EP1820231A1 - Electrochemical generator on base of hydrogen-air or oxygen fuel cells - Google Patents

Electrochemical generator on base of hydrogen-air or oxygen fuel cells

Info

Publication number
EP1820231A1
EP1820231A1 EP04821410A EP04821410A EP1820231A1 EP 1820231 A1 EP1820231 A1 EP 1820231A1 EP 04821410 A EP04821410 A EP 04821410A EP 04821410 A EP04821410 A EP 04821410A EP 1820231 A1 EP1820231 A1 EP 1820231A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
electrolyte
fuel cells
electrolyte tank
heater
tank
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Withdrawn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
EP04821410A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1820231A4 (en
Inventor
Ziya Ramizovich Karichev
Dmitry Alexandrovich Blatov
Aleksandr Isaakovich Yuzefovsky
Nikolay Ivanovich Zelenschikov
Boris Alexandrovich Sokolov
Sergei Andreevich Khudyakov
Vyacheslav Alexeevich Nikitin
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.)
Okrytoe Aktsionernoe Obschestvo "raketno-Kosmiche Skaya Korporatsiya "energiya" Im Sp Koroleva"
Obschestvo S Ogranichennoi Otvetstvennostiyu "Intensis"
Original Assignee
Okrytoe Aktsionernoe Obschestvo "raketno-Kosmiche Skaya Korporatsiya "energiya" Im Sp Koroleva"
Obschestvo S Ogranichennoi Otvetstvennostiyu "Intensis"
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 Okrytoe Aktsionernoe Obschestvo "raketno-Kosmiche Skaya Korporatsiya "energiya" Im Sp Koroleva", Obschestvo S Ogranichennoi Otvetstvennostiyu "Intensis" filed Critical Okrytoe Aktsionernoe Obschestvo "raketno-Kosmiche Skaya Korporatsiya "energiya" Im Sp Koroleva"
Publication of EP1820231A1 publication Critical patent/EP1820231A1/en
Publication of EP1820231A4 publication Critical patent/EP1820231A4/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current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
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04007—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids related to heat exchange
    • H01M8/04059—Evaporative processes for the cooling of a fuel cell
    • 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
    • H01M8/24—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells
    • H01M8/2457—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells with both reactants being gaseous or vaporised
    • 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
    • H01M8/04007—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids related to heat exchange
    • 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
    • H01M8/04007—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids related to heat exchange
    • H01M8/04014—Heat exchange using gaseous fluids; Heat exchange by combustion of reactants
    • H01M8/04022—Heating by combustion
    • 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
    • H01M8/04007—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids related to heat exchange
    • H01M8/04037—Electrical heating
    • 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
    • H01M8/04119—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants with simultaneous supply or evacuation of electrolyte; Humidifying or dehumidifying
    • 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
    • H01M8/04186—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of liquid-charged or electrolyte-charged reactants
    • 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
    • H01M8/04223—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids during start-up or shut-down; Depolarisation or activation, e.g. purging; Means for short-circuiting defective fuel cells
    • 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
    • H01M8/04223—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids during start-up or shut-down; Depolarisation or activation, e.g. purging; Means for short-circuiting defective fuel cells
    • H01M8/04225—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids during start-up or shut-down; Depolarisation or activation, e.g. purging; Means for short-circuiting defective fuel cells during start-up
    • 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
    • H01M8/04223—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids during start-up or shut-down; Depolarisation or activation, e.g. purging; Means for short-circuiting defective fuel cells
    • H01M8/04228—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids during start-up or shut-down; Depolarisation or activation, e.g. purging; Means for short-circuiting defective fuel cells during shut-down
    • 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
    • H01M8/04276—Arrangements for managing the electrolyte stream, e.g. heat exchange
    • 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
    • H01M8/08—Fuel cells with aqueous electrolytes
    • 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
    • H01M8/24—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells
    • H01M8/2465—Details of groupings of fuel cells
    • 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
    • H01M8/08—Fuel cells with aqueous electrolytes
    • H01M8/083—Alkaline fuel cells
    • 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
    • H01M8/24—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells
    • H01M8/2455—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells with liquid, solid or electrolyte-charged 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
    • 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
    • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
    • Y02P70/00—Climate change mitigation technologies in the production process for final industrial or consumer products
    • Y02P70/50—Manufacturing or production processes characterised by the final manufactured product

