DE102005055043A1 - Chemical reactor unit especially for electricity production has at least two channels for different reaction media and channels for temperature control of the media - Google Patents

Abstract

A chemical reactor unit, especially for electricity production comprises at least two channels for different reaction media and at least two third and fourth channels for temperature control of the different media : An independent claim is also included for a sheet packet for the above unit.

Description

The The invention relates to a device for carrying out a chemical reaction with flow channels for temperature control or reaction media. Furthermore, the invention relates a disk pack for forming such a device.

The conversion of chemical into electrical energy by means of such devices may represent an efficient and environmentally friendly method for recovering electric current from the operating media hydrogen and oxygen. In this case usually two spatially separated electrode reactions take place, in which electrons are released or bound. An example of two corresponding electrode reactions in a generic device are the following reactions: H ₂ => 2H ⁺ + 2e ^- (Anodic reaction) 2H ⁺ + 2e ^- + ½O ₂ => H ₂ O (cathodic reaction)

In another type, for example, the following reactions can be observed: H ₂ + O ^2- => H ₂ O + 2e ^- (Anodic Reaction I) CO + O ^2- => CO ₂ + 2e ^- (Anodic Reaction II) O ₂ + 4e ^- => 2O ^2- (cathodic reaction)

Other generic devices sometimes have other reactions. Together is each of the Transport of a species in electrically non-neutral form by an electrolyte and the parallel transport of electrons through an outer conductor, around the species after the transport process into an electrically neutral Restore condition.

By electrically connecting the spatially separated reaction zones, part of the reaction enthalpy converted thereby can be obtained directly as an electric current. Usually, a plurality of reactors connected electrically in series are stacked on top of one another and a stack formed in this way is used as the current source. A single reaction unit consists of an electrolyte unit, such as membrane, which separates the reactants, in particular hydrogen and oxygen or hydrogen / carbon monoxide and oxygen, and an ionic conductivity, in particular an H ⁺ -Prononenleitfähigkeit or O ^2- conductivity, as well as of two electrodes coated with catalyst material, which are required inter alia for tapping the electrical current generated by the reaction unit.

The Reactants, for example, hydrogen and oxygen, and the reaction product Water and optionally a medium which serves to dissipate excess heat of reaction, flow through Fluid channels, wherein the reactants need not necessarily be in pure form. For example For example, the fluid on the cathode side may be air, the oxygen of which participate in the reaction. Especially when using a heat dissipating Medium is characterized by a thermal connection of the respective fluid channels for a sufficient Heat transfer provided between the respective fluids.

reactants and reaction products are within the scope of the present invention referred to as reaction media. The tempering medium is a medium denotes, which is suitable, a device or a reaction zone heat add or remove.

The resulting in a generic device waste heat usually gets over a cooling medium and a separate cooling circuit dissipated and must be delivered against the environment. Because the temperature difference between device and environment is usually less than in a combustion engine comparable performance, is the cooling effort or the cooler size despite higher Efficiency often larger.

Basically between gas-cooled and liquid cooled devices to carry out a chemical reaction can be distinguished. For air-cooled devices becomes the heat balance by integration of suitable cooling channels into individual plates of a Plate stack and flow of these channels controlled with an air flow and the excess heat is removed with this air flow. Liquid cooled devices are, however, of a liquid cooling medium flows through mostly high heat capacity, which absorbs the waste heat generated during the chemical reaction and in an external, spatially cooler isolated from the device, which in turn is mostly air-cooled is to give to the environment.

Due to the relatively low heat capacity of cooling air and the associated relatively large volume flows results in the air-cooled arrangement, the demand for relatively large, straight air cooling ducts to keep the pressure loss and thus the energy cost of the cooling air flow within limits. Since the reaction media to be cooled are often also gaseous and have a specific heat capacity similar to the Cooling air, air-cooled devices usually have a strong temperature gradient along the cooling air duct. Here, in particular, the region of the active reaction zone, which is closest to the cooling air inlet, cooled particularly strong, while in areas that are close to the cooling air outlet, hardly any heat transfer takes place. It has been found that the resulting inhomogeneous temperature profile under certain circumstances adversely affects the efficient operation of the device.

