CA1164524A - Fuel cell system - Google Patents
Fuel cell systemInfo
- Publication number
- CA1164524A CA1164524A CA000383689A CA383689A CA1164524A CA 1164524 A CA1164524 A CA 1164524A CA 000383689 A CA000383689 A CA 000383689A CA 383689 A CA383689 A CA 383689A CA 1164524 A CA1164524 A CA 1164524A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- fuel cell
- sub
- cell system
- stacks
- terminals
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F3/00—Plate-like or laminated elements; Assemblies of plate-like or laminated elements
- F28F3/12—Elements constructed in the shape of a hollow panel, e.g. with channels
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M16/00—Structural combinations of different types of electrochemical generators
- H01M16/003—Structural combinations of different types of electrochemical generators of fuel cells with other electrochemical devices, e.g. capacitors, electrolysers
- H01M16/006—Structural combinations of different types of electrochemical generators of fuel cells with other electrochemical devices, e.g. capacitors, electrolysers of fuel cells with rechargeable batteries
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
- H01M8/04007—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids related to heat exchange
- H01M8/04029—Heat exchange using liquids
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
- H01M8/04298—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems
- H01M8/04694—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems characterised by variables to be controlled
- H01M8/04858—Electric variables
- H01M8/04865—Voltage
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
- H01M8/04298—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems
- H01M8/04694—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems characterised by variables to be controlled
- H01M8/04858—Electric variables
- H01M8/04865—Voltage
- H01M8/0488—Voltage of fuel cell stacks
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
- H01M8/04298—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems
- H01M8/04694—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems characterised by variables to be controlled
- H01M8/04955—Shut-off or shut-down of fuel cells
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/24—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells
- H01M8/2465—Details of groupings of fuel cells
- H01M8/2484—Details of groupings of fuel cells characterised by external manifolds
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F2210/00—Heat exchange conduits
- F28F2210/10—Particular layout, e.g. for uniform temperature distribution
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M16/00—Structural combinations of different types of electrochemical generators
- H01M16/003—Structural combinations of different types of electrochemical generators of fuel cells with other electrochemical devices, e.g. capacitors, electrolysers
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
- H01M8/04082—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration
- H01M8/04089—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/24—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells
- H01M8/249—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells comprising two or more groupings of fuel cells, e.g. modular assemblies
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/24—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells
- H01M8/249—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells comprising two or more groupings of fuel cells, e.g. modular assemblies
- H01M8/2495—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells comprising two or more groupings of fuel cells, e.g. modular assemblies of fuel cells of different types
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02E60/10—Energy storage using batteries
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
- Y02E60/50—Fuel cells
Abstract
PATENT APPLICATION PAPERS OF
Jack Early Arthur Kaufman and Alfred Stawsky FOR: FUEL CELL SYSTEM
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A fuel cell system is comprised of a fuel cell module including sub-stacks of series-connected fuel cells, the sub-stacks being held together in a stacked arrangement with cold plates of a cooling means located between the sub-stacks to function as electrical terminals. The anode and cathode terminals of the sub-stacks are connected in parallel by means of the coolant manifolds which electrically connect selected cold plates. The system may comprise a plurality of the fuel cell modules connected in series.
The sub-stacks are designed to provide a voltage output equivalent to the desired voltage demand of a low voltage, high current DC load such as an electrolytic cell to be driven by the fuel cell system. This arrangement in conjunction with switching means can be used to drive a DC electrical load with a total voltage output selected to match that of the load being driven.
This arrangement eliminates the need for expensive voltage regu-lation equipment.
Jack Early Arthur Kaufman and Alfred Stawsky FOR: FUEL CELL SYSTEM
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A fuel cell system is comprised of a fuel cell module including sub-stacks of series-connected fuel cells, the sub-stacks being held together in a stacked arrangement with cold plates of a cooling means located between the sub-stacks to function as electrical terminals. The anode and cathode terminals of the sub-stacks are connected in parallel by means of the coolant manifolds which electrically connect selected cold plates. The system may comprise a plurality of the fuel cell modules connected in series.
The sub-stacks are designed to provide a voltage output equivalent to the desired voltage demand of a low voltage, high current DC load such as an electrolytic cell to be driven by the fuel cell system. This arrangement in conjunction with switching means can be used to drive a DC electrical load with a total voltage output selected to match that of the load being driven.
This arrangement eliminates the need for expensive voltage regu-lation equipment.
Description
~ 1~45~
,~CKGROUND ~ND SU~VIARy OF THE ~ VENTION
For a long time there has been the need in the art for a , direct current power supply which provides a load rnatching capa-bility for driving a variety of electrical loads. Present day devices for supplying power to dlrect current loads employ voltaye regulators. Conventional voltag~ regulation means are expensive and generally include undesirable power losses.
The present invention relates to the provisions o~ a direct , current power supply made up of fuel cell modules and constructed ,!to perform a voltage regulation function. Such a construction, ,for example, might be used to supply power to electrolytic cells or for battery charging.
To this end, the fuel cell system of the invention comprises ~;at least one fuel cell module including a plurality of sub-stacks of fuel cells held together in a stacked arrangement, with each of the sub-stacks including a plurality of fuel cells connected ,in series and having cathode and anode terminals at the ends sthereof. Means are provided for connecting together the anode 'and cathode terminals, respectively, in a parallel connection.
~By this arrangement the fuel cell system produces at power output ,terminals a voltage output the same as the voltage of each of the ,sub-stacks.
More particularly, the invention involves an arrangement wherein the cathode and anode terminals are provided by the rnodule cooling means :in the form of cold plates positioned be-~tween each of the sub-stacks. There are provided negative and positive coolant manifold means connected -to the cold plates ~ ~452~
for providing the parallel electrical connecti.on, with current take-o~f means being connected -to -the man;.fold means.
In a typical arrangement for providiny a vo].tage regula-tion function, a plurali-ty of said modules are electrically connected `in series and switching means are provided for connecting a preselected number of said modules to the power output terminals ,of the fuel cell system. In anc)ther arranyement, sub-stacks as described above may be electrically connected in series and '`switching means provided for connecting a pre-selected number i of said sub-stacks to the power output terminals of the fuel cell module. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a ~fuel cell system is used in combination with an electrolytic cell ,system having operating voltage and current demand characteristics , ,matched by the operating voltage and current output characteristics ','of the fuel cell system. This combination includes means for .~connecting the power output terminal~ of the fuel cell system to ' the power input terminals of the electrolytic cell system. In S this arrangement, the fuel cell system drives the electrolytic cell system at desired operating voltage and current conditions.
~, It will be apparent that in the above-described combination ,, ' the switching means functions to provide !3tepwise voltage control ,'for use in matching the incremental voltage requirements of the l,ielectrolytic cells. Moreover, this arrangement comprises a j,"natural" match, i.e. on that does not require any voltage 'condition,ing or regulating means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAW:[NGS
Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a fuel cell module ' in accordance with the invention with var.ious par-ts broken awa~ Eor clarity of illustration;
Fiyure 2 i~ a schematic isometric breakaway view showing a ~, -2-52~
single cell in combination with a bipolar pla-te ancl a ccJld plate;
Figure 3 is an isome-tric view of a fuel cell module in accordance with the invention arranyed in two stacks;
, Figure 4 is an end view of a cold plate;
Figure 5 is a top view of the cold p:Late shown in Figure 4;
: Figure 6 is an electrical schematic Oe a sw:ltch:ing arrange-; ment for providing a stepwise voltage output;
,. Figure 7 is a schematic view showing a combination of a i,fuel cell system and an electrolytic refining cell system;
" Figure 8 is a graph showing the characteristic opera-ting ~'curves of a Euel cell and an eleetrolytic refining eell; and ~, Figure 9 is a sehematic illustration of a fuel eell module ~in whieh the sub-stacks are conneeted electrically in series.
