• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    The present invention relates to a desulfurization arrangement (1) for a fuel cell system (2), comprising a main desulfurization unit (3) for desulfurizing fuel for the fuel cell system (2) in a main fuel passage (4) of the fuel cell system (2) during a normal operation phase , in which the fuel cell system (2) is operated predominantly, a buffer desulfurization unit (5) for desulfurizing the fuel in an at least partially parallel to the main fuel passage (4) configured secondary fuel passage (6) of the fuel cell system (2), the one Bypass to the main desulfurization unit (3), in an exchange operation phase of the fuel cell system (2) in which an exchange of the main desulfurization unit (3) is performed, and a main lock device (7, 8) for blocking the main fuel passage ( 4) at least in sections upstream and downstream of the main desulphurisation unit (3) during the replacement operation phase of the fuel cell system (2). The invention further relates to a fuel cell system (2) having a desulfurization arrangement (1) according to the invention and to a method for exchanging a desulfurization unit (3) in a fuel cell system (2) with a desulfurization arrangement according to the invention.
    公开号:AT520770A1
    申请号:T50017/2018
    申请日:2018-01-12
    公开日:2019-07-15
    发明作者:Nikolaus Soukup Bsc
    申请人:Avl List Gmbh；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    Summary
    The present invention relates to a desulfurization arrangement (1) for a fuel cell system (2), comprising a main desulfurization unit (3) for desulfurizing fuel for the fuel cell system (2) in a main fuel passage (4) of the fuel cell system (2) during a normal operating phase which mainly operates the fuel cell system (2), a buffer desulfurization unit (5) for desulfurizing the fuel in an auxiliary fuel passage (6) of the fuel cell system (2) which is at least partially parallel to the main fuel passage (4) and which bypasses Main desulfurization unit (3) forms, in an exchange operating phase of the fuel cell system (2), in which an exchange of the main desulfurization unit (3) is carried out, and a main locking device (7, 8) for locking the main fuel passage (4) at least in sections upstream and downstream of the main desulfurization unit (3) during the exchange operating phase of the fuel cell system (2). The invention further relates to a fuel cell system (2) with a desulfurization arrangement (1) according to the invention and a method for replacing a desulfurization unit (3) in a fuel cell system (2) with a desulfurization arrangement according to the invention.
    Fig. 1
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    Desulfurization arrangement and method for replacing a desulfurization unit in a fuel cell system
    The present invention relates to a desulfurization arrangement for desulfurizing fuel for a fuel cell system. The invention further relates to a fuel cell system, in particular a stationary fuel cell system, with a desulfurization arrangement. The invention also relates to a method for replacing a desulfurization unit in a fuel cell system.
    With a stationary fuel cell system, it is always a goal to have it continuously in operation due to the long start times. The problem that arises here is that no or at least only a small amount of sulfur may enter the fuel cell system in order to prevent degeneration of the system. However, sulfur is present in the fuel used, which is why the fuel cell system must be regularly freed from it. In the prior art, desulfurization units are used for this purpose, which must be replaced regularly, for example annually. Such fuel cell systems are known from DE 201 22 157 U1 and US 2012/0040256 A1. To replace the desulfurization units, however, the fuel cell system must either be switched off or at least the electricity production must be stopped in order to prevent sulfur-containing gas from entering the system components and causing them to degenerate. This is unsatisfactory with regard to the above-mentioned goal of operating the fuel cell system as uninterruptedly as possible.
    Another problem with generic fuel cell systems is that when the desulfurization units known in the prior art are replaced, it is currently unavoidable that oxygen, even if only in small amounts, gets into the fuel cell system. After the fuel, for example in the form of natural gas, has been reformed into hydrogen and carbon monoxide-rich gas in a reformer of a fuel cell system, it reaches the anode section of the fuel cell system. As a result, oxygen can reach the anode section after replacing the desulfurization unit while the fuel cell system is in operation. However, oxygen is harmful to the anode section during operation of the fuel cell system. If only one desulfurization unit with bypass line is used, the same can be exchanged
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    AVL List GmbH, on the other hand, get non-desulfurized gas to the anode section for a short time, which means that sulfur can poison the cells.
    If two parallel desulfurization units are used, the interruption of the operation can be avoided, but oxygen can still get into the anode section by exchanging the desulfurization units.
    The object of the present invention is to at least partially take into account the problems described above. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a desulfurization arrangement for a fuel cell system, a fuel cell system and a method for exchanging a desulfurization unit in a fuel cell system, by means of which fuel for the fuel cell system can be desulfurized reliably even over long periods of time when the fuel cell system is operating without interruption.