The liquid cooled arrangement is especially in the use of polymer materials for the electrolyte membrane due to their vulnerability to Contamination with metal ions may be problematic. Will you For example, a liquid-cooled device operate in conjunction with a known aluminum heat exchanger is to Prevention of contamination of polymer membranes the use a liquid Cooling medium, which can not transport metal ions, such as a heat transfer oil, or alternatively the use of an ion exchange cartridge for cleaning of the liquid cooling medium required. This results in disadvantages in the form of lesser specific heat transfer performance (heat transfer oil) or in the form of additional System cost (ion exchanger cartridge).

• a) Zerlegung des Kraftstoffes, beispielsweise durch sogenanntes thermisches Cracken, in seine Ausgangsstoffe, gegebenenfalls über einem Katalysator. Ein Beispiel ist die Reaktion von Oktan: C₈H₁₈ → 8C + 9H₂.
• b) Partielle Oxidation des Kraftstoffes über einem Katalysator unter Zugabe von (Luft-)Sauerstoff im stöchiometrischen oder unterstöchiometrischen Anteil. Beispiele sind die Reaktionen von Oktan: C₈H₁₈ + 8O₂ → 8CO₂ + 9H₂ (stöchiometrisch) beziehungsweise C₈H₁₈ + 4O₂ → 8CO + 9H₂ (unterstöchiometrisch).
• c) Dampfreformierung des Kraftstoffes über einem Katalysator unter Zugabe von Wasser. Ein Beispiel ist die Reaktion von Oktan: C₈H₁₈ + 16H₂O → 8CO₂ + 25H₂.
• d) Autotherme Reformierung des Kraftstoffes durch Kombination von partieller Oxidation und Dampfreformierung dahingehend, dass die Energiebilanz der Gesamtreaktion durch Kombination der endothermen Dampfreformierung und der exothermen partiellen Oxidation gerade ausgeglichen wird.

To produce the required in the device, hydrogen-containing operating gas, especially in gas production on board motor vehicles, liquid fuels (for example, gasoline, diesel, methanol, etc.) or gaseous fuels (such as natural gas) is used as the starting point. For the production of hydrogen-rich gas from these fuels, various processes are known, which are based essentially on one or the combination of several of the following chemical processes:

• a) decomposition of the fuel, for example by so-called thermal cracking, in its starting materials, optionally over a catalyst. An example is the reaction of octane: C ₈ H ₁₈ → 8C + 9H ₂ .
• b) Partial oxidation of the fuel over a catalyst with the addition of (air) oxygen in the stoichiometric or substoichiometric proportion. Examples are the reactions of octane: C ₈ H ₁₈ + 8O ₂ → 8CO ₂ + 9H ₂ (stoichiometric) or C ₈ H ₁₈ + 4O ₂ → 8CO + 9H ₂ (substoichiometric).
• c) steam reforming of the fuel over a catalyst with the addition of water. An example is the reaction of octane: C ₈ H ₁₈ + 16H ₂ O → 8CO ₂ + 25H ₂ .
• d) Autothermal reforming of the fuel by combining partial oxidation and steam reforming to balance the energy balance of the overall reaction by combination of endothermic steam reforming and exothermic partial oxidation.

In general, such a process takes place in a so-called reformer, whereby in practice no full conversion is achieved and a more or less high proportion of carbon monoxide remains in the gas produced. Subsequently, by employing so-called shift steps using the water gas shift reaction (CO + H ₂ O → CO ₂ + H ₂ ), additional hydrogen can be recovered at the expense of CO concentration using a suitable catalyst.

