CA2398727A1 - Current source with series connected cells - Google Patents
Current source with series connected cells Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2398727A1 CA2398727A1 CA002398727A CA2398727A CA2398727A1 CA 2398727 A1 CA2398727 A1 CA 2398727A1 CA 002398727 A CA002398727 A CA 002398727A CA 2398727 A CA2398727 A CA 2398727A CA 2398727 A1 CA2398727 A1 CA 2398727A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- cells
- fuel
- diodes
- fuel cells
- current
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M10/42—Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
- H01M10/4207—Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells for several batteries or cells simultaneously or sequentially
-
- 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
- H01M8/02—Details
-
- 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
- H01M8/04313—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems characterised by the detection or assessment of variables; characterised by the detection or assessment of failure or abnormal function
- H01M8/04664—Failure or abnormal function
- H01M8/04671—Failure or abnormal function of the individual fuel cell
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M2250/00—Fuel cells for particular applications; Specific features of fuel cell system
- H01M2250/20—Fuel cells in motive systems, e.g. vehicle, ship, plane
-
- 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
-
- 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
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
- Y02T90/00—Enabling technologies or technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02T90/40—Application of hydrogen technology to transportation, e.g. using fuel cells
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Electrochemistry (AREA)
- General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Sustainable Development (AREA)
- Sustainable Energy (AREA)
- Fuel Cell (AREA)
Abstract
The invention relates to several cells for current generation, especially fu el cells that are connected in series. Diodes are connected in parallel to said fuel cells in such a way that current (I) generated by the fuel cells cannot cause any short circuit. If one of the cells fails as a result of a defect, the current flows through a parallel-connected diode due to the fact that th e diodes then form the low ohmic resistance. In case of a failure, this makes it possible to automatically short-circuit the defective cells in a simple and economical manner.
Description
t ~.
.(s4:
..,~h ;'t t ,, n , S ,k -.:
a t,', s i. .h . ,,,t" , s n . '.~t.
1 ~~! ~",~, . 1 s ,'~~k ~;,.",?, , . .t k.-t , . 2 1 , .s , n:_.~ ~~ t . t .
i 0. ,, 1 .. ~. n , , 1 ,w , .,,\,., , t t \ a 2 , -.i~:.:;
1, , 1r., k ,, 1 , , 3 a~. ~ H, . 1' 1 5 S , . \ t., . ~' . S:' :
.1 . . ,. 2 ,l l, i ., r . ,.,tt .
..t . . ~, ~, v 1. ~ t1 2 ~~~l,i~,v kW.," t t'~- 1,.
,. 1., a " t. .. t2 ~,. , ,l .1' a. ,s:
,. a, ", ,, t, , - t ". . ~: .d . 1 , r,t .e. ..b1 . . ,C. t , t. w,. "b, 1 . h". .,.s,,, , a 1, ,.1 1 a !t ,.,,s,.W ,\. h ,;", s t , ,~t , ,"1 , s 1 "k~\" ~, , S
H . d 1 i , . ~, ,., l "~ t a 1 1 ,1 ,i , .r,., . , l", , 1 .,..,,i..,., ~.~! - " o. ,. ,.2".~,, , a s k ~5,.,:,... .14". ,..,ti ,, h~",,. ~~ .. . ,~.~,. , c, x. ~ t.. " .. ~2" .. ' 's , s,., ,. N ,, t ",t.. ", :~ k , 1 t'. t ., Y
.. s , , ",s ~s.. ,1 , s ,l 1'~, 2 , 1 ! . ~ l, , E , , l . >< " 4 . , :'t ~l n . ","v . e~"'t t .,. ,. ,. .,,, ,,~ . ~~ ,),t\ ,1,., . . ;.,:..." " .", ... .. f . 1 , ,..1.. ", l, , a. , ,~ t'r ...
,,,., 1 -, t s ,... ,.. .. , , . , a " . t ,,~1, k TU.;.1."<...,.....,".. _.... ,~s,. "~."i.,..,..\,, tt.
