Apparatus and method for integrating plurality of fuel cell modules

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for connecting and powering a plurality of modules (2) for producing electrical energy and equipped with at least one fuel cell stack (3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for integrating multiple fuel cell modules for power generation, aiming to provide a compact and highly reliable solution.

[0002] State of the art

[0003] Many technical solutions for generating electricity using fuel cells have been proposed, even in the field of combined heat and power (cogeneration) or trigeneration operating solutions.

[0004] However, these solutions are usually applications with low specific power (kW / m2), are complex and / or expensive to maintain, are not actually optimized, or are even completely incompatible with the requirements required in different installation situations.

[0005] Furthermore, with the solutions proposed so far, it is difficult to replace failed, worn and / or degraded components without time-consuming and expensive interventions, which have a negative impact on the power availability guaranteed by the system.

[0006] It should also be noted that currently the grid is usually used as a backup power source, ie when a total or partial failure of an energy production unit occurs, grid power must be used.

[0007] Furthermore, for the solutions proposed so far, it is necessary to provide batteries or other electrical energy storage solutions to cope with interruptions in the network current, even temporarily, in order to avoid service interruptions and manage connection transients and generator disconnections.

[0008] WO2010043767A1 and US2019190053A1 teach two solutions according to the prior art.

[0009] Purpose of the Invention

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide a new device for connecting and supplying a plurality of electrical energy production modules based on fuel cells.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a device to which electrical energy production modules as mentioned above can be quickly and easily connected and disconnected.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a device in which components can be easily accessed.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a device as mentioned above that is easy to maintain and manage.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a device as mentioned above which is easy to assemble and transport.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrical energy production unit comprising an apparatus and a plurality of electrical energy production modules.

[0016] Another object of the invention is to provide a device that allows the uninterrupted and continuous generation of electrical power to meet the typical requirements of data centers for high power availability, for example equal to 99.999% even in the absence of a backup grid.

[0017] Another object of the invention is to provide a device and a unit in which regular maintenance of the water and gas filters can also be performed without having to access the individual modules.

[0018] Another object of the invention is to create a unit in which the access to the connection-disconnection or insertion-disconnection of the respective modules is made from above or from the front, leaving the other faces or sides free to minimize the installation space, making it possible to place them next to each other or against a wall, thus maximizing the specific power (kW / m 2 ).

[0019] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided, according to claim 1, an apparatus for connecting and supplying power to a plurality of modules for producing electrical energy.

[0020] The dependent claims relate to preferred and advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0021] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the description of an embodiment of the device illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0023] - Figure 1 and 2 upper and lower perspective views, respectively, of a device and a unit according to the invention,

[0024] - Figures 3 to 10 illustrates various details of a unit according to the invention on an enlarged scale,

[0025] - Fig.11 is a top perspective view of the micro side of the various parts of the unit according to the present invention,

[0026] - Fig.12 is a perspective view of a possible module for producing electrical energy equipped with at least one fuel cell stack, which module can be used in a unit according to the invention,

[0027] - Fig.13Schematically shows the components of a possible electrical energy production module equipped with at least one fuel cell stack, which can be used for a unit according to the invention,

[0028] - Fig.14 and 15 shows a unit according to the invention housed in a container,

[0029] - Fig.16 Shows Fig.14 and 15 An embodiment of a module of a unit during connection to a corresponding station,

[0030] - Fig.17 and 18 The steps of positioning a module in the location of another unit according to the present invention are shown,

[0031] - Fig.19 and 20 Shows Fig.17 and 18 An embodiment of a module of a unit in during connection to a corresponding station;

[0032] - Fig.21 and 22 A variant according to the invention is shown, according to which the modules are constrained and connected at the top;

[0033] - Fig.23 Shown according to Fig.21 and 22 In one variant, a unit according to the invention is housed in a container.

[0034] In the drawings, the same parts or components are identified by the same reference numerals.

[0035] Various embodiments of the present invention

[0036] With reference to the accompanying drawings, there has been illustrated an apparatus 1 according to the present invention for connecting and powering a plurality of electric energy production modules 2, which in some cases can also operate in a cogeneration or trigeneration mode, and which modules are equipped with at least one fuel cell stack 3.