    The above object is solved by the claims. In particular, the above object is achieved by the desulfurization arrangement according to claim 1, the fuel cell system according to claim 7 and the method according to claim 11. Further advantages of the invention result from the subclaims, the description and the drawings. Features and details that are described in connection with the desulfurization arrangement apply, of course, also in connection with the fuel cell system according to the invention, the method according to the invention and vice versa, so that with respect to the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention, reference is always made or can be made to one another.
    According to a first aspect of the present invention, a desulfurization arrangement for a fuel cell system is provided. The desulfurization arrangement has a main desulfurization unit for desulfurizing fuel for the fuel cell system in a main fuel passage of the fuel cell system during a normal operating phase in which the fuel cell system is predominantly operated. Furthermore, the desulfurization arrangement has a buffer desulfurization unit for desulfurizing the fuel in a secondary fuel passage of the fuel cell system which is at least partially parallel to the main fuel passage and which has a by
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    AVL List GmbH passes to the main desulfurization unit in an exchange operating phase of the fuel cell system, in which an exchange of the main desulfurization unit is carried out. In addition, the desulfurization arrangement has a main blocking device for blocking the main fuel passage at least in sections upstream and downstream of the main desulfurization unit during the exchange operating phase of the fuel cell system.
    Using the buffer desulfurization unit that can be arranged parallel to the main desulfurization unit, the fuel cell system can also be operated continuously with desulfurized fuel in the exchange operating state. This means that the buffer desulfurization unit can be operated completely independently of the main desulfurization unit. The main locking device can ensure that an old or used main desulfurization unit can be replaced quickly and easily by a new main desulfurization unit. During the exchange operating state, the fuel can be completely desulfurized by the buffer desulfurization unit and then passed to the desired position, in particular to an anode section of a fuel cell stack of the fuel cell system. Consequently, with the aid of the desulfurization arrangement according to the invention, the main desulfurization unit can be exchanged during the operation of the fuel cell system in such a way that the fuel supply to the fuel cell system does not have to be switched off during the exchange and thus the fuel cell system can also continuously generate electricity during the exchange.
    The main desulfurization unit is configured to desulfurize fuel used in the fuel cell system. The main desulfurization unit is designed in particular to provide desulfurized fuel for an anode section of a fuel cell stack of the fuel cell system.
    In order to block the main fuel passage upstream and downstream of the main desulfurization unit, the main blocking device can be switched into a blocking state. For this purpose, the main locking device is preferably designed as a valve arrangement. To block the main fuel passage upstream and downstream of the main desulfurization unit, the main blocking device preferably has at least one first main blocking valve for blocking the main 4/30
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    Fuel passage upstream of the main desulfurization unit and at least one second main shut-off valve for blocking the main fuel passage downstream of the main desulfurization unit. For the normal operating state, the main blocking device can be switched to a pass state for releasing the main fuel passage upstream and downstream of the main desulfurization unit. The main locking device can be switched into the locked state during the exchange operating phase. Nevertheless, the main blocking device can also be switched to a forward state or a partial forward state during the exchange operating phase, in which, for example, the first main shutoff valve is in a forwarded state and the second main shutoff valve is in a locked state.
    The desulfurization arrangement is designed in particular for a stationary fuel cell system. For the desulfurization of the fuel, the main desulfurization unit and the buffer desulfurization unit have desulfurization material for the process engineering removal of sulfur and / or sulfur-containing compounds from the fuel.
    A suitable control device can be provided to lock and unlock the main locking device. The control unit can be configured and configured in such a way that the main locking device is automatically switched to the locking state for locking the main fuel passage at least in sections upstream and / or downstream of the main desulfurization unit based on predefined threshold values. For this purpose, the desulfurization arrangement can have a measuring device for measuring an operating state of the main desulfurization unit, for example on the basis of a sulfur loading of the main desulfurization unit and / or on the basis of a predefined operating time and / or mode of operation, the control device being configured and designed so that the main blocking device is dependent on the measured or to recognize the recognized operating state of the main desulfurization unit at least in sections, that is to say upstream and / or downstream of the main desulfurization unit. This can automatically prevent non-desulfurized fuel from reaching the anode section of the fuel cell stack due to an outdated main desulfurization unit.
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    The desulfurization arrangement can furthermore have a signal unit for outputting a warning signal depending on the recognized operating state of the main desulfurization unit. A warning signal can thus be automatically output as soon as a predefined operating state of the main desulfurization unit is recognized by the measuring device, which requires an exchange of the main desulfurization unit. Inadvertent operation of the desulfurization arrangement in a state of the main desulfurization unit that is no longer fully functional or in a state in which a maximum permissible sulfur loading of the main desulfurization unit has been reached can be prevented in a simple manner.
