WO2005055354A1 - Procede d'alimentation en air d'une pile a combustible - Google Patents

Procede d'alimentation en air d'une pile a combustible Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2005055354A1
WO2005055354A1 PCT/SE2004/001789 SE2004001789W WO2005055354A1 WO 2005055354 A1 WO2005055354 A1 WO 2005055354A1 SE 2004001789 W SE2004001789 W SE 2004001789W WO 2005055354 A1 WO2005055354 A1 WO 2005055354A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
air
supplied
screw compressor
double screw
water
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/SE2004/001789
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Mats Lindgren
Original Assignee
Opcon Autorotor Ab
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 Opcon Autorotor Ab filed Critical Opcon Autorotor Ab
Publication of WO2005055354A1 publication Critical patent/WO2005055354A1/fr

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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
    • H01M8/04082—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
    • 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 present invention relates to a method for supplying air as oxidation gas to the cathode side of a fuel cell of the PEM type according to the preamble of patent claim 1 below.
  • Fuel cell technology has attracted great interest because it affords many advantages, such as high efficiency, clean exhaust gases in the form of only water vapor and the possibility of producing the energy carrier hydrogen using renewable energy, for example solar energy.
  • the fuel cell element in which the reaction mentioned above takes place can comprise a membrane with a special surface coating, what is known as a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) , which brings about the ionization of the hydrogen by virtue of the hydrogen being supplied to the surface-coated anode side of the membrane while the oxygen is supplied to the cathode side of the membrane.
  • PEM Proton Exchange Membrane
  • the hydrogen can, for example, be stored in pressure tanks and then be supplied to the fuel cell through a pressure-reducing valve.
  • the oxygen is normally taken from the surrounding air, which is first compressed to a suitable positive pressure before it is supplied to the fuel cell .
  • the double-screw compressor has proved to be very well suited for being used for supplying compressed air to fuel cells because it has a good capacity for generating a uniform air flow under constant pressure.
  • the double-screw compressor comprises two parallel interacting rotors in the form of a male rotor and a female rotor which, in engagement with one another, press the air under gradually increased pressure from the inlet of the compressor to its outlet.
  • the rotors can be designed and driven so that they rotate at the same speed or at multiples of each other's speed.
  • the air in addition to being supplied at the correct pressure and with the correct flow, to be regulated to the correct temperature and the correct relative humidity (RH) as well.
  • the temperature is important because there is a risk of the membrane being destroyed at temperatures which are too high.
  • the membranes used most today, which comprise plastic films, should not be subjected to temperatures which exceed roughly 70-90°C.
  • Control of the relative humidity is also important because the ionization process is dependent on it being possible for the correct RH to be maintained. RH should therefore normally be kept around 80-90%.
  • the double screw compressor therefore has to be designed with a clearance, on the one hand between the two screws and on the other hand between the screws and the compressor housing. These clearances give rise to a backward- directed reflux of compressed air in the compressor, which reflux causes losses in the form of reduced efficiency and a further increase in the temperature of the air.
  • DE 101 54 621 describes another type of fuel cell system where the air to be supplied to the cathode side of the fuel cell is compressed by a turbo compressor or what is known as a Roots blower.
  • a turbo compressor or what is known as a Roots blower.
  • water is supplied to the air before, in or after the turbo compressor.
  • the water is atomized by being injected via a gas-assisted nozzle.
  • the vaporization of the injected water is also brought about by preheating the uncompressed air to around 75 °C in a heat exchanger arranged upstream of the compressor and the injection nozzle.
  • One object of the present invention is therefore to provide a method for supplying air to a fuel cell by means of a double screw compressor, which method contributes to high efficiency of the fuel cell system.
  • Another object is to provide such a method with which the number of components in the system can be reduced.
  • a further object is to provide such a method in which cooling of the compressed air can be dispensed with. Still another object is to provide such a method with which the effectiveness and efficiency of the double screw compressor is improved.
  • the relatively large quantity of water supplied contributes to reducing the increase in the temperature of the air during compression in the double screw compressor.
  • the free water in liquid phase which is mixed with the air functions as a sealant in the gaps of the double screw compressor.
  • the water can be supplied to the air either before the double screw compressor or in it. In the latter case, the water is suitably supplied close to the air inlet of the double screw compressor.
  • Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic sketch which shows the method according to a first embodiment of the invention
  • Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic sketch of a second embodiment of the invention.