Definitions

  • the invention relates to the field of electrochemical generators (ECG) on the base of fuel cells (FC) with an alkaline electrolyte.
  • FCS fuel cell stack
  • systems for supplying and blowing hydrogen-air (oxygen) an electrolyte circulation loop with a pump, heat exchanger, electrolyte chamber with temperature and electrolyte level sensors
  • a drawback of the known ECG is the complexity of its operation during its start-up and shut-down, this being due to the discharge, charge and heating of the electrolyte.
  • the closest one in respect to the combination of essential features and achieved technical result is the ECG on the base of hydrogen- air (oxygen) fuel cells, which comprises an FC stack, systems for supplying and blowing hydrogen and air (oxygen), an electrolyte circulation loop with a pump, heat exchanger, heater and electrolyte chamber with temperature and electrolyte level sensors (see GB patent No. 1419844, class H Ol M 8/04, 1975).
  • a drawback of the aforesaid ECG is the technological complexity of its operation, which is related to the discharge and charge of the liquid electrolyte, and also to the removal and collection of dropping liquid from the purge gases.
  • the presence of dropping liquid in the purge gases may result in a failure of the blowing system and breakdown of the ECG.
  • the object of the invention is to produce an ECG that has enhanced reliability in operation.
  • an ECG on the base of hydrogen-air (oxygen) FCs comprises a stack of fuel cells (FCS), systems for supplying and blowing hydrogen and air (oxygen), an electrolyte circulation loop with a pump, with a heat exchanger, with a heater and electrolyte tank with temperature and electrolyte level sensors, wherein, in accordance with the invention the electrolyte tank, pump, heater, level and temperature sensors are made in the form of a single aggregate, which is placed under the FCS.
  • FCS fuel cells
  • the electrolyte tank, pump, heater, level and temperature sensors are made in the form of a single aggregate, which is placed under the FCS.
  • the electrolyte circulation loop would additionally comprise a mechanical filter positioned in the electrolyte tank.
  • the presence of the filter makes it possible to remove mechanical particles from the circulating electrolyte which may disturb the normal functioning of the generator when they get into the working compartments of the FC.
  • the heater be made in the form of a catalytic burner, electrical heater or catalytic burner and electrical heater. This embodiment of the heater expands the possibility for use of different kinds of energy to heat the electrolyte.
  • the electrolyte tank be made with the bottom inclined to the center and with a cylindrical vessel in the center with level sensors, wherein the cylindrical vessel is in electrolyte communication with the electrolyte of the electrolyte tank, and in respect to the gaseous medium is insulated from the gaseous medium of the electrolyte tank.
  • the presence of the bottom of the tank inclined to the center provides for the complete discharge of the electrolyte and the accumulation and removal of all the impurities from the lower point of the electrolyte tank.
  • the presence of the cylindrical vessel with level sensors, which is arranged in the center of the electrolyte tank provides for the required accuracy of measurement of the level in the case of tilts of the ECG.
  • Communication between the cylindrical vessel and the electrolyte tank in respect to electrolyte provides for control of the real level of the electrolyte in the tank. Separation of the gaseous mediums of the cylindrical vessel and the electrolyte tank prevents a mixture of the reactants (hydrogen, oxygen or air) and the possibility of an explosion.
  • the pipelines for the discharge of air (oxygen) from the FCS be connected to the gaseous medium of the electrolyte tank, and that the pipelines for the discharge of hydrogen from the FCS be connected to the gaseous medium of the cylindrical vessel.
  • Such a connection of the pipelines prevents a mixture of the gases, and formation of an explosive mixture, and, consequently, the possibility of an explosion.
  • the volume of the electrolyte tank be greater than the volume of the electrolyte in the electrolyte loop of the ECG. This makes it possible to further use the electrolyte tank as a tank for the discharge, storage and charge of the electrolyte. It is appreciated that the supply of electrolyte into the FCS be carried out from the bottom and discharge of the electrolyte from the FCS into the electrolyte tank be carried out at the top. This makes it possible to eliminate the influence of the hydrostatic column of electrolyte on the operation of the FC and provides for the removal of bubbles from the FC. The essence of the invention is explained by the drawing, where a schematic diagram of the pneumohydraulic circuit of the claimed ECG is presented in Fig. 1.
  • the ECG according to the invention comprises a FCS I 5 a hydrogen supply system 2, an air (oxygen) supply system 3, a system 4 for blowing hydrogen, a system 5 for blowing air (oxygen), an electrolyte circulation loop with a pump 6, a heat exchanger 7, a heater 8, an electrolyte tank 9 with a temperature sensor 10 and electrolyte level sensors 11.
  • the electrolyte tank 9, pump 6, heater 8, electrolyte level sensors 11 and temperature sensor 10 are made in the form of a single aggregate 12, which is placed under the FCS.
  • the electrolyte circulation loop additionally comprises a mechanical filter 13, which may be made as a separate aggregate or within the makeup of the electrolyte tank.
  • a cylindrical vessel 14 with electrolyte level sensors 11 is disposed in the center of the electrolyte tank, wherein the cylindrical vessel is in electrolyte communication with the electrolyte of the electrolyte tank, and in respect to the gaseous medium is insulated from the gaseous medium of the electrolyte tank.
  • the output pipeline from the system 4 for blowing hydrogen is connected to the cylindrical vessel 14, and the output pipeline of the system 5 for blowing air (oxygen) is connected to the electrolyte tank 9.
  • Supplying the electrolyte by the pump 6 to the FCS 1 is carried out from the bottom, while the discharge from the FCS to the electrolyte tank 9 is carried out from above.
  • the ECG operates in the following manner.
  • the system 2 for supplying hydrogen and the system 3 for supplying air (oxygen) provide a supply of reactants to the FCs, which are consumed in the reaction and provide the generation of current.
  • the emitted heat is removed by the circulating electrolyte and discharged into the heat exchanger 7.
  • Blowing the inert impurities, contained in the working gases, from the FCs is carried out by means of the systems 4, 5 for blowing hydrogen and air (oxygen). Blowing the hydrogen is carried out into the cylindrical vessel 14, the air (oxygen) into the electrolyte tank 9.
  • the dropping liquid (water, electrolyte) contained in the purge gases, together with the flow of purge gas is carried into a corresponding tank and gets into the electrolyte.
  • the gaseous spaces of the cylindrical vessel 14 and the electrolyte tank 9 are insulated, which prevents the purge gases mixing with the formation of an explosive mixture.
  • the electrolyte level sensors 11 provide for control of the electrolyte level in a predetermined range, which makes it possible to retain the predetermined volume of the electrolyte in the circulation loop.
  • the heater 8 is used during the start-up of the ECG from the temperature of the ambient medium and for the maintenance of the predetermined temperature of the stack at low loads.
  • the temperature sensor 10 serves for control of the temperature of the electrolyte and is used for its maintenance in the predetermined range.
  • ECG may be realized in practice with achievement of the claimed technical result (increase of reliability).

