CA2331713A1 - Pem fuel cell and method for operating a pem fuel cell system with liquid wetting and/or cooling - Google Patents
Pem fuel cell and method for operating a pem fuel cell system with liquid wetting and/or cooling Download PDFInfo
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- CA2331713A1 CA2331713A1 CA002331713A CA2331713A CA2331713A1 CA 2331713 A1 CA2331713 A1 CA 2331713A1 CA 002331713 A CA002331713 A CA 002331713A CA 2331713 A CA2331713 A CA 2331713A CA 2331713 A1 CA2331713 A1 CA 2331713A1
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- fuel cell
- liquid
- cooling
- fuel
- process gas
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-
- 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
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
- B60L58/00—Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles
- B60L58/30—Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for monitoring or controlling fuel cells
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
- B60L58/00—Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles
- B60L58/30—Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for monitoring or controlling fuel cells
- B60L58/32—Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for monitoring or controlling fuel cells for controlling the temperature of fuel cells, e.g. by controlling the electric load
- B60L58/33—Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for monitoring or controlling fuel cells for controlling the temperature of fuel cells, e.g. by controlling the electric load by cooling
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
- B60L58/00—Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles
- B60L58/30—Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for monitoring or controlling fuel cells
- B60L58/32—Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for monitoring or controlling fuel cells for controlling the temperature of fuel cells, e.g. by controlling the electric load
- B60L58/34—Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for monitoring or controlling fuel cells for controlling the temperature of fuel cells, e.g. by controlling the electric load by heating
-
- 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
- H01M8/02—Details
- H01M8/0202—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors
-
- 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
- H01M8/04067—Heat exchange or temperature measuring elements, thermal insulation, e.g. heat pipes, heat pumps, fins
- H01M8/04074—Heat exchange unit structures specially adapted for fuel cell
-
- 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
- H01M8/10—Fuel cells with solid electrolytes
- H01M8/1007—Fuel cells with solid electrolytes with both reactants being gaseous or vaporised
-
- 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
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Sustainable Development (AREA)
- Sustainable Energy (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Power Engineering (AREA)
- Fuel Cell (AREA)
- Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Electrochemistry (AREA)
- General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Manufacture Of Porous Articles, And Recovery And Treatment Of Waste Products (AREA)
Abstract
The invention relates to a PEM (polymer electrolyte membrane) fuel cell (BZ) with a novel humidification and cooling system. The inventive fuel cell consists of a membrane-electrode unit (ME) and at least one separator with structured channels. A liquid or a foam is added to the stream of fuel and/or the stream of oxidant for humidification and/or cooling.
Description
i RCV BY : 900-55 METCALFE : 11- 10- 0 : 6 : 56Ab1 : +49 9131 7J48Ei'7--~ : # 3 1CJ-IYUV 1C~JJ rf~ VUIV.L1 rI1 L JyGil CfCL TZ, >yJy IJ~f~7Ul rllV.py.JGJCO°T"IYJ JClIC.CIJ
06-NOIJ-2900 12:57 FROM Ta 900499131731405 P.02 Description PEM fuaJ, cell and method for cperati:ng a PEM fuel Cell system with liquid wetting ardor cooling The inventors relates to a ~~olymar electrolyte membrane iPEM) fv.el cell with a no,;rel wetaing and/or coolinr~ s~~stem w.'.~.i~h comprises a .rne~ran~e ~e' pctrades (MEE~n t and at .east one separator having structural chancels.
EP 0 ?4~ X93 has disclosed a fuel cell w~.th anode-side wett5.t~g w.ti7 ':.squid water in which a bubblelr made from a sintered metal tcolumn 6, lutes 4--5 i , which extends over the ~antire length of the fuv~. a~upply channel ~P ig. 4) , is used to prod.~:ce ~ ~. c~~s-~.iquid mixture which is passed thxough the anode space. A
drawback of t.hi.: -uel cell is t:he restriction t.4 anode°s:.de wetti:~g and the campie:x design of tY:~e bubbler, which has an adverse effect an the volume, t~~e weight and, not :Least, also the production costs or true fuel cell- This design is there fare disadvantag~:ous i.n particular for mobiJ.e use of trre 1?EM fuel veil.
The ob~eca of the invention is t.o prav~,de a ~Euey :el? etaC:k wi'~h :squid a:~t~de-side and/c>r cathode-side wetti:~g and/or caoivng. Tree i:~ter.ticm being .hat the design is to combine a lcw weight and a smala volurns With reauced production posts.