1. , ,. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EM30DIMENTS
'L5 .! Referring to Figure 1, a fue]. cell module in aeeordance i: ~
~,.with the invention eomprises a plurality of sub-staeks 10 of 'fuel cells (also referred to herei.n as cell laminates) held - ;
~together in a stacked arrangement by mean,s of tie rods 12 1! ;
',extending between top hold down bars 14 alld bottom hold down 20 ibars 16. Each sub-stack 10 comprises six fuel cells each bounded ,by bipolar plates and eleetrieally eonnected in series in a ~eonventional manner. In the embodiment of the invention shown ,'in Figure 1, one of the sub-stacks 10' has its six eells divided '.
'.in half and comprises three fuel eells at the top of the module ~and three fuel cells at the bottom of the module eleetrieally connected in series b~v means of a top terminal plate 18 and a bottom terminal plate 19 whieh are eonneeted tocJ'ether electrieally.
'It will thus be apparent that sub-staek 'LO' has the same -to-tal nurnber of fuel cells as the sub-stack,s 10 but a different arrange- ' 5 ~ ~
ment thereof. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to a particular number or arrangernent of the fuel cells, and that these elements of construction can be varied within the scope o e the invention as described herein.
The construction and arrancJement of the cell laminates and bipolar plates can take various forms a.s is well known in the art, and, by way of example, may be similar to that shown ;~in U.S. Patent No. 3r709~736 to which reference is made Eor idetails of construction. Referring to F.igure 2, each cell ~ laminate or fuel cell 20 is made up of three elements, namely, an anode 22, an electrolyte member 24 and a cathode 26. The electrolyte member 24 consists of an immobilized electrolyte, such as phosphoric acid, retained in a microporous matrix, this 'type of electroly-te member being described in detail in U.S.
~Patent No. 3,453,149. It will be apparent that electrolyte ~member 24 may take various forms known in the art and the .:
description thereof in this specification is by way of example ,only.
~' The cell laminates are located between bipolar plates which ~ are, in effect, bridges providing electrical series connection between adjacent cells. The bipolar plates are also gas imper-' vious from one side to the other and are -thermally and electrically conductive plates made of a material such as graphite for example.
~ Fiyure 2 shows the arrangement of the cell laminate 20 at the top of a .sub-stclck 10. In the form of the invention shown in Fiyure 2, ga~ access is provided by grooves in the faces of the bipolar plates. It is to be understood that other forms of ~4 ~ ~645~
construction may be used and jare ~ithin -t:he seope of ~he in~ention.
Cell lamina-te 20 is bounded by an end termination plate 28 ; and an in-termediate bipolar pla-te 30. The termination plates ~ 28 are provided at the upper and lower ends of a sub-stack 10 of cell laminates 20 and are similar to bipolar plates 30 except that only one side is in eontact with a cell laminatei and the bipolar plates 30 are provided between the cell laminates 20 in each sub-stack 10. Another important funetion of the `termination plates 28 and the bipolar plates 30 is to provide l,for the aceess of the reactant gases to reach the electrode surfaces of the cell laminates 20 while supporting and separating the adjacent cell laminates 20. Since the end termination plates 28 serve only one electrode, the surfaees of the termina-,~tion plates 28 that are adjacent an electrode are the only ones that must have provision reaetant gas flow aceess, and the other surface may be flat and smooth to provide maximum thermal and electrical contact with eold plates provided at the ends of the 'sub-stacks 10 in aeeordanee with the invention. The bipolar plates 30 serve two electrodes and, to this end, must be provided ~ with flow passages for gas aceess on both surfaees thereof. Sueh a construetion is illustrated in Figure 2 and, as an example, is deseribed in detail in said U.S. Patent No. 3,709,736, in which case a groove construction is used to provide gas access.
As is described in said Patent, the air flow arrangement is such that ambient air enters eaeh eell through grooves sueh as grooves 23 and 25 in plates 2~ and 30, respeetively, and flows through the cell to provide oxygen to the cathode, picking up !
!l j 4~
heat and mois-tu~e before lea~;Lng the cell ~rom the opposite side. As is shown in FicJure 2, the fuel flow is perpendicular , to the air flow, which is a convenient configuration for the simple mani.foldiny of the feeds of xeactan-t gases to -the cells.
The air enters the cell laminate on the edcJe of the bipolar ` (and termination) plates and in a direction concurrent with .
the path of the grooves 23 and 25 and leaves the cell at an ~elevated temperature on the opposite side. The fuel, typically ~ hydrogen, enters the cell through grooves such as the grooves 27 in plates 30 and flow5 in a direction perpendicular to the air !~ , flow. As one example of this constructicn, the details of the manifolding of the gas flow and the provision of seals to control the flow of the reactant gases is shown and described in detail in said prior-mentioned U.S. Patent No. 3,709,736.
Briefly, the air flows of every two cells are combined and ~are separated from the air flow of the adjacent two-cell groups ., by long spacers between each second set of bipolar plates. The ~alternate bipolar plates are sepa:rated by short spacers. The long spacers serve to form manifold chambers alternately for 'incoming and outgoing air. The fuel flow is directed to -the stack in such a way that the groups of cells are in series.
rhis permits mr~ximum utilization of the hydrogen in dilute ~hydrogen streams. It is to be understood that various manifolding constructions known in the art may be used within the scope oE
the inven-tion and that the above description is by way of example.
While the fuel cell system described herein calls for the use of a hydroyen-containing fuel and air as the oxygen-contalning reactallt yas, it will be apparent tha-t the fuel system may also ,, .
!l !
~ ~L6452~
utilize o-ther hyd~ocarbons such,as ~ropane or a li~ht naphtha in accordance with well known fuel cell systems, In accordance with the inven-tion there are provided thin, ' flat cold plates located be-tween each sub-s-tack 10 to be in electrical and thermal contact with the termina-tion plates 2~
of each sub~stack. The cold plates are indicated at 40 and 42 and form a part of the cooling means for the uel cell module.
Cold plates 40 and 42 are positioned alternately between the ,;sub-stacks 10 for a purpose which will be apparent hereafter.
~` Referring to Fiyure 1, the cell laminates of the sub-stacks '10 are arranged electrically in series tc provide for common cathode termination and common anode termination between adjacent ' sub~s-tacks 10. The split sub-stack 10' at the top and bottom '~of the module is arranged in accordance with this scheme as is apparent from Figure lo , The cold plates 40 and 42 are constructed to provide cooling ' passages for the flow of a non~conductive liquid coolant and ''are made of an electrica].ly conductive material such as aluminum.
, One satisfactory coolant is Therminol 44, a commercial heat trans--~Ifer fluid manufactured by the Monsanto Chemical Co. The cold jplates 40, in effect, provide anode terminal plates for the `
~'stacked arrangemerlt shown in Figure 1 and the cold plates 42, j'in effect, provide cathode terminal plates for this arrangement.
The cold plates 40 and 42 may be constructed in various ; wa~s well known in the art. One type of cold plate construction is shown in detail in Figures 4 and 5. l'his cold plate is comprised o a top cover 41, a bottom cover 43, and an inter-mediate portion 44 constructed to provide a serpentine-shaped ~ ~45~
cooling passage 46 between the covers 41 and 43. A pair of tubes 48 are moun-ted a-t one end portion of -the cold plate to communicate wi-th.-the ends of -the cooling passage 46, as i5 shown in Fiyure 5. The tubes 48 serve as inlet and ou-tlet concluits for -the cold plate as will be described more fully hereafter.
The cooling means for the fuel cell module shown in Fiyure 1 also comprises coolant manifolds for the flow of coolant liquid into and out of the cold plates 40 and 42. To -this end, there is provided positive polarity inlet and outlet coolant manifolds '.54 and 56, respectively, associated with cold plates 40. Inlet manifold 54 is supplied with coolant liquid through an inlet 58 . for supplying cold plates 40 and outlet manifold 46 delivers the coolant liquid from the cold plates 40 by way of an outlet 59.
~ There is also provided neyative polarity inlet and outlet coolant ' manifolds 64 and 66, respectively, associated with cold plates 42.
. Inlet manifold 64 is supplied with a coolant liquid through an ,inlet 68 for delivery to the colcl plates 42 and outlet manifold 66 ~delivers the coolant liquid from the cold plates through an outlet 69.