[0037] The device 1 includes in detail (see Figures 1 to 20 ) A main base 4, the main base 4 defines a plurality of stations 5, each station 5 being located above the plurality of modules 2 and connected to at least one module 2 for producing electrical energy.

[0038] Preferably, at least one series or row of stations 5 arranged one behind the other is provided.

[0039] The device 1 may comprise a front F, a rear R and two sides S1 , S2 .

[0040] The device 1 is then equipped with a series of inlet ducts 6, 7, 8 for fluids, liquids and / or gases to enter the device and outlet ducts 9, 10 for fluids, liquids and / or gases to leave the device, as well as one or more cables 11 for transporting the electrical energy produced by the module 2, these ducts 6-10 and cables 11 being housed in the base 4.

[0041] The device 1 then comprises a branch 6a-11a of each conduit 6-10 and cable 11 (having a mainly vertical extension direction if necessary) always housed in each station 5 within the base 4, and coupling devices 6b-11b for coupling the conduits 6-10 and cables 11 to corresponding components of an electrical energy production module 2 having at least one fuel cell 3.

[0042] The base 4 can be made of at least one sheet or plate (for example metal), for example formed after bending and / or welding and / or bolting and / or screwing so as to define a part of the peripheral frame 4a, and if it is necessary to have a rectangular plane, it is also made of a plurality of beams 4b, which connect the two parts of the base 4 and are designed to define a station 5, which is at least partially open upwards to facilitate the positioning and connection of the module 2.

[0043] Of course, the sheet or plate may be obtained by any suitable process, such as moulding, extrusion or the like.

[0044] Therefore, the base 4 is not made of concrete blocks.

[0045] Advantageously, the base 4 is prefabricated or preassembled and then transported to the installation site in an already installed or assembled state (ie after appropriate bending and / or welding and / or bolting and / or screwing).

[0046] If the base 4 is made of at least one sheet or plate as indicated above, it is obviously easier to transport (even in a container if necessary, as will be explained below) and easier to replace.

[0047] Part of the peripheral frame 4a may be obtained by having wall sections which are arranged vertically in use.

[0048] According to the non-limiting embodiment shown in the figures, the crossbar 4 b extends at its top in a direction from one side of the base 4 to the other side.

[0049] Obviously, the base 4 may also be modular, thus having a plurality of modules placed side by side and suitably connected, each module being designed to define one or more stations 5. In this case, windows may be provided for the passage of conduits / cables through the various modules of the base 4.

[0050] The coupling device 6b-10b of one or more conduits 6a-10a may comprise an automatic or quick coupling device or joint, hydraulic or pneumatic depending on the fluid (gas, water, oil) flowing in the respective conduit.

[0051] The coupling means 11b of the cable or cables 11 or branches 11a may alternatively comprise electrical automatic or quick coupling means.

[0052] These automatic or quick coupling devices 6b-11b include, for example, a first element or connector 6b1-11b1 constrained or fixed to one end of the conduit 6-10 or cable or copper bar or bus 11 or preferably its corresponding branch 6a-11a, and a second element or connector 6b2-11b2 constrained or fixed or integrated with the module 2 or preferably constrained or fixed to one end of the conduit or cable of the module 2 for conveying fluid or current therein.

[0053] Obviously, the second element 6b2-11b2 can be replaced quickly and easily into the first element 6b1-11b1, for example by applying appropriate pressure.

[0054] Alternatively, another type of attachment may be provided, for example with a valve or the like to interrupt the transfer of fluid. Obviously, even in the case of a quick coupling, this may include a flow interruption valve depending on the type.

[0055] In the case of the exhaust pipe or duct 8, it is advantageously provided with a valve, in particular a non-return valve (for example a butterfly valve, a piston valve or another type of valve), which must close naturally before the module 2 is disconnected from the respective station 5 in order to avoid the escape of waste liquid.

[0056] Of course, some or all stations 5 may be substantially identical to one another and therefore have the same configuration, for example substantially square or rectangular, with corresponding branches 6a-11a or first elements or connectors 6b1-11b1 accessible therefrom, so that the same module 2 can be positioned and connected at multiple stations 5.