The sub.j ect matter of th~~ invention i s a polymer electrc~7.,yze membxane (FEM? fuel ctl,l stack, which comprises ~:he following elements:
- two supply and removal channe~.s for the proce:>s gases, - a start plate and ar. erid p7.ate, and -- at least tw~~ fuel cel units, which each comprise;
- a me:nbrane/niectrodes (t~E: unit, f~,_,~....,"rt_ ..--.._....~,_....r-~.--._.,., RCV 33Y : 900-55 YiETCALFE: 1 1-10- : g : +4g 9131 734867 0 56,~,y :
; # 4 lYJ IVUV 1G.,.7T f'iC L JlCi'I TT7 71J1IJ"'OC71 1'1lY.OlJCJGOT~CJ JC:11C.CJ~
VUIV.LI ..":'t GI-C(_.
06-NOh-2000 12:5? FRGt" TO 9fd049913173141a6 P.03 GR 9B P $~40 --. a separator k~aving structural s~hannelr3 ~~ahicri are applied to both s=_des and are cannel~ted to the supply and removal charAnse3.s far the process gases, - the supply c~h.annel "or the guel andfar th.e gupp':.y S channel for the oxidant additionally being connected to a liqLid reservcsir. The invention also re3.ates Go 8 method for operating a fuel. c~rll aystam, in which at least one prc~ces:3 gas ~ stream i~ w~ettnd anc~l4r coo~.ed try bringing together a liquid and the process gas ~ttreatm to and/or by passing the process ga3 8trear~ through a 3.i.quid.
Advantageous configurations of the invention will, emerge fic~; the sul~ claims and t:he dest:ript-an.
In an advantageous conf:Lgurati«n of the 15 invention, the structural channels are of meandering form. This configuration is 'aced for the optimum distribution of the liquid it the reaction gas spa~~e and is t!~erefr~re employed in pa a;ticulal: for sma:Ll amounts of liquid if the ratio of process gas to iigu:id 20 in the prcscess gas/liquid mixture is high, i.e. if the=a is fundar~ent311y more gas than liquid.
In this canfigurst~.on of the inve:ntic~n, iC is additiona~..y advantageous to arrange a roo? ing and contact p'.at: adiacer.t to the sepa~:atar, so that, for 25 exare~pi.e in mabila applicat~.ons, tha a.~.rs~txeatn can be used for air cooling of tre fuel cell.
The lia,;uid which is used according to the invention may also be a foam, since the liqusd tied is preferably water with an addition such as a 30 foam-forming agent, so that brir~gincx the process gas together with tr.e liquid te.g. water With an addition of s5jrfactant;- or by passing the process gexs through ~t surfactant-conta.iriing liquid immediately before the liquid enters the foal cell stack, a foam is formed 35 which contains the process gas anc9 is passed throL;gh the fuel cell s~:ack. The ratio of li.c~uid i2CV f.?Y : 900=55 bIETCALFE : 11 - ~0- 0 : ~ : ~~_yy1 : +49 9.:31 7:348Ei i~
: # 5 lt=J-IYUV 1C. JT f't~ VUI Y. L.I f-n t J1CI'1 CI~.L 'rR.7 ~yJl I J"tL0 I nIY.
D1JCJC::1'TRI~J :JC1 I C. CJJ
06-N~tJ-2H00 12:59 FROM f0 90a499131~3?406 P.04 GR 98 P 8Ct~0 - 3 -to process gas _~r_ the foam phase a.s detwrmined by the amount and properties of the lurf:~ctant used ,and ~:ne gas pressure and can thus be ~rarie<~ ~rit~si~x wide limits withauC complex conCrol of the liquid metering be.ng required. Neve::theless, controlled r~eteririg is a~'.so poss_Dle, .for s~c.~mpl a if the liquid and the process gas frc~r~ two lins5v with merer:.rr values flew together before they era prt$sed into the fue3, ~~i? steak.
Ort the other hand, accordi,c~g to the invent3.on 14 i,t is also pQS:~ib~.e for only water or another 7.iq~~id without any add_Ltions to be used fo~~ the wetting andiox for t~:e cooling. In this cas~, it is possible to se~.s:ct a liquid with plarticular surface p~_~operties, dependi.:~g on the planned ~:ppli.Catiors.
25 '3'he liquid reservai.x may, for example, be a tank or simply t~ (water? Iir.e Wh3Gh,1 if appropriate, is equipped with a me~terir~g valve for the addi tiori oi~ the foam-forming agent or a coyrespon,d,ing fe~dline. Tk~e liquid is prafe:rably :.ntroduoed at room temperature or 2p a temperature of between ~°C and 8°C.
