WO2018193067A1

WO2018193067A1 - Electrochemical device, functional element, and method for manufacturing same

Info

Publication number: WO2018193067A1
Application number: PCT/EP2018/060119
Authority: WO
Inventors: Frank ALLEBROD
Original assignee: H-Tec Systems Gmbh
Priority date: 2017-04-20
Filing date: 2018-04-19
Publication date: 2018-10-25
Also published as: EP3612664A1; DE102017108439A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrochemical device, in particular an electrolysis device, especially a polymer electrolyte membrane electrolysis device, comprising at least one cell unit (12) that includes at least one electrochemical cell (14). According to the invention, the electrochemical cell (14) includes at least one contact element (18) that differs from a connecting element (22, 24) for power supply (26).

Description

Electrochemical device, functional element and process for its preparation

The invention relates to an electrochemical device according to the preamble of claim 1, a functional element according to the preamble of claim 15 and a method for producing a functional element according to claim 16.

Electrolysers are known in the art which comprise a cell stack, often referred to as a "stack", having a plurality of series connected ones

Having electrolysis cells. An operating voltage is applied to the entire cell stack, often monitoring its timing and / or a time history of a total current, in order to identify any disturbances and / or a need for a change of operating parameters.

The object of the invention is in particular to achieve advantageous properties in terms of a construction. Furthermore, an object of the invention is in particular to achieve a simple and / or reliable monitoring of parts of a cell stack. In addition, an object of the invention is in particular to achieve advantageous properties in terms of a simple and / or cost-effective production. The object is achieved by the features of claim 1, while advantageous embodiments and modifications of the invention can be taken from the dependent claims.

Advantages of the invention

The invention is based on an electrochemical device, in particular a

Electrolysis apparatus, in particular a polymer electrolyte membrane - -

Electrolysis apparatus, with at least one cell unit, the at least one

electrochemical cell comprises.

It is proposed that the electrochemical cell has at least one contact element that is different from a connection element for a power supply. The inventive design, an advantageous construction can be achieved. Furthermore, an electrochemical device can be provided whose operation can be easily and / or reliably monitored. In addition, a low-cost and / or easy-to-manufacture electrochemical device can be provided. Furthermore, advantageous properties with regard to a simple and / or cost-effective production of components of an electrochemical device can be achieved. Advantageously, operating parameters of parts of an electrochemical device, in particular of individual electrochemical cells, can be reliably measured. Furthermore, a large number of contact elements can be provided in a small space, whereby in particular single cell measurements can be made possible on a large number of adjacent cells. In addition, even very thin single cells can be reliably contacted. In addition, a high reliability and / or a high load capacity of electrical contact elements can be achieved.

The term "electrochemical device" is intended in particular to mean at least one, preferably functional, part of a device and / or a machine, in particular a

Electrolyzer understood that is / is provided for performing at least one at least partially electrochemical operation. In particular, the electrochemical device may also comprise the entire device and / or the entire machine. Preferably, the electrochemical device is intended to convert electrical energy into chemical binding energy and / or chemical binding energy into electrical energy. In particular, at least in at least one normal operating state, at least one chemical reaction takes place, which starts with a

electrical current is linked, in particular a redox reaction. For example, the electrochemical device may include a fuel cell device, a battery device, a measuring device device, a generator device, an analysis device, an electrode position device, an anodization device, a

Electroplating apparatus, a redox reactor apparatus or the like. Preferably, the electrochemical device is as an electrolyzer , ,

formed, particularly preferably as a hydrogen electrolysis apparatus, which is provided in particular for the electrochemical cleavage of water into hydrogen and oxygen. The electrochemical device can be provided to provide at least one gas, in particular hydrogen, with an overpressure to an environment, in particular with a pressure of at least 1 bar, whereby pressures of at least 5 bar, at least 10 bar, at least 15 bar, at least 20 bar , at least 30 bar or even greater pressures are conceivable. In particular, the electrochemical device can be provided for connection to a gas container, in particular a hydrogen tank, it being conceivable for an operating pressure of the electrochemical device to be adaptable and / or adapted to a filling level of the gas container. For example, it is conceivable that the electrochemical device generates the gas against a filling pressure of the gas container and this particular without

Use of a compressor or the like filled. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the electrochemical device is operated at least substantially free of overpressure. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the electrochemical device is operable at a constant pressure and / or is operated in the normal operating state with a constant working pressure. In particular, in this case, a combination with a compressor is conceivable. In addition, the electrochemical device can be a

High pressure electrolysis device and in particular be provided to at least one gas, in particular hydrogen, with a pressure of at least 50 bar, preferably of at least 70 bar and more preferably of at least 100 bar or more to produce and / or provide. In particular, the term "provided" should be understood to mean specially programmed, designed and / or equipped.Assuming that an object is intended for a specific function should in particular mean that the object fulfills this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state and / or or executes.

An "electrochemical cell" is to be understood in particular as meaning a functional unit by means of which at least one electrochemical reaction can be carried out, in particular an electrochemical reaction of the type for the implementation of which the electrochemical device is provided The electrochemical cell is advantageously an electrolysis cell, and the electrochemical cell is particularly advantageously a cell stack-compatible electrolysis cell, in particular , ,

an electrolysis cell stack. Advantageously, the electrochemical cell comprises at least one anode, to which oxygen is preferably formed in the normal operating state. The electrochemical cell preferably comprises at least one cathode, to which hydrogen is preferably formed in the normal operating state. Advantageously, the electrochemical cell comprises at least one membrane, in particular an advantageously selectively proton-conducting membrane, preferably a polymer electrolyte membrane. Particularly preferably, the anode and the cathode are separated from one another at least by the membrane. In particular, the anode and / or the cathode is planar and / or layered and / or a layer and / or coating. Preferably, the membrane is formed at least partially, and more preferably at least a majority, of Nation. Preferably, the electrochemical cell comprises at least one

functional element, in particular a bipolar element, preferably a

Bipolar plate. In particular, a first side of the bipolar element forms a

Anode side of an electrochemical cell and in particular a second side of the bipolar element, a cathode side of an immediately adjacent other electrochemical cell. In particular, at least some, advantageously at least a large part and particularly advantageously all electrochemical cells of the cell unit are at least substantially identical in construction and / or of the same and / or of an analogous construction. By "at least substantially identical" objects, in this context, objects are to be understood in particular that are constructed in such a way that they can each perform a common function and differ in their construction apart from manufacturing tolerances at most by individual elements that are insignificant for the common function are, and advantageous objects, apart from manufacturing tolerances and / or in the context

