DE102017222010A1 - Processing device for connection to a fuel cell cooling system and for deionization of the coolant, compatible fuel cell system and use of the processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a treatment device (50) for deionizing a coolant of a fuel cell cooling system (40) and a fuel cell system (50) having a fuel cell cooling system (40) compatible therewith. Conditioning device (50) and fuel cell cooling system (40) can be connected to one another in a fluid-conducting manner so that the coolant of the fuel cell cooling system (40) can be deionized by means of a deionization device (53) of the treatment device (50). The course is monitored by means of a sensor (54) of the processing device (50), which outputs a signal correlated with an ion concentration of the coolant.

Description

The invention relates to a treatment device for deionizing a coolant of a fuel cell cooling system that is designed to be fluidly connected to an existing fuel cell cooling system in order to deionize its coolant. The invention further relates to a fuel cell system with a fuel cell cooling system, which is designed to be fluidly connected to the treatment device. Finally, the invention relates to the use of the treatment device for deionizing a coolant of a fuel cell cooling system.

Fuel cells use the reaction energy of a fuel and an oxidant to generate electrical energy. Since the fuel cell reaction is exothermic, ie releases heat, fuel cell systems usually have a cooling system for cooling the fuel cell stack. For safety reasons, it is desirable to keep the ion concentration of the coolant and thus its electrical conductivity low in order to maintain the electrical insulation effect of the coolant. When commissioning new fuel cell systems, however, there is an increased input of ions into the coolant and thus an increase in the electrical conductivity of the same. The reason for this is that new components of the cooling circuit initially have no passivation layer, which prevents the release of ions, and also may have an increased initial contamination. With the formation of appropriate passivation layers, the ion input into the coolant decreases over time. However, as soon as a component in the cooling circuit is replaced, the ion input can rise again.

In order to reduce the initial ion entry due to contamination in the coolant, it is known to intensively clean the various components prior to their assembly, which is associated with an increased effort. Furthermore, it is known to install ion exchanger in the coolant circuit or a bypass of the same. However, ion exchangers lead to increased system complexity, space requirements and weight. With regard to the dimensioning of the ion exchanger, there are two approaches. If the ion exchanger is dimensioned so large that it extends over the entire lifetime of the fuel cell system, this leads to an even greater need for installation space and high costs. On the other hand, small-sized ion exchangers lead to comparatively short maintenance intervals in which the ion exchanger must be replaced, which in turn reduces customer acceptance and increases maintenance costs.

So describes DE 10 2013 020 877A1 an ion exchanger for a cooling circuit of a fuel cell, which is coupled via automatically closing fluid ports of the cooling circuit in this and thus can be replaced quickly and safely.

Out JP 2001-35519 A is also an ion exchanger for a cooling circuit of a fuel cell is known, which can be bypassed and replaced via a bypass line.

Also DE 10 2009 037 080 A1 discloses a refrigeration cycle of a fuel cell having in a bypass line an expansion tank for the cooling fluid, in which an ion exchanger is arranged.

The invention has for its object to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art described. In particular, the complexity of the fuel cell cooling system is to be reduced without having to accept security losses as a result of ion introduction into the coolant.

These objects are achieved by a treatment device, a fuel cell system and a use of the treatment device with the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

The processing device according to the invention for deionizing a coolant of a fuel cell cooling system comprises a coolant line which is designed to be fluidically coupled to the fuel cell cooling system; a deionization device fluidly connected to the coolant line and a sensor for outputting a correlated with the ion concentration of the coolant signal.

The treatment device according to the invention is thus determined and designed to be fluid-conductively coupled to an existing cooling system of a fuel cell in order to lead and deionize the coolant via the deionization device and subsequently to be separated again from the fuel cell cooling system. The sensor allows the detection of the ion concentration of the coolant and serves to determine the end of the maintenance period. Thus, the treatment device is not part of the fuel cell cooling system, but a stand-alone device, which is kept for example by the manufacturer or a workshop. By outsourcing the deionization device, a reduction of the system complexity of the fuel cell cooling system, its space and weight is achieved. Since the ion entry into the coolant mainly in the phase after commissioning of a new coolant system or after replacement of individual components of the same, it is sufficient to use the coolant treatment by using the treatment device manufacturer side in new systems or workshop after replacing individual components of the fuel cell cooling system. However, this does not exclude the use of the treatment device in other cases of need, for example, in standardized maintenance of the system without replacing individual components of the cooling system.