~ furt:mr configuration ~cF the method is wetting with :,ergs amounts of liquid and; cr f, am, i , e, if the ratio t~i* process gas to liquidlfoam in the process gas/liquj,d mixture is .low, i..e. gas bubbles are 25 practically dispersed is the liquid,, in which case the liquid may than also be sufficient: to COOL tI~,e fuel cell, system. 1.'he possibility clf also prOVidi;ng additional air ~:cao:~ing is.g. for Qutput p~:aks) is also rot ruled Out .
In bne embofimer~t ref the method, the waste heat from the coo:.an~t can be utill~ed via a suitable heat exchs.rc~er ir_~ such a gray that, ~'or example i.r. mcbi;~,e appl.ic$tions, i,_ ws possible to heat the passerg~-r compartment.
RCV BY:900-55 hIETCALFE :1i-10- 0 : 6:57A19 : +49 9:La31 '734136?-~ :~# 6 1'U-IVUV 1G. JT I-f~'. VUIV~ L I x'1'1 L J1G1'1 CW L TZ7 =1J1 I J'fUU t I'fIY.0IJGJCO"tTCJ JCl i G. 'VO
06-NOIt-2~ 1~~58 ~M f0 990499131731d1a6 P.05 CSR 88 ~ 8090 The proccjaa teas stream can easily be brduc~ht together sa~th thl~ liquid by connecting ~twa lines, ~>ut it i.s also possible for the liq~~,d to be sprayed or introduced dxopwise into the process gas stream, rr S vice versa. Rz~y known way of combining a gas phase with a liquid phaac according to the px,~.or art may be used according to the invention.
In this context, all fuel veils with a proton-canductir~g polymer film as electrolyte a,te i0 referred to as 1PEM fuel cells, zt is pra~e~a.b,,t to u$~
nafion polymer films bases! on a pergluorinatad, sulfonated polymcer .
The ME ~~eferred to is the care piece of the P~.M
fuel cell, namely Lhe merr~rane film, whiC:l is 15 appxoxintat2ly J.1 :Clm thick and to both sides of which the 8le~ctrocat,~l.yst,s are applied,. Above t;.e two eleetracatalyst layers are the porous electrodes, ~r.ia which they :ue'- or the exidant is fed to the acti~sre catalyst layer xnd the products (current, heat- and 20 wet:z) era xemov~ed. On the side whi~~h is wetted and/or cooled, aCCOrdirig to the invention, the porclus electrode is hydxe~ph4bzC, thuo pravanti rig flavd.r~g cf the electrode.
AdaaGeat t~ the space around the electrode 25 there is at 3.east one separator. so that in a stack of a plurality of i°uel cells the anode space of one ce~.7, is separated in a gastight manner from the cathoele apace of the adjacent cell. The sepd:~ator is preferably made in such a wear that stacked cel~Ls are alectriCall.y 30 connected in se~:wes. There may be aithpr one or twp separators ;par fuel cell unit . f'uxthesmore:, thez~e are designs in which,, in addition to one or two sepa.tatcxa, in each vase one cooling and contact plate is also arranged for ther_nally, electricall!~ and mechanically 35 connecting the individual fuel cells. A cooling and contact plate of this type is disclosed, ~o= example, in X10 37/0182' A~ .
RCV BY : 9U0-55 61ETCALFE: 11- 10- : 6 : 57:'~1I : 734E3(i'7->
0 +49 8131 ; # T
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'JUI'I L f f r Gf~L i 1-tl'V YJ I
06-N04-200 12:59 FRAM f0 900499131?32406 P.06 GR 5B P $04J
The structuxa~, channels ,~ccarding t.a the invention sxe pzv:ferably stamped in the ma~eriai off' the separator. The se~paratvr is previdef, ot~ boCh sides with structural chan~~els, which may be identical , different on the two sides. In the r~esigrj of the fuel cell in which the structural channes.s are in meand~ria~g form. tire embodiment in which the ;structraral chanz~a:ls are in meandering farm on ~cth s:i.des is preferred.
since thi s is eaaiest try produce. ~ai~tilin th.e cont~axt c~f the invention, j,t is, of course, also co;:aCeivabZe t,d use separators which have >gtruCZSraw, channels attached to them, whwch n,~.y be made from thfa same material as the separators or from a diflsrsnt m,~teria?. An embodiment in which the anode-side ~~txt~Ctuwal channels are in meandering form ana in whiny the cathode-side structural, charnels run parallel tc~ one another is a.~,s~a possible. The fitructural channels ml~y ble flutes"
grooves, round yr polygonal channels. The ,materfa7, u5eci far the separators is that which is ir, wid.espread use ?.0 in the speciali.sz; field, z . e. metal" coated m8ta1 or coatQd plastic.