..,.. . . ..,.,... " .....,.. "...., ....:, a. "i.,:,.....;.s.-~.",.,. ;.:
,s.1 ~~,,:.~~. ...,..v,lL..,,1~,.:..,..~:r-:.1ik21,t. ~2,.h~.,v.,..11">~i.
21994 Transl. of PCT/DE00/00462 T R A N S L A T I O N
CURRENT SOURCE WITB SERIES CONNECTED CELhB
The invention relates to a current source comprised of a plurality of cells connected electrically in series. The individual cells generate current or are prepared to generate current.
Examples for devices of the type described at the outset are a plurality of batteries connected in series or a plurality of fuel cells connected in series and thus a fuel cell stack.
A fuel cell comprises a cathode, an electrolyte and an anode. The cathode is supplied with an oxidizing agent, e.g. air and the anode is supplied with a fuel, e.g. hydrogen.
Different fuel cell types are known and include, for example, the SOFC [solid oxide fuel cell] fuel cell as described by the publication DE 44 30 958 C1.
The SOFC fuel cells are also called high temperature fuel cells since their operating temperatures are up to 1000°C. At the cathode of a high temperature fuel cell, oxygen ions are formed in the presence of an oxidizing agent. The oxygen ions pass through . .: : . . . . , . ...:..,; , . ...:. . . .:,. ~.: t'~- . ,: - .
21994 Transl. of PCT/DE00/00462 an electrolyte and recombine on the anode side with the hydrogen arising from the fuel to water. With the recombination, electrons are liberated and thus electrical energy is generated.
The operating temperature of a PEM fuel cell is about 80°C. At the anode of a PEM fuel cell protons are formed in the presence of fuel by means of a catalyst. The protons pass through the electrolyte and combine at the cathode side with oxygen arising from the oxidizing agent to water. Electrons are thus liberated and electrical energy is generated.
A multiplicity of fuel cells are as a rule electrically and mechanically connected together to generate large electrical power by connecting elements. A sample of such a connecting element is known from DE 44 10 711 C1 to be a bipolar plate. By means of bipolar plates, fuel cells stacked one above another are electrically connected in series. This arrangement is known as a fuel cell stack.
As a fuel, methane or methanol can, inter al3a be used.
The mentioned fuels are converted b~ reforming or oxidation inter alia, into hydrogen or hydrogen-rich gas.
Should an individual cell within a group or series connected cells fail, for example, because of a defect, it becomes an electrical resistance in the series circuit. The availability of power is reduced not only by the cell which has dropped out of the circuit but also because of the additional electric resistance which has been introduced for which power must be expanded to overcome the efficiency of the apparatus, thus correspondingly 2h :M. ' ,tt.... :'~,~' 4 S' \.- .-~.;~;-yik,~-~ \ .-;tvt . S , .. ;: S a~ ;. -, ~" , l ~ \ ;; : . ,,. , ':
r ,;t . . ~ ., . ''i. , ~ . i . , \i 1 .. v. ~', ~. ", h1 , ,u. ., i~ ' .\ , ~, ~i 1 "a1; i .1, ,.
l ~' \
,4 , w . ' t.,,'. ~ . , ,, . : , . i t . , "~ ,,~.., ., . , 1~ . '..~ . '"t, ~. ~ r~ ~i , ~ , h .. , .:.; "; . ~",. , . ~ , .~ ',, .
,. ... . .:~ .". ... ~ , .,,~., ,.
,,i ,1 ,.-...~ .
' .' .. .h, ,.,, ', k~ . . ." 1:., i. , .x ..
,...'v' s« , i n , '. .t, ~ " ,: \, t ~ ., ~ t .w ,~(w.. .
1~",, : t ~ i>~.,.~~,e ~ ~". ' : ~. , ,i , , ,~,1 .. , 1 , 1 is , r ',. , H. . ,. ," , ,.~: t ,. r ."W.~ i;v; i, . , ,.. 1":~, ~ ~.v Mr..,, . .. o ~,~
S , . S . G"",. , .h , " . ,1,. , Si , !\ ,, ...~ . .,i, , ,, ., \, . , ah ..
