DE102018200485A1 - Waterborne vehicle with a power supply device - Google Patents

Abstract

A water-bound vehicle has a power supply device (24), wherein the power supply device (24) comprises fuel cell modules (1) and DC voltage converters (16). The DC-DC converter (16) are electrically connected in series with a DC bus (25). The DC-DC converter (16) have a galvanic isolation (18). The DC-DC converter (16) electrically feed a DC bus (25) in series.

Description

The invention relates to a waterborne vehicle having a power supply device, wherein the energy supply device comprises fuel cell modules, a power supply device for a waterborne vehicle, a method for operating a power supply device of a waterborne vehicle, or a method for operating a waterborne vehicle with a power supply device.

A waterborne vehicle is, for example, a submarine or a ship. The ship is, for example, a cruise ship, a container ship, a ferry, a fishing boat, a speedboat, a cruiser, etc. The use of fuel cells in a submarine is for example from the DE 10 2004 004 624 B3 known. Fuel cells are for example also from the WO 03/030291 A2 known.

From the DE 10 2010 041 625 A1 as well as the DE 10 2013 209 396 A1 For example, the use of fuel cells in conjunction with a DC-DC converter is known.

From the WO 2005/073075 A1 Fuel cell modules for a power supply of a submarine are known. Fuel cells enable environmentally friendly and noiseless electrical power generation in maritime applications. This not only applies to submarines (eg unmanned underwater vehicles) but also to ships.

An object of the invention is to improve the operational reliability or availability of a power supply for a ship and / or a submarine.

A solution of the problem succeeds in a waterborne vehicle according to claim 1, or in a method for operating a power supply device of a waterborne vehicle according to claim 8. Embodiments are the subject of the respective subclaims 2 to 7 or 9 and 10.

A water-bound vehicle has a power supply device. The power supply device has fuel cell modules and DC-DC converter, wherein the DC-DC converter are electrically connected in series with a DC bus. This results in a modular structure, through which a high level of operational reliability can be achieved. The serial connection of the DC-DC converter is a series connection. The energy supply device may have not only fuel cells, but also accumulators and / or diesel generators. For driving the water-bound vehicle, an electric motor is provided in particular. The DC bus is in particular an energy bus for supplying the water-bound vehicle with electrical energy.

If the DC-DC converters are electrically connected in series with a DC bus, then this can be completely or partially fed by them. Due to the serial electrical connection of the DC-DC converter, each of these series-connected DC-DC converter can contribute its Spannungshubanteil.

In one embodiment of the water-bound vehicle or the energy supply device, the DC-DC converter via switches from the DC bus are separable.

In one embodiment of the water-bound vehicle or the energy supply device, the DC-DC converter via switches from the DC bus are separable, with individual and / or a group of DC-DC converters are bridged to keep the DC bus active.

In one embodiment of the water-bound vehicle or the energy supply device, the fuel cell modules are spatially separated from the DC voltage converters. For example, the fuel cell modules and the DC-DC converter are in different cabinets and / or in different rooms. As a result, for example, the security can be increased.

In one embodiment of the water-bound vehicle or the energy supply device, a fuel cell module with a DC-DC converter forms a total module. In this case DC-DC converter and fuel cell module, for example, plugged and / or screwed together. Thus, a space-saving design can be realized.

In one embodiment of the water-bound vehicle or the energy supply device, a respective DC-DC converter (also called DC / DC controller) is assigned to a respective fuel cell module. So it is (exactly) a fuel cell module (exactly) associated with a DC-DC converter. This can relate to an electrical, spatial and / or structural assignment. Each fuel cell module so an independent DC-DC converter is used. This results in a simple adaptation in the form of a series connection to different Applications possible. It also results, for example, a simple adaptation of the series-connected DC-DC converter to a failure / defect of a DC-DC converter. A failed DC-DC converter can be compensated by remaining active DC-DC converters by increasing their output voltage. Thus, for example, not only a failed DC-DC converter can be compensated, but possibly also a multiple failure of DC-DC converters without the DC voltage having to drop across the DC bus. Depending on the number of series-connected DC-DC converters and depending on the maximum voltage swing, up to 2/3 of the DC-DC converters may fail. However, this security of supply for the DC bus is possibly paid for by a lower efficiency of the overall system. The efficiency of a DC-DC converter is generally lower, the smaller the voltage swing.