In exemplary embodiments, the processing device comprises a conveying device for the coolant arranged in the coolant line. This embodiment allows the use of the treatment device independently of a coolant pump of the fuel cell cooling system. It is required when the fluidic circuit of the coolant flow in the treatment device takes place parallel to the coolant pump of the fuel cell cooling system, if it is thus bridged by the treatment device. If, on the other hand, the fuel cell cooling system is designed so that the fluid-technical circuit of the treatment device takes place serially with the coolant pump of the fuel cell cooling system, a delivery device of the treatment device is dispensable. The conveying device can be, for example, a pump, in particular a water pump, in the case of an aqueous coolant.

The sensor of the processing device can be advantageously designed as a conductivity sensor. On the one hand, the conductivity of the coolant is a reliably measurable quantity, which also correlates very well with the ion concentration. On the other hand, the conductivity is a quantity of interest in terms of the desired insulating properties of the coolant per se. Conductive sensors are also robust and inexpensive.

The coolant line of the treatment device is preferably designed to be coupled by means of quick connections to the fuel cell cooling system. For this purpose, both ends of the cooling medium line of the treatment device have connection parts that are compatible with corresponding connection parts of the fuel cell cooling system. In this way, the mechanical and fluid-conducting connection can be made and released in a faster, easier and safer way. The quick connections can also be designed to open automatically as soon as a fluid connection between the coolant lines of the fuel cell cooling system and the treatment device is established, and / or to close automatically once the connection has been disconnected.

In a preferred embodiment, the processing device further comprises a control device, which is configured to receive the signal of the sensor and to determine an end of the deionization of the coolant in dependence on the signal. Thus, the controller receives the sensor signal and evaluates it. In this case, the control device compares the signal with a lower threshold value for the ion concentration or the conductivity and indicates an end of the deionization duration when the threshold value is reached. Furthermore, the control device can have an external data output interface, via which, for example, the start and end values of the quantity measured by the sensor or further data can be output.

The processing device is preferably designed to be used mobile independently of an individual fuel cell system. In other words, thus, the processing means for a variety of fuel cell systems can be used to deionize their refrigerant. As already mentioned, such a treatment device can thus be provided by the manufacturer and / or the workshop to remove the initially introduced ions from the coolant after the startup of a new fuel cell system or after replacement of individual components of the cooling system. For example, the processing device may have a housing in which various components, such as the deionization device, the sensor, parts of the coolant line and optionally the conveying device and control device are accommodated.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a fuel cell system comprising a fuel cell stack and a fuel cell cooling system for the fuel cell stack. Wherein the fuel cell cooling system has a coolant line and two connection points for the fluidic connection of the coolant line to an external coolant line, and at least one shut-off element arranged between the two connection points.

In particular, the external coolant line is the coolant line of the treatment device according to the invention. The fuel cell system according to the invention is thus designed to be used together with the treatment device according to the invention. Thus, the fuel cell cooling system preferably does not have its own deionization device, but if necessary it is connected to the deionization device of the reprocessing device in order to prepare the coolant. Thus, the fuel cell cooling system has a low System complexity and a small space requirement.

The connection points of the fuel cell cooling system are preferably designed to open automatically, provided that a connection to the external coolant line is made, and / or to close automatically, if the connection is disconnected. In particular, they can be designed as a quick release. The automatic formation of the connection points ensures that there is no undesired escape of coolant. The connection points of the fuel cell cooling system are designed to be compatible with connections of the coolant line of the treatment device.

A further aspect relates to the use of the treatment device according to the invention for deionizing a coolant of a fuel cell cooling system according to the invention. The use comprises the steps of: connecting the cooling line of the treatment device to the cooling line of the fuel cell cooling system; Passing the coolant of the fuel cell cooling system through the deionizer of the conditioner; Detecting the ion concentration of the coolant and separating the coolant line of the treatment device from the coolant line of the fuel cell cooling system, when the ion concentration of the coolant falls below a predetermined threshold.

This method is preferably used by the manufacturer after dismantling the fuel cell system after a start-up phase thereof to remove the ions initially introduced into the coolant. In addition, the method can be applied to the workshop after individual components have been replaced from the fuel cell cooling system.

The various embodiments of the invention mentioned in this application are, unless otherwise stated in the individual case, advantageously combinable with each other.

