HEIZSYSTEM, SOWIE VERFAHREN ZUM BETREIBEN EINES HEIZSYSTEMS

description

title

Heating system, and method for operating a heating system

The present invention relates to a heating system, insbesondre fuel cell system comprising at least one sensor, and a method for operating a heating system.

State of the art

From WO 02/20300 A1 a sensor is known which has a carbon monoxide concentration measured in a fuel cell vehicle, the operation of the fuel cell is stopped at elevated lenstoffmonoxid coal concentration.

Disclosure of the Invention

This heating system, insbesondre fuel cell system comprising at least one sensor has the advantage that at least one testing device is arranged, which is intended to act upon the at least one sensor for checking with at least a portion of at least one fluid. The safety of the heating system is increased.

The invention also relates to a heating system, in particular fuel cell system comprising at least one sensor, and which is characterized in that at least one operating state is adjustable such that the at least one sensor is subjected to check with at least a portion of at least one fluid. The safety of the heating system is also increased.

By the provisions recited in the dependent claims, advantageous refinements of the invention are possible. So are the at least one sensor is a safety sensor, preferably a gas sensor, by which an efficient technical implementation is made possible.

Preferably, the at least one sensor is arranged at least one heating unit within at least one housing, thereby enabling an efficient measurement of the sensor can be ensured.

In an advantageous embodiment, the or a test apparatus for acting on the at least one sensor at least one test line and / or at least one dosing unit, in particular a metering valve on. Thus, the impingement and / or verification of the at least one sensor can be designed such that required for the operation of the heating system of the currents are hardly influenced at least one fluid.

It is advantageous if the or a testing device, in particular the at least one test line, in the immediate vicinity of the at least one sensor at least one opening, in particular at least one outlet opening of the one fluid to the at least one part at least. Thus a particularly efficient measurement of the sensor can be made possible.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the or a test apparatus is provided upstream at least one fuel cell unit, in particular at an input of at least one heating unit and / or downstream of at least one fuel container and / or downstream of at least a desulfurization unit and / or downstream of at least one reformer unit. Thereby, the impingement and / or verification of the at least one sensor can be made largely independent of the heat generating processes in the heating system.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the or a test apparatus is positioned downstream of at least one fuel cell unit and / or downstream of at least one afterburner. This enables a technically simple integration of the tester.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the or a test apparatus is provided downstream of at least one water reservoir and / or at least one

Electrolyzer arranged. Thus, the high purity of the condensate water can be used beispielswese, which can be at least one sensor "poisoned" to a lesser extent and thus increases its lifespan.

Further, the invention also relates to a method for operating a heating system, which comprises a sensor mindestends. The method has the at least one sensor is subjected to monitoring by means of at least one test apparatus having at least a portion of at least one fluid the advantage. Thereby the operation of the heating system can be made very secure.

In an advantageous embodiment, the at least one sensor at regular time intervals, in particular 24 h, with the at least a portion of at least one pressurized fluid, thereby enabling an efficient monitoring of the at least one sensor can be realized is.

It is preferred if the at least one sensor with a predetermined dosage of said at least a portion of a fluid is applied to the at least is. Thus, a single check of the at least one sensor can be ensured.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the at least one sensor detects at least one flammable and / or toxic component of at least one part of the at least one fluid. Thus, the detection of hazardous

are substances specifically Checks or Monitors.

It is particularly advantageous if at least one valve, preferably at least one fuel valve is closed if at least one Ausgangssig- nal, in particular during a test phase, the at least one sensor at least does not exceed a threshold value. Thus, advertising ensures the that no hazardous substances can be supplied to the heating system if the at least one sensor is defective.

In an advantageous embodiment, the method is carried out by the steps of:

a) determining whether said heating system is operating,

a1) continuing with step b), if the heating system is operating,

a2) proceeding to step d), if the heating system is not in

is operational,

b) applying the at least one sensor and the at least a portion of the at least one fluid,

c) determining whether at least one output of the at least one sensor does not exceed at least one threshold, c1) continuing with method step d) when the at least one output of the at least one sensor (52) does not exceed at least one threshold value,

c2) continuing with step d), if the at least exceeds at least one output of the at least one sensor (52) to a threshold value,

d) closing at least one valve (26, 28), in particular of a fuel valve (26, 28) and / or outputting an error message to a user,

e) continuing with step a) after a prescribed time, in particular 24 h.