By this construction, the cold plates 40 and 42 and manifolds 5 a, 59 and 68, 69 provide a convenient means for tapping the voltage from khe fuel cell module. Thus, the positive coolant manifolds 58, 59 are provided with a current take-off connection : 70 and -the negative coolant manifolds 68, 69 are provided with a current take-off 72~ ~ccordingly, the sub-stacks 10 are connected electrical:Ly in parallel and ace adapted to provide a powex output correspondiny to the voltage of -the sub-stacks 10 by means of an electrical connectiorl to the current ta~.e-of~s 70 and 72.
It will be evident tha-t in accordance wi-th the invention cold plates 40 and 42 serve as hoth current collectors and ~cooling plates. If desired, thin plates which serve only as current collectors may be used in place of the cold pla-tes 40 and 42. It is also within the scope of the invention to use cold pla-tes 40 and 42 in combination with thin current collector ~ plates.
In Figure 3 there is shown a fuel cell module desiyned in accordance with the invention and in which there are provided as an example two stacks of fuel cells, indicated generally as ; 80 and 82. Each of the stacks 80 and 82 is comprised of parts ; ~ constructed and arranged similar to the fuel cell stack shown ~ schematically in Figure 1, wherefore corresponding parts have been given like reference numerals. Also, stacks 80 and 82 are identical in construction so that only stack 80 will be described , herein in detail. It is to be noted that various parts of the fuel cell module shown in Fiyure 3 have been omi-tted for the sake of clarity of illustration. For example, parts of the manifolding have been deleted to provide a clear illustration of the cold plate voltaye tap arrangemen-t.
Stack 80 comprises a plurality of fuel cell sub-stacks 10 each comprised of six series-connected cell laminates bounded by bipolar plates as described with refer.ence to Fiyure 1. One of the sub-stacks 10 is split into three cell laminates at the top and three cell laminates at -the bottom as described _g _ "
' 5 ~ ~1 with refc-,rence to Fi~ure 1~ The sub-stac]cs 10 and 10' are held together in a s-tacked arrangernent by means of six tie rods 12 ; extending between top hold down bars 14 and hottom hold down bars 16.
An air inlet duct 84 is provided between opposed ends of stacks 80 and 82 and hydrogen manifolds 86 are provided adjacent ;, the other ends of stacks 80 and 82.
. There are provided cold plates 40 and 42 for the cooling system and such plates are positioned alternately between the . sub-stacks 10 as is shown in Figure 3. T:he cell laminates of .~the sub-stacks 10 are arranged to provide for common cathode ' , termination and common anode termination as described with " respect to Figure 1 where~ore cold plates 40 provide anode termi-~'nation plates and cold plates 42 provide cathode termination ,~plates for stack 80.
. Positive polarity inlet and outlet manifolds 54 and 56 are ,,connected to the tubes 48 of cold'plates 40 so that inlet mani-,'fold 54 delivers coolant liquid supplied thereto Erom a supply ''line 55 to the passage 46 (Figure 4) of t:he cold plates 40 and ,'outlet manifold 56 discharges coolant liqu.id from passage 46 of cold plate 40 to a return line 57.
Negative polarity inlet manifolds 64 and 66 are connected to the tubes 48 of cold plates 42 so that inlet manifold 64 ', delivers coolant liquid supplied thereto from a supply line 65 ' to thc internal passaye 46 (Figure 4) of cold plate 42 and outlet manifold 66 discharyes the coolant liquid from said passage to a return line 67.
A positive module tap 90 is connecte~d to a bus-bar 92 which , ~ , 45~
is, in turn~ connected to the posi-ti,ye po:larity mani~olds 54 and 56 of cach Oe the stacks 80 and 82 by curren-t take-off straps 70. Similarly, a neyative module I:ap 91 is connec-ted to a bus-~bar 93 which is, in turn connected to the neyative ` polarity manifolds 64 and 66 of each of the stacks 80 and 82 , by current take-off straps 72.
, In this manner, the cold plates 40 and 42 and their associated ',manifolds 54, 56 and 64, 66 provide a conl~enient means for ~'tapping the vol-tage of the fuel cell modu:Le shown in Fiyure 3.
,~The arrangement is such that the sub-stac]cs 10 are connected electrically in parallel so that the fuel cell module provides a voltage output correspondiny to the voltage of a sub~stack 10.
';The magnitude of the current will, of cou:rse, depend on the ''current of each sub-stack and the number of sub-stacks connected ';in parallel. By way of example, a fuel cell module such as 'jthat shown in Figure 3 using cold plates between sub-stacks 'comprising six cells wherein each cell has a nominal voltage of ~0.6 VDC provides a nominal voltage for each sub-stack of 3.6 volts , ~: ;
, thereby also providing a nominal voltage for the module of ~3.6 volts. A desired module current of 6000 amperes w~uld be pro-vided by, for example, a total of 40 sub-;stac]cs connected elec- ' trically in parallel in the module, each ;sub-stack having a ~,current of 150 amperes. , ,' In accordance with the invention there may be provided a sw.i,tchiny arranyement so that modules of a fuel cell system may be added as needed to increase the vol-tage output. One such 'arrangement is shown schematically in Figure 6.
4 ~ 2 ~
In the ~rrangement o~ Figure 6~ five fuel cell modules 100 of the type shown in Figure 3 are eonnected in series with each of the modules 100 comprisiny two stacks 80 and 82 and provid.ing a voltage output of 3.6 volts. Modules 100 are connected to power output terminals 106 by switchiny means eornprisiny five .; switehes 101-105 whieh permit the eonneetion of various numbers of fuel eell modules 100 to the power output terminals 106 in a stepwise manner to increase the voltage output in ineremen-ts :
up to the maximum of the sum of the voltages of the five modules. ' ; Thus, with the five modules, for example, each providing a 1 nominal voltage of 3.6 volts and with only switch 101 elosed, i;an Eo (potential difference) of 3.6 volts is provided at the . output terminals 106. When switeh 102 on.ly is closed, an Eo of o 7.2 volts is provided at the output terminals 106. When switch j7 103 only is elosed, an Eo of 10.8 volts is provided at the output ~terminals 106. When switch 104 only is closed, an Eo of 14.4 volts is provided at the output terminals 106 When switeh 105 ,only is closed, an Eo of 18 volts is provided at the output 'terminals 106.
' It is to be noted that if smalIer voltage inerements are , needed, additional voltage taps ean be acLded as required. Also, moxe compl.icated switehing arrangements may be provided where all the sections of the fuel cell always share the load. Such switching arrangements are within the purview of those skilled in the art.
The luel cell system of the inventic,n can simplify the supply of electric power to electrochemical proeesses by reason .
., .
52~
of the direct supply of DC cu~rent Which do~s not require rectification and ayoicls power losses, Moreover, ~y reason of the modular ~esign, the ~uel cell system of the i.nvention can ~e desiyned to directly and na-turally mat,~h the power require-ment of a given elec-trochemical process. Fiyure 7 shows a typical combination of a fuel cell system in accordance with the inven-tion in combination with an electrolytic refining cell ~system, and Figure 8 illustrates how the natural matching be-tween the systems is accomplished.
Referring to Figure 7, the fuel cell system shown therein and indicated at 108 comprises a fuel cell power supply 109 comprising seven fuel cell modules 110 which may be of the type shown in Figure 3 for example. The modules 110 are electrically interconnected in accordance with the schematic showing in Fïgure 6 with the modules 110 being connected in series and ~, associated with a voltage tap selector switch 112 which is adapted to be set in seven different positions to connect any number of the fuel cell modules 110 to the positive and negative output terminals 114 and 116, respectively, of the power supply , .
20 I lO9. The fuel cell system 108 also comprises conventional equipment such as -the hydrogen supply means which comprises a supply line 118 which supplies hydrogen gas to the fuel cell modules 110 through a metering pump 120 and a plurality of conkrol valves 122 one of which is associated with each module 110.
Z5 The outpuk terminals 114 and 116 are connected by lines 124 ancl 126, respectively, to supply current to an electrolytic cell system 130 at power input terminals 131 and 133. The ~ J16~2~
electrolytic cell system 130 comprises a bRnk of electrol~tic 'refining cell~ 132. Althouyh only two cells 132 are shown in Figure 7, typically there would be provided eight such cells ~132 in an actual insta],la-tlon as per this example. Thus, there is provided one more reEining cell 132 than the number of fuel cells llO provided since under typical conditions of operation ' at least one refining cell 132 would be out of use for main-'tenance or repair purposes.
