EP4165707A1 - System for cooling a fuel cell and fuel cell equipped with such a system - Google Patents

System for cooling a fuel cell and fuel cell equipped with such a system

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Publication number
EP4165707A1
EP4165707A1 EP21731880.7A EP21731880A EP4165707A1 EP 4165707 A1 EP4165707 A1 EP 4165707A1 EP 21731880 A EP21731880 A EP 21731880A EP 4165707 A1 EP4165707 A1 EP 4165707A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
water
cooling
cathode
fuel cell
cell
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.)
Pending
Application number
EP21731880.7A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Karine PRINCE
David Lavergne
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.)
Liebherr Aerospace Toulouse SAS
Original Assignee
Liebherr Aerospace Toulouse 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 Liebherr Aerospace Toulouse SAS filed Critical Liebherr Aerospace Toulouse SAS
Publication of EP4165707A1 publication Critical patent/EP4165707A1/en
Pending 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
    • H01M8/04014—Heat exchange using gaseous fluids; Heat exchange by combustion of 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
    • H01M8/04007—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids related to heat exchange
    • H01M8/04067—Heat exchange or temperature measuring elements, thermal insulation, e.g. heat pipes, heat pumps, fins
    • H01M8/04074—Heat exchange unit structures specially adapted for fuel cell
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
    • B64D13/00—Arrangements or adaptations of air-treatment apparatus for aircraft crew or passengers, or freight space, or structural parts of the aircraft
    • B64D13/06—Arrangements or adaptations of air-treatment apparatus for aircraft crew or passengers, or freight space, or structural parts of the aircraft the air being conditioned
    • 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
    • H01M8/04097—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants with recycling of the 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
    • H01M8/04082—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
    • H01M8/04156—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants with simultaneous supply or evacuation of electrolyte; Humidifying or dehumidifying with product water removal
    • 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
    • H01M8/04156—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants with simultaneous supply or evacuation of electrolyte; Humidifying or dehumidifying with product water removal
    • H01M8/04164—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants with simultaneous supply or evacuation of electrolyte; Humidifying or dehumidifying with product water removal by condensers, gas-liquid separators or filters
    • 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
    • H01M8/04298—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems
    • H01M8/04313—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems characterised by the detection or assessment of variables; characterised by the detection or assessment of failure or abnormal function
    • H01M8/0432—Temperature; Ambient temperature
    • H01M8/04358—Temperature; Ambient temperature of the coolant
    • 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
    • H01M8/04298—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems
    • H01M8/04694—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems characterised by variables to be controlled
    • H01M8/04828—Humidity; Water content
    • 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
    • H01M8/04298—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems
    • H01M8/04992—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems characterised by the implementation of mathematical or computational algorithms, e.g. feedback control loops, fuzzy logic, neural networks or artificial intelligence
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
    • B64D13/00—Arrangements or adaptations of air-treatment apparatus for aircraft crew or passengers, or freight space, or structural parts of the aircraft
    • B64D13/06—Arrangements or adaptations of air-treatment apparatus for aircraft crew or passengers, or freight space, or structural parts of the aircraft the air being conditioned
    • B64D2013/0603—Environmental Control Systems
    • B64D2013/0659—Environmental Control Systems comprising provisions for cooling fuel systems
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
    • B64D41/00—Power installations for auxiliary purposes
    • B64D2041/005—Fuel cells
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M2250/00—Fuel cells for particular applications; Specific features of fuel cell system
    • H01M2250/20—Fuel cells in motive systems, e.g. vehicle, ship, plane
    • 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
    • Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
    • Y02T90/00—Enabling technologies or technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02T90/40—Application of hydrogen technology to transportation, e.g. using fuel cells

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a cooling system for a fuel cell intended to equip a transport vehicle, in particular an air transport vehicle such as an aircraft.
  • the invention also relates to a fuel cell or a set of fuel cells, equipped with such a cooling system.
  • a fuel cell such as a hydrogen cell
  • PAC electrolysis
  • hydrogen and oxygen are the chemical fuel under which energy can be stored in a fuel cell application.
  • a second reaction provided by the fuel cell itself reverses the process and produces electricity from these two fuels.
  • the electrolysis reaction described is generally carried out on the ground so that the hydrogen is loaded directly into a dedicated tank and the oxygen is supplied by the air taken from outside the aircraft.
  • the fuel cell as such is therefore an electric generator with two electrodes which makes it possible to produce electric energy by an oxidation on an electrode of a reducing fuel, such as hydrogen, coupled with a reduction on the another electrode of an oxidant, such as oxygen in the air for example.
  • a reducing fuel such as hydrogen
  • the redox reaction of the battery not only generates electricity, but also by-products such as water, heat and oxygen-depleted air.
  • the oxidation reaction at the anode level makes it possible to decompose hydrogen molecules on contact with a catalyst to release electrons and release heat.
  • the reduction reaction at the cathode makes it possible to form oxygen ions by contact between the oxygen and the electrons released by the oxidation.
  • hydrogen protons recombine with oxygen ions to form water.
  • the inventors have therefore sought to develop an optimized cooling system which makes it possible in particular to adapt the cooling power to the flight conditions of the aircraft.
  • the invention aims to provide a cooling system for a fuel cell which overcomes at least some of the drawbacks of known cooling systems, in particular for on-board aeronautical applications.
  • the invention also aims to provide, in at least one embodiment, a cooling system which has a limited size compared to known systems.
  • the invention aims in particular to provide, in at least one embodiment, a cooling system which makes it possible to divide by three the size of the cooling heat exchanger necessary to remove a given power by a known system.
  • the invention also aims to provide, in at least one embodiment of the invention, a system which allows cooling to be boosted in hot weather.
  • the invention also aims to provide a fuel cell equipped with a cooling system according to the invention.
  • the invention relates to a system for cooling a fuel cell of a transport vehicle, such as an aircraft comprising an anode and a cathode, said system comprising a cooling loop of the cell in thermal interaction. with said anode and / or said cathode.
  • a cooling heat exchanger configured to be able to ensure heat exchanges between said cooling loop and a channel for circulating cooling air taken from outside the transport vehicle, called a dynamic air channel,
  • the system according to the invention therefore has the particular feature of allowing the recovery of the water produced by the fuel cell during its operation (in particular the water at the cathode outlet) and of using this water to cool the flow of water. 'cooling air taken from outside the vehicle by spraying it upstream of the battery cooling exchanger, which therefore makes it possible to cool the refrigerant fluid of the battery cooling loop in thermal interaction with the anode and / or the cathode of the cell.
  • the purpose of vaporizing the water inside the heat exchanger is to take advantage of the latent heat of vaporization of the water. This also aims to improve the exchange coefficient inside the interchange.
  • the invention therefore functionalizes the water produced by the fuel cell (which is generally wasted) to optimize the cooling of the fuel cell.
  • This reduction in air flow therefore allows a reduction in the drag of the vehicle, which is particularly desirable in the context of an on-board aeronautical application.
  • the dimensions and bulk of the cooling heat exchanger can therefore also be reduced.
  • the system according to the invention also helps boost cooling in hot weather, that is, when the air taken from outside the vehicle is not cool enough to cool the fuel cell.
  • Another advantage of the invention is to be able to control the quantity of water vaporized upstream of the cooling heat exchanger so as to regulate the cooling of the cell.
  • the system has a computer for controlling the quantity of water sprayed as a function of a measurement representative of the temperature of the cell (for example a measurement of the temperature of the refrigerant in the cooling loop).
  • the water recovery device comprises a water condensation device and a water extraction device arranged in series.
  • the condensing device condenses the water present in the cathode fluid.
  • This condensation device may for example be of the condenser exchanger or reverse osmosis extractor type.
  • a reverse osmosis extractor minimizes the need for energy to ensure water condensation.
  • the water extraction device extracts water droplets from the condensed fluid. This extraction can be extraction by membrane filter, by vortex, or by any equivalent means.
  • the system further comprises a control valve arranged fluidly between said water storage tank and said spray device, said control valve being controlled by said control computer.
  • This control valve is controlled by the computer to regulate the quantity of water which supplies the spraying device and therefore the quantity of water sprayed into the dynamic air channel upstream of the cooling heat exchanger, as a function of the measurement representative of the temperature of the fuel cell.
  • the system further comprises a drainage valve arranged fluidly between said water storage tank and a drainage circuit, said drainage valve being controlled by said control computer.
  • This drainage valve allows the water stored in the storage tank to be evacuated if necessary.
