf, die von einem flüssigen Heiz-/ Kühlmedium, beispielsweise Wasser, öl oder dergleichen, durchströmt wird. Zum Beheizen/Kühlen der Brennstoffzelle 11 ist ein Teil der Strömungsleitung 21 derart mit der Brennstoffeelle 11 verbunden, daß ein thermischer Austausch zwischen der Brennstoffzelle 11 und dem Heiz-/Kühlmedium in der Strömungsleitung 21 stattfindet oder stattfinden kann. Dazu ist die Brennstoffeelle 11 von einem Teilbereich der Strömungsleitung 21 durchsetzt. In diesem Teilbereich ist die Strömungsleitung 21 vorzugsweise als Rohrschlange ausgebildet.Furthermore, an arrangement 20 for heating / cooling the fuel cell 11 is provided. The arrangement 20 has a flow line 21 designed as a closed heating / cooling circuit 22, through which a liquid heating / cooling medium, for example water, oil or the like, flows. For heating / cooling the fuel cell 11, part of the flow line 21 is connected to the fuel cell 11 in such a way that a thermal exchange between the fuel cell 11 and the heating / cooling medium takes place or can take place in the flow line 21. For this purpose, the fuel cell 11 is part of the Flow line 21 passes through. In this partial area, the flow line 21 is preferably designed as a coil.
In der Strömungsleitung 21 ist weiterhin eine als Pumpe ausgebildete Fördereinrichtung 24 vorgesehen, über die die Strömungsgeschwindigkeit des Heiz-/In the flow line 21, a pump device 24 is also provided, via which the flow rate of the heating /
Kühlmediums eingestellt und reguliert wird.Cooling medium is set and regulated.
Weiterhin ist eine als luftgekühlter Kühler ausgebildete Wärmesenke 25 vorgesehen, die über ein Drei-Wege-Ventil 26 mit der Strömungsleitung 21 verbunden ist. Zur Umgehung der Wärmesenke 25 ist weiterhin eine Bypass-Leitung 27 vorgesehen, die mit dem Ventil 26 und der Strömungsleitung 21 verbunden ist.Furthermore, a heat sink 25 designed as an air-cooled cooler is provided, which is connected to the flow line 21 via a three-way valve 26. To bypass the heat sink 25, a bypass line 27 is also provided, which is connected to the valve 26 and the flow line 21.
Schließlich ist in der Strömungsleitung 21 noch eine weitere Wärmesenke 28 vorgesehen, die wie die Wärmesenke 25 als indirekter Wärmetauscher ausgebildet ist und beispielsweise zur Klimatisierung der Fahrgastzelle des Fahrzeugs (nicht dargestellt) verwendet wird, in dem die Brennstoffeelle 11 eingebaut ist.Finally, a further heat sink 28 is provided in the flow line 21, which, like the heat sink 25, is designed as an indirect heat exchanger and is used, for example, for air conditioning the passenger compartment of the vehicle (not shown) in which the fuel cell 11 is installed.
Nachfolgend wird nun die Funktionsweise des Brennstoffeellensystems 10 beschrieben.The mode of operation of the fuel cell system 10 will now be described below.
Wenn das Brennstoffeellensystem 10 zum Betreiben eines Fahrzeugs verwendet wird, ist es wünschenswert, daß das Brennstoffeellensystem 10 direkt nach dem Start des Fahrzeugs eine ausreichende Leistung bereitstellt, damit das Fahrzeug betrieben werden kann. Dazu ist es erforderlich, daß die Brennstoffeelle 1 1 möglichst schnell auf die ideale Betriebstemperatur, die bei einer PEM-Brennstoffeelle zwischen 60° C undWhen the fuel cell system 10 is used to operate a vehicle, it is desirable that the fuel cell system 10 provide sufficient power immediately after the vehicle is started to operate the vehicle. For this it is necessary that the fuel cell 1 1 as quickly as possible to the ideal operating temperature, which in the case of a PEM fuel cell is between 60 ° C. and
90° C liegt, gebracht wird. Um dies zu erreichen, wird eine in der Strömungsleitung 21 angeordnete Heizeinrichtung 23, die beispielsweise als katalytischer Brenner ausgebildet ist, betätigt. Über den Heiz-/Kühlkreislauf 22 wird die von der Heizeinrichtung 23 auf das Heiz-/Kühlmedium übertragene Wärme durch die Strömungsleitung 21 zur Brennstoffzelle 1 1 transportiert und dort an diese abgegeben.90 ° C is brought. In order to achieve this, a heating device 23 arranged in the flow line 21, which is designed, for example, as a catalytic burner, is actuated. Via the heating / cooling circuit 22, the heat transferred from the heating device 23 to the heating / cooling medium is transported through the flow line 21 to the fuel cell 11 and is released there to the fuel cell.