1, Each of the refining cells 132 has associated therewith ',~a bypass circuit means 134 which can be used to short circuit , the associated refining cell 132 when it is out of use.
, The arrangement shown in Figure 7 is constructed for the ,.application of stepwise voltage control to match the incremental ~voltage requirements of each electrolytic refining cell 132 ,'by reason of the modularizing of the fuel cell power supply 109.
i.Thus, the fuel cell power supply 109 is provided as series ~¦connected modules llO with each module being designed for a ,,voltage output equivalent to the desired voltage requirement of ;a refini.ng cell 132 and each module 110 czln be independently ~'switched into or out of the power supply circuit. In addition, ''the total fuel cell output voltage is provided to match that ,of the total voltage requirement of the refining cells that !would be operational at any given time. The desired operating 7'current is provided by building up the sections of equal voltage i,sub-stacks connected in parallel within each module to suit the refin:ing cell requirements. ~n use, the switch 112 is set so ,,tha~, an appropriate number of fuel cell modules 110 are connected ;~ `, i~
~ lB~4 to the power output terminals 11~ and 116 to sui-t the nurnbex of . . .
electroly-tic cells 132 to be driven.
Figure 8 illustrates how the natural matching desiyn in ''accordance with the inven-tion is accomplished in an electrolytic refining cell installation as shown in Figure 7. An electro-lytic refining cell requires optimum voltage and current conditions to provide maximum production, which is a function o~ the cell current, at minimum power, which is a function of the required voltage. The specific voltage-current operating point of the ''electrolytic refining cell is effectively a func-tion of its .internal resistance which changes, i.e., lncreases, during its ~operation. The curves of voltage-current operating points for ;electrolytic refining cells are shown in Figure 8 wherein the , " START OF LIFE" and the "END OF LIFE" curves represent operating ~limits based on decisions as to the desired conditions of opera-tion of the refining cells.
. :
A fuel cell has its own characteristic voltage-current ~operating curve which is dictated by its specific electrochemical 'design and operating conditions (including temperature and external load). A fuel cell power supply unit operating curve will, in addition, be determined by its overall electrical 'configuration as discussed above. A typical fuel cell operating ,'curve is shown in Figure 8. As is shown in Figure 8, a given 'fue]. cell operating characteristic changes with time, i.e., the voltage decre~ses for a given current under given operation condi tions .
Both the fuel cell and the electrolytic'cell "START OF LIFE"
, I
5 ~ ~
and "END OF LIFE" opexatlng curves are effectivel~ de~ined in . . .
terms of sys-tem desiyn re~uirements. The3e c~lrves as shown in Figure 8 are no-t meant to indicate that either system will cease to unction a-t given operating conditions bu-t only that certain levels of operatiny conditions are no-t o interest to a particular ins-tallation.
When the fuel cell power supply and electrolytic refininy cells are connected, an energy transfer equilibrium point is reached quickly. This point is a naturally common operatiny condition and represent.s the intersec-tion of their actual operatiny curves at that moment. If a fuel cell power supply ; is properly designed to match the required operatiny conditions of the refininy cell, then this equilibrium point will be a current-voltaye point which satisfies both their needs based on economy, production rate, operating life, etc. If the fuel cell system is desiyned in a manner so th!at it provides a satisfactory intersectiny operatiny characteristic with the operating characteristic of the electrolytic refining cells ~ then the system will operate with a natural match between the ~power supply and the electro].ytic cell system. Accordinyly, ,there is no need to provide any power conditionirlg device, such ~as a voltaye regulator or the like, and the arrangement is, in ef~ect, self-regulating. In other words the load placed on the fuel cell system is such that the voltaye and current of the system operates at a desired operating point, i.e., in the opcratiny area o the curves shown in Fiyure 8. Since the characteristics of the load and the power. supply vary during j i !' . ~
. .
1 ~ ~8~5~
, ~ ,i operation, the operating point will chanye but will xemain at ~ ~, some point in the "OPERATING AREA" shown in Fiyure,8.
In Fiyure 9 there is shown an arrangement of a fuel cell module including a plurality of the sub-stacks 10 as described hereinbeEore in which said sub-stacks are électrically connected in series and in which switching means a.re provided for connect-¦ing a preselected number of said sub-sta.cks 10 to the power output terminals of the fuel cell module. The fuel cell module shown in Figure 9 is comprised of elements which are the same as those used in the fuel cell rnodule di.sclosed in Figure 1 where-, fore corresponding parts have been giverl like reference numerals. ¦
The fuel cell module comprises a plurality of fuel cell sub-stacks 10 held together in a stackecl arrangement by means : of tie rods 12 and hold down bars 14 ancl 16 and provided with terminal plates 1~ and 19 wherein hold clown bar 14 is electrically isolated from terminal plate 18. Each of the sub-stacks 10 comprises a plurality of fuel cells 20 connected together elec- ¦
trically in series and bounded by bipolar plates 28. Cold plates 40 are prcvided between the sub-stacks :L0 and function as means providing a cathode terminal at one end oE a sub stack of the series connected fuel cells and anode terminals at the other end of a sub-stack of the series connected :Euel cells, and a means for electrically connecting the sub-stacks in series.
! There is provided electrical circu.itry, as shown in Figure 9 !for producing at the power output termi:nals 150 and 152 of the ~1 module rl current corresponding to the current oE a sub-stack 10.
¦!There i.s also provlded sw.itching means for connecting a pre-¦,selected numher of the sub-stacks 10 to -the power outpu-t terminals ,, , ~ ~4S~
. ' , 150 and 152. To this end, there is provided a selector swi-tch '.
154 which is adapted to be set at a plurali-ty of different ¦positions to connect any number of the sub-stacks 10 ko the ¦power ou-tput termina]. 152. The power ou-tput terminal 150 is iconnected to the lower end of the module at termin~l plate 19.
IBY -this arrangement, the electrical circuitry comprises a plurality of current take-offs connected at terminal points A, ~B, E, F and G (as shown in Figure ~) to the cold plates 40 and~
terminal plate 18. The current take-off.s are arranged at increasing voltage with the lowest voltage being at terminal A
and the highest being at terminal G in the arrangement shown in I Figure 9. While only five current take-offs are shown in Figure 9, it will be apparent that a current take-off is provided for each sub-stack in the fuel cell module.
It will be apparent that various changes may be made in the construction and arrangement of parts w:ithout departing from ~the scope of he invention as defined by the Claims.
11 , , -18-
,~CKGROUND ~ND SU~VIARy OF THE ~ VENTION
For a long time there has been the need in the art for a , direct current power supply which provides a load rnatching capa-bility for driving a variety of electrical loads. Present day devices for supplying power to dlrect current loads employ voltaye regulators. Conventional voltag~ regulation means are expensive and generally include undesirable power losses.
The present invention relates to the provisions o~ a direct , current power supply made up of fuel cell modules and constructed ,!to perform a voltage regulation function. Such a construction, ,for example, might be used to supply power to electrolytic cells or for battery charging.
To this end, the fuel cell system of the invention comprises ~;at least one fuel cell module including a plurality of sub-stacks of fuel cells held together in a stacked arrangement, with each of the sub-stacks including a plurality of fuel cells connected ,in series and having cathode and anode terminals at the ends sthereof. Means are provided for connecting together the anode 'and cathode terminals, respectively, in a parallel connection.
~By this arrangement the fuel cell system produces at power output ,terminals a voltage output the same as the voltage of each of the ,sub-stacks.
More particularly, the invention involves an arrangement wherein the cathode and anode terminals are provided by the rnodule cooling means :in the form of cold plates positioned be-~tween each of the sub-stacks. There are provided negative and positive coolant manifold means connected -to the cold plates ~ ~452~
for providing the parallel electrical connecti.on, with current take-o~f means being connected -to -the man;.fold means.