Production-technical possibilities are identical, with identical objects in particular also mutually symmetrical objects to be understood. At least 55%, advantageously at least 65%, preferably at least 75%, particularly preferably at least 85%, and particularly advantageously at least 95%, but in particular also completely, is to be understood by the term "at least a majority". At least 55%, advantageously at least 65%, preferably at least 75%, particularly preferably at least 85%, and particularly advantageously at least 95%, but in particular also 100%, are to be understood by the term "at least a large part". , ,

Preferably, the cell unit comprises a plurality, preferably a plurality, of, in particular at least substantially identically formed, electrochemical cells. Advantageously, the cell unit comprises at least one cell stack, in particular an electrolysis stack, which comprises a plurality, preferably a multiplicity, of stacked electrochemical cells. Preferably, the cell stack comprises at least the electrochemical cell. Advantageously, the electrochemical cells of the cell stack are at least substantially identical. The cell stack preferably has repeating units which comprise a plurality of different functional elements, advantageously different functional cell stack elements, for example, in particular in the stated order, at least one bipolar plate and / or at least one screen plate and / or perforated plate or the like and / or at least one gas diffusion layer, in particular an oxygen diffusion layer, advantageously a titanium felt and / or a membrane, advantageously a polymer electrolyte membrane, and / or a further gas diffusion layer, in particular a hydrogen diffusion layer, advantageously a carbon felt, and / or a compression buffer comprising in particular another screen plate and / or perforated plate, in particular a compression ped, advantageously an expanded metal. Advantageously, a bipolar plate and / or a perforated plate and / or a screen plate and / or an expanded metal and / or another metallic cell stack element is at least partially, advantageously at least a majority of titanium and / or stainless steel and / or formed of at least one coated metal , In particular, one electrochemical cell each extends from one bipolar plate to a next bipolar plate. The cell stack may comprise any number of electrochemical cells, for example ten or twenty or thirty or fifty or one hundred or fifteen hundred or two hundred or more or fewer or any intervening number. Advantageously, the cell unit has exactly one cell stack. However, it is also conceivable for the cell unit to comprise a plurality of cell stacks, in particular at least substantially identical or differently designed, of which at least some may be connected electrically and / or hydraulically in series and / or in series. The cell unit preferably has at least one first end plate and / or at least one second end plate. Particularly preferably, the electrochemical cells of the cell stack are arranged between the end plates, in particular densely stacked.

Preferably, the first end plate and the second end plate are connected together. , ,

Particularly preferably, the first end plate and the second end plate act on the cell stack from opposite sides and in particular in a direction perpendicular and / or at least substantially perpendicular to a stacking direction with a compressive force. Preferably, the stacking direction corresponds to a direction in which the cell stack is constructed of electrochemical cells. In particular, the stacking direction is perpendicular and / or at least substantially perpendicular to a main extension plane of the first electrochemical cell and / or perpendicular to a main extension plane of at least one, in particular plate-shaped,

Cell stack element. Preferably, the cell stack is such that

Main extension planes of the electrochemical cells of the cell stack are arranged parallel to each other and in particular perpendicular to the stacking direction.

Preferably, in the normal operating state, a working voltage is applied between a foremost electrochemical cell, which bears in particular against the first end plate, and a rearmost electrochemical cell, which bears in particular against the second end plate. In particular, in the case that the electrochemical device as a

Electrolysis device is formed, is advantageous in the normal operating state of the electrochemical cells, in particular of the cell stack, one each

Single working voltage of at least 0.5 V, advantageously of at least 1 V, more preferably of at least 1.2 V and preferably of at least 1.5 V and / or of at most 10 V, advantageously of at most 5V, particularly advantageously of at most 2.5 V and preferably at most 2V. However, it is conceivable, in particular for other cases, for example for a fuel cell device, that in the

Normal operating state of the electrochemical cells, in particular the

Cell stack, in each case a single working voltage is applied, which is less than 1 V or less than 0.5 V or even smaller or, for example, greater than 10 V or greater than 20 V or greater than 50 V or even greater. A person skilled in the art will select a suitable individual working voltage according to an application as desired. A "main extension plane" of an object should be understood to mean, in particular, a plane which is parallel to a largest side surface of a smallest imaginary cuboid which just completely encloses the object, and in particular runs through the center of the cuboid. Here, in particular, an orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, in particular in a reference plane, to be understood, wherein the direction and the reference direction include an angle, in particular less than 8 °, advantageous - -

deviates less than 5 ° and most advantageously less than 2 ° from a right angle.

In particular, the cell unit has at least one first connection element and at least one second connection element for connection to a power supply. Advantageously, in the normal operating state, an overall operating voltage is applied between the first connection element and the second connection element. Preferably, the connection elements are arranged on the, in particular opposite, end plates of the cell stack. Particularly advantageously, in the normal operating state, a total operating current, in particular a direct current, flows from the first connection element to the second connection element or vice versa.