[0057] If necessary, one, some or all of the quick or automatic connectors or couplers of the conduits 6-10 are equipped with any suitable type of automatic valve (e.g. a butterfly valve, a ball valve, a needle valve, etc.), which is installed inside the automatic connector or coupler and is designed to close the passage through it when the two elements 6b1-10b1, 6b2-10b2 of the corresponding quick connector or coupler are disconnected, and to open the passage through it when the two elements 6b1-11b1, 6b2-11b2 of the corresponding quick connector or coupler are connected.

[0058] Advantageously, one, some or all of the quick or automatic joints or couplers of the cable 11 are equipped with an interruption device or switch of any suitable type, which is installed inside the automatic joint or connector and is designed to close the passage of energy through it when the two elements 11b1, 11b2 of the corresponding quick joint or coupler are disconnected, and to open the passage of energy through it when the two elements 11b1, 11b2 of the corresponding quick joint or coupler are connected.

[0059] Furthermore, the ducts 6-10 and the cables 11 can be opened or fully opened together with the respective branches 6a-11a on one side of the station 5, and on the other side at the same side of the base, more specifically the front F of the base. In this regard, studs or the like 6d, 7d, 8d, 10d, 11d can be inserted into the front end of the base 4, in which studs are provided fittings and ends for connecting the respective pipes to the ducts 6, 7, 8, 10 and 11.

[0060] Alternatively, the conduits or cables may lead to one side and / or the bottom of the base 4 , or some conduits or cables may be on one side of the base 4 and other conduits or cables may be on other parts of the base 4 .

[0061] In this regard, one or more conduits 6-10 and / or cables 11 may therefore include a manifold portion 6c-11c (which may, if desired, extend mainly in the horizontal direction or in a direction slightly inclined relative to the horizontal direction) from which branches 6a-11a are branched.

[0062] Of course, each manifold portion 6c-11c extends within or below the base 4 and may extend in a direction from the front F to the rear R, for example.

[0063] If desired, the base 4 defines at least two rows 4c of stations 5, separated from each other by aisles or corridors 13 designed to allow walking between the rows 4c. In this case, if crossbeams 4b are provided, they extend between the aisles or corridors 13 and the portion of the peripheral frame 4a.

[0064] Obviously, there may be only one row of modules, or in any case there may be no aisles or corridors.

[0065] In this regard, the device 1 is also equipped with means 12b for attaching (e.g. automatically or quickly) the electrical conductor 12 or the corresponding branch 12a in the station to the corresponding part or cable of the module 2. In this case, a first element or connector constrained or fixed to one end of the corresponding branch 12a and a second element or connector constrained or fixed to or integrated with a component to be discussed in more detail later will be provided.

[0066] The subject of the invention is also an energy production unit 14 comprising an apparatus 1 and a plurality of electrical energy production modules 2 , each electrical energy production module 2 being installed at a respective station 5 and to which respective conduits or cables are connected.

[0067] Thus, each module 2 may be removably connected to a respective station 5 and may also be moved or transported as a single assembly, thereby eliminating the need to disassemble or disassemble the modules themselves.

[0068] The module 2 usable within the scope of the invention comprises one or more fuel cells 3 designed to supply electrical energy via one or more supply cables 3a. Obviously, the cable(s) 3a are connected to at least one cable 11 or at least one corresponding branch 11a by coupling means 11b.

[0069] In this regard, the module 2 may include, for example, at least one cell 3 having an anode 17 and a cathode 18, a first pipeline 19 for delivering a combustible fluid such as a reaction fuel gas to the anode 17 and a second pipeline 20 for delivering air to the cathode 18, and a discharge line 21 connected from the cathode 18 and the anode 17.

[0070] If necessary, such a module 2 also comprises at least one duct 22 for supplying process water in a first line 19 .

[0071] The modules 2 are therefore designed to be powered by a fuel and (if necessary) water and / or air or other fluids, and (if necessary) to generate electrical energy at the respective fuel cells 3 .

[0072] Of course, one, some or each line 19, 21, 22 of each module 2 is connected to a respective duct 6, 9 and 7 of the plant or to a respective branch 6a-9a, for example by means of a respective coupling means 6b-9b.

