EP1423886A2 - Device and method for supplying hydrogen to a fuel cell and the use thereof for electric vehicle traction - Google Patents

Device and method for supplying hydrogen to a fuel cell and the use thereof for electric vehicle traction

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Publication number
EP1423886A2
EP1423886A2 EP02783144A EP02783144A EP1423886A2 EP 1423886 A2 EP1423886 A2 EP 1423886A2 EP 02783144 A EP02783144 A EP 02783144A EP 02783144 A EP02783144 A EP 02783144A EP 1423886 A2 EP1423886 A2 EP 1423886A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
fuel cell
carbon monoxide
main fuel
hydrogen
auxiliary
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Withdrawn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
EP02783144A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Fabien Boudjemaa
Luc Rouveyre
Sadok Garnit
Rudolf Metkemeijer
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.)
Association pour la Recherche et le Developpement des Methodes et Processus Industriels
Renault SAS
Original Assignee
Association pour la Recherche et le Developpement des Methodes et Processus Industriels
Renault SAS
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 Association pour la Recherche et le Developpement des Methodes et Processus Industriels, Renault SAS filed Critical Association pour la Recherche et le Developpement des Methodes et Processus Industriels
Publication of EP1423886A2 publication Critical patent/EP1423886A2/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • 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
    • H01M8/0662—Treatment of gaseous reactants or gaseous residues, e.g. cleaning
    • H01M8/0668—Removal of carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide
    • 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 present invention relates to a device for supplying hydrogen to a fuel cell, used in particular for electric traction of a motor vehicle, and more particularly relates to fuel cells of the PEM type (polymer electrolyte cell).
  • the fuel cell is increasingly seen as the cleanest and most efficient energy converter for converting chemical energy into energy that can be used directly in electrical and thermal form.
  • a first solution is to store the hydrogen near the battery and consume it as you go. However, this poses today many problems such as the method of manufacturing hydrogen, its economic and environmental cost, its mode of storage, and even its safety in use.
  • a second solution is to produce hydrogen from a hydrogenated fuel, such as an alcohol or a hydrocarbon.
  • the system for converting fuel into hydrogen is called the hydrogen processor. It traditionally uses several process steps which can be chemical or physical.
  • the processor is mainly consisting of a first reforming stage which converts the fuel into a mixture of H2, CO2, CO, N2, H2O. This step is directly followed by a purification intended to reduce the level of carbon monoxide, because of its highly toxic character for humans and for the fuel cell.
  • the present invention provides a device for supplying hydrogen to a fuel cell overcomes these drawbacks.
  • the present invention provides a device for supplying hydrogen to a fuel cell having one less purification stage, which simplifies the thermal management of the hydrogen processor.
  • the device revalues the carbon monoxide resulting from the reforming by converting it into electrical energy, which increases the efficiency of the fuel cell.
  • the device according to the invention for supplying a gaseous mixture comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide at a content not exceeding 100 ppm from a main fuel cell supplied with air comprises a reformer intended to convert a fuel in a gas mixture comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen, and a purification device intended to reduce the carbon monoxide content of the gas mixture and connected to an anode inlet of the main fuel cell.
  • the supply device further comprises an auxiliary fuel cell supplied with air and receiving carbon monoxide produced by the reformer, so as to convert part of the chemical energy of carbon monoxide into electrical energy.
  • the main fuel cell is a polymer electrolyte cell (PEM cell), while the auxiliary fuel cell is a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC cell).
  • PEM cell polymer electrolyte cell
  • SOFC cell solid oxide fuel cell
  • the auxiliary fuel cell can advantageously include an electrode ensuring oxidation of carbon monoxide faster than that of hydrogen.
  • the purification device is connected to the auxiliary fuel cell and to the main fuel cell.
  • the auxiliary fuel cell is connected to an electrical auxiliary power circuit and the main fuel cell is connected to a main electrical circuit.
  • the auxiliary power supply circuit can supply power to an air supply module for the main fuel cell and the auxiliary fuel cell.
  • the device for supplying the main fuel cell further comprises a gas permeation membrane intended to separate the hydrogen from the other gases, connected to the reformer, to the purification device, and to the cell with auxiliary fuel, and mounted so that the hydrogen thus separated is brought into the purification device and so that the other gases, including carbon monoxide, are brought into the auxiliary fuel cell.
  • the auxiliary fuel cell is electrically connected in parallel with the main fuel cell, and an electrical interface intended to supply electricity to a main electrical circuit is connected to the two cells.
  • the invention also relates to a process for supplying a gaseous mixture comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide at a content not exceeding 100 ppm of a main fuel cell, comprising a reforming step intended to convert a fuel in a gas mixture comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide, as well as a purification step intended to reduce the carbon monoxide content of the gas mixture.
  • the method of the invention also includes a step of converting part of the chemical energy of carbon monoxide from the reformer into electrical energy.
