DE102016003006A1 - Humidifier device for a fuel cell device and fuel cell device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a humidifier device (2) for a fuel cell device (1) having - a humidifier stack (2.4), each of which end faces of an end plate (2.5, 2.6) is limited, - at least two media inputs (2.5.1, 2.5.2) and two media outlets (2.5.3, 2.5.4), and - a humidifier bypass line (2.2), via which a dry supply air from the media inlet (2.5.1) to the media outlet (2.5.4) outside the humidifier stack (2.4) is feasible and - at least a liquid separator (2.8), which is arranged in the region of the other media outlet (2.5.3). According to the invention it is provided that - the media inputs (2.5.1, 2.5.2), media outlets (2.5.3, 2.5.4) and at least partially the humidifier bypass line (2.2) are arranged together in one of the end plates (2.5, 2.6) and with this form a one-piece component. The invention further relates to a fuel cell device (1) with at least one such humidifier device (2).

Description

The invention relates to a humidifier device for a fuel cell device according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a fuel cell device with such a humidifier.

From the prior art, such as in WO 2014/205574 A1 described, an integrated Gasmanagmentvorrichtung known which contains a designed as a gas-to-gas humidifier humidifier, which is provided for the transfer of water from a first gas to a second gas. The gas management apparatus further includes a heat exchanger attached to a first end of the humidifier apparatus for cooling the first gas. Further, the gas management device includes a liquid separator attached to a second end of the humidifier device for separating water from the second gas.

The invention is based on the object to provide a comparison with the prior art improved humidifier device for a fuel cell assembly and an improved over the prior art fuel cell assembly.

With regard to the humidifier, the object is achieved according to the invention with the features specified in claim 1. With regard to the fuel cell device, the object is achieved according to the invention with the features specified in claim 7.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

A humidifier device for a fuel cell device comprises a humidifier stack, each of which is delimited by an end plate. The humidifier device further comprises at least two media inputs and two media outlets, as well as a humidifier bypass line, via which a dry supply air from one media input to the other media outlet outside the Befeuchterstapels is feasible. Furthermore, the humidifier device has at least one liquid separator, which is arranged in the region of the other media outlet.

According to the invention, it is provided that the media inputs, media outlets and at least sections of the humidifier bypass line are arranged together in one of the end plates and form a one-piece component with the latter.

The humidifier device formed in this way requires less space than the prior art for the piping and distribution of the media and gas flow to the respective interfaces. The fuel cell device can thus be made much more compact and lighter. Furthermore, fewer components are required than with conventional humidifier devices. This allows a reduction in a number of interfaces as well as the risk of leakage. In addition, compared to the prior art assembly is facilitated and efficient.

Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to drawings.

Showing:

1 schematically a block diagram of an embodiment of the invention of a fuel cell device with a humidifier and

2 schematically a sectional view of an inventive embodiment of a humidifier.

Corresponding parts are provided in all figures with the same reference numerals.

1 shows a possible embodiment of a fuel cell device according to the invention 1 in the form of a block diagram.

The fuel cell device 1 is integrated, for example, in a vehicle, not shown, which has a (not shown) as an electric motor formed drive unit. To supply the drive unit with electrical energy is the fuel cell device 1 provided, which a fuel cell stack 1.1 for converting chemical energy into electrical energy. The fuel cell stack 1.1 includes a plurality of individual fuel cells (not shown) each having a membrane-electrode assembly in which an electrolyte membrane is disposed between an anode and a cathode, such that the fuel cell stack 1.1 an anode room 1.1.1 and a cathode compartment 1.1.2 having.

For operation of the fuel cell device 1 becomes the fuel cell stack 1.1 about one in two sections 1.2.1 . 1.2.2 divided supply air line 1.2 Air is supplied, with the air in the cathode compartment 1.1.2 of the fuel cell stack 1.1 is directed. About a fuel supply line 1.3 becomes the anode compartment 1.1.1 of the fuel cell stack 1.1 Fuel, z. In the form of hydrogen.