The term in meandering foam means an irregularly or recrularly bent. end cu;raed shape of the individual channels.
In the pz-~sent case, the slapply and remo~ral channel :nears the axial feet and discharge channel for the reactants or process gases. According to the preferred design of t?~e fuel cell stack, these vertical channels, which e~; tend along the !~e? ght of a stack of fuel cells, during assembly of a fuel celw stack acre formed simply as a result of the stacking of tk~
individual Fuel ee:Cl ;nits with the seE:ls betwoar them, without additicna:~ components such as p~,pe sections tar sockets. Hor~ever, the invention is nor: irttetnded to be restricted try the plreferxerl fuel cell stackx.
RCV BY : 900 -55 iIETCALFE : 11-10 - 0 : 6 : 58.AH : +49 9131 734867--> ; # g 1KJ~-IVUV 1C. JJ f'fC VUI'1. L I rl~l L .>1CI 1 CfCL TZ= 71J1 I J~TOO 1 I-114.01..JGJGO'T-tG! JG1 7 G. CJ0 06-NOU-2000 12:59 FROM TO 900499132?31406 P.8?
GR 98 P 8040 - 5a -The preferred design cf a fu~~ cell stack 3.xsed is the design which i$ known from DE 4~ 42 285, in which avery second separator can be dis~per~sed with, since a layer structure in tha fuel cell stack comprising separator, catrode ~paCe (ccmpr:.s~a catal~r~:t RCV BY:900-55 vIETCALFE :1.7.-LO- d) : 6:58AV1 : +49 91;31 7348~;7~ :## g tCl-IVUV tC~JJ I-IC VUIV.LI f n L J_L~II Cf':'~ T1~ J1,J1 I.:'TOL~I
nIV.C:11.7CJCL7Z'~CJ JClnG~~17 66-NOtJ-20~9 12=59 Fr~OP°l TO 9~0d99131731d0~ F.08 ~~~a peo.~a -s-layer and eleGttode), membrane. anode sp~3ce (comprises catalyst layer and electrode, separaitor, cathode space, lrembrane, etc. is sufficient: twit~-~ a fuel cell uizi" comprisincg a separator, a cathode spaoe, a membran~ and a:n anode space) if the waste rest ~,s discharged togel,her with the liqu.id/ga.s mixture, i. a.
if the wetting aeccrdwnc~ to the invention is also sufLicient ror c:voling.
The term fuel Gail system, is ~3ndexstc~ed .as mean~.ng an arr.-_~ngement w~lich compris~e at ~ east tine fol'~owing ele~ren.ts:
- ac :.~a~t two øuel veil units wY~,ica, t~5gether with ° a stawting plate and ~n end ;slate, form a fue~
cell stac~C, ° a fuel supply line, tahich ~.s coupled to a fuel tank, - an oxidant supply line, which is coupled to ~m axidarit t~snk, &ric~
t"e respective outlet lines .fo.r th~ase media, the fuel supply line and/or the ~:xic~ant supply ~,irm being cc~>~pi~ed to a liquid raservo::.= .
Tho co~zpying between the sub>ply cianne' rs) ~c~r the process gas and the liqufd re;servair and/or tre foam--formiwg agent reservoir may be designed as a simple feedline, such as a T-piece, ar as a v-shaped introduction means with a valve f,~r regulating the amraunt of prccess gas, liquid and/or surfactant.
T;~e pres~:~at irventic~r is designed i.n particular with a view to n~.obile use of the F~u fuel. call , since 3Q it xepressnts a considerable reducticrL in ~gj,g t gn,d volume compared to the prior art and zs suitable fo;~
mass productior.~. However, of"r_er stati.anary application;5 are also possible.
06-NOIJ-2900 12:57 FROM Ta 900499131731405 P.02 Description PEM fuaJ, cell and method for cperati:ng a PEM fuel Cell system with liquid wetting ardor cooling The inventors relates to a ~~olymar electrolyte membrane iPEM) fv.el cell with a no,;rel wetaing and/or coolinr~ s~~stem w.'.~.i~h comprises a .rne~ran~e ~e' pctrades (MEE~n t and at .east one separator having structural chancels.