  • the conversion of chemical energy into electrical energy is ensured by means of an auxiliary fuel cell.
  • the invention also relates to the use for electric traction of a vehicle of a fuel cell supplied by one of the devices already mentioned.
  • FIGS. 1 to 4 are in no way limitative of the device of the invention and illustrated by FIGS. 1 to 4 in which:
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a device for supplying hydrogen to a fuel cell according to a first embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a variant of the first embodiment in which the main fuel cell is electrically connected in parallel with the auxiliary fuel cell
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a device according to a second embodiment of the invention in which a gas permeation membrane is interposed between the reformer and the purification device
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a variant of the second embodiment in which the main fuel cell is electrically connected in parallel with the auxiliary fuel cell.
  • FIG. 1 shows a hydrogen processor 1 connected to a main fuel cell 2, and an air supply device 3.
  • the hydrogen processor. 1 comprises a reformer 4, into which a fuel 5 enters.
  • the reformer 4 transforms the fuel 5 into a gas mixture 6 containing H2, CO2, CO, N2, and
  • This gas mixture 6 is brought to the anode 8 of an auxiliary fuel cell 7, composed of this anode 8 and a cathode 9.
  • the auxiliary fuel cell 7 is intended to consume part of the carbon monoxide from the reformer 4 and to convert part of the chemical energy of carbon monoxide to electrical energy.
  • a solid oxide fuel cell is preferably used, although other types of cell are conceivable.
  • a fuel cell oxidizes the fuel during an exothermic electrochemical reaction.
  • the anode 8 of the auxiliary fuel cell 7 may contain a catalyst, such as nickel.
  • the cathode 9 supplied with air by the air supply device 3, and connected to this cathode 9 by a pipe 3a, the oxygen in the air is reduced.
  • the auxiliary fuel cell 7 includes an electrode ensuring oxidation of carbon monoxide faster than that of hydrogen.
  • the electricity produced by the auxiliary fuel cell 7 is routed to an electrical auxiliary supply circuit 10, which can in particular supply the electrical supply to the air supply device 3.
  • the gas mixture 6 during its passage through the auxiliary fuel cell 7 is transformed into a gas mixture 11 depleted in carbon monoxide.
  • a solid oxide fuel cell as an auxiliary fuel cell 7, the level of carbon monoxide is lowered to 1%.
  • the gas mixture 11 then enters a purification device 12 intended to further reduce the carbon monoxide content of the gas mixture 11.
  • the gas mixture 11 is thus transformed into a gas mixture 13 whose carbon monoxide content does not exceed 100 ppm.
  • the gas mixture 13 is supplied to the anode 14 of a main fuel cell 2 comprising this anode 14 and a cathode 15.
  • the cathode 15 is supplied with air by the air supply device 3, connected to this cathode 15 by line 3b.
  • the main fuel cell 2 provides the main conversion of the chemical energy of the gas mixture 13 into electrical energy which is transferred to a main electric circuit 16.
  • the main fuel cell 2 is a PEM cell.
  • This battery where the electrolyte is polymeric, has a operating temperature of approximately 100 ° C, making it compatible with use as an onboard means of producing electricity.
  • FIG. 2 shows a variant which comprises the same main elements.
  • the auxiliary fuel cell 7 is however electrically connected in parallel with the main fuel cell 2 via an electronic interface 17 comprising for example inverter devices and a transformer. There is no longer a separate auxiliary electrical circuit. All of the electrical energy produced is thus routed to the main electrical circuit 16.
  • a gas permeation membrane 18 having a pronounced selectivity for hydrogen has been inserted between the reformer 4 and the purification device 12.
  • This gas permeation membrane 18 makes it possible to separate the gas mixture 6 coming from the reformer 4 into a gas mixture 19 with a high hydrogen content and into a gas mixture 20 containing the other gases including carbon monoxide.
  • the gas mixture 19 with a high hydrogen content is conveyed to the purification device 12, while the gas mixture 20 containing the other gases, the carbon monoxide of which is conveyed to the anode 8 of the auxiliary fuel cell 7.
  • the second embodiment is, for the rest, identical to the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1.
  • the auxiliary fuel cell 7 is electrically connected in parallel with the main fuel cell 2 via an electronic interface 17 of the same type as that used in the variant of FIG. 2. There is no longer any circuit separate auxiliary electric. All of the electrical energy produced is thus routed to the main electrical circuit 16.
  • the devices for supplying a main fuel cell according to the invention can advantageously be used for the electric traction of vehicles.
  • They can also be used for collective and individual electricity production, and in particular for electric-thermal co-generators.