For further purification of the gas of CO, selective oxidation can be carried out over a suitable catalyst if necessary. In this case, the remaining carbon monoxide is oxidized by the addition of (air) oxygen to carbon dioxide: 2CO + O ₂ → CO ₂ .

to beyond that Purification of the gas from sulfur or sulfur compounds can passive adsorption (e.g., on zeolites) or catalytic Transformation of the sulfur compounds present in the fuel or reformate be carried out on a suitable catalyst or adsorbent. The desulphurization is basically before reforming (on the liquid or vaporized fuel) or even after reforming (on the reformate) possible. In the latter case, the remaining in the reformate sulfur compounds for example by means of the process of HDS (hydro-desulfurization) reacted with hydrogen; the resulting H2S becomes then on a suitable material (for example, Cu-Zn pellets) adsorbed and thus removed from the fuel gas.

Usually, many or all of these processes take place in devices specifically designed for this purpose. A schematic overview of the architecture of a fuel cell system is available 8th ,

It is an object of the invention, an apparatus for performing a provide chemical reaction, which at relatively low cost a has high efficiency.

This object is achieved by a device for carrying out a chemical reaction, each having at least one, preferably a plurality of first flow channels for a first reaction medium, second flow channels for a second Re action medium, third flow channels for a first tempering medium and fourth flow channels for a second tempering medium.

According to the invention are therefore at least four media separately feasible. The reaction media serve to supply a chemical reaction zone with those for the chemical Reaction required media, such as hydrogen and Atmospheric oxygen, or a discharge of one or more reaction products. With the help of the first tempering medium is in the device resulting waste heat For example, directly dissipated to the environment or the required heat is the Device can be fed directly, in particular by means of a fluid delivery device, such as for example, a pump, a blower or the like. To this Purpose is as a first tempering preferably ambient air used in a suitably large amount through the device guided becomes. The second temperature control medium, for example cooling water, flows in a preferably closed circuit, preferably by means of a suitable fluid delivery device.

Under circumstances is with the device according to the invention a lesser structural effort achievable if additional components How temperature control lines, pumps or heat exchangers are dispensable, since the device itself as a heat exchanger acts. In particular, by providing flow channels for different Temperiermedien is a more homogeneous temperature distribution and optionally a more uniform temperature output or addition and thus possibly an increased efficiency of Device allows. The use of two tempering media has an advantageous effect, in their heat capacity and / or Their physical state differ from each other and / or if the flow channels for the tempering have different shapes and / or cross-sectional areas.

According to one preferred embodiment, the inventive device a preferably diffusion permeable membrane between a first and a second flow channel on, so that the reaction media are separated from each other, wherein the chemical reaction over for example ionic diffusion of one or more reactants through the membrane through it becomes.

According to one alternative embodiment, the flow channels for the reaction media communicate with each other, so that the reactants come into direct contact with each other and in some circumstances can mix with each other. hereby the chemical reaction may be accelerated, so that the efficiency of the device increases.

Prefers has the device according to the invention a fifth flow channel for a third tempering medium, extending from the first and the second Temperature control differentiates. This will be an admission the device with three different tempering different Function allows. For example, a tempering medium of heat removal, a heat supply, an evaporation and / or a particular catalytically assisted implementation of Serve tempering itself.

According to one preferred embodiment communicates at least one flow channel for a reaction medium with a flow channel for a temperature control medium. As a result, the relevant flow channel for the temperature control medium as a feed channel for fresh and optionally pre-tempered reaction medium usable.

According to one advantageous embodiment has a third or fourth flow channel a catalyst, and is particularly preferably catalytically coated. The first or second temperature control medium then increases an endothermic reaction heat on or gives off by an exothermic reaction heat, so that on the one hand the heat dissipation or supply is supported and, on the other hand, the device optionally has another function, namely the implementation the catalyzed reaction, in particular a reforming fulfilled.