., , , H .. . '\ ~:
..., . t. . ,..:,. y ,, ,. , , t , . ~ ,.>, .
.. . ~ ~..4 . ' . .:1' ~ . . 4 \, S , n ,.: 24 ... ..... . . 1 , ,.i,. "..2..~
. . ... . .. . .,,.~ n. , , !:,~ \~. ~.1, , , ,\,....
. . . .. , . . . i", ~.t ,, t ,: " i . .r, y,.. , . 5 ., , . .... ,: ...,t ..., . , . . ... .,,_,.;1 ~,' ..:, ,. .'.. ~.!1, . ,1t 1,..~,.
~!~:a:
21994 Transl. of PCT/DE00/00462 reduced. If the individual cells forming the currant-generating apparatus are PEM fuel cells and one of the fuel cells fails, for example because of an interruption in the operating medium supply, the flow of current through electrolysis membrane converts water in the membrane to hydrogen and oxygen. The oxygen emerges at the anode side and the hydrogen at the cathode side via the piping oxygen is passed into the anode spaces of the other cell. There mixed o curs a o ential ~s. Oxygen recombines with the hydrogen generated at the anode side. In this manner the current generation is reduced also in neighboring cells and finally terminates..
Because of the dropout of one fuel call in a series circuit of fuel cells, other fuel cells can thus be poisoned. As a result, the power-generating capacity of such a fuel cell stack can be significantly reduced.
A solution to such problems for fuel cells has been proposed according to the publication DE 197 466 16 Al by bridging the individual fuel cells in the case of failure. For that purpose corresponding electrical switching means has been provided.
The drawback of this solution that it is technologically expensive, involves high cost and requires the availabilityof a corresponding volume [space] for the electrical switching means.
The availability of space and the weight associated therewith is especially highly disadvantageous in mobile units.
The object of the invention is to make available an apparatus and the conditions of its use in which in s simple and economical manner and with reduced need for space, power losses can ,, ; . . .,, , , ; ~ ,: :: ..:. ~. :: , : :. ;..: ; ~:. ., . . ~: ,('',~: ., :
... , .. .;
21994 Transl. of PCT/DE00/00462 be minimized upon defects arising in individual cells in a series circuit.
The object of the invention is obtained with an apparatus with the features of the main claim as well as by a use with the features of the dependent claims.
In the apparatus according to the claims the diodes are connected parallel to the individual cells. The diodes are so poled that the current flow 3s possible through the diodes in the normal direction. Under "normal direction" a flow direction is to be understood which is that of the apparatus of an intact current-generating unit. The diodes are thus so connected that no short circuit results.
Advantageously each individual cell has a diode connected in parallel thereto to maximize the results.
The provision of a diode is required to prevent a short circuit. In the direction opposite the blocking direction. the diodes have a reduced ohmic resistance. During a defect-free operation of the apparatus the current flows through the individual cells since these show no electrical resistance but rather act as current sources. In such a state there is no current flow through the diode or practically no current flow therethrough.
If a defect arises in one of the individual cells this creates a high ohmic resistance as a result of the defeat in comparison to the ohmic resistance of the diode. In such a case the current flows through the parallel-connected diodes instead of through the individual cell. Power losses which have been required .. . .. . . . .: : :r: r'°~= .
21994 Transl. of PCT/DE00/00462 to overcome ohmic resistances are thus minimized. As a whole the apparatus remains capable of delivering power up to the maximum with comparatively simple means. In addition. poisoning of neighboring cells, which can arise with a fuel cell stack, is avoided. The fuel cells with which the present invention are used are thus fuel cells which not only result in power loss because of ohmic resistances but also those with which poisoning phenomena can be limited. With a fuel cell stack, especially high power maintenance effects have been indicated.
Small, light, economical diodes are commercially available. The invention can thus be realized with relatively low cost. An apparatus according to the claims can for example be used in mobile apparatus like portable computers, portable lamps and the like since here reduced Weight and volume is especially desirable.
In the Figure a circuit according to the claimed invention has been sketched. A plurality of fuel cells 1 are serially connected electrically with one another. For each fuel cell 1 a respective diode 2 is connected therewith in parallel so that no short circuit can arise from the diode 2 of the current aye generated by the fuel cells.