Abstract

The invention relates to a device that is used to supply a gas mixture (13) comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide at a concentration not exceeding 100 ppm to a main fuel cell (2) which is supplied with air. The inventive device comprises a reformer (4), which is used to convert a fuel (5) into a gas mixture (6) comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen, and a purification device (12) which is intended to diminish the concentration of carbon monoxide in the gas mixture and which is connected to an anode inlet (14) of the main fuel cell (2). The invention is characterised in that the supply device also comprises an auxiliary fuel cell (7) which is supplied with air and which receives the carbon monoxide produced by the reformer (4) so as to convert part of the chemical energy of said carbon monoxide into electrical energy.

Description

Dispositif et procédé d'alimentation en hydrogène d'une pile à combustible et utilisation pour la traction électrique d'un véhicule Device and method for supplying hydrogen to a fuel cell and use for electric traction of a vehicle
La présente invention concerne un dispositif d' alimentation en hydrogène d'une pile à combustible, utilisée notamment pour la traction électrique d'un véhicule automobile, et concerne plus particulièrement les piles à combustible de type PEM (pile à électrolyte polymère) .The present invention relates to a device for supplying hydrogen to a fuel cell, used in particular for electric traction of a motor vehicle, and more particularly relates to fuel cells of the PEM type (polymer electrolyte cell).
La pile à combustible apparaît de plus en plus comme le convertisseur d' énergie le plus propre et le plus efficace pour convertir l' énergie chimique en une énergie directement utilisable sous forme électrique et thermique.The fuel cell is increasingly seen as the cleanest and most efficient energy converter for converting chemical energy into energy that can be used directly in electrical and thermal form.
Son principe de fonctionnement est simple : il s' agit d'une combustion électrochimique et contrôlée d'hydrogène et d' oxygène, avec production simultanée d'électricité, d' eau et de chaleur, selon la réaction chimique : H2 + 1/2 02 -→ H2O. Cette réaction s'opère au sein d'une structure essentiellement composée de deux électrodes, l' anode et la cathode, séparées par un électrolyte : c' est la réaction inverse de l' électrolyse de l' eau.Its operating principle is simple: it is an electrochemical and controlled combustion of hydrogen and oxygen, with simultaneous production of electricity, water and heat, according to the chemical reaction: H2 + 1/2 02 - → H2O. This reaction takes place within a structure essentially composed of two electrodes, the anode and the cathode, separated by an electrolyte: it is the opposite reaction of the electrolysis of water.
Le combustible alimentant l' anode pour la réaction électrochimique étant l'hydrogène, deux solutions s' offrent à l'utilisateur. Une première solution est de stocker l'hydrogène près de la pile et de le consommer au fur et à mesure. Mais cela pose auj ourd'hui de nombreux problèmes comme le mode de fabrication de l'hydrogène, son coût économique et environnemental, son mode de stockage, ou encore sa sécurité d'utilisation. Une deuxième solution consiste à produire de l'hydrogène à partir d'un carburant hydrogéné, comme un alcool ou un hydrocarbure. Le système permettant la transformation du carburant en hydrogène est appelé processeur d'hydrogène. Il utilise traditionnellement plusieurs étapes de procédé pouvant être chimiques ou physiques. Le processeur est principalement constitué d'un premier étage de reformage qui assure la conversion du carburant en un mélange H2, CO2, CO, N2, H2O. Cette étape est directement suivie par une purification destinée à réduire le taux de monoxyde de carbone, en raison de son caractère hautement toxique pour l'homme et pour la pile à combustible.The fuel supplying the anode for the electrochemical reaction being hydrogen, two solutions are offered to the user. A first solution is to store the hydrogen near the battery and consume it as you go. However, this poses today many problems such as the method of manufacturing hydrogen, its economic and environmental cost, its mode of storage, and even its safety in use. A second solution is to produce hydrogen from a hydrogenated fuel, such as an alcohol or a hydrocarbon. The system for converting fuel into hydrogen is called the hydrogen processor. It traditionally uses several process steps which can be chemical or physical. The processor is mainly consisting of a first reforming stage which converts the fuel into a mixture of H2, CO2, CO, N2, H2O. This step is directly followed by a purification intended to reduce the level of carbon monoxide, because of its highly toxic character for humans and for the fuel cell.
Toutefois, ces processeurs d'hydrogène ont l'inconvénient d' être encombrants et chers.However, these hydrogen processors have the disadvantage of being bulky and expensive.
La présente invention propose un dispositif d' alimentation en hydrogène d'une pile à combustible remédiant à ces inconvénients. En particulier, la présente invention propose un dispositif d' alimentation en hydrogène d'une pile à combustible présentant un étage de purification en moins, ce qui simplifie la gestion thermique du processeur d'hydrogène. En outre, le dispositif revalorise le monoxyde de carbone issu du reformage en le convertissant en énergie électrique, ce qui augmente le rendement de la pile à combustible.The present invention provides a device for supplying hydrogen to a fuel cell overcomes these drawbacks. In particular, the present invention provides a device for supplying hydrogen to a fuel cell having one less purification stage, which simplifies the thermal management of the hydrogen processor. In addition, the device revalues the carbon monoxide resulting from the reforming by converting it into electrical energy, which increases the efficiency of the fuel cell.
