DE102010013465A1 - Hybrid power supply device for providing electrical power for car, has housing designed as trolley and comprising two wheels and handgrips, where energy storage system, fuel cell system and control device are arranged in housing - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (1) has a control device (4) coupling an energy storage system (2) comprising a rechargeable battery (8) with a fuel cell system (3) comprising a fuel cell (9). The energy storage system, the fuel cell system and the control device are arranged in a housing. Ports (5, 6) are electrically attached to an electrical consumer and attached to a control unit of the housing. The energy storage system is arranged between the fuel cell system and the respective ports when a buffer is switched. The housing is designed as a trolley and comprises two wheels and handgrips. The fuel cell system is operated using hydrogen that is supplied from a hydrogen tank (64). One handgrip of the housing is designed as a telescopic or hinged drawing and/or sliding bar, and another handgrip of the housing is designed as a carrying handle.

Description

The present invention relates to a hybrid power supply device for providing electrical energy.

A hybrid power supply device may comprise an energy storage system having at least one rechargeable battery and a fuel cell system having at least one fuel cell. Furthermore, the energy supply device can have at least one connection point for the electrical connection of at least one electrical load. If the energy supply device is also equipped with a housing, the energy storage system, the fuel cell system and optionally a control device can be accommodated therein, while the respective connection point is expediently arranged on an outer side of the housing.

Compared to an energy supply device with a fuel cell system, which does not work without an energy storage system, that is, the hybrid energy supply device is characterized by an immediate availability of the electrical energy.

Compared to a conventional energy supply device which operates with an internal combustion engine and a generator, the energy supply device equipped with a fuel cell system is distinguished by significantly improved emission values, since essentially only water is obtained as the reaction product.

The present invention is concerned with the problem of providing for a hybrid power supply device an improved or at least another embodiment, which is characterized in particular by the fact that it has increased mobility or is easier to transport and ultimately versatile.

According to the invention, this problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

The invention is based on the general idea to design the hybrid power supply device as a trolley. This is achieved in the invention in that the housing is designed as a trolley case and is provided with at least two wheels and at least one handle. Such a trolley or trolley case can be easily roll over the two wheels and simply drive and control with the handle. Thus, the entire power supply device can be easily moved without much effort. The mobility of the power supply device is thereby significantly improved; It is particularly easy to transport from one location to another.

According to an advantageous embodiment, a handle can be designed as a telescoping or folding pull and / or push handle. The handle allows in the extended or unfolded state a comfortable posture for moving the trolley case. The retracted or retracted or folded handle is space-saving housed on the housing or in the housing, whereby a disturbing contour can be avoided.

In another embodiment, the housing may have at least two feet that are tuned to the wheels so that they allow the wheels to be level with the housing. This results in the case that the power supply device is not to be moved, a stable or secure state, which favors reliable operation of the power supply device.

According to a further embodiment, at least one handle can be designed as a carrying handle. With the help of such a carrying handle, it is simplified to raise the housing and thus the entire power supply device, for example, to overcome stairs or to raise the power supply device in a trunk of a vehicle.

While a pulling and / or pushing handle is expediently arranged in the region of an axis of the two wheels, the positioning of a carrying handle is expediently carried out centrally to a center of gravity of the energy supply device.

In a specific embodiment, the fuel cell system may operate on hydrogen supplied from a tank. The housing may then be equipped with a receptacle for the tank. Additionally or alternatively, the housing may have on its outer side a hydrogen connection, via which the fuel cell system can be connected to an external hydrogen supply. According to a further embodiment, the receptacle provided for the tank on or in the housing can be arranged on the outside of the housing or be formed in the interior of the housing. The attachment or placement of a transportable tank on or in the housing is thereby considerably simplified. In particular, the placement of the tank in the housing simplifies the handling of the presented here mobile energy supply device, since the tank forms no additional interference contour on the housing.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the housing may include a tank receiving space for accommodating the tank, which may be accessible in particular separately from the fuel cell system. Such a tank receiving space can be particularly easily adapted in terms of its dimensions to the male tank, for example, to ensure a secure positioning of the tank in the housing.

