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
  • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
  • H01M8/04082—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration
  • H01M8/04089—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants
• • 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 fuel cell block, as well as an energy production assembly comprising at least one such cell block.
• such an energy production assembly comprises at least one fuel cell block, each of which comprises a succession of elementary cells, arranged one next to the other.
• Each of these cells defines an anode compartment, where hydrogen oxidation occurs, as well as a cathode compartment, in which the oxygen in the air is reduced, with production of water.
• an ion exchange membrane physically separates the anode and cathode compartments of a cell in question, which are also connected by means of an external electrical circuit.
• the battery pack is also provided with distribution means, ensuring the supply and evacuation of the various fluids.
• the anode compartment of each cell is placed in communication with a hydrogen inlet line, as well as a line for discharging the hydrogen consumed.
• the latter is mixed with a fraction of water, produced at the cathode, which has passed through the aforementioned separation membrane.
• the cathode compartment is provided with an air inlet pipe, as well as a pipe for discharging this oxygen-depleted air, mixed with 1 ea.
• the production unit energy is provided with different organs ensuring the distribution of these 'fluids.
• the invention proposes to remedy the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above. It aims in particular to produce a fuel cell block, the overall maintenance of which is notably easier and faster than that implied by the solutions of the prior art, in particular by facilitating the assembly / disassembly operations of the battery block, for example for elementary cell changes.
• this battery block intended to be integrated into an energy production assembly, this battery block comprising a plurality of elementary cells, as well as means for distributing fluids, allowing the supply of each cell in two inlet fluids, typically hydrogen and air, as well as the evacuation from these cells of two outlet fluids, typically hydrogen and oxygen-depleted air, these distribution means being able to be connected with a fluid distribution assembly belonging to said energy production assembly, in which the distribution means comprise, on one side of the battery pack, a series of first valve elements capable of cooperating, in assembled configuration, with a series of second valve elements, carried by the fluid distribution assembly.
• the first valve elements are arranged on the same face of the battery pack;
• valve elements have main directions which are parallel to each other;
• the battery pack includes, at one end, at least two pairs of fluid distribution fittings able to cooperate with at least two pairs of corresponding, stationary fittings. fitted on the fluid distribution assembly of the energy production assembly.
• the invention also relates to an energy production assembly comprising at least one battery block as well as a fluid distribution assembly, able to supply the or each battery block with two inlet fluids, as well as to evacuate at least two " outlet fluids from this battery pack, this distribution assembly being able to be connected to external circuits for supplying inlet fluids, as well as for discharging outlet fluids, where the or each battery pack is as defined above and where said set for producing energy also comprises second valve elements, each second valve element being able to cooperate with a first corresponding valve element, which is provided with said battery pack.
• the fluid distribution assembly comprises a support member, in particular a plate structure, on which are mounted various distribution members for the inlet and outlet fluids and which is advantageously made of a plastic material, by injection or molding ; the support member is hollowed out with integrated channels, ensuring the circulation of the various fluids.
• FIGS. 1 and 1A are views in longitudinal section, illustrating two valve elements belonging to the power generation assembly of the previous figures, in two different positions; and - Figure 4 is a schematic side view, illustrating an energy production assembly based on fuel cell, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.
• the energy production assembly as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 1A, comprises a fuel cell block, generally designated by the reference 2, for example of the type described in the French application filed on 6 March 2002, under the number 02 02843, the content of which is incorporated here by reference.
• the battery block 2 is capable of being mounted, by its base 4, on a support plate 6, via four centering pins 5, mounted on the support plate 6.
• This support plate 6 also receives, in the example shown, a compressor 8, an electrical box 10 provided with its control 12, an air / air exchanger 14, a liquid-gas separator 16, a hydrogen inlet regulator 18, as well as a solenoid valve 20. All of these elements, which are of type known per se, are fixed to the support plate 6 by any suitable means.