  • said regulating valve and said drainage valve are formed by a single 3-way regulating and drainage valve controlled by said computer.
  • This alternative embodiment has the advantage of having a simplified architecture with a single valve controlled by the computer to provide both the function of regulating the water sprayed upstream of the exchanger and the function of draining the system.
  • said spray device comprises a plurality of injectors opening into said dynamic air channel.
  • This particular structure of the spray device makes it possible to spray a plurality of water droplets into the cooling air stream, for example until saturated with humidity.
  • said injectors are configured to allow the spraying of water droplets having a diameter of 10 microns at most so as to allow the spraying of a mist formed from a mixture of water and air. .
  • said water storage tank is further configured to be able to be supplied to the ground by water supplied by an external water distribution device.
  • the water tank can be supplied with water to the ground by an external device, which makes it possible to have a level sufficient water in the storage tank allowing the cell to be cooled under extreme conditions for which the quantity of water produced by the fuel cell and recovered by the water recovery device would not be sufficient.
  • This aspect is particularly interesting on the ground where the outside temperatures are higher than in flight and at the time of take-off where the air ram flow is low.
  • the system further comprises a coolant temperature sensor configured to provide said control temperature measurement of said computer.
  • a coolant temperature sensor configured to provide said control temperature measurement of said computer.
  • it is a direct measurement of the temperature of the refrigerant fluid which is used to control the regulation of the water vaporized in the dynamic air channel.
  • said cooling loop of said cell is formed by a cathodic recirculation circuit of the cell connecting a cathode output of the cell intended to deliver a cathode product fluid to a cathode input intended to be supplied by a oxidizing fluid and said water recovery device is arranged on said cathodic recirculation circuit to recover water present in said cathode product fluid.
  • the cooling heat exchanger is arranged directly on the cathodic recirculation circuit which therefore acts as a cooling loop for the fuel cell.
  • the cathode product fluid intended to be reintroduced into the cell by the cathode recirculation circuit which is cooled by the cooling heat exchanger.
  • the water recovery device is arranged directly on the cathodic recirculation circuit to recover the water present in said cathode product fluid.
  • the computer is configured to control the spraying of 30 to 40 g of water per kg of air circulating in the dynamic air channel.
  • the invention also relates to a fuel cell for an aircraft comprising an anode equipped with an anode inlet intended to be supplied with a fuel fluid and an anode outlet intended to deliver an anode product fluid, a cathode equipped with a cathode inlet intended to be supplied with an oxidizing fluid, and a cathode outlet intended to deliver a cathode product fluid, characterized in that it further comprises a cooling system according to the invention.
  • the technical advantages and effects of the cooling system according to the invention apply mutatis mutandis to a fuel cell according to the invention.
  • the invention also extends to a system of fuel cells connected in series (same current delivered by the different cells) or in parallel (same voltage delivered by the different cells) or a combination of cells connected in series and in parallel.
  • the invention can be used for a main electrical generation (peak power in propulsion, for example) or for an auxiliary power generation (supply of services in hot conditions, for example) or for a propulsion application as such.
  • the invention also relates to a transport vehicle such as an aircraft, for example comprising a fuel cell or a set of fuel cells according to the invention.
  • the invention also relates to a cooling system for a fuel cell characterized in combination by all or some of the characteristics mentioned above or below.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a fuel cell cooling system according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 1 schematically illustrates a cooling system of a fuel cell 10 according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • the fuel cell 10 can designate a single cell as such or a plurality of cells connected together and arranged in series and / or in parallel.
  • stack or "a stack” therefore does not limit the scope to a single stack as such but can cover a set of stacks.
  • the fuel cell cooling system 10 comprises a cooling loop 20 of the cell in thermal interaction with the anode and / or the cathode of the cell to ensure its cooling.
  • the cooling loop is directly formed by the cathodic recirculation circuit which connects the cathode outlet which delivers a cathode product fluid (in practice an air) and the cathode inlet which is supplied with a fluid. oxidizer, such as compressed air for example.
  • the cooling loop 20 is supplied with a fluid refrigerant which can be a liquid or gaseous fluid.
  • the cathode product fluid forms the refrigerant fluid within the meaning of the invention.
  • the loop 20 is also equipped with a pump 21 configured to allow the circulation of the refrigerant fluid in the loop 20.
  • the cooling system according to the invention further comprises a cooling heat exchanger 30 arranged on the loop 20 and configured to be able to ensure thermal exchanges between the refrigerant fluid circulating in the cooling loop 30 and a cooling air circulating in a channel.
  • air circulation channel 40 is for example, and in the case of an on-board aeronautical application, the dynamic air circulation channel, better known under the name RAM Air channel.
  • This channel 40 is configured to be able to be supplied by air taken from outside the aircraft at room temperature.
  • the flow of cooling air circulating in the dynamic air channel 40 is shown schematically by arrow 45 in Figure 1.
  • Air circulation in the dynamic air channel 40 is provided by a fan, not shown in the figure.
  • This fan may be an electric fan or a fan carried by a turbine engine shaft of the aircraft, such as for example a turbomachine of an air conditioning system.
  • the heat exchanger 30 can be of any known type. It may, for example, be a finned heat exchanger or any equivalent means.
  • the cooling system according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 also comprises a circuit for recovering the water produced by the fuel cell.
  • This water recovery circuit comprises according to the embodiment of Figure 1 a water condensation device 22, a water extraction (or separation) device 23 and a humidifier 24, configured to extract the water.
  • water of the cathode product fluid stream which is generally oxygen-depleted air as a result of the reduction reaction at the cathode of the fuel cell.
  • the condensation device 22 is a condenser exchanger or extractor by reverse osmosis. An extractor by reverse osmosis minimizes the need for energy to ensure water condensation.
  • the water separator 23 is for example a membrane filter or a vortex system.
  • the humidifier 24 aims to humidify the air with cathode product before its condensation by the water condensing device 22.
  • the water recovery system also comprises a water storage tank 25 supplied by the water separator. 23. This storage tank makes it possible to store the water produced by the fuel cell and recovered by the water recovery device of the invention.
  • the reservoir can also be supplied by an external water source (for example when the aircraft is on the ground) by a pipe not shown in FIG. 1.
  • an external water source for example when the aircraft is on the ground
  • a pipe not shown in FIG. 1 This makes it possible to ensure a water level. sufficient in the tank, in particular to ensure sufficient cooling at high temperatures.
  • a significant vaporization of water in the flow of cooling air upstream of the cooling exchanger 30 is necessary in order to lower as much as possible the temperature of the air ensuring the cooling of the circulating refrigerant fluid. in the cooling loop 20.
  • the recovery system comprises a device 50 for spraying water into the dynamic air channel 40 upstream of the heat exchanger 30.
  • This spraying device 50 is supplied by the water storage tank 25. .
  • this stored water comes either from the fuel cell as such, or from an external water source, or from a combination of these two water sources.
  • the spray device 50 can be of any type. It can for example be formed of a row of water injectors which open into the dynamic air channel 40. Each injector is supplied by a dedicated pipe which derives from a main pipe fluidly connected to the water tank 25.
  • Each injector is configured to allow the spraying of water droplets, for example of the order of 10 microns in diameter, so as to be able to obtain a mist (mixture of water and air) upstream of the exchanger. or directly in the exchanger. At altitude, provision can also be made to inject water directly into the exchanger.
  • the recovery system comprises a computer 28 configured to control the quantity of water sprayed into the dynamic air channel 40 by the water spray device 50.
  • the computer controls a valve 26 arranged between the water storage tank 25 and the spraying device 50 according to a temperature measurement taken by a sensor 29 arranged on the cooling loop 20.
  • the temperature measurement can be taken elsewhere than on the cooling loop, for example directly on the fuel cell.
  • the valve 26, the sensor 29 and the computer 28 form the means for regulating the cooling of the fuel cell 10.
  • the level of cooling is regulated by the quantity of water sprayed into the dynamic air channel 40 upstream of the fuel cell. 'interchange.
  • the computer 28 can be of any type. It may be a computer which controls the operation of the fuel cell or an independent computer dedicated solely to cooling the cell.
  • the dotted lines in FIG. 1 schematically represent the measurement and control signals exchanged between the computer 28, the sensor 29 and the valve 26. These signals can be exchanged by all types of known means.
  • the drive can be an electric, pneumatic, hydraulic drive or a combination of such drives.
  • the valve 26 is a three-way valve, one way of which also supplies a drainage pipe of the reservoir 25.
  • the invention also extends to a transport vehicle, in particular rail, automobile or air, equipped with a fuel cell or a set of fuel cells according to the invention.
