DE102008019981A1 - Cabinet i.e. switch cabinet, for accommodating power supply systems, has power supply systems spaced from side wall of cabinet, and air guiding channels staying in connection with interior of fuel cell stacks of power supply systems - Google Patents

Abstract

The cabinet (1) has a module comprising modular power supply systems (3, 4) that are integrated with fuel cell stacks i.e. polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell. The power supply systems spaced from a side wall (7) of the cabinet are mounted in the cabinet. Air guiding channels (33, 35) stay in connection with the interior of the fuel cell stacks of the power supply systems. Cooling air is transmitted to the fuel cell stacks as a part of reactant air guided in the air guiding channels, where the reactant air is preheatable by exhaust air from the fuel cell stacks.

Description

The The present invention relates to a cabinet, in particular with equipped with a frame for individual slots is, leaving a power supply unit with a fuel cell stack is fitted to the slot, in particular in a standardized manner, can be mounted.

State of the art

The most favorable arrangement of power supply systems equipped with fuel cell stacks is repeatedly considered in many aspects. That's how it gets DE 10 2004 015 112 A1 (Applicant: Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt eV, filing date: 27.03.2004) emphasizes the potential explosion hazard of fuel cell stacks and therefore proposes to create a one-sided open explosion protection chamber made of gas-tight and explosion-proof materials. The air circulation should be performed in a so designed, built with lightweight panels receiving space from a ground-level area to the highest possible side so that the escaping gas, such as hydrogen, which is particularly light, can be driven out of the explosion room by the air flow. The air can be positively used in differently designed fuel cell stacks, even with polymer electrolyte membrane, that according to DE 199 10 695 C1 (Patentee: Siemens AG, filing date: 10.03.1999) and according to DE 199 64 497 A1 (Applicant: Siemens AG, filing date: 10.03.1999) The PEM fuel cell stack can be cooled and warmed in the surrounding housing by air. The principle there as in a housing to be designed modular power supply systems based on fuel cells can be used in control cabinets, such. B. in the DE 10 2004 007 728 A1 (Applicant: Rittal GmbH & Co. KG; priority date: 27.02.2003) described, be installed so that a rack assembly according to DE 10 2006 010 714 B4 (Patent owner: Rittal GmbH & Co. KG, filing date: 08.03.2006). Due to their housing, the individual power supply systems in the corresponding control cabinet have such a normalized size that they can be inserted into standard shafts such as a 19 "shaft. In the DE 10 2006 010 714 B4 is proposed to improve the cooling, the water-cooled heat exchanger over a large area to attach to the outer wall of the cabinet. In particular, in uninterruptible emergency power units in cabinets, the interchangeability and safe operation of the individual energy supply systems in the network is an important criterion. The air supply contributes to this. How to design a power supply system with fuel cell stack, for example, the DE 10 2007 035 217.6 (Applicant: FutureE Fuel Cell Solutions GmbH, filing date: 25.07.2007). For reasons of simplicity and to increase the legibility, reference is made below graphically and for the internal structure of this document when reference is to be made to components such as the fuel cell stack, which are located under the housing of the power supply system.

invention description

It should be considered, as in a control cabinet especially cheap fuel cell modules as energy supply systems can be arranged so that the space is cheap is being used.

The The object of the invention is achieved by a cabinet solved according to claim 1. Allow advantageous developments to refer to the dependent claims.

Of the Cabinet is equipped with slots. The cabinet can also be referred to as a control cabinet, which is intended as an energy supply system, z. B. as a central battery system used to become. There is at least one modular power supply system in the cabinet with fuel cell stacks, in particular of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells, to integrate. To increase the reliability are preferably two or to arrange more than two power supply systems. Based a fuel such as hydrogen, which is gaseous in the Fuel cell is introduced, electrical energy from the reactants won. Alternatively, another hydrogen-containing gas as a hydrocarbon compound can be used. The reaction for conversion into electrical energy takes place with the aid of of air. The energy supply system or systems are spaced apart from at least one side wall of the cabinet mounted in the cabinet. The distance is deliberately provided so that the distance behind or be used advantageously in addition to the energy supply systems can. The distance can be used as an air duct. For this The distance can be either directly as an air duct used or the space is used to hold one, in particular Modular designed, air ducts from manhole components. The air duct is in communication with the interior the energy supply system, in particular the fuel cell stack of the power system.

