WO2015079139A1 - System for humidifying the air in a given space - Google Patents

System for humidifying the air in a given space Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2015079139A1
WO2015079139A1 PCT/FR2014/052927 FR2014052927W WO2015079139A1 WO 2015079139 A1 WO2015079139 A1 WO 2015079139A1 FR 2014052927 W FR2014052927 W FR 2014052927W WO 2015079139 A1 WO2015079139 A1 WO 2015079139A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
stack
fuel cell
steam
liquid
air
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PCT/FR2014/052927
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Matthieu BARON
Fabien Boudjemaa
François MOSER
Original Assignee
Snecma
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Publication date
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Publication of WO2015079139A1 publication Critical patent/WO2015079139A1/en

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F22—STEAM GENERATION
    • F22B—METHODS OF STEAM GENERATION; STEAM BOILERS
    • F22B1/00—Methods of steam generation characterised by form of heating method
    • F22B1/02—Methods of steam generation characterised by form of heating method by exploitation of the heat content of hot heat carriers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/24—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells
    • H01M8/241—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells with solid or matrix-supported electrolytes
    • H01M8/2425—High-temperature cells with solid electrolytes
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F22—STEAM GENERATION
    • F22B—METHODS OF STEAM GENERATION; STEAM BOILERS
    • F22B1/00—Methods of steam generation characterised by form of heating method
    • F22B1/02—Methods of steam generation characterised by form of heating method by exploitation of the heat content of hot heat carriers
    • F22B1/18—Methods of steam generation characterised by form of heating method by exploitation of the heat content of hot heat carriers the heat carrier being a hot gas, e.g. waste gas such as exhaust gas of internal-combustion engines
    • F22B1/1892—Systems therefor not provided for in F22B1/1807 - F22B1/1861
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04007—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids related to heat exchange
    • H01M8/04059—Evaporative processes for the cooling of a fuel cell
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04007—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids related to heat exchange
    • H01M8/04067—Heat exchange or temperature measuring elements, thermal insulation, e.g. heat pipes, heat pumps, fins
    • H01M8/04074—Heat exchange unit structures specially adapted for fuel cell
    • 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
    • H01M8/10—Fuel cells with solid electrolytes
    • H01M2008/1095—Fuel cells with polymeric electrolytes
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/10—Fuel cells with solid electrolytes
    • H01M8/12—Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte
    • H01M2008/1293—Fuel cells with solid oxide electrolytes
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M2250/00—Fuel cells for particular applications; Specific features of fuel cell system
    • H01M2250/20—Fuel cells in motive systems, e.g. vehicle, ship, plane
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/50—Fuel cells
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
    • Y02T90/00—Enabling technologies or technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02T90/40—Application of hydrogen technology to transportation, e.g. using fuel cells

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of steam generators. It finds a particular application especially for the humidification of air in aircraft cabins or in the recovery of the heat generated by a fuel cell during its operation. STATE OF THE ART
  • the steam generation for air humidification in aircraft cabins is currently carried out by the use of electrodes immersed in water, connected to a source of electrical energy to cause a rise in temperature and thus lead to steam generation.
  • EP 1861312 proposes for its part to use a low temperature fuel cell as a source of electrical energy for supplying the electrodes of the steam generator.
  • the present invention aims to respond at least in part to these problems of the state of the art.
  • the present invention proposes a system for humidifying the air in a given volume, comprising an assembly for steam generation comprising a stack of elementary fuel cell cells, and terminal plates arranged on both sides. other said stack, characterized in that said end plates comprise a heat exchanger adapted to perform a heat transfer between said stack and water flowing in said end plates so as to vaporize all or part of the water flowing in said plates terminals, the system further comprising conduits adapted to convey the steam generated in the given volume so as to humidify the air in said volume.