  • a system according to the invention and a cell equipped with a system according to the invention therefore make it possible to optimize the flow rate of the air ram just necessary for ensure battery cooling under different operating conditions.
  • the system also boosts cooling in the event of high temperatures.
  • a system according to the invention is not limited to the sole embodiment described and to the only aeronautical application described.
  • the invention can be applied to any type of vehicle, in particular air, rail or automobile and for any type of application (main energy generation, auxiliary energy generation or propulsion energy generation) .

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  • Artificial Intelligence (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
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  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
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  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Electric Propulsion And Braking For Vehicles (AREA)
  • Fuel Cell (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for cooling a fuel cell (10) of a transport vehicle, such as an aircraft, comprising a cooling heat exchanger (30) configured to be able to exchange heat between a loop (20) for cooling the cell and a channel for circulating dynamic air; a device (22, 23) for recovering water produced by the fuel cell; a tank (25) for storing recovered water; a device (50) for spraying water into the dynamic air channel (40) upstream of the heat exchanger (30); a computer (28) for controlling the amount of sprayed water as a function of a measurement representing the temperature of the fuel cell (10).

Description

SYSTÈME DE REFROIDISSEMENT D’UNE PILE À COMBUSTIBLE ET PILE À COMBUSTIBLE ÉQUIPÉE D’UN TEL SYSTÈMECOOLING SYSTEM WITH A FUEL CELL AND FUEL CELL EQUIPPED WITH SUCH A SYSTEM
Domaine technique de l’invention Technical field of the invention
L’invention concerne un système de refroidissement d’une pile à combustible destiné à équiper un véhicule de transport, en particulier un véhicule de transport aérien tel qu’un aéronef. L’invention concerne aussi une pile à combustible ou un ensemble de piles à combustible, équipé d’un tel système de refroidissement. The invention relates to a cooling system for a fuel cell intended to equip a transport vehicle, in particular an air transport vehicle such as an aircraft. The invention also relates to a fuel cell or a set of fuel cells, equipped with such a cooling system.
Arrière-plan technologique Technological background
Il existe aujourd’hui un engouement fort pour équiper les véhicules de transport, en particulier les aéronefs, de piles à combustibles dans la mesure où ces piles forment des sources d’énergie propres, fiables et flexibles. Today there is a strong interest in equipping transport vehicles, in particular aircraft, with fuel cells as these cells form clean, reliable and flexible sources of energy.
Le principe à la base d’une pile à combustible (aussi désignée par l’acronyme PAC), telle qu’une pile à hydrogène, repose sur la séparation de l’eau sous l’effet d’un courant électrique (électrolyse) en dihydrogène et dioxygène. Ces deux molécules constituent le combustible chimique sous lequel l’énergie peut être stockée au sein d’une application de piles à combustible. Une seconde réaction assurée par la pile à combustible en tant que telle permet d’inverser le processus et de produire de l’électricité à partir de ces deux combustibles. The principle behind a fuel cell (also referred to by the acronym PAC), such as a hydrogen cell, is based on the separation of water under the effect of an electric current (electrolysis) in hydrogen and oxygen. These two molecules are the chemical fuel under which energy can be stored in a fuel cell application. A second reaction provided by the fuel cell itself reverses the process and produces electricity from these two fuels.
Dans les applications aéronautiques, la réaction d’électrolyse décrite est en général réalisée au sol de sorte que l’hydrogène est directement embarqué dans un réservoir dédié et le dioxygène est fourni par l’air prélevé à l’extérieur de l’aéronef. In aeronautical applications, the electrolysis reaction described is generally carried out on the ground so that the hydrogen is loaded directly into a dedicated tank and the oxygen is supplied by the air taken from outside the aircraft.
La pile à combustible en tant que telle est donc un générateur électrique à deux électrodes qui permet de produire de l’énergie électrique par une oxydation sur une électrode d’un combustible réducteur, tel que l’hydrogène, couplée à une réduction sur l’autre électrode d’un oxydant, tel que l’oxygène de l’air par exemple. The fuel cell as such is therefore an electric generator with two electrodes which makes it possible to produce electric energy by an oxidation on an electrode of a reducing fuel, such as hydrogen, coupled with a reduction on the another electrode of an oxidant, such as oxygen in the air for example.
La réaction d’oxydoréduction de la pile permet de générer non seulement de l’électricité, mais également des sous-produits tels que de l’eau, de la chaleur et de l’air appauvri en oxygène. The redox reaction of the battery not only generates electricity, but also by-products such as water, heat and oxygen-depleted air.
En particulier, la réaction d’oxydation au niveau de l’anode permet de décomposer les molécules d’hydrogène au contact d’un catalyseur pour libérer des électrons et dégager de la chaleur. La réaction de réduction au niveau de la cathode permet de former des ions d’oxygène par contact entre l’oxygène et les électrons libérés par l’oxydation. En outre, les protons d’hydrogène se recombinent avec les ions d’oxygène pour former de l’eau. In particular, the oxidation reaction at the anode level makes it possible to decompose hydrogen molecules on contact with a catalyst to release electrons and release heat. The reduction reaction at the cathode makes it possible to form oxygen ions by contact between the oxygen and the electrons released by the oxidation. In addition, hydrogen protons recombine with oxygen ions to form water.
Il est donc nécessaire de prévoir un système de refroidissement de la pile à combustible pour évacuer la chaleur dégagée par la pile. It is therefore necessary to provide a cooling system for the fuel cell to remove the heat given off by the cell.
En particulier, on peut considérer que pour 1 kW d’électricité produite, une pile à combustible émet lkW de chaleur. L’une des solutions couramment utilisées dans le domaine aéronautique pour évacuer cette chaleur est de prévoir un système de refroidissement alimenté par un air extérieur dont le débit est dimensionné pour la pleine puissance de la pile pour les températures maximales extérieures observées. In particular, we can consider that for 1 kW of electricity produced, a fuel cell emits 1 kW of heat. One of the solutions commonly used in the aeronautical field to remove this heat is to provide a cooling system supplied by outside air, the flow rate of which is dimensioned for the full power of the cell for the maximum outside temperatures observed.
L’un des inconvénients de cette solution est qu’elle nécessite un débit d’air très important. A titre d’exemple, on peut estimer que pour une puissance générée de l’ordre de 100 kW, le débit d’air nécessaire pour assurer le refroidissement de la pile est de l’ordre de 1,5 à 2 kg/s. Ce débit d’air important induit une trainée importante de l’aéronef et impose de disposer d’un échangeur de chaleur présentant une surface frontale importante dont le corollaire est un encombrement et une masse importantes. One of the disadvantages of this solution is that it requires a very high air flow. For example, it can be estimated that for a power generated on the order of 100 kW, the air flow required to cool the cell is on the order of 1.5 to 2 kg / s. This high air flow induces a significant drag of the aircraft and requires having a heat exchanger having a large front surface, the corollary of which is a large size and mass.
Ces inconvénients sont d’autant plus préjudiciables pour les piles à combustibles basse température pour lesquelles la différence de température entre la pile et la source froide de refroidissement n’est que d’une dizaine de degrés. These drawbacks are all the more detrimental for low temperature fuel cells for which the temperature difference between the cell and the cooling cold source is only about ten degrees.
Les inventeurs ont donc cherché à développer un système de refroidissement optimisé qui permet notamment d’adapter la puissance de refroidissement aux conditions de vol de l’aéronef. The inventors have therefore sought to develop an optimized cooling system which makes it possible in particular to adapt the cooling power to the flight conditions of the aircraft.
Objectifs de l’invention Objectives of the invention
L’invention vise à fournir un système de refroidissement d’une pile à combustible qui pallie au moins certains des inconvénients des systèmes de refroidissement connus, en particulier pour des applications aéronautiques embarquées. L’invention vise aussi à fournir, dans au moins un mode de réalisation, un système de refroidissement qui présente un encombrement limité par rapport aux systèmes connus. The invention aims to provide a cooling system for a fuel cell which overcomes at least some of the drawbacks of known cooling systems, in particular for on-board aeronautical applications. The invention also aims to provide, in at least one embodiment, a cooling system which has a limited size compared to known systems.
L’invention vise en particulier à fournir, dans au moins un mode de réalisation, un système de refroidissement qui permet de diviser par trois la taille de l’échangeur thermique de refroidissement nécessaire pour évacuer une puissance donnée par un système connu. The invention aims in particular to provide, in at least one embodiment, a cooling system which makes it possible to divide by three the size of the cooling heat exchanger necessary to remove a given power by a known system.