    According to a further embodiment variant of the present invention, it is possible that the main desulfurization unit and the buffer desulfurization unit each have the same or at least partially the same desulfurization material for desulfurizing the fuel. If these have the same desulfurization material, the fuel can always be desulfurized evenly, regardless of whether the fuel cell system is currently in the normal operating phase or in the replacement operating phase. In addition, the provision of the same desulfurization material in the main desulfurization unit and in the buffer desulfurization unit has logistical advantages. Only one desulfurization material has to be provided in the manufacture of the two desulfurization units. Confusion is impossible. The use of the same desulfurization materials according to the invention is possible in particular because the desulfurization arrangement is created for a fuel cell system in which the main desulfurization unit and the buffer desulfurization unit are operated at the same or substantially the same operating temperature. This is generally not possible with a desulfurization arrangement for a fuel cell system in which different desulfurization units operate at different operating temperatures and / or with different loading capacities. It is expedient if the desulfurization material is a material composition composed of two or more materials.
    According to the invention, it can also be advantageous if the desulfurization materials of the two desulfurization units differ at least partially,
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    AVL List GmbH only partially have the same desulfurization material. For example, the desulfurization material of the main desulfurization unit can comprise a material composition in the range from about 70% to 90% material A, in particular about 80% material A and about 10% to 30% material B, in particular about 20% material B. The buffer desulfurization unit in this case comprises in particular about 100% material B. This enables the desulfurization units to be filled in a simple manner.
    In any case, it is advantageous if the desulfurization units are designed such that they work and function properly at ambient temperature. For this purpose, the desulfurization material or the desulfurization materials or desulfurization material composition are selected in particular.
    Furthermore, in a desulfurization arrangement according to the present invention it is possible that the desulfurization material has an adsorbent with manganese dioxide and copper oxide, with which an effective desulfurization is possible.
    A desulfurization arrangement according to the invention can also have at least one vent valve for arranging downstream of the main desulfurization unit in a vent passage of the fuel cell system which is at least partially parallel to the main fuel passage and there for venting the main desulfurization unit during the exchange operating phase, in which the main blocking device is in the main fuel passage upstream of the main desulfurization unit in a pass state and downstream of the main desulfurization unit in a blocking state. The vent valve can ensure that after the main desulfurization unit has been replaced and before switching to the normal operating state, there is no more air or oxygen in the main fuel passage and / or in the main desulfurization unit. As described above, oxygen is detrimental to the anode portion during operation of the fuel cell system. The vent valve according to the invention can be used to ensure in a simple manner that the main desulfurization unit can be replaced without subsequent damage to the fuel cell system. The first main shutoff valve can be switched to an on state during venting, while the second main shutoff valve can be closed
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    AVL List GmbH is switchable. In this case, the first main shut-off valve can be understood as a further vent valve. During the normal operating state, the ventilation valve can function as a shut-off valve, that is to say can be switched into a locked state, in order to prevent fuel flow through the ventilation passage.
    In addition, it is possible that a desulfurization arrangement according to the invention has a secondary blocking device for blocking the secondary fuel passage, at least in sections upstream and downstream of the buffer desulfurization unit, in particular in the area of the bypass, during the normal operating phase of the fuel cell system. This can easily prevent the bypass desulfurization unit from being exposed to fuel and thus sulfur during the normal operating phase. The sub-blocking device may have a first sub-blocking valve for blocking the sub-fuel passage upstream of the buffer desulfurization unit and a second sub-blocking valve for blocking the sub-fuel passage downstream of the buffer desulfurization unit.
    It can be a further advantage if, in a desulfurization arrangement according to the present invention, the main desulfurization unit has more desulfurization material than the buffer desulfurization unit. The main desulfurization unit is therefore preferably larger than the buffer desulfurization unit. In particular, the main desulfurization unit is designed in a size at which a predefined maintenance interval of, for example, one year can be maintained for the exchange. As a result, it is not necessary to operate two large desulfurization units at the same time, but mainly the main desulfurization unit and only the significantly smaller buffer desulfurization unit in the exchange mode. The main desulfurization unit has a multiple of desulfurization material compared to the buffer desulfurization unit. The buffer desulfurization unit preferably has less than 10%, in particular less than 1%, of the amount of desulfurization material of the main desulfurization unit. The size of the buffer desulfurization unit is such that it can be operated at a specified maintenance interval for the entire service life of the system and therefore does not have to be replaced.
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    According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a fuel cell system comprising a fuel cell stack with an anode section and a cathode section, a reformer upstream of the anode section for reforming fuel for the anode section, a burner downstream of the fuel cell stack for burning anode exhaust gas from the anode section and / or cathode exhaust gas from the cathode section, a fuel source for providing the fuel for the fuel cell system, and a desulfurization arrangement as described in detail above. In the fuel cell system, the main desulfurization unit is arranged in the main fuel passage, the buffer desulfurization unit is arranged in the secondary fuel passage which is parallel to the main fuel passage and forms a bypass to the main desulfurization unit, and the main blocking device is for blocking the main fuel passage at least in sections upstream and downstream of the main desulfurization unit during the exchange operating phase of the fuel cell system.