  • Said system advantageously has one or more of the following characteristics, taken independently or in combination:
  • said heat exchanger is a liquid / liquid type exchanger adapted to carry out heat transfer between a cooling liquid of the fuel cell and the water circulating in said end plates;
  • the fuel cell is a high temperature proton exchange membrane-type fuel cell, or solid oxide cell type;
  • the system further comprises a steam collector adapted to collect the steam at the outlet of said heat exchangers; it can then also include a liquid collector adapted to collect any residual liquid water at the outlet of the heat exchanger of the respective plates;
  • the system further comprises a turbine adapted to generate electricity being driven by the steam generated.
  • the invention further relates to a vehicle such as an aircraft comprising a system as defined above.
  • FIG. 1 schematically represents a system according to an aspect of the invention. invention.
  • Figure 1 schematically shows a system according to one aspect of the invention.
  • This figure shows a stack 1 of fuel cell elementary cells, and two end plates 2 and 3 located on either side of this stack 1.
  • the elementary fuel cell cells are for example of a known structure, and each consists of two electrodes (anode and cathode) separated by an electrolyte and assembled to each other in series to form the stack 1, commonly designated by the English term "stack".
  • each electrode By feeding each electrode with a suitable reagent, namely a fuel for one and an oxidant for the other, we obtain a electrochemical reaction which makes it possible to create a potential difference between the electrodes and thus to produce electric current.
  • This stack 1 corresponds to the heart of the fuel cell since it is in this one that will occur the electrochemical reaction that will generate the electric current.
  • the end plates 2 and 3 are disposed on either side of the stack 1, and perform several functions, in particular to allow the stiffening of the stack 1, its clamping allowing the passage and positioning of clamping elements around of the stack 1, as well as the collection of the current generated by the elementary cells of the fuel cell.
  • the end plates 2 and 3 according to the invention furthermore comprise a heat exchanger, respectively 21 and 31.
  • These exchangers are supplied with liquid water by supply ducts 4, and adapted to transfer heat from the stack. 1 with liquid water so as to vaporize all or part of the liquid water.
  • the heat exchangers 21 and 31 thus realize the dissipation of the heat generated by the operation of the stack 1 by transferring this heat to the liquid water circulating in the end plates 2 and 3.
  • the elementary cells of the fuel cell used have typically an operating temperature greater than 100 ° C, thus making it possible to vaporize the liquid water passing through the heat exchangers 21 and 31.
  • the end plates 2 and 3 thus perform an additional function of producing water vapor, in addition to the functions mentioned above.
  • the elementary cells of the fuel cell are, for example, elementary cells of a high temperature proton exchange membrane-type fuel cell having an operating temperature of about 160 ° C., or of the oxide cell type. solid having an operating temperature above 700 ° C.
  • Such fuel cell structures are well known to those skilled in the art, and their operation will not be described in detail here.
  • the type of fuel cell elementary cells is for example chosen according to the flow of water to be vaporized, which determines the necessary thermal power. For example, a thermal power of 350W can vaporize a water flow rate of 0.13 grams per second, a thermal power of 550W can vaporize a water flow rate of 0.2 grams per second, and a thermal power of 740W can vaporize a water flow rate of 0.27 grams per second.
  • the heat exchangers 21 and 31 of the end plates 2 and 3 are for example liquid-liquid type exchangers, performing a heat exchange between a cooling liquid of the stack 1 and the liquid water supplied by the ducts. power supply 4.
  • the heat released by the stack 1 is thus firstly captured by the coolant, for example a heat-transfer fluid, then transferred to the liquid water flowing in the end plates 2 and 3.
  • the coolant for example a heat-transfer fluid
  • the steam produced is then collected, for example, by a steam collector 5 and then distributed according to the desired application.
  • the vapor collector 5 can be coupled to a liquid collector 6, adapted to collect liquid water having passed through the heat exchangers 21 or 31 without being vaporized, and / or possible condensation at the outlet of the heat exchangers 21 and 31.
  • the steam collector 5 may be configured to form a mixture of steam and air, to obtain air having a given moisture content, which can then be injected into a given environment in order to increase the humidity.
