EP1529319A1

EP1529319A1 - Fuel cell pack and a power producing device comprising said fuel cell pack

Info

Publication number: EP1529319A1
Application number: EP03753654A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Thierry Novet; Pierre Charlat; Frédéric TOUVARD
Original assignee: LAir Liquide SA pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
Current assignee: LAir Liquide SA pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
Priority date: 2002-08-02
Filing date: 2003-07-18
Publication date: 2005-05-11
Also published as: CA2493911A1; FR2843236A1; FR2843236B1; WO2004015798A1; US20060003194A1; AU2003271817A1

Abstract

The inventive fuel cell pack (2) is integrated in a power producing device and comprises a series of elementary cells (32) and fluid distribution means which makes it possible to feed each cell with two different fluids and remove said two different fluids from the cells and are connectable to a fluid distribution system (6, 8, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22). Said fuel cell pack is provided with first check valve elements linked with fluid distribution means which interacts with second valve elements (241-244) with which the entire fluid distribution system is provided.

Description

FUEL CELL BLOCK AND POWER GENERATION ASSEMBLY

INCLUDING SUCH A BATTERY PACK

The present invention relates to a fuel cell block, as well as an energy production assembly comprising at least one such cell block.

Conventionally, 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. In addition, - 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.

Thus, 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.

Likewise, 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.

To ensure the supply and evacuation of these fluids in the fuel cell block, the production unit energy is provided with different organs ensuring the distribution of these 'fluids.

Thus, in the known state of the art, a plurality of disparate connections is provided, cooperating with inlets and outlets of fluids, present on several sides of the battery pack. In addition, valves make it possible to close these various fluid circuits, so as to isolate this battery pack.

However, in the event of a battery block failure, it is important to be able to separate it from the other elements of the energy production assembly, in order to ensure rapid replacement.

It is therefore understandable that, in the prior art, this operation of detaching the battery pack is particularly long and tedious to implement. Thus, the assembly and disassembly phases of this block, which are long and tedious, constitute a significant part of the maintenance costs of the entire energy production. In addition, this substantial maintenance time is accompanied by a dead period of immobilization of the installation, during which the power generation assembly at the base of the fuel cell cannot be used. This is an economic limitation, the impact of which is significant.

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. To this end, it relates to a fuel cell 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.

According to other characteristics of the invention:

- The first valve elements are arranged on the same face of the battery pack;

- The valve elements have main directions which are parallel to each other;

According to one aspect of the invention, 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. According to other characteristics of the invention:

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.

The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of nonlimiting examples and made with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view, illustrating the various constituent elements of an embodiment of an energy production assembly based on fuel cell, according to the invention; 1A is a perspective view of the entire power generation of Figure 1, once mounted, viewed at an angle ^'different; - Figures 2 and 3 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 24χ 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. These different valve elements will be described in more detail below.

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. 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 30χ to 30 ₄ (30ι) distributed spatially in a pattern identical to that of the valve elements 24ι 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.

Figures 2 and 3 illustrate two valve elements 24χ and 30ι, 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 24χ shown, while the valve elements 30 ₂ to 30 ₄ are similar to that 30χ shown.

The valve element 24ι 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. Furthermore, openings, not shown, 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. Finally, the valve element 24χ is equipped with a movable rod 42, provided with a peripheral crown 44 capable of bearing against the seal 40.

Finally, 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 24χ valve assembly closed.

The valve element 30ι also comprises a hollow body 54, capable of fitting the free end of the body 34 of the element 24χ, with the interposition of a peripheral seal 35. ^' The other element 30ι thus forms the female part of the valve formed by the two elements 24ι and 30ι.

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 30ι also comprises a rod 62, provided with an outer crown 64, able to bear against the seal 60.

Openings, not shown, are provided in the bottom 56 and in the web 58, in order to allow the. selective fluid passage. Finally, 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 30ι.

When the battery unit 2 is not mounted on the support plate 6, each valve element 24χ and 30χ is in its closed position, illustrated in FIG. 2. In this way, no fluid can be evacuated from the battery pack

2, nor of the fluid connection block 22. Furthermore, any entry of outside air is avoided.

If it is desired to commission the energy production assembly, it is a matter of placing the battery block 2 on the support plate 6 and, more precisely, of making the connection block 22 cooperate with the connection plate.

26.

To this end, 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

3, namely the main direction of the hollow bodies 34 or 54. It should be noted that such an operation is made possible thanks to the fact that, on the one hand, the main axes of the valve elements 30ι to 30 are parallel to each other and that, on the other hand, the main axes of the valve elements 24χ to 24 ₄ are also parallel to each other.

During the approximation mentioned above, 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

36 or 56, depending on the arrows F.

Crowns 44 and 64 are therefore distant from the seals

40 and 60, which frees the openings made in the webs 38 and 58, as well as in the bottoms 36 and 56. The various fluids are then able to flow within the two valve elements, according to the arrows f.

This therefore guarantees both the supply of air and hydrogen to the cells 32, as well as the evacuation of air depleted in oxygen and hydrogen, outside the battery pack 2.

As a variant not shown, the valve element 24 l'élément, mounted on the connection block 22, may have a single position for passage of fluid. In this In this case, this valve element is fixed, which is advantageous in economic terms, since this measure ensures a reduction in manufacturing costs.

It should be noted that such a possibility is not necessarily detrimental to the proper functioning of the energy production assembly, in particular in the case where such a fixed valve element is intended to receive air depleted in oxygen, evacuated from the battery pack.

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of an energy production assembly according to the invention.

Several, in this case three, fuel cell blocks are thus provided, which are for example identical and are assigned the references 102, 102 ′ and 102 ″

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 124ι 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.

These different valve elements, which are similar to those 24ι to 24 ₄ , have main axes which are parallel to each other.