Of particular advantage is an embodiment which is independent of the trolley construction as a separate invention feasible and in which the tank receiving space is equipped with a heater for heating the hydrogen tank. In this case, the tank receptacle is provided to accommodate a tank configured as a metal hydride reservoir. In such a metal hydride reservoir, hydrogen is attached to a metal surface. By lowering the pressure and by supplying heat, the dissolved hydrogen can be expelled again. Since such a Metallhydridspeicher manages without high storage pressure, he is considered particularly safe. Its high weight does not adversely affect the energy supply device presented here, provided it is combined with the trolley solution.

According to another advantageous embodiment, the power supply device may be equipped with at least two different electrical connection points, which differ from each other at least by different electrical voltages. For example, a connection point for 110 V or 230 V AC voltage can be provided, while another connection point for 12 V or 24 V DC can be configured. The connection points can be protected differently and in particular separately. The provision of different connection points increases the usability of the power supply device. Different voltages at the connection points can be realized with different DC / DC converters or DC / AC converters, which are arranged between the energy storage system and the respective connection point.

According to another embodiment, which is independent of the trolley design as a separate invention feasible, a control device of the power supply device may have a Telekommunikationsmdul, z. B. based on GSM network or on a UMTS network and works with GPRS or CSD. GSM stands for Global System for Mobile Communications and describes a standard for fully digital mobile networks. UMTS stands for Universal Mobile Telecommunications System and describes a digital mobile network with increased data transmission speed. GPRS stands for General Packet Radio Service and describes a form of data transmission in which no permanent radio connection is required, but a section-wise connection is sufficient to packet-transfer the packetized data. CSD stands for Circuit Switched Data and stands for a data transmission method with permanent or standing wireless connection. With the help of such a telecommunications module thus a wireless communication interface is provided, via which the control device z. B. can communicate with a service center or vice versa.

For example, the control device according to a particular embodiment monitor at least one level of the tank. In the event that the fill level reaches a predetermined level value, the control device can generate a fill level message correlated therewith and transmit it via the telecommunication module to a service device. The service facility can then initiate the replacement of the tank.

According to another expedient embodiment, the control device may have a GPS module for determining position coordinates. GPS stands for Global Positioning System and describes a global navigation satellite system for position determination and time measurement. As a result, the control device knows the current position of the power supply device. In particular, this makes it possible to link the fill level message generated by the control device with the position coordinates determined by the GPS module so that the service facility can simplify the provision and delivery of a new tank.

It can also be provided that the service facility can call up the current position coordinates of the GPS module via the telecommunications module, for example, to carry out a desired-actual comparison of the position provided for the respective energy supply device.

In another embodiment, the control device can monitor the current state of the energy supply device, in particular of the fuel cell system and / or of the energy storage system. Generate a state signal correlated therewith and transmit via the telecommunication module the status signal of a service device automatically and / or at the request of the service device. For example, the performance of the at least one Leak fuel cell over time. Likewise, damage to a fuel cell can occur. Furthermore, the rechargeable battery of the energy storage system may age or become damaged. Likewise, the controller may different subsystems of the fuel cell system, for. B. monitor a cooling device and metering devices for air or oxygen or hydrogen in terms of their proper function. If errors or irregularities occur here, this can be detected by the service device, so that it is possible, in particular, to take appropriate countermeasures in good time, for example, to initiate premature maintenance of the energy supply device in the way.

Other important features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, from the drawings and from the associated figure description with reference to the drawings.

It is understood that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the particular combination given, but also in other combinations or in isolation, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and will be described in more detail in the following description, wherein like reference numerals refer to the same or similar or functionally identical components.