  • the steam thus generated can be used to achieve humidification of the air in an aircraft cabin. In case of excess, it can also be used to power a turbine to generate electricity, which improves the overall efficiency of the fuel cell by exploiting the heat generated during its operation.
  • the described system thus has several advantages.
  • the proposed system provides a "passive" type steam generator that does not require an electrical energy supply. .
  • the described system is advantageous in terms of volume and mass compared to existing systems due to the pooling and pooling of heat dissipation and steam generation functions.
  • the system presented thus finds a particular application in the aeronautics, for vehicles such as aircraft, or more generally vehicles or environments having a controlled atmosphere requiring a regulation of the humidity level.
  • the assembly can thus combine the functions of steam generation and auxiliary power source.

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

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for humidifying the air in a given space, characterised in that sais system includes a steam-generation unit including a stack (1) of elementary cells of a fuel cell, and terminal plates (2, 3) arranged on either side of said stack (1), in which system said terminal plates (2, 3) include a heat exchanger (21, 31) suitable for performing a heat transfer between said stack (1) and water flowing in said terminal plates (2, 3) such as to vaporise all or part of the water circulating in said terminal plates (2, 3), said system also including pipes suitable for conveying the generated steam into the given space such as to humidify the air in said space.

Description

Système d'humidification de l'air dans un volume donné  Humidification system of the air in a given volume
DOMAINE TECHNIQUE GENERAL La présente invention concerne le domaine des générateurs de vapeur. Elle trouve une application particulière notamment pour l'humidification de l'air dans les cabines d'avion ou dans la valorisation de la chaleur générée par une pile à combustible lors de son fonctionnement. ETAT DE L'ART GENERAL TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to the field of steam generators. It finds a particular application especially for the humidification of air in aircraft cabins or in the recovery of the heat generated by a fuel cell during its operation. STATE OF THE ART
La génération de vapeur pour l'humidification de l'air dans les cabines d'avion est actuellement réalisée par l'utilisation d'électrodes immergées dans l'eau, reliées à une source d'énergie électrique afin de provoquer une élévation de température et ainsi entraîner une génération de vapeur. The steam generation for air humidification in aircraft cabins is currently carried out by the use of electrodes immersed in water, connected to a source of electrical energy to cause a rise in temperature and thus lead to steam generation.
Plusieurs systèmes basés sur ce principe général de générateur de vapeur comprenant un réservoir d'eau et des électrodes sont connus. Several systems based on this general steam generator principle including a water reservoir and electrodes are known.
On peut notamment citer le document FR 2661233 dans lequel les électrodes immergées sont alimentées à tension constante et intensité variable au moyen d'une source d'énergie extérieure et indépendante du générateur de vapeur en lui-même. Le contrôle de l'intensité permet de piloter le dégagement de chaleur au niveau des électrodes, et donc la quantité d'eau vaporisée. Document FR 2661233 in which the immersed electrodes are supplied with constant voltage and variable intensity by means of an external source of energy and independent of the steam generator itself. The intensity control makes it possible to control the release of heat at the electrodes, and therefore the quantity of water vaporized.
Le document EP 1861312 propose quant à lui d'utiliser une pile à combustible basse température comme source d'énergie électrique pour alimenter les électrodes du générateur de vapeur.  EP 1861312 proposes for its part to use a low temperature fuel cell as a source of electrical energy for supplying the electrodes of the steam generator.
Ces différents systèmes connus sont toutefois contraignants du fait notamment de leur structure qui implique l'association d'un générateur de vapeur et d'une source d'alimentation électrique. Il en résulte une architecture complexe du fait des différents flux à gérer, à savoir l'alimentation électrique en eau liquide et le flux sortant de vapeur. These various known systems are however constraining due in particular to their structure which involves the combination of a steam generator and a power source. This results in a complex architecture because of the different flows to be managed, namely the liquid water supply and the outgoing steam flow.
En outre, de tels systèmes ont un poids et un volume relativement importants, ce qui est problématique en particulier pour des applications dans le domaine de l'aéronautique. In addition, such systems have a relatively large weight and volume, which is problematic in particular for applications in the field of aeronautics.