The cabinet from which electrical energy can be obtained is a cabinet in which energy supply systems with fuel cell stacks can be arranged. The fuel cell Sta pel are preferably air-cooled and hydrogen-driven polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell stacks. Each power supply unit or each power supply system may comprise a plurality of such stacks. The power supply systems may additionally include secondary accumulators. The incoming air is cleverly considered not only as air for the fuel cell stack, but also serves to reduce the risk arising from the use of hydrogen. For this purpose, the cabinet monitoring devices, such. As hydrogen sensors, on. If an excess of a limit value is detected by the hydrogen sensors, so much air can be passed through the air duct as supply air that a reduction in concentration of the hydrogen is carried out. Is z. For example, if a hydrogen supply line leaks, then the cabinet can continue to operate as an energy source without problems, as long as the hydrogen concentration can be reduced.

The Supply air can be used in different ways. On the one hand The supply air can be used as cooling air for the fuel cell stack be used. On the other hand, the supply air can be used as reactant air, be used as reactants. Is sufficient supply air provided, so can both functions at the same time in the fuel cell by the same air flow be perceived. The increased supply air supply simultaneously reduces the risk of hydrogen concentration. The efficiency The fuel cell is further increased when the supply air heats up can be introduced into the fuel cell stack. Especially in start-up phases and at operating locations where the cabinet is a Chilled environment helps preheated Supply air for safe operation of the fuel cell stack. Thus, the thermal energy from the exhaust air at least partially be used for preheating the supply air.

to better use of waste heat and switching between different modes of operation may be in the Cabinet be provided. In the simplest case, a flap is kept. This flap can unlock or block a recirculation path. By such a flap, a closed circulation can be made. If the flap is placed in another position, the result is a open to the environment flow direction. The Flap can also be arranged so that mixed modes be enabled. Part of the exhaust air can be the cabinet leave permanently while the outflowing Exhaust air is replaced by fresh air or supply air. In the open Condition, that means when the exhaust air is almost complete leave the cabinet, the exhaust air before its exit over a heat exchanger can be performed. Advantageous is the use of an air-to-air heat exchanger. One Air-to-air heat exchanger in countercurrent operation ensures for efficient recovery of the thermal Energy. In the or the air ducts can be guided the gas supply. In the case of a hydrogen line as Gas supply, it is particularly advantageous if possible long stretches of hydrogen supply in the air duct are guided along.

The Air of the air ducts or at least partially into the power supply system. For this purpose, the energy supply system has at least one opening on. The opening may be an air passage opening be. It is advantageous if the existing circulation in the cabinet by the introduction and discharge into the energy supply system not disturbed. In this sense, several different openings are provided - at least an opening for an air inlet and an opening for an air outlet from the energy supply system. Thus, the supply air through the air duct for the supply air through the cabinet through to the power supply systems be led; the exhaust air passes from the power supply systems one or more air ducts for the exhaust air through the cabinet advantageously at another Place as the supply point in the area. Depleted air, in the proportion of oxygen is reduced, so does not come immediately in front of the supply air opening. Nitrogen enrichment in the Fuel cell is successfully kept as low as possible.