[0073] If desired, the modules 2 or the units 14 associated therewith are symbiotic and therefore they are capable not only of producing electrical energy but also of producing thermal energy by recovering and utilizing the heat transferred to the water.

[0074] In this respect, at least one module 2 or unit 14 may comprise at least one heat exchanger 23 designed to connect an intermediate or final portion of the exhaust line 21 or exhaust duct 9 of the plant and the line or duct 8, 10 for conveying cooling water or fluid.

[0075] Alternatively, they can be trigeneration, in which case the heat produced by the generator is used by an absorption chiller to achieve a low temperature environment in a specific environment, thereby reducing the consumption of electrical energy generated by the corresponding cooling system.

[0076] Module 2 may also include other components, such as:

[0077] a burner 21a designed to burn the discharges of the anode 17 and the cathode 18, and / or

[0078] a heater 24a of a fluid, such as air, for example entering the cell 3 at the cathode, which heater 24a may for example comprise a heat exchanger designed to put the line 20 in communication with the line 21, and / or

[0079] an evaporator 24b for determining the evaporation of a fluid, such as water on line 22, which evaporator 24b may for example comprise a heat exchanger designed to put line 22 in communication with line 21, and / or

[0080] An injector or mixer 26 designed to mix or combine the fuel supplied along line 19 and a fluid, such as water supplied along line 22 .

[0081] Such a combined heat and power or trigeneration module 2 may have any suitable configuration.

[0082] One or more modules 2 may include a housing having a box-like or cabinet-like structure, preferably a parallelepiped or a cuboid, which is mounted on the top of a corresponding workbench 5 together with a corresponding base 2 a.

[0083] In this case, the base 2a can define at least one opening facing downwards when in use so as to allow the conduits and cables 3a, 19, 21, 22 of the module 2 to be connected to the conduits 6, 7, 9 or cables 11 of the device 1 or the corresponding branches 6a, 7a, 9a, 11a.

[0084] In this regard, the module 2 may also have at least one panel, for example a front panel 2b, which is removable or in any case movable so as to expose an access area (AZ) for accessing the components of the module itself and, if necessary, allow the conduits 19, 21, 22 and cables 3a of the module 2 to be connected with the conduits and cables in the corresponding station 5, or to facilitate maintenance or supervision.

[0085] The panel 2 b may be designed to close the lower front area of ​​the module 2 , so that an access area AZ is defined below the module 2 .

[0086] In this regard, the panel 2b can be mounted with screws or other restraining means, or mounted on a guide rail and freely slide or pivot or otherwise made / connected so as to be movable in a closed or restricted or covered position and an open position of the access zone AZ (see Fig.12 ) where the access area AZ is exposed and accessible to connect / disconnect the module 2 to the station 5.

[0087] Alternatively or additionally, the base 4 or corresponding assembly may include a removable panel to allow access to areas to ensure connection of the conduits 19, 21, 22 and cables 3a of the module 2 with those in the corresponding station 5, or to facilitate maintenance or supervision.

[0088] Of course, measures for mechanically constraining the module 2 to the base 4 are also conceivable.

[0089] The unit 14 may then comprise at least one assembly 27 (essentially an electrical panel) for collecting and managing the electrical energy produced in the module 2, a cable or copper bar or bus 11 extending between the station 5 and the collection and management assembly 27 and, if necessary, from this assembly to a corresponding socket 27a, located, if necessary, at the front end of the base 4.

[0090] As is known, copper bars or buses carry current while dispersing less energy. In this specification, cables for transmitting current are mentioned several times, but it is clearly understood that alternative copper bars can be used for transmitting power / energy rather than for transmitting signals.

[0091] Of course, the collection and management components 27 or other components of the unit 14 may include one or more inverters 29 for converting electrical energy from direct current to alternating current.

[0092] Obviously, the device 1 or unit 14 also comprises an electronic control unit or PLC responsible for controlling the various elements of the device 1 or unit 14 , such as the valves.

[0093] In this regard, the device 1 or unit 14 may also be equipped with one or more electrical conductors 12 which are responsible for transmitting electronic control signals from the control unit or PLC to the components of the module 2 .