So monitoring the at least one sensor can be particularly efficient.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the method is carried out such that process step b) is carried out with the following method steps:

b1) opening at least one valve, in particular a

Metering valve, in at least one line, in particular a test line of the at least one inspection device which technically leads fluid to the at least one sensor, b2) waiting until a prescribed time, particularly 30 seconds, has elapsed and / or until a prescribed metered addition of at least the at least one sensor has applied to a portion of the at least one fluid,

b3) closing the at least one valve, in particular of

Metering valve in the line, in particular the test line of the test apparatus, which fluidly to the at least one

Sensor leads,

b4) continuing with step c).

In this way, the method can be particularly effective extended. In an advantageous embodiment, the at least one part of the at least one fluid by means of the at least one testing device upstream of a fuel cell unit, in particular on an input of a heating unit and / or downstream of a fuel container and / or downstream of a desulfurization unit and / or downstream of at least one

Reformer unit diverted. Thus, the monitoring of at least one

be realized sensor particularly effective.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one part of the at least one fluid by means of the at least one testing device downstream diverted at least one fuel cell unit and / or at least one afterburner. The monitoring of the at least one sensor can be particularly easily implemented.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one part of the at least one fluid by means of the at least one test apparatus downstream of at least one branched water reservoir and / or at least one electrolyzer. Thus, the high purity of the condensate water may be utilized for monitoring the at least one sensor, for example, whereby the at least one sensor is "poisoned" in a lesser degree.

It is particularly advantageous if the at least one electrolyzer is supplied with power during a test phase, whereby the use of

Condensate water is possible. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a heating system, in particular a method described in the foregoing description heating system which is operated with the process described in the foregoing description method.

drawings

In the drawings, embodiments of the invention are schematically shown and explained in detail in the following description. Show it

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of one embodiment of a heating system according to the invention.

Figure 2 is a schematic view of another embodiment of a heating system according to the invention.

Figure 3 is a schematic view of another embodiment of a heating system according to the invention.

Figure 4 is a schematic view of another embodiment of a heating system according to the invention.

Fig. 5 is a schematic view of another embodiment of a heating system according to the invention,

Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of one embodiment of an inventive method for operating a heating system,

Fig. 7 is a schematic view of another embodiment of an inventive method for operating a heating system.

description

The same components of the embodiments are given the same reference numerals. In Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of one embodiment of a heating system 10 of the invention is shown. In the illustrated heating system 10 is a fuel cell system 12 having a heater unit 14 having a housing 15 °. The heating unit 14 in turn comprises a fuel cell unit 16 with a fuel cell 17th It is also conceivable that the fuel cell unit 16 has a plurality of fuel cell 17th So it may be in the fuel cell unit 16 to a fuel cell stack.

A fuel supply 24 to the heating system 10 or the heating unit 14 is fed fuel. The fuel, in the case shown, natural gas or methane is supplied via two fuel valves 26, 28 gas processor means of a compressor 30 an anode 32nd Use of the anode gas processor 32 is generated from the supplied fuel, in the case shown from the natural gas, a suitable one for the production of energy gas, in the illustrated case a hydrogen-rich gas. The anode gas processor 32 includes a reformer unit 36, in the illustrated case a steam reformer 37, and a desulfurization unit 34 (Fig.2).

By means of the desulfurization unit 34 the sulfur components are removed from the supplied fuel, while the natural gas and the methane gas is reformed to hydrogen and carbon monoxide substantially with the aid of the reformer unit 36th In addition, it is also conceivable that the anode gas processor 32 comprises a filter. Thus, the filter can also be arranged in place of the desulfurization 34th

In the illustrated embodiments are in the desulfurization unit 34 to a high-temperature desulfurization (HDS). The anode gas processor 32 in this case has a rear guide 35, by means of which, hydrogen-rich gas from a location downstream of the reformer unit 36 ​​to a location upstream of the desulfurization unit 34 is performed. in the illustrated embodiments is in the fuel cell 16 by a SOFC fuel cell, wherein it is conceivable to use other types of fuel cells such as PEM fuel cells. The fuel cell 16 comprises an anode 18, a cathode 20 and an electrolyte disposed therebetween 22nd

The generated by the anode gas processor 32 hydrogen rich gas is supplied to the anode 18 of the fuel cell 17th Where the hydrogen is electrochemically converted wherein heat and power are generated. Accordingly, it is in the illustrated heating system, or fuel cell system, a cogeneration system.