PRESENTATION DE L'INVENTION PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION
La présente invention vise à répondre au moins en partie à ces problématiques de l'état de l'art. The present invention aims to respond at least in part to these problems of the state of the art.
A cet effet, la présente invention propose un système d'humidification de l'air dans un volume donné comprenant un ensemble pour la génération de vapeur comprenant un empilement de cellules élémentaires de pile à combustible, et des plaques terminales disposées de part et d'autre dudit empilement, caractérisé en ce que lesdites plaques terminales comprennent un échangeur thermique adapté pour réaliser un transfert de chaleur entre ledit empilement et de l'eau circulant dans lesdites plaques terminales de manière à vaporiser tout ou partie de l'eau circulant dans lesdites plaques terminales, le système comprenant en outre des conduits adaptés pour acheminer la vapeur générée dans le volume donné de manière à humidifier l'air dans ledit volume. Ledit système présente avantageusement une ou plusieurs des caractéristiques suivantes, prises indépendamment ou en combinaison :For this purpose, the present invention proposes a system for humidifying the air in a given volume, comprising an assembly for steam generation comprising a stack of elementary fuel cell cells, and terminal plates arranged on both sides. other said stack, characterized in that said end plates comprise a heat exchanger adapted to perform a heat transfer between said stack and water flowing in said end plates so as to vaporize all or part of the water flowing in said plates terminals, the system further comprising conduits adapted to convey the steam generated in the given volume so as to humidify the air in said volume. Said system advantageously has one or more of the following characteristics, taken independently or in combination:
- ledit échangeur thermique est un échangeur de type liquide/liquide, adapté pour réaliser le transfert de chaleur entre un liquide de refroidissement de la pile à combustible et l'eau circulant dans lesdites plaques terminales ; said heat exchanger is a liquid / liquid type exchanger adapted to carry out heat transfer between a cooling liquid of the fuel cell and the water circulating in said end plates;
- la pile à combustible est une pile à combustible de type pile à membrane échangeuse de protons à haute température, ou du type pile à oxyde solide ; - le système comprend en outre un collecteur de vapeur adapté pour collecter la vapeur d'eau en sortie desdits échangeurs thermiques ; il peut alors également comprendre un collecteur de liquide adapté pour collecter un éventuel reliquat d'eau liquide en sortie de l'échangeur thermique des plaques respectives ; the fuel cell is a high temperature proton exchange membrane-type fuel cell, or solid oxide cell type; the system further comprises a steam collector adapted to collect the steam at the outlet of said heat exchangers; it can then also include a liquid collector adapted to collect any residual liquid water at the outlet of the heat exchanger of the respective plates;
- le système comprend en outre une turbine adaptée pour générer de l'électricité en étant entraînée par la vapeur générée.  - The system further comprises a turbine adapted to generate electricity being driven by the steam generated.
L'invention concerne en outre un véhicule tel qu'un avion comprenant un système tel que défini précédemment. The invention further relates to a vehicle such as an aircraft comprising a system as defined above.
PRESENTATION DES FIGURES PRESENTATION OF FIGURES
D'autres caractéristiques, buts et avantages de l'invention ressortiront de la description qui suit, qui est purement illustrative et non limitative, et qui doit être lue en regard de la figure 1 annexée qui représente schématiquement un système selon un aspect de l'invention. Other features, objects and advantages of the invention will emerge from the description which follows, which is purely illustrative and nonlimiting, and which should be read with reference to the appended FIG. 1, which schematically represents a system according to an aspect of the invention. invention.
DESCRIPTION DETAILLEE DETAILED DESCRIPTION
La figure 1 représente schématiquement un système selon un aspect de l'invention. Figure 1 schematically shows a system according to one aspect of the invention.
On représente sur cette figure un empilement 1 de cellules élémentaires de pile à combustible, et deux plaques terminales 2 et 3 situées de part et d'autre de cet empilement 1. This figure shows a stack 1 of fuel cell elementary cells, and two end plates 2 and 3 located on either side of this stack 1.