.(s4:
..,~h ;'t t ,, n , S ,k -.:
a t,', s i. .h . ,,,t" , s n . '.~t.
1 ~~! ~",~, . 1 s ,'~~k ~;,.",?, , . .t k.-t , . 2 1 , .s , n:_.~ ~~ t . t .
i 0. ,, 1 .. ~. n , , 1 ,w , .,,\,., , t t \ a 2 , -.i~:.:;
1, , 1r., k ,, 1 , , 3 a~. ~ H, . 1' 1 5 S , . \ t., . ~' . S:' :
.1 . . ,. 2 ,l l, i ., r . ,.,tt .
..t . . ~, ~, v 1. ~ t1 2 ~~~l,i~,v kW.," t t'~- 1,.
,. 1., a " t. .. t2 ~,. , ,l .1' a. ,s:
,. a, ", ,, t, , - t ". . ~: .d . 1 , r,t .e. ..b1 . . ,C. t , t. w,. "b, 1 . h". .,.s,,, , a 1, ,.1 1 a !t ,.,,s,.W ,\. h ,;", s t , ,~t , ,"1 , s 1 "k~\" ~, , S
H . d 1 i , . ~, ,., l "~ t a 1 1 ,1 ,i , .r,., . , l", , 1 .,..,,i..,., ~.~! - " o. ,. ,.2".~,, , a s k ~5,.,:,... .14". ,..,ti ,, h~",,. ~~ .. . ,~.~,. , c, x. ~ t.. " .. ~2" .. ' 's , s,., ,. N ,, t ",t.. ", :~ k , 1 t'. t ., Y
.. s , , ",s ~s.. ,1 , s ,l 1'~, 2 , 1 ! . ~ l, , E , , l . >< " 4 . , :'t ~l n . ","v . e~"'t t .,. ,. ,. .,,, ,,~ . ~~ ,),t\ ,1,., . . ;.,:..." " .", ... .. f . 1 , ,..1.. ", l, , a. , ,~ t'r ...
,,,., 1 -, t s ,... ,.. .. , , . , a " . t ,,~1, k TU.;.1."<...,.....,".. _.... ,~s,. "~."i.,..,..\,, tt.
..,.. . . ..,.,... " .....,.. "...., ....:, a. "i.,:,.....;.s.-~.",.,. ;.:
,s.1 ~~,,:.~~. ...,..v,lL..,,1~,.:..,..~:r-:.1ik21,t. ~2,.h~.,v.,..11">~i.
21994 Transl. of PCT/DE00/00462 T R A N S L A T I O N
CURRENT SOURCE WITB SERIES CONNECTED CELhB
The invention relates to a current source comprised of a plurality of cells connected electrically in series. The individual cells generate current or are prepared to generate current.
Examples for devices of the type described at the outset are a plurality of batteries connected in series or a plurality of fuel cells connected in series and thus a fuel cell stack.
A fuel cell comprises a cathode, an electrolyte and an anode. The cathode is supplied with an oxidizing agent, e.g. air and the anode is supplied with a fuel, e.g. hydrogen.
Different fuel cell types are known and include, for example, the SOFC [solid oxide fuel cell] fuel cell as described by the publication DE 44 30 958 C1.
The SOFC fuel cells are also called high temperature fuel cells since their operating temperatures are up to 1000°C. At the cathode of a high temperature fuel cell, oxygen ions are formed in the presence of an oxidizing agent. The oxygen ions pass through . .: : . . . . , . ...:..,; , . ...:. . . .:,. ~.: t'~- . ,: - .
21994 Transl. of PCT/DE00/00462 an electrolyte and recombine on the anode side with the hydrogen arising from the fuel to water. With the recombination, electrons are liberated and thus electrical energy is generated.
The operating temperature of a PEM fuel cell is about 80°C. At the anode of a PEM fuel cell protons are formed in the presence of fuel by means of a catalyst. The protons pass through the electrolyte and combine at the cathode side with oxygen arising from the oxidizing agent to water. Electrons are thus liberated and electrical energy is generated.