Prefers the catalyst is placed on one surface, the other Flow channels thermally is decoupled. Thus, the catalyzed reaction on a other temperature level than that of the other flow channels. Especially Preferably, the catalyst is thermally decoupled on one of the other flow channels Disc element arranged. The thermal decoupling is included in particular by projections accomplished on the channel wall and / or the disc element, wherein then by a only punctiform and / or linear contact a heat flow from the channel wall to the Disc element or vice versa is inhibited.

Additionally or alternatively, the respective channel wall and / or the one of the respective Channel wall thermally decoupled disc element a particular as a surface coating trained thermal insulator on. A thermal insulation is under circumstances even with flow channels without Catalyst advantageous.

According to a preferred embodiment to sums the thermally decoupled from the respective channel wall disc element a particular catalytically coated honeycomb body, in particular a honeycomb ceramic, which is particularly suitable due to their starting material in terms of thermal decoupling and either with or without the use of a punctiform plant is used.

According to one another preferred embodiment comprises the disc element thermally decoupled from the respective channel wall a broad metal knit or a stretched metal felt that in a particularly preferred embodiment with one or two channel walls the flowfield is electrically connected, for example by soldering.

According to one preferred embodiment At least a third and / or fourth flow channel communicates with a first and / or second flow channel. This serves at least a reaction medium as a tempering, namely before or after the chemical Reaction. This serves, for example, to preheat a reactant, if appropriate under recovery of reaction heat. Particularly preferred is the third or fourth flow channel for this purpose provided with a catalyst, so that at least one reactant in the device according to the invention can be displayed with relatively little energy expenditure.

Further advantageous embodiments The invention results from the claims and from exemplary embodiments, on the basis of which the invention is described below with reference to the drawings is explained in more detail. Show it:

1 A disk package for forming a device according to the invention in exploded view,

2 an apparatus for performing a chemical reaction in exploded view,

3 a temperature distribution over devices for carrying out a chemical reaction,

4 a device for carrying out a chemical reaction,

5 a disk package with two pairs of disks,

6 a partial cross section of three panes,

7 a partial cross section of three panes,

8th a schematic of a fuel cell system,

9 a cross section of a disk package,

10 a cross section of a disk package,

11 a cross section of a disc package and

12 a disc package.

The embodiment according to 1 includes several discs ( 1 . 2 . 5 . 6 ), two of which form a pair ( 1 . 2 ) respectively. ( 5 . 6 ). The disk pairs are advantageously as communicating half-shells according to DE 102 24 397 A1 educated. Between two such pairs ( 1 . 2 ) ( 5 . 6 ) is a third flow channel with a Luftkühlflowfield ( 3 . 4 ) arranged turbulence insert, which can be supplied, for example, by a fan, not shown, with cooling air as the first tempering medium. A disk package is thus shown from the assembled parts 1 to 6 , which are fluid-tightly interconnected, for example, by welding, soldering or mechanical forming.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the components 1 . 2 . 5 and 6 made of stainless steel and welded or soldered together. The cooling flowfield ( 3 . 4 ), which may also consist of a single component, is made of aluminum, for example, and after the joining process of the components 1 . 2 . 5 . 6 placed mechanically. The disk package formed from all components then has independent flow channels, for example for cooling air, cooling liquid, anode supply gas and cathode supply gas.

2 also shows an exploded view of an arrangement of several disk packs ( 7 ) as a disk stack to form a device for performing a chemical reaction. The disk packs ( 7 ) are alternated with membranes ( 8th ), which are provided on both sides with electrodes stacked on each other.

The disk packs shown in this illustration have a circumferential seal ( 9 ), which for a flow with the first temperature control medium cooling air for the formation of inlet and / or outlet openings interruptions ( 10 ) having. The first tempering medium is therefore outside the Disc elements distributed on the third flow channels formed by spaces between two disc elements or collected from these. To this end, connect laterally to the disk stack a not shown distribution and a collecting channel, which communicate with the third flow channels. In addition, it is possible with the aid of suitable deflection channels to provide a serpentine flow through the third flow channels, wherein each of the two or more serpentine sections may in turn comprise a plurality of parallel flow channels, in particular from different interpane spaces. The reaction media and the second temperature control medium are supplied or removed via distribution and collection channels within the disk stack, for which purpose the individual disks have, for example, rectangular openings.

