DE102004003670B4 - Fuel cell assembly having a plurality of interconnected by a distributor module fuel cell modules - Google Patents

Abstract

A fuel cell assembly with several interconnected by means of a distributor module (2) Fuel cell modules (3), wherein the distributor module (2) respective for connecting the fuel cell modules (3) provided connection points (5) with for feeding and discharging the for the operation of the fuel cell modules (3) required media provided supply connections (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) and with the supply terminals (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) connected supply lines (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26), wherein the distributor module (2) is designed as a casting, in which the Supply lines (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26) in the form of cast channels are provided, characterized in that the distributor module (2) one in a longitudinal direction having an extending shape, wherein the supply lines (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26) forming channels in the longitudinal direction of the distributor module (2) and the fuel cell modules (3) laterally on the distributor module (2) are attached, and that one or more of the supply lines (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26) forming canals forming in the ...

Description

The The invention relates to a fuel cell assembly with several means a distributor module interconnected fuel cell modules after the preamble of claim 1 or 2.

From the WO 99/60644 a fuel cell assembly is known in which a plurality of fuel cell modules, each comprising a number of arranged in the form of a stack or stack of fuel cells, are interconnected by means of a distributor module. The distributor module contains respective connection points which are provided for connection of the fuel cell modules and contain supply connections provided for supplying and removing the supply lines required for operating the fuel cells contained in the fuel cell modules, as well as supply lines connected to these supply connections.

In order to in applications where higher electrical Services are required, such as in ships and trains, the required services, in particular 0.5 to 30 MW or also more, can be represented there is a possibility in it, usual Fuel cell modules of lower power, in particular 1 kW to 300 kW or more, to couple and supply centrally. The For this required piping of the individual modules for feeding and lead away the for operating the fuel cells contained in the fuel cell modules required media, i. Fuel gas, oxidizing gas, product gas, Coolant, is consuming, expensive and not very easy to maintain. Farther is because of the yardage between the supply and the fuel cell modules with condensation and expected with pressure losses.

From the EP 1 263 075 A2 is a fuel cell assembly with a plurality of interconnected by a distributor module fuel cell modules known. The distributor module contains connection points provided for connecting the fuel cell modules with supply connections provided for feeding and discharging the media required for operating the fuel cell modules and supply lines connected to the supply connections.

From the WO 03/090300 A2 For example, a manifold module for supplying a number of fuel cells that includes molded channels is known.

The DE 100 49 801 A1 shows a fuel cell device consisting of several stacks, which have a common distribution module for the supply and discharge of the necessary media. In this case, an exhaust duct is provided, which includes the possibility for removing water.

In a distribution module for multiple fuel cell modules after the WO 00/63997 A1 In addition to inlet and outlet channels for the media and coolant channels are provided.

The The object of the invention is a fuel cell assembly of assumed type with an improved distri lermodul to create. In particular, the cost of manufacture and assembly should be reduced and the operating conditions for the fuel cell modules are improved.

These Task is achieved by a fuel cell assembly according to the claim 1 or 2 solved.

advantageous Further developments of the fuel cell assembly according to the invention are in the claims 3 to 21 indicated.

By the invention according to claim 1 is a fuel cell assembly with several by means of a Distribution module interconnected fuel cell modules created wherein the distributor module respectively for connection of the fuel cell modules provided connection points with the supply and discharge for operating the fuel cell modules required media provided supply connections and with the supply connections Contains connected supply lines, and wherein the distribution module is designed as a casting, in which the supply lines in the form of cast channels are provided. According to the invention Distributor module has a longitudinally extending shape, wherein the channels forming the supply lines in the longitudinal direction of the distributor module run and the fuel cell modules side of the distribution module are attached. Furthermore, it is envisaged that one or more the channels forming the supply lines become one in the sense of Reaching a constant pressure in the channel over the length of the distribution module changing Have cross-section. The advantage of this is that the supply pressure for all in the distributor module connected fuel cell modules in is essentially the same.