Le dispositif selon l' invention pour l' alimentation en un mélange gazeux comportant de l'hydrogène et du monoxyde de carbone à une teneur n' excédant pas 100 ppm d'une pile à combustible principale alimentée en air, comprend un reformeur destiné à convertir un carburant en un mélange gazeux comprenant du monoxyde de carbone et de l'hydrogène, et un dispositif de purification destiné à diminuer la teneur en monoxyde de carbone du mélange gazeux et relié à une entrée d' anode de la pile à combustible principale. Le dispositif d' alimentation comprend en outre une pile à combustible auxiliaire alimentée en air et recevant du monoxyde de carbone produit par le reformeur, de façon à convertir une partie de l' énergie chimique du monoxyde de carbone en énergie électrique.The device according to the invention for supplying a gaseous mixture comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide at a content not exceeding 100 ppm from a main fuel cell supplied with air, comprises a reformer intended to convert a fuel in a gas mixture comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen, and a purification device intended to reduce the carbon monoxide content of the gas mixture and connected to an anode inlet of the main fuel cell. The supply device further comprises an auxiliary fuel cell supplied with air and receiving carbon monoxide produced by the reformer, so as to convert part of the chemical energy of carbon monoxide into electrical energy.
Selon une mise en œuvre préférentielle du dispositif de l' invention, la pile à combustible principale est une pile à électrolyte polymère (pile PEM), tandis que la pile à combustible auxiliaire est une pile à combustible à oxyde solide (pile SOFC) .According to a preferred implementation of the device of the invention, the main fuel cell is a polymer electrolyte cell (PEM cell), while the auxiliary fuel cell is a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC cell).
La pile à combustible auxiliaire peut comporter avantageusement une électrode assurant une oxydation du monoxyde de carbone plus rapide que celle de l'hydrogène. Selon le dispositif de l' invention, le dispositif de purification est relié à la pile à combustible auxiliaire et à la pile à combustible principale.The auxiliary fuel cell can advantageously include an electrode ensuring oxidation of carbon monoxide faster than that of hydrogen. According to the device of the invention, the purification device is connected to the auxiliary fuel cell and to the main fuel cell.
Selon le dispositif de l' invention, la pile à combustible auxiliaire est reliée à un circuit électrique d' alimentation auxiliaire et la pile à combustible principale est reliée à un circuit électrique principal. Le circuit électrique d' alimentation auxiliaire peut alimenter en électricité un module d' alimentation en air de la pile à combustible principale et de la pile à combustible auxiliaire. Selon une variante de l'invention, le dispositif d' alimentation de la pile à combustible principale comprend en outre une membrane de perméation gazeuse destinée à séparer l'hydrogène des autres gaz, reliée au reformeur, au dispositif de purification, et à la pile à combustible auxiliaire, et montée de façon que l'hydrogène ainsi séparé soit amené dans le dispositif de purification et que les autres gaz, dont le monoxyde de carbone, soient amenés dans la pile à combustible auxiliaire.According to the device of the invention, the auxiliary fuel cell is connected to an electrical auxiliary power circuit and the main fuel cell is connected to a main electrical circuit. The auxiliary power supply circuit can supply power to an air supply module for the main fuel cell and the auxiliary fuel cell. According to a variant of the invention, the device for supplying the main fuel cell further comprises a gas permeation membrane intended to separate the hydrogen from the other gases, connected to the reformer, to the purification device, and to the cell with auxiliary fuel, and mounted so that the hydrogen thus separated is brought into the purification device and so that the other gases, including carbon monoxide, are brought into the auxiliary fuel cell.
Selon une autre variante de l'invention, la pile à combustible auxiliaire est branchée électriquement en parallèle avec la pile à combustible principale, et une interface électrique destinée à alimenter en électricité un circuit électrique principal est reliée aux deux piles.According to another variant of the invention, the auxiliary fuel cell is electrically connected in parallel with the main fuel cell, and an electrical interface intended to supply electricity to a main electrical circuit is connected to the two cells.
L'invention concerne également un procédé d' alimentation en un mélange gazeux comportant de l'hydrogène et du monoxyde de carbone à une teneur n' excédant pas 100 ppm d' une pile à combustible principale, comprenant une étape de reformage destinée à convertir un carburant en un mélange gazeux comprenant de l'hydrogène et du monoxyde de carbone, ainsi qu'une étape de purification destinée à diminuer la teneur en monoxyde de carbone du mélange gazeux. Le procédé de l'invention comporte en outre une étape de conversion d'une partie de l' énergie chimique du monoxyde de carbone issu du reformeur en énergie électrique.The invention also relates to a process for supplying a gaseous mixture comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide at a content not exceeding 100 ppm of a main fuel cell, comprising a reforming step intended to convert a fuel in a gas mixture comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide, as well as a purification step intended to reduce the carbon monoxide content of the gas mixture. The method of the invention also includes a step of converting part of the chemical energy of carbon monoxide from the reformer into electrical energy.