Of the Air duct can be sealed as a whole. Especially Critical is the transition of the air duct to the individual housings of the power supply systems. Because there are different types of power systems within can give the same cabinet, z. B. Energy supply systems with fuel cells and battery-based energy systems, the sealing system is to be chosen such that the different Power supply system modules do not interfere with each other Exercise influence.

to Enabling different modes of operation and the Ensuring the functionality of the entire power supply unit, especially when multiple power supply system modules in the Cabinet be integrated, it is advantageous if each one Power supply system module via flaps from the air duct can be separated. If a module fails, this can happen be separated from the air flow, and it will no air short circuit between exhaust air and supply air generated. Thereby may be an accumulation of nitrogen, especially in the reactant air be avoided.

Of the Cabinet is advantageously with two air ducts fitted. An air duct is the feed air duct. The other air duct is the exhaust air duct. The also along leading to hydrogen line and components such as hydrogen valves and pressure reducers can be integrated into the discharge air duct. The outflowing air thus breaks in the case of a Leakage or unwanted hydrogen leakage, z. B. when changing a power supply system, the hydrogen molecules with and thereby reduces the local hydrogen concentration.

to further increase the ventilation effect of the air transport channels, such as B. the Abführluftführungskanals and Supply air ducts, blowers, Fan or other air-promoting agent provided be. Such an air-conveying agent is in the form of a Blower z. B. in each individual with fuel cells provided energy supply system. In this design It is possible in identical slots different sized and different benefits to Providing power systems with and to realize the same air duct in a cabinet.

The individual air duct sections can be designed as modules. The air ducts can be pluggable. Depending on the size of the Frame of the cabinet can have different numbers of power systems be mounted in a cupboard. Is the air duct can be plugged together by means of individual modules closed with flanges, can be up to the power systems that supplies air have to be brought, the air duct become. As particularly suitable materials for the individual Air ducts have become sheet metal and expanded Plastic, the last with a closed surface, proved.

The Air can be introduced into the cabinet from another side as the air, which in particular is depleted, out of the closet is discharged. Because the discharged air is usually higher Temperature has as the supplied air, can the discharged air z. B. near an air conditioner or a heating system be discharged from the cabinet. The different discharges can be determined via flaps within the cabinet become.

Short description of the figures

The Invention can be better understood when reference to the enclosed figures, wherein

1 shows a cabinet according to the invention with four power supply systems of different types,

2 a section through a cabinet after 1 shows,

3 shows a power supply system from a diagonal front view,

4 shows a power supply system from a perspective from obliquely bottom from the rear perspective, and

5 a power supply system mounted on a mounting frame together with a disconnected hydrogen supply line shows.

figure description

Similar Items are in the following figure descriptions with the same reference numbers to promote understanding although described between each embodiment minor deviations may be given.

1 shows a cupboard 1 , which can be used as a power cabinet in the sense of an energy source for electricity and heat. The cupboard 1 has a cabinet frame 5 on which individual side walls 7 are arranged, for. B. can be mounted so that the cabinet housing 9 together with one or more doors 11 a self-contained unit for energy supply systems 3 . 4 can offer. The cupboard 1 is, especially by aperture 13 . 15 and sidewalls 7 , designed to be essential supply sections and utilities for the energy supply systems 3 . 4 , like gas supply 29 (under the cover), cable duct shaft 31 and air ducts 33 . 35 , finger-safe under the walls 7 of the cupboard 1 are guided. The cupboard 1 Can with its ground level area 19 stand on the ground. In the area facing away from the ground, ie the area away from the ground 21 , can be openings for the cable duct shaft 31 and for the air ducts 33 . 35 Arrange. The floor socket 17 in the ground level area 19 the final component may also be provided with air vents to allow supply and cooling air drawn from the floor to be drawn to the power supply systems 3 . 4 can be forwarded. The energy supply systems 3 . 4 are preferably in the middle of the cabinet 1 arranged. The air ducts 33 . 35 and a connecting air guide module 55 are outside the power systems 3 . 4 below the walls 7 of the cabinet housing 9 placed. From the air ducts 33 . 35 can be single energy supplier supply module connections 75 be derived. The air ducts 33 . 35 are at least partially under the panels 13 . 15 guided. The energy supply systems 3 . 4 can be stored in slide-in slots 25 on slide rails 27 bring in their mounting position so that on the mounting frame 23 the energy supply systems 3 . 4 fixed, z. B. screwed, can be. By the arrangement of various connection openings, as for a cable duct shaft 31 and for air ducts 33 . 35 in the area away from the ground 21 of the cabinet housing 9 , cables can be inserted over the ceiling or the air supply can be connected to a ceiling-level air conditioning system. Through the ventilation slots in the floor socket 17 or additional ventilation slots near the ground 19 can be a complete flow from the floor to the warmer ceiling through the closet 1 be ensured with ambient air as a reactant. An air duct module 55 , which is both automated and adjustable and changeable by means of manual control, eg. B. over flaps, can be an outwardly locked inside closed inside circulation in the cabinet 1 for special operating conditions. By a corresponding flap position, for example, performs a central control unit, in which also designed as inserted or einziebendes module air duct module 55 can either air over the air ducts 33 . 35 as well as recirculating air several times through selected parts of the cabinet housing 9 and therefore the energy supply systems 3 . 4 can be performed. The air duct module 55 is preferably in the area away from the ground 21 , above the energy supply systems 3 . 4 in the mounting frame 23 in its own slot 25 fixed arranged. The air duct module 55 is depending on the flap position with the Lüftungsaussparrungen 61 in connection, wherein the connection paths are variable by adjusting the flaps.

