KR101258143B1 - Submarine fuel cell device, especially for a retrofittable segment of a submarine - Google Patents

Abstract

The fuel cell device is provided with a switchboard, preferably in the same segment of the submarine. as the fuel cell device. The switchboard is supplemented by at least one fuel cell controller (5) and safety systems with electronic modules are provided. Preferably an auxiliary fuel cell controller is included which assumes control of specific types of component such as a DC starter, fuel cell pumps, and the like.

Description

SUBMARINE FUEL CELL DEVICE, ESPECIALLY FOR A RETROFITTABLE SEGMENT OF A SUBMARINE}

The present invention includes at least one electric propeller motor; A set of batteries; A charge generator including a driver; A submarine fuel cell device comprising a H ₂ -O ₂ fuel cell having a modular structure in a submarine having a conductor rail system and a switching / automation device, the fuel cell device preferably comprising the fuel cell in a submarine. Control panel 5 disposed in the same section as the device.

The publication, NAVAL FORCES SPECIAL ISSUE, SUBCON 2003 AIP PLUG-IN SECTIONS: A NEW SUBMARINE STANDARD, discloses a submarine with a fuel cell device as described above.

The object of the present invention is described on pages 35 and 36 of the above paper, the fuel cell device of which the principle is shown in the drawings is adapted to have a very safe shape while meeting the operating requirements of a submarine with a fuel cell. It is to design a fuel cell device. In particular, it is an object to provide a device that allows a submarine to remain in the highest technical state of a submersible for 20 to 30 years when retrofitting or refitting fuel cells.

This object is achieved by supplementing the switching panel with at least one fuel cell (FC) control panel comprising an installation system controller, an automatic safety system and electronics for the fuel cell module.

The implementation of a very compact fuel cell device, which takes into account the safety requirements of the submarine, is achieved by the replenishment of electronic components in the same location, ie in the same switch box, according to the invention in a known multi-component switching panel. That is, an auxiliary control center for the fuel cell device is created at the position of the fuel cell device in the submarine, which allows the fuel cell device to operate independently of the submarine, and the fuel cell power supply of the submarine is also controlled by the submarine control station. It can be operated reliably regardless of operation. According to the above object, the fuel cell apparatus may include all parts necessary for matching the ship power supply system and its main busbar. In this case, the safety standard of a conventional battery set must be reached. Particular safety requirements are taken into account, in particular in fuel cell devices. To this end, special automatic safety systems that switch over all important components of the fuel cell system, and in some cases, switch electronics, and module electronics that monitor and control the individual fuel cell modules themselves are used.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a submarine fuel cell device comprises a fuel cell auxiliary switching panel, which is responsible for connection to dedicated ship technology components for each submarine type. Therefore, fuel cell devices are well suited to retrofit existing diesel submarines that exist in a wide variety of types. That is, the fuel cell auxiliary switching panel is used as a so-called adapter to each submarine having a wide variety of types of ship power supply systems. This adapter feature is very advantageous for retrofitting existing submarines because the fuel cell system provides a clear technical separation between the old submarine power supply parts and the new power supply parts. The fuel cell system has a core in the form of an unmodified fuel cell module for existing submarines and new submarines, which are operated via the fuel cell control panel, where the fuel cell auxiliary switching panel is adapted to different types. perform adaptation).

If a submarine fuel cell device comprising modular H ₂ -O ₂ fuel cells is fitted to a new submarine type, for example type 212 or 214, the fuel cell auxiliary switching panel can be omitted, in which case the auxiliary switching panel It is integrated within the submarine's main switching panel. This is possible with new structures.

When the existing diesel submarine propulsion unit is complemented, the fuel cell auxiliary switching panel performs the adaptation. To this end, the fuel cell auxiliary switching panel is preferably embodied as an autonomous component arranged together in the retrofit section of the submarine.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the submarine fuel cell device comprises a fuel cell control panel having components for operation, switch-on / off and inspection of the fuel cell device. Inspection components are supplemented with control panels of common components for operation and switch-on / off, thereby implementing a fuel cell control panel which very advantageously meets the requirements of the submarine fuel cell apparatus. A fuel cell device cannot be kept ready for operation like a battery device. Before switching on, the fuel cell should be checked and inspected for correct function. This requires parts that perform test operation and component inspection to initiate the operation of auxiliary equipment to check operational readiness and continuous operation characteristics. Only if all inspections and inspections yield positive results can the fuel cell system be operated without fear of failure. Such inspections and inspections should be carried out, especially if the submarine has been anchored for a relatively longer period of time, in which case, in addition to the hydrogen plant, the oxygen plant and the nitrogen plant, the reaction water plant and the cooling system, in particular the sealed state of the cell and the fuel cell module The availability of my transmitters, sensors and valves should be checked and checked.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, the fuel cell apparatus includes a fuel cell control panel having the following dimensions (dimensions seen from the front).