Somit wird die Brennstoffzelle 1 1 über die Heizeinrichtung 23 vorgeheizt und beschleunigt auf die ideale Betriebstemperatur gebracht.The fuel cell 11 is thus preheated via the heating device 23 and accelerated to the ideal operating temperature.
Um die von der Heizeinrichtung 23 erzeugte Wärme nicht an die Wärmesenke 25 abzugeben, ist das Ventil 26 in der Startphase der Brennstoffzelle 1 1 so geschaltet, daß das Heiz-/Kühlmedium über die Bypass-Leitung 27 an der Wärmesenke 25 vorbeigeleitet wird. Entsprechendes kann auch für die Wärmesenke 28 vorgesehen sein.In order not to give off the heat generated by the heating device 23 to the heat sink 25, the valve 26 is switched in the starting phase of the fuel cell 11 in such a way that that the heating / cooling medium is conducted past the heat sink 25 via the bypass line 27. The same can also be provided for the heat sink 28.
Im eingeschwungenen Betrieb der Brennstoffeelle 11 bei Nenntemperatur muß die in der Brennstoffeelle 11 erzeugte Verlustwärme abgeführt werden. Dies geschieht über das die Strömungsleitung 21 durchströmende Heiz-/ Kühlmedium. Dazu wird die in der Brennstoffeelle 11 erzeugte Verlustwärme auf das sich im Heiz-/Kühlkreislauf 22 zirkulierende Heiz-/Kühlmedium übertragen. Diese vom Heiz-/Kühlmedium mitgeführte Wärme kann nunmehr auf die Wärmesenke 25, die im vorliegenden Fall als luftgekühlter Kühler ausgebildet ist, übertragen werden. Dazu wird zunächst das Ventil 26 derart umgeschaltet, daß die Bypass-Leitung 27 gesperrt ist und das Heiz- /Kühlmedium nunmehr durch die Wärmesenke 25 hindurchströmt. Die Wärmesenke 25 nimmt die im Heiz-/Kühlmedium gespeicherte Wärme auf und gibt diese an die Umgebungsluft ab. Wenn sich die Brennstoffzelle 1 1 im eingeschwuπgenen Zustand befindet und die Verlustwärme über das Heiz-/Kühlmedium aus der Brennstoffzelle 1 1 abgeführt wird, wird die Heizeinrichtung 23 in der Regel abgeschaltet, um eine zusätzliche Erwärmung des Heiz-/Kühlmediums und unnötigen Energieverbrauch zu verhindern.During steady-state operation of the fuel cell 11 at nominal temperature, the heat loss generated in the fuel cell 11 must be dissipated. This is done via the heating / cooling medium flowing through the flow line 21. For this purpose, the heat loss generated in the fuel cell 11 is transferred to the heating / cooling medium circulating in the heating / cooling circuit 22. This heat carried by the heating / cooling medium can now be transferred to the heat sink 25, which in the present case is designed as an air-cooled cooler. For this purpose, the valve 26 is first switched over in such a way that the bypass line 27 is blocked and the heating / cooling medium now flows through the heat sink 25. The heat sink 25 absorbs the heat stored in the heating / cooling medium and releases it to the ambient air. When the fuel cell 11 is in the swung-in state and the heat loss is removed from the fuel cell 11 via the heating / cooling medium, the heating device 23 is generally switched off in order to prevent additional heating of the heating / cooling medium and unnecessary energy consumption ,
Wenn die Brennstoffeelle 11 beispielsweise nur im niedrigen Leistungsbereich betrieben wird, wo sie nur wenig Abwärme erzeugt, und wenn die Wärmeabnahme an der weiteren Wärmesenke 28, die als reguläre Heizung für die Fahrgastzelle dient, etwa auf Grund von niedrigen Außentemperaturen besonders hoch ist, kann die Heizeinrichtung 23 als Zusatzheizung oder aber auch als Standheizung für dieIf the fuel cell 11 is operated, for example, only in the low power range, where it generates only a little waste heat, and if the heat removal at the further heat sink 28, which serves as regular heating for the passenger cell, is particularly high, for example due to low outside temperatures, that can Heating device 23 as an additional heater or as an auxiliary heater for the