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Fuel Cell (AREA)
  • Electrolytic Production Of Non-Metals, Compounds, Apparatuses Therefor (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of electrochemical generators (ECG) on the base of fuel cells (FC) with an alkaline electrolyte and may be used in the production of the aforesaid generators. In accordance with the invention an ECG on the base of hydrogen-air (oxygen) fuel cells comprises a stack of fuel cells, systems for supplying and blowing hydrogen and air (oxygen), an electrolyte circulation loop with a pump, a heat exchanger, a heater and electrolyte tank with temperature and electrolyte level sensors, wherein the electrolyte tank, pump, heater, level and temperature sensors are made in the form of a single aggregate, which is placed under the stack of fuel cells. The electrolyte circulation loop may further comprise a mechanical filter disposed in the electrolyte tank. The heater may be made in the form of a catalytic burner and/or electrical heater. The electrolyte tank may be made with the bottom inclined to the center and may comprise a cylindrical vessel in the center with level sensors, wherein the vessel is in electrolyte communication with the electrolyte of the electrolyte tank and is insulated in respect to the gaseous medium from the gaseous medium of the electrolyte tank. The pipelines for the discharge of air (oxygen) from the stack of fuel cells may be connected to the gaseous medium of the electrolyte tank, and the pipelines for the discharge of hydrogen from the stack of fuel cells may be connected to the gaseous medium of the cylindrical vessel. The volume of the electrolyte tank is greater than the volume of the electrolyte in the electrolyte loop of the electrochemical generator.