EP 0 ?4~ X93 has disclosed a fuel cell w~.th anode-side wett5.t~g w.ti7 ':.squid water in which a bubblelr made from a sintered metal tcolumn 6, lutes 4--5 i , which extends over the ~antire length of the fuv~. a~upply channel ~P ig. 4) , is used to prod.~:ce ~ ~. c~~s-~.iquid mixture which is passed thxough the anode space. A
drawback of t.hi.: -uel cell is t:he restriction t.4 anode°s:.de wetti:~g and the campie:x design of tY:~e bubbler, which has an adverse effect an the volume, t~~e weight and, not :Least, also the production costs or true fuel cell- This design is there fare disadvantag~:ous i.n particular for mobiJ.e use of trre 1?EM fuel veil.
The ob~eca of the invention is t.o prav~,de a ~Euey :el? etaC:k wi'~h :squid a:~t~de-side and/c>r cathode-side wetti:~g and/or caoivng. Tree i:~ter.ticm being .hat the design is to combine a lcw weight and a smala volurns With reauced production posts.
The sub.j ect matter of th~~ invention i s a polymer electrc~7.,yze membxane (FEM? fuel ctl,l stack, which comprises ~:he following elements:
- two supply and removal channe~.s for the proce:>s gases, - a start plate and ar. erid p7.ate, and -- at least tw~~ fuel cel units, which each comprise;
- a me:nbrane/niectrodes (t~E: unit, f~,_,~....,"rt_ ..--.._....~,_....r-~.--._.,., RCV 33Y : 900-55 YiETCALFE: 1 1-10- : g : +4g 9131 734867 0 56,~,y :
; # 4 lYJ IVUV 1G.,.7T f'iC L JlCi'I TT7 71J1IJ"'OC71 1'1lY.OlJCJGOT~CJ JC:11C.CJ~
VUIV.LI ..":'t GI-C(_.
06-NOh-2000 12:5? FRGt" TO 9fd049913173141a6 P.03 GR 9B P $~40 --. a separator k~aving structural s~hannelr3 ~~ahicri are applied to both s=_des and are cannel~ted to the supply and removal charAnse3.s far the process gases, - the supply c~h.annel "or the guel andfar th.e gupp':.y S channel for the oxidant additionally being connected to a liqLid reservcsir. The invention also re3.ates Go 8 method for operating a fuel. c~rll aystam, in which at least one prc~ces:3 gas ~ stream i~ w~ettnd anc~l4r coo~.ed try bringing together a liquid and the process gas ~ttreatm to and/or by passing the process ga3 8trear~ through a 3.i.quid.
Advantageous configurations of the invention will, emerge fic~; the sul~ claims and t:he dest:ript-an.
In an advantageous conf:Lgurati«n of the 15 invention, the structural channels are of meandering form. This configuration is 'aced for the optimum distribution of the liquid it the reaction gas spa~~e and is t!~erefr~re employed in pa a;ticulal: for sma:Ll amounts of liquid if the ratio of process gas to iigu:id 20 in the prcscess gas/liquid mixture is high, i.e. if the=a is fundar~ent311y more gas than liquid.
In this canfigurst~.on of the inve:ntic~n, iC is additiona~..y advantageous to arrange a roo? ing and contact p'.at: adiacer.t to the sepa~:atar, so that, for 25 exare~pi.e in mabila applicat~.ons, tha a.~.rs~txeatn can be used for air cooling of tre fuel cell.
The lia,;uid which is used according to the invention may also be a foam, since the liqusd tied is preferably water with an addition such as a 30 foam-forming agent, so that brir~gincx the process gas together with tr.e liquid te.g. water With an addition of s5jrfactant;- or by passing the process gexs through ~t surfactant-conta.iriing liquid immediately before the liquid enters the foal cell stack, a foam is formed 35 which contains the process gas anc9 is passed throL;gh the fuel cell s~:ack. The ratio of li.c~uid i2CV f.?Y : 900=55 bIETCALFE : 11 - ~0- 0 : ~ : ~~_yy1 : +49 9.:31 7:348Ei i~
: # 5 lt=J-IYUV 1C. JT f't~ VUI Y. L.I f-n t J1CI'1 CI~.L 'rR.7 ~yJl I J"tL0 I nIY.
D1JCJC::1'TRI~J :JC1 I C. CJJ
06-N~tJ-2H00 12:59 FROM f0 90a499131~3?406 P.04 GR 98 P 8Ct~0 - 3 -to process gas _~r_ the foam phase a.s detwrmined by the amount and properties of the lurf:~ctant used ,and ~:ne gas pressure and can thus be ~rarie<~ ~rit~si~x wide limits withauC complex conCrol of the liquid metering be.ng required. Neve::theless, controlled r~eteririg is a~'.so poss_Dle, .for s~c.~mpl a if the liquid and the process gas frc~r~ two lins5v with merer:.rr values flew together before they era prt$sed into the fue3, ~~i? steak.