It show, each schematically

1 a simplified schematic diagram of a hybrid power supply device,

2 to 4 in each case an isometric view of the power supply device at different viewing directions.

Corresponding 1 includes a hybrid power supply 1 , with the help of which electrical energy can be provided, an energy storage system 2 , a fuel cell system 3 , a control device 4 and at least one connection point 5 . 6 , Furthermore, the power supply device 1 according to the 2 to 4 with a housing 7 fitted.

The energy storage system 2 has at least one rechargeable battery 8th on, z. As a lithium-ion battery or a nickel-metal hydride battery. The fuel cell system 3 includes at least one fuel cell 9 , Usually, the fuel cell system includes 3 several fuel cells 9 which are stacked on each other and a so-called fuel cell stack 10 or stack 10 form.

The respective fuel cell 9 is preferably a low-temperature fuel cell 9 , in particular a PEM fuel cell 9 , where PEM stands for Proton Exchange Membrane.

In the example are two connection points 5 . 6 illustrated, each for electrically connecting at least one electrical load. The control device 4 connects the individual electrical components of the power supply device 1 , In doing so, she couples the energy storage system 2 , the fuel cell system 3 and the respective connection point 5 . 6 in such a way that the energy storage system 2 between the fuel cell system 3 and the respective connection point 5 . 6 is switched as a buffer. In other words, the fuel cell system 3 Used during operation for charging the energy storage system 2 while the respective junction 5 . 6 from the energy storage system 2 is supplied with electrical energy.

In the example of 1 is the respective connection point 5 . 6 one voltage transformer each 11 respectively. 12 assigned. The first junction 5 associated first voltage converter 11 is as DC-DC converter 11 designed to convert the direct current into direct current while changing the voltage level. For example, the respective battery 8th of the energy storage system 2 provide a DC voltage of 24V. The first voltage transformer 11 can the 24 V DC of the battery 8th at the first junction 5 as 12 V DC or 24 V DC supply. In contrast, the second voltage transformer 12 , the second junction 6 is assigned as a DC-AC converter 13 be configured, the DC converts to AC and also changes the voltage level. For example, the second voltage converter 12 the 24 V DC voltage of the battery 8th in a 110 V AC voltage or in a 220 or 230 V AC voltage. In the example of 1 are the two connection points 5 . 6 each with its own fuse 13 respectively. 14 hedged.

For the operation of the power supply device 1 is an operating device 15 provided, which may have, for example, a display and at least one switch or the like.

The fuel cell system 3 includes according to the preferred embodiment presented here, a cooling circuit 16 for cooling the at least one fuel cell 9 or the stack 10 , A lead 17 of the cooling circuit 16 leads from a radiator 18 to the respective fuel cell 9 respectively. to the stack 10 to supply cooled coolant, especially water. A return 19 carries the heated coolant off the stack 10 or from the respective fuel cell 9 back and forth to the radiator 18 , For cooling the coolant in the radiator 18 can also have a fan 20 be provided, which is the radiator 18 with a stream of air 21 applied. Provided a cooling by the radiator 18 Not required, one can with the help of a bypass valve 22 switchable bypass 23 to bypass the radiator 18 in the cooling circuit 16 be provided. In the return 19 is a coolant pump 24 arranged the coolant in the cooling circuit 16 drives. A temperature sensor 25 Measures the temperature of the coolant in the return line 19 , The control device 4 is according to an arrow 26 in a suitable way with the individual components of the cooling circuit 16 connected to operate this.

The fuel cell system 3 is also with an air supply device 27 fitted. This can be a fan 28 have the air through a filter 29 from the environment of the power supply device 1 sucks. The air is then used as the oxidizer of the respective fuel cell 9 or the stack 10 supplied on the cathode side. Additionally or alternatively, the air supply device 27 an oxidizer connection 30 over which the power supply device 1 For example, it can be connected to an external oxidizer supply, in particular to a compressed air network or to an oxygen network or to a compressed air cylinder or to an oxygen tank. The oxidizer connection 30 this may include a corresponding pressure reducer. Exhaust side leads an exhaust pipe 34 from the respective fuel cell 9 or from the stack 10 path. This exhaust pipe 34 is suitably connected on the cathode side. It dissipates air as well as water vapor that arises during the fuel cell process.