L’invention vise aussi à fournir, dans au moins un mode de réalisation de l’invention, un système qui permet de booster le refroidissement par temps chaud. L’invention vise aussi à fournir une pile à combustible équipée d’un système de refroidissement selon l’invention. The invention also aims to provide, in at least one embodiment of the invention, a system which allows cooling to be boosted in hot weather. The invention also aims to provide a fuel cell equipped with a cooling system according to the invention.
Exposé de l’invention Disclosure of the invention
Pour ce faire, l’invention concerne un système de refroidissement d’une pile à combustible d’un véhicule de transport, tel qu’un aéronef comprenant une anode et une cathode, ledit système comprenant une boucle de refroidissement de la pile en interaction thermique avec ladite anode et/ou ladite cathode. To do this, the invention relates to a system for cooling a fuel cell of a transport vehicle, such as an aircraft comprising an anode and a cathode, said system comprising a cooling loop of the cell in thermal interaction. with said anode and / or said cathode.
Le système de refroidissement selon l’invention est caractérisé en ce qu’il comprend en outre : The cooling system according to the invention is characterized in that it further comprises:
- un échangeur thermique de refroidissement configuré pour pouvoir assurer des échanges thermiques entre ladite boucle de refroidissement et un canal de circulation d’un air de refroidissement prélevé à l’extérieur du véhicule de transport, dit canal d’air dynamique, - a cooling heat exchanger configured to be able to ensure heat exchanges between said cooling loop and a channel for circulating cooling air taken from outside the transport vehicle, called a dynamic air channel,
- un dispositif de récupération d’eau produite par ladite pile à combustible, - a device for recovering water produced by said fuel cell,
- un réservoir de stockage d’eau relié fluidiquement audit dispositif de récupération d’eau pour pouvoir y stocker ladite eau récupérée,- a water storage tank fluidly connected to said water recovery device in order to be able to store said recovered water therein,
- un dispositif de pulvérisation d’eau dans ledit canal d’air dynamique en amont dudit échangeur thermique, ledit dispositif de pulvérisation étant relié fluidiquement audit réservoir d’eau, - un calculateur de pilotage de la quantité d’eau pulvérisée par ledit dispositif de pulvérisation d’eau dans ledit canal d’air dynamique en fonction d’une mesure représentative de la température de ladite pile à combustible. Le système selon l’invention présente donc la particularité de permettre la récupération de l’eau produite par la pile à combustible lors de son fonctionnement (en particulier l’eau en sortie de cathode) et d’utiliser cette eau pour refroidir le flux d’air de refroidissement prélevé à l’extérieur du véhicule en la pulvérisant en amont de l’échangeur de refroidissement de la pile, ce qui permet donc de refroidir le fluide réfrigérant de la boucle de refroidissement de la pile en interaction thermique avec l’anode et/ou la cathode de la pile. a device for spraying water into said dynamic air channel upstream of said heat exchanger, said spraying device being fluidly connected to said water tank, a computer for controlling the quantity of water sprayed by said device for spraying water into said dynamic air channel as a function of a measurement representative of the temperature of said fuel cell. The system according to the invention therefore has the particular feature of allowing the recovery of the water produced by the fuel cell during its operation (in particular the water at the cathode outlet) and of using this water to cool the flow of water. 'cooling air taken from outside the vehicle by spraying it upstream of the battery cooling exchanger, which therefore makes it possible to cool the refrigerant fluid of the battery cooling loop in thermal interaction with the anode and / or the cathode of the cell.
Cette injection d’eau liquide sous forme de gouttelettes dans le canal d’air dynamique, en amont de l’échangeur thermique de refroidissement, permet d’abaisser la température de l’air en entrée de la passe froide de l’échangeur de refroidissement (la passe froide de l’échangeur est formée par cet air dynamique prélevé à l’extérieur du véhicule et la passe chaude de l’échangeur est formée par le fluide de la boucle de refroidissement de la pile). En effet, cette eau, en s’évaporant absorbe de la chaleur et permet donc d’abaisser la température de l’air. This injection of liquid water in the form of droplets into the dynamic air channel, upstream of the cooling heat exchanger, lowers the temperature of the air entering the cold pass of the cooling exchanger. (the cold pass of the exchanger is formed by this dynamic air taken from outside the vehicle and the hot pass of the exchanger is formed by the fluid from the battery cooling loop). In fact, this water, by evaporating, absorbs heat and therefore lowers the air temperature.
En outre, dans le cas où la quantité d’eau injectée est importante, une partie de l’eau est vaporisée en amont de l’échangeur, et une autre partie est vaporisée à l’intérieur de l’échangeur sur les parois de l’échangeur. La vaporisation de l’eau à l’intérieur de l’échangeur a pour objectif de tirer profit de la chaleur latente de vaporisation de l’eau. Cela a également pour objectif d’améliorer le coefficient d’échange à l’intérieur de l’échangeur. L’invention fonctionnalise donc l’eau produite par la pile à combustible (qui est en général perdue) pour optimiser le refroidissement de la pile à combustible. In addition, in the event that the quantity of water injected is large, part of the water is vaporized upstream of the exchanger, and another part is vaporized inside the exchanger on the walls of the heat exchanger. 'interchange. The purpose of vaporizing the water inside the heat exchanger is to take advantage of the latent heat of vaporization of the water. This also aims to improve the exchange coefficient inside the interchange. The invention therefore functionalizes the water produced by the fuel cell (which is generally wasted) to optimize the cooling of the fuel cell.
En outre, le flux d’air de refroidissement étant refroidi par cette pulvérisation d’eau, le débit d’air nécessaire pour assurer le refroidissement du fluide réfrigérant de la boucle de refroidissement peut être sensiblement réduit par rapport aux systèmes connus de l’art antérieur. In addition, the flow of cooling air being cooled by this water spray, the flow of air necessary to ensure the cooling of the refrigerant fluid of the cooling loop can be significantly reduced compared to systems known in the art. prior.
Cette réduction du débit d’air permet donc une réduction de la traînée du véhicule, ce qui est particulièrement recherché dans le cadre d’une application aéronautique embarquée. This reduction in air flow therefore allows a reduction in the drag of the vehicle, which is particularly desirable in the context of an on-board aeronautical application.
Les dimensions et l’encombrement de l’échangeur thermique de refroidissement peuvent par conséquent également être réduits. Le système selon l’invention permet également de booster le refroidissement par temps chaud, c’est-à-dire lorsque l’air prélevé à l’extérieur du véhicule n’est pas suffisamment frais pour assurer le refroidissement de la pile à combustible. The dimensions and bulk of the cooling heat exchanger can therefore also be reduced. The system according to the invention also helps boost cooling in hot weather, that is, when the air taken from outside the vehicle is not cool enough to cool the fuel cell.
Un autre avantage de l’invention est de pouvoir piloter la quantité d’eau vaporisée en amont de l’échangeur thermique de refroidissement de manière à réguler le refroidissement de la pile. Another advantage of the invention is to be able to control the quantity of water vaporized upstream of the cooling heat exchanger so as to regulate the cooling of the cell.
Pour ce faire, le système dispose d’un calculateur de pilotage de la quantité d’eau pulvérisée en fonction d’une mesure représentative de la température de la pile (par exemple une mesure de température du fluide réfrigérant de la boucle de refroidissement). To do this, the system has a computer for controlling the quantity of water sprayed as a function of a measurement representative of the temperature of the cell (for example a measurement of the temperature of the refrigerant in the cooling loop).
Avantageusement et selon l’invention, le dispositif de récupération d’eau comprend un dispositif de condensation d’eau et un dispositif d’extraction d’eau agencés en série. Advantageously and according to the invention, the water recovery device comprises a water condensation device and a water extraction device arranged in series.
Le dispositif de condensation permet de condenser l’eau présente dans le fluide de produit cathodique. Ce dispositif de condensation peut par exemple être du type échangeur condenseur ou extracteur par osmose inverse. Un extracteur par osmose inverse permet de minimiser le besoin en énergie pour assurer la condensation d’eau. The condensing device condenses the water present in the cathode fluid. This condensation device may for example be of the condenser exchanger or reverse osmosis extractor type. A reverse osmosis extractor minimizes the need for energy to ensure water condensation.
Le dispositif d’extraction d’eau permet d’extraire les gouttelettes d’eau du fluide condensé. Cette extraction peut être une extraction par filtre membrane, par vortex, ou par tous moyens équivalents. The water extraction device extracts water droplets from the condensed fluid. This extraction can be extraction by membrane filter, by vortex, or by any equivalent means.