Selon le procédé de l' invention, la conversion de l' énergie chimique en énergie électrique est assurée grâce à une pile à combustible auxiliaire. L'invention concerne également l' utilisation pour la traction électrique d'un véhicule d'une pile à combustible alimentée par un des dispositifs déj à mentionnés.According to the method of the invention, the conversion of chemical energy into electrical energy is ensured by means of an auxiliary fuel cell. The invention also relates to the use for electric traction of a vehicle of a fuel cell supplied by one of the devices already mentioned.
D' autres avantages et caractéristiques de l'invention apparaîtront à l' examen de la description détaillée de différents modes de mise en œuvre nullement limitatifs du dispositif de l' invention et illustrés par les figures 1 à 4 sur lesquelles :Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear on examination of the detailed description of different modes of implementation which are in no way limitative of the device of the invention and illustrated by FIGS. 1 to 4 in which:
- la figure 1 illustre un dispositif d' alimentation en hydrogène d'une pile à combustible selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention ;- Figure 1 illustrates a device for supplying hydrogen to a fuel cell according to a first embodiment of the invention;
- la figure 2 illustre une variante du premier mode de réalisation dans laquelle la pile à combustible principale est branchée électriquement en parallèle avec la pile à combustible auxiliaire ; la figure 3 illustre un dispositif selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l' invention dans lequel une membrane de perméation gazeuse est intercalée entre le reformeur et le dispositif de purification, et ; la figure 4 illustre une variante du deuxième mode de réalisation dans laquelle la pile à combustible principale est branchée électriquement en parallèle avec la pile à combustible auxiliaire.- Figure 2 illustrates a variant of the first embodiment in which the main fuel cell is electrically connected in parallel with the auxiliary fuel cell; FIG. 3 illustrates a device according to a second embodiment of the invention in which a gas permeation membrane is interposed between the reformer and the purification device, and; FIG. 4 illustrates a variant of the second embodiment in which the main fuel cell is electrically connected in parallel with the auxiliary fuel cell.
La figure 1 montre un processeur d'hydrogène 1 relié à une pile à combustible principale 2, et un dispositif d' alimentation en air 3.FIG. 1 shows a hydrogen processor 1 connected to a main fuel cell 2, and an air supply device 3.
Le processeur d'hydrogène. 1 comporte un reformeur 4, dans lequel entre un carburant 5. Le reformeur 4 assure la transformation du carburant 5 en un mélange gazeux 6 contenant H2, CO2, CO, N2, etThe hydrogen processor. 1 comprises a reformer 4, into which a fuel 5 enters. The reformer 4 transforms the fuel 5 into a gas mixture 6 containing H2, CO2, CO, N2, and
H2O. Ce mélange gazeux 6 est amené à l' anode 8 d' une pile à combustible auxiliaire 7, composée de cette anode 8 et d'une cathode 9.H2O. This gas mixture 6 is brought to the anode 8 of an auxiliary fuel cell 7, composed of this anode 8 and a cathode 9.
La pile à combustible auxiliaire 7 est destinée à consommer une partie du monoxyde de carbone issu du reformeur 4 et à convertir une partie de l' énergie chimique du monoxyde de carbone en énergie électrique. On utilise de préférence comme pile à combustible auxiliaire 7 une pile à combustible à oxyde solide, bien que d' autres types de piles soient envisageables. Une pile à combustible permet d'oxyder le carburant au cours d'une réaction électrochimique exothermique. A l' anode 8 de la pile à combustible auxiliaire 7, alimentée par le mélange gazeux 6 issu du reformeur 4, les gaz H2 et CO sont oxydés en H2O et CO2. L' anode 8 de la pile à combustible auxiliaire 7 peut contenir un catalyseur, comme le nickel. A la cathode 9, alimentée en air par le dispositif d' alimentation en air 3, et relié à cette cathode 9 par une canalisation 3a, l'oxygène de l' air est réduit. Préférentiellement, la pile à combustible auxiliaire 7 comporte une électrode assurant une oxydation du monoxyde de carbone plus rapide que celle de l'hydrogène.The auxiliary fuel cell 7 is intended to consume part of the carbon monoxide from the reformer 4 and to convert part of the chemical energy of carbon monoxide to electrical energy. As an auxiliary fuel cell 7, a solid oxide fuel cell is preferably used, although other types of cell are conceivable. A fuel cell oxidizes the fuel during an exothermic electrochemical reaction. At the anode 8 of the auxiliary fuel cell 7, supplied with the gas mixture 6 coming from the reformer 4, the gases H2 and CO are oxidized to H2O and CO2. The anode 8 of the auxiliary fuel cell 7 may contain a catalyst, such as nickel. At the cathode 9, supplied with air by the air supply device 3, and connected to this cathode 9 by a pipe 3a, the oxygen in the air is reduced. Preferably, the auxiliary fuel cell 7 includes an electrode ensuring oxidation of carbon monoxide faster than that of hydrogen.