3 shows the qualitative course of the temperature T of a reaction medium along the length I of a cooling air channel of a known ( 11 ) and an inventive ( 12 ) Apparatus for carrying out a chemical reaction. It can be clearly seen that a more homogeneous temperature distribution along the cooling air channels can be achieved by means of an additional liquid cooling circuit. By arranging fourth flow channels for a liquid cooling medium in each case between the flow channels for the reaction media and the cooling air, the temperature profile along the cooling air channels is particularly uniform.

In Another particularly preferred embodiment is a device according to the invention used with internal (steam) reforming. This happens by that instead of cooling air one of the reactants through the third flow channels and then through the first or second flow channels flow by the first and second flow channels communicate with the third flow channels, for example via a Connecting cable or within the disk stack.

In a more specific embodiment, an area for the vaporization of the liquid fuel is provided, which is functionally upstream of the actual reforming area, but does not have a catalytic coating to achieve evaporation without a chemical reforming reaction. In this case, the segments ( 3 . 4 ) or a corresponding component at least partially provided with a catalytic coating. In the event that evaporation of liquid fuel components is provided, no catalytic coating is applied in the evaporation zone, which begins at the reformate entry zone and has a suitable expansion along a channel.

Of the Share of electrically unusable waste heat at the chemically released Energy results from the ratio of the difference of reversible Catalyst [1,48V] and the electrical cell voltage at the respective operating point for reversible heat of reaction. Becomes the reforming process so driven that for the evaporation and / or Reforming required amount of heat the waste heat equivalent, such a system can even be autothermal and completely without external cooler operate.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, a fuel-water mixture is used as cooling medium for setting an isothermal state, which in the region of the cooling flow field between the plates (FIG. 1 - 2 ) respectively. ( 5 - 6 ) and subsequently in the area of the reforming flowfield (parts 3 - 4 ) is steam reformed.

In Another preferred embodiment the fuel-water mixture under pressure, so it's in the area of the cooling flowfield in liquid Form and before the entry into the Reformierungsflowfield pressure-relieved, so that here comes a sudden evaporation as preparation for the Reforming reaction.

In Another preferred embodiment set the operating point or the waste heat of the stack, that the process of heating the fuel-water mixture in Compound with the steam reforming by the chemical Reaction resulting waste heat energetically at least partially covered, so that an autothermal Operation promoted becomes. in principle is this arrangement for any endothermic or slightly exothermic reaction combination suitable.

in the Frame of a catalytically cooled Device with internal reforming (for example methanol reforming) can the reforming by the quasi-isothermal temperature distribution according to the invention may be more efficient throughout the catalytically coated area expire.

4 shows a fuel cell system cluster 13 with bipolar plates 15 , for example, according to 2 is constructed. Third flow channels 14 in a cooling zone 23 serve a flow with cooling air. By using a particular closed liquid-cooling circuit by externally invisible fourth flow channels, the cooling effect of the cooling air can be transferred to adjacent bipolar plates, so that not every third flow channel must be used for the cooling function. The thus released so to speak third flow channels are for various others Tasks in the fuel cell system usable.

In an evaporation zone 16 becomes water or a water-fuel mixture 18 in third channels 17 evaporates, so that it may be possible to dispense with an evaporator as a precursor for the reformer as an independent component.

In a reforming zone 19 happens a partial oxidation, an autothermal reforming or steam reforming, where the local third flow channels 20 optionally have a suitable catalytic coating of the channel walls with a suitable catalyst for the respective task. Under certain circumstances can thus be dispensed with a reformer as an independent component.