    A fuel cell system according to the invention thus brings with it the same advantages as have been described in detail with reference to the desulfurization arrangement according to the invention. The fuel cell system is preferably designed as a stationary fuel cell system, in particular as a stationary SOFC system.
    In order to block the main fuel passage upstream and downstream of the main desulfurization unit, the main blocking device can be switched into a blocking state. In order to release the main fuel passage upstream and downstream of the main desulfurization unit, at least in sections, for a fuel flow, the main blocking device can be switched to a forward state. In a fuel cell system according to the invention, the main desulfurization unit could be processed instead of the main desulfurization unit being replaced during the exchange operating phase. In this case, a base body of the main desulfurization unit would remain arranged in the fuel cell system, while, for example, only the desulfurization material is exchanged or suitably processed. This means that it is not absolutely necessary for the entire main desulfurization unit to be replaced during the exchange operating phase.
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    As mentioned above, the main blocking device preferably has a first main blocking valve upstream, in particular directly upstream, of the main desulfurization unit and a second main blocking valve downstream, in particular directly downstream, of the main desulfurization unit. The two main shut-off valves can be switched independently of one another. This allows the desired blocking or passage state in the main fuel passage in the area of the main desulfurization unit to be switched in a simple manner.
    As mentioned above, the sub-blocking device preferably has a first sub-blocking valve upstream, in particular directly upstream, of the buffer desulfurization unit and a second sub-blocking valve downstream, in particular directly downstream, of the buffer desulfurization unit. The two auxiliary valves can be switched independently of one another. This allows the desired blocking or passage state to be switched in the secondary fuel passage in the area of the buffer desulfurization unit in a simple manner.
    To control the various shut-off valves, the fuel cell system has suitable actuators which can be controlled by a control device as described above. The control device can have an electronic control unit for automatically performing the desired switching operations, in particular based on the measurement values explained above.
    The bypass of the secondary fuel passage to the main desulfurization unit preferably begins upstream of the first main shutoff valve and ends in the main fuel passage downstream of the second main shutoff valve, both the first auxiliary shutoff valve, the buffer desulfurization unit and the second auxiliary shutoff valve being in the bypass. As a result, the desired connection and disconnection of the main desulfurization unit and the buffer desulfurization unit for the desired desulfurization of the fuel can be implemented particularly effectively and reliably. The main fuel passage and the secondary fuel passage preferably branch off from an initial fuel passage into at least sections of fuel passages running parallel to one another, the initial fuel passage emerging from a fuel source of the fuel cell system. This enables a particularly simple and space-saving line construction to be implemented in the fuel cell system.
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    According to a further embodiment variant of the present invention, it is possible for the at least one vent valve downstream of the main desulfurization unit to be arranged in the vent passage of the fuel cell system, which is at least partially parallel to the main fuel passage, the vent valve for venting the main desulfurization unit during the exchange of the fuel cell towards the burner system is arranged downstream of the vent valve is configured. As a result, the advantageous effect already mentioned above can be achieved that oxygen can be removed from the main fuel passage in the area of the main desulfurization unit before switching over to the normal operating state of the fuel cell system, as a result of which the anode section of the fuel cell stack in particular can be protected against operational damage. The vent passage preferably branches off from the main fuel passage downstream of the main desulfurization unit and upstream of the second main shutoff valve towards the burner.
    Furthermore, in a fuel cell system according to the invention, it is possible for the burner to have a catalytic afterburner upstream of the fuel cell stack and for the ventilation passage to pass the catalytic afterburner into the burner. As a result, the fuel for ventilation can be fed directly into the afterburner without acting on the catalytic afterburner. This is conducive to the longevity of the catalytic afterburner and therefore also to the correspondingly long-lasting functioning of the fuel cell system. The catalytic afterburner is preferably designed as an oxidation catalyst for catalytic combustion of the anode exhaust gas and the cathode exhaust gas. It can also be favorable if the burner and the catalytic after-burner are designed as a common and / or integral component.
    In addition, it may be advantageous if, in a fuel cell system according to the present invention, a throttle valve is arranged downstream of the vent valve for the predefined throttling of a vent stream in the direction of the burner. Appropriate control and / or regulation of the throttle can prevent the burner from being subjected to an excessive amount of fuel during the venting, as a result of which the thermal behavior of the fuel cell system could be adversely affected. Through a throttle lt / 30
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    AVL List GmbH ventilation flow and thus a corresponding throttling of the amount of fuel with which the burner is charged during the exchange operating phase, a uniform operation can be guaranteed during all operating phases of the fuel cell system.