[0094] The PLC may be integrated into the collection and management assembly 27 , so that the conductors 12 for transmitting the electronic control signals from the control unit or PLC to the various components of the module 2 may be separated from the collection and management assembly 27 .

[0095] The central control unit and / or the individual control units (and all elements of the modules, such as valves or others, both as elements of the technical solution and as elements of the control logic) can be programmed so that when a module 2 is replaced or maintained, the other modules continue to operate and produce energy.

[0096] However, in the solutions envisaged so far, if a plurality of energy production modules or components are envisaged, when one module fails or is damaged, the other operating modules must be put into standby mode, reduced in power or shut down in order to be repaired and / or replaced.

[0097] However, according to the present invention, this may not occur.

[0098] In this regard, the modules 2 can deliver power on the same bus or collector of the cable 11, so when the module 2 is disconnected for maintenance or replacement, the power or energy delivered by the other modules will be slightly increased, thereby ensuring power compensation. In this regard, according to the present invention, the modules will not be operated at maximum energy or power output except in emergency or special circumstances.

[0099] This measure ensures that continuous electrical power can be generated without interruption, such as to meet typical data center requirements for high power availability, for example, greater than 90%, greater than 96% if necessary, or even equal to or greater than 99.999%, even in the absence of backup power.

[0100] Even the collection and management assembly 27 may have a housing of box-like or cabinet-like structure, preferably a parallelepiped or a cuboid, for example substantially identical to the external structure of the module 2 .

[0101] The collection and management assembly 27 is always mounted above the base 4 , at the corresponding station 5 a , for example the two stations close to the front end F.

[0102] If desired, the unit 14 is also equipped with at least one fluid filter unit 28 mounted at one end of the base.

[0103] The filter unit 28 may have a housing with a box-like or cabinet-like structure, preferably a parallelepiped or a cuboid, for example, having substantially the same external structure as the module 2 .

[0104] The filter unit 28 is always mounted above the base 4, at the corresponding station 5b, for example, the two stations near the front end R.

[0105] If desired, each filter assembly 28 may include a portion 28a for filtering fuel and a portion 28b for filtering water or other fluids. The portion 28a for fuel filtering may include, for example, a desulfurization station, which will therefore be shared by all modules 2 of the unit 14.

[0106] If hydrogen is used and there are no sulfur-containing odorants, a desulfurizer is not required. If primary natural gas, biogas or biomethane is used, a desulfurizer is required to filter the sulfur components and sulfur-containing odorants present in the natural gas.

[0107] Obviously, if there is at least one filter group 28, the conduit for conveying the fluid, liquid and / or gas to be filtered will have a first part for conveying the fluid from the outside to the filter group 28, and then a second part for conveying the fluid from the filter group 28 to the module 2, or better to the manifold, which then distributes the fluid to the branches.

[0108] Thanks to this configuration, it is understandable that regular maintenance of the water and gas filters can be carried out without having to access the individual energy production modules, primarily because the filters are already provided outside the modules and can serve all or more modules, obviously providing the necessary redundancy and bypass to ensure the continuous operation of the equipment.

[0109] The unit 14 according to the invention may have a unitary structure so that it can also be accommodated in a container or intermodal container 30 (see Fig.14 and 15 ), for example 40 feet.

[0110] The subject of the invention is also a unit housed in a container 30 .

[0111] In this case, movement of the module 2 may be achieved in any suitable manner, for example by means of an overhead crane or the like 31 or a trolley 34, using an automated or non-automated forklift if desired.

[0112] Obviously, the unit 14 according to the invention can also be installed in another operating environment, for example in a room or technical room 33 (see Fig.17 and 18 ). In this case, the modules 2 can be arranged in any suitable manner, for example with the respective rear walls 2c or back sides touching each other, or resting against a wall 33a of the technical room.

[0113] According to this variant, the movement of the module 2 can be achieved in any suitable way, for example by means of a forklift or a trolley 34 , using an automated or non-automated forklift if necessary, or even using another system.

[0114] For the version with overhead crane 31, with reference to the embodiment of the unit housed in a container, a rod 32 or the like may be provided, slidably mounted on the frame or superstructure of the container 31 or the technical room 33, this rod 32 supporting the head of the overhead crane 31, for example, supporting wires or cables or ropes with hooks or the like, at the lifting or grabbing end of the module 2. In particular, compared to the version with forklift 34, special measures must be explicitly provided to allow the same assembly to pick up the module 2 and place it appropriately above the corresponding station 5.