In a low-temperature shift zone 21 are third flow channels 22 intended for a water gas shift reaction, which is optionally supported by means of a catalyst. Under certain circumstances can therefore be dispensed with an NT shift reactor as an independent component.

The third flow channels of the different zones are connected to each other via suitable connection channels, not shown, so that the respective fluid, as shown by the arrows 24 . 25 indicated, passes from one zone to the next zone. Similarly, the treated anode gas becomes as indicated by the arrows 26 indicated, an anode gas distribution channel 27 fed. Parallel to this is cathode gas 28 a cathode gas distribution channel 29 fed.

Not according to shown embodiments in certain zones third flow channels for a selective Oxidation or anode exhaust gas combustion used. The so far provided, separate Components can then basically omitted.

According to one another embodiment By applying third flow channels with reaction air for a ATR ("autothermal Reforming ") - Reformer the needed Air preheated, so that the ATR reaction may run more smoothly and a corresponding preheating stage as independent Component is eliminated.

According to one another embodiment is by applying third flow channels with reaction air for the cathode side Fuel cell process preheated the cathode gas, so that at the cathode gas inlet the fuel cell stack occurring negative temperature effects (such as electrolyte aging, condensation, etc.) reduced or prevented.

According to one another embodiment is achieved by integration of a suitable transformation catalyst (active desulfurization) or a suitable adsorbent (passive Desulfurization) in the third flow channels, for example by coating the walls and / or by filling of chemically active bulk material, such as pellets, tablets, etc., and securing against Discharge from the flow channel area, For example, by means of grids at both ends of the flow channels, a desulfurization allows the fuel used. This desulphurization can basically on liquid or vaporous Fuel before reforming or on the reformate after the Reforming carried out become. By thus lowering the sulfur content In the following, deactivation becomes catalytically more active in the reformate Reduced or avoided components (e.g., shift steps) and the Increased service life and efficiency of the fuel cell system.

In a particularly preferred embodiment the bulk material After reaching a defined minimum activity threshold against unused goods replaced. To simplify this exchange, the bulk material can in Shape of a suitably shaped replacement cartridge in the four-flow Inserted bipolar plate and optionally simply replaced become.

requirement for the most of the above tasks is a relatively high temperature level, that expediently by operating the fuel cell system cluster in conjunction with membrane-electrode assemblies using High-temperature polymer electrolyte membranes and the utilization of the corresponding rated operating temperatures (100 ... 200 ° C) can be provided.

Here is to differentiate between processes at cell temperature run (for example, evaporation, low temperature (NT) -Shiftreaktion, cooling) and Processes that can start at cell temperature, but are usually adiabatic in nature and at higher Temperatures occur as cell temperature (for example, autothermal Reforming, partial oxidation, low-temperature shift reaction, selective Oxidation, anode exhaust gas combustion).

Around For example, processes of the latter type in a high temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell system cluster to be able to drain is the formation of different temperature levels within enable the fuel cell cluster. For this purpose is the for the particular reaction is preferably on a catalyst Surface arranged, that of other flow channels thermally is decoupled.

According to 5 and 6 is a catalyst on one of the other flow channels thermally decoupled disc element 31 arranged. The thermal decoupling is in particular by projections 32 on the channel wall of the third flow channel 33 accomplished by a heat flow from the disk element 31 is inhibited to the channel wall, that the disc element 31 the channel wall only selectively, namely at the tips of the projections, touched, in particular soldered to the channel wall. By using the disc element 31 For example, adiabatic reactions are decoupled from the wall temperature of the multifunctional flowfield so that higher temperature reactions can occur.

Alternatively or, as in 7 shown, in addition to a one-touch contact and depending on the height of the desired temperature, the reaction is by using thermal barrier coatings 34 can be shielded from the cell temperature at the channel walls of the first, second, third and / or fourth flow channels. Suitable for this purpose are ceramic thermal barrier coatings such as alumina (Al ₂ O ₃ ), aluminum-titanium oxide (Al ₂ O ₃ / TiO ₂ ), zirconia (Al ₂ O ₃ / ZrO ₂ ), mullite (Al ₂ O ₃ / SiO ₂ ), spinels (Al ₂ O ₃ .MgO), zirconium oxide (Mg-ZrO ₂ ), zirconium silicate (ZrSiO ₄ ), etc.