In a typical arrangement for providiny a vo].tage regula-tion function, a plurali-ty of said modules are electrically connected `in series and switching means are provided for connecting a preselected number of said modules to the power output terminals ,of the fuel cell system. In anc)ther arranyement, sub-stacks as described above may be electrically connected in series and '`switching means provided for connecting a pre-selected number i of said sub-stacks to the power output terminals of the fuel cell module. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a ~fuel cell system is used in combination with an electrolytic cell ,system having operating voltage and current demand characteristics , ,matched by the operating voltage and current output characteristics ','of the fuel cell system. This combination includes means for .~connecting the power output terminal~ of the fuel cell system to ' the power input terminals of the electrolytic cell system. In S this arrangement, the fuel cell system drives the electrolytic cell system at desired operating voltage and current conditions.
~, It will be apparent that in the above-described combination ,, ' the switching means functions to provide !3tepwise voltage control ,'for use in matching the incremental voltage requirements of the l,ielectrolytic cells. Moreover, this arrangement comprises a j,"natural" match, i.e. on that does not require any voltage 'condition,ing or regulating means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAW:[NGS
Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a fuel cell module ' in accordance with the invention with var.ious par-ts broken awa~ Eor clarity of illustration;
Fiyure 2 i~ a schematic isometric breakaway view showing a ~, -2-52~
single cell in combination with a bipolar pla-te ancl a ccJld plate;
Figure 3 is an isome-tric view of a fuel cell module in accordance with the invention arranyed in two stacks;
, Figure 4 is an end view of a cold plate;
Figure 5 is a top view of the cold p:Late shown in Figure 4;
: Figure 6 is an electrical schematic Oe a sw:ltch:ing arrange-; ment for providing a stepwise voltage output;
,. Figure 7 is a schematic view showing a combination of a i,fuel cell system and an electrolytic refining cell system;
" Figure 8 is a graph showing the characteristic opera-ting ~'curves of a Euel cell and an eleetrolytic refining eell; and ~, Figure 9 is a sehematic illustration of a fuel eell module ~in whieh the sub-stacks are conneeted electrically in series.
1. , ,. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EM30DIMENTS
'L5 .! Referring to Figure 1, a fue]. cell module in aeeordance i: ~
~,.with the invention eomprises a plurality of sub-staeks 10 of 'fuel cells (also referred to herei.n as cell laminates) held - ;
~together in a stacked arrangement by mean,s of tie rods 12 1! ;
',extending between top hold down bars 14 alld bottom hold down 20 ibars 16. Each sub-stack 10 comprises six fuel cells each bounded ,by bipolar plates and eleetrieally eonnected in series in a ~eonventional manner. In the embodiment of the invention shown ,'in Figure 1, one of the sub-stacks 10' has its six eells divided '.
'.in half and comprises three fuel eells at the top of the module ~and three fuel cells at the bottom of the module eleetrieally connected in series b~v means of a top terminal plate 18 and a bottom terminal plate 19 whieh are eonneeted tocJ'ether electrieally.
'It will thus be apparent that sub-staek 'LO' has the same -to-tal nurnber of fuel cells as the sub-stack,s 10 but a different arrange- ' 5 ~ ~
ment thereof. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to a particular number or arrangernent of the fuel cells, and that these elements of construction can be varied within the scope o e the invention as described herein.
The construction and arrancJement of the cell laminates and bipolar plates can take various forms a.s is well known in the art, and, by way of example, may be similar to that shown ;~in U.S. Patent No. 3r709~736 to which reference is made Eor idetails of construction. Referring to F.igure 2, each cell ~ laminate or fuel cell 20 is made up of three elements, namely, an anode 22, an electrolyte member 24 and a cathode 26. The electrolyte member 24 consists of an immobilized electrolyte, such as phosphoric acid, retained in a microporous matrix, this 'type of electroly-te member being described in detail in U.S.
~Patent No. 3,453,149. It will be apparent that electrolyte ~member 24 may take various forms known in the art and the .:
description thereof in this specification is by way of example ,only.
~' The cell laminates are located between bipolar plates which ~ are, in effect, bridges providing electrical series connection between adjacent cells. The bipolar plates are also gas imper-' vious from one side to the other and are -thermally and electrically conductive plates made of a material such as graphite for example.
~ Fiyure 2 shows the arrangement of the cell laminate 20 at the top of a .sub-stclck 10. In the form of the invention shown in Fiyure 2, ga~ access is provided by grooves in the faces of the bipolar plates. It is to be understood that other forms of ~4 ~ ~645~
construction may be used and jare ~ithin -t:he seope of ~he in~ention.
Cell lamina-te 20 is bounded by an end termination plate 28 ; and an in-termediate bipolar pla-te 30. The termination plates ~ 28 are provided at the upper and lower ends of a sub-stack 10 of cell laminates 20 and are similar to bipolar plates 30 except that only one side is in eontact with a cell laminatei and the bipolar plates 30 are provided between the cell laminates 20 in each sub-stack 10. Another important funetion of the `termination plates 28 and the bipolar plates 30 is to provide l,for the aceess of the reactant gases to reach the electrode surfaces of the cell laminates 20 while supporting and separating the adjacent cell laminates 20. Since the end termination plates 28 serve only one electrode, the surfaees of the termina-,~tion plates 28 that are adjacent an electrode are the only ones that must have provision reaetant gas flow aceess, and the other surface may be flat and smooth to provide maximum thermal and electrical contact with eold plates provided at the ends of the 'sub-stacks 10 in aeeordanee with the invention. The bipolar plates 30 serve two electrodes and, to this end, must be provided ~ with flow passages for gas aceess on both surfaees thereof. Sueh a construetion is illustrated in Figure 2 and, as an example, is deseribed in detail in said U.S. Patent No. 3,709,736, in which case a groove construction is used to provide gas access.
As is described in said Patent, the air flow arrangement is such that ambient air enters eaeh eell through grooves sueh as grooves 23 and 25 in plates 2~ and 30, respeetively, and flows through the cell to provide oxygen to the cathode, picking up !
!l j 4~
heat and mois-tu~e before lea~;Lng the cell ~rom the opposite side. As is shown in FicJure 2, the fuel flow is perpendicular , to the air flow, which is a convenient configuration for the simple mani.foldiny of the feeds of xeactan-t gases to -the cells.
The air enters the cell laminate on the edcJe of the bipolar ` (and termination) plates and in a direction concurrent with .
the path of the grooves 23 and 25 and leaves the cell at an ~elevated temperature on the opposite side. The fuel, typically ~ hydrogen, enters the cell through grooves such as the grooves 27 in plates 30 and flow5 in a direction perpendicular to the air !~ , flow. As one example of this constructicn, the details of the manifolding of the gas flow and the provision of seals to control the flow of the reactant gases is shown and described in detail in said prior-mentioned U.S. Patent No. 3,709,736.
Briefly, the air flows of every two cells are combined and ~are separated from the air flow of the adjacent two-cell groups ., by long spacers between each second set of bipolar plates. The ~alternate bipolar plates are sepa:rated by short spacers. The long spacers serve to form manifold chambers alternately for 'incoming and outgoing air. The fuel flow is directed to -the stack in such a way that the groups of cells are in series.
rhis permits mr~ximum utilization of the hydrogen in dilute ~hydrogen streams. It is to be understood that various manifolding constructions known in the art may be used within the scope oE
the inven-tion and that the above description is by way of example.
While the fuel cell system described herein calls for the use of a hydroyen-containing fuel and air as the oxygen-contalning reactallt yas, it will be apparent tha-t the fuel system may also ,, .
!l !
~ ~L6452~
utilize o-ther hyd~ocarbons such,as ~ropane or a li~ht naphtha in accordance with well known fuel cell systems, In accordance with the inven-tion there are provided thin, ' flat cold plates located be-tween each sub-s-tack 10 to be in electrical and thermal contact with the termina-tion plates 2~
of each sub~stack. The cold plates are indicated at 40 and 42 and form a part of the cooling means for the uel cell module.
Cold plates 40 and 42 are positioned alternately between the ,;sub-stacks 10 for a purpose which will be apparent hereafter.