By means of an air line 38 and a further compressor 40 is supplied air or oxygen to the cathode 20 of the fuel cell 17th In the illustrated embodiments, these are to air, which is taken out of the housing 15, the housing itself has an air hole 42 through which ambient air can enter the housing 15th

The anode exhaust gas, which optionally also contains unconsumed hydrogen, is fed to an afterburner 44th Similarly, the cathode exhaust gas containing unused air or unconsumed oxygen, is supplied to the afterburner 44th In the afterburner 44 of the unconsumed hydrogen and the carbon monoxide coming from the reforming is finally oxidized or burned. The heat generated in this combustion can also be used for a heating and / or for heating domestic water.

In the afterburner 44 may be a flame burner, Flox burner and / or catalytic burner. It is also conceivable that the afterburner 44 is implemented as a combination of the above-mentioned burners. So the afterburner 44 may also comprise a plurality of individual burners.

The water formed in the heat generation in the fuel cell unit 16 and the afterburner 44 exhaust gas passes then into a heat exchanger 46, is coupled through which the generated heat in the heating unit 14 for a heating or water heating. Subsequently, the exhaust gas exits the heating unit 14 through an exhaust pipe 48. It is conceivable that the exhaust pipe 48 and the air opening 42 are connected to an air exhaust system, preferential, to a double-tube chimney or to a coaxial pipe, ,

Furthermore, in the embodiment shown a further compressor 50th By the additional compressor 50 for a flushing air from the air opening 42 through the housing 15 to the exhaust pipe 48 can be performed.

The heating system 10 of the invention and the fuel cell system 12, includes fully, as shown in the embodiments, a sensor 52 and is characterized in that a testing device 54 is arranged, which is intended and adapted to the sensor 52 for checking to apply at least a portion of at least one fluid, in the illustrated embodiments of the supplied fuel and / or the exhaust gas and / or the condensate water, or a gas derived from the condensate water. By checking the sensor 52, the safety of the heating system 10 is increased. It is also conceivable that the heating system 10 comprises a plurality of sensors 52nd

The heating system 10 of the invention and fuel cell system 12 which includes the one sensor 52, is characterized also by the fact that at least one operating state is adjustable such that the sensor 52 for checking at least a portion of at least one fluid, in the illustrated case the supplied fuel and / or the exhaust gas and / or the condensate water, and the gas recovered from the condensate water, is applied. The safety for operation of heating system 10 is additionally increased.

The sensor 52 is a safety sensor or a gas sensor, thereby enabling an efficient technical implementation is made possible to increase the safety of the heating system 10th

The sensor 52 is disposed within the housing 14 of the heating unit 14, thereby enabling an efficient measurement of the sensor 52 is ensured.

The test apparatus 54 for exposing the sensor 52 has a test line 56 and a metering unit 58, in the illustrated case a metering valve 60 on. DA by the application and / or verification of the at least one sensor 52 is configured to be hardly influenced for the operation of the heating system 10 required flows of at least one fluid, such as in the case shown of the supplied at the input of the heating unit 14 fuel.

Moreover, it is also conceivable that the test apparatus 54 for exposing the sensor 52 comprises at least a desulfurization unit and / or at least one filter. Including an absorption or adsorption of sulfur by means of the inspection apparatus 54 can take place.