    According to a further aspect of the present invention, a method for exchanging a desulfurization unit in a fuel cell system as described above is provided. The process has the following steps:
    Switching the main blocking device into a blocking state for blocking the main fuel passage at least in sections upstream and downstream of the main desulfurization unit,
    Diverting a fuel supply in the direction of the anode section through the buffer desulfurization unit,
    Replacing the main desulfurization unit with a new main desulfurization unit while passing the fuel through the buffer desulfurization unit towards the anode section, and
    Switching the main lockout device to an on state to release the main fuel passage for fuel flow from the fuel source through the main desulfurization unit to the anode portion of the fuel cell stack after the main desulfurization unit is replaced.
    A method according to the invention thus also brings with it the advantages described in detail above. In the method, the redirection of the fuel supply in the direction of the anode section is brought about in particular by switching the main locking device into the locking state. As soon as the main blocking device has been switched into the blocking state, that is to say preferably the first main blocking valve and the second main blocking valve have been switched to the blocking state, the secondary blocking device, that is to say preferably the first secondary blocking valve and the second secondary blocking valve, can be switched to a forward state. Now the fuel from the fuel source can no longer flow over the main desulfurization unit, but only over the buffer desulfurization unit. More specifically, the fuel can now bypass the secondary fuel passage through the buffer desulfurization unit that opens
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    AVL List GmbH te secondary blocking device further into a section of the main fuel passage downstream of the main blocking device, in particular downstream of the second main blocking valve.
    It is particularly advantageous if the new main desulfurization unit is vented by opening the main blocking device and the vent valve, in particular immediately after the same has been inserted. Furthermore, it is expedient if the vent valve is also closed at the same time as switching the main blocking device into a passage state.
    As described above, instead of replacing, a cleaning or a corresponding reprocessing of the main desulfurization unit can also be carried out, in which, so to speak, only a part of the main desulfurization unit is exchanged and / or processed. When carrying out the method, the main desulfurization unit and the buffer desulfurization unit are operated at the same or essentially the same operating temperature.
    According to a further embodiment variant of the present invention, it is possible in one method for the vent valve to be switched into a venting state after the main desulfurization unit has been replaced and before the main locking device has been switched to the on state and the main locking device in the main fuel passage upstream of the main desulfurization unit is switched to a pass state and downstream of the main desulfurization unit in a blocking state, the main desulfurization unit and the main fuel passage being vented by means of fuel from the fuel source which is passed from the fuel source via the main desulfurization unit through the vent valve. These circuit measures allow the main fuel passage to be vented simply and reliably, thereby protecting the anode section of the fuel cell stack from damage. Once the fuel cell system has been switched to the aforementioned operating state, fuel can flow from the fuel source via the main fuel passage through the first main shutoff valve of the main shutoff device, the replaced main desulfurization unit and out of the main fuel passage via the vent passage through the vent valve of the burner. This fluid path including the functional components arranged therein can be
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    AVL List GmbH in particular in the form of natural gas. The fuel used for ventilation can then be burned in the afterburner. A heat exchanger is arranged downstream of the burner and can be heated by the burned fuel in the burner. As a result, the fuel used for ventilation can be used to heat the burner, which in turn can heat a working fluid of the fuel cell system, for example air, which is conducted to the cathode section of the fuel cell stack. This enables a particularly efficient fuel cell system to be made available.
    In addition, it is possible in a method according to the invention that a volume flow of the fuel from the fuel source to the burner is regulated to a predefined value by the throttle valve during the venting of the main desulfurization unit and the main fuel passage. This can ensure that the burner is not supplied with too much fuel, which could adversely affect the thermal behavior in this area. This also ensures that unnecessary fuel is not used for venting the main fuel passage, that is to say fuel is saved.
    Further measures improving the invention result from the following description of various exemplary embodiments of the invention, which are shown schematically in the figures. All of the features and / or advantages arising from the claims, the description or the drawing, including structural details and spatial arrangements, can be essential to the invention both individually and in the various combinations.
    Each shows schematically:
    1 shows a block diagram to illustrate a fuel cell system with a desulfurization arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention, and
    FIG. 2 shows a flow chart for explaining a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
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    1 schematically shows a stationary fuel cell system 2 in the form of an SOFC system with a desulfurization arrangement 1. The fuel cell system has a fuel cell stack 14 with an anode section 15 and a cathode section 16. Furthermore, the fuel cell system 2 has a reformer 17, which is arranged upstream of the anode section 15 for reforming fuel for the anode section 15. The fuel cell system 2 also has a burner 18 downstream of the fuel cell stack 14 for burning anode exhaust gas from the anode section 15 and cathode exhaust gas from the cathode section 16, and a fuel source 26 for providing the fuel for the fuel cell system 2.