Les cellules élémentaires de pile à combustible sont par exemple d'une structure connue, et chacune constituée de deux électrodes (anode et cathode) séparées par un électrolyte et assemblées les unes aux autres en série pour former l'empilement 1, communément désigné par le terme anglais "stack".  The elementary fuel cell cells are for example of a known structure, and each consists of two electrodes (anode and cathode) separated by an electrolyte and assembled to each other in series to form the stack 1, commonly designated by the English term "stack".
En alimentant chaque électrode avec un réactif approprié, à savoir un combustible pour l'une et un comburant pour l'autre, on obtient une réaction électrochimique qui permet de créer une différence de potentiel entre les électrodes et donc de produire du courant électrique. Cet empilement 1 correspond au cœur de la pile à combustible puisque c'est dans celui-ci que va se produire la réaction électrochimique qui va permettre de générer le courant électrique. By feeding each electrode with a suitable reagent, namely a fuel for one and an oxidant for the other, we obtain a electrochemical reaction which makes it possible to create a potential difference between the electrodes and thus to produce electric current. This stack 1 corresponds to the heart of the fuel cell since it is in this one that will occur the electrochemical reaction that will generate the electric current.
Les plaques terminales 2 et 3 sont disposées de part et d'autre de l'empilement 1, et réalisent plusieurs fonctions, notamment permettre la rigidification de l'empilement 1, son serrage en permettant le passage et le positionnement d'éléments de serrage autour de l'empilement 1, ainsi que la collecte du courant généré par les cellules élémentaires de pile à combustible.  The end plates 2 and 3 are disposed on either side of the stack 1, and perform several functions, in particular to allow the stiffening of the stack 1, its clamping allowing the passage and positioning of clamping elements around of the stack 1, as well as the collection of the current generated by the elementary cells of the fuel cell.
Les plaques terminales 2 et 3 selon l'invention comprennent en outre chacune un échangeur de chaleur, respectivement 21 et 31. Ces échangeurs sont alimentés en eau liquide par des conduits d'alimentation 4, et adaptés pour transférer de la chaleur de l'empilement 1 à l'eau liquide de manière à vaporiser tout ou partie de l'eau liquide. The end plates 2 and 3 according to the invention furthermore comprise a heat exchanger, respectively 21 and 31. These exchangers are supplied with liquid water by supply ducts 4, and adapted to transfer heat from the stack. 1 with liquid water so as to vaporize all or part of the liquid water.
Les échangeurs de chaleur 21 et 31 réalisent ainsi la dissipation de la chaleur générée par le fonctionnement de l'empilement 1 en transférant cette chaleur à l'eau liquide circulant dans les plaques terminales 2 et 3. Les cellules élémentaires de pile à combustible utilisées ont typiquement une température de fonctionnement supérieure à 100°C, permettant ainsi de réaliser la vaporisation de l'eau liquide passant par les échangeurs de chaleur 21 et 31.  The heat exchangers 21 and 31 thus realize the dissipation of the heat generated by the operation of the stack 1 by transferring this heat to the liquid water circulating in the end plates 2 and 3. The elementary cells of the fuel cell used have typically an operating temperature greater than 100 ° C, thus making it possible to vaporize the liquid water passing through the heat exchangers 21 and 31.
Les plaques terminales 2 et 3 réalisent donc une fonction additionnelle de production de vapeur d'eau, en plus des fonctions citées précédemment. Les cellules élémentaires de pile à combustible sont par exemple des cellules élémentaires d'une pile à combustible de type pile à membrane échangeuse de protons à haute température ayant une température de fonctionnement de l'ordre de 160°C, ou du type pile à oxyde solide ayant une température de fonctionnement supérieure à 700°C. De telles structures de piles à combustible sont bien connues de l'homme du métier, et leur fonctionnement ne sera pas décrit en détail ici. The end plates 2 and 3 thus perform an additional function of producing water vapor, in addition to the functions mentioned above. The elementary cells of the fuel cell are, for example, elementary cells of a high temperature proton exchange membrane-type fuel cell having an operating temperature of about 160 ° C., or of the oxide cell type. solid having an operating temperature above 700 ° C. Such fuel cell structures are well known to those skilled in the art, and their operation will not be described in detail here.