The respective fuel cell 9 works expediently with hydrogen, by means of a hydrogen supply device 31 provided. Again, a hydrogen connection 32 be provided, which makes it possible, the power supply device 1 to connect to an external hydrogen supply. Additionally or alternatively, the hydrogen supply device 31 a hydrogen tank 64 comprising the hydrogen for the supply of the respective fuel cell 9 provides. The hydrogen is thereby the respective fuel cell 9 supplied on the anode side. Corresponding valve devices 33 allow the setting of a desired hydrogen pressure.

In addition, there may be a return line 65 be provided, the exhaust side to the anode side of the respective fuel cell 9 or the bag 10 is connected and the input to the cathode of the respective fuel cell 9 or the stack 10 leads. For this purpose, the return line 65 at 66 to the air supply device 27 , in particular at the air supply line 67 connected. The return line 65 contains a return valve 68 Also called a purge valve 68 can be designated. It can by the control device 4 Depending on demand or time-controlled, they can be opened briefly to allow the membranes of the fuel cells to react with hydrogen 9 or the stack 10 to flush the cathode side. This rinsing process removes condensation that has accumulated in the respective membrane.

According to 1 is the hydrogen tank 64 in a tank receiving room 35 accommodated, the functional in the housing 7 can be trained. Particularly advantageous is the embodiment shown here, in which the tank receiving space 35 with a heater 36 Is provided. The heater 36 is in the example shown by the return 19 of the cooling circuit 16 formed or with the return 19 coupled heat transfer. For example, the heater forms 36 a heat jacket, the tank receiving space 35 envelops. To the heat transfer to the hydrogen tank 64 Being able to control it better can be another bypass 37 be provided, which is the heater 36 bypasses and with another bypass valve 38 can be controlled. Such a heatable tank receiving space 35 may be advantageous, for example, if the hydrogen tank 64 designed as a metal hydride storage. By the supply of heat to the metal hydride storage can in conjunction with a corresponding pressure reduction, z. B. via the valve device 33 which are released at the metal-bound hydrogen.

Instead of such a metal hydride storage, the hydrogen tank 64 be designed as an accumulator in which the hydrogen is stored under a relatively high pressure. A heating device 36 for heating the tank receiving space 35 is not necessary then.

According to the 2 to 4 are in the case 7 the energy storage system 2 , the fuel cell system 3 and the controller 4 arranged. On an outside 39 of the housing 7 are the two connection points 5 . 6 arranged. The connection points can be recognized 5 . 6 expediently be configured as standardized sockets. Furthermore, here are the fuses 13 . 14 on the outside 39 arranged, which facilitates their handling. Furthermore, parts of the operating device 15 , such as B. a display 40 as well as various switches 41 also appropriate on the outside 39 be provided.

The housing 7 is designed as a trolley case and is characterized by at least two wheels 42 and by at least one handle 43 respectively. 44 , The two wheels 42 are doing a common axis 45 assigned to which the wheels 42 each rotatable in the housing 7 are stored. This makes it possible, the housing 7 according to 2 to tilt so that it is only on the two wheels 42 stands and thus can be moved or moved particularly easily.

In the example of 2 to 4 are two handles, namely a first handle 43 and a second handle 44 intended. The first handle 43 is a telescopic pull or push handle 43 designed. Shown here is an extended position of this handle 43 in which the handle 43 can be locked. In the retracted position, this handle appears 43 to below a top 46 of the housing 7 and is thus stowed to save space, in particular, no interference contour on the housing 7 forms. With pulled-out and / or push handle 43 leaves the case 7 especially easy on his wheels 42 maneuver and, in particular, move effortlessly.