Avantageusement et selon l’invention, le système comprend en outre une vanne de régulation agencée fluidiquement entre ledit réservoir de stockage d’eau et ledit dispositif de pulvérisation, ladite vanne de régulation étant commandée par ledit calculateur de pilotage. Advantageously and according to the invention, the system further comprises a control valve arranged fluidly between said water storage tank and said spray device, said control valve being controlled by said control computer.
Cette vanne de régulation est pilotée par le calculateur pour réguler la quantité d’eau qui alimente le dispositif de pulvérisation et donc la quantité d’eau pulvérisée dans le canal d’air dynamique en amont de l’échangeur thermique de refroidissement, en fonction de la mesure représentative de la température de la pile à combustible. Avantageusement et selon l’invention, le système comprend en outre une vanne de drainage agencée fluidiquement entre ledit réservoir de stockage d’eau et un circuit de drainage, ladite vanne de drainage étant commandée par ledit calculateur de pilotage. This control valve is controlled by the computer to regulate the quantity of water which supplies the spraying device and therefore the quantity of water sprayed into the dynamic air channel upstream of the cooling heat exchanger, as a function of the measurement representative of the temperature of the fuel cell. Advantageously and according to the invention, the system further comprises a drainage valve arranged fluidly between said water storage tank and a drainage circuit, said drainage valve being controlled by said control computer.
Cette vanne de drainage permet d’évacuer en cas de besoin l’eau stockée dans le réservoir de stockage. This drainage valve allows the water stored in the storage tank to be evacuated if necessary.
Avantageusement et selon cette variante, ladite vanne de régulation et ladite vanne de drainage sont formées par une seule vanne 3 voies de régulation et de drainage pilotée par ledit calculateur. Advantageously and according to this variant, said regulating valve and said drainage valve are formed by a single 3-way regulating and drainage valve controlled by said computer.
Cette variante de réalisation présente l’avantage de présenter une architecture simplifiée avec une seule vanne pilotée par le calculateur pour assurer à la fois la fonction de régulation de l’eau pulvérisée en amont de l’échangeur et la fonction de drainage du système. This alternative embodiment has the advantage of having a simplified architecture with a single valve controlled by the computer to provide both the function of regulating the water sprayed upstream of the exchanger and the function of draining the system.
Avantageusement et selon l’invention, ledit dispositif de pulvérisation comprend une pluralité d’injecteurs débouchant dans ledit canal d’air dynamique. Cette structure particulière du dispositif de pulvérisation permet de pulvériser une pluralité de gouttelettes d’eau dans le flux d’air de refroidissement, par exemple jusqu’à saturation d’humidité. Advantageously and according to the invention, said spray device comprises a plurality of injectors opening into said dynamic air channel. This particular structure of the spray device makes it possible to spray a plurality of water droplets into the cooling air stream, for example until saturated with humidity.
Avantageusement et selon l’invention, lesdits injecteurs sont configurés pour permettre la pulvérisation de gouttelettes d’eau présentant un diamètre de 10 microns au maximum de manière à permettre la pulvérisation d’un brouillard formé d’un mélange d’eau et d’air. Advantageously and according to the invention, said injectors are configured to allow the spraying of water droplets having a diameter of 10 microns at most so as to allow the spraying of a mist formed from a mixture of water and air. .
Avantageusement et selon l’invention, ledit réservoir de stockage d’eau est en outre configuré pour pouvoir être alimenté au sol par une eau fournie par un dispositif extérieur de distribution d’eau. Selon cette variante avantageuse, le réservoir d’eau peut être alimenté en eau au sol par un dispositif extérieur, ce qui permet de disposer d’un niveau suffisant d’eau dans le réservoir de stockage permettant le refroidissement de la pile dans des conditions extrêmes pour lesquelles la quantité d’eau produite par la pile à combustible et récupérée par le dispositif de récupération d’eau ne serait pas suffisante. Cet aspect est particulièrement intéressant au sol où les températures extérieures sont plus élevées qu’en vol et au moment du décollage où le débit ram air est faible. Advantageously and according to the invention, said water storage tank is further configured to be able to be supplied to the ground by water supplied by an external water distribution device. According to this advantageous variant, the water tank can be supplied with water to the ground by an external device, which makes it possible to have a level sufficient water in the storage tank allowing the cell to be cooled under extreme conditions for which the quantity of water produced by the fuel cell and recovered by the water recovery device would not be sufficient. This aspect is particularly interesting on the ground where the outside temperatures are higher than in flight and at the time of take-off where the air ram flow is low.
Avantageusement et selon l’invention, le système comprend en outre un capteur de température du fluide réfrigérant configuré pour fournir ladite mesure de température de pilotage dudit calculateur. Selon cette variante, c’est une mesure directe de la température du fluide réfrigérant qui est utilisée pour piloter la régulation de l’eau vaporisée dans le canal d’air dynamique. Advantageously and according to the invention, the system further comprises a coolant temperature sensor configured to provide said control temperature measurement of said computer. According to this variant, it is a direct measurement of the temperature of the refrigerant fluid which is used to control the regulation of the water vaporized in the dynamic air channel.
Avantageusement et selon l’invention, ladite boucle de refroidissement de ladite pile est formée par un circuit de recirculation cathodique de la pile reliant une sortie cathodique de la pile destinée à délivrer un fluide de produit cathodique à une entrée cathodique destinée à être alimentée par un fluide oxydant et ledit dispositif de récupération d’eau est agencé sur ledit circuit de recirculation cathodique pour récupérer l’eau présente dans ledit fluide de produit cathodique. Advantageously and according to the invention, said cooling loop of said cell is formed by a cathodic recirculation circuit of the cell connecting a cathode output of the cell intended to deliver a cathode product fluid to a cathode input intended to be supplied by a oxidizing fluid and said water recovery device is arranged on said cathodic recirculation circuit to recover water present in said cathode product fluid.
Selon cette variante avantageuse, l’échangeur thermique de refroidissement est agencé directement sur le circuit de recirculation cathodique qui fait donc office de boucle de refroidissement de la pile à combustible. En d’autres termes, c’est directement le fluide de produit cathodique destiné à être réintroduit dans la pile par le circuit de recirculation cathodique qui est refroidi par l’échangeur thermique de refroidissement. Dans ce cas, le dispositif de récupération d’eau est agencé directement sur le circuit de recirculation cathodique pour récupérer l’eau présente dans ledit fluide de produit cathodique. According to this advantageous variant, the cooling heat exchanger is arranged directly on the cathodic recirculation circuit which therefore acts as a cooling loop for the fuel cell. In other words, it is directly the cathode product fluid intended to be reintroduced into the cell by the cathode recirculation circuit which is cooled by the cooling heat exchanger. In this case, the water recovery device is arranged directly on the cathodic recirculation circuit to recover the water present in said cathode product fluid.
Le reste de l’architecture ne change pas et chaque élément du système continue de jouer le même rôle que dans le cas où la boucle de refroidissement est distincte du circuit de recirculation cathodique. The rest of the architecture does not change and each element of the system continues to play the same role as when the cooling loop is separate from the cathodic recirculation circuit.
Avantageusement et selon l’invention, le calculateur est configuré pour commander la pulvérisation de 30 à 40 g d’eau par kg d’air circulant dans le canal d’air dynamique. Advantageously and according to the invention, the computer is configured to control the spraying of 30 to 40 g of water per kg of air circulating in the dynamic air channel.
Cela permet de multiplier par 3 la puissance échangée au niveau de l’échangeur de refroidissement du système de pile à combustible. L’invention concerne également une pile à combustible d’un aéronef comprenant une anode équipée d’une entrée anodique destinée à être alimentée par un fluide combustible et d’une sortie anodique destinée à délivrer un fluide de produit anodique, une cathode équipée d’une entrée cathodique destinée à être alimentée par un fluide oxydant, et d’une sortie cathodique destinée à délivrer un fluide de produit cathodique, caractérisée en ce qu’elle comprend en outre un système de refroidissement selon l’invention. This makes it possible to multiply by 3 the power exchanged at the level of the cooling exchanger of the fuel cell system. The invention also relates to a fuel cell for an aircraft comprising an anode equipped with an anode inlet intended to be supplied with a fuel fluid and an anode outlet intended to deliver an anode product fluid, a cathode equipped with a cathode inlet intended to be supplied with an oxidizing fluid, and a cathode outlet intended to deliver a cathode product fluid, characterized in that it further comprises a cooling system according to the invention.