2 shows a sectional view of the cabinet 1 to 1 in which the apertures 13 . 15 are removed. Around the centrally arranged slots 25 around are the air ducts 33 . 35 , The air ducts 33 . 35 can also be used at the same time as cable channel shaft or shaft for the gas supply line 29 (to 1 and 5 ) be used. The air ducts 33 . 35 are modular. So have the individual pieces of the air ducts 33 . 35 Lüftungskanalverbindungsflansche 37 so that the individual elements of the air ducts 33 . 35 can be put together. The cabinet frame 5 is as a holding frame for the assembled air ducts 33 . 35 designed. In the area away from the ground 21 is the air duct module 55 as the last module below the lid of the cabinet 1 arranged so that the two air ducts 33 . 35 depending on the flap position of the air control flap 53 can communicate with each other. At the edges of the air ducts 33 . 35 are housing seals 49 . 51 provided, the sealed feeding or deriving from the power supply systems 3 . 4 can ensure. A heat exchanger 57 may also be part of the air distribution system. The heat exchanger 57 is remote from the air duct module 55 above the floor socket 17 arranged because he is one of the heaviest parts. The heat exchanger 57 is near the ground 19 thus installed. The side walls 7 cover the air ducts 33 . 35 from. To save material, the side walls can 7 at the same time parts of the air ducts 33 . 35 be. The air ducts 33 . 35 but can also be completely self-contained. The air ducts 33 . 35 may be determined simultaneously to receive a gas line. In 2 is the respective vertical section of the air duct 33 . 35 at the same time as cable duct shaft 31 used. The air ducts 33 . 35 are sections of the cabinet frame 5 aligned and fastened. The cabinet frame 5 holds the modules as well as the individual sections of the air ducts 33 . 35 ,

3 shows a power supply system 3 from the outside (the internal structure is described by the applicant previously), the front 41 looking at the viewer. On the front side 41 , more precisely the front panel 73 , are carrying handles 65 . 67 placed so that to this the energy supply system 3 in the insertion slot 25 (please refer 1 ) can be inserted and removed from it. A passage opening 47 is as a power supply module connection 75 in one side of the power supply system housing 59 incorporated. The trigger 63 , which is also accessible from the front, contributes to the safe assembly and disassembly of the power supply system 3 in the cabinet 1 at.