The test apparatus 54, in the illustrated case, the at least one test line 56 has an opening 62 and an outlet opening 64 for the at least a portion of the at least one fluid in the immediate vicinity of the sensor 52nd In the illustrated case, the test apparatus 54 and the test line 56 terminates with an voltage Öff- and an outlet opening in the immediate vicinity of the sensor 52. Thus, the at least one part of the at least one fluid in small quantities for testing the sensor 52 selectively in the immediate near the exit sensor 52 within the housing, whereby the checking of the sensor 52 is designed more efficiently.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 embodiment, the test apparatus 54 is disposed upstream of the fuel cell unit 16. Thus, the test apparatus 54 is disposed at the entrance of the heating unit 14 in the illustrated case of flow at a location of the supply line 24 to which fuel supplied in unchanged form enters the heating unit fourteenth Thereby, the fuel supplied in unmodified form can be used for checking the sensor 52nd

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 embodiment, the test apparatus 54 is disposed downstream of the compressor 30th Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the testing requirements device 54 is disposed upstream of the compressor 30th

Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the test apparatus 54 is disposed downstream of a fuel container. It is also conceivable that a gas storage such as a gas cylinder, is arranged, which is intended to provide gas for the actuation of the sensor 52 are available. The gas storage can thereby be designed for a service life of the heating system 10 or be replaced or filled during maintenance.

In Fig. 2 is a schematic view of another embodiment of an inventive heating system 10 is shown. Here, the anode gas processor 32 is shown in more detail. As mentioned the anode gas processor 32 comprises a desulfurization unit 34, and a reformer unit 36. In the illustrated case, the test apparatus 54 of the desulfurization unit 34 disposed downstream. Thus, the sensor 52 can be applied to check with fuel in the form of desulfurized.

In Fig. 3 is a schematic view of another embodiment of a heating system 10 of the invention is shown. In this case, the testing device 54 is arranged downstream of the reformer unit 36, which also hydrogen-rich gas for checking the sensor 52 can be used. Here is the

Tester upstream of the fuel cell unit 16 is disposed.

In FIG. 4 is a schematic view of another embodiment of a heating system 10 of the invention is shown. In this case, the testing device 54 is downstream of the fuel cell unit 16 and located downstream of the afterburner 44th Characterized the exhaust gas of the afterburner 44 may be used to check the sensor 52nd Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the testing device 54 is arranged upstream of the afterburner 44 and downstream of the fuel cell unit 16, whereby the exhaust gas ie the anode exhaust gas and / or cathode exhaust gas that may be used to check the sensor 52 coming from the fuel cell unit 16.

In Fig. 5 is a schematic view of another embodiment of a heating system 10 of the invention is shown. In this case, the inspection apparatus 54 is located downstream of at least one condensate reservoir 66 and at least one

Electrolyzer 68 is disposed. Thus, the high purity of the

Condensate water, be used for checking the sensor 52 which is formed in the heat loss through the heat exchanger 46. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the testing device 54 downstream of the

The condensate container 66 is arranged and comprises the electrolyzer 68th As electrolyzer 68 an alkaline electrolyzer and / or an electrolyser having a membrane as a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) can be used.

Further, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 5 embodiment is obtained by the

Heat exchanger 46 filtered condensate water, preferably deionized, and the reformer unit 36 ​​is supplied for a steam reforming (not illustrated).

The inventive method for operating the heating system 10 which includes the sensor 52, characterized by the fact that the sensor 52 to the monitoring means of the inspection apparatus 54 with at least a portion of at least one fluid, in the illustrated embodiments of the supplied fuel and / or of the exhaust gas and / or the condensate water, and the gas recovered from the condensate water, is applied. Thereby the operation of the heating system 10 is designed particularly safe.

The sensor is in regular time intervals, in particular 24 h, with the at least acts on a part of the at least one fluid, thereby enabling an efficient monitoring of the sensor is realized 52nd

The sensor 52 is supplied with a fixed dosage of at least one part of the at least one fluid, whereby the sensor 52, especially when exposed at regular intervals, is checked with a uniform dosage.

The sensor 52 detects a combustible and / or toxic component of at least one part of the at least one fluid can thus be targeted to monitor the sensor 52. Referring performed on dangerous substances which might be released during occurring leakage within the housing fourteenth The sensor 52 thus monitors the interior of the heating unit 14 on flammable and / or toxic gases, wherein the output signal of the sensor 52 is measured during the verification.