  • Figs 3-5 are diagrammatic sketches of a third, fourth and fifth embodiment of the invention respectively.
  • Figure 1 shows diagrammatically part of' a fuel cell system.
  • the part of the system shown in the figure comprises a fuel cell 1 and a double-screw compressor 2.
  • a line 3 for conveying compressed air from the double screw compressor 2 to the fuel cell 1 is arranged between the outlet of the compressor and the inlet of the fuel cell.
  • the fuel cell 1 also has an outlet 4 for spent air.
  • An inlet line 5 for supplying air to the double screw compressor is arranged upstream of the double screw compressor 2 and is connected to the air inlet of the compressor.
  • a water injection device 6 is connected to the inlet line 5.
  • the fuel cell system of course also comprises a number of other components (not shown) such as means for supplying hydrogen to the fuel cell and other customary devices of fuel cell systems.
  • air is supplied from the environment to the double screw compressor 2 via the inlet line 5.
  • water is supplied to the air in the inlet line 5, via the water injection device 6.
  • water is in this connection supplied with such a flow that the saturation vapor pressure of the air is reached and free water in liquid phase is mixed with the air in the inlet line 3.
  • the air with water mixed in is then conveyed into the double screw compressor 2, where the air is compressed.
  • the air is compressed.
  • the free water is vaporized, the vaporization energy which is consumed during vaporization reducing the increase in the temperature of the air during compression.
  • the remaining free water also takes up heat in the compressor and in this way contributes to reducing the increase in the temperature of the air during compression.
  • the free water functions as a sealant in the double screw compressor and counteracts the compressed air flowing backward through the gaps between the two screws and between the screws and the compressor housing. In this way, the efficiency of the double screw compressor and thus of the fuel cell system increases .
  • the compressed air can be conducted directly to the fuel cell 1, as illustrated in Figs 1 and 2.
  • the embodiment of the method shown in Fig. 2 differs from that described above only in that the water injection 6' takes place in the double screw compressor 2 instead of in its feed line.
  • Fig. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the invention which can be used in cases where it is not possible to ensure that the RH of the compressed air at the outlet of the double screw compressor is lower than approx. 90%.
  • the compressed air is conducted via a moisture separator 7, which separates free water from the air and reduces its RH to between approx. 80% and 90%.
  • Fig. 4 illustrates a further embodiment of the method, where the air supplied to the double screw compressor 2 from the environment is first made to pass through a first heat exchanger 8.
  • a first heat exchanger 8 By virtue of 'this, it is possible, for example, to bring about a first increase in the temperature of the air before the water is supplied 6' .
  • This embodiment is suitably used if the temperature of the environment from which the air is taken is low or very low. In this way, it is possible, for example, to regulate the temperature of the compressed air at the compressor outlet so that it falls within the range required by the fuel cell and also to avoid ice formation at the water injection 6' .
  • Fig. 5 illustrates another embodiment of the method, where the compressed air is made to pass through a second heat exchanger 9 after it has passed through the water separator 7.
  • the second heat exchanger accurate adaptation of the temperature of the compressed air can be brought about by raising or lowering it before the compressed air is supplied to the fuel cell.
  • By regulating the temperature of the compressed air in this way it is also possible to influence the RH of the air, an increase in temperature bringing about a reduction in RH and vice versa.
  • the method according to the invention produces particularly good results with regard to a reduced temperature increase in the double screw compressor and increased efficiency of the same if the ratio between the mass flows of air supplied and water supplied lies between 10:1 and 1:1.
  • the ambient air temperature can be expected to be at most 40°C.
  • the air is taken from the environment and therefore has a pressure of around 1 bar.
  • the pressure of the compressed air supplied to the fuel cell should be around 2 bar, and 'the pressure ratio between the inlet and the outlet of the double screw compressor should therefore be around 1:2.
  • the mass flow of air supplied to the double screw compressor is around 100 g/s.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Fuel Cell (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un procédé permettant de fournir de l'air en tant que gaz d'oxydation à une pile à combustible (1) de type PEM, lequel procédé consiste à fournir de l'air provenant de l'environnement à un compresseur à double vis (2) ; à comprimer l'air fourni dans le compresseur à double vis ; et à acheminer l'air comprimé depuis le compresseur à double vis vers le côté cathode de la pile à combustible. Afin de réduire la montée en température à l'intérieur du compresseur à double vis et afin d'améliorer l'efficacité du système, on ajoute de l'eau à l'air dans des quantités permettant d'atteindre une concentration de vapeur saturante, puis l'eau en phase liquide est mélangée à l'air.
PCT/SE2004/001789 2003-12-02 2004-12-02 Procede d'alimentation en air d'une pile a combustible WO2005055354A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SE0303232-3 2003-12-02
SE0303232A SE0303232D0 (sv) 2003-12-02 2003-12-02 Anordning för lufttillförsel till bränslecell