~` Referring to Fiyure 1, the cell laminates of the sub-stacks '10 are arranged electrically in series tc provide for common cathode termination and common anode termination between adjacent ' sub~s-tacks 10. The split sub-stack 10' at the top and bottom '~of the module is arranged in accordance with this scheme as is apparent from Figure lo , The cold plates 40 and 42 are constructed to provide cooling ' passages for the flow of a non~conductive liquid coolant and ''are made of an electrica].ly conductive material such as aluminum.
, One satisfactory coolant is Therminol 44, a commercial heat trans--~Ifer fluid manufactured by the Monsanto Chemical Co. The cold jplates 40, in effect, provide anode terminal plates for the `
~'stacked arrangemerlt shown in Figure 1 and the cold plates 42, j'in effect, provide cathode terminal plates for this arrangement.
The cold plates 40 and 42 may be constructed in various ; wa~s well known in the art. One type of cold plate construction is shown in detail in Figures 4 and 5. l'his cold plate is comprised o a top cover 41, a bottom cover 43, and an inter-mediate portion 44 constructed to provide a serpentine-shaped ~ ~45~
cooling passage 46 between the covers 41 and 43. A pair of tubes 48 are moun-ted a-t one end portion of -the cold plate to communicate wi-th.-the ends of -the cooling passage 46, as i5 shown in Fiyure 5. The tubes 48 serve as inlet and ou-tlet concluits for -the cold plate as will be described more fully hereafter.
The cooling means for the fuel cell module shown in Fiyure 1 also comprises coolant manifolds for the flow of coolant liquid into and out of the cold plates 40 and 42. To -this end, there is provided positive polarity inlet and outlet coolant manifolds '.54 and 56, respectively, associated with cold plates 40. Inlet manifold 54 is supplied with coolant liquid through an inlet 58 . for supplying cold plates 40 and outlet manifold 46 delivers the coolant liquid from the cold plates 40 by way of an outlet 59.
~ There is also provided neyative polarity inlet and outlet coolant ' manifolds 64 and 66, respectively, associated with cold plates 42.
. Inlet manifold 64 is supplied with a coolant liquid through an ,inlet 68 for delivery to the colcl plates 42 and outlet manifold 66 ~delivers the coolant liquid from the cold plates through an outlet 69.
By this construction, the cold plates 40 and 42 and manifolds 5 a, 59 and 68, 69 provide a convenient means for tapping the voltage from khe fuel cell module. Thus, the positive coolant manifolds 58, 59 are provided with a current take-off connection : 70 and -the negative coolant manifolds 68, 69 are provided with a current take-off 72~ ~ccordingly, the sub-stacks 10 are connected electrical:Ly in parallel and ace adapted to provide a powex output correspondiny to the voltage of -the sub-stacks 10 by means of an electrical connectiorl to the current ta~.e-of~s 70 and 72.
It will be evident tha-t in accordance wi-th the invention cold plates 40 and 42 serve as hoth current collectors and ~cooling plates. If desired, thin plates which serve only as current collectors may be used in place of the cold pla-tes 40 and 42. It is also within the scope of the invention to use cold pla-tes 40 and 42 in combination with thin current collector ~ plates.
In Figure 3 there is shown a fuel cell module desiyned in accordance with the invention and in which there are provided as an example two stacks of fuel cells, indicated generally as ; 80 and 82. Each of the stacks 80 and 82 is comprised of parts ; ~ constructed and arranged similar to the fuel cell stack shown ~ schematically in Figure 1, wherefore corresponding parts have been given like reference numerals. Also, stacks 80 and 82 are identical in construction so that only stack 80 will be described , herein in detail. It is to be noted that various parts of the fuel cell module shown in Fiyure 3 have been omi-tted for the sake of clarity of illustration. For example, parts of the manifolding have been deleted to provide a clear illustration of the cold plate voltaye tap arrangemen-t.
Stack 80 comprises a plurality of fuel cell sub-stacks 10 each comprised of six series-connected cell laminates bounded by bipolar plates as described with refer.ence to Fiyure 1. One of the sub-stacks 10 is split into three cell laminates at the top and three cell laminates at -the bottom as described _g _ "
' 5 ~ ~1 with refc-,rence to Fi~ure 1~ The sub-stac]cs 10 and 10' are held together in a s-tacked arrangernent by means of six tie rods 12 ; extending between top hold down bars 14 and hottom hold down bars 16.
An air inlet duct 84 is provided between opposed ends of stacks 80 and 82 and hydrogen manifolds 86 are provided adjacent ;, the other ends of stacks 80 and 82.
. There are provided cold plates 40 and 42 for the cooling system and such plates are positioned alternately between the . sub-stacks 10 as is shown in Figure 3. T:he cell laminates of .~the sub-stacks 10 are arranged to provide for common cathode ' , termination and common anode termination as described with " respect to Figure 1 where~ore cold plates 40 provide anode termi-~'nation plates and cold plates 42 provide cathode termination ,~plates for stack 80.
. Positive polarity inlet and outlet manifolds 54 and 56 are ,,connected to the tubes 48 of cold'plates 40 so that inlet mani-,'fold 54 delivers coolant liquid supplied thereto Erom a supply ''line 55 to the passage 46 (Figure 4) of t:he cold plates 40 and ,'outlet manifold 56 discharges coolant liqu.id from passage 46 of cold plate 40 to a return line 57.
Negative polarity inlet manifolds 64 and 66 are connected to the tubes 48 of cold plates 42 so that inlet manifold 64 ', delivers coolant liquid supplied thereto from a supply line 65 ' to thc internal passaye 46 (Figure 4) of cold plate 42 and outlet manifold 66 discharyes the coolant liquid from said passage to a return line 67.
A positive module tap 90 is connecte~d to a bus-bar 92 which , ~ , 45~
is, in turn~ connected to the posi-ti,ye po:larity mani~olds 54 and 56 of cach Oe the stacks 80 and 82 by curren-t take-off straps 70. Similarly, a neyative module I:ap 91 is connec-ted to a bus-~bar 93 which is, in turn connected to the neyative ` polarity manifolds 64 and 66 of each of the stacks 80 and 82 , by current take-off straps 72.
, In this manner, the cold plates 40 and 42 and their associated ',manifolds 54, 56 and 64, 66 provide a conl~enient means for ~'tapping the vol-tage of the fuel cell modu:Le shown in Fiyure 3.
,~The arrangement is such that the sub-stac]cs 10 are connected electrically in parallel so that the fuel cell module provides a voltage output correspondiny to the voltage of a sub~stack 10.
';The magnitude of the current will, of cou:rse, depend on the ''current of each sub-stack and the number of sub-stacks connected ';in parallel. By way of example, a fuel cell module such as 'jthat shown in Figure 3 using cold plates between sub-stacks 'comprising six cells wherein each cell has a nominal voltage of ~0.6 VDC provides a nominal voltage for each sub-stack of 3.6 volts , ~: ;
, thereby also providing a nominal voltage for the module of ~3.6 volts. A desired module current of 6000 amperes w~uld be pro-vided by, for example, a total of 40 sub-;stac]cs connected elec- ' trically in parallel in the module, each ;sub-stack having a ~,current of 150 amperes. , ,' In accordance with the invention there may be provided a sw.i,tchiny arranyement so that modules of a fuel cell system may be added as needed to increase the vol-tage output. One such 'arrangement is shown schematically in Figure 6.
4 ~ 2 ~
In the ~rrangement o~ Figure 6~ five fuel cell modules 100 of the type shown in Figure 3 are eonnected in series with each of the modules 100 comprisiny two stacks 80 and 82 and provid.ing a voltage output of 3.6 volts. Modules 100 are connected to power output terminals 106 by switchiny means eornprisiny five .; switehes 101-105 whieh permit the eonneetion of various numbers of fuel eell modules 100 to the power output terminals 106 in a stepwise manner to increase the voltage output in ineremen-ts :
up to the maximum of the sum of the voltages of the five modules. ' ; Thus, with the five modules, for example, each providing a 1 nominal voltage of 3.6 volts and with only switch 101 elosed, i;an Eo (potential difference) of 3.6 volts is provided at the . output terminals 106. When switeh 102 on.ly is closed, an Eo of o 7.2 volts is provided at the output terminals 106. When switch j7 103 only is elosed, an Eo of 10.8 volts is provided at the output ~terminals 106. When switch 104 only is closed, an Eo of 14.4 volts is provided at the output terminals 106 When switeh 105 ,only is closed, an Eo of 18 volts is provided at the output 'terminals 106.