The invention according to claim 2 provides a fuel cell arrangement with a plurality of fuel cell modules interconnected by means of a distributor module, the distributor module having respective connection terminals provided for connection of the fuel cell modules with supply terminals provided for feeding and discharging the media required for operating the fuel cell modules and supply lines connected to the supply terminals gene, and wherein the distributor module is formed as a casting, in which the supply lines are provided in the form of cast channels. According to the invention, the distributor module has a shape extending in a longitudinal direction, wherein the channels forming the supply lines extend in the longitudinal direction of the distributor module and the fuel cell modules are mounted laterally on the distributor module. Further, the channels forming the supply lines have at least one cooling water supply passage and one cooling water return passage for supplying and discharging cooling water to and from the fuel cell modules, and the fuel gas and / or oxidizing gas channels are arranged adjacent to the cooling water passages. The particular advantage of this is that the temperature in the channels for fuel gas and / or oxidizing gas does not fall below the condensation temperature of the moistened combustion or oxidizing gas.

The Fuel cell modules can be mounted in a row on one side of the distributor module.

According to one preferred embodiment of Invention, the fuel cell modules in two rows at two Sides of the distributor module attached.

Preferably are the fuel cell modules at two opposite Sides of the distributor module attached.

According to one embodiment According to the invention, the channels forming the supply lines contain at least a fuel gas supply passage to the feeder fuel gas to the fuel cell modules, at least one oxidizing gas supply channel to the feeder of oxidizing gas or air to the fuel cell modules and at least an exhaust passage for discharging exhaust gas or product gas from the fuel cell modules.

Farther it is preferably provided that the supply lines forming channels at least a fuel gas recirculation passage for returning from unreacted fuel gas from the fuel cell modules included.

In the channels for fuel gas, Oxidizing gas and / or exhaust gas can Be provided constrictions, ribs or orifices for swirling the gases. The advantage of this is that by the turbulence a uniform temperature across the cross section and thus uniform operating conditions for all Fuel cell modules can be reached.

According to one preferred embodiment of Invention, it is provided that between the cooling water flow channel and the Cooling water return channel a thermal insulation is provided. Such heat insulation Helps to provide a thermal short circuit between the cooling water supply and the cooling water return in avoid the distributor module and thus the efficiency of the cooling system to ensure.

The thermal insulation may preferably be formed by cast cavities.

Farther can in the distribution module busbars or for the implementation of busbars serving channels or cavities for the be provided electrical connection of the fuel cell modules.

According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that another cooling water channel to lead from very cold cooling water the exhaust passage is arranged adjacent to running. This cooling water channel, in a ship, for example, with cold seawater from a Primary cooling circuit can be supplied, supported the condensation of product water from the exhaust gas, leaving a downstream equipment required for water recovery can be reduced or avoided.

in this connection the exhaust duct may have low or partially separated parts for discharging Contain from auskondensierendem from the exhaust product water.

According to one preferred embodiment of Invention, it is provided that a plurality of distributor modules, each with attached fuel cell modules arranged in series are.

Preferably Each distributor module has its own inlets and outlets for those in the supply lines out Gases and / or liquids.

According to one preferred embodiment of Invention, it is provided that the connection points latching devices in which the fuel cell modules in a simple manner attachable and detachable are.

Conveniently, are provided in the field of connection points closure devices, the Preferably close the associated supply ports automatically when removing a fuel cell module.

Preferably the distribution module is made of metal, plastic or ceramic.

in the Following are embodiments of a Fuel cell assembly and a distributor module according to the present invention Invention explained with reference to the drawing.

It shows:

1 a perspective view of a fuel cell assembly in which a plurality of fuel cell modules are interconnected by means of a distributor module, according to an embodiment of the invention;

2 a plan view of the fuel cell assembly shown in FIG.

3 a longitudinal section through the in the 1 and 2 illustrated distribution module in side view;

4 a cross section through distributor module and fuel cell modules of in 1 to 3 illustrated embodiment; and

5 a cross section through a distributor module according to another embodiment of the invention.

In the 1 and 2 is a fuel cell assembly 1 shown in the multiple fuel cell modules 3 each containing a number of fuel cells arranged in the form of a stack, by means of a distributor module 2 are interconnected. In this case, every fuel cell module 3 at a respective junction 5 to the distributor module 2 connected.

As the 3 shows, in which the distributor module 2 is shown in longitudinal section, this has an extended in a longitudinal direction form, wherein a plurality of channels in the longitudinal direction of the distributor module 2 run, which supply lines 21 . 22 . 23 . 24 . 25 . 26 for supplying and discharging the for operating the in the fuel cell modules 3 form contained necessary fuel cells.