Furthermore, the upper battery pack 102 is provided with four valve elements, of which only two 130χ and 130 are shown. These valve elements, which are analogous to those 30χ to 30 ₄ , are able to cooperate with the upper valve elements, in particular 124χ 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 30χ 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 30χ 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 ''. Finally, 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 implementation of the entire energy production, shown in Figure 4, is particularly convenient. Thus, the user is able to separate, with respect to the support plate 106, one or the other of the battery blocks 102, 102 'or 102' ', in the event of a breakdown. Such an operation is further facilitated by the presence of the handles 103, 103 'and 103 ".

The invention makes it possible to achieve the objectives mentioned above.

Thus, 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.

This simplification of maintenance also guarantees an increase in productivity. In fact, since the duration of deactivation of the battery unit is reduced, its effective operating time is accordingly extended.

According to a characteristic of the invention, the support plate 6 or 106, further ensuring the circulation of fluids, 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.

This use of a plastic material makes it possible to reduce, to a very significant extent, the various manufacturing costs of the energy production assembly. In addition, this ensures particularly easy maintenance, since the grip and disassembly of the various constituent elements are remarkably simple.

Claims

1. Fuel cell block (2; 102, 102 ', 102'') intended to be integrated into an energy production assembly, this battery block comprising a plurality of elementary cells (32) and means for distributing fluids allowing the supply of each cell with two inlet fluids, as well as the evacuation of two outlet fluids from these cells, these distribution means being able to be connected with a fluid distribution assembly (6, 8, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22; 106) belonging to said energy production assembly, characterized in that the distribution means comprise, on one side of the battery pack, a series of first valve elements (30χ-30 ₄ ; 1301 , 130 ₂ , 130'χ, 130 ' ₂ , 130''x, 130 " ₂ ) able to cooperate, in assembled configuration, with a series of second valve elements (24χ-24 ₄ ; 124χ, 124 ₂ , 124' i, 124 ' ₂ , 124''x,124'' ₂ ), carried by the fluid distribution assembly.

2. Fuel cell block according to claim 1, characterized in that the first valve elements (30χ- 30 ₄ ; 130χ, 130 ₂ , 130'χ, 130 ' ₂ , 130''x,130'' ₂ ) are arranged on the same face of the battery pack (2; 102, 102 ', 102 ").

3. Fuel cell block according to claim 2, characterized in that the valve elements have main directions (axis A) which are parallel to each other.

4. Fuel cell block according to claim 3, characterized in that each valve member (30χ-30 ₄ ) comprises an opening-closing member (62, 64), movable in said main direction (A).

5. Fuel cell block according to claim 4, characterized in that each valve member (30χ-30 ₄ ) comprises a hollow body (54), inside which is received the movable member (62, - 64) , as well as a spring (66), capable of returning this movable member to its closed position.

6. Fuel cell block according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the first valve elements (30χ-30) are arranged on an end plate (26) of the battery block, further ensuring a function mechanical support.

7. Fuel cell-based energy production assembly, comprising at least one battery block (2; 102, 102 ', 102 ") as well as a fluid distribution assembly (6, 8, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22; 106), able to supply the or each battery pack with two inlet fluids, as well as to evacuate at least two outlet fluids, coming 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, characterized in that the or each battery pack conforms to one of the preceding claims and in that the production assembly d energy also includes second valve elements (24χ-24 ₄ ; 124χ, 124 ₂ , 124 'x, 124' ₂ , 124 '' x, 124 " ₂ ), each second valve element being able to cooperate with a first corresponding valve element (30χ-30 ₄ ; 130χ, 130 ₂ , 130'χ, 130 ' ₂ , 130''x, 130 " ₂ ), with which the battery pack is provided.

8. An energy production assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that the fluid distribution assembly comprises a support member (6; 106), in particular a plate, on which are mounted different members (8, 14, 16, 18, 20) for distributing the inlet and outlet fluids.

9. An energy production assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that the support member (6; 106) is made of a plastic material, by injection or molding.

10. An energy production assembly according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the member. support (6; 106) is hollowed out with integrated channels, ensuring the circulation of different fluids.

11. An energy production assembly according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that it comprises several battery blocks (102, 102 ', 102 "), each of which is provided with a series of first elements of valve (130χ, 130 ₂ , 130'χ, 130 ', 130 "χ, 130" ₂ ), while the fluid distribution assembly is provided with several series of second valve elements (124χ, 124 ₂ , 124' _x , Y ' ₂ , 124''x,124'' ₂ ), each series of second valve elements being able to cooperate with a corresponding series of first valve elements.

12. Energy production assembly according to one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that each second valve element (24χ-24 ₄ ) is provided with an actuating element (42, 44), capable of passing the movable member (62, 64) of each first valve member from its closed position to its open position.

13. An energy production assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that the actuating member (42, 44) of each second valve member (24χ-24 ₄ ) is a movable opening-closing member in a main direction of said second valve member.

14. An energy production assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that each, second valve element (24χ-24 ₄ ) comprises a hollow body (34), inside which is received the movable member (42, 44), as well as a spring (46), capable of recalling this movable member in its closed position.

15. An energy production assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that a free end of the hollow body (34) of one (24χ) of the first or second valve elements is adapted to be fitted, with interposition d 'a sealing element (35), in the hollow body (54) of the other (30χ) of the first and second valve elements.

16. An energy production assembly according to any one of claims 7 to 15, characterized in that a major part of the different valve elements (24χ-24 ₄ , 30χ-30 ₄ ; 124χ, 124 ₂ , 124 ' χ, 124 ' ₂ , 124 "χ, 124" ₂ , 130χ, 130 ₂ , 130'χ;130' ₂ , 130'χ, 130 '' ₂ ) is made of a plastic material, by injection or molding.