• the assembly also includes a fluid connection block 22, also mounted on the support plate 6, provided with several, typically four valve elements or closable fittings 24 ⁇ to 24 4 , arranged in a predetermined pattern on one side (front on the Figure 1) of this block 22, at the outlet of four orifices formed in this block.
• valve elements typically four valve elements or closable fittings 24 ⁇ to 24 4 , arranged in a predetermined pattern on one side (front on the Figure 1) of this block 22, at the outlet of four orifices formed in this block.
• the plate 6 is provided with various orifices, which are placed in communication with .circuits, not shown, ensuring the admission and evacuation of the various fluids. Furthermore, some of the elements 8, 14, 16, 18 and 20 are mutually placed in fluid communication, via channels not shown, which are formed in the support plate. In this way, air is admitted into a corresponding inlet orifice, provided on the plate 6. It then circulates inside this plate, enters the compressor 8, comes out of the latter to circulate again in the plate 6, after passing through the exchanger 14. Then, this inlet air is admitted into the separator 16, comes out so as to travel in the plate 6, then is finally led into the block 22.
• connection block 22 It then opens in an appropriate orifice of this connection block 22, so as to be admitted into the battery block 2, in order to supply air to its various cells. Then, the oxygen-depleted air, evacuated from these cells, is again directed towards the block 22, at the level of another orifice, dedicated to this air outlet. This depleted air then circulates inside the plate 6, is admitted into the exchanger 14, comes out of the latter, circulates again in the plate 6, and is finally evacuated from the latter by an ad hoc orifice (not shown).
• Hydrogen is similarly admitted into the plate 6 through an inlet orifice, then opens into the connection block 22. It emerges from the latter, at a dedicated orifice, so as to be admitted into the battery block 2 , in order to supply hydrogen to the various cells of the latter. Then, the exit hydrogen, coming from these cells, is evacuated from the battery block 2 and enters the connection block 22, through another orifice, dedicated formed in the latter. This hydrogen then travels inside the plate 6, in the solenoid valve 20, comes out to circulate again in the plate, and is finally evacuated from the latter, at a corresponding outlet (not shown).
• the fuel cell block is for its part fitted at the end of a plate 26 ensuring its mechanical retention.
• This plate 26 also provides a fluid connection function. It is in fact provided, in the vicinity of its lower end, with four closable connections or valve elements 30 ⁇ to 30 4 (30 ⁇ ) distributed spatially in a pattern identical to that of the valve elements 24 ⁇ of block 22.
• the valve elements 30i are placed at the outlet of four orifices, each of which is intended for the admission or evacuation of air or hydrogen in the battery pack. More precisely, these four orifices are placed in communication with means provided in the battery block 2, ensuring the distribution of fluid to and from the various cells 32 of this block. These distribution means thus ensure, in a manner known per se, the supply and discharge of hydrogen, as well as the supply of air and the discharge of oxygen-depleted air.
• FIGS 2 and 3 illustrate two valve elements 24 ⁇ and 30 ⁇ , respectively belonging to block 22 and to the connecting plate 26 fitted to the battery block 2. It should be understood that the valve elements 24 2 to 24 are for example similar to that 24 ⁇ shown, while the valve elements 30 2 to 30 4 are similar to that 30 ⁇ shown.
• the valve element 24 ⁇ comprises a hollow body 34, mounted in a wall of the block 22, shown partially.
• This body which includes a bottom 36, receives an intermediate veil 38, forming a seat.
• openings are provided both in the bottom 36 and in the web 38, in order to ensure passage fluid selective.
• An O-ring 40 is mounted at the periphery of the web 38, facing the bottom 36.
• the valve element 24 ⁇ is equipped with a movable rod 42, provided with a peripheral crown 44 capable of bearing against the seal 40.
• a spring 46 is provided, one end of which bears against the bottom 36, while its other end bears against the crown 44. This spring tends to bring the latter 44 against the seal 40, namely in the position of 24 ⁇ valve assembly closed.
• the valve element 30 ⁇ also comprises a hollow body 54, capable of fitting the free end of the body 34 of the element 24 ⁇ , with the interposition of a peripheral seal 35. ' The other element 30 ⁇ thus forms the female part of the valve formed by the two elements 24 ⁇ and 30 ⁇ .
• the body 54 which comprises a bottom 56, receives a veil 58, forming a seat, in which is housed an O-ring 60.
• the element 30 ⁇ also comprises a rod 62, provided with an outer crown 64, able to bear against the seal 60.