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2005055354A1 true WO2005055354A1 (fr) 2005-06-16

Family

ID=29729238

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/SE2004/001789 WO2005055354A1 (fr) 2003-12-02 2004-12-02 Procede d'alimentation en air d'une pile a combustible

Country Status (2)

Country Link
SE (1) SE0303232D0 (fr)
WO (1) WO2005055354A1 (fr)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102013207108A1 (de) * 2013-04-19 2014-10-23 Volkswagen Ag Wasserabscheider, Vorrichtung zur Rückführung eines Anodengases in einen Brennstoffzellenstapel und Kraftfahrzeug
US10208754B2 (en) 2015-10-08 2019-02-19 Ingersoll-Rand Company Oil flooded compressor system and method
US10240602B2 (en) 2016-07-15 2019-03-26 Ingersoll-Rand Company Compressor system and method for conditioning inlet air
US10724524B2 (en) 2016-07-15 2020-07-28 Ingersoll-Rand Industrial U.S., Inc Compressor system and lubricant control valve to regulate temperature of a lubricant

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1043791A2 (fr) * 1999-04-05 2000-10-11 General Motors Corporation Système de piles à combustible avec injection de l'eau dans le compresseur
DE10154621A1 (de) * 2001-11-07 2003-05-22 Fev Motorentech Gmbh Verfahren zur Befeuchtung der Kathodenluft einer Brennstoffzelle, insbesondere einer Brennstoffzelle für den mobilen Einsatz
US6635374B1 (en) * 1999-05-06 2003-10-21 Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Water supply system for a fuel cell vehicle

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1043791A2 (fr) * 1999-04-05 2000-10-11 General Motors Corporation Système de piles à combustible avec injection de l'eau dans le compresseur
US6635374B1 (en) * 1999-05-06 2003-10-21 Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Water supply system for a fuel cell vehicle
DE10154621A1 (de) * 2001-11-07 2003-05-22 Fev Motorentech Gmbh Verfahren zur Befeuchtung der Kathodenluft einer Brennstoffzelle, insbesondere einer Brennstoffzelle für den mobilen Einsatz

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102013207108A1 (de) * 2013-04-19 2014-10-23 Volkswagen Ag Wasserabscheider, Vorrichtung zur Rückführung eines Anodengases in einen Brennstoffzellenstapel und Kraftfahrzeug
US10208754B2 (en) 2015-10-08 2019-02-19 Ingersoll-Rand Company Oil flooded compressor system and method
US10711785B2 (en) 2015-10-08 2020-07-14 Ingersoll-Rand Industrial U.S., Inc. Oil flooded compressor system and method
US10240602B2 (en) 2016-07-15 2019-03-26 Ingersoll-Rand Company Compressor system and method for conditioning inlet air
US10724524B2 (en) 2016-07-15 2020-07-28 Ingersoll-Rand Industrial U.S., Inc Compressor system and lubricant control valve to regulate temperature of a lubricant

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
SE0303232D0 (sv) 2003-12-02

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