A multiplicity of fuel cells are as a rule electrically and mechanically connected together to generate large electrical power by connecting elements. A sample of such a connecting element is known from DE 44 10 711 C1 to be a bipolar plate. By means of bipolar plates, fuel cells stacked one above another are electrically connected in series. This arrangement is known as a fuel cell stack.
As a fuel, methane or methanol can, inter al3a be used.
The mentioned fuels are converted b~ reforming or oxidation inter alia, into hydrogen or hydrogen-rich gas.
Should an individual cell within a group or series connected cells fail, for example, because of a defect, it becomes an electrical resistance in the series circuit. The availability of power is reduced not only by the cell which has dropped out of the circuit but also because of the additional electric resistance which has been introduced for which power must be expanded to overcome the efficiency of the apparatus, thus correspondingly 2h :M. ' ,tt.... :'~,~' 4 S' \.- .-~.;~;-yik,~-~ \ .-;tvt . S , .. ;: S a~ ;. -, ~" , l ~ \ ;; : . ,,. , ':
r ,;t . . ~ ., . ''i. , ~ . i . , \i 1 .. v. ~', ~. ", h1 , ,u. ., i~ ' .\ , ~, ~i 1 "a1; i .1, ,.
l ~' \
,4 , w . ' t.,,'. ~ . , ,, . : , . i t . , "~ ,,~.., ., . , 1~ . '..~ . '"t, ~. ~ r~ ~i , ~ , h .. , .:.; "; . ~",. , . ~ , .~ ',, .
,. ... . .:~ .". ... ~ , .,,~., ,.
,,i ,1 ,.-...~ .
' .' .. .h, ,.,, ', k~ . . ." 1:., i. , .x ..
,...'v' s« , i n , '. .t, ~ " ,: \, t ~ ., ~ t .w ,~(w.. .
1~",, : t ~ i>~.,.~~,e ~ ~". ' : ~. , ,i , , ,~,1 .. , 1 , 1 is , r ',. , H. . ,. ," , ,.~: t ,. r ."W.~ i;v; i, . , ,.. 1":~, ~ ~.v Mr..,, . .. o ~,~
S , . S . G"",. , .h , " . ,1,. , Si , !\ ,, ...~ . .,i, , ,, ., \, . , ah ..
., , , H .. . '\ ~:
..., . t. . ,..:,. y ,, ,. , , t , . ~ ,.>, .
.. . ~ ~..4 . ' . .:1' ~ . . 4 \, S , n ,.: 24 ... ..... . . 1 , ,.i,. "..2..~
. . ... . .. . .,,.~ n. , , !:,~ \~. ~.1, , , ,\,....
. . . .. , . . . i", ~.t ,, t ,: " i . .r, y,.. , . 5 ., , . .... ,: ...,t ..., . , . . ... .,,_,.;1 ~,' ..:, ,. .'.. ~.!1, . ,1t 1,..~,.
~!~:a:
21994 Transl. of PCT/DE00/00462 reduced. If the individual cells forming the currant-generating apparatus are PEM fuel cells and one of the fuel cells fails, for example because of an interruption in the operating medium supply, the flow of current through electrolysis membrane converts water in the membrane to hydrogen and oxygen. The oxygen emerges at the anode side and the hydrogen at the cathode side via the piping oxygen is passed into the anode spaces of the other cell. There mixed o curs a o ential ~s. Oxygen recombines with the hydrogen generated at the anode side. In this manner the current generation is reduced also in neighboring cells and finally terminates..
Because of the dropout of one fuel call in a series circuit of fuel cells, other fuel cells can thus be poisoned. As a result, the power-generating capacity of such a fuel cell stack can be significantly reduced.
A solution to such problems for fuel cells has been proposed according to the publication DE 197 466 16 Al by bridging the individual fuel cells in the case of failure. For that purpose corresponding electrical switching means has been provided.
The drawback of this solution that it is technologically expensive, involves high cost and requires the availabilityof a corresponding volume [space] for the electrical switching means.