Width: 1100mm to 2000mm

Depth: 500mm to 700mm

Height: 1000mm to 2100mm

As a result, a control panel with an optimal dimension is realized that can accommodate all the necessary control devices even if the fuel cell control panel is no longer dimensioned such that it can no longer be easily integrated into the submarine, especially in the retrofittable section.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the fuel cell auxiliary switching panel includes a device for matching the fuel cell device to various submarine shapes. At this time, the auxiliary switching panel has the following dimensions (dimensions seen from the front).

Width: 500mm to 1300mm

Depth: 500mm to 700mm

Height: 1000mm to 2100mm

As a result, even in the case of an auxiliary switching panel including a device for matching the fuel cell device to various submarine shapes, it is possible not only to accommodate all the necessary devices of the auxiliary switching panel but also to make available space on board the refurbished submarine. Unnecessarily required dimensions are implemented.

In another embodiment of the invention, the switching panel comprises at least one circuit breaker for at least 1000 A and optionally a fuse link. The breaker in the switching panel preferably offers the possibility to connect the fuel cell device to the onboard power supply system and again to disconnect it from the onboard power supply system. DC power supply systems with high total short circuit currents are sometimes provided with fuse links that meet the special requirements of the DC power supply system present on board the submarine.

The fuse link, together with the breaker, is provided for the purpose of safely separating the fuel cell device from the submarine's onboard power supply system, where a large number of short circuit currents can occur due to display breakage.

In another embodiment of the invention, the switching panel has the following dimensions (dimensions seen from the front).

Width: 500mm to 1300mm

Depth: 500mm to 1300mm

Height: 1000mm to 2100mm

From the dimensions of the fuel cell control panel, the fuel cell auxiliary switching panel and the switching panel described above, a preferred switching cabinet system with a size that can be easily accommodated in the submarine, in particular in the retrofitted fuel cell section, is implemented on board the submarine, This gives the possibility that all switching devices, automation devices and their auxiliary devices can be compact and sufficiently accessible. Thereby, special space requirements on board the submarine are optimally considered.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the fuel cell control panel comprises at least one programmable logic controller (PLC), such as for example SIMATIC S 7 from Siemens. Thus, a homogeneous automation network is provided in a very advantageous manner on board a modern submarine, which is usually automated using a PLC. In this case, integrated software can be used that meets specific safety requirements on board the submarine.

In this case, preferably at least one switching / control device, ie a fuel cell control panel or a fuel cell auxiliary switching panel, comprises a control / monitoring device with a monitor and the necessary control switches / buttons and measuring devices. Thereby, within the scope of the fuel cell device, an operation and observation device for the fuel cell device is realized which enables complete monitoring and operation of the fuel cell device in the field. This can be done visually through various devices and monitors with the aid of the impression as well as the hearing of the trained fuel cell state operator.

In one highly preferred embodiment of the submarine fuel cell device, an HTS current limiter is disposed in the busbar system, which is cooled using cryogenic liquid and interacts with the breaker.

The HTS current limiter is connected in particular with a storage vessel for cryogenic liquids which is electrically cooled. This HTS current limiter allows the sensitive fuel cell device to be very preferably separated from the ship power supply system in the event of a short circuit. HTS current limiters are known per se and provide a very high degree of safety with respect to reactions from submarine power supply systems when used for protection of submarine fuel cell devices. This is particularly advantageous in exhibition situations where voltage drops which may occur during the operation of the breakers in the power supply system should be avoided. Thereby, very preferably "deviation" of sensitive electronic devices is prevented and the functional reliability of the electronic components present in the submarine is improved.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the HTS current limiter is connected to one storage vessel, and the heat of evaporation of the storage vessel is used to heat the liquid raw material required for the operation of the fuel cell device. This significantly reduces the energy consumption of the HTS system, since it does not require the use of electrical energy for the cooling of cryogenic liquids. Thus, the load on the ship power supply system is reduced. At the same time a desirable energy association system between the power supply facilities of the fuel cell device and the safety switching system is realized.

