CA2230491A1 - Fuel cell with improved water-removal system - Google Patents
Fuel cell with improved water-removal system Download PDFInfo
- 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
Links
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
- H01M8/04082—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration
- H01M8/04089—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants
- H01M8/04119—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants with simultaneous supply or evacuation of electrolyte; Humidifying or dehumidifying
- H01M8/04156—Arrangements 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
-
- 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
-
- 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
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.
~,~ ,,. ~,,.,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)
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.
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).
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE19531852.8 | 1995-08-30 | ||
| DE19531852A DE19531852C1 (en) | 1995-08-30 | 1995-08-30 | Fuel cell with drainage system for water or steam |
| 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)
| 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 |
Family Cites Families (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3002039A (en) * | 1957-05-03 | 1961-09-26 | Nat Res Dev | Electrical batteries |
| US3522095A (en) * | 1965-01-14 | 1970-07-28 | Gen Electric | Laminar membrane fuel cells and processes for their manufacture |
| GB1150282A (en) * | 1965-05-07 | 1969-04-30 | Energy Conversion Ltd | Improvements relating to Fuel Cells. |
| JPS49121938A (en) * | 1973-03-30 | 1974-11-21 | ||
| JPS57196479A (en) * | 1981-05-27 | 1982-12-02 | Nissan Motor Co Ltd | Liquid fuel cell |
| JPS61128473A (en) * | 1984-11-28 | 1986-06-16 | Hitachi Ltd | Deaerator of water recovery line in a fuel cell system |
| US4826741A (en) * | 1987-06-02 | 1989-05-02 | Ergenics Power Systems, Inc. | Ion exchange fuel cell assembly with improved water and thermal management |
| DE4027655C1 (en) * | 1990-08-31 | 1991-10-31 | Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft Zur Foerderung Der Angewandten Forschung E.V., 8000 Muenchen, De | |
| US5366818A (en) * | 1991-01-15 | 1994-11-22 | Ballard Power Systems Inc. | Solid polymer fuel cell systems incorporating water removal at the anode |
| JPH04264365A (en) * | 1991-02-19 | 1992-09-21 | Fuji Electric Co Ltd | Reaction gas piping structure for fuel cell |
| EP0596366B1 (en) * | 1992-11-05 | 1997-04-23 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Method and device for removing water and inert gases from a fuel-cell battery |
-
1995
- 1995-08-30 DE DE19531852A patent/DE19531852C1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1996
- 1996-08-22 EP EP96934372A patent/EP0847601B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1996-08-22 DE DE59604314T patent/DE59604314D1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1996-08-22 ES ES96934372T patent/ES2142093T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1996-08-22 WO PCT/DE1996/001571 patent/WO1997008767A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1996-08-22 CA CA002230491A patent/CA2230491A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0847601B1 (en) | 2000-01-26 |
| WO1997008767A1 (en) | 1997-03-06 |
| EP0847601A1 (en) | 1998-06-17 |
| ES2142093T3 (en) | 2000-04-01 |
| DE19531852C1 (en) | 1996-12-19 |
| DE59604314D1 (en) | 2000-03-02 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |