WO1997033331A1 - Fuel cell with internal moistening - Google Patents

Fuel cell with internal moistening Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1997033331A1
WO1997033331A1 PCT/DE1997/000291 DE9700291W WO9733331A1 WO 1997033331 A1 WO1997033331 A1 WO 1997033331A1 DE 9700291 W DE9700291 W DE 9700291W WO 9733331 A1 WO9733331 A1 WO 9733331A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fuel cell
medium
channels
cell
structural
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/DE1997/000291
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Werner Rummel
Original Assignee
Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
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 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft filed Critical Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
Publication of WO1997033331A1 publication Critical patent/WO1997033331A1/en

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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
    • H01M8/04291—Arrangements for managing water in solid electrolyte fuel cell systems
    • 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
    • H01M8/02—Details
    • H01M8/0202—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M2300/00—Electrolytes
    • H01M2300/0017—Non-aqueous electrolytes
    • H01M2300/0065—Solid electrolytes
    • H01M2300/0082—Organic polymers
    • 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
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/50—Fuel cells

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a fuel cell, each of which comprises a supply and disposal channel for the media, a membrane electrode unit and two media-carrying elements with structural embossing.
  • the object of the present invention is therefore to provide a construction of a fuel cell which ensures uniform moistening of the entire active cell area without an external humidifier and which is simple with reduced material expenditure and as compact as possible
  • the invention relates to a fuel cell, each comprising a supply and a disposal channel for the media, a membrane electrode unit and two media-carrying elements with structural embossing, the medium enriched with the reaction product being so by means of at least one structural embossing is passed over the cell that uniform moistening of the cell results.
  • the fuel cell is preferably designed so that the
  • Structural embossing has individual structural channels. At least two of the structural channels are connected via hairpin curves in such a way that the inlet of one channel, where the dry and unused medium meets the active cell surface, is in the immediate vicinity of the second channel, in which the used and enriched with reaction product medium flows, located.
  • the moisture from the adjacent channel is transported to the dry location partly via the membrane and partly via diffusion processes, which take place, inter alia, via the electrode structure, for example the carbon felt (FIG. 1).
  • the supply and disposal channels of the media are arranged opposite one another on two sides of the cell in such a way that the two media, the dry and the moist, in countercurrent, based on the direction of flow in the individual structure ⁇ channels, can be guided to each other ( Figure 2).
  • the fuel cell according to the invention is designed so that both reactants, namely fuel on the one hand and oxidant on the other hand, dry the cells, i.e. can be fed without being moistened. It is therefore possible to dispense with (external) humidifiers, as a result of which the associated structural and economic disadvantages are eliminated.
  • only one element on one side of the cell for example the cathode side, can be equipped with the structural embossing according to the invention.
  • the media-carrying element on the other hand, in the aforementioned example on the fuel-carrying side is then not equipped with the structural embossing according to the invention. In this case, the supplied fuel can be moistened externally.
  • the media can be fed individually moistened or non-moistened into the fuel cell according to the invention, but they can also be guided into the cell partially moistened.
  • a “membrane-electrode unit” is a unit consisting of an electrolyte, the catalyst layers that contain the electrodes, and possibly the current collectors that can also effect the fine gas distribution on the cell surface.
  • the current collectors can consist, for example, of porous carbon paper or tissue, which can be partially hydrophilic, for example, which allows water to diffuse along the cell surface.
  • the term “medium” refers firstly to all gases and liquids which can act as oxidants in fuel cells. Examples include air, oxygen and any mixtures of these components Designated type of fuel, such as hydrogen, methanol, synthesis and / or reformer gas and natural gas.
  • the “moist medium” is the medium that was already able to absorb product water, that is, in the case of air operation in the case of the oxidant, the exhaust air which is depleted in 0 2 and enriched with H 2 0 or the resulting reaction product.
  • “Fresh medium” is the fresh, unused medium that just reaches the cell area. In the case of air operation, this is, for example, the supply air containing 0 2 in an unchanged concentration.
  • “Supply channel” is understood to mean any channel that transports a medium for conversion onto a cell surface. Accordingly, “disposal channel” means any channel that transports a medium after its implementation on the cell surface away from the cell surface.
  • reaction product is the product of the electrochemical reaction in the fuel cell, which is formed from fuel and oxidant.
  • the reaction product is formed on one of the electrodes and, due to the drop in concentration between the electrodes, also reaches the other electrode by diffusion. Preferred it is water that forms at the cathode.
  • the reaction product is usually liquid and gaseous next to each other, but it can also only be liquid or gaseous.
  • electrolyte any type of ion-conducting layer within the fuel cell is referred to as “electrolyte”; in the case of the PEMFC which is preferably treated, the electrolyte, as the name already suggests, is a polymer membrane.
  • Uniform moistening of the cell is understood to mean that any area of the cell which has a drop in performance or even a performance disruption when it is dry is covered by the humidification system.
  • dry area is used only for areas which are due to their undesirable dryness disturb the normal functioning of the fuel cell.
  • the water of reaction is preferably returned to the membrane within the cell in order to prevent it from drying out.
  • Electrodes or bipolar plates are referred to as “media-carrying elements” which have spaces in which the media, for example gaseous media, are guided.
  • An advantageous embodiment of the invention can be bipolar plates or electrodes which Provide gas and cooling medium bypass integrated in a plate
  • the material of the media-carrying elements must be such that the diffusion of the reaction product allows.
  • Structural embossing is understood to mean all types of channels and grooves in which the media can be passed over the cell. These are referred to as “channel” or
  • media spaces that can be summarized as “structural channels” can run in a straight line over the active cell surface or can also be curved or curved.
  • the profile of the channel and groove edges for example the ribs between two structural channels, can assume all possible geometric shapes, such as that of a trapezoid or of a cylinder, the ones that relate to the geometry of the structure channels and the embossing
  • the specifications are in no way intended to limit the present invention, but rather are intended to illustrate the invention.
  • the principle according to the invention can be implemented with all types of geometric shapes.
  • the "flow direction” is understood to mean the main direction of the media flow, regardless of any side flows.
  • Figures 1 to 3 each show a top view of a cell according to the invention, specifically of a media-carrying element.
  • FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a media-guiding element embossed according to the invention.
  • Line 1 encloses the entire cell area and line 2 encloses the part of the cell area on which the conversion takes place, which is also called the active area 5 of the cell.
  • the dry medium 8 reaches one of the individual structure channels 4 on the active surface via the suction channel 3 and flows along the channel 4 from right to left, increasing its reaction product, in the present case water.
  • the moist medium 9 is approximately saturated with reaction water and changes its direction of flow in the hairpin curve 6 in order to flow back to the right side in the illustration and to the disposal channel 5.
  • On the way from left to right, ie along the channel 7, 5 then releases the reaction water-enriched medium reaction water to the environment because it passes over the dry areas before the fuel cell, which is located on the right side of the fuel cell, flows.
  • FIG. 1 only two individual structure channels 4, which receive the dry medium 8 from the supply channel and only two individual structure channels 7, which lead the moist medium 9 enriched with reaction water to the disposal channel, are shown.
  • This is only a schematic illustration which is intended to illustrate the principle of the invention. According to the invention, any number of such structural channels can be arranged on a cell surface, depending on how it is practical for the respective application.
  • FIG. 2 also shows a plan view of a media-guiding element according to the invention, this configuration being constructed in such a way that the supply duct 3 and the disposal duct 5 are each mounted on two opposite sides of the fuel cell.
  • the dry medium 8 reaches via the supply channel 3 into one of the individual structural channels 4 through which it flows from right to left and, as in FIG. 1, is enriched with reaction water.
  • the moistened medium changes its direction of flow again in the hairpin curve 6 and brings moisture into the region 10 which is adjacent to the inlet point of the dry medium 8.
  • the supply duct 3 and the disposal duct 5 can lie on one level, as is made visible in FIG. 2 by the structural ducts drawn in each case in solid lines.
  • FIG. 3 finally shows the configuration of the fuel cell according to the invention, in which the principle of internal loading moisturization without hairpin bends, with individual structure channels.
  • the supply channels 3a and 3b can be seen on the left and right on the side of the fuel cell surface through which the dry medium 8 reaches the individual channels 4.
  • Three structural channels 4 can be seen through which the dry medium 8 flows from one side to the other and thereby enriches water of reaction.
  • Each individual channel 4 therefore has an area in which the dry medium 8 and an area in which the humidified medium 9 flows.
  • the respective areas 8 and 9 of two successive supply channels 3a and 3b can be seen on the left and right on the side of the fuel cell surface through which the dry medium 8 reaches the individual channels 4.
  • Three structural channels 4 can be seen through which the dry medium 8 flows from one side to the other and thereby enriches water of reaction.
  • Each individual channel 4 therefore has an area in which the dry medium 8 and an area in which the humidified medium 9 flows.
  • Structural channels 4 are arranged opposite, so that an area in which the dry medium 8 is guided is enclosed by two areas on the cell surface in which the moist medium 9 flows.
  • the disposal channels 5a and 5b which are on a different level from the supply channels 3a and 3b and through which the moistened and reacted medium leaves the cell area, are dashed again.
  • the fuel cells according to the invention can be combined to form a battery, with several cells being connected in series.
  • the supply and disposal channels are coupled to a larger system for media supply and disposal, and only a portion of the dry medium flowing in a supply channel flows towards a cell surface. Otherwise, the principle according to the invention is fully retained.
  • Such batteries can be used in various stationary and mobile energy supply applications using fuel cell technology.

Abstract

The invention relates to a fuel cell with structural grooving on the bipolar plates or the electrodes which enables use, inside the cell, of water, arising during the electrochemical reaction, to moisten the cell. Complicated pre-moistening of the reactant can therefore be avoided.

Description

Beschreibungdescription
Brennstoffzelle mit interner BefeuchtungFuel cell with internal humidification
Die Erfindung betrifft eine Brennstoffzelle, die jeweils ei¬ nen Versorgungs- und Entsorgungskanal für die Medien, eine Membran-Elektroden-Einheit sowie zwei medien-führende Elemen¬ te mit Strukturprägung umfaßt.The invention relates to a fuel cell, each of which comprises a supply and disposal channel for the media, a membrane electrode unit and two media-carrying elements with structural embossing.
In PEM-Brennstoffzellen, die mit gasförmigen Reaktanden be¬ trieben werden, entsteht als Reaktionsprodukt in aller Regel Wasser, das im allgemeinen durch die abströmenden Reaktanden ständig wieder aus den Zellen abtransportiert wird. Um die optimale Funktionsfähigkeit einer Brennstoffzellen zu erhal- ten, gehört, daß ihre Membran-Elektroden-Einheit gleichmäßig feucht gehalten wird.In PEM fuel cells, which are operated with gaseous reactants, water is generally produced as the reaction product, which in general is constantly removed from the cells by the outflowing reactants. In order to maintain the optimal functionality of a fuel cell, it is important to keep its membrane electrode assembly evenly moist.
Bislang werden Brennstoffzellen dadurch feucht gehalten, daß die zugeführten Reaktanden, die meist gasförmig vorliegen, befeuchtet werden. Diese Gase werden dazu in Befeuchtern, die den Zellen vorgeschaltet sind, auf die in den Zellen herr¬ schende Temperatur gebracht und mit Flüssigkeitsdampf gesät¬ tigt (siehe dazu beispielsweise DE-OS 42 01 632) . Diese Vor¬ gehensweise gewährleistet eine, insbesondere am Gaseingang ausreichende, Befeuchtung der Zellen. Nachteilig bei dieser Konstruktion ist,So far, fuel cells have been kept moist by moistening the reactants supplied, which are usually in gaseous form. For this purpose, these gases are brought to the temperature prevailing in the cells in humidifiers upstream of the cells and saturated with liquid vapor (see, for example, DE-OS 42 01 632). This procedure ensures that the cells are moistened, particularly at the gas inlet. The disadvantage of this construction is
-daß keine, über die gesamte aktive Zellfläche hinweg gleich¬ mäßige Befeuchtung resultiert undthat no humidification results which is uniform over the entire active cell area and
-daß für die Befeuchter ein nicht unerheblicher konstruktiver und materieller Aufwand erforderlich ist.-that the humidifier requires a not inconsiderable constructive and material effort.
Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist es daher, eine Kon- struktion einer Brennstoffzelle zur Verfügung zu stellen, die eine gleichmäßige Befeuchtung der gesamten aktiven Zellfläche ohne externen Befeuchter gewährleistet und die einfach, mit vermindertem Materialaufwand und möglichst kompakt realisier¬The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a construction of a fuel cell which ensures uniform moistening of the entire active cell area without an external humidifier and which is simple with reduced material expenditure and as compact as possible
Allgemeine Erkenntnis der vorliegenden Erfindung ist, daß das bei der elektrochemischen Reaktion in der Brennstoffzelle entstehende Produkt wegen des bestehenden Konzentrationsge- falles innerhalb der Zelle in die trockenen Bereiche der Zel¬ le diffundiert. Dieser Diffusionsvorgang ist nicht nur unab¬ hängig von der Strömungsrichtung des Mediums in einem Kanal, sondern kann auch quer zu ihr, zu benachbarten Kanälen hin verlaufen.General knowledge of the present invention is that the product formed during the electrochemical reaction in the fuel cell diffuses into the dry areas of the cell due to the existing concentration gradient within the cell. This diffusion process is not only independent of the direction of flow of the medium in a channel, but can also run transversely to it, to adjacent channels.
Gegenstand der Erfindung ist eine Brennstoffzelle, jeweils einen Versorgungs- und einen Entsorgungskanal für die Medien, eine Membran-Elektroden-Einheit und zwei medien-führende Ele¬ mente mit Strukturprägung umfassend, wobei mittels zumindest einer Strukturprägung das mit dem Reaktionsprodukt angerei¬ cherte Medium so über die Zelle geleitet wird, daß eine gleichmäßige Befeuchtung der Zelle resultiert.The invention relates to a fuel cell, each comprising a supply and a disposal channel for the media, a membrane electrode unit and two media-carrying elements with structural embossing, the medium enriched with the reaction product being so by means of at least one structural embossing is passed over the cell that uniform moistening of the cell results.
Weitere vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen der Erfindung sind in den Unteransprüchen sowie der Beschreibung, den Figuren und den Erläuterungen dazu enthalten.Further advantageous refinements of the invention are contained in the subclaims and in the description, the figures and the explanations therefor.
Bevorzugt ist die Brennstoffzelle so konstruiert, daß dieThe fuel cell is preferably designed so that the
Strukturprägung einzelne Strukturkanäle aufweist. Dabei sind zumindest zwei der Strukturkanäle über Haarnadelkurven so verbunden, daß der Einlaß des einen Kanals, wo das trockene und unverbrauchte Medium auf die aktive Zellfläche trifft, sich in unmittelbarer Nachbarschaft zu dem zweiten Kanal, in dem das verbrauchte und mit Reaktionsprodukt angereicherte Medium fließt, befindet. Die Feuchtigkeit aus dem benachbar¬ ten Kanal wird teils über die Membran und teils über Diffusi¬ onsvorgänge, die u.a. über die Elektrodenstruktur, z.B. den Kohlefilz, stattfinden, an die trockene Stelle transportiert (Figur 1) . Bei einer weiteren Ausgestaltung der Erfindung sind die Ver¬ sorgungs- und Entsorgungskanäle der Medien einander gegen¬ überliegend auf zwei Seiten der Zelle so angeordnet, daß die beiden Medien, das trockene und das feuchte, im Gegenstrom, bezogen auf die Strömungsrichtung in den einzelnen Struktur¬ kanälen, zueinander führbar sind (Figur 2) .Structural embossing has individual structural channels. At least two of the structural channels are connected via hairpin curves in such a way that the inlet of one channel, where the dry and unused medium meets the active cell surface, is in the immediate vicinity of the second channel, in which the used and enriched with reaction product medium flows, located. The moisture from the adjacent channel is transported to the dry location partly via the membrane and partly via diffusion processes, which take place, inter alia, via the electrode structure, for example the carbon felt (FIG. 1). In a further embodiment of the invention, the supply and disposal channels of the media are arranged opposite one another on two sides of the cell in such a way that the two media, the dry and the moist, in countercurrent, based on the direction of flow in the individual structure ¬ channels, can be guided to each other (Figure 2).
Als vorteilhaft hat sich bei der gegenüberliegenden Anordnung von Versorgungs- und Entsorgungskanal herausgestellt, daß pro Medium jeweils zwei Versorgungs- und zwei Entsorgungskanäle vorgesehen sind, wobei jeder Kanal so an einen Versorgungs¬ und einen Entsorgungskanal angeschlossen ist (Figur 3) , daß das Medium in zwei aufeinanderfolgenden Strukturkanälen anti- parallel strömt.It has been found to be advantageous in the arrangement of the supply and disposal channels opposite that two supply and two disposal channels are provided for each medium, each channel being connected to a supply and a disposal channel (FIG. 3) such that the medium in two successive structure channels flows anti-parallel.
Die erfindungsgemäße Brennstoffzelle ist so konstruiert, daß beide Reaktanden, nämlich Brennstoff einer- und Oxidans ande¬ rerseits, den Zellen trocken, d.h. unbefeuchtet zuführbar sind. Somit kann auf (externe) Befeuchter verzichtet werden, wodurch die damit verbundenen konstruktiven und wirtschaftli¬ chen Nachteile entfallen. Bei einer Ausführungsform der Er¬ findung kann jedoch auch nur ein Element auf einer Seite der Zelle, beispielsweise der Kathodenseite, mit der erfindungs¬ gemäßen Strukturprägung ausgestattet sein. Das medien- führende Element auf der anderen Seite, im vorgenannten Bei¬ spiel auf der den Brennstoff führenden Seite, ist dann nicht mit der erfindungsgemäßen Strukturprägung ausgestattet. Der zugeführte Brennstoff kann in diesem Fall extern befeuchtet werden.The fuel cell according to the invention is designed so that both reactants, namely fuel on the one hand and oxidant on the other hand, dry the cells, i.e. can be fed without being moistened. It is therefore possible to dispense with (external) humidifiers, as a result of which the associated structural and economic disadvantages are eliminated. In one embodiment of the invention, however, only one element on one side of the cell, for example the cathode side, can be equipped with the structural embossing according to the invention. The media-carrying element on the other hand, in the aforementioned example on the fuel-carrying side, is then not equipped with the structural embossing according to the invention. In this case, the supplied fuel can be moistened externally.
Die Medien können einzeln befeuchtet oder unbefeuchtet in die erfindungsgemäße Brennstoffzelle geführt werden, sie können aber auch teilbefeuchtet in die Zelle geführt werden.The media can be fed individually moistened or non-moistened into the fuel cell according to the invention, but they can also be guided into the cell partially moistened.
Als „Membran-Elektroden-Einheit" wird eine Einheit bestehend aus einem Elektrolyten, den Katalysator-Schichten, die die Elektroden beinhalten, und ggf. den Stromkollektoren, die auch die Gasfeinverteilung auf der Zellfläche bewirken kön¬ nen, bezeichnet. Die Stromkollektoren können z .B.aus porösem Kohlepapier oder -gewebe, das z.B. partiell hydrophil sein kann, bestehen, das die Diffusion des Wassers entlang der Zellfläche zuläßt.A “membrane-electrode unit” is a unit consisting of an electrolyte, the catalyst layers that contain the electrodes, and possibly the current collectors that can also effect the fine gas distribution on the cell surface. The current collectors can consist, for example, of porous carbon paper or tissue, which can be partially hydrophilic, for example, which allows water to diffuse along the cell surface.
Als „Medium" werden im Sinne der vorliegenden Erfindung zu¬ nächst alle Gase und Flüssigkeiten bezeichnet, die in Brenn¬ stoffzellen als Oxidans wirken können. Beispielhaft seien ge- nannt Luft, Sauerstoff und beliebige Mischungen aus diesen Komponenten. Darüber hinaus wird als Medium jede Art von Brennstoff bezeichnet, wie beispielsweise Wasserstoff, Metha¬ nol, Synthese- und/oder Reformergas sowie Erdgas.For the purposes of the present invention, the term "medium" refers firstly to all gases and liquids which can act as oxidants in fuel cells. Examples include air, oxygen and any mixtures of these components Designated type of fuel, such as hydrogen, methanol, synthesis and / or reformer gas and natural gas.
Als „feuchtes Medium" wird das Medium bezeichnet, das bereits Produktwasser aufnehmen konnte, also beim Luftbetrieb im Fal¬ le des Oxidans die an 02 verarmte und mit H20 oder dem ent¬ standenem Reaktionsprodukt angereicherte Abluft.The “moist medium” is the medium that was already able to absorb product water, that is, in the case of air operation in the case of the oxidant, the exhaust air which is depleted in 0 2 and enriched with H 2 0 or the resulting reaction product.
Als „trockenes Medium" wird das frische, unverbrauchte Medium bezeichnet, das die Zellfläche gerade erreicht. Im Falle des Luftbetriebs ist das z.B. die 02 in noch unveränderter Kon¬ zentration enthaltende Zuluft.“Fresh medium” is the fresh, unused medium that just reaches the cell area. In the case of air operation, this is, for example, the supply air containing 0 2 in an unchanged concentration.
Unter „Versorgungskanal" wird jeder Kanal verstanden, der ein Medium zur Umsetzung auf eine Zellfläche hintransportiert. Entsprechend wird unter „Entsorgungskanal" jeder Kanal ver¬ standen, der ein Medium nach seiner Umsetzung auf der Zell- flache von der Zellfläche wieder wegtransportiert.“Supply channel” is understood to mean any channel that transports a medium for conversion onto a cell surface. Accordingly, “disposal channel” means any channel that transports a medium after its implementation on the cell surface away from the cell surface.
Als „Reaktionsprodukt" wird das Produkt der elektrochemischen Reaktion in der Brennstoffzelle bezeichnet, das aus Brenn¬ stoff und Oxidans entsteht. Das Reaktionsprodukt entsteht an einer der Elektroden und gelangt wegen des Konzentrationsge- falles zwischen den Elektroden durch Diffusion auch zu der anderen Elektrode. Bevorzugt handelt es sich um Wasser, das an der Kathode entsteht. Das Reaktionsprodukt liegt meistens flüssig und gasförmig nebeneinander vor, es kann jedoch auch nur flüssig oder nur gasförmig vorliegen.The “reaction product” is the product of the electrochemical reaction in the fuel cell, which is formed from fuel and oxidant. The reaction product is formed on one of the electrodes and, due to the drop in concentration between the electrodes, also reaches the other electrode by diffusion. Preferred it is water that forms at the cathode. The reaction product is usually liquid and gaseous next to each other, but it can also only be liquid or gaseous.
Als „Elektrolyt" wird jede Art von ionenleitender Schicht in- nerhalb der Brennstoffzelle bezeichnet, bei der bevorzugt be¬ handelten PEMFC ist der Elektrolyt, wie der Name bereits ver¬ rät, eine Polymermembran.Any type of ion-conducting layer within the fuel cell is referred to as “electrolyte”; in the case of the PEMFC which is preferably treated, the electrolyte, as the name already suggests, is a polymer membrane.
Unter „gleichmäßiger Befeuchtung" der Zelle wird verstanden, daß jeder Bereich der Zelle, der einen Leistungsabfall oder gar eine Leistungsstörung bei Trockenheit aufweist, vom Be¬ feuchtungssystem erfaßt ist. Die Bezeichnung „trockener Be¬ reich" wird nur für Bereiche verwendet, die aufgrund ihrer unerwünschten Trockenheit Störungen der normalen Funktion der Brennstoffzelle bewirken. Bevorzugt wird gemäß der Erfindung das Reaktionswasser noch innerhalb der Zelle zur Membran zu¬ rückgeführt, um deren Austrockenen zu verhindern.“Uniform moistening” of the cell is understood to mean that any area of the cell which has a drop in performance or even a performance disruption when it is dry is covered by the humidification system. The term “dry area” is used only for areas which are due to their undesirable dryness disturb the normal functioning of the fuel cell. According to the invention, the water of reaction is preferably returned to the membrane within the cell in order to prevent it from drying out.
Als „ medien-führende Elemente" werden Elektroden oder Bipo- larplatten bezeichnet, die Räume haben, in denen die, bei¬ spielsweise gasförmigen, Medien geführt werden. Bei einer vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung der Erfindung kann es sich um Bi¬ polarplatten oder Elektroden handeln, die Gas- und Kühlmedi¬ umführung in einer Platte integriert vorsehen. Das Material der medien-führenden Elemente muß so beschaffen sein, daß es die Diffusion des Reaktionsproduktes zuläßt.Electrodes or bipolar plates are referred to as “media-carrying elements” which have spaces in which the media, for example gaseous media, are guided. An advantageous embodiment of the invention can be bipolar plates or electrodes which Provide gas and cooling medium bypass integrated in a plate The material of the media-carrying elements must be such that the diffusion of the reaction product allows.
Unter „Strukturprägung" werden alle Arten von Rinnen und Nu¬ ten verstanden, in denen die Medien über die Zelle geleitet werden können. Diese unter dem Oberbegriff „Kanal" oder"Structural embossing" is understood to mean all types of channels and grooves in which the media can be passed over the cell. These are referred to as "channel" or
„Strukturkanal" zusammenfaßbaren Medienräume können ihrer¬ seits geradlinig über die aktive Zellfläche verlaufen oder auch gekrümmt oder kurvig sein. Das Profil der Rinnen- und Nutenränder, beispielsweise der Rippen zwischen zwei Struk- turkanälen, kann alle möglichen geometrischen Formen annehmen wie die eines Trapezes oder eines Zylinders. Die genannten, die Geometrie der Strukturkanäle und der -prägung betreffen- den Spezifizierungen sollen keineswegs die vorliegende Erfin¬ dung begrenzen, sondern sind vielmehr zur Veranschaulichung der Erfindung gedacht. Das erfindungsgemäße Prinzip kann mit allen Arten von geometrischen Formen verwirklicht werden.Media spaces that can be summarized as “structural channels” can run in a straight line over the active cell surface or can also be curved or curved. The profile of the channel and groove edges, for example the ribs between two structural channels, can assume all possible geometric shapes, such as that of a trapezoid or of a cylinder, the ones that relate to the geometry of the structure channels and the embossing The specifications are in no way intended to limit the present invention, but rather are intended to illustrate the invention. The principle according to the invention can be implemented with all types of geometric shapes.
=>=>
Unter „Strömungsrichtung" wird die Hauptrichtung des Medien¬ stroms verstanden, ungeachtet irgendwelcher Seitenströmungen.The "flow direction" is understood to mean the main direction of the media flow, regardless of any side flows.
Alle in der Beschreibung enthaltenen Definitionen gelten auch 0 für die Ansprüche, die Zusammenfassung und die Erläuterung zu den Figuren.All definitions contained in the description also apply to the claims, the summary and the explanation of the figures.
Weitere vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen der Erfindung sind in den Unteransprüchen beschrieben und werden anhand der nach- 5 folgenden Figuren erläutert.Further advantageous refinements of the invention are described in the subclaims and are explained with reference to the following figures.
Dabei zeigen Figuren 1 bis 3 jeweils eine Draufsicht auf eine erfindungsgemäße Zelle und zwar auf ein medien-führendes Ele¬ ment. 0Figures 1 to 3 each show a top view of a cell according to the invention, specifically of a media-carrying element. 0
Figur 1 zeigt eine Draufsicht auf ein erfindungsgemäß gepräg¬ tes medien-führendes Element. Linie 1 umschließt die gesamte Zellfläche und Linie 2 umschließt den Teil der Zellfläche, auf der die Umsetzung stattfindet, der auch die aktive Fläche 5 der Zelle genannt wird. Im Normalbetrieb gelangt das trockene Medium 8 über den Versogungskanal 3 in einen der einzelnen Strukturkanäle 4 auf der aktiven Fläche und strömt entlang dem Kanal 4 von rechts nach links, wobei es zunehmend Reakti¬ onsprodukt, im vorliegenden Fall Wasser, anreichert. Kurz vor 0 der Haarnadelkurve 6 ist das feuchte Medium 9 mit Reaktions- wasser annähernd gesättigt und ändert in der Haarnadelkurve 6 seine Strömungsrichtung um wieder auf die, in der Darstellung rechte Seite und zum Entsorgungskanal 5 hinzufließen. Auf dem Weg von links nach rechts, also entlang dem Kanal 7, gibt 5 dann das mit Reaktionswasser angereicherte Medium Reaktions¬ wasser an die Umgebung ab, weil es über die trockenen Berei- ehe der Brennstoffzelle, die sich auf der rechten Seite der Brennstoffzelle befinden, fließt.FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a media-guiding element embossed according to the invention. Line 1 encloses the entire cell area and line 2 encloses the part of the cell area on which the conversion takes place, which is also called the active area 5 of the cell. In normal operation, the dry medium 8 reaches one of the individual structure channels 4 on the active surface via the suction channel 3 and flows along the channel 4 from right to left, increasing its reaction product, in the present case water. Shortly before 0 of the hairpin curve 6, the moist medium 9 is approximately saturated with reaction water and changes its direction of flow in the hairpin curve 6 in order to flow back to the right side in the illustration and to the disposal channel 5. On the way from left to right, ie along the channel 7, 5 then releases the reaction water-enriched medium reaction water to the environment because it passes over the dry areas before the fuel cell, which is located on the right side of the fuel cell, flows.
In der Figur 1 sind lediglich zwei einzelne Strukturkanäle 4, die das trockene Medium 8 vom Versorgungskanal aufnehmen und lediglich zwei einzelne Strukturkanäle 7, die das mit Reakti¬ onswasser angereicherte feuchte Medium 9 zum Entsorgungskanal hinführen, gezeigt. Es handelt sich hierbei nur eine schema¬ tische Darstellung, die das Prinzip der Erfindung verdeutli- chen soll. Erfindungsgemäß können beliebig viele derartige Strukturkanäle auf einer Zellfläche angeordnet sein je nach¬ dem, wie es für die jeweilige Anwendung praktikabel ist.In FIG. 1, only two individual structure channels 4, which receive the dry medium 8 from the supply channel and only two individual structure channels 7, which lead the moist medium 9 enriched with reaction water to the disposal channel, are shown. This is only a schematic illustration which is intended to illustrate the principle of the invention. According to the invention, any number of such structural channels can be arranged on a cell surface, depending on how it is practical for the respective application.
Figur 2 zeigt ebenfalls eine Draufsicht auf ein erfindungsge- mäßes medien-führendes Element, wobei diese Ausgestaltung so konstruiert ist, daß der Versorgungskanal 3 und der Entsor¬ gungskanal 5 jeweils auf zwei sich gegenüberliegenden Seiten der Brennstoffzelle angebracht sind. Im normalen Verlauf ge¬ langt das trockene Medium 8 über den Versorgungskanal 3 in einen der einzelnen Strukturkanäle 4 durch den es von rechts nach links strömt und sich dabei wie in Figur 1 mit Reakti¬ onswasser anreichert. Das befeuchtete Medium ändert in der Haarnadelkurve 6 wieder seine Strömungsrichtung und bringt Feuchtigkeit in das Gebiet 10, das zur Einlaßstelle des trok- kenen Mediums 8 benachbart ist. Dort gibt es wieder einen Teil seines Reaktionswassers ab, ändert wiederum in einer Haarnadelkurve seine Strömungsrichtung und strömt schließlich wieder von rechts nach links zum Entsorgungskanal 5 hin. Über den Entsorgungskanal 5 verläßt es die aktive Fläche der Brennstoffzelle. Bei dieser erfindungsgemäßen Ausgestaltung ist es besonders vorteilhaft, daß der Versorgungskanal 3 und der Entsorgungskanal 5 auf einer Ebene liegen können, wie in der Figur 2 durch die jeweils in durchgehenden Linien ge¬ zeichneten Strukturkanäle sichtbar gemacht wird.FIG. 2 also shows a plan view of a media-guiding element according to the invention, this configuration being constructed in such a way that the supply duct 3 and the disposal duct 5 are each mounted on two opposite sides of the fuel cell. In the normal course, the dry medium 8 reaches via the supply channel 3 into one of the individual structural channels 4 through which it flows from right to left and, as in FIG. 1, is enriched with reaction water. The moistened medium changes its direction of flow again in the hairpin curve 6 and brings moisture into the region 10 which is adjacent to the inlet point of the dry medium 8. There is part of its water of reaction again, changes its direction of flow again in a hairpin curve and finally flows again from right to left to disposal channel 5. It leaves the active area of the fuel cell via the disposal channel 5. In this embodiment according to the invention, it is particularly advantageous that the supply duct 3 and the disposal duct 5 can lie on one level, as is made visible in FIG. 2 by the structural ducts drawn in each case in solid lines.
Figur 3 schließlich zeigt die Ausgestaltung der erfindungsge¬ mäßen Brennstoffzelle, bei der das Prinzip der internen Be- feuchtung ohne Haarnadelkurven, mit einzelnen Strukturkanälen verwirklicht wird. Zu sehen sind die Versorgungskanäle 3a und 3b links und rechts auf der Seite der Brennstoffzellenflache angeordnet, durch die das trockene Medium 8 die einzelnen Ka- näle 4 erreicht. Zu sehen sind drei Strukturkanäle 4, durch die das trockene Medium 8 von einer Seite zur anderen fließt und dabei Reaktionswasser anreichert. Jeder einzelne Kanal 4 hat deshalb einen Bereich, in dem das trockene Medium 8 und einen Bereich, in dem das befeuchtete Medium 9 fließt. Die jeweiligen Bereiche 8 und 9 zweier aufeinanderfolgenderFIG. 3 finally shows the configuration of the fuel cell according to the invention, in which the principle of internal loading moisturization without hairpin bends, with individual structure channels. The supply channels 3a and 3b can be seen on the left and right on the side of the fuel cell surface through which the dry medium 8 reaches the individual channels 4. Three structural channels 4 can be seen through which the dry medium 8 flows from one side to the other and thereby enriches water of reaction. Each individual channel 4 therefore has an area in which the dry medium 8 and an area in which the humidified medium 9 flows. The respective areas 8 and 9 of two successive
Strukturkanäle 4 sind dabei entgegengesetzt angebracht, so daß ein Bereich in dem das trockene Medium 8 geführt wird, umschlossen ist von zwei Bereichen auf der Zellenfläche, in denen das feuchte Medium 9 fließt. Gestrichelt sind wieder die, auf einer anderen Ebene als die Versorgungskanäle 3a und 3b liegenden, Entsorgungskanäle 5a und 5b, durch die das be¬ feuchtete und abreagierte Medium die Zellfläche wieder ver¬ läßt. Bei dieser erfindungsgemäßen Ausgestaltung ist es be¬ sonders vorteilhaft, daß die Druckverluste bei der Führung des Mediums, die durch die Haarnadelkurven entstehen können, vermieden werden.Structural channels 4 are arranged opposite, so that an area in which the dry medium 8 is guided is enclosed by two areas on the cell surface in which the moist medium 9 flows. The disposal channels 5a and 5b, which are on a different level from the supply channels 3a and 3b and through which the moistened and reacted medium leaves the cell area, are dashed again. In this embodiment according to the invention, it is particularly advantageous that the pressure losses when guiding the medium, which can arise from the hairpin bends, are avoided.
Die erfindungsgemäßen Brennstoffzellen lassen sich zu einer Batterie zusammenfügen, wobei mehrere Zellen in Serie ge- schaltet werden. Dabei sind die Versorgungs- und Entsorgungs¬ kanäle an ein größeres System zur Medienver- und Entsorgung gekoppelt und es fließt jeweils nur ein Teil des, in einem Versorgungskanal fließenden, trockenen Mediums auf eine Zell- flache hin. Ansonsten bleibt das erfindungsgemäße Prinzip voll erhalten. Derartige Batterien können in verschiedenen stationären und mobilen Anwendungen der Energieversorgung durch BrennstoffZeilentechnik eingesetzt werden. The fuel cells according to the invention can be combined to form a battery, with several cells being connected in series. The supply and disposal channels are coupled to a larger system for media supply and disposal, and only a portion of the dry medium flowing in a supply channel flows towards a cell surface. Otherwise, the principle according to the invention is fully retained. Such batteries can be used in various stationary and mobile energy supply applications using fuel cell technology.

Claims

Patentansprüche Claims
1. Brennstoffzelle, jeweils einen Versorgungs- und einen Ent¬ sorgungskanal für die Medien, eine Membran-Elektroden-Einheit und zwei medien-führende Elemente mit Strukturprägung umfas¬ send, wobei mittels zumindest einer Strukturprägung das mit dem Reaktionsprodukt angereicherte Medium so über die Zelle geleitet wird, daß eine gleichmäßige Befeuchtung der Zelle resultiert.1. A fuel cell, each comprising a supply and a disposal channel for the media, a membrane electrode unit and two media-carrying elements with structural embossing, the medium enriched with the reaction product being thus via the cell by means of at least one structural embossing is directed that a uniform moistening of the cell results.
2. Brennstoffzelle nach Anspruch 1, bei der nur ein medien¬ führendes Element Strukturprägung besitzt.2. Fuel cell according to claim 1, in which only one media-guiding element has structural embossing.
3. Brennstoffzelle nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, bei der die Struk- turprägung einzelne Strukturkanäle aufweist.3. The fuel cell according to claim 1 or 2, in which the structure embossing has individual structure channels.
4. Brennstoffzelle nach Anspruch 3, bei der die Strukturkanä¬ le zumindest teilweise über Haarnadelkurven verbunden sind.4. The fuel cell according to claim 3, wherein the structure channels are at least partially connected via hairpin curves.
5. Brennstoffzelle nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, bei der für ein Medium zumindest ein Versorgungs- und ein Entsor¬ gungskanal einander gegenüberliegend auf zwei Seiten der Zel¬ le angeordnet sind.5. Fuel cell according to one of the preceding claims, in which for a medium at least one supply and one disposal channel are arranged opposite one another on two sides of the cell.
6. Brennstoffzelle nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wo¬ bei für zumindest ein Medium zwei Versorgungs- und zwei Ent¬ sorgungskanäle vorgesehen sind.6. Fuel cell according to one of the preceding claims, wherein two supply and two discharge channels are provided for at least one medium.
7. Brennstoffzelle nach Anspruch 6, bei der jeder einzelne Kanal so an einen Versorgungs- und einen Entsorgungskanal an¬ geschlossen ist, daß das Medium in zwei aufeinanderfolgenden Strukturkanälen antiparallel strömt.7. The fuel cell according to claim 6, wherein each individual channel is connected to a supply and a disposal channel in such a way that the medium flows antiparallel in two successive structural channels.
8. Batterie, bestehend aus einem Stapel von Brennstoffzellen, bei dem zumindest eine der Brennstoffzellen nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche ausgebildet ist. 8. Battery, consisting of a stack of fuel cells, in which at least one of the fuel cells is designed according to one of the preceding claims.
9. Verfahren zum Betrieb einer Brennstoffzelle, wobei die Brennstoffzelle intern befeuchtet wird, indem das bei der elektrochemischen Reaktion freiwerdende Wasser zur Befeuch¬ tung trockener Bereiche der Zelle gleichmäßig über und/oder in die Nähe dieser Bereiche geleitet wird.9. Method for operating a fuel cell, the fuel cell being moistened internally by the water released during the electrochemical reaction being routed uniformly over and / or in the vicinity of these areas for moistening dry areas of the cell.
10. Verfahren nach Anspruch 9, bei dem das feuchte Medium in Strukturkanälen geleitet wird. 10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the moist medium is passed in structural channels.
PCT/DE1997/000291 1996-03-06 1997-02-14 Fuel cell with internal moistening WO1997033331A1 (en)

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
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DE19608739 1996-03-06

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WO1999028985A1 (en) * 1997-12-01 1999-06-10 Ballard Power Systems Inc. Method and apparatus for distributing water to an ion-exchange membrane in a fuel cell
EP0924785A2 (en) * 1997-12-18 1999-06-23 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Fuel cell and bipolar separator for the same
WO2002056402A2 (en) * 2001-01-10 2002-07-18 Daimlerchrysler Ag Electrochemical fuel cell stack with a polymer electrolyte
WO2003028137A2 (en) 2001-09-21 2003-04-03 Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V. Method and device for operating a fuel cell
WO2004025764A1 (en) * 2002-09-11 2004-03-25 Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Polymer electrolyte fuel cell and power generation device
EP1526597A1 (en) * 2003-10-25 2005-04-27 P 21-Power for the 21st Century GmbH Device for humidification of effluents of media in fuel cells
US7138200B1 (en) 1997-12-18 2006-11-21 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Fuel cell and separator for the same
EP2337133A3 (en) * 2009-12-07 2011-08-24 Industrial Technology Research Institute Fluid flow plate assemblies
TWI427855B (en) * 2009-12-07 2014-02-21 Ind Tech Res Inst Modularized fuel cell devices and fluid flow plate assemblies

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Cited By (18)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1999028985A1 (en) * 1997-12-01 1999-06-10 Ballard Power Systems Inc. Method and apparatus for distributing water to an ion-exchange membrane in a fuel cell
EP1365466A2 (en) * 1997-12-01 2003-11-26 Ballard Power Systems Inc. Method and apparatus for distributing water to an ion-exchange membrane in a fuel cell
EP1365466A3 (en) * 1997-12-01 2004-10-20 Ballard Power Systems Inc. Method and apparatus for distributing water to an ion-exchange membrane in a fuel cell
US7138200B1 (en) 1997-12-18 2006-11-21 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Fuel cell and separator for the same
EP0924785A2 (en) * 1997-12-18 1999-06-23 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Fuel cell and bipolar separator for the same
EP1100140A2 (en) * 1997-12-18 2001-05-16 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Fuel cell and separator for the same
EP1100140A3 (en) * 1997-12-18 2003-12-03 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Fuel cell and separator for the same
EP0924785A3 (en) * 1997-12-18 2003-12-17 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Fuel cell and bipolar separator for the same
US7572537B2 (en) 1997-12-18 2009-08-11 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Fuel cell and separator for the same
WO2002056402A2 (en) * 2001-01-10 2002-07-18 Daimlerchrysler Ag Electrochemical fuel cell stack with a polymer electrolyte
WO2002056402A3 (en) * 2001-01-10 2003-10-30 Daimler Chrysler Ag Electrochemical fuel cell stack with a polymer electrolyte
US7485389B2 (en) 2001-01-10 2009-02-03 Daimler Ag Electrochemical fuel cell stack
WO2003028137A2 (en) 2001-09-21 2003-04-03 Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V. Method and device for operating a fuel cell
WO2003028137A3 (en) * 2001-09-21 2004-01-29 Fraunhofer Ges Forschung Method and device for operating a fuel cell
WO2004025764A1 (en) * 2002-09-11 2004-03-25 Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Polymer electrolyte fuel cell and power generation device
EP1526597A1 (en) * 2003-10-25 2005-04-27 P 21-Power for the 21st Century GmbH Device for humidification of effluents of media in fuel cells
EP2337133A3 (en) * 2009-12-07 2011-08-24 Industrial Technology Research Institute Fluid flow plate assemblies
TWI427855B (en) * 2009-12-07 2014-02-21 Ind Tech Res Inst Modularized fuel cell devices and fluid flow plate assemblies

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