Search

WO-2026093026-A1 - METHOD FOR DETERMINING CATALYST CAPABILITY AND FUEL CELL SYSTEM FOR EXECUTION

WO2026093026A1WO 2026093026 A1WO2026093026 A1WO 2026093026A1WO-2026093026-A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (10) for determining the catalyst capability of a catalyst layer of components (110, 120) which can be installed in a fuel cell system, the method comprising measuring a curve of a measurement variable (200) by means of at least one sensor (140), which is attached to the component (110, 120) or one of the feed and/or discharge lines thereof, while the component (110, 120) is brought to its operating temperature and/or is cooled therefrom. The measured curve of the measurement variable (200) is compared with a reference state of the measurement variable. The catalyst capacity is calculated from the measured curve (200). This method enables precise and reliable determination of the catalyst capacity, which is of decisive importance for optimising the performance, efficiency and maintenance costs of fuel cell systems.

Inventors

  • JANSEN, DANIEL
  • Schaefer, Felix

Assignees

  • ROBERT BOSCH GMBH

Dates

Publication Date
20260507
Application Date
20251015
Priority Date
20241030

Claims (10)

  1. 1. Method (10) for determining the catalyst capability of a catalyst layer of components (110, 120) that can be installed in a fuel cell system, comprising the following steps: a. Measuring the profile of a measured quantity (200) by at least one sensor (140) attached to the component (110, 120) or one of its inlet and/or outlet lines while the component (110, 120) is brought to its operating temperature and/or cooled from it; b. Comparing the measured profile of the measured quantity (200) with a reference state of the measured quantity; c. Calculating the catalyst capability from the measured profile (200).
  2. 2. Method (10) according to claim 1, wherein the measured quantity is a temperature or temperature difference and/or an oxygen saturation.
  3. 3. Method (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, after calculating the catalyst capability, the following step is performed: d. Using the results to detect degradation of the catalyst material, in order to replace the catalyst if necessary and/or to take countermeasures during operation.
  4. 4. Method (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the component (110, 120) is a fuel cell, in particular a solid oxide fuel cell, or a reformer (120) from a fuel cell system, in particular a solid oxide fuel cell system.
  5. 5. Method (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an error between the real value of a measured quantity and the value of the measured quantity determined by the sensor is reduced by a pre-trained R.414921 - 21 - is estimated using machine learning methods and the following step is introduced between step a and b: a1 . Correction of the measured quantity based on an estimate using the machine learning method.
  6. 6. Method (10) according to claim 5, wherein the machine learning method was and/or is trained with measurement parameters from the lambda probes (140) from the fuel cell system.
  7. 7. Method (10) according to one of claims 5 or 6, wherein the learning method can be performed as multivariate linear regression, using a neural network or a Gaussian process.
  8. 8. Module (110) comprising at least one fuel cell stack, a fluidic and electrical interconnection of the fuel cells and/or the fuel cell stacks, at least one sensor (140), control electronics and external connections of the module, for example for connection with other modules, characterized in that the module is configured to carry out the method (10) according to one of the preceding claims.
  9. 9. System (100) comprising at least one module (110) according to claim 8 and further hot components of the fluid guidance for more efficient operation of a fuel cell, in particular a reformer (120), characterized in that the system (100) is configured to carry out the method (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
  10. 10. Fuel cell system comprising multiple systems (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that the fuel cell system is configured to perform the method (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7. Fuel cell system comprising multiple systems (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that the fuel cell system is configured to perform the method (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7. ...

Description

R.414921 - 1 - Description Method for determining catalyst capability and fuel cell system for implementation The present invention relates to the technical field of fuel cell systems, in particular solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). More precisely, the invention relates to a method for determining the catalyst capacity of a catalyst layer of components that can be incorporated into a fuel cell system. Furthermore, the invention relates to a module, a system, and a fuel cell system configured for carrying out the method. State of the art Fuel cells are electrochemical energy converters that directly convert chemical energy into electrical energy. They are a promising technology for a wide range of applications, from portable electronic devices to stationary power generation systems. A special type of fuel cell is the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), which operates at high temperatures and exhibits high efficiency. In a fuel cell, the electrochemical reaction takes place at the interface between the electrolyte and the electrode, which often has a catalyst layer. The efficiency of the fuel cell depends strongly on the catalytic capacity of this layer. Lambda sensors are frequently used to measure substances in exhaust gas. As described in Baunach (2006): “Clean exhaust gas through ceramic sensors.”, the wideband lambda sensor represents a combination of potentiometric and amperometric measurement methods. Here, a Nernst cell and a pump cell are connected in series, with a separation between the R.414921 - 2 - In both cell variants, a measuring gap/chamber for the measuring gas is provided. A ceramic diffusion barrier with defined, known (diffusion) properties is located between the measuring chamber and the exhaust gas. This allows the partial pressures of certain gases to be measured, which are read out by a pump current that depends on the gas concentration. Disclosure of the invention The present invention relates to a method for determining the catalyst capability of a catalyst layer of components that can be installed in a fuel cell system. The method comprises the following steps: measuring the profile of a measured quantity by at least one sensor attached to the component or one of its inlet and/or outlet lines while the component is brought to its operating temperature and/or cooled from it; comparing the measured profile of the measured quantity with a reference state of the measured quantity; calculating the catalyst capability from the measured profile. A key advantage of this method is its ability to detect significant degradation. Furthermore, the insights gained allow for a reduction in catalyst material usage, resulting in substantial cost savings. The fuel cell system is a technology that directly converts chemical energy into electrical energy and heat. One of the key components in a fuel cell system is the catalyst layer, which enables the chemical reaction. The performance of this catalyst layer is crucial for the efficiency of the entire system. Therefore, it is important to have a method available that can reliably determine the catalytic capacity of such a layer. The fuel cell is preferably a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). Other components of a fuel cell system that contain a catalyst can be, for example, a reformer. Nickel is preferably used as the catalyst material in a fuel cell, while platinum is used in the reformer. Catalyst capability refers to the degradation of the catalyst. R.414921 - 3 - Catalyst capability is determined using a state-of-health diagnostic. Regular assessments allow for monitoring of catalyst capability. The measured quantity can be a physical quantity, preferably a temperature or a temperature difference. This can be achieved by installing a sensor at both the inlet and outlet of the component containing the catalyst of the fuel cell system. The measured quantity can additionally or alternatively be a chemical quantity, preferably the oxygen content. When starting up or heating a SOFC system, the cathode air is heated first to warm the system. During this process, air from the system's standstill is present in the anode path. The recirculation fan is running, which means that air in the anode path is drawn through the recirculation loop during heating. Once a critical temperature is reached, fuel gas is injected into the anode path to protect the fuel cell stack. When shutting down or cooling a SOFC system, the system is cooled by suspending the electrochemical reaction in the fuel cell stack and supplying "cold" cathode air and fuel gas, or by diffusing cathode exhaust air into the anode path. Fuel gas is fed into the anode path to protect the fuel cell stack until a critical temperature is reached. Once the critical temperature is reached, the fuel gas supply is shut off, but the recirculation fan continues to operate. This results in air gradually re-entering the anode path. The critical temperature is preferably between 200°C and 600°C, more preferably between