The second handle 44 Can be used as a carrying handle 44 be designed. The carrying handle 44 is in the range of a center of gravity of the energy supply device 7 positioned, causing the lifting of the device 1 facilitated. In contrast to this is the pulling and / or pushing handle 43 in the area of the axis 45 arranged to tilt the housing 7 around said axis 45 to facilitate. The wheels 42 are appropriate in a corner area 47 of the housing 7 arranged so that the axis 45 eccentric to the center of gravity of the facility 1 runs. By tilting the housing 7 around the axis 45 becomes the center of gravity of the case over the axis 45 brought, which makes it particularly easy, the housing 7 or the device 1 to move in the tilted state.

The housing 7 may be convenient with at least two feet 48 be equipped. These feet 48 are in accordance with the 3 and 4 on the wheels 42 adjusted so that the feet 48 along with the wheels 42 according to the 3 and 4 a level stand for the housing 7 enable. In one not around the pivot axis 45 tilted state of the housing 7 results for the housing 7 Thus, a stable and secure state, the operation of the device 1 facilitated. The feet 48 are appropriate in a corner area 49 of the housing 7 positioned as far away from the wheels as possible 42 is removed. Furthermore, there are the wheels 42 and the feet 48 at a bottom 50 of the housing 7 ,

According to 3 Can on a back 51 of the housing 7 a flap 52 be provided, through which one inside the housing 7 arranged tank intake 53 is accessible. In particular, this tank intake can 53 with respect to 1 described tank receiving space 35 contain. Alternatively, it is also possible to have a suitable tank receptacle on the outside 39 of the housing 7 to install.

In 3 is also another flap 54 recognizable, which can be optionally provided and by the example, a battery receiving space 55 accessible, which is also inside the case 7 is arranged and for receiving the at least one battery 8th is provided.

The tank receptacle is useful 53 or the tank receiving space 35 separate to the fuel cell system 3 accessible. In particular, the battery receiving space can also 55 separate to the fuel cell system 3 be accessible. For this purpose, for example, be provided, the housing 7 to design that the fuel cell system 3 from a front side 56 of the housing 7 is accessible. For example, this can be the front 56 dismantled or designed as a flap or lid.

In the case 7 can be an air intake 57 be incorporated, for example, at an in 4 the viewer facing page 58 of the housing 7 can be arranged. Through this air intake 57 sucks the blower 20 During operation, the air to pressurize the radiator 18 at. Furthermore, the housing 7 an air outlet 59 have in one in the 2 and 3 the viewer facing the other side 60 of the housing 7 can be arranged. Through this air outlet 59 occurs to act on the radiator 18 provided air downstream of the radiator 18 back out of the case 7 out.

According to 1 can the controller 4 with a telecommunication module 61 be equipped, with the help of wireless communication between the controller 4 and an external service facility 62 is possible. The control device 4 may suitably a level of the respective hydrogen tank 64 monitor. It can then be configured in particular such that, at least in the event that the fill level reaches a predetermined fill level value, it generates a fill level message correlated with the fill level and this via the telecommunications module 61 the service facility 62 transmitted. In addition, the control device 4 with a GPS module 63 be equipped, which is a current position of the control device 4 or the energy supply device 1 can determine. Thus, it is particularly possible that the control device 4 the fill level message is linked to current position coordinates and to the service facility 62 transmitted. Additionally or alternatively, the service facility 62 via the telecommunication module 61 the current position coordinates of the GPS module 63 recall.

Suitably, the control device 4 generally the current state of the power supply device 1 , in particular the fuel cell system 3 and / or the energy storage system 2 monitor. Furthermore, the control device 4 Generate and provide a state signal correlated with this current state. Furthermore, the control device 4 this status signal via the telecommunication module 61 the service facility 62 either automatically or at the request of the service facility 62 to transfer.