' It is to be noted that if smalIer voltage inerements are , needed, additional voltage taps ean be acLded as required. Also, moxe compl.icated switehing arrangements may be provided where all the sections of the fuel cell always share the load. Such switching arrangements are within the purview of those skilled in the art.
The luel cell system of the inventic,n can simplify the supply of electric power to electrochemical proeesses by reason .
., .
52~
of the direct supply of DC cu~rent Which do~s not require rectification and ayoicls power losses, Moreover, ~y reason of the modular ~esign, the ~uel cell system of the i.nvention can ~e desiyned to directly and na-turally mat,~h the power require-ment of a given elec-trochemical process. Fiyure 7 shows a typical combination of a fuel cell system in accordance with the inven-tion in combination with an electrolytic refining cell ~system, and Figure 8 illustrates how the natural matching be-tween the systems is accomplished.
Referring to Figure 7, the fuel cell system shown therein and indicated at 108 comprises a fuel cell power supply 109 comprising seven fuel cell modules 110 which may be of the type shown in Figure 3 for example. The modules 110 are electrically interconnected in accordance with the schematic showing in Fïgure 6 with the modules 110 being connected in series and ~, associated with a voltage tap selector switch 112 which is adapted to be set in seven different positions to connect any number of the fuel cell modules 110 to the positive and negative output terminals 114 and 116, respectively, of the power supply , .
20 I lO9. The fuel cell system 108 also comprises conventional equipment such as -the hydrogen supply means which comprises a supply line 118 which supplies hydrogen gas to the fuel cell modules 110 through a metering pump 120 and a plurality of conkrol valves 122 one of which is associated with each module 110.
Z5 The outpuk terminals 114 and 116 are connected by lines 124 ancl 126, respectively, to supply current to an electrolytic cell system 130 at power input terminals 131 and 133. The ~ J16~2~
electrolytic cell system 130 comprises a bRnk of electrol~tic 'refining cell~ 132. Althouyh only two cells 132 are shown in Figure 7, typically there would be provided eight such cells ~132 in an actual insta],la-tlon as per this example. Thus, there is provided one more reEining cell 132 than the number of fuel cells llO provided since under typical conditions of operation ' at least one refining cell 132 would be out of use for main-'tenance or repair purposes.
1, Each of the refining cells 132 has associated therewith ',~a bypass circuit means 134 which can be used to short circuit , the associated refining cell 132 when it is out of use.
, The arrangement shown in Figure 7 is constructed for the ,.application of stepwise voltage control to match the incremental ~voltage requirements of each electrolytic refining cell 132 ,'by reason of the modularizing of the fuel cell power supply 109.
i.Thus, the fuel cell power supply 109 is provided as series ~¦connected modules llO with each module being designed for a ,,voltage output equivalent to the desired voltage requirement of ;a refini.ng cell 132 and each module 110 czln be independently ~'switched into or out of the power supply circuit. In addition, ''the total fuel cell output voltage is provided to match that ,of the total voltage requirement of the refining cells that !would be operational at any given time. The desired operating 7'current is provided by building up the sections of equal voltage i,sub-stacks connected in parallel within each module to suit the refin:ing cell requirements. ~n use, the switch 112 is set so ,,tha~, an appropriate number of fuel cell modules 110 are connected ;~ `, i~
~ lB~4 to the power output terminals 11~ and 116 to sui-t the nurnbex of . . .
electroly-tic cells 132 to be driven.
Figure 8 illustrates how the natural matching desiyn in ''accordance with the inven-tion is accomplished in an electrolytic refining cell installation as shown in Figure 7. An electro-lytic refining cell requires optimum voltage and current conditions to provide maximum production, which is a function o~ the cell current, at minimum power, which is a function of the required voltage. The specific voltage-current operating point of the ''electrolytic refining cell is effectively a func-tion of its .internal resistance which changes, i.e., lncreases, during its ~operation. The curves of voltage-current operating points for ;electrolytic refining cells are shown in Figure 8 wherein the , " START OF LIFE" and the "END OF LIFE" curves represent operating ~limits based on decisions as to the desired conditions of opera-tion of the refining cells.
. :
A fuel cell has its own characteristic voltage-current ~operating curve which is dictated by its specific electrochemical 'design and operating conditions (including temperature and external load). A fuel cell power supply unit operating curve will, in addition, be determined by its overall electrical 'configuration as discussed above. A typical fuel cell operating ,'curve is shown in Figure 8. As is shown in Figure 8, a given 'fue]. cell operating characteristic changes with time, i.e., the voltage decre~ses for a given current under given operation condi tions .
Both the fuel cell and the electrolytic'cell "START OF LIFE"
, I
5 ~ ~
and "END OF LIFE" opexatlng curves are effectivel~ de~ined in . . .
terms of sys-tem desiyn re~uirements. The3e c~lrves as shown in Figure 8 are no-t meant to indicate that either system will cease to unction a-t given operating conditions bu-t only that certain levels of operatiny conditions are no-t o interest to a particular ins-tallation.
When the fuel cell power supply and electrolytic refininy cells are connected, an energy transfer equilibrium point is reached quickly. This point is a naturally common operatiny condition and represent.s the intersec-tion of their actual operatiny curves at that moment. If a fuel cell power supply ; is properly designed to match the required operatiny conditions of the refininy cell, then this equilibrium point will be a current-voltaye point which satisfies both their needs based on economy, production rate, operating life, etc. If the fuel cell system is desiyned in a manner so th!at it provides a satisfactory intersectiny operatiny characteristic with the operating characteristic of the electrolytic refining cells ~ then the system will operate with a natural match between the ~power supply and the electro].ytic cell system. Accordinyly, ,there is no need to provide any power conditionirlg device, such ~as a voltaye regulator or the like, and the arrangement is, in ef~ect, self-regulating. In other words the load placed on the fuel cell system is such that the voltaye and current of the system operates at a desired operating point, i.e., in the opcratiny area o the curves shown in Fiyure 8. Since the characteristics of the load and the power. supply vary during j i !' . ~
. .
1 ~ ~8~5~
, ~ ,i operation, the operating point will chanye but will xemain at ~ ~, some point in the "OPERATING AREA" shown in Fiyure,8.
In Fiyure 9 there is shown an arrangement of a fuel cell module including a plurality of the sub-stacks 10 as described hereinbeEore in which said sub-stacks are électrically connected in series and in which switching means a.re provided for connect-¦ing a preselected number of said sub-sta.cks 10 to the power output terminals of the fuel cell module. The fuel cell module shown in Figure 9 is comprised of elements which are the same as those used in the fuel cell rnodule di.sclosed in Figure 1 where-, fore corresponding parts have been giverl like reference numerals. ¦
The fuel cell module comprises a plurality of fuel cell sub-stacks 10 held together in a stackecl arrangement by means : of tie rods 12 and hold down bars 14 ancl 16 and provided with terminal plates 1~ and 19 wherein hold clown bar 14 is electrically isolated from terminal plate 18. Each of the sub-stacks 10 comprises a plurality of fuel cells 20 connected together elec- ¦
trically in series and bounded by bipolar plates 28. Cold plates 40 are prcvided between the sub-stacks :L0 and function as means providing a cathode terminal at one end oE a sub stack of the series connected fuel cells and anode terminals at the other end of a sub-stack of the series connected :Euel cells, and a means for electrically connecting the sub-stacks in series.
! There is provided electrical circu.itry, as shown in Figure 9 !for producing at the power output termi:nals 150 and 152 of the ~1 module rl current corresponding to the current oE a sub-stack 10.
¦!There i.s also provlded sw.itching means for connecting a pre-¦,selected numher of the sub-stacks 10 to -the power outpu-t terminals ,, , ~ ~4S~
. ' , 150 and 152. To this end, there is provided a selector swi-tch '.
154 which is adapted to be set at a plurali-ty of different ¦positions to connect any number of the sub-stacks 10 ko the ¦power ou-tput termina]. 152. The power ou-tput terminal 150 is iconnected to the lower end of the module at termin~l plate 19.