Description

ELECTROCHEMICAL GENERATOR ON BASE OF HYDROGEN-AIR OR
OXYGEN FUEL CELLS
Field of the Invention
The invention relates to the field of electrochemical generators (ECG) on the base of fuel cells (FC) with an alkaline electrolyte.
Background of the Invention
It is known an ECG on the base of hydrogen-air or oxygen FCs comprising a fuel cell stack (FCS), systems for supplying and blowing hydrogen-air (oxygen), an electrolyte circulation loop with a pump, heat exchanger, electrolyte chamber with temperature and electrolyte level sensors (see US patent No. 3935028, cl. HOlM
8/04, 1976).
A drawback of the known ECG is the complexity of its operation during its start-up and shut-down, this being due to the discharge, charge and heating of the electrolyte. Among the known ECGs, the closest one in respect to the combination of essential features and achieved technical result is the ECG on the base of hydrogen- air (oxygen) fuel cells, which comprises an FC stack, systems for supplying and blowing hydrogen and air (oxygen), an electrolyte circulation loop with a pump, heat exchanger, heater and electrolyte chamber with temperature and electrolyte level sensors (see GB patent No. 1419844, class H Ol M 8/04, 1975).
A drawback of the aforesaid ECG is the technological complexity of its operation, which is related to the discharge and charge of the liquid electrolyte, and also to the removal and collection of dropping liquid from the purge gases. The presence of dropping liquid in the purge gases may result in a failure of the blowing system and breakdown of the ECG.
Summary of the Invention
The object of the invention is to produce an ECG that has enhanced reliability in operation.
This technical result is achieved in that an ECG on the base of hydrogen-air (oxygen) FCs comprises a stack of fuel cells (FCS), systems for supplying and blowing hydrogen and air (oxygen), an electrolyte circulation loop with a pump, with a heat exchanger, with a heater and electrolyte tank with temperature and electrolyte level sensors, wherein, in accordance with the invention the electrolyte tank, pump, heater, level and temperature sensors are made in the form of a single aggregate, which is placed under the FCS. The integration of the indicated components of the electrolyte loop into a single aggregate results in reducing the size of the ECG and makes its assembly and development easier. The arrangement of the aggregate under the FCS simplifies the charge and discharge of the electrolyte during the start-up and shut-down of the ECG. When the pressure drops, the electrolyte from the FCS drains by gravity into the electrolyte tank.
It is appreciated that the electrolyte circulation loop would additionally comprise a mechanical filter positioned in the electrolyte tank. The presence of the filter makes it possible to remove mechanical particles from the circulating electrolyte which may disturb the normal functioning of the generator when they get into the working compartments of the FC.
It is appreciated that the heater be made in the form of a catalytic burner, electrical heater or catalytic burner and electrical heater. This embodiment of the heater expands the possibility for use of different kinds of energy to heat the electrolyte.
It is appreciated that the electrolyte tank be made with the bottom inclined to the center and with a cylindrical vessel in the center with level sensors, wherein the cylindrical vessel is in electrolyte communication with the electrolyte of the electrolyte tank, and in respect to the gaseous medium is insulated from the gaseous medium of the electrolyte tank. The presence of the bottom of the tank inclined to the center provides for the complete discharge of the electrolyte and the accumulation and removal of all the impurities from the lower point of the electrolyte tank. The presence of the cylindrical vessel with level sensors, which is arranged in the center of the electrolyte tank provides for the required accuracy of measurement of the level in the case of tilts of the ECG. Communication between the cylindrical vessel and the electrolyte tank in respect to electrolyte provides for control of the real level of the electrolyte in the tank. Separation of the gaseous mediums of the cylindrical vessel and the electrolyte tank prevents a mixture of the reactants (hydrogen, oxygen or air) and the possibility of an explosion.