How out 4 it can be seen that a cross section through the fuel cell assembly 1 along the line BB in 2 shows are the fuel cell modules 3 laterally on two opposite sides of the distributor module 2 attached and at the connection points 5 connected to the supply lines forming channels.

The the supply lines 21 . 22 . 23 . 24 . 25 . 26 forming channels include in the in the 3 and 4 shown embodiment, two fuel gas supply channels 21 for supplying fuel gas, for example hydrogen, to the fuel cell modules 3 via respective at the connection points 5 provided supply connections 11 , and an oxidizing gas supply passage 22 for supplying oxidizing gas, for example air, to the fuel cell modules 3 via respective in the connection points 5 provided supply connections 12 , For discharging the in the fuel cell modules 3 accumulating exhaust gas or product gas is an exhaust passage 23 provided by the respective in the connection points 5 included supply connections 13 with the fuel cell modules 3 connected is. For recycling in the fuel cells of the fuel cell modules 3 unreacted fuel gas are two fuel gas recirculation channels 24 provided, which also over at the connection points 5 provided supply connections 14 with the fuel cell modules 3 are connected.

Furthermore, the channels forming the supply lines each include a cooling water supply channel 25 and a cooling water return passage 26 for supplying cooling water to and from the fuel cell modules 3 at each in the connection points 5 contained supply connections 15 . 16 with the fuel cell modules 3 are connected. The fuel gas supply channels 21 and the oxidizing gas supply passage 22 are the cooling water return channel 26 arranged adjacent, so that the gases flowing therein can be maintained at a temperature which is higher than the condensation temperature of the steam-humidified combustion or oxidizing gases.

Furthermore, in the distributor module 2 Busbars or cavities 28 provided for the implementation of busbars, which the electrical connection in the fuel cell modules 3 serve contained fuel cells.

Another cooling water channel 27 , the exhaust duct 23 is arranged to extend adjacent, is for guiding very cold cooling water, for example, cold seawater from a primary cooling circuit of a ship, provided. As a result, the exhaust passage 23 and thus the cooled by this product gas product so far that the product water contained in the exhaust gas is largely condensed out and thus can be dispensed with an additional downstream equipment cost for water recovery.

The distributor module 2 is designed as a casting, which may be cast from metal, plastic, ceramic or mixed forms, in which the supply lines 21 . 22 . 23 . 24 . 25 . 26 , as well as the additional cooling water channel 27 are provided in the form of cast channels. One or more the supply lines 21 . 22 . 23 . 24 . 25 . 26 forming channels, possibly also the additional cooling water channel 27 , can be with one over the length of the distributor module 2 in particular, to achieve a constant pressure in the channel or otherwise to influence the flow of media flowing in the channels. Especially for the fuel gas and the oxidizing gas and the exhaust gas or product gas leading channels are a constant pressure and thus for all fuel cell modules 3 same pressure and thus operating conditions very beneficial.

Furthermore, in the channels 21 . 22 . 23 . 24 be provided for fuel gas, oxidizing gas and / or exhaust gas constrictions, ribs or orifices, which are a swirling of the gases and thus uniform temperature and concentration ratios of the guided gases in the channels.

As the 1 to 3 let recognize the fuel cell assembly 1 be constructed so that several distribution modules 2 each with connected fuel cell modules 3 arranged one behind the other. In the illustrated embodiment are on a distributor module 2 on two opposite sides two fuel cell modules 3 turned on. However, it can also be several fuel cell modules 3 on one or two opposite sides of a single manifold module 2 be provided. Each distributor module 2 can have their own inflows and outflows for those in the supply lines 21 . 22 . 23 . 24 . 25 . 26 and in the additional cooling water channel 27 have guided gases and / or liquids.

The connection points 5 can be provided with, not specifically illustrated in the figures, latching devices on which the fuel cell modules 3 be attachable and detachable in a simple manner.

in the Range of latching points can valve-related electrical contacts or plug-in devices be appropriate, which make it possible the supply channels either by hand or automatically to close, so that the operation of the other modules is not necessarily interrupted must be when a module is replaced. These valves can also contained in a separately mounted "standardized" terminal block.

If automatically closing Valves are present, so the lock can be provided so that the valves close automatically when removing the control and control cable and release the module.

On In any case, there should be devices that can close off the supply channels enable, if one module is removed, so that the others continue to operate or put back into service.