    The desulfurization arrangement 1 of the fuel cell system 2 has a main desulfurization unit 3 for desulfurizing the fuel for the fuel cell system 2 in a main fuel passage 4 of the fuel cell system 2 during a normal operating phase in which the fuel cell system 2 is predominantly operated. In addition, the desulfurization arrangement 1 has a buffer desulfurization unit 5 for desulfurizing the fuel in a secondary fuel passage 6 of the fuel cell system 2, which is configured in sections parallel to the main fuel passage 4 and forms a bypass to the main desulfurization unit 3, in an exchange operating phase of the fuel cell system 2, in which an exchange of the Main desulfurization unit 3 is carried out.
    The desulfurization arrangement 1 further comprises a main blocking device with a first main blocking valve 7 upstream of the main desulfurization unit 3 and a second main blocking valve 8 downstream of the main desulfurization unit 3, for blocking the main fuel passage 4 directly upstream and directly downstream of the main desulfurization unit 3 during the exchange operating phase of the fuel cell system 2.
    The desulfurization arrangement 1 also has a secondary blocking device with a first secondary blocking valve 12 directly upstream of the buffer desulfurization unit 5 and a second secondary blocking valve 13 directly downstream of the buffer desulfurization unit 5, for blocking the secondary fuel passage 6 in sections upstream and downstream of the buffers
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    Desulfurization unit 5 during the normal operating phase of the fuel cell system 2.
    In the desulfurization arrangement 1 of the fuel cell system 2, a vent valve 9 is further arranged downstream of the main desulfurization unit 3 in a vent passage 11 of the fuel cell system 2, which is configured in sections parallel to the main fuel passage 4, the vent valve 9 for venting the main desulfurization unit 3 during the exchange operating phase in Direction of the burner 18, which is arranged downstream of the vent valve 9, is configured.
    Downstream of the fuel cell stack 14, the burner 18 is preceded by a catalyst or catalytic afterburner 19, the ventilation passage 11 leading past the catalytic afterburner 19 directly into the burner 18. Downstream of the vent valve 9 there is a throttle valve 10 for predefined throttling of a vent stream or a quantity of fuel in the direction of the burner 18.
    There is also a sulfur-free gas supply line 30. This also enables the burner 18 to be supplied with sulfur-free fuel.
    In the fuel cell system 2 shown in FIG. 1, the main desulfurization unit 3 and the buffer desulfurization unit 5 each have at least partially the same desulfurization material for desulfurizing the fuel. The desulfurization material has an adsorbent with manganese dioxide and copper oxide. In addition, the buffer desulfurization unit 5 has less than 1% of the desulfurization material of the main desulfurization unit 3.
    As further shown in FIG. 1, the fuel cell system 2 has a cathode gas supply section 27 for supplying air to the cathode section 16 of the fuel cell stack 14. A suction fan 25 for introducing the air into the cathode gas supply section 27 is arranged in the cathode gas supply section 27. A mass flow controller 24 for regulating the amount of air in the cathode gas supply section 27 is arranged upstream of the suction fan 25. A heat exchanger 20 with a cold side is arranged in the cathode gas supply section 27 downstream of the suction fan. Downstream of the suction fan 25 also branches off a fluid line 28 in the direction of the catalytic afterburner 19 to the catalytic
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    AVL List GmbH see afterburner 19 and burner 18 to be able to supply air for a combustion taking place therein. A further mass flow regulator 23 for regulating the air supply in the direction of the catalytic afterburner 19 is arranged in the fluid line 28.
    According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a mass flow controller 21 for regulating a fuel supply in the direction of the reformer 17 and correspondingly to the anode section 15 of the fuel cell stack 14 are also arranged upstream of the reformer 17 and downstream of the second main shutoff valve 8. Such a mass flow controller 22 is also arranged downstream of the second bypass valve 13 for regulating a fuel supply via the buffer desulfurization unit 5 through the ventilation passage 11 to the burner 18. The fuel cell system 2 has an outlet section 29 for discharging the burned exhaust gases into the surroundings of the fuel cell system 2. In this, the heat exchanger 20 is integrated downstream of the burner 18 with a hot side.
    A method for replacing the main desulfurization unit 3 in a fuel cell system 2 according to a preferred embodiment is subsequently described with reference to FIG. 2.
    In a first step S1, the main blocking device, that is to say both the first main blocking valve 7 and the second main blocking valve 8, is switched into a blocking state for blocking the main fuel passage 4 upstream and downstream of the main desulfurization unit 3. In a second step, the secondary blocking device, that is to say both the first secondary blocking valve 12 and the second secondary blocking valve 13, is switched to an on state. Here, the fuel supply in the direction of the anode section 15 is diverted via the bypass of the secondary fuel passage 6 through the buffer desulfurization unit 5. The fuel cell system 2 is now operated in an exchange operating state. For uninterrupted operation, the main fuel passage 4 is blocked and the auxiliary fuel passage 6 is switched to the on state at the same time or takes place with a time delay so that the gas supply to the mass flow controllers 21, 22 is always ensured.