In particular, the contact element is electrically connected to the electrochemical cell, in particular to at least one functional and / or electrochemically active one

Component of the electrochemical cell, connected. For example, that can

Contact element welded to the functional component and / or be soldered. It is also conceivable that the contact element to the functional component

infected and / or otherwise positively and / or positively connected with this. Advantageously, the contact element is at least partially connected in one piece with the functional component. Preferably, in the normal operating state, the

Contact element at a potential of an anode or at a potential of a cathode of the electrochemical cell. Advantageously, the contact element is at least partially, particularly advantageously at least a large part and / or formed entirely of metal, for example of titanium and / or steel and / or copper and / or of another suitable metal. Advantageously, the contact element is assigned to two directly adjacent electrochemical cells. Particularly advantageously, in each case two adjacent electrochemical cells are assigned a common contact element. Preferably, the electrochemical cell is associated with two contact elements, one of which at an anode potential and one on an

Cathode potential of the electrochemical cell is located. This is particularly the case for a plurality and / or for all cells of the cell unit and / or the

Cell stack. In particular in the case of directly adjacent electrochemical cells, it is conceivable for the contact element to be, for example, at an anode potential of one electrochemical cell and at a cathode potential of the immediately adjacent one , ,

electrochemical cell is or vice versa, especially in the case of a

Series connection of electrochemical cells such as in the cell stack.

In particular, the contact element is from an exterior of the cell unit, in particular from an exterior of the cell stack, preferably from an exterior of the

Electrochemical device ago accessible. Preferably, the contact element is arranged outside an active interior of the cell unit.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the electrochemical cell comprises at least one functional element, in particular at least one functional cell stack element, which has the contact element.

Preferably, the functional element is plate-shaped and / or plate-like and / or sheet-shaped and / or sheet-like. For example, the functional element, a bipolar plate and / or a perforated plate and / or a screen plate and / or a

Gas distribution element, in particular a gas distribution plate member and / or a compression buffer, in particular a Compression Päd or the like and / or be designed as such. In particular, the functional element is at least partially, advantageously at least a large part and particularly advantageously completely made of metal and / or has a metal-like or at least metal-like conductivity, in particular in a lateral direction. In this way, advantageously, a single electrochemical cell, in particular a cell stack, can be contacted easily and / or reliably.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention it is proposed that the contact element and at least one functional component of the functional element are at least partially connected in one piece. These are preferred

Contact element and the functional component integrally formed. In particular, the functional component is at least partially disposed within an active volume of the electrochemical cell, within which at least in the

Normal operating state, at least one reaction step of the chemical reaction takes place, in particular at least one substep of hydrogen electrolysis. By the fact that a first object and a second object are "at least partially integral" with each other, should be understood in particular that at least one element and / or part of the first object is integrally connected to at least one element and / or part of the second object. By "one piece" is intended in particular at least , ,

cohesively connected, for example by a welding process, a

Adhesive process, a Anspritzprozess and / or another, the skilled person appear useful process, and / or advantageously formed in one piece, such as by a production from a cast and / or by a production in a one- or multi-component injection molding method and advantageous from a single blank. As a result, advantageously a high reliability of a contact can be achieved.

In addition, it is proposed that the contact element is designed as a nose-like projection of a plate, in particular a sheet. Advantageously, the functional component on the plate, in particular the sheet. Particularly advantageously, the sheet is formed as a titanium sheet. In particular, the plate forms the contact element. In particular, the contact element and the plate, in particular the sheet, are produced from a common blank and / or produced. Particularly advantageously, the functional element is at least partially as a stamped part, in particular a stamped sheet metal part, and / or as a stamped and bent part, in particular a stamped sheet metal bent part formed. Preferably, the contact element is designed as a blade contact element. In particular, the contact element is flat and / or flat. Preferably, a main extension plane of the contact element is arranged at least substantially parallel to a main extension plane of the functional element. In particular, the contact element and the functional component have a common main extension plane. Advantageous is the

Main extension plane of the contact element arranged at least substantially perpendicular to the stacking direction. As a result, advantageously low production costs can be achieved. In addition, this can be achieved by a simple and / or reliable electrical contactability.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the electrochemical cell has a thickness of at most 5 mm, advantageously not more than 3 mm and particularly advantageously not more than 2 mm, in particular a thickness measured parallel to the

Stacking direction, whereby in particular an advantageous compactness and / or a high power density, in particular a cell stack, for example in the case of a large number of stacked cells, can be achieved. Of course, too - -

smaller or larger thicknesses conceivable. Preferably, the electrochemical cells of the cell stack are at least substantially the same thickness.

It is also proposed that the cell unit be at least one more

having electrochemical cell with at least one further contact element.

Advantageously, the further electrochemical cell is at least substantially identical to the electrochemical cell. Particularly advantageous is the other

Contact element at least substantially identical to the contact element

educated. In particular, the further electrochemical cell of the electrochemical cell, in particular immediately adjacent. The electrochemical cell and the further electrochemical cell can, in particular independently of each other, be arranged at arbitrary positions of the cell unit, in particular of the cell stack. Preferably, a plurality and / or a plurality of electrochemical cells of the cell unit each have at least one, in particular exactly one, contact element. In particular, it is conceivable that each electrochemical cell of the cell unit has at least one contact element. Advantageously, the cells of the cell unit each have a functional element with at least one contact element for contacting the corresponding electrochemical cell, in particular its anode and / or cathode, wherein the functional elements are each preferably functional elements of the same type and / or of the same type, for example, in each case by a bipolar plate and / or in each case by a perforated plate and / or in each case by an expanded metal or the like. If directly adjacent electrochemical cells each have at least one contact element, a distance between the corresponding contact elements, in particular measured along the stacking direction, corresponds at least substantially to a thickness of the electrochemical cells. It is also conceivable that contact elements of electrochemical cells are arranged at different positions of their respective cell with respect to the stacking direction. In particular, preferably in the case of adjacently arranged electrochemical cells, corresponding contact elements may be arranged on opposite sides of their respective electrochemical cell in the stacking direction, whereby in particular a larger space for contacting the contact elements can be provided.

For example, in this case it is conceivable that contact elements, in particular adjacent, electrochemical cells are arranged on functional elements of different types. For example, the contact element of the electrochemical - -

Cell may be arranged on the bipolar plate, while the further contact element of the further electrochemical cell is arranged on the perforated plate, in which context, of course, any functional elements are conceivable.

Preferably, in each case at least one contact element lies on one each

Anode potential or at a cathode potential according to contactable electrochemical cells. Advantageously, individual cell parameters, for example individual voltages, can thus be queried simply and / or reliably.