[0115] Thus, for example, a station 5 may define a seat 5 c open upwards, designed to allow the forks 35 of a trolley 34 to be lowered therein, in order to extract the trolley 34 once a module 2 has been placed on the respective station 5 .

[0116] Obviously, the base 4 and the corresponding station 5 can be embedded in the floor of the technical room, or even mounted thereon and protrude upwards therefrom.

[0117] The device 1 and the unit 14 according to the invention can be used in any application requiring high reliability of electrical energy, such as data centers, banks, supermarkets, factories such as refrigeration plants or other types of factories, or in general, as a complete or partial replacement for an energy supply group (such as an uninterruptible power supply UPS).

[0118] According to the invention, there is also provided a method for connecting and supplying a plurality of electrical energy production modules 2, which involves arranging the device 1 as mentioned above and then transporting, positioning and connecting one or more modules 2 in a quantity sufficient to ensure the required electrical energy on or in each station 5.

[0119] Of course, the connection step of each module 2 is done by placing the module 2 above or partly inside the station 5 and then connecting various coupling means, such as quick or automatic coupling means.

[0120] In this regard, the transporting step is performed in any suitable manner, such as by an overhead crane 31 or a manually or automatically guided forklift 34, for example using forks and / or shovels.

[0121] As mentioned previously, advantageously, the base 4 or frame or top assembly 37 is prefabricated or preassembled and then shipped to the installation site in an already installed or assembled state.

[0122] If necessary, the modules 2 can be transported in the apparatus 1 or unit 14 according to the invention by means of an automated guided vehicle or shuttle (for example capable of supporting 500 kg).

[0123] In this regard, if aisles or corridors 13 are provided, an operator or shuttle or overhead crane or trolley may stop in the aisle or corridor 13 to locate, connect and maintain the module 2. In this case, the module 2 will be moved or dragged in the aisle 13 and moved (laterally) between the aisle 13 and the station.

[0124] Subsequently, any panel 2b may be moved (eg upwards) to access access area AZ.

[0125] After this step, one or more modules 2 , or more precisely the corresponding conduits and cables, are easily connected to the conduits and cables in the corresponding station 5 .

[0126] Furthermore, as discussed previously, the respective modules can be accessed from above or from the front for connect-disconnect or plug / disconnect, leaving the other faces or sides free to minimize the installation space, thereby being able to place them against each other or against a wall.

[0127] Then refer to Figures 21 to 23, which illustrate a variant according to the invention in which the module 2 is constrained and connected to a station 5 located on top of or above the module itself, which is therefore fully or partially at least partially open downwards to allow the module 2 to be positioned underneath it and then connected. Of course, for this variant, the same applies in principle as with reference to Figures 1 to 20 The same advantageous features as described in the embodiments of FIG.

[0128] According to this variant, the device comprises a series of ducts 6-9 for the entry and exit 10 of fluids into the device, as well as at least one cable 11 for transporting the electrical energy produced by the module 2, which is equipped at the top of the device itself or in any case at a high position, and each duct 6-10 and branch 6a-11a of at least one cable 11 in each station 5 are then always equipped at the top or in any case at a high position, as well as connection devices 6b-11b of the latter to the corresponding components of one or more modules 2 for the production of electrical energy.

[0129] Of course, the branches 6a-11a extend downwardly from the corresponding conduit or cable and have a lower connection end.

[0130] In this regard, the apparatus 1 may include a frame or support assembly or top socket 37 for defining an opening for the station 5, or at least defining at least one opening downwardly; or it may not include these components.

[0131] Thus, for example, by way of non-limiting example, the frame 37 may comprise a vertical wall 38 fixed in any suitable way to the upper wall 30a of the technical room or container 30 or the general space or even of the equipment itself and extending to a height corresponding to or slightly higher than the height of the module 2.

[0132] Similar to the indication of base 4, frame or support assembly or top socket 37 can be made of one or more plates or boards, for example, made of metal. In addition, frame or top assembly 37 can be prefabricated or preassembled, and then transported to the installation site in an installed or assembled state.