When bringing the sensor 52 with at least a portion of the at least one fluid, the output signal approximately of a unit Steue- is evaluated 70 increases. In the illustrated embodiments are in the control unit 70 to a gas-firing machine (GFA).

The control unit 70 is connected via a communication line 72 to the transmitter sor 52nd Further, the control unit 70 to the fuel valves

26, 28 connected via a communication line 74, 76th Accordingly, the control unit 70 is designed two fail-safe.

In addition, the control unit 70 is connected via a communication line 78 to a system controller unit 80th The system control unit

80 is in turn connected via a communication line 82 to a display unit 84th

Further, the control unit 70 via a communication line 86 to the file unit 58 and the metering valve 60 is connected. Thereby, the control unit 70 control the dosage of at least a portion of the fluid during the inspection of the sensor 52nd Thus, the control unit 70 controls the application of the sensor 52 and monitors its output signal. In the illustrated embodiments, the communication lines 72, 74, 76, 78,

82, 86 adapted to effect a control and / or closed-loop control communications for a safe operation of the heating system 10th The communication lines 72, 78, 82 as the data lines and the communication lines 74, 76, 86 are designed as control lines.

Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable that the communication lines 72, 78, 82, 74, 76 are implemented by a bus system by radio links and / or through an Internet connection. When the output signal during the inspection or during a test phase of the sensor 52 at least a threshold value, a predetermined threshold value in the illustrated case, does not exceed, then at least one valve, in the illustrated embodiments, the fuel valves 26, 28 and the supply valves 26, 28 , closed. This ensures that no dangerous chen substances are supplied to the heating system 10 when the sensor is faulty 52nd Thus, no hazardous substances se through leaks in the Gehäu- 15 ​​of the heating unit 14 to escape, while the sensor 52 is not operational. If the sensor 52 is defective, an error message via the system control unit 80 and the display unit 84 is output to a user, whereby it can contact a technician that repairs or the sensor 52 interchanges.

The threshold value is stored in a data memory of the control unit 70th He is given the control unit 70 during installation of the heating system 10th Alternatively, the threshold value can also be specified after the installation of the heating system 10 via another communication line, a radio link and / or an Internet connection. The default of the threshold value can be both statically and dynamically, for example, taking into account and / or adaptation to a mode of operation of the heating system 10, take place.

In Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of one embodiment of an inventive method for operating the heating system 10 is shown. The method of operating the heating system 10, takes place using the following steps:

a) determining whether the heating system 10 or the heating unit 14 is in operation, a1) continuing with step b), if the heating system 10 is in operation,

a2) proceeding to step d), if the heating system 10 is not in operation,

b) applying the at least one sensor and the at least a portion of the at least one fluid,

c) determining whether the output signal of the sensor 52 does not exceed the threshold, or the predetermined threshold,

c1) proceeding to step d) if the at least one output of the at least one sensor (52) does not exceed at least one threshold value,

c2) continuing with method step d) when the at least one output of the at least one sensor (52) at least exceeds the a threshold value, d) closing at least one valve (26, 28), in particular of a fuel valve (26, 28), and / or output an error message to a user

e) continuing with step a) after a prescribed time, in particular 24 h.

Thus, the method with the described steps performed particularly efficiently.

In Fig. 7 is a schematic view of another embodiment of an inventive method for operating a heating system is shown. The method of operating the heating system 10 is performed by process step b) is carried out with the following method steps:

b1) opening at least one valve, in the illustrated embodiments of the metering valve 60, in at least one line, in the embodiments shown in the test line 56 of the tester 54, which leads nisch fluid power to the sensor 52,

b2) until a prescribed dosage of at least one part of the at least one fluid has acted on the sensor 52 wait until a prescribed time has elapsed in the illustrated embodiments about 30 seconds and / or,

b3) closing the at least one valve, in the illustrated embodiments of the metering valve 60 in the conduit, in the illustrated embodiments the test line 56 of the tester 54, which fluidly leads to the at least one sensor

b4) continuing with step c).

