DE102016003007A1 - 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) or a hollow fiber membrane bundle (4) which delimits the end face of an input-side end plate (2.5) and an output end plate (2.6) is, - at least two media inputs (2.5.1, 2.6.1) and two media outputs (2.5.2, 2.6.2), one media input (2.5.1) and one media output (2.5.2) in the input end plate (2.5 ) and a further media input (2.6.1) and a further media outlet (2.6.2) are arranged in the output-side end plate (2.6) and in each case form a one-part component with the end plates (2.5, 2.6), - a humidifier bypass line (2.2), via which a dry supply air from the media inlet (2.5.1) to the other media outlet (2.6.2) outside the Befeuchterstapels (2.4) or the hollow fiber membrane bundle (4) can be guided, and - at least one liquid separator (2.8), which it is arranged in the input-side end plate (2.5) in the region of the media outlet (2.5.2), characterized in that in addition a system bypass line (2.3) is provided, via which the dry supply air from the media inlet (2.5.1) to the media outlet (2.5. 2) outside the Befeuchterstapels (2.4) or the hollow fiber membrane bundle (4) can be guided, wherein the media outlet (2.5.2) is connected to an exhaust pipe (2.1). Furthermore, the invention relates to a fuel cell device (1) comprising - at least one fuel cell stack (1.1) with an anode compartment (1.1.1) and a cathode compartment (1.1.2) and - at least one humidification 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 5.

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

A humidifier apparatus for a fuel cell apparatus includes a humidifier stack or a hollow fiber membrane bundle which is frontally defined by an input side end plate and an output side end plate. Furthermore, the humidifier device comprises at least two media inputs and two media outlets, wherein a media input and a media outlet are arranged in the input side end plate and another media input and another media outlet are arranged in the output side end plate and respectively form a one-piece component with the end plates. In addition, the humidifier comprises a humidifier bypass line through which a dry supply air from the media inlet to the other media outlet outside the Befeuchterstapels or the hollow fiber membrane bundle is feasible and at least one liquid separator, which is arranged in the input side end plate in the region of the media outlet.

According to the invention, a system bypass line is additionally provided, via which the dry supply air from the media inlet to the media outlet outside the Befeuchterstapels or the hollow fiber membrane bundle can be guided, wherein the media outlet is connected to an exhaust pipe.

The humidifier device thus formed significantly increases a lifetime of a fuel cell device over the prior art. The system bypass line allows for certain changes in an operating condition of the fuel cell device, for. B. in case of sudden shutdown or a promptly required load reduction, the fresh air supply to the fuel cell stack to end with a minimal delay. In particular, the system bypass line allows a pressure equalization between an anode compartment and a cathode compartment after sudden shutdown of the operation of the fuel cell device. This is advantageous because between the termination of a fuel supply to the anode compartment and the termination of the fresh air supply to the cathode compartment usually a time delay occurs, resulting from the pressure differences, the excessive mechanical damage within the fuel cell stack, z. As a rupture of polymer electrolyte or proton exchange membranes, can lead.

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

Showing:

1 1 schematically a block diagram of an embodiment according to the invention of a fuel cell device with a humidifier device,

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

3 schematically a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a humidifier according to the invention.

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. A course of a humidifier bypass line 2.2 and a system bypass line 2.3 In this case, in the present exemplary embodiment, in each case only shown in simplified form, wherein it should be shown that the 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 , wherein this is shown in a sectional view, in particular in a longitudinal section.

The humidifier device 2 includes a humidifier stack 2.4 , which front side of an input-side end plate 2.5 and an output end plate 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, the input-side end plate 2.5 a media input 2.5.1 and a media outlet 2.5.2 on, taking the media input 2.5.1 over the first section 1.2.1 the supply air line 1.2 dry air is supplied. The media output 2.5.2 is with the exhaust pipe 2.1 connected, about which according to the description 1 excess water is removed.

The output end plate 2.6 has according to the present embodiment, a further media input 2.6.1 and another media outlet 2.6.2 on, with the other media input 2.6.1 via the exhaust air line 1.4 moist exhaust air from the cathode compartment 1.1.2 is supplied. The further media output 2.6.2 is with the cathode compartment 1.1.2 over the second section 1.2.2 of the air supply 1.2 connected by means of which the cathode compartment 1.1.2 humidified air is supplied.

In the present embodiment, the media input 2.5.1 and the other media output 2.6.2 as well as the media output 2.5.2 and the further media input 2.6.1 arranged in the viewing direction directly opposite one another. Alternatively, these can also be arranged diagonally opposite each other.

The media inputs 2.5.1 . 2.6.1 and media outlets 2.5.2 . 2.6.2 are each in the end plates 2.5 . 2.6 integrated and form with these a one-piece component. For example, the media inputs 2.5.1 . 2.6.1 and media outlets 2.5.2 . 2.6.2 each as through holes in the end plates 2.5 . 2.6 introduced and have a rectangular cross-sectional profile. Alternatively, the media inputs 2.5.1 . 2.6.1 and media outlets 2.5.2 . 2.6.2 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, the end plates have 2.5 . 2.6 this only a small weight. This is an assembly of the humidifier 2 and the fuel cell device 1 Compared to the prior art simplified and reduced costs.

