EP1332525A2 - Interconnecteur pour piles a combustible - Google Patents

Interconnecteur pour piles a combustible

Info

Publication number
EP1332525A2
EP1332525A2 EP01987954A EP01987954A EP1332525A2 EP 1332525 A2 EP1332525 A2 EP 1332525A2 EP 01987954 A EP01987954 A EP 01987954A EP 01987954 A EP01987954 A EP 01987954A EP 1332525 A2 EP1332525 A2 EP 1332525A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
interconnector
fuel cell
fuel
methane
catalyst material
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP01987954A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Frank Thom
Ernst Riensche
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH
Original Assignee
Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH filed Critical Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH
Publication of EP1332525A2 publication Critical patent/EP1332525A2/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/06—Combination of fuel cells with means for production of reactants or for treatment of residues
    • H01M8/0606—Combination of fuel cells with means for production of reactants or for treatment of residues with means for production of gaseous reactants
    • H01M8/0612—Combination of fuel cells with means for production of reactants or for treatment of residues with means for production of gaseous reactants from carbon-containing material
    • H01M8/0625—Combination of fuel cells with means for production of reactants or for treatment of residues with means for production of gaseous reactants from carbon-containing material in a modular combined reactor/fuel cell structure
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/02—Details
    • H01M8/0202—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M2300/00—Electrolytes
    • H01M2300/0017—Non-aqueous electrolytes
    • H01M2300/0065—Solid electrolytes
    • H01M2300/0068—Solid electrolytes inorganic
    • H01M2300/0071—Oxides
    • H01M2300/0074—Ion conductive at high temperature
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/50—Fuel cells