Les avantages et effets techniques du système de refroidissement selon l’invention s’appliquent mutatis mutandis à une pile à combustible selon l’invention. L’invention s’étend également à un système de piles à combustibles montées en série (même courant délivré par les différentes piles) ou en parallèle (même tension délivrée par les différentes piles) ou une combinaison de piles montées en série et en parallèles. The technical advantages and effects of the cooling system according to the invention apply mutatis mutandis to a fuel cell according to the invention. The invention also extends to a system of fuel cells connected in series (same current delivered by the different cells) or in parallel (same voltage delivered by the different cells) or a combination of cells connected in series and in parallel.
L’invention peut être utilisée pour une génération électrique principale (pic de puissance en propulsion par exemple) ou pour une génération auxiliaire de puissance (alimentation de servitudes dans des conditions chaudes par exemple) ou pour une application de propulsion en tant que telle. The invention can be used for a main electrical generation (peak power in propulsion, for example) or for an auxiliary power generation (supply of services in hot conditions, for example) or for a propulsion application as such.
L’invention concerne aussi un véhicule de transport tel qu’un aéronef par exemple comprenant une pile à combustible ou un ensemble de piles à combustible selon l’invention. The invention also relates to a transport vehicle such as an aircraft, for example comprising a fuel cell or a set of fuel cells according to the invention.
Les avantages et effets techniques d’une pile à combustible selon l’invention s’appliquent mutatis mutandis à un aéronef selon l’invention. The advantages and technical effects of a fuel cell according to the invention apply mutatis mutandis to an aircraft according to the invention.
L’invention concerne également un système de refroidissement d’une pile à combustible caractérisé en combinaison par tout ou partie des caractéristiques mentionnées ci-dessus ou ci-après. The invention also relates to a cooling system for a fuel cell characterized in combination by all or some of the characteristics mentioned above or below.
Liste des figures D'autres buts, caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description suivante donnée à titre uniquement non limitatif et qui se réfère à la figure annexée suivante : List of Figures Other aims, characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the following description, given only without limitation and which refers to the following appended figure:
[Fig. 1] est une vue schématique d’un système de refroidissement d’une pile à combustible selon un mode de réalisation de l’invention. [Fig. 1] is a schematic view of a fuel cell cooling system according to one embodiment of the invention.
Description détaillée d’un mode de réalisation de l’inventionDetailed description of an embodiment of the invention
Sur la figure, les échelles et les proportions ne sont pas strictement respectées et ce, à des fins d’illustration et de clarté. In the figure, the scales and proportions are not strictly observed for purposes of illustration and clarity.
La figure 1 illustre schématiquement un système de refroidissement d’une pile à combustible 10 selon un mode de réalisation de l’invention. Figure 1 schematically illustrates a cooling system of a fuel cell 10 according to one embodiment of the invention.
Sur la figure 1, seuls les éléments de la pile à combustible 10 relatifs au système de refroidissement selon l’invention sont représentés. En particulier, les moyens d’ alimentation de la pile en hydrogène et oxygène ne sont pas représentés. In Figure 1, only the elements of the fuel cell 10 relating to the cooling system according to the invention are shown. In particular, the means for supplying the cell with hydrogen and oxygen are not shown.
Il convient de noter que la pile à combustible 10 peut désigner une seule pile en tant que telle ou une pluralité de piles reliées entre elles et agencées en série et/ou en parallèle. En d’autres termes, l’utilisation de la terminologie « la pile » ou « une pile » ne limite donc pas la portée à une seule pile en tant que telle mais peut couvrir un ensemble de piles. It should be noted that the fuel cell 10 can designate a single cell as such or a plurality of cells connected together and arranged in series and / or in parallel. In other words, the use of the terminology "stack" or "a stack" therefore does not limit the scope to a single stack as such but can cover a set of stacks.
Le système de refroidissement de la pile à combustible 10 comprend une boucle de refroidissement 20 de la pile en interaction thermique avec l’anode et/ou la cathode de la pile pour assurer son refroidissement. The fuel cell cooling system 10 comprises a cooling loop 20 of the cell in thermal interaction with the anode and / or the cathode of the cell to ensure its cooling.
Cette interaction thermique peut être obtenue par un échangeur thermique, des plaques de dissipation de chaleur accolées à l’anode et/ou la cathode, telle que des plaques bipolaires, ou tout moyen équivalent. Selon une variante de réalisation, la boucle de refroidissement est directement formée par le circuit de recirculation cathodique qui relie la sortie de cathode qui délivre un fluide de produit cathodique (en pratique un air) et l’entrée de cathode qui est alimentée par un fluide oxydant, tel qu’un air comprimé par exemple. Dans le cas où la boucle de refroidissement est distincte du circuit de recirculation cathodique, la boucle de refroidissement 20 est alimentée par un fluide réfrigérant qui peut être un fluide liquide ou gazeux. Dans le cas où la boucle de refroidissement est formée par le circuit de recirculation cathodique, le fluide de produit cathodique forme le fluide réfrigérant au sens de l’invention. This thermal interaction can be obtained by a heat exchanger, heat dissipation plates attached to the anode and / or the cathode, such as bipolar plates, or any equivalent means. According to an alternative embodiment, the cooling loop is directly formed by the cathodic recirculation circuit which connects the cathode outlet which delivers a cathode product fluid (in practice an air) and the cathode inlet which is supplied with a fluid. oxidizer, such as compressed air for example. In the case where the cooling loop is separate from the cathodic recirculation circuit, the cooling loop 20 is supplied with a fluid refrigerant which can be a liquid or gaseous fluid. In the case where the cooling loop is formed by the cathodic recirculation circuit, the cathode product fluid forms the refrigerant fluid within the meaning of the invention.
La boucle 20 est en outre équipée d’une pompe 21 configurée pour permettre la circulation du fluide réfrigérant dans la boucle 20. The loop 20 is also equipped with a pump 21 configured to allow the circulation of the refrigerant fluid in the loop 20.
Le système de refroidissement selon l’invention comprend en outre un échangeur thermique 30 de refroidissement agencé sur la boucle 20 et configuré pour pouvoir assurer des échanges thermiques entre le fluide réfrigérant circulant dans la boucle de refroidissement 30 et un air de refroidissement circulant dans un canal de circulation d’air 40. Ce canal de circulation d’air 40 est par exemple, et dans le cas d’une application aéronautique embarquée, le canal de circulation d’air dynamique, plus connu sous la dénomination canal RAM Air. Ce canal 40 est configuré pour pouvoir être alimenté par un air prélevé à l’extérieur de l’aéronef à température ambiante. Le flux d’air de refroidissement circulant dans le canal 40 d’air dynamique est représenté schématiquement par la flèche 45 sur la figure 1. The cooling system according to the invention further comprises a cooling heat exchanger 30 arranged on the loop 20 and configured to be able to ensure thermal exchanges between the refrigerant fluid circulating in the cooling loop 30 and a cooling air circulating in a channel. air circulation channel 40. This air circulation channel 40 is for example, and in the case of an on-board aeronautical application, the dynamic air circulation channel, better known under the name RAM Air channel. This channel 40 is configured to be able to be supplied by air taken from outside the aircraft at room temperature. The flow of cooling air circulating in the dynamic air channel 40 is shown schematically by arrow 45 in Figure 1.
La circulation d’air dans le canal 40 d’air dynamique est assurée par un ventilateur, non représenté sur la figure. Ce ventilateur peut être un ventilateur électrique ou un ventilateur porté par un arbre de turbomachine de l’aéronef, tel que par exemple une turbomachine d’un système de conditionnement d’air. L’échangeur thermique 30 peut être de tous types connus. Il peut s’agir par exemple d’un échangeur thermique à ailettes ou tout moyen équivalent. Air circulation in the dynamic air channel 40 is provided by a fan, not shown in the figure. This fan may be an electric fan or a fan carried by a turbine engine shaft of the aircraft, such as for example a turbomachine of an air conditioning system. The heat exchanger 30 can be of any known type. It may, for example, be a finned heat exchanger or any equivalent means.