In one embodiment of the water-bound vehicle or the energy supply device, the fuel cell module has a fuel cell unit and a resource supply unit for supplying the fuel cell unit with the resources, wherein the fuel cell unit and the resource supply unit are interconnected via a connection plate arranged between the two units , It is thereby a high availability of the fuel cell system and thus ensure the individual modules. In the event of a fuel cell failure, the entire module may be removed from the fuel cell system and, if necessary, replaced with an intact module. For this purpose, in particular - controlled by a higher-level control and regulating device - at least the defective module is brought into a safe state with a shutdown procedure. After replacing the defective module, a switch-on procedure follows. In this case, a "safe" state is understood in particular to mean a state in which no dangerous contact voltages (eg voltages less than 120 V DC) are applied to the fuel cell unit and, on the other hand, falls below a predetermined limit value at the resource concentrations (eg hydrogen concentration less than 4 vol. %), so that a separation of the fuel cell unit from the resource supply unit and thus a contact of the fuel cell to the ambient air then does not lead to the formation of an explosive fuel / oxygen mixture.

In one embodiment of the water-bound vehicle or the energy supply device, the DC-DC converter on a galvanic isolation. As a result, by the direct galvanic isolation in the actuator, so the DC-DC converter, high line voltages can be realized. The system availability is ensured by bridging one or more failed controllers, the output voltage of the remaining controller is readjusted and / or controlled accordingly. Smaller units make it easier to change. For smaller and larger systems, standard fuel cell modules with DC / DC controllers (DC-DC converter) can be used.

In one embodiment of the water-bound vehicle or the energy supply device, the DC-DC converter can be bridged by means of a circuit. Thus, their replacement during operation of the power supply device or the fuel cell modules is possible.

In one embodiment of the water-bound vehicle or the energy supply device, the fuel cell modules have a different insulation from the DC-DC converters. The insulation relates in particular to the insulation resistance. Due to water bridges in hoses and channels, high insulation resistances and thus high system voltages are only possible to a limited extent; this can be achieved more easily by galvanic isolation in the DC-DC converter (DC / DC controller). In this way, a DC bus of over 900V to several kV, especially 2 to 3 kV, can be easily realized.

In one embodiment of the water-bound vehicle or the energy supply device, a control device is connected to the DC voltage converters in terms of data technology. The control device controls and / or regulates. The controller may increase the voltage output of the remaining active DC-DC converters in the series circuit depending on the failure of one or more DC-DC converters in a serial circuit. In one embodiment, this increase compensates for the failure completely. In one embodiment, the necessary increase is divided evenly in equal parts among the remaining active DC-DC converters.

In one embodiment of the water-bound vehicle or of the energy supply device, the DC voltage bus is distributed as an electric supply bus via the water-bound vehicle. For example, the DC voltage bus forms, in particular, at least part of the on-board power supply and / or represents a main current rail.

In one embodiment of the water-bound vehicle or the energy supply device, the DC-DC converter (DC / DC Steller) specially adapted to the fuel cell system. Additional redundancy is achieved by a parallel connection in each case a second actuator or actuator input.

In one embodiment of the water-powered vehicle or power supply, the fuel cell modules are connected to a common resource supply (e.g., one common storage for oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen) for supply of resources (e.g., hydrogen, oxygen, cooling water, nitrogen). In this case, fuel cell modules can be used, which have an electrical rated power in the single-digit to three-digit kW range.

According to a method for operating a power supply device of a water-bonded vehicle or for operating the water-bound vehicle with the power supply device, DC-DC converters electrically feed a DC voltage bus in series. The DC-DC converter are thus in a series circuit. Each DC-DC converter contributes its part to the voltage of the DC bus. Each DC-DC converter is in particular associated with a fuel cell module and at least electrically connected thereto. This results in a high degree of modularity.

In one embodiment of the method, if one DC-DC converter fails or several DC-DC converters fail, the output voltage of one or more remaining DC-DC converters is increased. Thus, the voltage level of a DC bus to be fed can be kept constant or an excessive voltage dip can be avoided.

In one embodiment of the method, this can be used in one of the waterborne vehicles described or in one of the power supply devices described.