Ort the other hand, accordi,c~g to the invent3.on 14 i,t is also pQS:~ib~.e for only water or another 7.iq~~id without any add_Ltions to be used fo~~ the wetting andiox for t~:e cooling. In this cas~, it is possible to se~.s:ct a liquid with plarticular surface p~_~operties, dependi.:~g on the planned ~:ppli.Catiors.
25 '3'he liquid reservai.x may, for example, be a tank or simply t~ (water? Iir.e Wh3Gh,1 if appropriate, is equipped with a me~terir~g valve for the addi tiori oi~ the foam-forming agent or a coyrespon,d,ing fe~dline. Tk~e liquid is prafe:rably :.ntroduoed at room temperature or 2p a temperature of between ~°C and 8°C.
~ furt:mr configuration ~cF the method is wetting with :,ergs amounts of liquid and; cr f, am, i , e, if the ratio t~i* process gas to liquidlfoam in the process gas/liquj,d mixture is .low, i..e. gas bubbles are 25 practically dispersed is the liquid,, in which case the liquid may than also be sufficient: to COOL tI~,e fuel cell, system. 1.'he possibility clf also prOVidi;ng additional air ~:cao:~ing is.g. for Qutput p~:aks) is also rot ruled Out .
In bne embofimer~t ref the method, the waste heat from the coo:.an~t can be utill~ed via a suitable heat exchs.rc~er ir_~ such a gray that, ~'or example i.r. mcbi;~,e appl.ic$tions, i,_ ws possible to heat the passerg~-r compartment.
RCV BY:900-55 hIETCALFE :1i-10- 0 : 6:57A19 : +49 9:La31 '734136?-~ :~# 6 1'U-IVUV 1G. JT I-f~'. VUIV~ L I x'1'1 L J1G1'1 CW L TZ7 =1J1 I J'fUU t I'fIY.0IJGJCO"tTCJ JCl i G. 'VO
06-NOIt-2~ 1~~58 ~M f0 990499131731d1a6 P.05 CSR 88 ~ 8090 The proccjaa teas stream can easily be brduc~ht together sa~th thl~ liquid by connecting ~twa lines, ~>ut it i.s also possible for the liq~~,d to be sprayed or introduced dxopwise into the process gas stream, rr S vice versa. Rz~y known way of combining a gas phase with a liquid phaac according to the px,~.or art may be used according to the invention.
In this context, all fuel veils with a proton-canductir~g polymer film as electrolyte a,te i0 referred to as 1PEM fuel cells, zt is pra~e~a.b,,t to u$~
nafion polymer films bases! on a pergluorinatad, sulfonated polymcer .
The ME ~~eferred to is the care piece of the P~.M
fuel cell, namely Lhe merr~rane film, whiC:l is 15 appxoxintat2ly J.1 :Clm thick and to both sides of which the 8le~ctrocat,~l.yst,s are applied,. Above t;.e two eleetracatalyst layers are the porous electrodes, ~r.ia which they :ue'- or the exidant is fed to the acti~sre catalyst layer xnd the products (current, heat- and 20 wet:z) era xemov~ed. On the side whi~~h is wetted and/or cooled, aCCOrdirig to the invention, the porclus electrode is hydxe~ph4bzC, thuo pravanti rig flavd.r~g cf the electrode.
AdaaGeat t~ the space around the electrode 25 there is at 3.east one separator. so that in a stack of a plurality of i°uel cells the anode space of one ce~.7, is separated in a gastight manner from the cathoele apace of the adjacent cell. The sepd:~ator is preferably made in such a wear that stacked cel~Ls are alectriCall.y 30 connected in se~:wes. There may be aithpr one or twp separators ;par fuel cell unit . f'uxthesmore:, thez~e are designs in which,, in addition to one or two sepa.tatcxa, in each vase one cooling and contact plate is also arranged for ther_nally, electricall!~ and mechanically 35 connecting the individual fuel cells. A cooling and contact plate of this type is disclosed, ~o= example, in X10 37/0182' A~ .