Claims (15)

Hybrid power supply device for providing electrical energy, - with an energy storage system ( 2 ), which has at least one rechargeable battery ( 8th ), - with a fuel cell system ( 3 ), the at least one fuel cell ( 9 ), - having at least one connection point ( 5 . 6 ) for electrically connecting at least one electrical load, - with a control device ( 4 ), which the energy storage system ( 2 ), with the fuel cell system ( 3 ), - with a housing ( 7 ), in which the energy storage system ( 2 ), the fuel cell system ( 3 ) and the control device ( 4 ) are arranged and on an outside ( 39 ) the respective connection point ( 5 . 6 ), the energy storage system ( 2 ) between the fuel cell system ( 3 ) and the respective connection point ( 5 . 6 ) is connected as a buffer and / or arranged, - wherein the housing ( 7 ) is designed as a trolley case and at least two wheels ( 42 ) and at least one handle ( 43 . 44 ) having. Power supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that a handle as a telescopic or foldable pulling and / or pushing handle ( 43 ) is configured. Power supply device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the housing ( 7 ) at least two feet ( 48 ), which so on the wheels ( 42 ) are matched with the wheels ( 42 ) a level stand for the housing ( 7 ) enable. Energy supply device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one handle as a carrying handle ( 44 ) is configured. Energy supply device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that - the fuel cell system ( 3 ) works with hydrogen, which consists of a hydrogen tank ( 64 ) is supplied with the housing ( 7 ) a recording ( 53 ) for the hydrogen tank ( 64 ), and / or - that the fuel cell system ( 3 ) works with hydrogen and a hydrogen connection ( 32 ), to which an external hydrogen source can be connected. Power supply device according to claim 5, characterized in that - the receptacle ( 53 ) on the outside ( 39 ) of the housing ( 7 ), or - that the recording ( 53 ) inside the housing ( 39 ) is arranged. Power supply device according to claim 6, characterized in that the housing ( 7 ) a tank receiving space ( 35 ) for housing the hydrogen tank ( 33 ), which in particular separately from the fuel cell system ( 3 ) can be accessible. Power supply device according to claim 7, characterized in that the tank receiving space ( 35 ) with a heating device ( 36 ) for heating the hydrogen tank ( 64 ), in particular, it may be provided that the heating device ( 36 ) through the return ( 19 ) of a cooling circuit ( 16 ) of the fuel cell system ( 3 ) for cooling the at least one fuel cell ( 9 ) is formed or coupled with this heat transfer. Power supply device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the housing ( 7 ) a battery receiving space ( 55 ) for accommodating the at least one battery ( 8th ), which in particular separately from the fuel cell system ( 3 ) is accessible. Energy supply device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that at least two different connection points ( 5 . 6 ) are provided, which differ from each other at least by different electrical voltages. Power supply device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the control device ( 4 ) a telecommunication module ( 61 ) having. Energy supply device at least according to claim 5 and 11, characterized in that the control device ( 4 ) at least one Level of the hydrogen tank ( 64 ) is monitored and at least when the level reaches a predetermined level value, generates a correlated level message and this via the telecommunication module ( 61 ) a service facility ( 62 ) transmitted. Power supply device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the control device ( 4 ) a GPS module ( 63 ) for determining position coordinates. Power supply device according to claims 12 and 13, characterized in that - that of the control device ( 4 ) generated level message with the GPS module ( 63 ) is linked and / or - that the service facility ( 62 ) via the telecommunication module ( 61 ) the current position coordinates of the GPS module ( 63 ). Power supply device at least according to claim 11, characterized in that the control device ( 4 ) the current state of the power supply device ( 1 ), in particular the fuel cell system ( 3 ) and / or the energy storage system ( 2 ), a correlated state signal is generated and transmitted via the telecommunication module ( 61 ) the status signal of a service facility ( 62 ) automatically and / or at the request of the service facility ( 62 ) transmitted.

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