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an interconnector for fuel cells.
  • a fuel cell has a cathode, an electrolyte and an anode.
  • the cathode becomes an oxidizing agent, e.g. B. air and the anode becomes a fuel, e.g. B. supplied hydrogen.
  • SOFC high-temperature fuel cell
  • PEM PEM fuel cell
  • the operating temperature of a high-temperature fuel cell is up to 1000 ° C.
  • High-temperature fuel cells form oxygen ions in the presence of the oxidizing agent.
  • the oxygen ions pass through the electrolyte and recombine on the anode side with the hydrogen from the fuel to form water.
  • the recombination releases electrons and thus generates electrical energy.
  • Several fuel cells are usually electrically and mechanically coupled to one another by connecting elements, so-called interconnectors, in order to achieve high electrical outputs.
  • An example of such a connecting element is shown by the
  • the gas distributor structures consist of webs with electrode contact, which separate gas channels for supplying the electrodes. Gas distribution structures ensure that the equipment is distributed evenly in the electrode compartments.
  • the methane-steam reforming reaction takes place directly on a metal / YSZ cermet, since the metallic phase (eg nickel) has a catalytic effect according to the prior art with regard to the methane-steam reforming reaction ,
  • the reaction rate of this reaction is disadvantageously very high in comparison to the subsequent electrochemical reaction (at 900 ° C factor 40). The result of this is that the reforming reaction has already taken place within a few millimeters of the gas entering the anode compartment. The within this short
  • anode substrate concept is known from DE 195 19 847 C1.
  • an anode which has a supporting function has a non-catalytically active and a catalytically active phase with respect to the methane-steam reforming reaction.
  • This achieves spatial control of the methane-steam reforming reaction. For example, in areas of reduced catalyst concentration, the methane-steam reforming reaction is delayed and thus a more uniform temperature distribution is achieved.
  • Such an anode is disadvantageously produced in a complex manufacturing process. The effort to manufacture increases in the extent to which the anode is to be subjected to continuously or discontinuously variable catalyst concentrations.
  • the object of the invention is therefore to create an interconnector with which the targeted spatial control of the temperature is ensured by the spatial control of chemical reactions in fuel cells, and in particular by the control of the methane-steam reforming reaction. This ensures a constant temperature and prevents thermo-mechanical stresses.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a method for operating a fuel cell or a fuel cell stack, with which a uniform temperature distribution in the fuel cell is ensured.
  • an interconnector with the features of claim 1.
  • This includes means for controlling chemical reactions.
  • Chemical reactions include in particular reforming reactions such. B. to understand the methane-steam reforming reaction and the reaction to reform H 2 from natural gas.
  • electrochemical reactions can also be controlled by the interconnector.
  • the interconnector advantageously comprises a catalytically active region (claim 2).
  • the interconnector is specifically charged with catalyst material in its active areas.
  • catalyst material in its active areas.
  • temperature peaks can advantageously be reduced and / or other chemical reactions can be catalyzed.
  • the reaction to be catalyzed can thus be decoupled from the anode and catalyzed on or in the interconnector.
  • Nickel, cobalt or iron can in particular be provided as catalyst material (claim 3). Nickel shows the greatest activity in the methane-steam reforming reaction, iron and cobalt show much lower activities.
  • the interconnector can be charged with the catalyst material in the form of pellets, rods or plates. The amount of catalyst material used at a specific location of the interconnector depends on the type of catalyst, the ambient environment, that is pressure and temperature, and the reaction to be controlled. The interconnector can be charged with catalyst material in a simple manner and very specifically in those areas where this is necessary due to temperature peaks and the kinetics of the chemical reactions to be controlled. Complex manufacturing processes for the production of anodes with different catalyst concentrations are no longer necessary.
  • the interconnector comprises one or more means for receiving catalyst material.
  • the means can be comprised by the shape of the interconnector, for example if it is shaped by manufacturing processes in such a way that it can accommodate catalyst material.
  • a gas-permeable support grid (claim 5) can be provided, for example, as a means for receiving catalyst material.
  • the support grid can be connected to the walls of the interconnector by a welding process.
  • a material for the grid is advantageously selected that can be firmly connected to the interconnector. The material should be inert to the reactions to be controlled. Due to the gas permeability of the support grid, there is advantageously a large reactive surface of the catalytic converter which is almost uniformly flowed around with operating media.
  • a fuel cell particularly advantageously comprises such an interconnector (claim 6).
  • This also gives the fuel cell all the advantages that are guaranteed by the interconnector.
  • Nickel-containing anode cermets are often used in fuel cells (Ni-YSZ cermet; 40 vol% Ni / Zr0 2 -8 mol% Y 2 0 3 ). There, the nickel also serves as a reforming catalyst. But if nickel is integrated in certain areas of the interconnector, then can advantageously also be used for other metal-containing components for the anode that do not support a reforming reaction. The reforming reaction is decoupled from the anode. The spatial control of the reforming reaction is thus possible by differently applying catalyst material to the interconnector. This creates the basis for an even temperature distribution in the fuel cell. Complicated manufacturing of the anode cermets due to the different catalyst concentration is eliminated.
  • the spatial control of chemical reactions via the interconnector and thus an at least partial decoupling of catalyst material from an electrode can in principle be transferred to all types of fuel cells.
  • a fuel cell stack comprises at least two such fuel cells (claim 7).
  • the same advantages apply to the stack as to a single fuel cell. Higher performances are achieved.
  • the object is further achieved by a method for operating a fuel cell or a fuel cell stack (claim 8).
  • the method comprises the steps: a) a hydrocarbon-containing fuel is injected into the interior of a fuel cell or a fuel cell stack which contains one or more interiors. connectors with means for controlling chemical reactions, initiated, b) the hydrocarbon-containing fuel is converted to H 2 on the catalyst material, c) H 2 is converted into electricity by an electrochemical reaction.
  • the hydrocarbonaceous fuel is reformed to H 2 by the amount and type of catalyst used.
  • High amounts of catalyst increase the reforming to H 2 and contribute to the fact that temperature peaks are reduced. Accordingly, especially in the critical entry area of the anode compartment, catalyst material should be avoided or a catalyst with low activity should be used.
  • the interconnector 1 is to be regarded as a modular unit. It is assembled with other modular units to form a common gas distribution unit and used for fuel cells. However, a one-piece interconnector can also be used for a fuel cell.
  • the channel-like structure is delimited by the walls 2 of the interconnector 1.
  • the walls 2 offer the possibility of attaching a gas-permeable support grid 3. In the embodiment it is a support grid 3 attached to the walls 2 of the interconnector 1 by a welding method.
  • B. methane is flowed around.
  • the catalyst material 4 is spatially fixed in the flow direction of the hydrocarbon-containing gas 5 by side walls 6 of the support grid 3. The methane-steam reforming reaction is initiated and the endothermic reaction produces hydrogen-rich gas.
  • FIG. 2 The arrangement of modular interconnectors for a high-temperature fuel cell is shown in FIG. 2. Hydrogen is converted to water at the anode 7, which is located below the three interconnectors 1 shown in FIG. 2, by an exothermic reaction with oxygen. A total of four interconnectors 1 ⁇ ⁇ are indicated below the cathode 8.
  • the depth of the support grids 3 and thus the amount of catalyst 4 applied can be increased in the direction of flow of the methane-containing gas at the points where temperature peaks occur or at which targets endothermic reforming reactions to take place.
  • the gas flows in the respective interconnectors l ⁇ above and below the catalyst materials 4.
  • Catalyst material with high activity nickel
  • supercooled areas are subjected to less or no catalyst material 4. It is also conceivable to use a less active catalyst than nickel at these points, e.g. B. Cobalt.