• 1 ein Blockschaltbild eines Brennstoffzellensystems gemäß Stand der Technik;
• 2 ein vereinfachtes Blockschaltbild eines Brennstoffzellensystems mit Kühlsystem und mit einer angeschlossenen Aufbereitungseinrichtung gemäß einer ersten Ausgestaltung der Erfindung; und
• 3 ein vereinfachtes Blockschaltbild eines Brennstoffzellensystems mit Kühlsystem und mit einer angeschlossenen Aufbereitungseinrichtung gemäß einer zweiten Ausgestaltung der Erfindung.

The invention will be explained in more detail in embodiments with reference to the figures. Show it:

• 1 a block diagram of a fuel cell system according to the prior art;
• 2 a simplified block diagram of a fuel cell system with cooling system and with a connected conditioning device according to a first embodiment of the invention; and
• 3 a simplified block diagram of a fuel cell system with cooling system and with a connected conditioning device according to a second embodiment of the invention.

1 shows a total of 1 designated fuel cell system. The fuel cell system 1 is part of a not further illustrated vehicle, in particular an electric vehicle having an electric traction motor, by the fuel cell system 1 is supplied with electrical energy.

The fuel cell system 1 comprises as a core component a fuel cell stack 10 containing a plurality of stacked single cells 11 By alternately stacked membrane-electrode assemblies (MEA) and bipolar plates 15 be formed (see detail). Every single cell 11 Thus, each comprises an MEA, which is an ion-conductive polymer electrolyte membrane 14 or another solid electrolyte and on both sides arranged thereon catalytic electrodes, namely an anode 12 and a cathode 13 which catalyze the respective partial reaction of the fuel cell reaction. The anode and cathode electrodes 12 . 13 comprise a catalytic material, for example platinum, which is supported on an electrically conductive carrier material of high specific surface area, for example a carbon-based material. Between a bipolar plate 15 and the anode 12 Thus, an anode space is formed and between the cathode 13 and the next bipolar plate 15 the cathode compartment. The bipolar plates 15 serve to supply the operating media in the anode and cathode compartments and also provide the electrical connection between the individual fuel cells 11 ago. Optionally, gas diffusion layers between the membrane-electrode assemblies and bipolar plates 15 be arranged.

To the fuel cell stack 10 to supply with the reactive operating media, the fuel cell system 1 on the one hand, an anode supply 20 and on the other hand, a cathode supply 30 on.

The anode supply 20 includes an anode supply path 21 which supplies an anode operating medium, for example hydrogen, to the anodes 12 of the fuel cell stack 10 serves. For this purpose, the anode supply path connects 21 a pressure accumulator 23 with an anode inlet of the fuel cell stack 10 , The anode operating pressure on the anode sides 12 of the fuel cell stack 10 is via a pressure control valve 212 in the anode supply path 21 adjustable. An between pressure accumulator 23 and the pressure control valve 212 arranged shut-off valve 211 allows the setting of a form or the blocking of the path 21 , The anode supply 20 further includes an anode exhaust path 22 containing the anode exhaust gas from the anode chambers 12 via an anode outlet of the fuel cell stack 10 dissipates. In addition, the anode supply points 20 a recirculation line 24 on which the anode exhaust path 22 with the anode supply path 21 combines. The recirculation of fuel is common in order to return and utilize the fuel, which is mostly used in excess of stoichiometry, in the stack. In the recirculation line 24 is a conveyor 25 , For example, a blower or a pump arranged, with which a recirculated volume flow is adjustable. At a junction of the recirculation line 24 in the anode supply path 21 is in the present example also a jet pump 26 arranged. This is the pressure side with the accumulator 23 , on the suction side with the recirculation line 24 and exhaust side with the fuel cell stack 10 connected. In the anode exhaust path 22 is also a water separator 27 arranged, which allows the deposition of condensed water. Further, the anode exhaust path 22 with a flushing line 28 connected in the example shown in a cathode exhaust path 32 opens, so that the anode exhaust gas and the cathode exhaust gas can be discharged via a common exhaust system. In an alternative embodiment, the purge line 28 also lead into the environment. A flush valve 29 Alternatively with the water separator 27 can be combined, allows the discharge of the anode exhaust gas via the purge line 28 ,