The described modularity with respect to the fuel cell modules and the DC-DC converter (DC / DC controller), the scaling and reliability of such systems can improve, especially in comparison to systems in which a single DC-DC converter outputs the entire voltage level of the connected voltage network or bus. In case of failure of fuel cell modules is there to shut down after a minimum voltage, the entire fuel cell system. This can now be avoided. A required voltage level can also be achieved by a pure series connection of fuel cell modules. By this series connection of, for example, water-cooled fuel cell modules, a limitation of the voltage level is given by appropriate insulation resistances due to the compactness, if not as described, the DC-DC converter are connected in series to feed a DC voltage (DC bus). When using a DC / DC controller for the entire system, this is limited by the number of setting inputs. In case of failure of the actuator, the entire system is no longer operable. This can be avoided by the series connection of the DC-DC converter (DC / DC controller). The insulation strengths that are possible with conventional actuators can not be achieved by fuel cell modules operated with water routes or only by a very large structural size. This is especially important for mounting size sensitive application. An adaptation of new systems also requires an adjustment of the actuator. Thus can be exploited by the series connection of the DC-DC converter, that in these a high insulation resistance, in particular of several kV, easier and / or less expensive to implement than in the fuel cell modules, which are in particular water cooled. Fuel cell modules can also be connected in series to achieve the voltage specifications. By using DC / DC controllers with multiple channels specially adapted to the fuel cell system, the reliability can be increased if fuel cell modules fail.

By shifting he high voltages and the required isolation distances to the output side of the DC / DC controller, the necessary isolation distance, so the insulation resistance, easier to implement. The reliability of the fuel cell system is increased by the modular design and the series-connected DC-DC converter (DC / DC controller). This way, customer-specific and / or application-specific compact systems can also be designed.

Due to the direct connection of an optimized for the voltage level DC / DC-actuator to a fuel cell module (compact unit of both components) and the thus shifted isolation on the output side of the actuator, a variable scaling of fuel cell systems and their voltage specifications can be made.

In one embodiment of the method for operating the power supply device of a waterborne vehicle, failures of individual units are compensated by an active regulation of the total voltage, thus increasing the availability of the systems.

Compact standard fuel cell module and DC-DC converter units make it easier to scale a fuel cell system. The modular system can also improve the maintainability of these systems.

• 1 ein Brennstoffzellenmodul;
• 2 eine Reihenschaltung von Gleichspannungswandlern und
• 3 eine Reihenschaltung nach 2 in einem Fehlerfall.

The invention will be described by way of example with reference to drawings, from which, as well as from the dependent claims, further information can be removed. Showing:

• 1 a fuel cell module;
• 2 a series circuit of DC-DC converters and
• 3 a series connection after 2 in case of an error.

The representation after 1 shows an example of an embodiment of a fuel cell module 1 that is a fuel cell unit 2 and a resource supply unit 3 for supplying the fuel cell unit 2 having the resources. As shown, the fuel cell module has 1 exactly one fuel cell unit 2 and exactly one, just this fuel cell unit 2 assigned equipment supply unit 3 , ie, the resource supply unit 3 only serves to supply this one associated fuel cell unit 2 with resources. But it is also possible, for example, but not shown, that the fuel cell module 1 exactly one equipment supply unit 3 and two or more fuel cell units only associated with and powered by the same 2 having. The fuel cell unit 2 has a stack 5 of PEM (polymer electrolyte membrane) fuel cells 5 ' and a pile 6 of humidification cells 6 ' , The stack 5 is cascaded and has for this purpose two sub-stacks with a stabilization plate arranged therebetween 15 on. By cascading a very emission-free operation of the fuel cell can be made possible. The fuel cell unit 2 and the resource supply unit 3 are via a connection plate arranged between the two units 4 connected with each other. The fuel cell unit 2 also has an end plate 7 on, being between the connection plate 2 and the end plate 7 the stacks 5 . 6 are arranged. The end plate 7 and the connection plate 4 are braced by means not shown tie rods together and thus hold the pile 5 . 6 together. The equipment supply unit 3 is also with the connection plate 4 connected and has a connection plate 9 with power connections 10 for picking up one in the fuel cells 5 ' generated stream from outside the fuel cell module 1 , Probe connections 11 as well as equipment connections 13 for the supply and removal of resources (oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen) to and from the fuel cell module 1 on. Another intermediate plate 14 limited together with the plates 4 . 7 the moistening cell stack 6 or the fuel cell stack 5 , The plates 4 . 14 . 15 have a number passing through the plates in the 1 not shown operating medium channels. The plates 4 . 7 close the fuel cell unit 2 outwards. The equipment supply unit 3 also has auxiliary components for the operation of the fuel cell module 1 on. These are, in particular, valves for connecting and disconnecting the (external) equipment supply, pressure sensors, temperature sensors and / or water separators. Not shown in detail sensors and actuators of the fuel cell module 1 are for example via corresponding connections in the connection plate 9 or end plate 7 and signal and control lines connected to a higher-level control and regulation device. Exemplary are the sensor connections 13 shown. Not shown are any bus bars, the outside along the fuel cell unit 2 run and the power generated by the fuel cells in the resource supply unit 3 to lead.