Inside the fuel cell stack 1.1 the oxygen contained in the air reacts with the fuel, whereby electrical energy is generated, which is an electrical consumer, for. B. an electric motor is supplied.

The cathode compartment 1.1.2 For the conditioning of the supplied air is a humidifier device 2 upstream, in 2 is shown and described in detail. This is about a first section 1.2.1 the supply air line 1.2 dry air flowing through the humidifier device 2 moistened and over a second section 1.2.2 the supply air line 1.2 as humidified air to the cathode compartment 1.1.2 fed.

Furthermore, the humidifier device 2 via an exhaust pipe 1.4 moist exhaust air from the cathode compartment 1.1.2 which is the humidifier device 2 supplying the necessary moisture to humidify the dry supply air.

The by means of the humidifier device 2 dehumidified exhaust air from the fuel cell stack 1.1 is via an exhaust pipe 2.1 from the fuel cell device 1 out and according to the present embodiment of an exhaust system 3 passed the aforementioned vehicle. Alternatively, the exhaust gas may also be in another area outside or inside the fuel cell device 1 be directed.

Furthermore, the humidifier device 2 two bypass lines 2.2 . 2.3 on, by means of which the dry supply air without humidification from the humidifier 2 is led out. In particular, this is a humidifier bypass line 2.2 and a system bypass line 2.3 provided, the course of which is shown only simplified in the present embodiment, wherein it should be shown that in the humidifier 2 incoming dry incoming air to an outlet of the humidifier device 2 or the exhaust system 3 is supplied without humidification. An exact description and description of the bypass lines 2.2 . 2.3 takes place in 2 ,

In addition, here further components, such as an air filter, intercooler or the like can be arranged more. Since these represent no subject relevant to the invention, their presentation and explanation is omitted for reasons of clarity.

2 shows an inventive embodiment of the humidifier 2 , which is shown in a sectional view as a longitudinal section.

The humidifier device 2 includes a humidifier stack 2.4 , which each end face of an end plate 2.5 . 2.6 and at least laterally of a housing 2.7 is limited.

The humidifier stack 2.4 is made of a plurality of stacked humidifier cells 2.4.1 formed, each humidifier cell 2.4.1 has at least one water-permeable membrane and two separator plates (not shown in detail). The separator plates each have a number of channels, so that the dry supply air can flow through one of the separator plates and the humid exhaust air through the other separator plate. Between the Separatorplatten the membrane is arranged, which allows a transfer of water from the moist exhaust air to the dry supply air.

According to the present embodiment, one of the end plates 2.5 . 2.6 , here the upper end plate 2.5 , two media inputs 2.5.1 . 2.5.2 and two media outlets 2.5.3 . 2.5.4 on. A media input 2.5.1 will be over the first section 1.2.1 the supply air line 1.2 fed dry air. The other media input 2.5.2 is via the exhaust duct 1.4 moist exhaust air from the cathode compartment 1.1.2 fed. The media output 2.5.4 is with the cathode compartment 1.1.2 over the second section 1.2.2 the supply air line 1.2 connected by means of which the cathode compartment 1.1.2 humidified air is supplied. The other media outlet 2.5.3 is with the exhaust pipe 2.1 connected, about which according to the description 1 excess water is removed.

The media inputs 2.5.1 . 2.5.2 and media outlets 2.5.3 . 2.5.4 are in the end plate 2.5 integrated and form with this a one-piece component. For example, the media inputs 2.5.1 . 2.5.2 and media outlets 2.5.3 . 2.5.4 each as a passage opening in the end plate 2.5 introduced and have a rectangular cross-sectional profile. Alternatively, the media inputs 2.5.1 . 2.5.2 and media outlets 2.5.3 . 2.5.4 also have a triangular or round cross-sectional profile.