The cathode supply 30 includes a cathode supply path 31 which is the cathode 13 of the fuel cell stack 10 supplying an oxygen-containing cathode operating medium, in particular air which is drawn in from the environment. The cathode supply 30 further includes a cathode exhaust path 32 , which the cathode exhaust gas (in particular the exhaust air) from the cathode compartments of the fuel cell stack 10 dissipates and optionally this feeds an exhaust system, not shown. For conveying and compressing the cathode operating medium is in the cathode supply path 31 a compressor 33 arranged. In the illustrated embodiment, the compressor 33 designed as a mainly electric motor driven compressor, which is driven by an electric motor. The compressor 33 may also be through a in the cathode exhaust path 32 arranged turbine 34 (optionally with variable turbine geometry) supportive on a common shaft driven.

The cathode supply 30 also has a wastegate line according to the illustrated embodiment 35 on which the cathode supply line 31 with the cathode exhaust gas line 32 connects, so a bypass of the fuel cell stack 10 represents. The wastegate pipe 35 allows excess air mass flow at the fuel cell stack 10 to pass without the compressor 33 shut down. One in the wastegate pipe 35 arranged control valve 36 serves to control the amount of the fuel cell stack 10 immediate cathode operating medium. Corresponding further actuating means can be in the lines 21 . 22 . 31 and 32 be arranged to the fuel cell stack 10 isolate from the environment.

The fuel cell system 1 may also have a humidifier 37 respectively. The humidifier 37 is so in the cathode supply path 31 arranged to be permeable on the one hand by the cathode operating gas and on the other hand by the cathode exhaust gas, the cathode operating gas and the cathode exhaust gas being separated from one another by water vapor permeable membranes. Via the water-vapor-permeable membranes, a transfer of water vapor from the comparatively moist cathode exhaust gas (exhaust air) to the comparatively dry cathode operating gas (air) is effected.

The fuel cell system 1 further includes a fuel cell cooling system 40 to the reaction energy of the fuel cell reaction from the fuel cell stack 10 dissipate or, for example, after a cold start to heat the stack. For this purpose, a coolant via a coolant line 41 by means of a pump 42 promoted and in a cooler 43 cooled. A bypass line 44 allows the bypass of the radiator 43 , for example, in warm-up phases of the fuel cell stack 10 , In this case, a coolant mass flow in the bypass line 44 or through the radiator 43 by means of a bypass control valve 45 be set. Optionally, a heating device can be arranged in the cooling circuit.

Finally, that points in 1 shown fuel cell cooling system 40 according to the prior art one in the cooling line 41 arranged deionization 46 , For example, an ion exchanger on. The ion exchanger 46 removes ions from the coolant passing through the various components of the cooling system 40 be entered in the coolant. As has already been stated in the introduction, this ion entry takes place mainly after commissioning of the fuel cell system 1 as well as after replacement of individual components of the cooling system 40 instead of. Since the conductivity of the coolant increases as a result of the ion introduction, but insulating properties of the coolant are desired on the other hand in the high-voltage system, it is desirable to deionize the coolant. The according to the prior art within the fuel's own cooling system 40 installed ion exchanger 46 must either be dimensioned so large that its ion exchange capacity extends over the life of the system. Alternatively, it is smaller in size, but then has to be replaced in comparatively frequent maintenance intervals. Both solutions are not very satisfactory. In addition, the ion exchanger 46 leads to an increase in the complexity of the system and the space requirement.

The 2 and 3 show embodiments of the fuel cell cooling system 40 in two embodiments according to the present invention and to the fuel cell cooling system 40 coupled processing facilities 50 according to two embodiments of the invention. In these figures, the fuel cell system 1 , in particular its anode and cathode supply reproduced only in greatly simplified form. The related to 1 made statements apply here but accordingly. In particular, the fuel cell cooling system 40 a the cooler 43 immediate bypass line 44 have, which is not shown here. Unlike the fuel cell cooling system 40 to 1 has the fuel cell cooling system according to the invention 40 no deionization facility, but connection points to the external treatment facilities 50 ,

In the in 2 The embodiment shown is the fuel cell cooling system 40 with two connection points 47 equipped with a fluidic connection of the coolant line 41 to an external coolant line 41 enable. The connection points 47 may have the shape of a tee or y-piece, so that an exit from the coolant line 41 branches. Furthermore, the connection points 47 a terminal coupling part 48 on which the mechanical and fluidic connection to a complementary coupling part 52 the external coolant line 51 allowed. Between the two connection points 47 of the fuel cell cooling system 40 is a barrier 49 , For example, a valve or a flap arranged, which is an interruption of the coolant flow in the coolant line 41 allowed.