It is appreciated that the pipelines for the discharge of air (oxygen) from the FCS be connected to the gaseous medium of the electrolyte tank, and that the pipelines for the discharge of hydrogen from the FCS be connected to the gaseous medium of the cylindrical vessel. Such a connection of the pipelines prevents a mixture of the gases, and formation of an explosive mixture, and, consequently, the possibility of an explosion.
It is appreciated that the volume of the electrolyte tank be greater than the volume of the electrolyte in the electrolyte loop of the ECG. This makes it possible to further use the electrolyte tank as a tank for the discharge, storage and charge of the electrolyte. It is appreciated that the supply of electrolyte into the FCS be carried out from the bottom and discharge of the electrolyte from the FCS into the electrolyte tank be carried out at the top. This makes it possible to eliminate the influence of the hydrostatic column of electrolyte on the operation of the FC and provides for the removal of bubbles from the FC. The essence of the invention is explained by the drawing, where a schematic diagram of the pneumohydraulic circuit of the claimed ECG is presented in Fig. 1.
Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
The ECG according to the invention comprises a FCS I5 a hydrogen supply system 2, an air (oxygen) supply system 3, a system 4 for blowing hydrogen, a system 5 for blowing air (oxygen), an electrolyte circulation loop with a pump 6, a heat exchanger 7, a heater 8, an electrolyte tank 9 with a temperature sensor 10 and electrolyte level sensors 11. The electrolyte tank 9, pump 6, heater 8, electrolyte level sensors 11 and temperature sensor 10 are made in the form of a single aggregate 12, which is placed under the FCS. The electrolyte circulation loop additionally comprises a mechanical filter 13, which may be made as a separate aggregate or within the makeup of the electrolyte tank. A cylindrical vessel 14 with electrolyte level sensors 11 is disposed in the center of the electrolyte tank, wherein the cylindrical vessel is in electrolyte communication with the electrolyte of the electrolyte tank, and in respect to the gaseous medium is insulated from the gaseous medium of the electrolyte tank. The output pipeline from the system 4 for blowing hydrogen is connected to the cylindrical vessel 14, and the output pipeline of the system 5 for blowing air (oxygen) is connected to the electrolyte tank 9. Supplying the electrolyte by the pump 6 to the FCS 1 is carried out from the bottom, while the discharge from the FCS to the electrolyte tank 9 is carried out from above.
The ECG operates in the following manner. The system 2 for supplying hydrogen and the system 3 for supplying air (oxygen) provide a supply of reactants to the FCs, which are consumed in the reaction and provide the generation of current. The emitted heat is removed by the circulating electrolyte and discharged into the heat exchanger 7. Blowing the inert impurities, contained in the working gases, from the FCs is carried out by means of the systems 4, 5 for blowing hydrogen and air (oxygen). Blowing the hydrogen is carried out into the cylindrical vessel 14, the air (oxygen) into the electrolyte tank 9. The dropping liquid (water, electrolyte) contained in the purge gases, together with the flow of purge gas is carried into a corresponding tank and gets into the electrolyte. The gaseous spaces of the cylindrical vessel 14 and the electrolyte tank 9 are insulated, which prevents the purge gases mixing with the formation of an explosive mixture. The electrolyte level sensors 11 provide for control of the electrolyte level in a predetermined range, which makes it possible to retain the predetermined volume of the electrolyte in the circulation loop. The heater 8 is used during the start-up of the ECG from the temperature of the ambient medium and for the maintenance of the predetermined temperature of the stack at low loads. The temperature sensor 10 serves for control of the temperature of the electrolyte and is used for its maintenance in the predetermined range. Separate blowing of the FC in respect to hydrogen and air (oxygen), removal of the dropping liquid from the purge gases, arrangement of the electrolyte tank under the FCS, supplying electrolyte to the FCS from the bottom and its removal from the FCS from the top make it possible to increase the reliability of the functioning of the ECG. On the basis of the foregoing, the conclusion may be made that the claimed
ECG may be realized in practice with achievement of the claimed technical result (increase of reliability).