The storage cell containing the fuel cell device, the HTS current limiter and the cryogenic liquid is preferably arranged in the region of the switching panel and the fuel cell auxiliary switching panel. The area is one of the few places available on the submarine and the cable length is shortened through this arrangement. As a result, the safety of the submarine power supply system is increased, and the safety level corresponds to the limited space in the submarine.

The above arrangement is particularly advantageous when the fuel cell device is used for retrofitting of a submarine, ie in a new section mounted in an existing submarine. A starter unit as well as a gas pump and a water pump are arranged in the section as well as with all other auxiliary devices and components. The retrofitting section enables a very long submerged submerged submersion for existing submarines. This extension cannot be achieved through expansion of the battery block, in particular due to limited space.

In the following, the invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which details that are important to the invention are clearly shown as in the dependent claims.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection of a fuel cell module control panel to fuel cell modules and a retrofit auxiliary switching panel;

2 is a schematic form of individual devices for retrofit of a fuel cell device;

3 is a front view of a control panel of the fuel cell device;

4 is a fuel cell module.

5 is a principle diagram of an HTS current limiter.

1 shows a first fuel cell module 1 and a second fuel cell module 2. The fuel cell modules for retrofitable fuel cell devices typically have an output of 120 to 140 kW. This power may be increased or decreased as needed by adding or removing stacks within the fuel cell module.

The fuel cell modules 1 and 2 are connected to the fuel cell device control panel 5 via the process signal cables 3 and 4. By using two sets of process signal cables per fuel cell module, if one fuel cell module fails, the availability of the fuel cell is very high since it does not affect the function of another fuel cell module. Process signals originating from the fuel cell modules 1, 2 are processed in the fuel cell module electronic unit 6 connected to the fuel cell facility controller 7. The fuel cell facility controller 7 is in turn connected with a fuel cell automatic safety system 8 which allows the fuel cell device to operate reliably.

The fuel cell device control panel 5 also includes a control station 9 which makes it possible in particular to adjust the individual functions for inspection and inspection. The fuel cell device control panel 5 is connected with a fuel cell auxiliary switching panel 11 that matches the fuel cell device to various submarine types. The fuel cell control panel is connected to the marine engineering main control station 15 via the auxiliary switching panel 11. This is indicated by arrows "12" and "13". The marine engineering main control station and its substations are shown only schematically, because they do not perform a direct function with respect to fuel cell devices. They are formed in the form of units that can be operated autonomously in nature.

Auxiliary devices for fuel cell devices such as pumps, starter units, DC controllers, ship main switches and various controllers for ship navigation devices are shown only schematically. The same is true for auxiliary plants (peripherals of fuel cell devices) such as cooling systems, reaction water plants, nitrogen plants, oxygen plants and hydrogen plants. All these parts are provided by the shipyard, depending on the submarine type, and connected to the fuel cell control panel for signaling and control purposes. These parts are not the subject of the present invention.

In Fig. 2 the individual parts and their technical interface are shown once more, regardless of their position in the submarine. For control and observation of the fuel cell device, a fuel cell control panel 20 comprising two electronic modules is used. Fuel cell device controllers and fuel cell device automatic safety systems and control stations are also used. A so-called fuel cell battery includes two fuel cell modules, in which case more modules may be integrated in one fuel cell device. The standard module has an output of about 120 to 140 kW, while the output of the standard module of the second embodiment is 30 to 40 kW. From these modules a wide variety of fuel cell devices can be formed, for example eight to ten fuel cell modules of 30 to 40 kW each may form one fuel cell device, and two or three in some cases. A 120kW module may form one fuel cell device.