At the in 2 shown embodiment of the fuel cell cooling system 40 can the two connection points 47 at any point of the coolant line 41 be arranged, for example, upstream or downstream of the radiator 43 or upstream or downstream of the coolant pump 42 ,

Furthermore, in 2 a total with 50 designated processing device for deionization of coolant of a fuel cell cooling system shown. In the illustrated state, the processing device 50 with the fuel cell cooling system 40 fluid leading connected.

The processing device 50 includes a coolant line 51 , Which at their two free ends in each case a coupling part 52 having. The coolant line 51 can be designed as a hose system or pipe system, preferably as a hose system. Furthermore, it can be designed in several parts. The coupling part 52 acts with the coupling part 48 of the fuel cell cooling system 40 in such a way that these two coupling parts 48 and 52 can be coupled together mechanically and fluidically. Together form the coupling parts 48 and 52 a connection. The coupling parts are preferred 48 and 52 or the terminal formed so that they open automatically when the mechanical connection is made, and close automatically when the connection is disconnected. In particular, they are designed as a quick release.

The processing device 50 further comprises a deionization device 53 that are in the coolant line 51 is integrated so that a coolant flowing through this also the deionization 53 flows through. The deionization device 53 is in particular designed as an ion exchanger which binds by means of immobilized cationic and / or anionic groups, anions or cations of the coolant. Furthermore, the processing device 50 a sensor 54 configured to output a correlated with an ion concentration of the coolant signal. In particular, the sensor 54 designed as a conductivity sensor.

Furthermore, the processing device comprises 50 a control device 56 , The control device 56 receives the from the sensor 54 detected actual conductivity value σ_Ist , Furthermore, in the control device 56 a setpoint or threshold for conductivity σ_sw saved. Furthermore, the control device has 56 via a data output interface to output and / or display the measured values to an external system.

In a preferred embodiment, the processing device 50 a compact modular design, wherein the components deionization 52 , Sensor 54 , Control device 56 and optionally the conveyor 55 housed in a common housing. In this case, only the terminal portions of the coolant line 51 with the coupling parts 52 led out of the case. Optionally, multiple line sections 51 different length are kept, which can be connected to corresponding fluid connections on the housing to accommodate various structural conditions.

In the 3 shown embodiment of the fuel cell cooling system 40 and the treatment device 50 corresponds essentially to the embodiment according to 2 , Therefore, only the differences will be described below.

In the fuel cell cooling system 40 according to 3 is a first of the two connection points 47 upstream of the coolant pump 42 and a second of the two connection points 47 downstream of the coolant pump 42 arranged. At the same time are between the two connection points 47 two shut-off devices 49 in the coolant line 41 provided, wherein a first shut-off 49 upstream of the coolant pump 42 and a second shut-off means 49 downstream of the coolant pump 42 is arranged. Furthermore, the processing device comprises 50 according to 2 its own conveyor 55 , in particular a coolant pump.

The mode of operation or mode of application of the treatment devices 50 to 2 and 3 is shown below. The fuel cell system 1 is including its cooling system 40 basically independent of the treatment facility 50 operated, so without this reprocessing device 50 is fluidically and mechanically coupled. If necessary, if a deionization of the coolant of the fuel cell cooling system 40 is desired or required, the processing facility is manufacturer or workshop side 50 used. For this purpose are turned off with the cooling system 40 first the coupling parts 48 and 52 the fittings 47 and the coolant line 51 mechanically interconnected. If correctly installed, the quick connection opens 48 . 52 automatically, so that the coolant line 41 of the fuel cell cooling system 40 with the coolant line 51 the processing device 50 is fluidically connected. Here are the or the shut-off 49 closed. Once the correct connection is detected, which may be automatic by the controller 56 can take place, the promotion of the coolant through the coolant lines begins 41 and 51 and thus through the ion exchanger 53 the processing device 50 , The funding will be in accordance with the in 1 shown embodiment on the coolant pump 42 of the fuel cell cooling system 40 , At the in 2 The embodiment shown, the coolant pump 42 of the fuel cell cooling system 40 bridged and the coolant is conveyed via the coolant pump 55 the processing device 50 ,