The formation as a one-piece component allows a reduced number of fasteners and thereby a lower risk of leaks or other leaks. In addition, both have end plates 2.5 . 2.6 only a small weight on. This is an assembly of the humidifier 2 and the fuel cell device 1 Compared to the prior art simplified and reduced costs. In particular, the common arrangement of the media inputs 2.5.1 . 2.5.2 and media outlets 2.5.3 . 2.5.4 in the end plate 2.5 allows a particularly compact design of the humidifier 2 , which has fewer components and a lower weight compared to the prior art.

As already in 1 mentions the humidifier device 2 two bypass lines 2.2 . 2.3 on, over the one the media entrance 2.5.1 supplied dry supply air to the humidifier stack 2.4 passed by. The bypass lines 2.2 . 2.3 are analogous to the media inputs 2.5.1 . 2.5.2 and media outlets 2.5.3 . 2.5.4 in the area of the end plate 2.5 formed integrally with this. This allows a particularly compact design of the humidifier 2 ,

The humidifier bypass line 2.2 serves the dry supply air without humidification to the media outlet 2.5.4 to guide, which with the second section 1.2.2 the supply air line 1.2 connected is. According to the present embodiment, the humidifier bypass line connects 2.2 thus fluidically the media input 2.5.1 , which with the first section 1.2.1 the supply air line 1.2 connected to the media outlet 2.5.4 which is over the second section 1.2.2 the supply air line 1.2 with the cathode compartment 1.1.2 connected is. The humidifier bypass line 2.2 is analogous to the media inputs 2.5.1 . 2.5.2 and the media outlets 2.5.3 . 2.5.4 in the end plate 2.5 arranged and formed integrally with this.

The system bypass line 2.3 serves to dry the supply air from the humidifier device 2 lead out so that this neither the humidifier 2.4 still the fuel cell stack 1.1 flows through. The system bypass line 2.3 thus serves the diversion of the dry supply air in an area outside of the fuel cell device 1 without this the fuel cell stack 1.1 reached. According to the in 2 The embodiment shown connects the system bypass line 2.3 thus fluidically the media input 2.5.1 , which with the first section 1.2.1 the supply air line 1.2 connected to the other media outlet 2.5.3 , which with the exhaust pipe 2.1 connected is. Alternatively, the system bypass line 2.3 also in another area outside of the fuel cell device 1 be directed. The system bypass line 2.3 is analogous to the humidifier bypass line 2.2 in the end plate 2.5 arranged and formed integrally with this.

For controlling and / or regulating a flow direction of the dry supply air, the bypass lines 2.2 . 2.3 one actuator each 2.2.1 . 2.3.1 on, which is designed for example as a throttle valve. The control elements 2.2.1 . 2.3.1 are preferably each electrically actuated. Are both control elements 2.2.1 . 2.3.1 in a closed position, the dry air is completely through the humidifier stack 2.4 through to the media outlet 2.5.4 guided while moistening.

Is the control element 2.2.1 the humidifier bypass line 2.2 open, a certain proportion of the dry air flows in addition via the humidifier bypass line 2.2 to the media outlet 2.5.4 and mixes there with the humidified air, which then the cathode compartment 1.1.2 is supplied. Is the control element 2.3.1 the system bypass line 2.3 open, a certain proportion of the dry air flows in addition via the system bypass line 2.3 to the exhaust pipe 2.1 ,

The control elements 2.2.1 . 2.3.1 can also work with the end plate 2.5 be formed integrated. Alternatively, it is also possible that the control elements 2.2.1 . 2.3.1 are formed as separate components and with the end plate 2.5 are fixed force and / or positive and / or cohesive. For example, the control elements 2.2.1 . 2.3.1 with an outside of the end plate 2.5 screwed.