The so-called fuel cell batteries, formed of fuel cell modules, comprise two fuel cell modules, each for retrofitting, comprising each set of process signal cables connected to a fuel cell control panel. The fuel cell battery also preferably has a medium connection unit for each medium, such as hydrogen, oxygen, water, nitrogen, etc., wherein the medium connection unit is sealed and inserted into the fuel cell battery. The fuel cell battery also includes a connection adapter for the power cable that carries the generated electrical output to the submarine's busbar system. Since the fuel cell module must be operated under a barrier gas, it also includes a pump unit, a drying unit and a valve unit for the barrier gas.

All of the above components are standard production parts for fuel cell devices that are used and combined regardless of submarine type. As a result, advantageous mass replication of very expensive fuel cell devices is possible. The fuel cell device is a data bus (SINEC-H 1) which is connected to, for example, a submarine control system, as well as a strong current interface for measurement, control and regulation from and to the fuel cell device, for example to a DC / DC controller. It includes a data interface for. The technical interface "24" represents a connection to a hydrogen supply, an oxygen supply, a nitrogen supply, a residual gas supply, a reaction water disposal device and a cooling device. The inputs indicated by the technical interface "26" indicate that environmental conditions such as temperature, air humidity, slope, location of installation, impact of impacts, space conditions and maintenance of H ₂ -O ₂ -concentrations correspond to the requirements of the navy and approval agencies. Is entered. As the output value indicated by the arrow "25", very long immersion time, noiseless power generation, electromagnetic signature and magnetic signature are small, availability and reliability are high, and electromagnetic emission-free power generation with low residual gas amount is caused.

3 shows a typical shape of a fuel cell device control panel. In one upper section, very preferably upper right, of the control panel, a monitor 30 is arranged which can display a wide variety of status displays as required according to the requirements. Next to it is a measuring device 31, control lamps 32 and buttons, which are preferably used simultaneously as control lamps. Each section is filled with components necessary for control, manipulation and observation, and access to each section is through the front section doors. Below each section cabinet are arranged cable leads, cooling water inlets and outlets, with the cooling water inflow preferably taking place in the lower left and in front of the cooling water discharge in the lower right. The shape of the control panel corresponds to the control panel actually implemented, but it is not necessary but variable.

4 shows a 120 kW-fuel cell module contained within a pressure vessel. The pressure vessel is made of stainless steel and at its end face is provided with a 4-pole plug connector (not shown) for the strong current terminals 35 and the process signal cable shown in FIG. In addition, the end face is provided with a highly integrated medium connecting block 36 for supplying H ₂ and O ₂ to the fuel cell module.

In FIG. 5, the principle diagram of the HTS current limiter and its peripheral devices complementing the switching device of the fuel cell device can be seen. The HTS current limiter interacts with a power switch, the individual parts of which are briefly described in the drawings.

The task sharing between the fuel cell control panel and the fuel cell auxiliary switching panel, which is unique in and of itself, is demonstrated from the following list for all Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) applications.

The main tasks of the fuel cell control panel are as follows.

Control and monitoring of the fuel cell module (sensors and valves embedded in the fuel cell module receive the necessary power from the fuel cell control panel through a 24V DC / DC converter, while the main power of the DC / DC converter is fuel cell auxiliary switching Originated from the panel.)

-Control and monitoring of the entire fuel cell installation, including the supply and disposal systems of surrounding H ₂ , O ₂ , cooling water, nitrogen, deionized water, vacuum, etc .; All signals for driving the sensors and valves in the fuel cell installation (except the fuel cell module) are first transmitted to the fuel cell auxiliary switching panel and from there back to the relevant sensors and valves. (The power required to drive the sensor and valve comes from the fuel cell auxiliary switching panel.)

-Control fuel cell facilities on site through a PC built into the fuel cell control panel

Supply of signals for higher level control systems for visualization of fuel cell plant status (not applicable for AIP retrofit)

In particular, the following hardware components are embedded in the fuel cell control panel.

-Simatic S7 automation system for control and monitoring of fuel cell module

-Simatic S7 automation system for control and monitoring of fuel cell facilities

-Simatic S7 automation system for automatic safety system of fuel cell facilities

-DC / DC Converter for Potentially Separate Power Supply of Sensors and Valves in Fuel Cell Module

ICOS PC with trackball-equipped keyboard for on-site operation and observation of fuel cell installations

Optical Link Module (not applicable at AIP retrofit) for signal delivery to higher level control systems for visualization of fuel cell plant status

The main task of the fuel cell auxiliary switching panel is as follows.