[0133] If desired, each station 5 may be defined between two transverse vertical walls 38 , in which case adjacent stations 5 may have a common vertical wall 38 .

[0134] These vertical walls 38 may define windows or seats 39, 40 at the top for the passage of conduits or cables.

[0135] The station may also be defined by the walls of a container or a technical room, which may constitute the bottom or back of the station 5 .

[0136] As for the front face of the station (which does not correspond to the front face of the device or unit), it can be open or, if necessary, can be closed using a panel, as will be explained later.

[0137] According to this variant, the modules 2 will be transported, positioned and connected at a number of stations 5 sufficient to ensure the required electrical energy.

[0138] Of course, the connection step of each module 2 is done by placing the module 2 under the station 5 and then connecting various coupling means (for example quick or automatic coupling means).

[0139] In this regard, the modules 2 and their respective side walls may be placed within the horizontal projection of the vertical walls 38 of the respective station 5 , that is, each module 2 is arranged within the vertical projection space of the area defined between adjacent vertical walls 38 .

[0140] According to this variant, the ducts and cables 3a, 19, 21, 22 of the module 2 project upwards or can in any case be connected from above with the ducts 6, 7, 9 or cables 11 of the device 1 or their corresponding branches 6a, 7a, 9a, 11a.

[0141] In this respect, the transport step is carried out in any suitable manner, for example using a manually or automatically guided trolley, optionally using forks and / or shovels, or alternatively the bottom of the module 2 can also be equipped with wheels 41 for sliding the module 2 along a corridor or the like, and then, once the module 2 is placed under the station 5, it is easy or better to connect them by connecting the corresponding pipes, cables to the pipes, cables in the corresponding station 5. This obviously applies to all modules 2.

[0142] Of course, even in this case, a removable panel 2b may be provided to conceal the access area AZ.

[0143] Obviously, the removable panel could be arranged in the module 2, or even in the top of the device, if desired, in the frame of the top assembly, the socket or the device itself.

[0144] Thus, for example, the frame 37 may include a panel 37a that is mounted with screws or other restraining means or mounted on a guide rail and is free to slide or pivot or otherwise made / connected to the frame 37 or a corresponding vertical wall 38 so as to be movable between a closed or restricted or covering position and an open position of the access area.

[0145] The invention may be modified and varied within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A device for connecting and supplying power to a plurality of modules (2), the plurality of modules (2) being used to produce electrical energy and being equipped with at least one fuel cell stack (3), the device comprising a main base (4) or a frame or a top assembly (37), the main base (4) or the frame or the top assembly (37) defining a plurality of stations (5), each station (5) being used to position at least one module (2) for producing electrical energy above or below it and to connect the at least one module (2), the device further comprising a plurality of conduits (6-9), the plurality of conduits (6-9) being accommodated in the base (4) or the frame or the top assembly (37) ) and arranged as an inlet for fluid to enter the device and an outlet (10) for fluid to leave the device, the device also includes at least one cable (11) for conveying the electrical energy produced by the module (2), the device further includes, in each of the stations (5) always housed in the base (4) or frame or top assembly (37), a branch (6a-11a) of each of the conduits (6-10) and at least one cable (11) and coupling means (6b-11b) for coupling the conduits (6-10) and the cables (11) to the corresponding components of the module (2) producing electrical energy, The base (4) or frame or top component (37) is made of at least one folded and / or welded and / or bolted and / or screwed sheet or plate.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base (4) or frame or top assembly (37) defines a portion of a peripheral frame (4a) and a plurality of beams (4b), the plurality of beams (4b) connecting two portions of the base (4) and being designed to define the station (5), the station (5) being at least partially open upwards or downwards to facilitate the positioning and connection of modules (2) for producing electrical energy.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the coupling means (6b-11b) of one or more conduits and / or one or more cables is an automatic or quick coupling means or connector.