The availability of space and the weight associated therewith is especially highly disadvantageous in mobile units.
The object of the invention is to make available an apparatus and the conditions of its use in which in s simple and economical manner and with reduced need for space, power losses can ,, ; . . .,, , , ; ~ ,: :: ..:. ~. :: , : :. ;..: ; ~:. ., . . ~: ,('',~: ., :
... , .. .;
21994 Transl. of PCT/DE00/00462 be minimized upon defects arising in individual cells in a series circuit.
The object of the invention is obtained with an apparatus with the features of the main claim as well as by a use with the features of the dependent claims.
In the apparatus according to the claims the diodes are connected parallel to the individual cells. The diodes are so poled that the current flow 3s possible through the diodes in the normal direction. Under "normal direction" a flow direction is to be understood which is that of the apparatus of an intact current-generating unit. The diodes are thus so connected that no short circuit results.
Advantageously each individual cell has a diode connected in parallel thereto to maximize the results.
The provision of a diode is required to prevent a short circuit. In the direction opposite the blocking direction. the diodes have a reduced ohmic resistance. During a defect-free operation of the apparatus the current flows through the individual cells since these show no electrical resistance but rather act as current sources. In such a state there is no current flow through the diode or practically no current flow therethrough.
If a defect arises in one of the individual cells this creates a high ohmic resistance as a result of the defeat in comparison to the ohmic resistance of the diode. In such a case the current flows through the parallel-connected diodes instead of through the individual cell. Power losses which have been required .. . .. . . . .: : :r: r'°~= .
21994 Transl. of PCT/DE00/00462 to overcome ohmic resistances are thus minimized. As a whole the apparatus remains capable of delivering power up to the maximum with comparatively simple means. In addition. poisoning of neighboring cells, which can arise with a fuel cell stack, is avoided. The fuel cells with which the present invention are used are thus fuel cells which not only result in power loss because of ohmic resistances but also those with which poisoning phenomena can be limited. With a fuel cell stack, especially high power maintenance effects have been indicated.
Small, light, economical diodes are commercially available. The invention can thus be realized with relatively low cost. An apparatus according to the claims can for example be used in mobile apparatus like portable computers, portable lamps and the like since here reduced Weight and volume is especially desirable.
In the Figure a circuit according to the claimed invention has been sketched. A plurality of fuel cells 1 are serially connected electrically with one another. For each fuel cell 1 a respective diode 2 is connected therewith in parallel so that no short circuit can arise from the diode 2 of the current aye generated by the fuel cells.
Claims (2)
1. Fuel cell stack having fuel cells connected in series as a current source, characterized therein that diodes (2) are connected in parallel to the individual fuel cells (1) to bridge a fuel cell of this type in such a way that the diodes do not short-circuit the individual fuel cells.
2. Use of the fuel cell stack according to claim 1 in mobile apparatus.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DE19907369.4 | 1999-02-20 | ||
DE19907369A DE19907369C2 (en) | 1999-02-20 | 1999-02-20 | Power source with cells connected in series |
PCT/DE2000/000462 WO2000049673A1 (en) | 1999-02-20 | 2000-02-15 | Source of current with series connected cells |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
CA2398727A1 true CA2398727A1 (en) | 2000-08-24 |
Family
ID=7898309
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
CA002398727A Abandoned CA2398727A1 (en) | 1999-02-20 | 2000-02-15 | Current source with series connected cells |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1155469A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2002540555A (en) |