Le système de refroidissement selon le mode de réalisation de la figure 1 comprend également un circuit de récupération de l’eau produite par la pile à combustible. Ce circuit de récupération d’eau comprend selon le mode de réalisation de la figure 1 un dispositif de condensation d’eau 22, un dispositif d’extraction (ou de séparation) d’eau 23 et un humidificateur 24, configurés pour extraire l’eau du flux de fluide de produit cathodique, qui est en général un air appauvri en oxygène suite à la réaction de réduction au niveau de la cathode de la pile à combustible. Selon un mode de réalisation possible, le dispositif de condensation 22 est un échangeur condenseur ou extracteur par osmose inverse. Un extracteur par osmose inverse permet de minimiser le besoin en énergie pour assurer la condensation d’eau. Le séparateur d’eau 23 est par exemple un filtre membrane ou un système à vortex. L’humidificateur 24 vise à humidifier l’air de produit cathodique avant sa condensation par le dispositif de condensation d’eau 22. Le système de récupération d’eau comprend également un réservoir de stockage 25 d’eau alimenté par le séparateur d’eau 23. Ce réservoir de stockage permet de stocker l’eau produite par la pile à combustible et récupérée par le dispositif de récupération d’eau de l’invention. The cooling system according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 also comprises a circuit for recovering the water produced by the fuel cell. This water recovery circuit comprises according to the embodiment of Figure 1 a water condensation device 22, a water extraction (or separation) device 23 and a humidifier 24, configured to extract the water. water of the cathode product fluid stream, which is generally oxygen-depleted air as a result of the reduction reaction at the cathode of the fuel cell. According to one possible embodiment, the condensation device 22 is a condenser exchanger or extractor by reverse osmosis. An extractor by reverse osmosis minimizes the need for energy to ensure water condensation. The water separator 23 is for example a membrane filter or a vortex system. The humidifier 24 aims to humidify the air with cathode product before its condensation by the water condensing device 22. The water recovery system also comprises a water storage tank 25 supplied by the water separator. 23. This storage tank makes it possible to store the water produced by the fuel cell and recovered by the water recovery device of the invention.
La circulation d’eau dans le circuit de récupération d’eau est représentée schématiquement par la flèche 15 sur la figure 1. The circulation of water in the water recovery circuit is shown schematically by arrow 15 in Figure 1.
Selon une variante de réalisation, le réservoir peut également être alimenté par une source d’eau extérieure (par exemple lorsque l’aéronef est au sol) par une conduite non représentée sur la figure 1. Cela permet d’assurer un niveau d’eau suffisant dans le réservoir, en particulier pour assurer un refroidissement suffisant en cas de forte température. En effet, dans ce cas, une vaporisation importante d’eau dans le flux d’air de refroidissement en amont de l’échangeur 30 de refroidissement est nécessaire pour faire abaisser au maximum la température de l’air assurant le refroidissement du fluide réfrigérant circulant dans la boucle 20 de refroidissement. According to an alternative embodiment, the reservoir can also be supplied by an external water source (for example when the aircraft is on the ground) by a pipe not shown in FIG. 1. This makes it possible to ensure a water level. sufficient in the tank, in particular to ensure sufficient cooling at high temperatures. In fact, in this case, a significant vaporization of water in the flow of cooling air upstream of the cooling exchanger 30 is necessary in order to lower as much as possible the temperature of the air ensuring the cooling of the circulating refrigerant fluid. in the cooling loop 20.
Pour ce faire, le système de récupération comprend un dispositif de pulvérisation 50 d’eau dans le canal d’air 40 dynamique en amont de l’échangeur thermique 30. Ce dispositif de pulvérisation 50 est alimenté par le réservoir 25 de stockage d’eau. Comme indiqué précédemment, cette eau stockée provient soit de la pile à combustible en tant que telle, soit d’une source d’eau extérieure, soit d’une combinaison de ces deux sources d’eau. Le dispositif de pulvérisation 50 peut être de tout type. Il peut par exemple être formé d’une rangée d’injecteurs d’eau qui débouchent dans le canal d’air dynamique 40. Chaque injecteur est alimenté par une conduite dédiée qui dérive d’une conduite principale reliée fluidiquement au réservoir d’eau 25. Chaque injecteur est configuré pour permettre la pulvérisation de gouttelettes d’eau, par exemple de l’ordre de 10 microns de diamètre, de manière à pouvoir obtenir un brouillard (mélange d’eau et d’air) en amont de l’échangeur ou directement dans l’échangeur. En altitude, il peut également être prévu d’injecter de l’eau directement dans l’échangeur. To do this, the recovery system comprises a device 50 for spraying water into the dynamic air channel 40 upstream of the heat exchanger 30. This spraying device 50 is supplied by the water storage tank 25. . As indicated above, this stored water comes either from the fuel cell as such, or from an external water source, or from a combination of these two water sources. The spray device 50 can be of any type. It can for example be formed of a row of water injectors which open into the dynamic air channel 40. Each injector is supplied by a dedicated pipe which derives from a main pipe fluidly connected to the water tank 25. Each injector is configured to allow the spraying of water droplets, for example of the order of 10 microns in diameter, so as to be able to obtain a mist (mixture of water and air) upstream of the exchanger. or directly in the exchanger. At altitude, provision can also be made to inject water directly into the exchanger.
Enfin, le système de récupération comprend un calculateur 28 configuré pour piloter la quantité d’eau pulvérisée dans le canal d’air dynamique 40 par le dispositif de pulvérisation d’eau 50. Finally, the recovery system comprises a computer 28 configured to control the quantity of water sprayed into the dynamic air channel 40 by the water spray device 50.
Pour ce faire, le calculateur pilote une vanne 26 agencée entre le réservoir de stockage d’eau 25 et le dispositif de pulvérisation 50 en fonction d’une mesure de température prise par un capteur 29 agencé sur la boucle de refroidissement 20. To do this, the computer controls a valve 26 arranged between the water storage tank 25 and the spraying device 50 according to a temperature measurement taken by a sensor 29 arranged on the cooling loop 20.
Selon un autre mode de réalisation, la mesure de température peut être prise ailleurs que sur la boucle de refroidissement, par exemple directement sur la pile à combustible. According to another embodiment, the temperature measurement can be taken elsewhere than on the cooling loop, for example directly on the fuel cell.
La vanne 26, le capteur 29 et le calculateur 28 forment les moyens de régulation du refroidissement de la pile à combustible 10. Le niveau de refroidissement est régulé par la quantité d’eau pulvérisée dans le canal d’air dynamique 40 en amont de l’échangeur. The valve 26, the sensor 29 and the computer 28 form the means for regulating the cooling of the fuel cell 10. The level of cooling is regulated by the quantity of water sprayed into the dynamic air channel 40 upstream of the fuel cell. 'interchange.
Le calculateur 28 peut être de tous types. Il peut s’agir d’un calculateur qui pilote le fonctionnement de la pile à combustible ou d’un calculateur indépendant dédié uniquement au refroidissement de la pile. The computer 28 can be of any type. It may be a computer which controls the operation of the fuel cell or an independent computer dedicated solely to cooling the cell.
Les traits pointillés de la figure 1 représentent schématiquement les signaux de mesure et de commande échangés entre le calculateur 28, le capteur 29 et la vanne 26. Ces signaux peuvent être échangés par tous types de moyens connus. La commande peut être une commande électrique, pneumatique, hydraulique ou une combinaison de telles commandes. The dotted lines in FIG. 1 schematically represent the measurement and control signals exchanged between the computer 28, the sensor 29 and the valve 26. These signals can be exchanged by all types of known means. The drive can be an electric, pneumatic, hydraulic drive or a combination of such drives.
Selon un mode de réalisation non représenté sur la figure 1, la vanne 26 est une vanne trois voies dont une voie alimente en outre une conduite de drainage du réservoir 25. According to an embodiment not shown in FIG. 1, the valve 26 is a three-way valve, one way of which also supplies a drainage pipe of the reservoir 25.
L’invention s’étend également à un véhicule de transport, notamment ferroviaire, automobile ou aérien, équipé d’une pile à combustible ou d’un ensemble de piles à combustible selon l’invention. Un système selon l’invention et une pile équipé d’un système selon l’invention permettent donc d’optimiser le débit du ram air au juste nécessaire pour assurer le refroidissement de la pile dans différentes conditions de fonctionnement.The invention also extends to a transport vehicle, in particular rail, automobile or air, equipped with a fuel cell or a set of fuel cells according to the invention. A system according to the invention and a cell equipped with a system according to the invention therefore make it possible to optimize the flow rate of the air ram just necessary for ensure battery cooling under different operating conditions.
Le système permet également de booster le refroidissement en cas de forte température. The system also boosts cooling in the event of high temperatures.
Un système selon l’invention ne se limite pas au seul mode de réalisation décrit et à la seule application aéronautique décrite. En particulier, l’invention peut s’appliquer à tout type de véhicule, en particulier aérien, ferroviaire ou automobile et pour tout type d’application (génération principale d’énergie, génération auxiliaire d’énergie ou génération d’énergie de propulsion). A system according to the invention is not limited to the sole embodiment described and to the only aeronautical application described. In particular, the invention can be applied to any type of vehicle, in particular air, rail or automobile and for any type of application (main energy generation, auxiliary energy generation or propulsion energy generation) .