In a non-illustrated embodiment of a Fuel cell system clusters undergo the fourth flow channels for the liquid coolant replaced a structure analogous to the design of a heat pipe.

hereby may be due to the use of a pump for circulating the liquid cooling medium be omitted, which may be a further space gain and possibly gives an improvement of the system efficiency.

Under certain circumstances, the invention makes it possible to provide a simplified system with which the multiplicity of components required in the prior art can be dispensed with and, if appropriate, a cost and / or installation space reduction is possible. In an advantageous embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises all essential components 8th in a single assembly - a fuel cell cluster. As a result, the space requirement of the fuel cell system is reduced and possibly achieved a cost reduction. In other embodiments, only partial adoption of system functions in the fuel cell system cluster is realized, with further, functionally independent components remaining in the system.

9 shows a cross-section of a disc pack that is interposed between an upper membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) 41 and a lower MEA 42 is arranged. First flow channels 43 serve to load the upper MEA 41 with a cathode gas, while second flow channels 44 an admission of the lower MEA 42 to serve with an anode gas. Third flow channels 45 serve to guide a first tempering medium, for example, coolant or cooling air. The first flow channels 43 communicate via breakthroughs 46 in an adjacent disk with fourth flow channels, whereby a Kathodenengaszudosierung along the first flow channels is possible.

10 shows a cross-section of another disk pack which is interposed between an upper membrane electrode assembly (MEA) 51 and a lower MEA 52 is arranged. First flow channels 53 serve to apply to the upper MEA 51 with a cathode gas, while second flow channels 54 an admission of the lower MEA 52 to serve with an anode gas. Third flow channels 55 serve to guide a first tempering, such as cooling air. The first flow channels 53 communicate via aligned breakthroughs 56 two adjacent discs with the third flow channels 55 whereby a Kathodenengaszudosierung in particular with air or oxygen along the first flow channels is possible. Fourth flow channels serve to guide a second tempering medium, for example liquid coolant.

In a particularly preferred embodiment some or all third flow channels are one-sided with a cathode gas source, such as a compressor, connected and on the other Side closed.

11 shows a cross-section of a disc pack that is interposed between an upper membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) 61 and a lower MEA 62 is arranged. First flow channels 63 serve to load the upper MEA 61 with a cathode gas, while second flow channels 64 an admission of the lower MEA 62 to serve with an anode gas. Third flow channels 65 serve to guide a first tempering medium, for example, coolant or cooling air. The first flow channels 63 communicate via breakthroughs 66 in an adjacent disc with fourth flow channels 67 whereby a Kathodenengaszudosierung example, with reaction air along the first flow channels is possible. Fifth flow channels 68 serve to guide a third tempering medium, for example a liquid coolant or cooling air. The third flow channels 65 and / or the fifth flow channels 68 are in this embodiment also for the evaporation, reaction and the like of the first and third tempering used.

12 shows a disk pack with first flow channels 73 and second flow channels 74 , Third flow channels 75 serve to guide a first tempering, for example, coolant or cooling air, while fourth flow channels 77 . 78 serve the leadership of a second tempering. The third flow channels are by a plurality of parallel mounted disc elements 79 , which are contoured in a particular preferred embodiment, for example in the form of a corrugated fin, divided into a plurality of sub-channels. As a result, the surface of the third flow channels, which is optionally thermally decoupled from the first, second and / or fourth flow channels, becomes 75 for example, increased for a particular catalytic reaction.