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 . 2.6.1 and media outlets 2.5.2 . 2.6.2 in the area of end plates 2.5 . 2.6 formed integrally with these. This allows a particularly compact design of the humidifier 2 ,

A humidifier bypass line 2.2 serves to dry supply air without humidification to the other media outlet 2.6.2 to lead. According to the present embodiment, the humidifier bypass line 2.2 fluidically with the media input 2.5.1 and the other media output 2.6.2 connected and runs in sections through the housing 2.7 by. Alternatively, the through the housing 2.7 extending section also outside the humidifier device 2 run.

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 1 and 2 The exemplary embodiments shown are the system bypass line 2.3 fluidically with the media input 2.5.1 and the media output 2.5.2 and thus with the exhaust pipe 2.1 connected. Alternatively, the system bypass line 2.3 also in another area outside of the fuel cell device 1 be directed.

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 other media outlet 2.6.2 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 further media outlet 2.6.2 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 with the input side 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 input side 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 input side 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 from the pressure differences result in 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 2.5.2 is arranged. Alternatively, the liquid separator 2.8 also in the media output 2.5.2 be arranged that the system bypass line 2.3 in the flow direction after the liquid separator 2.8 in the media output 2.5.2 and thus into the exhaust pipe 2.1 empties.

Because product water from the fuel cell stack 2 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).

3 shows an alternative embodiment of the humidifier device 2 , which is also shown in a sectional view, in particular in a longitudinal section.

This is instead of the humidifier stack 2.4 a hollow fiber membrane bundle 4 provided, which a variety of hollow fiber membranes 4.1 includes. The hollow fiber membranes 4.1 extend in the embodiment shown parallel to the longitudinal direction of the housing 2.7 and are each open at their front ends.

The hollow fiber membranes 4.1 are in particular formed as cylindrical fibers with one or more cavities in cross-section, wherein the walls of the fibers for moistening the supply air and for dehumidifying the exhaust air have moisture-permeable structures, so that the walls act as a membrane. The hollow fiber membranes 4.1 may be formed from polysulfone (PSU), polyimide (PI), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyethersulfone (PES), or other suitable material.

The arrangement of a hollow fiber membrane bundle 4 allows a particularly efficient operation of the humidifier 2 due to the high specific surface of the individual hollow-fiber membranes 4 ,

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

section

1.2.2

section

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

input-side end plate

2.5.1

media input

2.5.2

media output

2.6

output side end plate

2.6.1

additional media input

2.6.2

additional media output

2.7

casing

2.8

liquid separator

3

exhaust system

4

Hollow fiber membrane bundle

4.1

Hollow fiber membrane

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 (7)

Humidifier device ( 2 ) for a fuel cell device ( 1 ) with - a humidifier stack ( 2.4 ) or a hollow fiber membrane bundle ( 4 ), which front side of an input-side end plate ( 2.5 ) and an output end plate ( 2.6 ), - at least two media entrances ( 2.5.1 . 2.6.1 ) and two media outlets ( 2.5.2 . 2.6.2 ), whereby a media input ( 2.5.1 ) and a media output ( 2.5.2 ) in the input end plate ( 2.5 ) and another media input ( 2.6.1 ) and another media output ( 2.6.2 ) in the output end plate ( 2.6 ) are arranged and in each case with the end plates ( 2.5 . 2.6 ) form a one-piece component, - a humidifier bypass line ( 2.2 ), via which a dry supply air from the media input ( 2.5.1 ) to the further media output ( 2.6.2 ) outside the humidifier stack ( 2.4 ) or the hollow fiber membrane bundle ( 4 ), and - at least one liquid separator ( 2.8 ), which in the input-side end plate ( 2.5 ) in the area of the media outlet ( 2.5.2 ), characterized in that - additionally a system bypass line ( 2.3 ), via which the dry supply air from the media input ( 2.5.1 ) to the media output ( 2.5.2 ) outside the humidifier stack ( 2.4 ) or the hollow fiber membrane bundle ( 4 ), and - wherein the media outlet ( 2.5.2 ) with an exhaust pipe ( 2.1 ) connected is. Humidifier device ( 2 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that a in the input-side end plate ( 2.5 ) extending portion of the humidifier bypass line ( 2.2 ) as well as the system bypass line ( 2.3 ) in one piece with the input-side end plate ( 2.5 ) are formed. Humidifier device ( 2 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that for closing and opening the bypass lines ( 2.2 . 2.3 ) one actuating element each ( 2.2.1 . 2.3.1 ) is provided. Humidifier device ( 2 ) according to claim 3, characterized in that the adjusting elements ( 2.2.1 . 2.3.1 ) are each formed as a throttle valve. 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. Fuel cell device ( 1 ) according to claim 5, characterized in that the further media outlet ( 2.6.2 ) via an air supply line ( 1.2 ) with the cathode space ( 1.1.2 ) connected is. Fuel cell device ( 1 ) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that - the media input ( 2.5.1 ) dry supply air can be supplied and - the further media input ( 2.6.1 ) moist exhaust air from the cathode compartment ( 1.1.2 ) can be fed.

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