Another embodiment of a power supply system housing 59 is in 4 from the back 39 to see. As part of the gas supply 29 can be a quick throttle 69 z. B. in the back of the power supply system housing 59 be introduced. On another side of the power system housing 59 are openings as exhaust openings 43 and supply air openings 45 incorporated. The front panel 73 of the power system has mounting holes 71 so that the power supply system on the mounting frame 23 (please refer 1 ) can be connected so that the exhaust vents 43 . 45 at the respective air ducts 33 . 35 are connected.

5 shows a power supply system 3 in a side view. The gas supply 29 is via a quick throttle 69 (shown in the dissolved state) in the power system 3 ushered. The gas supply 29 , which is preferably a hydrogen supply, runs at the back 39 of the inserted and on the mounting frame 23 fixed power supply system 3 , The trigger 63 has a preferred direction of movement 77 which, when put back, the energy supply system 3 from the gas supply 29 , which is guided in an air duct, can be disconnected. Supporting this can be done on the handles 67 to be pulled. On the front side 41 of the power system 3 is thus the triggering agent 63 as well as one or more carrying handles 67 arranged. The hydrogen supply line 29 will be on the back 39 initiated while the operation, for. B. by the triggering agent 63 , from the front 41 of the power system 3 out is possible.

The in the 1 to 5 illustrated electrical cabinets 1 with various energy supply systems 3 . 4 have air ducts 33 . 35 below the side walls 7 on, so that the energy supply systems 3 . 4 can be cooled on the one hand and on the other hand, the fuel cell stack can receive air for cooling and supplied as a reactant. The air ducts 33 . 35 can z. B. in the air duct module 55 be constructed with air acceleration means, such as blowers. By using irises 13 . 15 can be completed cabinets, so the air ducts 33 . 35 can not be disturbed. The cupboard 1 has only a few interfaces to the outside, such. B. the gas supply 29 , a cable duct shaft 31 and one or more air ducts 33 . 35 , Due to the double or multiple use of the air duct 33 respectively. 35 z. B. with the gas supply 29 the risk of oxyhydrogen formation can be reduced. Due to the multiple diversion of air in the air ducts and possibly in the air duct module 55 the air can first in start-up phases the necessary operating temperature, eg. B. using a heat exchanger 57 , while at elevated temperatures through the use of additional ventilation slots, z. B. in the bottom socket 17 , improved cooling not only of the fuel cell stacks, but also of the whole power supply systems 3 . 4 can be ensured. For this purpose, the air control flaps 53 be centrally controlled. An inventive power cabinet can be used with different flap positions for the cold start phase, the full load phase and the continuous load phase. In the cold start phase are the flaps 53 such that sufficient oxygen can be supplied to the fuel cells. In the full load phase are the flaps 53 so that the fuel cells and the electrical components are sufficiently cooled. To reduce the pressure losses in the cabinet 1 are seals 49 . 51 at suitable transitions between the power supply systems 3 . 4 and the air ducts 33 . 35 , Especially on the side of the air ducts 33 . 35 , intended. The seals are transverse to the direction of thrust, after actuation of the triggering means 63 along the slide rails 27 through the energy supply systems 3 . 4 when moving in the insertion slot 25 can be covered.

Through the clever air duct in the cabinet 1 can be a power cabinet with multiple power systems 3 . 4 for continuous operation with simultaneous interchangeability of individual energy supply systems 3 . 4 being constructed. By additional security measures, such as screens 13 . 15 and doors 11 or side walls 7 can be ensured that in the air supply of the energy supply systems 3 . 4 no arbitrary disability can occur.