Power supply to fuel cell control panel

- All sensors, valves, pumps, etc., and H _2, O _2, water, nitrogen and DI water in the surrounding, the power required for the entire fuel cell plant, including the supply and disposal systems, such as the vacuum (24V DC, 160-330V DC, 3 Phase AC 60Hz 115V) Supply

-On-site operation (manual control) of pumps and preheaters in fuel cell facilities

-Measurement of fuel cell equipment and separation of display

-Acquisition and transmission of signals from various submarine systems such as propulsion systems, onboard power supply systems and fuel cell installations

In particular, the following hardware components are embedded in the fuel cell auxiliary switching panel.

-Measuring devices for insulation measurement of fuel cell installations;

-330V / 24V DC Power Supply

-Capacitors for voltage buffering

-3-phase power switch for pump on / off switch using high inrush current in fuel cell installation

Claims (15)

At least one electric propeller motor; A set of batteries; A charge generator including a driver; A submarine fuel cell device comprising modular H ₂ -O ₂ fuel cells in a submarine with a busbar system and a switching / automation device, The fuel cell apparatus comprises a switching panel, which switching panel is supplemented with at least one fuel cell control panel 5 comprising a fuel cell system controller, an automatic safety system and an electronic module, The fuel cell device comprises an auxiliary switching panel 11 which provides a connection to each submarine type of type-specific marine technology components, The auxiliary switching panel 11 includes devices for matching fuel cell drive devices and electronic components of the fuel cell device to different submarine types, Submarine fuel cell device. The method of claim 1, In the auxiliary switching panel 11 at least Measuring devices 31 for measuring insulation of fuel cell installations 330V / 24V DC Power Supplies Capacitors for Voltage Buffering 3-pole power switches for switching on / off pumps and loads in fuel cell installations Hardware components such as Submarine fuel cell device. The method according to claim 1 or 2, The fuel cell auxiliary switching panel 11 has a width of 500mm to 1300mm, a depth of 500mm to 700mm and a height of 1000mm to 2100mm, Submarine fuel cell device. The method according to claim 1 or 2, The fuel cell control panel 5 includes components for driving, switching on / off, testing and inspecting the fuel cell apparatus. Submarine fuel cell device. The method according to claim 1 or 2, The fuel cell control panel 5 has a width of 1100mm to 2000mm, a depth of 500mm to 700mm and a height of 1000mm to 2100mm, Submarine fuel cell device. The method according to claim 1 or 2, The switching panel comprises at least one circuit breaker for at least 1000 A and optionally a fuse link, Submarine fuel cell device. The method according to claim 1 or 2, The switching panel has a width of 500mm to 1300mm, a depth of 500mm to 1300mm and a height of 1000mm to 2100mm, Submarine fuel cell device. The method according to claim 1 or 2, The fuel cell control panel 5 includes at least one programmable logic controller (PLC), Submarine fuel cell device. The method according to claim 1 or 2, At least one of the fuel cell control panel 5 and one of the switching panels comprises a monitor 30 and a control and monitoring device and measuring devices 31 with the necessary control switches / buttons, Submarine fuel cell device. The method according to claim 1 or 2, An HTS current limiter is disposed within the busbar system, the HTS current limiter being cooled using cryogenic liquid and interacting with the circuit breaker, Submarine fuel cell device. The method of claim 10, The HTS current limiter is connected with a storage container for cryogenic liquids, Submarine fuel cell device. The method of claim 10, The HTS current limiter is connected to a storage vessel, wherein the heat of evaporation of the storage vessel is used to heat the liquid oxygen required for the operation of the fuel cell device. Submarine fuel cell device. The method of claim 10, The HTS current limiter and its cryogenic liquid storage container are arranged in the same section as the fuel cell device having the switching panel, the fuel cell control panel 5 and optionally the auxiliary switching panel 11 of the fuel cell device. felled, Submarine fuel cell device. The method according to claim 1 or 2, The fuel cell device is disposed in the reversible section of the submarine with the necessary auxiliary facilities and starter unit, Submarine fuel cell device. 12. The method of claim 11, The cryogenic liquid storage container is electrically cooled, Submarine fuel cell device.

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