In 5 is in greater detail a cross section through an embodiment of a distribution module 2 represented, which in its basic structure the in 4 shown corresponds. The longitudinal direction of the distributor module 2 extending channels include two fuel gas supply channels 21 for supplying fuel gas, in particular hydrogen, to the fuel cell modules 3 , which are in the upper area of the distributor module 2 are provided and in supply connections 11 lead. Below and the fuel gas supply channels 21 adjacent is an oxidizing gas supply passage 22 for supplying oxidizing gas, in particular air, to the fuel cell modules 3 arranged, which in supply connections 11 empties.

Again the oxidizing gas supply channel 22 adjacent is a cooling water return channel 26 provided in the supply connections 16 empties. A cooling water supply channel 25 is from the cooling water return channel 26 through a thermal insulation 29 thermally separated, which is formed by cavities, which in the distributor module 2 are poured. An exhaust duct 23 for removing the exhaust gas or product gas from the fuel cells of the fuel cell modules 3 is at supply connections 13 connected to the latter is the cooling water supply channel 25 arranged adjacent and contains partially delineated and lower parts 23a for removing product water condensing out of the exhaust gas.

Under the exhaust duct 23 . 23a is immediately adjacent an additional cooling water channel 27 provided, which is flowed through in the be already mentioned manner of very cold cooling water. By the in the cooling water channel 27 flowing very cold cooling water is the condensation of the product water in the exhaust duct 23 . 23a dissipated condensation heat dissipated. The divided channels 23a , in which the product water is to condense, lie deeper than the supply connections 13 in order to avoid water leakage and congestion, and they are designed so that a reliable drainage of the condensed water is ensured.

Finally, busbars or provided for carrying busbars cavities or channels 28 in the longitudinal direction in the distributor module 2 intended.

In the described Ausführungsbeispie are several fuel cell modules 3 on two opposite sides of the distributor module 2 provided, the fuel cell modules 3 However, you can also use only one side of the distributor module 2 be provided or they can also in other ways on the distributor module 2 be provided.

1

A fuel cell assembly

2

distribution module

3

fuel cell module

5

junction

11

supply terminal

12

supply terminal

13

supply terminal

14

supply terminal

15

supply terminal

16

supply terminal

21

Fuel gas supply channel

22

Oxidizing gas supply channel

23

exhaust duct

23a

Product water channel

24

Fuel gas recirculation passage

25

Cooling water flow channel

26

Cooling water return channel

27

Cooling water channel (very cold)

28

Busbar / busbar channel

29

thermal insulation

Claims (21)