A high space efficiency can be achieved in particular and / or space for attaching contacts can be provided in particular if the contact element and the further contact element are arranged offset to one another, in particular in a view in the stacking direction. Advantageously, the electrochemical cell and the further electrochemical cell are aligned in the stacking direction, wherein advantageously the contact element and the further contact element at different positions of the respective electrochemical cell, in particular at different positions of a respective outer edge of the respective electrochemical cell are arranged.

An electrochemical device with advantageous properties in terms of a

Possibility of contacting individual cells, in particular in the case of thin cells, can be provided in particular if at least a plurality of the electrochemical cells of the cell stack, in particular all electrochemical cells of the cell stack, each have at least one contact element, wherein at least some of the contact elements are arranged offset to one another , In particular, contact elements of directly adjacent electrochemical cells are each arranged offset from one another. Preferably, two are each immediately adjacent

Associated contact elements of an electrochemical cell. Each contact element is particularly preferably associated with two directly adjacent electrochemical cells, in particular an anode of one and a cathode of the other electrochemical cell.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention it is proposed that at least some of the contact elements of the cell stack in a view along a

Stacking direction in several rows, for example, in two or three or four or five or six rows are arranged. Advantageously, the rows are at least substantially parallel to the stacking direction. Preferably, the contact elements, - -

in particular the rows, arranged on a common side of the cell unit, in particular of the cell stack. It is also conceivable that some contact elements and / or rows are arranged on different, in particular perpendicular to the stacking direction, sides of the cell unit, in particular of the cell stack. Advantageously, at least for a portion of the cell stack, a contact element of each ith of the electrochemical cell is arranged in an i-th of the rows, where i denotes a natural number. Preferably, the contact elements in a view of the cell stack are arranged in a staircase perpendicular to the stacking direction. In particular, in this case, a distance between in a row immediately behind one another arranged contact elements is constant. But it is also conceivable that at least for a portion of the cell stack, the contact elements are arbitrarily different, especially random, associated with the rows. This can advantageously in a simple and / or cost-effective manner for contacting contact elements

standing room to be enlarged. In a further embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the

Electrochemical device has at least one bridging element, which is intended to produce in at least one operating state, an electrical connection between the contact element and at least one other contact element, in particular the further contact element to at least one, in particular one or more in particular adjacent arranged

Electrochemical cells, part of the cell unit, in particular the

Cell stack to bridge. In particular, at least one first contact region of the bridging element is provided for connection to the contact element.

Preferably, at least one second contact region of the bridging element is provided for, in particular simultaneous, connection to the other contact element, wherein preferably the contact elements are connected. This is advantageous

Bridging element provided for plugging and / or peeling. It is also conceivable that the bridging element is welded and / or soldered. Preferably, the bridging element is provided for a, in particular manual, attachment to the cell unit by a user. However, it is also conceivable that the bridging element has at least one, in particular at least partially automated, switch, for example, at least temporarily switching on and / or at least temporarily decommissioning at least a part of - -

Cell unit, in particular of the cell stack allows. In addition, it is conceivable that the bridging element is arranged at a distance from the cell unit and, for example, connected to the contact elements by means of suitable electrical lines.

In particular, in this case, the bridging element may be formed as an electrical and / or electronic circuit. It is also conceivable that the

Bridging element is provided to a connection of more than two contact elements. In particular, the operating state may be an error operating state in which at least one electrochemical cell is not operable and / or operated properly and, in particular, is bypassed. The operating state can alternatively or additionally also a measurement operating state and / or a

Maintenance mode be in which particular maintenance and / or measurements or the like can be made to at least one bridged electrochemical cell. In addition, the operating state of the

Be normal operating state. Preferably, the bridging element bridges between the contact element and the other contact element arranged

electrochemical cells. In particular, the contact elements and / or the

Bridging element dimensioned such that a normal operating current

can flow through them without damage. Preferably, at least one

bridging part of the bridging element conductive. In particular, the bridging element may be formed as a metal clip and / or a cable with corresponding connection elements or the like. As a result, advantageously, a part of a cell unit can continue to be operated if, for example, there is a short circuit in another part and / or maintenance work has to be carried out.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the

Electrochemical device has at least one monitoring unit which is electrically connected to the contact element and with the further contact element and / or connected. The monitoring unit can permanently or optionally with the

Contact elements connected. In addition, it is conceivable that the monitoring unit is modular and / or optionally removable. Preferably, the

Monitoring unit on at least one arithmetic unit. Preferably, the

Monitoring unit connected to a plurality of contact elements, particularly preferably with each contact element of the cell unit. Preferably, the

Monitoring unit on a plurality of input channels, which in particular - -

in each case at least one contact element or in each case at least one

electrochemical cell, advantageously unique, assignable and / or associated.

In particular, the monitoring unit is to be monitored with each

electrochemical cell of the cell unit electrically connected. The monitoring unit may have at least one user interface such as at least one display, in particular a touch display, and / or at least one input unit, for example a mouse and / or a keyboard and / or a control panel and / or switches and / or buttons and the like. In particular, the monitoring unit may be provided for monitoring the operation of the cell unit. As a result, a reliable operation can advantageously be achieved.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention it is proposed that the monitoring unit is provided for a determination of at least one single cell parameter, in particular a single cell voltage, by means of the contact elements. In particular, the single-cell parameter is at least one operating state parameter of the electrochemical cell, which can be advantageously determined by means of at least one measurement for which only two electrodes of the electrochemical cell, in particular their anode and cathode, are required. But it is also conceivable that the monitoring unit is provided to the single cell parameters using at least one additional

Parameters such as an environmental parameter such as a temperature, a humidity, an air pressure, a fluid temperature, a fluid conductivity or the like to determine. In addition, the monitoring unit can be provided for determining the corresponding environmental parameter. The single cell parameter may also be a conductivity and / or a current and / or a temperature and / or an impedance or the like. The monitoring unit preferably has at least one sensor unit and / or measuring unit for determining the single cell parameter. Particularly preferred is the sensor unit and / or measuring unit with the

Input channels connectable and / or in particular permanently connected.