L' électricité produite par la pile à combustible auxiliaire 7 est acheminée vers un circuit électrique d' alimentation auxiliaire 10, pouvant assurer notamment l' alimentation électrique du dispositif d' alimentation en air 3.The electricity produced by the auxiliary fuel cell 7 is routed to an electrical auxiliary supply circuit 10, which can in particular supply the electrical supply to the air supply device 3.
Le mélange gazeux 6 lors de son passage dans la pile à combustible auxiliaire 7 est transformé en un mélange gazeux 11 appauvri en monoxyde de carbone. Ainsi, en utilisant comme pile à combustible auxiliaire 7 une pile à combustible à oxyde solide, le taux de monoxyde de carbone est abaissé à 1%.The gas mixture 6 during its passage through the auxiliary fuel cell 7 is transformed into a gas mixture 11 depleted in carbon monoxide. Thus, by using a solid oxide fuel cell as an auxiliary fuel cell 7, the level of carbon monoxide is lowered to 1%.
Le mélange gazeux 11 pénètre ensuite dans un dispositif de purification 12 destiné à diminuer encore la teneur en monoxyde de carbone du mélange gazeux 11. Le mélange gazeux 11 est ainsi transformé en un mélange gazeux 13 dont la teneur en monoxyde de carbone n' excède pas 100 ppm.The gas mixture 11 then enters a purification device 12 intended to further reduce the carbon monoxide content of the gas mixture 11. The gas mixture 11 is thus transformed into a gas mixture 13 whose carbon monoxide content does not exceed 100 ppm.
Le mélange gazeux 13 est acheminé vers l' anode 14 d'une pile à combustible principale 2 comportant cette anode 14 et une cathode 15. La cathode 15 est alimentée en air par le dispositif d' alimentation en air 3, relié à cette cathode 15 par la canalisation 3b. La pile à combustible principale 2 assure la conversion principale de l' énergie chimique du mélange gazeux 13 en énergie électrique qui est transférée à un circuit électrique principal 16.The gas mixture 13 is supplied to the anode 14 of a main fuel cell 2 comprising this anode 14 and a cathode 15. The cathode 15 is supplied with air by the air supply device 3, connected to this cathode 15 by line 3b. The main fuel cell 2 provides the main conversion of the chemical energy of the gas mixture 13 into electrical energy which is transferred to a main electric circuit 16.
De préférence, la pile à combustible principale 2 est une pile PEM. Cette pile, où l' électrolyte est de forme polymère, a une température de fonctionnement d' environ 100°C, ce qui rend compatible son utilisation comme moyen embarqué de production de l' électricité. Bien entendu, d' autres types de piles sont envisageables. La figure 2, sur laquelle les éléments identiques portent les mêmes références, montre une variante qui comporte les mêmes éléments principaux. Dans le dispositif de la figure 2, pour alimenter le circuit électrique principal 16, la pile à combustible auxiliaire 7 est cependant branchée électriquement en parallèle avec la pile à combustible principale 2 via une interface électronique 17 comportant par exemple des dispositifs onduleurs et un transformateur. Il n' y a plus de circuit électrique auxiliaire séparé. La totalité de l' énergie électrique produite est ainsi acheminée vers le circuit électrique principal 16.Preferably, the main fuel cell 2 is a PEM cell. This battery, where the electrolyte is polymeric, has a operating temperature of approximately 100 ° C, making it compatible with use as an onboard means of producing electricity. Of course, other types of batteries are possible. FIG. 2, in which the identical elements bear the same references, shows a variant which comprises the same main elements. In the device of FIG. 2, to supply the main electrical circuit 16, the auxiliary fuel cell 7 is however electrically connected in parallel with the main fuel cell 2 via an electronic interface 17 comprising for example inverter devices and a transformer. There is no longer a separate auxiliary electrical circuit. All of the electrical energy produced is thus routed to the main electrical circuit 16.