By means of the system bypass line 2.3 can be an air supply to the cathode compartment 1.1.2 be stopped with a minimal time delay. For example, this is at certain changes in an operating state of the fuel cell device 1 , z. B. in case of sudden shutdown or a promptly required load reduction required. About the system bypass line 2.3 is thus a pressure equalization between the anode compartment 1.1.1 and the cathode compartment 1.1.2 possible if between the termination of a fuel supply to the anode compartment 1.1.1 and the completion of the fresh air supply to the cathode compartment 1.1.2 a time delay occurs, resulting in pressure differences that cause excessive mechanical damage within the fuel cell stack 1.1 , z. As a rupture of polymer electrolyte or proton exchange membranes, can lead.

Furthermore, the humidifier device shown comprises 2 a liquid separator 2.8 , which in the flow direction behind the actuator 2.3.1 the system bypass line 2.3 inside the input end plate 2.5 in the area of the media outlet 2.5.3 is arranged. Alternatively, the liquid separator 2.8 also in the media output 2.5.3 be arranged that the system bypass line 2.3 in the flow direction after the liquid separator 2.8 in the media output 2.5.3 and thus into the exhaust pipe 2.1 empties.

Because product water from the fuel cell stack 1.1 usually does not exit in vapor form, but in the liquid state, serves the liquid separator 2.8 the separation of excess water, in particular starting from the fuel cell stack 1.1 which is preferably discharged into a collecting container (not shown here).

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

fuel cell device

1.1

fuel cell stack

1.1.1

anode chamber

1.1.2

cathode space

1.2

air supply

1.2.1

first section

1.2.2

second part

1.3

fuel supply line

1.4

exhaust duct

2

humidifier device

2.1

exhaust pipe

2.2

Befeuchterbypassleitung

2.2.1

actuator

2.3

System bypass line

2.3.1

actuator

2.4

Befeuchterstapel

2.4.1

humidifier cell

2.5

endplate

2.5.1

media input

2.5.2

other media input

2.5.3

other media output

2.5.4

media output

2.6

endplate

2.7

casing

2.8

liquid separator

3

exhaust system

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 2014/205574 A1 [0002]

Claims (6)

Humidifier device ( 2 ) for a fuel cell device ( 1 ) with - a humidifier stack ( 2.4 ), which each end face of an end plate ( 2.5 . 2.6 ), - at least two media entrances ( 2.5.1 . 2.5.2 ) and two media outlets ( 2.5.3 . 2.5.4 ), and - a humidifier bypass line ( 2.2 ), via which a dry supply air from the media input ( 2.5.1 ) to the media output ( 2.5.4 ) outside the humidifier stack ( 2.4 ) and - at least one liquid separator ( 2.8 ), which is located in the area of the other media outlet ( 2.5.3 ), characterized in that - the media inputs ( 2.5.1 . 2.5.2 ), Media outlets ( 2.5.3 . 2.5.4 ) and at least in sections, the humidifier bypass line ( 2.2 ) together in one of the end plates ( 2.5 . 2.6 ) are arranged and form a one-piece component with this. Humidifier device ( 2 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that in addition a system bypass line ( 2.3 ), via which the dry supply air from the media input ( 2.5.1 ) to the other media outlet ( 2.5.3 ) outside the humidifier stack ( 2.4 ) is feasible. Humidifier device ( 2 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that the other media outlet ( 2.5.3 ) with one to the outside of the fuel cell device ( 1 ) leading exhaust pipe ( 2.1 ) connected is. Humidifier device ( 2 ) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the system bypass line ( 2.3 ) at least in sections in the same end plate ( 2.5 ) is arranged and forms with this a one-piece component, in which the media inputs ( 2.5.1 . 2.5.2 ), Media outlets ( 2.5.3 . 2.5.4 ) and the humidifier bypass line ( 2.2 ) are arranged. Humidifier device ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the media inputs ( 2.5.1 . 2.5.2 ) and media outlets ( 2.5.3 . 2.5.4 ) each as a passage opening in the end plate ( 2.5 ) are introduced. Fuel cell device ( 1 ), comprising - at least one fuel cell stack ( 1.1 ) with an anode space ( 1.1.1 ) and a cathode compartment ( 1.1.2 ) and - at least one humidifying device ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims.

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