IBY -this arrangement, the electrical circuitry comprises a plurality of current take-offs connected at terminal points A, ~B, E, F and G (as shown in Figure ~) to the cold plates 40 and~
terminal plate 18. The current take-off.s are arranged at increasing voltage with the lowest voltage being at terminal A
and the highest being at terminal G in the arrangement shown in I Figure 9. While only five current take-offs are shown in Figure 9, it will be apparent that a current take-off is provided for each sub-stack in the fuel cell module.
It will be apparent that various changes may be made in the construction and arrangement of parts w:ithout departing from ~the scope of he invention as defined by the Claims.
11 , , -18-
Claims (19)
1. A fuel cell system comprising:
a fuel cell module including a plurality of fuel cell sub-stacks held together in a stacked arrangement, each of said sub-stacks having a plurality of fuel cells connected together electrically in series, means providing a cathode terminal at one end of said series connected fuel cells, and means providing an anode terminal at the other end of said series connected fuel cells, and means for electrically connecting together said anode terminals of said sub-stacks and said cathode terminals of said sub-stacks in parallel, said fuel cell system producing at power output terminals a voltage output corresponding to the voltage of a sub-stack.
a fuel cell module including a plurality of fuel cell sub-stacks held together in a stacked arrangement, each of said sub-stacks having a plurality of fuel cells connected together electrically in series, means providing a cathode terminal at one end of said series connected fuel cells, and means providing an anode terminal at the other end of said series connected fuel cells, and means for electrically connecting together said anode terminals of said sub-stacks and said cathode terminals of said sub-stacks in parallel, said fuel cell system producing at power output terminals a voltage output corresponding to the voltage of a sub-stack.
2. A fuel cell system according to Claim 1 wherein said cathode terminals and said anode terminals are provided by cold plates positioned between said sub-stacks, said cold plates providing passages for the circulating flow of coolant through said cold plates.
3. A fuel cell system according to Claim 2 wherein said means for electrically connecting said cathode and anode terminals in parallel comprises a negative polarity coolant manifold means connected to said cold plates providing said cathode terminals, and a positive polarity coolant manifold means connected to said cold plates providing said anode terminals.
4. A fuel cell system according to Claim 3 including a current take-off connected to each of said negative and positive polarity coolant manifolds.
5. A fuel cell system according to Claim 1 including a plurality of said modules electrically connected in series, and switching means for connecting a preselected number of said modules to the power output terminals of the fuel cell system.
6. A fuel cell system according to Claim 1 wherein said cathode terminals and said anode terminals are located in alternate relation in the stacked arrangement to provide a common cathode termination and a common anode termination between adjacent sub-stacks, said fuel cells of each sub-stack being arranged with their anodes and cathodes conforming to said common cathode and anode termination arrangement.
7. A fuel cell system according to Claim 6 wherein said cathode terminals and said anode terminals are provided by cold plates positioned between said sub-stacks, said cold plates providing passages for the circulating flow of coolant through said cold plates.
8. A fuel cell system according to Claim 7 wherein said means for electrically connecting said cathode and anode terminals in parallel comprises a negative polarity coolant manifold means connected to said cold plates providing said cathode terminals, and a positive polarity coolant manifold means connected to said cold plates providing said anode terminals.
9. A fuel cell system according to Claim 8 including a current take off means connected to each of said negative and positive polarity coolant manifolds.
10. A fuel cell system according to Claim 9 including at least two of said s-tacked modules of a plurality of fuel cell sub-stacks mounted in side-by-side relation.
11. A fuel cell system according to Claim 9 including a plurality of said modules electrically connected in series and switching means for connecting a preselected number of said modules to the power output terminals of the fuel cell system.
12. A fuel cell system according to Claim 2 wherein each of said fuel cell sub-stacks includes bipolar plates on each side of the fuel cells and termination plates at the ends of the sub-stacks, said cold plates being positioned in electrically con-ductive contact with said termination plates.
13. A fuel cell system according to Claim 2 wherein each of said sub-stacks comprises the same number of fuel cells and including an additional sub-stack of the same total number of fuel cells which is divided with some of its fuel cells at the top of the stacked arrangement and the remainder of its fuel cells at the bottom of the stacked arrangement.
14. A fuel cell system according to Claim 3 wherein the connections of the negative polarity coolant manifold means and the positive polarity coolant manifold means to said cold plates includes conduit means extending between said cold plate and said manifold means and providing passages for the flow of coolant into and out of said cold plates.
15. A fuel cell system comprising: a fuel cell module including a plurality of fuel cell sub-stacks held together in a stacked arrangement, each of said sub-stacks having a plurality of fuel cells connected together electrically in series, means providing a cathode terminal at one end of said series connected fuel cells, and means providing an anode terminal at the other end of said series connected fuel cells, means for electrically connecting together said sub-stacks in series, said fuel cell system producing at power output terminals a current corresponding to the current of a sub-stack, and switching means for connecting a preselected number of said sub-stacks to the power output ter-minals of the fuel cell system.
16. A fuel cell system according to Claim 15 wherein said cathode terminals and said anode terminals are provided by cold plates positioned between said sub-stacks, said cold plates providing passages for the circulating flow of coolant through said cold plates.
17. In combination, a fuel cell system including a fuel cell module for generating direct current at a preselected voltage and current and supplying the same to power output terminals, an electrochemical system having predetermined operating voltage and current demand characteristics, said preselected voltage and current of said fuel cell module matching the operating voltage and current output characteristics of said electro-chemical system, and meand for electrically connecting the power out-put terminals of said fuel cell system to power input terminals of said electrochemical system whereby said fuel cell system drives said electrochemical system at desired operating voltage and current conditions.
18. The combination of Claim 17 wherein said fuel cell system includes a plurality of said fuel cell modules each generating direct current at said preselected voltage and current, and including switching means for connecting a preselected number of said fuel cell modules to the power output terminals of the fuel cell system, said electrochemical system comprising a plurality of electrochemical cells each of which has the same operating voltage and current output characteristics, said pre-selected voltage and current of each of said fuel cell modules matching the operating voltage and current output characteristics of the electrochemical cells.
19. The combination according to Claim 18 wherein said fuel cell modules are connected in series and said switching means includes a voltage tap selector switch adapted to connect various numbers of said fuel cell modules to said power output terminals of the fuel cell system to provide a stepwise voltage output.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US189,466 | 1980-09-22 | ||
| US06/189,466 US4310605A (en) | 1980-09-22 | 1980-09-22 | Fuel cell system |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1164524A true CA1164524A (en) | 1984-03-27 |
Family
ID=22697454
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000383689A Expired CA1164524A (en) | 1980-09-22 | 1981-08-12 | Fuel cell system |
Country Status (8)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4310605A (en) |
| JP (1) | JPS5780677A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU7424481A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1164524A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3137677A1 (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2490882B1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2084387B (en) |
| IT (1) | IT1171540B (en) |
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-
1981
- 1981-08-12 CA CA000383689A patent/CA1164524A/en not_active Expired
- 1981-08-17 AU AU74244/81A patent/AU7424481A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1981-09-09 GB GB8127280A patent/GB2084387B/en not_active Expired
- 1981-09-10 JP JP56141824A patent/JPS5780677A/en active Granted
- 1981-09-16 FR FR8117500A patent/FR2490882B1/en not_active Expired
- 1981-09-18 IT IT49320/81A patent/IT1171540B/en active
- 1981-09-22 DE DE19813137677 patent/DE3137677A1/en not_active Ceased
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| IT8149320A0 (en) | 1981-09-18 |
| AU7424481A (en) | 1982-04-01 |
| JPS6130386B2 (en) | 1986-07-12 |
| US4310605A (en) | 1982-01-12 |
| GB2084387A (en) | 1982-04-07 |
| IT1171540B (en) | 1987-06-10 |
| FR2490882A1 (en) | 1982-03-26 |
| GB2084387B (en) | 1984-05-10 |
| DE3137677A1 (en) | 1982-05-19 |
| FR2490882B1 (en) | 1986-11-14 |
| JPS5780677A (en) | 1982-05-20 |
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