Dans un deuxième mode de réalisation illustré sur la figure 3 où les éléments identiques portent les mêmes références, on a intercalé entre le reformeur 4 et le dispositif de purification 12 une membrane de perméation gazeuse 18 ayant une sélectivité prononcée pour l'hydrogène. Cette membrane de perméation gazeuse 18 permet de séparer le mélange gazeux 6 issu du reformeur 4 en un mélange gazeux 19 à forte teneur en hydrogène et en un mélange gazeux 20 contenant les autres gaz dont le monoxyde de carbone. Le mélange gazeux 19 à forte teneur en hydrogène est acheminé vers le dispositif de purification 12, tandis que le mélange gazeux 20 contenant les autres gaz dont le monoxyde de carbone est acheminé vers l' anode 8 de la pile à combustible auxiliaire 7. Le deuxième mode de réalisation est, pour le reste, identique au premier mode de réalisation illustré sur la figure 1.In a second embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 where the identical elements bear the same references, a gas permeation membrane 18 having a pronounced selectivity for hydrogen has been inserted between the reformer 4 and the purification device 12. This gas permeation membrane 18 makes it possible to separate the gas mixture 6 coming from the reformer 4 into a gas mixture 19 with a high hydrogen content and into a gas mixture 20 containing the other gases including carbon monoxide. The gas mixture 19 with a high hydrogen content is conveyed to the purification device 12, while the gas mixture 20 containing the other gases, the carbon monoxide of which is conveyed to the anode 8 of the auxiliary fuel cell 7. The second embodiment is, for the rest, identical to the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1.
Dans la variante illustrée sur la figure 4, on retrouve le dispositif illustré par la figure 3, mais cette fois, pour alimenter le circuit électrique principal 16, la pile à combustible auxiliaire 7 est branchée électriquement en parallèle avec la pile à combustible principale 2 via une interface électronique 17 du même type que celle utilisée dans la variante de la figure 2. Il n'y a plus de circuit électrique auxiliaire séparé. La totalité de l' énergie électrique produite est ainsi acheminée vers le circuit électrique principal 16.In the variant illustrated in FIG. 4, we find the device illustrated in FIG. 3, but this time, to supply the main electrical circuit 16, the auxiliary fuel cell 7 is electrically connected in parallel with the main fuel cell 2 via an electronic interface 17 of the same type as that used in the variant of FIG. 2. There is no longer any circuit separate auxiliary electric. All of the electrical energy produced is thus routed to the main electrical circuit 16.
Les dispositifs d' alimentation d'une pile à combustible principale selon l' invention peuvent avantageusement être utilisés pour la traction électrique de véhicules.The devices for supplying a main fuel cell according to the invention can advantageously be used for the electric traction of vehicles.
Ils peuvent également être utilisés pour les productions collectives et individuelles d'électricité, et notamment pour des co- générateurs électrique-thermique. They can also be used for collective and individual electricity production, and in particular for electric-thermal co-generators.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Dispositif d' alimentation en un mélange gazeux (13) comportant de l'hydrogène et du monoxyde de carbone à une teneur n' excédant pas 100 ppm d'une pile à combustible principale (2) alimentée en air, comprenant un reformeur (4) destiné à convertir un carburant (5) en un mélange gazeux (6) comprenant du monoxyde de carbone et de l'hydrogène, un dispositif de purification (12) destiné à diminuer la teneur en monoxyde de carbone du mélange gazeux (1 1) et relié à une entrée d' anode (14) de la pile à combustible principale (2), caractérisé en ce que le dispositif d' alimentation comprend en outre une pile à combustible auxiliaire (7) alimentée en air et recevant du monoxyde de carbone produit par le reformeur (4), de façon à convertir une partie de l' énergie chimique du monoxyde de carbone en énergie électrique.1. Device for supplying a gaseous mixture (13) comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide at a content not exceeding 100 ppm from a main fuel cell (2) supplied with air, comprising a reformer ( 4) intended to convert a fuel (5) into a gas mixture (6) comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen, a purification device (12) intended to reduce the carbon monoxide content of the gas mixture (1 1 ) and connected to an anode input (14) of the main fuel cell (2), characterized in that the supply device further comprises an auxiliary fuel cell (7) supplied with air and receiving carbon monoxide carbon produced by the reformer (4), so as to convert part of the chemical energy of carbon monoxide into electrical energy.
2. Dispositif d' alimentation d'une pile à combustible principale (2) selon la revendication 1 , caractérisé en ce que la pile à combustible principale (2) est une pile PEM. 2. Device for feeding a main fuel cell (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the main fuel cell (2) is a PEM cell.
3. Dispositif d' alimentation d'une pile à combustible principale (2) selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que la pile à combustible auxiliaire (7) est une pile à combustible à oxyde solide.3. Device for feeding a main fuel cell (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the auxiliary fuel cell (7) is a solid oxide fuel cell.
4. Dispositif d' alimentation d'une pile à combustible principale (2) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que la pile à combustible auxiliaire (7) comporte une électrode assurant une oxydation du monoxyde de carbone plus rapide que celle de l'hydrogène. 4. Device for supplying a main fuel cell (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the auxiliary fuel cell (7) comprises an electrode ensuring oxidation of carbon monoxide faster than that of hydrogen.
5. Dispositif d' alimentation d'une pile à combustible principale (2) selon l' une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le dispositif de purification (12) est relié à la pile à combustible auxiliaire (7) et à la pile à combustible principale (2) . 5. Device for feeding a main fuel cell (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device purification (12) is connected to the auxiliary fuel cell (7) and to the main fuel cell (2).