AU (1) | AU3146400A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2398727A1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE19907369C2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2000049673A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7638972B2 (en) | 2004-06-16 | 2009-12-29 | L'air Liquide - Societe Anonyme A Directoire Et Conseil De Surveillance Pour L'etude Et L'exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude | System for monitoring a group of electrochemical cells and device therefor |
Families Citing this family (24)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USRE39556E1 (en) | 1997-11-20 | 2007-04-10 | Relion, Inc. | Fuel cell and method for controlling same |
US6835481B2 (en) | 2000-03-29 | 2004-12-28 | Idatech, Llc | Fuel cell system with load management |
CA2422209A1 (en) * | 2000-09-14 | 2003-03-12 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Method for operating a fuel cell and a fuel cell arrangement |
DE10059392A1 (en) * | 2000-11-30 | 2002-06-20 | Siemens Ag | DC power supply device with a plurality of fuel cell blocks arranged in series |
DE10215913C1 (en) * | 2002-04-11 | 2003-10-02 | Daimler Chrysler Ag | Fuel cell system for automobile propulsion drive has defective fuel cell unit decoupled with blocking of medium flows through decoupled fuel cell unit |
DE20205728U1 (en) | 2002-04-12 | 2002-07-25 | Zentrum für Sonnenenergie- und Wasserstoff-Forschung Baden Württemberg Gemeinnützige Stiftung, 89081 Ulm | flashlight |
US20030235739A1 (en) * | 2002-06-24 | 2003-12-25 | Haltiner Karl J. | Solid-oxide fuel cell assembly having optimal number of cells |
US6913845B2 (en) * | 2002-10-28 | 2005-07-05 | Utc Fuel Cells, Llc | Reducing fuel cell cathode potential during startup and shutdown |
DE10328255A1 (en) * | 2003-06-24 | 2005-01-13 | Daimlerchrysler Ag | Fuel cell with short-circuiting means |
US7235315B2 (en) | 2003-12-16 | 2007-06-26 | Ballard Power Systems Inc. | Electrochemical fuel cell stack having a plurality of integrated voltage reversal protection diodes |
JP5169002B2 (en) * | 2007-04-20 | 2013-03-27 | ソニー株式会社 | Battery system and manufacturing method thereof |
EP2110921B1 (en) | 2008-04-14 | 2013-06-19 | Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. | Battery management system for a cordless tool |
US9059434B2 (en) | 2008-08-06 | 2015-06-16 | Bloom Energy Corporation | Structure and method for SOFC operation with failed cell diode bypass |
US8409760B2 (en) | 2009-01-20 | 2013-04-02 | Adaptive Materials, Inc. | Method for controlling a water based fuel reformer |
US20100183929A1 (en) * | 2009-01-20 | 2010-07-22 | Adaptive Materials, Inc. | Solid oxide fuel cell system including a water based fuel reformer |
US8936888B2 (en) | 2009-01-30 | 2015-01-20 | Adaptive Materials, Inc. | Fuel cell system with flame protection member |
JP2010186574A (en) * | 2009-02-10 | 2010-08-26 | Mitsubishi Materials Corp | Flat plate type solid oxide type fuel cell |
JP5280253B2 (en) * | 2009-03-09 | 2013-09-04 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Fuel cell |
US8796888B2 (en) | 2010-07-07 | 2014-08-05 | Adaptive Materials, Inc. | Wearable power management system |
JP2014522557A (en) | 2011-06-09 | 2014-09-04 | ブルーム エナジー コーポレーション | Fuel cell bypass diode structure and mounting method |
DE102014203159A1 (en) * | 2014-02-21 | 2015-08-27 | Airbus Operations Gmbh | Fuel cell system in a bipolar high-voltage network and method for operating a bipolar high-voltage network |
EP3427901B1 (en) | 2014-05-18 | 2020-03-11 | Black & Decker, Inc. | Convertible battery pack for power tool |
US9893384B2 (en) | 2014-05-18 | 2018-02-13 | Black & Decker Inc. | Transport system for convertible battery pack |
EP3560062A4 (en) | 2016-12-23 | 2020-06-24 | Black & Decker Inc. | Cordless power tool system |
Family Cites Families (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2543367B1 (en) * | 1983-03-23 | 1985-12-20 | Gipelec | BATTERY OF CELLS WITH END OF LIFE SIGNAL FORMED BY ELEMENTS CONNECTED IN SERIES |
DE4139425A1 (en) * | 1991-11-29 | 1993-06-03 | Saft Akkumulatoren Und Batteri | Battery with multiple of voltage contg. individual cells arranged in housing - has lithium@ batteries as individual cells, which are arranged essentially at right angles to longitudinal axis of battery housing |