On comprend bien que d'autres types de cellules élémentaires de pile à combustibles peuvent être utilisés, dès lors que la température de fonctionnement est suffisamment élevée pour permettre la vaporisation de l'eau liquide circulant dans les échangeurs de chaleur 21 et 31 des plaques terminales 2 et 3. Le type de cellules élémentaires de pile à combustible est par exemple choisi en fonction du débit d'eau à vaporiser, ce qui détermine la puissance thermique nécessaire. A titre d'exemple, une puissance thermique de 350W permet de vaporiser un débit d'eau de 0,13 grammes par seconde, une puissance thermique de 550W permet de vaporiser un débit d'eau de 0,2 grammes par seconde, et une puissance thermique de 740W permet de vaporiser un débit d'eau de 0,27 grammes par seconde. It will be understood that other types of elementary fuel cell cells may be used, provided that the operating temperature is sufficiently high to allow vaporization of the liquid water circulating in the heat exchangers 21 and 31 of the end plates. 2 and 3. The type of fuel cell elementary cells is for example chosen according to the flow of water to be vaporized, which determines the necessary thermal power. For example, a thermal power of 350W can vaporize a water flow rate of 0.13 grams per second, a thermal power of 550W can vaporize a water flow rate of 0.2 grams per second, and a thermal power of 740W can vaporize a water flow rate of 0.27 grams per second.
Les échangeurs de chaleur 21 et 31 des plaques terminales 2 et 3 sont par exemple des échangeurs de type liquide-liquide, réalisant un échange de chaleur entre un liquide de refroidissement de l'empilement 1 et l'eau liquide apportée par les conduits d'alimentation 4. The heat exchangers 21 and 31 of the end plates 2 and 3 are for example liquid-liquid type exchangers, performing a heat exchange between a cooling liquid of the stack 1 and the liquid water supplied by the ducts. power supply 4.
La chaleur dégagée par l'empilement 1 est ainsi captée dans un premier temps par le liquide de refroidissement, par exemple un fluide caloporteur, puis transférée à l'eau liquide circulant dans les plaques terminales 2 et 3. The heat released by the stack 1 is thus firstly captured by the coolant, for example a heat-transfer fluid, then transferred to the liquid water flowing in the end plates 2 and 3.
La vapeur d'eau produite est ensuite par exemple recueillie par un collecteur de vapeur 5, puis distribuée selon l'application voulue. The steam produced is then collected, for example, by a steam collector 5 and then distributed according to the desired application.
Le collecteur de vapeur 5 peut être couplé à un collecteur de liquide 6, adapté pour collecter de l'eau liquide ayant traversé les échangeurs de chaleur 21 ou 31 sans être vaporisée, et/ou de l'éventuelle condensation en sortie des échangeurs de chaleur 21 et 31. Le collecteur de vapeur 5 peut par exemple être configuré pour réaliser un mélange entre la vapeur et de l'air, afin d'obtenir de l'air ayant un taux d'humidité donné, qui peut ensuite être injecté dans un environnement donné afin d'en augmenter l'humidité. The vapor collector 5 can be coupled to a liquid collector 6, adapted to collect liquid water having passed through the heat exchangers 21 or 31 without being vaporized, and / or possible condensation at the outlet of the heat exchangers 21 and 31. For example, the steam collector 5 may be configured to form a mixture of steam and air, to obtain air having a given moisture content, which can then be injected into a given environment in order to increase the humidity.