reference numeral

importance

1

Cabinet, especially electricity cabinet

3

Power supply system especially with fuel cell stacks

4

Power supply system especially exclusively with secondary cells

5

cabinet frame

7

Side wall of the cupboard

9

cabinet housing

11

door

13

first cover

15

second cover

17

Ground base, especially with ventilation slots

19

near the ground Area

21

ground further Area

23

mounting frame

25

insertion shaft

27

slide-rail

29

Gas supply, in particular hydrogen supply

31

Cable manhole

33

first Air duct, in particular supply air duct

35

second Air duct, in particular exhaust air duct

37

Lüftungskanalverbindungsflansch

39

back of the power system

41

front of the power system

43

exhaust vent

45

air intake opening

47

Transit opening especially in the energy supply system

49

first housing seal

51

second housing seal

53

Air guide flap

55

Air guidance module

57

heat exchangers

59

Power system enclosure

61

ventilation recess

63

release means

65

first handle

67

second handle

69

Gas quick coupling, in particular one half of a quick coupling

71

mounting hole

73

front panel of the power system

75

Power supply module connector

77

movement direction

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102004015112 A1 [0002]
• - DE 19910695 C1 [0002]
• - DE 19964497 A1 [0002]
• - DE 102004007728 A1 [0002]
• - DE 102006010714 B4 [0002, 0002]
• - DE 102007035217 [0002]

Claims (12)

Cabinet ( 1 ) such as a cabinet equipped with a slot into which at least one modular power supply system with fuel cell stack ( 3 . 4 ), in particular of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells, is integrated, which performs on the basis of a gas such as hydrogen, an electrical energy conversion with the aid of air, characterized in that the energy supply system ( 3 . 4 ) spaced from at least one side wall ( 7 ) of the cabinet is mountable in the cabinet, and the distance as an air duct ( 33 . 35 ), which is in communication with the interior of the power supply system, in particular the fuel cell stack of the power supply system. Cabinet ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the fuel cell stack is an air-cooled, hydrogen-powered, multi-cell polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell stack whose supply air is used as a risk reduction agent by reducing concentration against uncontrolled hydrogen concentrations in the cabinet. Cabinet ( 1 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that the supply air is composed of cooling air and reactant, wherein preferably the cooling air is fed as part of the guided in the air duct reactant air to the fuel cell stack, wherein in particular the reactant air is selectively preheated by exhaust air from the fuel cell stack. Cabinet ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cabinet has a flap ( 53 ) has adjustable closed circulation, which can be opened as an alternative to the environment, wherein in particular in an open state, the air duct via a heat exchanger ( 57 ) as an air-to-air heat exchanger is carried in countercurrent operation. Cabinet ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air duct ( 33 . 35 ) of a hydrogen supply ( 29 ) is penetrated, wherein the hydrogen supply line is led out of the air duct at least one point. Cabinet ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the energy supply system ( 3 . 4 ) with at least one opening for an air passage, in particular an opening for an air supply ( 45 ) and an opening for air discharge ( 43 ), to which the air duct ( 33 . 35 ), so that air, in particular supply and exhaust air, is forwarded via the air duct. Cabinet ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air duct ( 33 . 35 ) sealed to a housing of a power supply system ( 59 ), wherein preferably the communication width of the air duct via at least one flap ( 53 ), in particular a housing-near flap of the energy supply system ( 3 . 4 ) is adjustable. Cabinet ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cabinet is equipped with two air ducts, a feed air duct ( 33 ) and a discharge air duct ( 35 ), preferably a hydrogen line ( 29 ) is integrated in the Abführluftführungskanal. Cabinet ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cabinet for accommodating at least two power supply systems to be placed horizontally next to each other ( 3 . 4 ), between which preferably at least one air duct ( 33 . 35 ) is guided along. Cabinet according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that air-conveying means such as blower or fan the air in the air duct ( 33 . 35 ), wherein preferably the air-conveying means in the energy supply system ( 3 . 4 ) are mounted. Cabinet ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air duct ( 33 . 35 ) can be plugged together, in particular modularly expandable, is constructed by manhole pieces, wherein the air duct is preferably formed from a sheet metal or made of an expanded plastic. Cabinet ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air is introduced into the cabinet from another side, in particular opposite, to the side, on which the air is discharged, preferably an air flow from a ground-level area ( 19 ) to a cover of the cabinet with opened flaps ( 53 ).