RCV BY : 9U0-55 61ETCALFE: 11- 10- : 6 : 57:'~1I : 734E3(i'7->
0 +49 8131 ; # T
1YJ-IVUV 1C: JJ rlt L J1~I'1 T-T~ JyJ1 I J~tOC:t>yJCJGU'T'Tl'J .7Cy I G
'JUI'I L f f r Gf~L i 1-tl'V YJ I
06-N04-200 12:59 FRAM f0 900499131?32406 P.06 GR 5B P $04J
The structuxa~, channels ,~ccarding t.a the invention sxe pzv:ferably stamped in the ma~eriai off' the separator. The se~paratvr is previdef, ot~ boCh sides with structural chan~~els, which may be identical , different on the two sides. In the r~esigrj of the fuel cell in which the structural channes.s are in meand~ria~g form. tire embodiment in which the ;structraral chanz~a:ls are in meandering farm on ~cth s:i.des is preferred.
since thi s is eaaiest try produce. ~ai~tilin th.e cont~axt c~f the invention, j,t is, of course, also co;:aCeivabZe t,d use separators which have >gtruCZSraw, channels attached to them, whwch n,~.y be made from thfa same material as the separators or from a diflsrsnt m,~teria?. An embodiment in which the anode-side ~~txt~Ctuwal channels are in meandering form ana in whiny the cathode-side structural, charnels run parallel tc~ one another is a.~,s~a possible. The fitructural channels ml~y ble flutes"
grooves, round yr polygonal channels. The ,materfa7, u5eci far the separators is that which is ir, wid.espread use ?.0 in the speciali.sz; field, z . e. metal" coated m8ta1 or coatQd plastic.
The term in meandering foam means an irregularly or recrularly bent. end cu;raed shape of the individual channels.
In the pz-~sent case, the slapply and remo~ral channel :nears the axial feet and discharge channel for the reactants or process gases. According to the preferred design of t?~e fuel cell stack, these vertical channels, which e~; tend along the !~e? ght of a stack of fuel cells, during assembly of a fuel celw stack acre formed simply as a result of the stacking of tk~
individual Fuel ee:Cl ;nits with the seE:ls betwoar them, without additicna:~ components such as p~,pe sections tar sockets. Hor~ever, the invention is nor: irttetnded to be restricted try the plreferxerl fuel cell stackx.
RCV BY : 900 -55 iIETCALFE : 11-10 - 0 : 6 : 58.AH : +49 9131 734867--> ; # g 1KJ~-IVUV 1C. JJ f'fC VUI'1. L I rl~l L .>1CI 1 CfCL TZ= 71J1 I J~TOO 1 I-114.01..JGJGO'T-tG! JG1 7 G. CJ0 06-NOU-2000 12:59 FROM TO 900499132?31406 P.8?
GR 98 P 8040 - 5a -The preferred design cf a fu~~ cell stack 3.xsed is the design which i$ known from DE 4~ 42 285, in which avery second separator can be dis~per~sed with, since a layer structure in tha fuel cell stack comprising separator, catrode ~paCe (ccmpr:.s~a catal~r~:t RCV BY:900-55 vIETCALFE :1.7.-LO- d) : 6:58AV1 : +49 91;31 7348~;7~ :## g tCl-IVUV tC~JJ I-IC VUIV.LI f n L J_L~II Cf':'~ T1~ J1,J1 I.:'TOL~I
nIV.C:11.7CJCL7Z'~CJ JClnG~~17 66-NOtJ-20~9 12=59 Fr~OP°l TO 9~0d99131731d0~ F.08 ~~~a peo.~a -s-layer and eleGttode), membrane. anode sp~3ce (comprises catalyst layer and electrode, separaitor, cathode space, lrembrane, etc. is sufficient: twit~-~ a fuel cell uizi" comprisincg a separator, a cathode spaoe, a membran~ and a:n anode space) if the waste rest ~,s discharged togel,her with the liqu.id/ga.s mixture, i. a.
if the wetting aeccrdwnc~ to the invention is also sufLicient ror c:voling.
The term fuel Gail system, is ~3ndexstc~ed .as mean~.ng an arr.-_~ngement w~lich compris~e at ~ east tine fol'~owing ele~ren.ts:
- ac :.~a~t two øuel veil units wY~,ica, t~5gether with ° a stawting plate and ~n end ;slate, form a fue~
cell stac~C, ° a fuel supply line, tahich ~.s coupled to a fuel tank, - an oxidant supply line, which is coupled to ~m axidarit t~snk, &ric~
t"e respective outlet lines .fo.r th~ase media, the fuel supply line and/or the ~:xic~ant supply ~,irm being cc~>~pi~ed to a liquid raservo::.= .
Tho co~zpying between the sub>ply cianne' rs) ~c~r the process gas and the liqufd re;servair and/or tre foam--formiwg agent reservoir may be designed as a simple feedline, such as a T-piece, ar as a v-shaped introduction means with a valve f,~r regulating the amraunt of prccess gas, liquid and/or surfactant.
T;~e pres~:~at irventic~r is designed i.n particular with a view to n~.obile use of the F~u fuel. call , since 3Q it xepressnts a considerable reducticrL in ~gj,g t gn,d volume compared to the prior art and zs suitable fo;~
mass productior.~. However, of"r_er stati.anary application;5 are also possible.