The monitoring unit is preferably provided to measure a single voltage, which is different in particular from a total voltage of the cell unit, between any two contact elements. Preferably, the monitoring unit is provided for a single-cell voltage, for example the electrochemical cell and / or the further electrochemical cell, based on a potential difference - -

to determine adjacent contact elements, for example by means of a

Potential difference between in the stacking direction adjacent bipolar plates and / or between adjacent in the stacking direction perforated plates or the like, between which, of course, further functional elements, in particular of a different type, can be arranged. As a result, monitoring of individual cells, for example of a cell stack, can advantageously be carried out, it being advantageous

Single cell voltages can be measured independently.

In addition, it is proposed that the monitoring unit is provided to detect at least one fault operating state based on the single cell parameter and to change at least one operating parameter of the cell unit as a function of an occurrence of the fault operating state, in particular automatically.

For example, the fault operating state may include a short circuit of at least one electrochemical cell. In particular, the monitoring unit can be provided to effect at least bridging at least a part of the cell unit. In particular, in this case, the bridging element as a

Switch be formed, which is advantageously controlled by the computing unit of the monitoring unit. It is conceivable that the monitoring unit is the

Has bridging element. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the bridging element can be used in addition to the monitoring unit. In particular, the

Monitoring unit to be provided, each at least two arbitrary

Contact elements to which it is connected to connect electrically, in particular to achieve a corresponding bridging. It is also conceivable that the

Monitoring unit for a control and / or a regulation of a

Total voltage and / or a total current and / or a total reaction rate and / or a flow of a produced gas and / or a flow of a

Reaction fluid and / or a cooling fluid or the like, in particular depending on the single cell parameter, is provided, in particular alternatively or additionally in at least one normal operating state. It is also conceivable that the

Monitoring unit is provided to at least temporarily pressurize at least individual electrochemical cells with an additional voltage and / or at least temporarily reduce a load of at least individual electrochemical cells, for example, under realization of a shunt. In addition, it is conceivable that the monitoring unit has at least one AC voltage source by means of which - -

an alternating voltage can be modulated on at least individual electrochemical cells. As a result, total failures due to individual defective cells can advantageously be avoided. Furthermore, as a result, a diverse monitoring and / or controllability can be achieved. Advantageous properties with respect to a construction can be achieved in particular with an electrolyzer having at least one electrochemical device according to the invention.

In addition, the invention relates to a functional element, in particular a functional cell stack element, preferably the functional element described above, for the electrochemical device. It is proposed that the functional element has at least two contact elements which are each intended to be able to be disconnected optionally. As described above, the functional element advantageously has at least one plate, in particular a metal sheet, with the contact elements. It is conceivable that the functional element has three or four or five or six or even more contact elements, which are arranged in particular along an edge of the functional element, in particular in a view in a direction perpendicular to a main extension plane of the functional element. The contact elements may be arranged along a single edge of the functional element. It is also conceivable that the functional element has several,

in particular opposite, edges each having at least one contact element. Preferably, in at least one assembled state of the functional element, in which it forms, in particular, a part of the cell stack, at least one of the contact elements of the functional element is cut off.

In particular, in the mounted state, all but one contact element of the functional element are disconnected. Preferably, the contact elements of the functional element are intended to be either selectively disconnected or to form a contact element of the cell stack. In particular, a position of the contact elements in the cell stack is by appropriate separation from the rest

Contact elements of the functional element selectable. Preferably, the cell stack is at least partially constructed of functional elements, each having either no contact element or exactly one contact element and their optionally additionally present in a preassembled state contact elements are separated. - -

The inventive design of the functional element advantageous properties can be achieved in terms of cost efficiency. In addition, an advantageous construction of an electrochemical device, in particular a

Electrolysers are achieved. Furthermore, an electrochemical device can be provided whose operation can be easily and / or reliably monitored. In addition, a low-cost and / or easy-to-manufacture electrochemical device can be provided. Furthermore, advantageous properties with regard to a simple and / or cost-effective production of components of an electrochemical device can be achieved. Advantageously, operating parameters of parts of an electrochemical device, in particular of individual electrochemical cells, can be reliably measured. Further, a plurality of contact elements can be provided in a small space, which can be made possible in particular single cell measurements on a plurality of adjacent cells. In addition, even very thin single cells can be reliably contacted. In addition, a high reliability and / or a high load capacity of electrical contact elements can be achieved.

In addition, the invention relates to a method for producing a functional element which, in particular as described above, has at least two contact elements arranged at different positions in at least one preassembled state, wherein at least one of the contact elements is severed. Preferably, all but one contact element of the functional element are separated. It is also conceivable that all contact elements of the functional element are separated, for example, if identically designed functional elements are to be used to construct a cell stack, with only a few electrochemical cells of the

Cell stack should be contacted individually. Preferably, the method is part of a method for producing an electrochemical device according to the invention.

The inventive method advantageous properties can be achieved in terms of cost efficiency. In addition, an advantageous construction of an electrochemical device, in particular an electrolyzer, can be achieved. Furthermore, an electrochemical device can be provided whose operation can be easily and / or reliably monitored. In addition, a low-cost and / or easy-to-manufacture electrochemical device can be provided. Furthermore, advantageous properties in terms of a simple and / or cost-effective production of - -

Components of an electrochemical device can be achieved. Can be advantageous

Operating parameters of parts of an electrochemical device, in particular of individual electrochemical cells are reliably measured. Further, a plurality of contact elements can be provided in a small space, which can be made possible in particular single cell measurements on a plurality of adjacent cells. In addition, even very thin single cells can be reliably contacted. In addition, a high reliability and / or a high load capacity of electrical contact elements can be achieved.

The electrochemical device according to the invention, the functional element according to the invention and the method according to the invention are not intended to be limited to the applications and embodiments described above. In particular, the electrochemical device according to the invention, the functional element according to the invention and the method according to the invention for performing a function described herein may have a different number from a number of individual elements and / or components and / or units and / or method steps mentioned herein. In addition, in the in this disclosure

given value ranges within the limits mentioned values as disclosed and apply any applicable.