Fahrgastzelle genutzt werden. Über die Heizeinrichtung 23 wird das Heiz-/ Kühlmedium in der Strömungsleituπg 21 , das bereits die geringe Abwärme aus der Brennstoffeelle 1 1 aufgenommen hat, weiter erwärmt, so daß ein ausreichendes Wärmepotential im Heiz-/ Kühlmedium erzeugt wird, das an die Wärmesenke 28 abgegeben werden kann. Zweckmäßigerweise wird über eine entsprechendePassenger cell can be used. Via the heating device 23, the heating / cooling medium in the flow conduit 21, which has already taken up the small waste heat from the fuel cell 11, is further heated, so that a sufficient heat potential is generated in the heating / cooling medium, which is released to the heat sink 28 can be. Appropriately, a corresponding
Betätigung des Ventils 26 der Strom des Heiz-/Kühlmediums zur Vermeidung unerwünschter Wärmeverluste dann über die Bypass-Leitung 27 an der Wärmesenke 25 vorbeigeleitet. In Betriebsphasen, in denn die Brennstoffeelle 1 1 zwar für den Bedarf der Wärmesenke 28 ausreichend, aber für die normale Kühlleistung der Wärmesenke 25 zu wenig Wärme liefert, kann das Ventil 26 so geschaltet werden, daß zur Vermeidung einer zu starken Temperaturabsenkung das Heiz-/Kühlmedium zeitweilig oder nur mit einem Teilstrom über die Bypass-Leitung 27 geführt wird.Actuation of the valve 26 of the flow of the heating / cooling medium to avoid undesirable heat losses then bypassed the heat sink 25 via the bypass line 27. In operating phases in which the fuel cell 11 is sufficient for the heat sink 28, but does not provide enough heat for the normal cooling capacity of the heat sink 25, the valve 26 can be switched in such a way that that the heating / cooling medium is passed temporarily or only with a partial flow via the bypass line 27 to avoid an excessive drop in temperature.
Die Heizeinrichtung 23 kann nicht nur zum Vorheizen des Brennstoffeellensystems 10 genutzt werden, sondern ist auch im stationären Betrieb. des Brennstoffeellensystems 10 nützlich, weil sie bei geringer elektrischer Leistung einer Absenkung der Betriebstemperatur der Brennstoffeelle 11 unter den Minimalwert des idealen Temperaturbereichs entgegenwirken kann. The heating device 23 can not only be used for preheating the fuel cell system 10, but is also in stationary operation. of the fuel cell system 10 is useful because, at low electrical power, it can counteract a lowering of the operating temperature of the fuel cell 11 below the minimum value of the ideal temperature range.
BezugszeichenlisteLIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS
10 = Brennstoffeellensystem 11 = Brennstoffzelle10 = fuel cell system 11 = fuel cell
20 = Anordnung zum Beheizen/Kühlen einer Brennstoffeelle20 = arrangement for heating / cooling a fuel cell
21 = Strömungsleitung21 = flow line
22 = Heiz-/Kühlkreislauf 23 = Heizeinrichtung22 = heating / cooling circuit 23 = heating device
24 = Fördereinrichtung24 = conveyor
25 = Wärmesenke25 = heat sink
26 = Ventil26 = valve
27 = Bypass-Leitung 28 = Wärmesenke 27 = bypass line 28 = heat sink

Claims

Patentansprüche: claims:
1. Anordnung zum Beheizen/Kühlen einer Brennstoffzelle, mit einer Strömungsleitung (21) für ein Heiz-/Kühlmedium, die derart mit der i Brennstoffeelle (11) verbunden oder verbindbar ist, daß ein thermischer1. Arrangement for heating / cooling a fuel cell, with a flow line (21) for a heating / cooling medium, which is connected or connectable to the fuel element (11) in such a way that a thermal
Austausch zwischen der Brennstoffeelle (1 1) und dem Heiz-/Kühimedium in der Strömungsleitung (21) stattfindet oder stattfinden kann und mit einer Heizeinrichtung (23), die mit der Brennstoffzelle (11) thermisch verbunden oder verbindbar ist.Exchange between the fuel cell (1 1) and the heating / cooling medium in the flow line (21) takes place or can take place and with a heating device (23) which is thermally connected or connectable to the fuel cell (11).