Claims (7)
1. A polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell stack, which comprises the following elements:
- two supply and removal channels for the process gases, - a start plate and an end plate, and - at least two fuel cell units, which each comprise:
- a membrane/electrodes (ME) unit, - a separator having structural channels which are applied to both sides and are connected to the supply and removal channels for the process gases, - the supply channel for the fuel and/or the supply channel for the oxidant additionally being connected to a liquid reservoir in such a manner that liquid for wetting and/or cooling is fed to the process gas stream.
- two supply and removal channels for the process gases, - a start plate and an end plate, and - at least two fuel cell units, which each comprise:
- a membrane/electrodes (ME) unit, - a separator having structural channels which are applied to both sides and are connected to the supply and removal channels for the process gases, - the supply channel for the fuel and/or the supply channel for the oxidant additionally being connected to a liquid reservoir in such a manner that liquid for wetting and/or cooling is fed to the process gas stream.
2. The fuel cell stack as claimed in claim 1, in which the structural channels are of meandering form.
3. The fuel cell stack as claimed in one of claims 1 or 2, in which a contact and cooling plate is arranged adjacent to the separator.
4. A method for operating a fuel cell system, in which at least one process gas scream is wetted and/or cooled by bringing together a liquid and the process gas stream and/or by passing the process gas stream through a liquid,
5. The method as claimed in claim 4, in which the wetting is sufficient to cool the fuel cell system.
6. The method as claimed in one of claims 4 or 5, in which the waste heat from the cooling and wetting liquid is utilized.
7. The use of the waste heat from the fuel cell system described in one of claims 4 to 6 for heating a vehicle.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE19821764.1 | 1998-05-14 | ||
| DE19821764 | 1998-05-14 | ||
| PCT/DE1999/001300 WO1999060640A2 (en) | 1998-05-14 | 1999-05-03 | Pem (polymer electrolyte membrane) fuel cell and method for operating a pem fuel cell with liquid humidification and/or cooling |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2331713A1 true CA2331713A1 (en) | 1999-11-25 |
Family
ID=7867831
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002331713A Abandoned CA2331713A1 (en) | 1998-05-14 | 1999-05-03 | Pem fuel cell and method for operating a pem fuel cell system with liquid wetting and/or cooling |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP1086501A2 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2002516464A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2331713A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1999060640A2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IT1312198B1 (en) | 1999-04-21 | 2002-04-09 | De Nora Spa | COOLED FUEL CELL BY DIRECT INJECTION OF AQUALIQUIDA |
| IT1314256B1 (en) * | 1999-12-03 | 2002-12-06 | Nora Fuel Cells S P A De | POLYMERIC MEMBRANE FUEL CELL BATTERY. |
| US8431275B2 (en) | 2005-11-23 | 2013-04-30 | Gm Global Technology Operations | Water management of PEM fuel cell stacks using surface active agents |
Family Cites Families (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NL129101C (en) * | 1959-12-31 | 1900-01-01 | ||
| US3589942A (en) * | 1966-12-22 | 1971-06-29 | Cons Natural Gas Svc | Bipolar collector plates |
| DE3738370C1 (en) * | 1987-11-12 | 1989-04-13 | Dornier System Gmbh | Electrochemical cell with immobile electrolyte |
| US4988583A (en) * | 1989-08-30 | 1991-01-29 | Her Majesty The Queen As Represented By The Minister Of National Defence Of Her Majesty's Canadian Government | Novel fuel cell fluid flow field plate |
| JPH06231788A (en) * | 1993-02-03 | 1994-08-19 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Solid high polymer type fuel cell |
| JP3203150B2 (en) * | 1995-05-18 | 2001-08-27 | 三洋電機株式会社 | Polymer electrolyte fuel cell and polymer electrolyte fuel cell system |
| DE19641143A1 (en) * | 1995-10-05 | 1997-04-17 | Magnet Motor Gmbh | Polymer electrolyte fuel cell |
-
1999
- 1999-05-03 CA CA002331713A patent/CA2331713A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1999-05-03 JP JP2000550160A patent/JP2002516464A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1999-05-03 EP EP99929085A patent/EP1086501A2/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1999-05-03 WO PCT/DE1999/001300 patent/WO1999060640A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP1086501A2 (en) | 2001-03-28 |
| WO1999060640A3 (en) | 2000-01-13 |
| JP2002516464A (en) | 2002-06-04 |
| WO1999060640A2 (en) | 1999-11-25 |
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