Fuel cell arrangement with several by means of a distribution module ( 2 ) interconnected fuel cell modules ( 3 ), wherein the distributor module ( 2 ) respective for connecting the fuel cell modules ( 3 ) ( 5 ) for supplying and discharging the for operating the fuel cell modules ( 3 ) required supply connections ( 11 . 12 . 13 . 14 . 15 . 16 ) and with the supply connections ( 11 . 12 . 13 . 14 . 15 . 16 ) connected supply lines ( 21 . 22 . 23 . 24 . 25 . 26 ), wherein the distributor module ( 2 ) is formed as a casting, in which the supply lines ( 21 . 22 . 23 . 24 . 25 . 26 ) are provided in the form of cast channels, characterized in that the distributor module ( 2 ) has a longitudinally extending shape, wherein the supply lines ( 21 . 22 . 23 . 24 . 25 . 26 ) forming channels in the longitudinal direction of the distributor module ( 2 ) and the fuel cell modules ( 3 ) laterally on the distributor module ( 2 ) and that one or more of the supply lines ( 21 . 22 . 23 . 24 . 25 . 26 ) forming a channel in the sense of reaching a constant pressure in the channel over the length of the distributor module ( 2 ) has varying cross-section. Fuel cell arrangement with several by means of a distribution module ( 2 ) interconnected fuel cell modules ( 3 ), wherein the distributor module ( 2 ) respective for connecting the fuel cell modules ( 3 ) ( 5 ) for supplying and discharging the for operating the fuel cell modules ( 3 ) required supply connections ( 11 . 12 . 13 . 14 . 15 . 16 ) and with the supply connections ( 11 . 12 . 13 . 14 . 15 . 16 ) connected supply lines ( 21 . 22 . 23 . 24 . 25 . 26 ), wherein the distributor module ( 2 ) is formed as a casting, in which the supply lines ( 21 . 22 . 23 . 24 . 25 . 26 ) are provided in the form of cast channels, characterized in that the distributor module ( 2 ) has a longitudinally extending shape, wherein the supply lines ( 21 . 22 . 23 . 24 . 25 . 26 ) forming channels in the longitudinal direction of the distributor module ( 2 ) and the fuel cell modules ( 3 ) laterally on the distributor module ( 2 ), that the supply lines ( 21 . 22 . 23 . 24 . 25 . 26 ) forming channels at least one cooling water supply channel ( 25 ) and a cooling water return channel ( 26 ) for supplying or discharging cooling water to and from the fuel cell modules ( 3 ), and that the channels ( 21 . 22 . 23 . 24 ) for fuel gas and / or oxidizing gas and / or exhaust gas the cooling water channels ( 25 . 26 ) are arranged adjacent to running. Fuel cell arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the fuel cell modules ( 3 ) in a row on one side of the distributor module ( 2 ) are mounted. Fuel cell arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the fuel cell modules ( 3 ) in two rows on two sides of the distributor module ( 2 ) are mounted. Fuel cell arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that the fuel cell modules ( 3 ) on two opposite sides of the distributor module ( 2 ) are mounted. Fuel cell arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the supply lines ( 21 . 22 . 23 . 24 . 25 . 26 ) forming channels at least one fuel gas supply channel ( 21 ) for supplying fuel gas to the fuel cell modules ( 3 ), at least one oxidizing gas supply duct ( 22 ) for supplying oxidizing gas or air to the fuel cell modules ( 3 ) and at least one exhaust duct ( 23 ) for discharging exhaust gas or product gas from the fuel cell modules ( 3 ) contain. Fuel cell arrangement according to claim 6, characterized in that the supply lines ( 21 . 22 . 23 . 24 . 25 . 26 ) forming channels at least one fuel gas recirculation channel ( 24 ) for recycling unreacted fuel gas from the fuel cell modules ( 3 ) contain. Fuel cell arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that in the channels ( 21 . 22 . 23 . 24 ) are provided for fuel gas, oxidizing gas and / or exhaust gas constrictions, ribs or orifices for swirling the gases. Fuel cell arrangement according to one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that between the cooling water supply channel ( 25 ) and the cooling water return channel ( 26 ) a thermal insulation ( 29 ) is provided. Fuel cell arrangement according to claim 9, characterized in that the heat insulation ( 29 ) is formed by cast cavities. Fuel cell arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that further in the distributor module ( 2 ) Busbars or ducts or cavities serving for busbars ( 28 ) for the electrical connection of the fuel cell modules ( 3 ) are provided. Fuel cell arrangement according to one of claims 6 to 11, characterized in that a further cooling water channel ( 27 ) for guiding cold, for the condensation of product water from the exhaust gas serving cooling water to the exhaust passage ( 23 ) is arranged adjacent to running. Fuel cell arrangement according to claim 12, characterized in that the exhaust gas channel ( 23 ) low-lying parts ( 23a ) for removing product water condensing out of the exhaust gas. Fuel cell arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that a plurality of distributor modules ( 2 ) each with connected fuel cell modules ( 3 ) are arranged one behind the other. Fuel cell arrangement according to claim 14, characterized in that each distributor module ( 2 ) own inflows and outflows for those in the supply lines ( 21 . 22 . 23 . 24 . 25 . 26 . 27 ) has guided gases or liquids. Fuel cell arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the connection points ( 5 ) Have latching devices on which the fuel cell modules ( 3 ) are attachable and detachable in a simple manner. Fuel cell arrangement according to claim 16, characterized in that the supply connections ( 11 . 12 . 13 . 14 . 15 . 16 ) in the area of the connection points ( 5 ) are closed by closure devices. Fuel cell arrangement according to claim 17, characterized in that the closure devices in a separate, between distributor module ( 2 ) and fuel cell module ( 3 ) arranged connecting block are arranged. Fuel cell assembly according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the closure devices in the expansion of a fuel cell module ( 3 ) the respective supply connections ( 11 . 12 . 13 . 14 . 15 . 16 ) automatically close. Fuel cell assembly according to claim 19, characterized characterized in that mechanical or electrical actuators for the closure devices are coupled with the latching devices. Fuel cell arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the distributor module ( 2 ) is made of metal and / or plastic and / or ceramic.