    In principle, it can also be advantageous if the secondary blocking device is switched to a pass state in a first step and in a second step
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    Step the main locking device is switched into a locking state. According to FIG. 2, steps S1 and S2 would therefore be interchanged, step S2 being carried out before step S1. This is favorable because it enables fuel to be supplied continuously and / or without interruption.
    In a step S3 which follows in all cases, the main desulfurization unit 3 is replaced by a new main desulfurization unit 3, while the fuel is passed through the buffer desulfurization unit 3 in the direction of the anode section 15. Thereafter, the first main shutoff valve 7 and the vent valve 9 are each switched to an on state in a fourth step S4. The main fuel passage 4 and the new main desulfurization unit 3 can now be vented in step S5 with fuel, in the present case natural gas, in that the fuel from the fuel source 26 via the main fuel passage 4 through the new main desulfurization unit 3 and on the vent passage 11 branching off from the main fuel passage 4 is led through the vent valve 9 to or into the burner 18 and is burned there. During the venting of the main desulfurization unit 3 and the main fuel passage 4 in the area of the main desulfurization unit 3, a volume flow of the fuel from the fuel source 26 to the burner 18 is regulated by the throttle valve 10 to a predefined value.
    After venting, the vent valve 9 is switched back to a blocking state in step S6. In addition, the second main shut-off valve 8 is switched to an on state in a seventh step S7. Now, in an eighth step S8, the secondary locking device 12, 13 can be switched back to the locked state and the fuel cell system 2 can be operated in the normal operating mode using the new main desulfurization unit 3.
    In addition to the illustrated embodiments, the invention permits further design principles. That is, the invention should not be considered limited to the exemplary embodiments explained with reference to the figures.
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    LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS
    Entschwefelungsanordnung
    The fuel cell system
    Main desulfurization
    Main fuel passage
    Buffer desulfurization
    Besides fuel passage
    Main shutoff valve (main shutoff device)
    Main shutoff valve (main shutoff device)
    vent valve
    throttle valve
    vent passage
    Secondary lock valve (secondary lock device)
    Secondary lock valve (secondary lock device)
    fuel cell stack
    anode section
    cathode portion
    reformer
    Burner catalytic afterburner
    heat exchangers
    Mass flow controllers
    Mass flow controllers
    Mass flow controllers
    Mass flow controllers
    aspirator
    fuel source
    Kathodengaszuführabschnitt
    fluid line
    outlet
    Gas supply line
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    权利要求:
    Claims (14)
    [1]
    claims
    1. Desulfurization arrangement (1) for a fuel cell system (2), comprising:
    a main desulfurization unit (3) for desulfurizing fuel for the fuel cell system (2) in a main fuel passage (4) of the fuel cell system (2) during a normal operating phase in which the fuel cell system (2) is predominantly operated, a buffer desulfurization unit ( 5) for desulfurizing the fuel in a secondary fuel passage (6) of the fuel cell system (2), which is at least partially parallel to the main fuel passage (4) and forms a bypass to the main desulfurization unit (3), in an exchange operating phase of the fuel cell system (2 ), in which an exchange of the main desulfurization unit (3) is carried out, and a main locking device (7, 8) for locking the main fuel passage (4) at least in sections upstream and downstream of the main desulfurization unit (3) during the exchange operating phase of the fuel cell system (2).
    [2]
    2. Desulfurization arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the main desulfurization unit (3) and the buffer desulfurization unit (5) each have the same or at least partially the same desulfurization material for desulfurization of the fuel.
    [3]
    3. Desulfurization arrangement (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the desulfurization material has an adsorbent with manganese dioxide and copper oxide.
    [4]
    4. Desulfurization arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one ventilation valve (9) for arrangement downstream of the main desulfurization unit (3) in a ventilation passage (11) of the fuel cell system (2) which is at least partially parallel to the main fuel passage (4). and there to vent the main 20/30
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    Desulfurization unit (3) during the exchange operating phase, in which the main blocking device (7, 8) in the main fuel passage (4) upstream of the main desulfurization unit (3) is in an on state and downstream of the main desulfurization unit (3) in one Locked state.
    [5]
    5. Desulfurization arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a secondary blocking device (12, 13) for blocking the secondary fuel passage (6) at least in sections upstream and downstream of the buffer desulfurization unit (5) during the normal operating phase of the fuel cell system (2) ,
    [6]
    6. Desulfurization arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main desulfurization unit (3) has more desulfurization material than the buffer desulfurization unit (5).