La vapeur ainsi générée peut être utilisée afin de réaliser l'humidification de l'air dans une cabine d'avion. En cas d'excédent, elle peut également être utilisée pour alimenter une turbine afin de générer de l'électricité, ce qui permet d'améliorer le rendement global de la pile à combustible en exploitant la chaleur générée lors de son fonctionnement. The steam thus generated can be used to achieve humidification of the air in an aircraft cabin. In case of excess, it can also be used to power a turbine to generate electricity, which improves the overall efficiency of the fuel cell by exploiting the heat generated during its operation.
Le système décrit présente ainsi plusieurs avantages. The described system thus has several advantages.
En premier lieu, il permet de réaliser une production de vapeur sans nécessiter un apport électrique d'une source d'énergie auxiliaire, et permet d'intégrer le générateur de vapeur dans le générateur d'électricité, à savoir les cellules élémentaires de pile à combustible, répondant ainsi aux problématiques de gestion électrique et fluidique présentes dans les systèmes antérieurs.  Firstly, it makes it possible to produce steam without requiring an electrical input from an auxiliary energy source, and makes it possible to integrate the steam generator into the electricity generator, namely the elementary cell cells of the battery. fuel, thus answering the problems of electrical and fluidic management present in the previous systems.
Par ailleurs, il couple avec synergie la fonction de génération d'électricité et la fonction de génération de vapeur, les calories générées par la fonction de génération d'électricité étant ici exploitées pour la génération de vapeur et non pas simplement dissipées et perdues, tandis que la génération de vapeur peut être réalisée sans apport supplémentaire de puissance électrique. Contrairement aux générateurs de vapeur selon l'état de l'art qui sont des générateurs de vapeur de type « actif », le système proposé permet d'obtenir un générateur de vapeur de type « passif », ne nécessitant pas un apport en énergie électrique. Moreover, it combines synergistically the function of electricity generation and the steam generation function, the calories generated by the electricity generation function being used here for the generation of steam and not simply dissipated and lost, while that steam generation can be achieved without additional power supply. Unlike the state-of-the-art steam generators that are "active" steam generators, the proposed system provides a "passive" type steam generator that does not require an electrical energy supply. .
Enfin, le système décrit est avantageux en termes de volume et de masse par rapport aux systèmes existants du fait du regroupement et de la mise en commun des fonctions de dissipation thermique et de génération de vapeur. Le système présenté trouve ainsi une application particulière dans l'aéronautique, pour des véhicules tels que des avions, ou plus généralement les véhicules ou environnements ayant une atmosphère contrôlée nécessitant une régulation du taux d'humidité. Finally, the described system is advantageous in terms of volume and mass compared to existing systems due to the pooling and pooling of heat dissipation and steam generation functions. The system presented thus finds a particular application in the aeronautics, for vehicles such as aircraft, or more generally vehicles or environments having a controlled atmosphere requiring a regulation of the humidity level.
Dans le cas d'une application pour un aéronef, l'ensemble peut ainsi associer les fonctions de génération de vapeur et de source d'énergie électrique auxiliaire. In the case of an application for an aircraft, the assembly can thus combine the functions of steam generation and auxiliary power source.

Claims

Revendications claims
1. Système d'humidification de l'air dans un volume donné, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend un ensemble pour la génération de vapeur comprenant un empilement (1) de cellules élémentaires de pile à combustible, et des plaques terminales (2, 3) disposées de part et d'autre dudit empilement (1), dans lequel lesdites plaques terminales (2, 3) comprennent un échangeur de chaleur (21, 31) adapté pour réaliser un transfert de chaleur entre ledit empilement (1) et de l'eau circulant dans lesdites plaques terminales (2, 3) de manière à vaporiser tout ou partie de l'eau circulant dans lesdites plaques terminales (2, 3), ledit système comprenant en outre des conduits adaptés pour acheminer la vapeur générée dans le volume donné de manière à humidifier l'air dans ledit volume. A system for humidifying the air in a given volume, characterized in that it comprises an assembly for steam generation comprising a stack (1) of elementary cells of a fuel cell, and end plates (2, 3) disposed on either side of said stack (1), wherein said terminal plates (2, 3) comprise a heat exchanger (21, 31) adapted to carry out a heat transfer between said stack (1) and of the water circulating in said end plates (2, 3) so as to vaporize all or part of the water circulating in said terminal plates (2, 3), said system further comprising ducts adapted to convey the steam generated in the given volume so as to humidify the air in said volume.