Drawings Further advantages can be found in the following description of the drawing. In the

Drawings an embodiment of the invention is shown. The drawings, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination. The person skilled in the art will expediently also consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations. Show it:

1 shows an electrolyzer with an electrochemical device in a

schematic side view,

2 shows the electrochemical device with a bridging element in a schematic side view, - -

Fig. 3 is a functional element of the electrochemical device in a

pre-assembled state in a schematic plan view and

4 shows a schematic flowchart of a method for producing the electrochemical device. Description of the embodiments

FIG. 1 shows an electrochemical device 10 in a schematic side view. In the present case, the electrochemical device 10 is part of an electrolyzer 44. Components such as a fluid supply, a housing and the like of the electrolyzer 44 are not shown in the figure 1. This one, however, can

of course, the like. The electrochemical device 10 in the present case is designed as an electrolysis device. As mentioned above, however, it is also conceivable that the electrochemical device 10 a

Fuel cell device, a measuring device, a galvanizing device or the like.

The electrochemical device 10 has a cell unit 12 which has at least one electrochemical cell 14. Furthermore, the cell unit 12 comprises at least one further electrochemical cell 16. In the present case, the cell unit 12 has a plurality of electrochemical cells 14, 16, for reasons of which

Clarity schematically shown only twelve and not all with

Reference numerals are provided. In addition, the electrochemical cells 14, 16 of the cell unit 12 are not shown to scale in FIG. In particular, the electrochemical cells 14, 16 of the cell unit 12 can be substantially flatter than in the schematic representation of FIG. 1. For example, the cell unit 12 may comprise 20 or 30 or 50 or 100 or 150 or 200 electrochemical cells 14, 16.

The cell unit 12 has a cell stack 34 comprising a plurality of stacked electrochemical cells 14, 16. In the present case, all the electrochemical cells 14, 16 of the cell unit 12 are stacked to the cell stack 34. Furthermore, in the present case, the electrochemical cells 14, 16 of the cell unit 12 are at least substantially identical to one another. The cell stack 34 in the present case is an electrolysis stack. The electrochemical - -

Cells 14, 16 of the cell unit 12 are stacked in a stacking direction 36. The

Stacking direction 36 corresponds to a stack thickness direction of the cell stack 34. The stacking direction 36 in the present case runs perpendicular to one

Main extension plane of the electrochemical cell 14. Further, in the present case, main extension planes of the electrochemical cells 14, 16 of the cell unit 12 are arranged parallel to each other.

The cell unit 12 has a first end plate 50 and a second end plate 52. The first end plate 50 and the second end plate 52 define the electrochemical cells 14, 16 of the cell stack 34 toward opposite sides of the cell stack 34. The end plates 50, 52 are connected to each other, for example by means not shown connecting struts and act on the electrochemical cells 14, 16 of the cell stack 34 with a compressive force which counteracts in particular a pressure due to formation of hydrogen gas and / or oxygen gas or in particular a tightness of the juxtaposed electrochemical cells 14, 16 with each other and / or a tightness of the respective electrochemical cell 14, 16 accomplished or at least contributes to this.

The electrochemical device 10 has connection elements 22, 24 for connection to a power supply 26. In a normal operating state, the cell unit 12 is supplied with electrical power via the connection elements 22, 24. A

Total voltage is in this case between a frontmost electrochemical cell 58, which bears in particular on the first end plate 50, and a rearmost electrochemical cell 60, which rests in particular on the second end plate 52 at. At individual electrochemical cells 14, 16, 58, 60 of the cell unit 12 is located in the

Normal operating state in each case a voltage between about 1 V and about 2.5 V, as especially mentioned above.

The electrochemical cell 14 has a thickness of at most 5 mm. In the present case, the electrochemical cells 14, 16, 58, 60 of the cell unit 12 each have a thickness of approximately 1.8 mm, wherein any other thicknesses are conceivable.

The electrochemical cell 14 has at least one contact element 18, which is different from a connection element 22, 24 for a power supply 26. The

Contact element 18 is accessible from an exterior of the cell unit 12. in the , -

the present case, the contact element 18 from an exterior of the

Electrochemical device 10 forth accessible. The contact element 18 is arranged outside an active interior of the electrochemical cell 14 and / or outside an active interior of the cell unit 12. The contact element 18 allows an electrical

Contacting the electrochemical cell 14, in particular its anode or its cathode.

Furthermore, the further electrochemical cell 16 has at least one other

Contact element 20 on. In the present case, each of the electrochemical cells 14, 16, 58, 60 of the cell unit 12 in each case at least one contact element 18, 20, wherein the contact elements 18, 20 for reasons of clarity not all

Reference numerals are provided. It is also conceivable that only some of the

electrochemical cells 14, 16, 58, 60 of the cell unit 12 contact elements 18, 20 have. In the present case, a particular electrochemical cell 14, 16, 58, 60 are each assigned two contact elements 18, 20, of which in particular one is at an anode potential and one at a cathode potential of the corresponding electrochemical cell 14, 16, 58, 60. In particular, the contact elements 18, 20 associated with a particular electrochemical cell 14, 16, 58, 60 are each a contact element of the corresponding electrochemical cell 14, 16, 58, 60 and a contact element 18, 20 of an immediately adjacent other electrochemical cell 14, 16, 58, 60. In particular, in this way a specific contact element 18, 20 is assigned in each case to two directly adjacent electrochemical cells 14, 16, 58, 60, the corresponding contact element 18, 20 being at an anode potential of one electrochemical cell 14, 16, 58, 60, which corresponds to a cathode potential of the other electrochemical cell 14, 16, 58, 60.

For example, in the present case, the electrochemical cell 14 is the

Contact element 18 and the other contact element 20 assigned. In addition, the further contact element 20 of the electrochemical cell 14 and the further electrochemical cell 16 is assigned in the present case.