Abstract

L'invention concerne un interconnecteur destiné à une pile à combustible. Cet interconnecteur comprend des moyens pour réguler des réactions chimiques, par exemple la réaction de reformage à la vapeur du méthane. Cet interconnecteur peut comporter, pour catalyser des réactions chimiques, des moyens destinés à recevoir un matériau catalyseur. Grâce à une sollicitation spatiale ciblée, des réactions chimiques spatialement ciblées, par exemple le reformage à la vapeur du méthane, peuvent être catalysées au niveau de l'interconnecteur. Des pointes de température peuvent être supprimées, et la durée de vie ainsi que le degré d'efficacité de la pile à combustible sont augmentés.
EP01987954A 2000-10-21 2001-10-18 Interconnecteur pour piles a combustible Withdrawn EP1332525A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE10052225A DE10052225A1 (de) 2000-10-21 2000-10-21 Interkonnektor für Brennstoffzellen
DE10052225 2000-10-21
PCT/DE2001/003928 WO2002033771A2 (fr) 2000-10-21 2001-10-18 Interconnecteur pour piles a combustible

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1332525A2 true EP1332525A2 (fr) 2003-08-06

Family

ID=7660558

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP01987954A Withdrawn EP1332525A2 (fr) 2000-10-21 2001-10-18 Interconnecteur pour piles a combustible

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1332525A2 (fr)
AU (1) AU2002223015A1 (fr)
DE (1) DE10052225A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2002033771A2 (fr)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10238859A1 (de) 2002-08-24 2004-03-04 Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag Brennstoffzellen-Stack
US7638226B2 (en) 2004-07-13 2009-12-29 Ford Motor Company Apparatus and method for controlling kinetic rates for internal reforming of fuel in solid oxide fuel cells

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19757550A1 (de) * 1997-12-23 1999-07-01 Mtu Friedrichshafen Gmbh Reformierkatalysator und Verfahren zur Herstellung eines solchen

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4567117A (en) * 1982-07-08 1986-01-28 Energy Research Corporation Fuel cell employing non-uniform catalyst
US5496655A (en) * 1994-10-12 1996-03-05 Lockheed Idaho Technologies Company Catalytic bipolar interconnection plate for use in a fuel cell
DE19519847C1 (de) * 1995-05-31 1997-01-23 Forschungszentrum Juelich Gmbh Anodensubstrat für eine Hochtemperatur-Brennstoffzelle

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19757550A1 (de) * 1997-12-23 1999-07-01 Mtu Friedrichshafen Gmbh Reformierkatalysator und Verfahren zur Herstellung eines solchen

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See also references of WO0233771A3 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE10052225A1 (de) 2002-06-06
WO2002033771A2 (fr) 2002-04-25
AU2002223015A1 (en) 2002-04-29
WO2002033771A3 (fr) 2002-12-27

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