    [7]
    7. Fuel cell system (2), comprising a fuel cell stack (14) with an anode section (15) and a cathode section (16), a reformer (17) upstream of the anode section (15) for reforming fuel for the anode section (15), a burner (18) downstream of the fuel cell stack (14), a fuel source (26) for providing the fuel for the fuel cell system (2), and a desulfurization arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the main desulfurization unit (3) in the main fuel passage ( 4) is arranged, the buffer desulfurization unit (5) is arranged in the secondary fuel passage (6) which is parallel to the main fuel passage (4) and forms a bypass to the main desulfurization unit (3), and the main blocking device (7 , 8), to block the main fuel passage (4) at least in sections upstream and downstream of the main desulfurization unit (3) during d he exchange operating phase of the fuel cell system (2) is designed.
    [8]
    8. Fuel cell system (2) according to claim 7, characterized in that
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    AVL List GmbH the at least one ventilation valve (9) is arranged downstream of the main desulfurization unit (3) in the ventilation passage (11) of the fuel cell system (2), which is at least partially parallel to the main fuel passage (4), the ventilation valve (9) being used to vent the main Desulfurization unit (3) is configured during the exchange operating phase in the direction of the afterburner (18) of the fuel cell system (2), which is arranged downstream of the ventilation valve (9).
    [9]
    9. Fuel cell system (2) according to claim 8, characterized in that the burner (18) downstream of the fuel cell stack (14) has a catalytic afterburner (19) upstream and the ventilation passage (11) past the catalytic afterburner (19) into the burner ( 18) leads.
    [10]
    10. The fuel cell system (2) according to one of claims 8 to 9, characterized in that a throttle valve (10) for predefined throttling of a vent stream in the direction of the burner (18) is arranged downstream of the vent valve (9).
    [11]
    11. A method for exchanging the main desulfurization unit (3) in a fuel cell system (2) according to one of claims 7 to 10, comprising the steps:
    Switching the main blocking device (7, 8) into a blocking state for blocking the main fuel passage (4) at least in sections upstream and downstream of the main desulfurization unit (3), redirecting a fuel supply in the direction of the anode section (15) through the buffer desulfurization unit (5)
    Replacing the main desulfurization unit (3) with a new main desulfurization unit (3) while the fuel is passed through the buffer desulfurization unit (3) towards the anode section (15), and
    Switching the main blocking device (7, 8) into a pass state for releasing the main fuel passage (4) for a fuel flow from the fuel source (26) through the main desulfurization unit (3)
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    AVL List GmbH to the anode section (15) of the fuel cell stack (14) after replacing the main desulfurization unit (3).
    [12]
    12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the secondary blocking device (12, 13) for diverting the fuel supply through the secondary fuel passage (6) is switched at least in sections upstream and downstream of the buffer desulfurization unit (5) to a forward state ,
    [13]
    13. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 12, characterized in that the vent valve (9) is switched to a pass-through state after the main desulfurization unit (3) has been exchanged and before the main blocking device (7, 8) is switched to a venting state, and the main blocking device (7, 8) in the main fuel passage (4) upstream of the main desulfurization unit (3) is switched to an on state and downstream of the main desulfurization unit (3) in a blocking state, the main desulfurization unit ( 3) and the main fuel passage (4) by means of fuel from the fuel source (26), which is led from the fuel source (26) via the main desulfurization unit (3) through the vent valve (9).
    [14]
    14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that a volume flow of fuel from the fuel source (26) to the burner (18) during the venting of the main desulfurization unit (3) and the main fuel passage (4) through the Throttle valve (10) is regulated to a predefined value.
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    ig. 1
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    2.2
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    同族专利:
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    AT520770B1|2020-04-15|
    DE102019100607A1|2019-07-18|
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    US20070225155A1|2005-12-23|2007-09-27|United Technologies Corporation|On-board fuel desulfurization unit|
    EP2438145B1|2009-06-05|2017-05-10|Clariant Corporation|Method for desulfurizing a fuel stream|
    WO2014137829A1|2013-03-06|2014-09-12|Fuelcell Energy, Inc.|Manganese oxide containing materials for use in oxidative desulfurization in fuel cell systems|
    WO2015103529A1|2014-01-06|2015-07-09|Bloom Energy Corporation|Structure and method for indicating undesirable constituents in a fuel cell system|
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    JP4832614B2|2009-12-25|2011-12-07|パナソニック株式会社|Hydrogen generator and fuel cell system|
    法律状态:
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    ATA50017/2018A|AT520770B1|2018-01-12|2018-01-12|Desulfurization arrangement and method for replacing a desulfurization unit in a fuel cell system|ATA50017/2018A| AT520770B1|2018-01-12|2018-01-12|Desulfurization arrangement and method for replacing a desulfurization unit in a fuel cell system|
    DE102019100607.4A| DE102019100607A1|2018-01-12|2019-01-11|Desulphurisation arrangement and method for exchanging a desulphurisation unit in a fuel cell system|
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