Thereby, the efficiency of the process is to operate the heating system 10 also increases. As part of the extension of the method of FIG. 6 according to Fig. 7, it is alternatively also possible that the step b4) is omitted.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 embodiments, as already indicated in the foregoing description, the at least one part of the at least one fluid, in the illustrated case of the fuel, by means of the inspection apparatus 54 upstream of the fuel cell unit 16, in the illustrated case at the input of the heating unit 14 diverted. Characterized the heating system 10 is driven so that fuel supplied can be used in unmodified form for the verification of the sensor 52nd In an alternative embodiment, which is not depicted, it is also conceivable that the at least one branched off part of the at least one fluid, preferably fuel by means of the test apparatus 54 downstream of a Brennstoffbe- hälters. Thereby, the heating system 10 moved so that fuel can be unchanged, used directly from a fuel cell container which can be arranged at any point of the heating system 10th In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 embodiment, as also in the preceding

already mentioned description, the at least one branched off part of the at least one fluid, in the case shown, of the fuel, by means of the inspection apparatus 54 downstream of the desulfurization unit 34th Characterized the heating system 10 is driven so that fuel is used in the form of desulfurized, whereby the sensor is poisoned to a lesser extent 52nd

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3 embodiment, is already indicated as also shown in the foregoing description, the branched off at least a part of, in the illustrated case of the fuel, power down at least one fluid by means of the test apparatus 54 of the reformer unit 36. Characterized the heating system 10 is driven so that hydrogen-rich gas is used to check the sensor 52nd

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4 embodiment, as also already indicated in the foregoing description, the at least one part of the at least one

Fluid, branched off in the case shown, of the exhaust gas by means of the at least one inspection apparatus 54 downstream of the fuel cell unit 16 and the afterburner 44th Characterized the heating system 10 is driven so that exhaust gas is used to check the sensor 52nd

Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the at least one branched off part of the at least one fluid by means of the testing device 54 downstream of the fuel cell unit 16 and upstream of the afterburner 44th Has the afterburner 44 in an alternative embodiment a plurality of individual burners, it is also conceivable that the at least one portion of at least one fluid by means of the inspection apparatus 54 is branched at one or more locations between the individual burners of the.

In the example shown in Fig. 4 case, for a review of the sensor 52, the ratio of the supplied fuel and air supplied, preferably adjusted by means of the compressor 30, 40 so that produces a high amount of carbon monoxide during combustion in the afterburner 44 due to lack of air becomes. Thus, downstream of the afterburner, exhaust gas has a high content of carbon monoxide.

The sensor 52 shown in in Fig. 4 is designed to detect carbon monoxide. Thus, the carbon monoxide contained in the exhaust gas is, in the case shown, detected by the sensor 52nd In the shown case 54 has the tester no dosing unit 58 or not a metering valve 60th This can utilize the fact that in the exhaust gas downstream of the afterburner 44 and downstream of the fuel cell unit 16 typically does not contain substances are responsive to the sensor 52, so far as it is a sensor 52 which, as in the case shown, on detection is designed of carbon monoxide. Also shown for the

Case no filters required.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5 embodiment, as also already indicated in the foregoing description, the at least one part of the at least one fluid, in the illustrated case, condensation water or a product obtained from the condensate water gas, by means of the inspection apparatus 54 downstream of the

Water reservoir 66 and the electrolyzer 68 is branched off. Characterized the heating system 10 is moved so that the condensate water having a high purity is used.

The electrolyzer 68 is supplied with current during the test phase, thereby, in the illustrated case hydrogen or a hydrogen-oxygen mixture produced from the pure condensate water gas. The flow of current is adjusted by the control unit 70 so that during the checking of the sensor 52 and during the test period sufficient gas which is recovered from the condensate water, is present for checking the sensor 52nd

The heating system according to the invention, in particular fuel cell system according to the invention is not limited to the use of which is apparent from the foregoing description. Thus, heating system according to the invention, in particular fuel cell system according to the invention, which are used require a production of electricity and / or heat in all applications. For example, heating system according to the invention, in particular fuel cell system according to the invention, be used in a vehicle to generate electricity and / or heat. Thus, the safety is increased in a vehicle by the use of the heating system according to the invention, in particular the fuel cell system according to the invention. Likewise heating system of the invention can also be used in emergency power supply systems.