During this the conductivity sensor measures 54 continuously the electrical conductivity of the coolant. The signal of the sensor 54 σ_Ist is from the controller 56 read. The control device 56 performs a comparison of the conductivity actual value σ_Ist with the conductivity threshold σ_sw by. As soon as the conductivity actual value σ_Ist below the threshold σ_sw falls, determines the controller 56 the end of deionization. In this case, the control device 56 output a corresponding optical and / or acoustic signal. The promotion of the coolant is stopped by the coolant pump 42 respectively 55 is stopped. Finally, the connecting parts 48 and 52 mechanically separated, with the connection points 47 close automatically. Optionally, the control device 56 Issue a test protocol, which contains in particular the final state of the purified coolant. Optionally, an analysis of the ions removed from the coolant with respect to the ion type and amount can also be carried out, which can also be included in the text protocol.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

The fuel cell system

10

Fuel cell stack / fuel cell

11

single cell

12

catalytic electrode / anode

13

catalytic electrode / cathode

14

Polymer electrolyte membrane

15

Bipolar plate (separator plate, flow field plate)

20

anode supply

21

Anode supply path

211

shut-off valve

212

Pressure control valve

22

Anode exhaust gas path

23

pressure tank

24

recirculation

25

Conveyor / turbomachine

26

jet pump

27

water

28

flushing line

29

flush valve

30

cathode supply

31

Cathode supply path

32

Cathode exhaust path

33

compressor

34

turbine

35

Waste gate line

36

actuating means

37

humidifier

40

Fuel cell cooling system

41

Coolant line

42

Coolant pump

43

cooler

44

bypass line

45

Bypass control valve

46

Deionizer / ion exchanger

47

junction

48

Coupling part, quick connection

49

Shut-off valve

50

conditioning device

51

Coolant line

52

Coupling part, quick connection

53

Deionizer / ion exchanger

54

Sensor / conductivity sensor

55

Conveyor / pump

56

control device

σ_Ist

Leitfähigkeitsistwert

σ_sw

Conductivity threshold

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

• DE 102013020877 A1 [0004]
• JP 2001035519 A [0005]
• DE 102009037080 A1 [0006]

Claims (9)

Processing device (50) for deionizing a coolant of a fuel cell cooling system (40), comprising: a coolant line (51) configured to be fluidly coupled to the fuel cell cooling system (40); a deionization device (53) fluidically connected to the coolant line (51) and a sensor (54) for outputting a signal correlated with an ion concentration of the coolant. Processing device (50) according to Claim 1 further comprising a coolant conveyor (55) disposed in the coolant line (51). Conditioning device (50) according to one of Claims 1 or 2 wherein the sensor (54) is a conductivity sensor. Conditioning device (50) according to one of Claims 1 to 3 wherein the coolant line (51) is adapted to be coupled by means of quick connections (48, 52) to the fuel cell cooling system (40). Conditioning device (50) according to one of Claims 1 to 4 and further comprising control means (56) arranged to receive the signal from the sensor (54) and to determine an end of deionization of the coolant in response to the signal. Conditioning device (50) according to one of Claims 1 to 5 wherein the processing device (50) is designed to be used independently of a fuel cell system (1) for mobile use. A fuel cell system (1) comprising a fuel cell stack (10) and a fuel cell cooling system (40) for the fuel cell stack (10), wherein the fuel cell cooling system (40) comprises a coolant line (41) and two connection points (47, 48) for fluidly connecting the coolant line (41 ) to an external coolant line (51) of a treatment device (50) according to one of Claims 1 to 6 , And at least one between the two connection points (47, 48) arranged shut-off element (49). Fuel cell system (1) after Claim 7 , wherein connection points (47, 48) are formed automatically closing and / or automatically opening. Use of the processing device (50) according to one of Claims 1 to 6 for deionizing the coolant of the fuel cell cooling system (40) of the fuel cell system (1) according to one of Claims 7 to 8th method comprising the steps of: connecting the coolant line (51) of the treatment device (50) to the coolant line (41) of the fuel cell cooling system (40); Passing the coolant of the fuel cell cooling system (40) through the deionizer (52) of the conditioner (50); Detecting the ion concentration of the coolant and separating the coolant line (51) of the treatment device (50) from the coolant line (41) of the fuel cell cooling system (40) when the ion concentration of the coolant falls below a predetermined threshold.

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