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Système de refroidissement d’une pile à combustible (10) d’un véhicule de transport, tel qu’un aéronef comprenant une anode et une cathode, ledit système comprenant une boucle (20) de refroidissement de la pile en interaction thermique avec ladite anode et/ou ladite cathode, et étant caractérisé en ce qu’il comprend en outre : 1. System for cooling a fuel cell (10) of a transport vehicle, such as an aircraft comprising an anode and a cathode, said system comprising a loop (20) for cooling the cell in thermal interaction with said anode and / or said cathode, and being characterized in that it further comprises:
- un échangeur thermique (30) de refroidissement configuré pour pouvoir assurer des échanges thermiques entre ladite boucle (20) de refroidissement et un canal de circulation d’un air de refroidissement prélevé à l’extérieur du véhicule de transport, dit canal (40) d’air dynamique, - a cooling heat exchanger (30) configured to be able to ensure heat exchanges between said cooling loop (20) and a circulation channel for cooling air taken from outside the transport vehicle, said channel (40) dynamic air,
- un dispositif de récupération d’eau (22, 23) produite par ladite pile à combustible, - a water recovery device (22, 23) produced by said fuel cell,
- un réservoir de stockage (25) d’eau relié fluidiquement audit dispositif de récupération d’eau (22, 23) pour pouvoir y stocker ladite eau récupérée, - un dispositif de pulvérisation (50) d’eau dans ledit canal (40) d’air dynamique en amont dudit échangeur thermique (30), ledit dispositif de pulvérisation (50) étant relié fluidiquement audit réservoir d’eau, - a water storage tank (25) fluidly connected to said water recovery device (22, 23) in order to be able to store said recovered water therein, - a device (50) for spraying water in said channel (40) dynamic air upstream of said heat exchanger (30), said spray device (50) being fluidly connected to said water tank,
- un calculateur (28) de pilotage de la quantité d’eau pulvérisée par ledit dispositif de pulvérisation (50) d’eau dans ledit canal d’air (40) dynamique en fonction d’une mesure représentative de la température de ladite pile à combustible (10). - a computer (28) for controlling the quantity of water sprayed by said device (50) for spraying water into said dynamic air channel (40) as a function of a measurement representative of the temperature of said battery at fuel (10).
2. Système selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que ledit dispositif de récupération d’eau comprend un dispositif de condensation (22) d’eau et un dispositif d’extraction (23) d’eau agencés en sortie de cathode de ladite pile (10). 2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that said water recovery device comprises a water condensation device (22) and a water extraction device (23) arranged at the cathode outlet of said battery. (10).
3. Système selon l’une des revendications 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce qu’il comprend en outre une vanne de régulation (26) agencée fluidiquement entre ledit réservoir de stockage (25) d’eau et ledit dispositif de pulvérisation (50), ladite vanne de régulation (26) étant commandée par ledit calculateur (28) de pilotage. 3. System according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that it further comprises a regulating valve (26) fluidly arranged between said storage tank (25) of water and said spray device (50). , said regulating valve (26) being controlled by said control computer (28).
4. Système selon l’une des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce qu’il comprend en outre une vanne de drainage agencée fluidiquement entre ledit réservoir de stockage d’eau et un circuit de drainage, ladite vanne de drainage étant commandée par ledit calculateur de pilotage. 4. System according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it further comprises a drainage valve arranged fluidly between said reservoir of water storage and a drainage circuit, said drainage valve being controlled by said control computer.
5. Système selon les revendications 3 et 4 prises ensemble, caractérisé en ce que ladite vanne de régulation et ladite vanne de drainage sont formées par une seule vanne 3 voies de régulation et de drainage pilotée par ledit calculateur. 5. System according to claims 3 and 4 taken together, characterized in that said regulating valve and said drainage valve are formed by a single 3-way regulating and drainage valve controlled by said computer.
6. Système selon l’une des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisé en ce que ledit dispositif de pulvérisation (50) comprend une pluralité d’injecteurs débouchant dans ledit canal d’air dynamique (40). 6. System according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said spray device (50) comprises a plurality of injectors opening into said dynamic air channel (40).
7. Système selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce que lesdits injecteurs sont configurés pour permettre la pulvérisation de gouttelettes d’eau présentant un diamètre de 10 microns au maximum de manière à permettre la pulvérisation d’un brouillard formé d’un mélange d’eau et d’air. 7. System according to claim 6, characterized in that said injectors are configured to allow the spraying of water droplets having a diameter of 10 microns at most so as to allow the spraying of a mist formed from a mixture of water and air.
8. Système selon l’une des revendications 1 à 7, caractérisé en ce que ledit réservoir de stockage (25) d’eau est en outre configuré pour pouvoir être alimenté au sol par une eau fournie par un dispositif extérieur de distribution d’eau. 8. System according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said water storage tank (25) is further configured to be able to be supplied to the ground by water supplied by an external water distribution device. .
9. Système selon l’une des revendications 1 à 8, caractérisé en ce qu’il comprend en outre un capteur de température (29) du fluide caloporteur circulant dans ladite boucle (20) de refroidissement configuré pour fournir ladite mesure de pilotage dudit calculateur (28). 9. System according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it further comprises a temperature sensor (29) of the heat transfer fluid circulating in said cooling loop (20) configured to provide said control measurement of said computer. (28).
10. Système selon l’une des revendications 1 à 9, caractérisé en ce que ladite boucle (20) de refroidissement de ladite pile (10) est formée par un circuit de recirculation cathodique de la pile reliant une sortie cathodique de la pile destinée à délivrer un fluide de produit cathodique à une entrée cathodique destinée à être alimentée par un fluide oxydant et en ce que ledit dispositif de récupération d’eau est agencé sur ledit circuit de recirculation cathodique pour récupérer l’eau présente dans ledit fluide de produit cathodique. 10. System according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said loop (20) for cooling said cell (10) is formed by a cathodic recirculation circuit of the cell connecting a cathode output of the cell intended for delivering a cathode product fluid to a cathode inlet intended to be supplied with an oxidizing fluid and in that said water recovery device is arranged on said cathodic recirculation circuit to recover the water present in said cathode product fluid.
11. Système selon l’une des revendications 1 à 10, caractérisé en ce que le calculateur est configuré pour commander la pulvérisation de 30 à 40 g d’eau par kg d’air circulant dans le canal d’air dynamique. 11. System according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the computer is configured to control the spraying of 30 to 40 g of water per kg of air circulating in the dynamic air channel.
12. Pile à combustible (10) d’un aéronef comprenant une anode équipée d’une entrée anodique destinée à être alimentée par un fluide combustible et d’une sortie anodique destinée à délivrer un fluide de produit anodique, une cathode équipée d’une entrée cathodique destinée à être alimentée par un fluide oxydant, et d’une sortie cathodique destinée à délivrer un fluide de produit cathodique, caractérisée en ce qu’elle comprend en outre un système de refroidissement selon l’une des revendications 1 à 11. 12. Fuel cell (10) of an aircraft comprising an anode equipped with a anode input intended to be supplied with a combustible fluid and an anode output intended to deliver an anode product fluid, a cathode equipped with a cathode input intended to be supplied with an oxidizing fluid, and a cathode output intended for delivering a cathode product fluid, characterized in that it further comprises a cooling system according to one of claims 1 to 11.
13. Aéronef comprenant une pile à combustible selon la revendication 12. 13. Aircraft comprising a fuel cell according to claim 12.
EP21731880.7A 2020-06-11 2021-06-10 System for cooling a fuel cell and fuel cell equipped with such a system Pending EP4165707A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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FR2006105A FR3111477A1 (en) 2020-06-11 2020-06-11 COOLING SYSTEM WITH A FUEL CELL AND FUEL CELL EQUIPPED WITH SUCH A SYSTEM
PCT/EP2021/065719 WO2021250213A1 (en) 2020-06-11 2021-06-10 System for cooling a fuel cell and fuel cell equipped with such a system

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EP (1) EP4165707A1 (en)
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JP4374799B2 (en) * 2001-05-17 2009-12-02 株式会社デンソー Fuel cell vehicle
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EP2980901B1 (en) * 2014-07-30 2018-10-24 Airbus Operations GmbH Improved cooling concept for a fuel cell system for a vehicle and aircraft having such a fuel cell system
US9774046B2 (en) * 2015-07-17 2017-09-26 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Humidification system and method for a fuel cell
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