Claims (41)

Device for carrying out a chemical reaction, in particular for the generation of electrical energy, with at least one first flow channel for a first reaction medium, at least one second flow channel for a second reaction medium different from the first reaction medium, at least a third flow channel for a first temperature control medium and at least a fourth flow channel for a different from the first tempering second tempering. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by in each case a plurality of first, second, third and / or fourth flow channels. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized through a fifth flow channel for a different from the first and the second tempering medium third temperature control medium. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one first and / or second flow channel with at least one third and / or fourth flow channel is communicatively connected, in particular via one or more breakthroughs in one Partition between the first or second flow channel and the third or fourth flow channel. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second temperature control in its heat capacity or its state of aggregation different from the first temperature control. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fourth flow channel in its shape or cross-sectional area of the third flow channel different. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first tempering gaseous is and in particular comprises or consists of air. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second temperature control liquid is and in particular comprises or consists of water. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and / or the second reaction medium is gaseous and in particular hydrogen, oxygen or air or it consists. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a third and / or fourth flow channel a catalyst for a chemical Reaction of the first and second tempering medium has. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the catalyst as bulk material, in particular powder, granules, tablets, pellets or the like, is formed or contained in a bulk material. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the catalyst is held in a particular replaceable cartridge which is preferred as a cage for a bulk is trained. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the catalyst on a surface is arranged, which is thermally decoupled from other flow channels. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the catalyst on a thermally decoupled from other flow channels disc element is arranged. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the respective channel wall and / or thermally from other flow channels decoupled disc element having projections, wherein the Channel wall and the thermally decoupled from other flow channels disc element especially only on the projections touch. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the respective channel wall and / or thermally entkop of the respective channel wall Pelte disc element has a particular designed as a surface coating thermal insulator. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the thermally decoupled disc element a particular catalytic coated honeycomb body includes. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the thermally decoupled disc element partially or completely a ceramic material. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the thermally decoupled disc element is a fiber material, in particular includes a knit or felt. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the thermally decoupled disc element partially or completely a metal and in particular with at least one channel wall is electrically connected. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a third and / or fourth flow channel with a first and / or second flow channel communicated. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least a first, second, third and / or fourth Distribution and / or collection channel for distribution or collection of the respective medium to or from the first, second, third and fourth flow channels. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprises disc elements, wherein at least a first, second, third and / or fourth flow channel through a gap is formed between two adjacent disk elements. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein two adjacent disk elements as in particular facing each other half shells are formed. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a first, second, third and / or fourth flow channel as an imprint in a disc element is formed. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a first, second, third and / or fourth flow channel serpentine formed. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the disk elements breakthroughs for the formation of the distribution and / or collecting channels exhibit. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one distribution and / or collection channel outside the discs elements is arranged and with the space between two disc elements communicated. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and the second flow channel communicate with each other. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and the second flow channel by at least one in particular diffusion-permeable membrane are separated from each other. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein Disc elements made of metal or an alloy. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a first, second, third and / or fourth flow channel at least one surface enlargement element having. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one surface enlargement element by a turbulence insert or by a Wandeinprägung and / or -ausprägung formed becomes. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein two adjacent disc elements circumferentially sealing each other are connected, in particular by welding, soldering and / or mechanical forming. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a first, second, third and / or fourth flow channel Is part of a closed cycle. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a first, second, third and / or fourth flow channel Part of a circuit with a fluid conveyor is. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein between a first and / or second flow channel and a third flow channel a fourth flow channel is arranged. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one disc element has at least one recess, in particular stamped to form a first, second, third and / or fourth flow channel. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the disk elements are stacked to form a disk stack are. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in each case some, in particular four disc elements to a disc package stacked on each other, and that the disk packages alternately with membranes and / or electrolyte units to form a disk stack stacked on each other. Disk package, in particular for forming a device according to one of the preceding claims, with at least two disc pairs, wherein a gap between the disk pairs at least one third flow channel forms, and wherein each pair of disks comprises two discs whose Interspace forms a fourth flow channel.