Claims

1. An electrochemical generator on the base of hydrogen-air (oxygen) fuel cells comprising a stack of fuel cells, systems for supplying and blowing hydrogen and air (oxygen), an electrolyte circulation loop with a pump, a heat exchanger, a heater and electrolyte tank with temperature and electrolyte level sensors, characterized in that the electrolyte tank, pump, heater, level and temperature sensors are made in the form of a single aggregate, which is placed under the stack of fuel cells.
2. The electrochemical generator according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrolyte circulation loop further comprises a mechanical filter disposed in the electrolyte tank.
3. The electrochemical generator according to claim 1, characterized in that the heater is made in the form of a catalytic burner.
4. The electrochemical generator according to claim 1, characterized in that the heater is made in the form of an electrical heater.
5. The electrochemical generator according to claim 1, characterized in that the heater is made in the form of a catalytic burner and electrical heater.
6. The electrochemical generator according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrolyte tank is made with the bottom inclined to the center and comprises a cylindrical vessel in the center with level sensors, wherein the cylindrical vessel is in electrolyte communication with the electrolyte of the electrolyte tank, and is insulated in respect to the gaseous medium from the gaseous medium of the electrolyte tank.
7. The electrochemical generator according to claims 1 or 6, characterized in that the pipelines for the discharge of air (oxygen) from the stack of fuel cells are connected to the gaseous medium of the electrolyte tank and the pipelines for the discharge of hydrogen from the stack of fuel cells are connected to the gaseous medium of the cylindrical vessel.
8. The electrochemical generator according to claim 1, characterized in that the volume of the electrolyte tank is greater than the volume of the electrolyte in the electrolyte loop of the electrochemical generator.
EP04821410A 2004-10-13 2004-10-13 Electrochemical generator on base of hydrogen-air or oxygen fuel cells Withdrawn EP1820231A4 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/RU2004/000402 WO2006041328A1 (en) 2004-10-13 2004-10-13 Electrochemical generator on base of hydrogen-air or oxygen fuel cells

Publications (2)

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EP1820231A1 true EP1820231A1 (en) 2007-08-22
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GB201415222D0 (en) * 2014-08-28 2014-10-15 Afc Energy Plc Operation of a fuel cell system
CN109742421B (en) * 2019-02-28 2023-07-11 中山大洋电机股份有限公司 Fuel cell hydrogen circulation device and fuel cell using same
CN112993319A (en) * 2019-12-13 2021-06-18 中车时代电动汽车股份有限公司 Fuel cell with heating auxiliary function
CN112542599B (en) * 2020-12-28 2021-11-26 郑州佛光发电设备有限公司 Bidirectional self-cleaning system and method for metal-air battery

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GB1419844A (en) * 1972-03-28 1975-12-31 Licentia Gmbh Fuel cell system
WO2002009221A1 (en) * 2000-07-25 2002-01-31 Apollo Energy Systems, Incorporated Additives to the gas supply of fuel cells with circulating electrolytes and means to regenerate used stacks
GB2372875A (en) * 2001-03-02 2002-09-04 Innogy Ltd Process for operating a regenerative fuel cell

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WO2006041328A1 (en) 2006-04-20
EP1820231A4 (en) 2010-03-24

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