6. Dispositif d' alimentation d'une pile à combustible principale (2) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que la pile à combustible auxiliaire (7) est reliée à un circuit électrique d' alimentation auxiliaire (10) , la pile à combustible principale (2) étant reliée à un circuit électrique principal ( 16). 6. Device for feeding a main fuel cell (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the auxiliary fuel cell (7) is connected to an electrical circuit of auxiliary power (10) , the main fuel cell (2) being connected to a main electrical circuit (16).
7. Dispositif d' alimentation d'une pile à combustible principale (2) selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce que le circuit électrique d' alimentation auxiliaire (10) alimente en électricité un module d' alimentation en air (3) de la pile à combustible principale (2) et de la pile à combustible auxiliaire (7).7. Device for supplying a main fuel cell (2) according to claim 6, characterized in that the electrical circuit of auxiliary supply (10) supplies electricity to an air supply module (3) of the main fuel cell (2) and the auxiliary fuel cell (7).
8. Dispositif d' alimentation d'une pile à combustible principale (2) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu' il comprend en outre une membrane de perméation gazeuse (18) destinée à séparer l'hydrogène des autres gaz, reliée au reformeur (4) , au dispositif de purification (12), et à la pile à combustible auxiliaire (7), et montée de façon que l'hydrogène ainsi séparé soit amené dans le dispositif de purification (12) et que les autres gaz, dont le monoxyde de carbone, soient amenés dans la pile à combustible auxiliaire (7).8. Device for feeding a main fuel cell (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a gas permeation membrane (18) intended to separate the hydrogen from the others gas, connected to the reformer (4), to the purification device (12), and to the auxiliary fuel cell (7), and mounted so that the hydrogen thus separated is brought into the purification device (12) and that the other gases, including carbon monoxide, are brought into the auxiliary fuel cell (7).
9. Dispositif d' alimentation d'une pile à combustible principale (2) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que la pile à combustible auxiliaire (7) est branchée électriquement en parallèle avec la pile à combustible principale (2), et qu'une interface électrique (17) destinée à alimenter en électricité un circuit électrique principal (16) est reliée aux deux piles.9. Device for feeding a main fuel cell (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the auxiliary fuel cell (7) is electrically connected in parallel with the main fuel cell (2 ), and that an electrical interface (17) intended to supply electricity to a main electrical circuit (16) is connected to the two batteries.
10. Procédé d' alimentation en un mélange gazeux ( 13) comportant de l'hydrogène et du monoxyde de carbone à une teneur n' excédant pas 100 ppm d'une pile à combustible principale (2) , comprenant une étape de reformage destinée à convertir un carburant (5) en un mélange gazeux (6) comprenant de l'hydrogène et du monoxyde de carbone, ainsi qu' une étape de purification destinée à diminuer la teneur en monoxyde de carbone du mélange gazeux (1 1), caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte en outre une étape de conversion d'une partie de l' énergie chimique du monoxyde de carbone issu du reformeur (4) en énergie électrique. 10. Method for supplying a gaseous mixture (13) comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide at a content not exceeding 100 ppm of a main fuel cell (2), comprising a reforming step intended to convert a fuel (5) into a gas mixture (6) comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide, thus that a purification step intended to reduce the carbon monoxide content of the gaseous mixture (1 1), characterized in that it further comprises a step of converting part of the chemical energy of the carbon monoxide obtained of the reformer (4) into electrical energy.
1 1. Procédé selon la revendication 10, caractérisé en ce que la conversion de l' énergie chimique en énergie électrique est assurée grâce à une pile à combustible auxiliaire (7).1 1. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that the conversion of chemical energy into electrical energy is ensured by means of an auxiliary fuel cell (7).
12. Utilisation pour la traction électrique d'un véhicule d'une pile à combustible alimentée par un dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 9. 12. Use for the electric traction of a vehicle of a fuel cell supplied by a device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.
EP02783144A 2001-09-05 2002-09-05 Device and method for supplying hydrogen to a fuel cell and the use thereof for electric vehicle traction Withdrawn EP1423886A2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0111484A FR2829296B1 (en) 2001-09-05 2001-09-05 DEVICE AND METHOD FOR SUPPLYING A FUEL CELL WITH HYDROGEN AND USE FOR ELECTRIC TRACTION OF A VEHICLE
FR0111484 2001-09-05
PCT/FR2002/003013 WO2003021704A2 (en) 2001-09-05 2002-09-05 Device and method for supplying hydrogen to a fuel cell and the use thereof for electric vehicle traction

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WO2003021704A3 (en) 2004-02-12
US20040253491A1 (en) 2004-12-16
US7311985B2 (en) 2007-12-25
JP4416503B2 (en) 2010-02-17
WO2003021704A2 (en) 2003-03-13
CA2459814A1 (en) 2003-03-13
FR2829296A1 (en) 2003-03-07
JP2005502178A (en) 2005-01-20

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