2. Système selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit échangeur de chaleur est un échangeur de type liquide/liquide, adapté pour réaliser le transfert de chaleur entre un liquide de refroidissement de la pile à combustible et l'eau circulant dans lesdites plaques terminales (2, 3). 2. System according to claim 1, wherein said heat exchanger is a liquid / liquid type exchanger, adapted to carry out heat transfer between a cooling liquid of the fuel cell and the water circulating in said end plates ( 2, 3).
3. Système selon l'une des revendications 1 ou 2, dans lequel la pile à combustible est une pile à combustible de type pile à membrane échangeuse de protons à haute température, ou du type pile à oxyde solide. 3. System according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the fuel cell is a high temperature proton exchange membrane-type fuel cell, or solid oxide cell type.
4. Système selon l'une des revendications 1 à 3, comprenant en outre un collecteur de vapeur (5) adapté pour collecter la vapeur d'eau en sortie desdits échangeurs de chaleur (21, 31). 4. System according to one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a steam collector (5) adapted to collect the water vapor output of said heat exchangers (21, 31).
5. Système selon la revendication 4, comprenant en outre un collecteur de liquide (6) adapté pour collecter un éventuel reliquat d'eau liquide en sortie des échangeurs de chaleur (21, 31). 5. System according to claim 4, further comprising a liquid collector (6) adapted to collect a possible residual liquid water at the outlet of the heat exchangers (21, 31).
6. Système selon l'une des revendications 1 à 5, comprenant en outre une turbine adaptée pour générer de l'électricité en étant entraînée par la vapeur générée. 6. System according to one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a turbine adapted to generate electricity being driven by the steam generated.
7. Véhicule comprenant un système selon l'une des revendications 1 à 6. 7. Vehicle comprising a system according to one of claims 1 to 6.
PCT/FR2014/052927 2013-11-26 2014-11-17 System for humidifying the air in a given space WO2015079139A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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FR1361627A FR3013802B1 (en) 2013-11-26 2013-11-26 IMPROVED STEAM GENERATOR BY HEAT DISSIPATION OF A FUEL CELL
FR1361627 2013-11-26

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FR3052299A1 (en) * 2016-06-03 2017-12-08 Valeo Systemes Thermiques POWER GENERATING SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE COMPRISING A LIQUID - COOLED FUEL CELL AND ASSOCIATED HEAT EXCHANGERS, CORRESPONDING VEHICLE.

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2661233A1 (en) 1990-04-18 1991-10-25 Ponant Ind STEAM GENERATOR.
WO2004033859A1 (en) * 2002-10-11 2004-04-22 Alpps Fuel Cell Systems Gmbh Method and device for recovering energy
WO2007009176A1 (en) * 2005-07-19 2007-01-25 Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited Steam generator
EP1861312A1 (en) 2005-03-24 2007-12-05 Airbus Deutschland GmbH Supply system for an aircraft
EP2639414A2 (en) * 2012-03-14 2013-09-18 Vaillant GmbH Cooling system for a fuel cell and connected steam turbine

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2661233A1 (en) 1990-04-18 1991-10-25 Ponant Ind STEAM GENERATOR.
WO2004033859A1 (en) * 2002-10-11 2004-04-22 Alpps Fuel Cell Systems Gmbh Method and device for recovering energy
EP1861312A1 (en) 2005-03-24 2007-12-05 Airbus Deutschland GmbH Supply system for an aircraft
WO2007009176A1 (en) * 2005-07-19 2007-01-25 Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited Steam generator
EP2639414A2 (en) * 2012-03-14 2013-09-18 Vaillant GmbH Cooling system for a fuel cell and connected steam turbine

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FR3013802A1 (en) 2015-05-29

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