2. Anordnung nach Anspruch 1 , dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Heizeinrichtung (23) als Brenner oder elektrisches Heizelement ausgebildet ist.2. Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the heating device (23) is designed as a burner or electrical heating element.
3. Anordnung nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Strömungsleitung (21) als geschlossener Heiz-/ Kühlkreislauf (22) ausgebildet ist.3. Arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the flow line (21) is designed as a closed heating / cooling circuit (22).
4. Anordnung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Heizeinrichtuπg (23) in der Strömungsleitung (21) angeordnet ist.4. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the heating device (23) is arranged in the flow line (21).
5. Anordnung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß in der Strömungsleitung (21) eine Fördereinrichtung (24) für das Heiz- /Kühlmedium angeordnet ist.5. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a conveyor (24) for the heating / cooling medium is arranged in the flow line (21).
6. Anordnung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß in der Strömungsleitung (21) eine Wärmesenke (25) angeordnet ist.6. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a heat sink (25) is arranged in the flow line (21).
7. Anordnung nach Anspruch 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Wärmesenke (25) über ein Ventil (26), insbesondere ein Drei-Wege- Ventil, mit der Strömungsleitung (21) verbunden ist.7. Arrangement according to claim 6, characterized in that the heat sink (25) via a valve (26), in particular a three-way valve, is connected to the flow line (21).
8. Anordnung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß in der Strömungsleitung (21) eine weitere Wärmesenke (28) vorgesehen ist.8. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a further heat sink (28) is provided in the flow line (21).
9. Brennstoffeellensystem, mit wenigstens einer Brennstoffzelle (11) und mit einer Anordnung (20) zum Beheizen/Kühlen der Brennstoffzelle nach einem der9. Fuel cell system with at least one fuel cell (11) and with an arrangement (20) for heating / cooling the fuel cell according to one of the
Ansprüche 1 bis 8.Claims 1 to 8.
10. Brennstoffeellensystem nach Anspruch 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Heizeinrichtung (23) mit einer Zuleitung für den Brennstoff für die10. Fuel cell system according to claim 9, characterized in that the heating device (23) with a feed line for the fuel for the
Brennstoffzelle verbunden ist.Fuel cell is connected.
1 1. Brennstoffeellensystem nach Anspruch 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Heizeinrichtung (23) mit einer Anordnung zum Erzeugen/Aufbereiten des Brennstoffs für die Brennstoffeelle verbunden ist.1 1. Fuel cell system according to claim 9, characterized in that the heating device (23) is connected to an arrangement for generating / processing the fuel for the fuel cell.
12. Brennstoffeellensystem nach Anspruch 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Brennstoffeelle (1 1 ) eine Ableitung für den Brennstoff und eine12. Fuel cell system according to claim 9, characterized in that the fuel cell (1 1) a derivative for the fuel and a
Ableitung für das Oxidationsmittel aufweist und daß die Heizeinrichtung (23) mit der Ableitung für den Brennstoff und/oder der Ableitung für das Oxidationsmittel verbunden ist.Has discharge line for the oxidizing agent and that the heating device (23) is connected to the discharge line for the fuel and / or the discharge line for the oxidizing agent.
13. Brennstoffeellensystem nach einem der Ansprüche 9 bis 12, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß zwei oder mehr Brennstoffeellen (1 1 ) vorgesehen sind.13. Fuel cell system according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that two or more fuel cells (1 1) are provided.
14. Verwendung einer Anordnung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8 zum Beheizen/Kühlen einer Brennstoffzelle in einem oder für ein Fahrzeug. 14. Use of an arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 8 for heating / cooling a fuel cell in or for a vehicle.
5. Verwendung eines Brennstoffeellensystems nach einem der Ansprüche 9 bis 13 in einem oder für ein Fahrzeug. 5. Use of a fuel cell system according to one of claims 9 to 13 in or for a vehicle.
PCT/DE2000/002155 1999-07-01 2000-06-30 Device for heating/cooling a fuel cell and fuel cell system WO2001003216A1 (en)

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DE19931062A DE19931062B4 (en) 1999-07-01 1999-07-01 Arrangement for heating / cooling a fuel cell and fuel cell system and their use

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