The contact element 18 is formed in the present case as a sheet contact element. The contact element 18 has a thickness of less than 1 mm, preferably less than 0.5 mm. The contact element 18 has a main extension plane, which extends at least substantially perpendicular to the stacking direction 36. in the - -

In the present case, the contact element 18 protrudes laterally out of the cell stack 34 in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction 36. Furthermore, the contact element 18 is formed in the present case of a metal, in particular of titanium, wherein, as mentioned above, other materials are conceivable. The further contact element 20 is at least substantially identical to the contact element 18 is formed.

The contact element 18 and the further contact element 20 are arranged offset to one another, in particular as viewed along the stacking direction 36. In the present case, the contact element 18 and the further contact element 20 are arranged on the same side of the cell stack 34. It is also conceivable that the contact element 18 and the further contact element 20 are arranged on different sides of the cell unit 12 and / or the cell stack 34. The contact element 18 is arranged in the present case in a view perpendicular to the stacking direction 36 above a longitudinal axis 80 of the cell stack 34. The further contact element 20 is arranged in the present case in the view perpendicular to the stacking direction 36 below the longitudinal axis 80 of the cell stack 34. However, the arrangement shown is purely exemplary. In particular, any other staggered arrangements of

Contact elements 18, 20 conceivable.

Several, in the present case all, electrochemical cells 14, 16, 58, 60 of the

Cell stack 34 each have at least one contact element 18, 20, wherein at least some of the contact elements 18, 20 are arranged offset to one another.

In particular, adjacent contact elements 18, 20 are arranged offset from each other. In the present case, the contact elements 18, 20 are respectively arranged with respect to the stacking direction 36 at the same position of their corresponding electrochemical cell 14, 16, 58, 60, so that in particular a distance between immediately adjacent contact elements 18, 20 of a thickness of the electrochemical cells 14, 16th , 58, 60 corresponds. However, other arrangements with respect to the stacking direction 36 are conceivable, so that, for example, immediately adjacent contact elements 18, 20 can be arranged on opposite sides of their respective electrochemical cells 14, 16, 58, 60. In a consideration along the stacking direction 36 are at least some of

Contact elements 18, 20 of the cell stack 34 arranged in several rows. In the figure 1 each longitudinal axes 62, 64, 66 of the rows are marked. In the figure 1 , -

three rows are shown, with any other number is conceivable. In addition, it is conceivable that the rows are arranged on a common side of the cell unit 12 and / or on different, in particular opposite, sides of the cell unit 12. Further, in the present case, the contact elements 18, 20

arranged in a staircase and / or associated with the rows in a regular pattern. Here, any arrangements are also conceivable.

The electrochemical device 10 has a monitoring unit 42, which is electrically connected to the contact element 18 and the further contact element 20. In the present case, the monitoring unit 42 is connected to each contact element 18, 20 of the cell unit 12. The monitoring unit 42 is provided for a determination of at least one single cell parameter by means of the contact elements 18, 20. For example, the single cell parameter may be a

Single cell voltage, current, impedance or the like.

For example, in the present case, a single voltage of the electrochemical cell 14 by means of a measurement of one between the contact element 18 and the other

Contact element 20 applied voltage can be determined. The monitoring unit 42 is provided in the present case for carrying out a corresponding measurement.

The monitoring unit 42 is provided to detect at least one fault operating state based on the single cell parameter and at least one

Operating parameters of the cell unit 12 in response to occurrence of the

To change error operating state. For example, the monitoring unit 42 may be provided to short-circuit parts, in particular defective electrochemical cells, of the cell unit 12, in particular via corresponding ones

Contact elements. In this case, an operating current flows at least in sections through a bridging section, not shown, of the monitoring unit. It is also conceivable that the monitoring unit is provided for controlling and / or regulating at least one operating parameter in at least one normal operating state. For example, the monitoring unit 42 may be provided to a

Fluid supply, a power supply, a temperature, a gas production rate or the like as a function of at least one determined single cell parameters adapt. , -

In principle, it is conceivable that the electrochemical device 10 no

Monitoring unit 42 has. It is also conceivable that, instead of or in addition to the monitoring unit 42, any other measuring devices are connected and / or connectable with at least one of the contact elements 18, 20, for example for maintenance purposes, during commissioning, during a quality control, when testing individual electrochemical cells 14, 16, 58, 60 or the like.

2 shows the electrochemical device 10 in a schematic side view, wherein the monitoring unit 42 is not shown for reasons of clarity. The electrochemical device 10 has a, in particular optionally attachable, bridging element 38, which is provided in at least one

Operating state to produce an electrical connection between the contact element 18 and at least one other contact element 40 to bridge at least a portion of the cell unit 12. In particular, the invention also includes a system with the electrochemical device 10 and the bridging element 38. In the present case, the bridging element 38 can be plugged onto the contact elements 18, 40, for example manually, in particular by a user. The bridging element 38 may comprise a flexible conductor section, for example a cable.

In particular, the bridging element 38 is intended to be any

Contact elements 18, 20, 40 to connect together, preferably at least two. By means of the bridging element 38, individual electrochemical cells 14, 16, 58, 60 or also a partial stack of the cell unit 12 and / or the cell stack 34 can be temporarily bridged, in particular. Likewise, a bridging of short-circuited areas is conceivable, in particular as an alternative to

Monitoring unit 42 or in addition to this. FIG. 3 shows a functional element 28 of the electrochemical cell 14 in a schematic plan view. The functional element 28 is plate-like. The functional element 28 is formed as a cell stack element. In the present case, the cell stack 34 comprises a plurality of cell stack elements which, as mentioned above, are arranged in repeating units and thus form the electrochemical cells 14, 16, 58, 60 and the cell stack 34. The functional element 28 may be, for example, a bipolar plate, a perforated plate, a screen plate, a pressure pedestal or the like. , -

The functional element 28 has the contact element 18. Preferably, the functional element 28 is at least partially metallic. In an assembled state of the electrochemical cell 14, the functional element 28 is particularly preferably at its anode potential or at its cathode potential, so that a corresponding potential can be tapped off via the functional element 28.