JP3111787B2 (en) * | 1994-01-20 | 2000-11-27 | 富士電機株式会社 | Fuel cell power generator and start-up method thereof |
DE4410711C1 (en) * | 1994-03-28 | 1995-09-07 | Forschungszentrum Juelich Gmbh | Metallic bipolar plate for HT fuel cells and method of manufacturing the same |
DE4430958C1 (en) * | 1994-08-31 | 1995-10-19 | Forschungszentrum Juelich Gmbh | Solid electrolyte high temperature fuel cell and fuel cell assembly |
DE19531852C1 (en) * | 1995-08-30 | 1996-12-19 | Forschungszentrum Juelich Gmbh | Fuel cell with drainage system for water or steam |
US6107777A (en) * | 1997-07-25 | 2000-08-22 | Becton, Dickinson And Company | Circuit for causing a voltage step in a multi-cell battery |
-
1999
- 1999-02-20 DE DE19907369A patent/DE19907369C2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2000
- 2000-02-15 AU AU31464/00A patent/AU3146400A/en not_active Abandoned
- 2000-02-15 CA CA002398727A patent/CA2398727A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2000-02-15 JP JP2000600319A patent/JP2002540555A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2000-02-15 WO PCT/DE2000/000462 patent/WO2000049673A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2000-02-15 EP EP00909036A patent/EP1155469A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7638972B2 (en) | 2004-06-16 | 2009-12-29 | L'air Liquide - Societe Anonyme A Directoire Et Conseil De Surveillance Pour L'etude Et L'exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude | System for monitoring a group of electrochemical cells and device therefor |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU3146400A (en) | 2000-09-04 |
JP2002540555A (en) | 2002-11-26 |
DE19907369A1 (en) | 2000-08-24 |
WO2000049673A1 (en) | 2000-08-24 |
EP1155469A1 (en) | 2001-11-21 |
DE19907369C2 (en) | 2002-12-12 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
CA2398727A1 (en) | Current source with series connected cells | |
Yamamoto | Solid oxide fuel cells: fundamental aspects and prospects | |
KR0123727B1 (en) | Stack for fuel cell | |
TWI298957B (en) | Fuel cell apparatus | |
US20070099062A1 (en) | Fuel cell system suitable for complex fuels and a method of operation of the same | |
JP4021880B2 (en) | Fuel cell conditioning and temperature control | |
US7247398B2 (en) | System stack contingency and efficiency switching | |
US6376118B1 (en) | Fuel cell having an electrode with gas-permeable pores | |
KR102265486B1 (en) | Fuel cell module, Fuel cell stack module system, water electrolyzer cell module, water electrolyzer cell module system, Fuel cell-water electrolyzer cell module and Fuel cell-water electrolyzer cell module system having function of bypassing fuel and power | |
US7422814B2 (en) | Fuel cell system | |
JP5713698B2 (en) | Separation and recovery system for CO2 from solid oxide fuel cell and method for operating the same | |
JP2017537586A (en) | Fuel cell and battery | |
EP4145659A2 (en) | Fuel cell systems with series-connected subsystems | |
US9059434B2 (en) | Structure and method for SOFC operation with failed cell diode bypass | |
Steele | Materials for electrochemical energy conversion and storage systems | |
KR100646543B1 (en) | Fuel cell system | |
KR20180076284A (en) | Stack module for fuel battery and high temperature electrolysis comprising cell battery modules which can individually change under an operation | |
US10651494B2 (en) | Stack module for fuel battery and high temperature electrolysis including individually changeable cell battery module during operation | |
JP2004234973A (en) | Fuel cell unit and operation method of the same | |
KR101199098B1 (en) | Direct methanol fuel cell system and operating method | |
US11271229B2 (en) | Method of controlling measurement of cell voltage of fuel cell and apparatus for executing the same | |
JP2019057407A (en) | Stack connection body | |
CN114261290A (en) | Fuel cell vehicle | |
Stroyov et al. | Innovative fuel cell deployment in telstra's network and key learnings from the field | |
KR20100133839A (en) | Fuel cell system |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
FZDE | Dead |