• Openings are provided in the bottom 56 and in the web 58, in order to allow the. selective fluid passage.
• a spring 66 is provided, one end of which bears against the bottom 56, while its other end bears against the crown 64. This spring 66 tends to bring the crown 64 against the seal 60, that is to say - say in the closed position of the valve element 30 ⁇ .
• each valve element 24 ⁇ and 30 ⁇ When the battery unit 2 is not mounted on the support plate 6, each valve element 24 ⁇ and 30 ⁇ is in its closed position, illustrated in FIG. 2. In this way, no fluid can be evacuated from the battery pack
• connection block 22 cooperate with the connection plate.
• the battery block 2 is brought closer to the connection block 22, assumed to be fixed, in the main direction of the valve elements, referenced A in FIGS. 2 and
• the free end of the hollow body 34 enters the interior volume of the hollow body 54, while the two rods 42 and 62 are pushed towards a facing bottom wall, respectively
• valve element 24 l'horament mounted on the connection block 22, may have a single position for passage of fluid.
• this valve element is fixed, which is advantageous in economic terms, since this measure ensures a reduction in manufacturing costs.
• FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of an energy production assembly according to the invention.
• the energy production assembly also comprises a support plate 106, which is fixed permanently, for example against a wall 107.
• This plate 106 is provided with the various elements 8 to 20, described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 1A, but which are not shown in this figure 4.
• the support plate 6 is further equipped with three series of four valve elements. There are thus four upper valve elements, of which only two 124 ⁇ and 124 are shown, four intermediate valve elements, of which only two 124 'i and 124' 2 are shown, as well as four lower valve elements, of which only two 124 ''x and 124'' 2 are shown.
• valve elements which are similar to those 24 ⁇ to 24 4 , have main axes which are parallel to each other.
• the upper battery pack 102 is provided with four valve elements, of which only two 130 ⁇ and 130 are shown. These valve elements, which are analogous to those 30 ⁇ to 30 4 , are able to cooperate with the upper valve elements, in particular 124 ⁇ and 124, with which the support plate 106 is provided.
• the intermediate battery block 102 ' is also provided with four valve elements, of which only two 130' x and 130 ' 2 are shown. These valve elements, which are similar to those 30 ⁇ to 30 4 , are able to cooperate with the intermediate valve elements, in particular 124 ′ and 124 ′ 2 , with which the support plate is provided. Finally, the lower battery block 102 '' is provided with four valve elements, of which only two 130 '' x and 130 '' 2 are shown. These different valve elements, which are similar to those 30 ⁇ to 30 4 , are able to cooperate with the lower valve elements, in particular 124 ′′ x and 124 ′′ 2 , which is provided with the support plate 106.
• Each battery block 102, 102 'and 102' ' is also equipped with a grip handle 103, 103' and 103 ''.
• guide means such as slides not shown, can advantageously be provided, in order to ensure simple positioning of the battery packs, during their mounting on the support plate 106.
• the invention makes it possible to achieve the objectives mentioned above.
• the or each fuel cell block, equipping the energy production assembly can be separated in a particularly simple and rapid manner. In this way, the maintenance of this assembly of energy production is notably simpler than in the prior art.
• the support plate 6 or 106 is made of a plastic material, by injection or molding. It is also conceivable to produce the major part of the various valve elements, equipping the battery block or the fluid connection block, in such a plastic material. With this in mind, only the springs, referenced 46 and 66 in FIGS. 2 and 3, are then formed from another material, in particular metallic.

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• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
• Sustainable Development (AREA)
• Sustainable Energy (AREA)
• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
• Electrochemistry (AREA)
• General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Fuel Cell (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Publications (1)

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ID=30129644

Family Applications (1)

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Family Cites Families (6)

• 2002
  • 2002-08-02 FR FR0209861A patent/FR2843236B1/fr not_active Expired - Fee Related
• 2003
  • 2003-07-18 WO PCT/FR2003/002279 patent/WO2004015798A1/fr not_active Ceased
  • 2003-07-18 CA CA002493911A patent/CA2493911A1/fr not_active Abandoned
  • 2003-07-18 AU AU2003271817A patent/AU2003271817A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2003-07-18 US US10/523,671 patent/US20060003194A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2003-07-18 EP EP03753654A patent/EP1529319A1/de not_active Withdrawn

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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