The representation after 2 a power supply device 24 a waterborne vehicle, wherein the power supply device 24 eight fuel cell modules 1 and eight DC-DC converters 16 having. The eight DC-DC converters 16 are electrically serial with a DC bus 25 connected. The DC-DC converter 16 are by switch 20 bridged. The eight DC-DC converters 16 each have an input side 17 and an exit side 19 on. The entrance page 17 is to the exit side 19 galvanic over an insulation 18 separated. By the series connection of the DC-DC converter 16 becomes part of a DC bus 25 educated. Thus, for example, a DC voltage for a system of 8 x 120V = 960V train. A fuel cell module 1 forms together with a DC-DC converter 16 a total module 22 , The fuel cell modules 1 have a grounding 23 on.

The representation after 3 corresponds to the 2 , being an error case 26 is shown. To 3 is a fault in the fourth overall module with the fuel cell module 1' and the DC-DC converter 16 ' occurred. To power the DC bus 25 to grant further and an exchange of faulty components 1' or. 16 ' to enable is the associated switch 20 ' closed. For the remaining active components, ie the fuel cell modules 1 and the DC-DC converters 16 the output voltage is increased, so that according to the equation 7 x 137V = 960V again the same DC voltage in DC bus 25 sets as without mistakes. In a similar way, for example the failure of two or three modules can be compensated.

• - skalierbares Anlagenkonzept je nach Bordnetzspannung;
• - höhere Anlagenspannungen im Gleichspannungsbus;
• - kleine Brennstoffzelleneinheiten bzw. Stellereinheiten (Gleichspannungswandler) sind auch für Sonderanwendungen geeignet;
• - Ausfälle/Fehler können ohne Betriebsunterbrechung durch Nachführung der Stellerausgangsspannung kompensiert werden;
• - Kosteneinsparungseffekte durch Standardisierung der Einheiten;
• - leichter zu realisierende Isolationsfestigkeit durch Integration der Hauptisolierung (galvanische Trennung) in den Steller (Gleichspannungswandler) und nicht in das Brennstoffzellenmodul, welches insbesondere Kontakt mit Wasser aufweist und
• - durch kleine Einheiten leichterer Austausch an Bord des wassergebundenen Fahrzeuges möglich (evtl. ist eine Trennung von Gleichspannungswandler und Brennstoffzellenmodul (BZM) möglich).

Through the concept of series-connected DC-DC converters 16 is it possible to achieve at least one of the following advantages:

• - scalable system concept depending on the vehicle electrical system voltage;
• - higher system voltages in the DC bus;
• - Small fuel cell units or controller units (DC-DC converter) are also suitable for special applications;
• - Failures / errors can be compensated without interrupting operation by tracking the controller output voltage;
• - cost saving effects through standardization of units;
• - Easier to implement insulation resistance by integration of the main insulation (galvanic isolation) in the controller (DC-DC converter) and not in the fuel cell module, which in particular has contact with water and
• - Smaller units make easier replacement on board the waterborne vehicle possible (it may be possible to separate the DC / DC converter and the fuel cell module (BZM)).

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102004004624 B3 [0002]
• WO 03/030291 A2 [0002]
• DE 102010041625 A1 [0003]
• DE 102013209396 A1 [0003]
• WO 2005/073075 A1 [0004]

Claims (10)

A waterborne vehicle having a power supply (24), said power supply (24) comprising fuel cell modules (1) and DC-DC converters (16), said DC-DC converters (16) being electrically connected in series with a DC bus (25). Waterborne vehicle after Claim 1 , wherein in each case a fuel cell module (1) is associated with a DC voltage converter (16). Waterborne vehicle after Claim 1 or 2 , wherein the DC-DC converter (16) have a galvanic isolation (18). Waterborne vehicle after one of the Claims 1 to 3 , wherein a DC-DC converter (16) by means of a circuit (20,20 ') can be bridged. Waterborne vehicle after one of the Claims 1 to 4 wherein the fuel cell modules (1) have a different insulation to the DC-DC converters (16). Waterborne vehicle after one of the Claims 1 to 5 , wherein a control device with the DC-DC converters (16) is connected by data technology. Waterborne vehicle after one of the Claims 1 to 6 , wherein the DC voltage bus (25) is distributed as an electric supply bus over the water-bound vehicle. A method of operating a power supply device (24) of a waterborne vehicle, wherein DC-DC converters (16) electrically serially feed a DC bus (25). Method according to Claim 8 , wherein in case of failure of a DC-DC converter (16 '), the output voltage of one or more remaining DC-DC converter (16) is increased. Method according to Claim 8 or 9 , wherein a waterborne vehicle according to one of Claims 1 to 7 is used.

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