4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the automatic or quick coupling device or joint comprises a first element or connector (6b1-11b1) and a second element or connector (6b2-11b2), wherein the first element or connector (6b1-11b1) is constrained or fixed to one end of the conduit (6-10) or cable (11), and the second element or connector (6b2-11b2) can be constrained or fixed together with the module (2) or constrained or fixed to one end of the pipe or cable of the module (2) for conveying fluid or current therein, and the second element (6b2-11b2) is inserted into the first element (6b1-11b1), and The automatic or quick coupling device or joint includes an automatic valve or a shut-off device or a switching device installed in the automatic or quick coupling device or joint, which is adapted to close the channel through which fluid or energy flows when the two elements of the corresponding automatic or quick coupling device or joint are disconnected, and to open the channel through which fluid or energy flows when the two elements are connected.

5. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base (4) defines at least two rows of stations (4c) separated from each other by a walkway or corridor (13) designed to allow walking between the two rows of stations (4c).

6. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the conduit (6-10) and the cable (11) open to the same side of the base (4) or frame or top assembly (37) or all open on the same side of the base (4) or frame or top assembly (37).

7. A unit for producing energy, comprising an apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims and a plurality of electric energy production modules (2), each electric energy production module (2) being installed at a corresponding station (5) or above or below the corresponding station (5), and corresponding pipes or cables being connected to the conduits and cables at the corresponding station (5).

8. A unit as claimed in claim 7, wherein at least one of the plurality of modules comprises at least one fuel cell stack (3) designed to deliver electrical energy via one or more power supply cables (3a), the at least one fuel cell stack (3) comprising an anode (17) and a cathode (18), the unit further comprising a first pipeline (19) for conveying a reaction fuel gas to the anode (17) and a second pipeline (20) for conveying air to the cathode (18) and a discharge line (21) connected from the anode (17) and from the cathode (18).

9. A unit according to claim 8, wherein said at least one module comprises at least one conduit for supplying (22) process water in said first line (19).

10. A unit as claimed in claim 7, 8 or 9, wherein at least one module defines at least one opening facing downwards or upwards when in use so as to allow the conduits and cables (3a, 19, 21, 22) of the module (2) to be connected to the conduits (6, 7, 9) or cables (11) or corresponding branches (6a, 7a, 9a, 11a) of the equipment.

11. A unit as claimed in claim 7 or 8 or 9 or 10, wherein at least one module (2) or the base (4) or the frame or top assembly (37) comprises at least one panel (2b) which is removable or in any case movable so as to expose an access area (AZ) allowing the conduits (19, 21, 22) and cables (3a) of the module (2) to be connected with the conduits and cables in the corresponding station (5).

12. The unit according to any one of claims 7 to 11, comprising an assembly for collecting and managing the electrical energy produced in the module (2), the cable (11) extending between the station (5) and the collection and management assembly (27).

13. A unit as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 12, comprising at least one group (28) for filtering a fluid mounted at one end of the base (4) or the frame or top assembly (37).

14. A unit according to any one of claims 7 to 13, comprising a control unit designed to control elements of the device (1) or the unit (14).

15. A unit as claimed in claim 14, wherein the control unit is arranged so that when one module (2) is disconnected for replacement or maintenance, the other modules continue to operate and produce energy.

16. An intermodal container comprising a unit as claimed in any one of the preceding claims housed therein.

17. A method for connecting and supplying power to a plurality of electrical energy production modules, comprising the steps of: - providing a device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, - transport, positioning and connection of one or more modules (2) inside the station (5) or above the station (5) or below the station (5).

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the base (4) or frame or top assembly (37) is prefabricated or preassembled and then transported to the installation site in an already installed or assembled state.

19. A method as claimed in claim 17 or 18, for an apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the step of connecting each module (2) is performed by placing it above the station (5) or partially inside the station (5) or below the station (5) and then connecting the automatic or quick coupling device or joint.

20. The method according to claim 16 or 17 or 19, wherein the modules (2) are transported in the device (1) by an automated guided vehicle or a shuttle or an overhead crane or a forklift, or the modules slide on wheels (41).

21. A method as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein an electronic control unit is provided to control elements of the device (1) or the module (2), and The modules (2) deliver electrical energy on the same bus or collector (11), so when a module (2) is disconnected for maintenance or replacement, the power or energy delivered by the other modules will be slightly increased to ensure power compensation. Unless in an emergency or special situation, the modules will not operate at maximum energy or power output.

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