In the present case, each of the electrochemical cells 14, 16, 58, 60 of the

Cell unit 12, which has a contact element 18, 20, an analogously designed functional element 28 with the corresponding contact element 18, 20.

Preferably, the functional elements 28 with the contact elements 18, 20 are of the same type. But it is, especially if a variable distance in

Stacking direction 36 between contact elements is desired, conceivable that

Contact elements 18, 20 are attached to functional elements 28 of different types.

The functional element 28 has a functional component 30, which is connected at least partially in one piece with the contact element 18. The functional

Component 30 provides an active area 68 for an active interior of the electrochemical cell 14. For example, the functional component 30 may be a

Electrode surface and / or a fluid distribution layer or the like. The contact element 18 is formed as a nose-like projection of a plate 32. In the present case, the plate 32 is a component of the functional component 30 and / or forms this. For example, the plate 32 may be a sheet, in particular a titanium sheet. Preferably, the contact element 18 and the plate 32 are integrally formed. Particularly preferably, the contact element 18 and the plate 32 from a common blank, in particular a common plate, can be produced. Preferably, the contact element 18 and the plate 32 are formed as a stamped part and / or as a stamped and bent part.

In FIG. 3, the functional element 28 is shown in a preassembled state. In the preassembled state, the functional element 28 has at least two

Contact elements 18, 46, 48, which are each intended to be separated optionally. In the present case, the functional element 28 has three

Contact elements 18, 46, 48, which are in particular at least substantially identical. Of course, any other number is , -

Contact elements 18, 46, 48 conceivable. The contact elements 18, 46, 48 project beyond an edge 70 of the functional element 28 and in particular can be separated along the edge 70. It is conceivable that corresponding embossing and / or

Predetermined breaking points and / or perforations or the like are provided. By suitable separation of contact elements 18, 46, 48, a remaining

Contact element 18 or optionally several remaining

Contact elements 18, 46, 48 are assigned to the rows in which the contact elements 18, 20 of the cell unit 12 are arranged.

4 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method for producing the electrochemical device 10. The method includes a method 72 for producing the functional element 28. In at least one method step 74, the functional element 28 is manufactured with the contact elements 18, 46, 48. Preferably, the functional component 30 and the contact elements 18, 46, 48 are manufactured in at least one common working step, for example by means of punching. In at least one method step 76, at least one of the contact elements 46, 48 is disconnected. In the present case, two of the three contact elements 18, 46, 48 are separated, so that in particular only the contact element 18 remains. One

Separation of contact elements 46, 48 takes place in accordance with an arrangement of contact elements 18, 20 in the cell stack 34. Of course, it is conceivable to remove all contact elements 18, 46, 48, if, for example, a

corresponding electrochemical cell 14, 16, 58, 60 should have no contact element. In addition, it is conceivable not to separate a plurality of contact elements 18, 46, 48, so that the functional element 28 in a mounted state can identify a plurality of contact elements 18, 46, 48, for example, a multiple contact, such as

different sides of the cell unit 12 or simultaneously by a

Monitoring unit 42 and an additional attached bridging element 38, to allow.

In a further method step 78, the functional element 28 is stacked with other functional elements in order to form the cell stack 34. In principle, it is of course also conceivable to separate contact elements 18, 46, 48 only after production of a cell stack 34.

Claims

19.04.18 claims

1 . Electrochemical device, in particular electrolysis device, in particular polymer electrolyte membrane electrolysis device, having at least one

Cell unit (12) comprising at least one electrochemical cell (14), characterized in that the electrochemical cell (14) comprises at least one contact element (18) different from a connection element (22, 24) for a power supply (26) ,

2. Electrochemical device according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrochemical cell (14) comprises at least one functional element (28), in particular a functional cell stack element comprising the contact element (18).

3. Electrochemical device according to claim 2, characterized in that the contact element (18) and at least one functional component (30) of the functional element (28) are at least partially connected in one piece.

4. Electrochemical device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact element (18) as a nose-like projection of a plate (32), in particular a sheet is formed.

5. Electrochemical device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrochemical cell (14) has a thickness of at most 5 mm, advantageously of at most 3 mm and particularly advantageously of at most 2 mm.

6. Electrochemical device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cell unit (12) at least one further

having electrochemical cell (16) with at least one further contact element (20).

7. Electrochemical device according to claim 6, characterized in that the contact element (18) and the further contact element (20) are arranged offset from one another.

8. Electrochemical device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cell unit (12) comprises at least one cell stack (34) with a plurality of stacked arranged electrochemical cells (14, 16) each having at least one contact element (18, 20), wherein at least some of the contact elements (18, 20) are arranged offset from one another.

The electrochemical device according to claim 8, characterized in that at least some of the contact elements (18, 20) of the cell stack (34) are arranged in a plurality of rows as viewed along a stacking direction (36).

10. Electrochemical device according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized by at least one bridging element (38) which is provided to produce in at least one operating state, an electrical connection between the contact element (18) and at least one other contact element (40), at least to bridge a part of the cell unit (12).

1 1. Electrochemical device according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized by at least one monitoring unit (42) which is electrically connectable and / or connected to the contact element (18) and to the further contact element (20).

12. An electrochemical device according to claim 1 1, characterized in that the monitoring unit (42) for a determination of at least one

Single cell parameter, in particular a single cell voltage, by means of the contact elements (18, 20) is provided.

13. An electrochemical device according to claim 12, characterized in that the monitoring unit (42) is provided, based on the

Single cell parameter to recognize at least one error operating state and to change at least one operating parameter of the cell unit (12) in response to an occurrence of the error operating state.

14. Electrolyzer with at least one electrochemical device (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

15. Functional element, in particular a functional cell stack element, for an electrochemical device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 13,

characterized by at least two contact elements (18, 46, 48), which are each provided to be selectively separated.

16. A method for producing a functional element (28), in particular according to claim 15, an electrochemical device (10), in particular according to one of claims 1 to 13, which in at least one preassembled state at least two arranged at different positions contact elements (18, 46, 48), wherein at least one of the contact elements (46, 48) is separated.