Fuel cell module device, in particular prefab fuel cell module device

Abstract

The invention is based on a fuel cell module device (10), in particular a prefab fuel cell module device, with a plurality of fuel cell units (12) which are designed to generate electrical energy from a gaseous medium, with at least one auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit (14) which is designed to support the operation of a fuel cell unit (12) in an operating step (16), with at least one housing unit (18) which accommodates the fuel cell units (12) and the auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit (14), and with at least one line element (20) which is designed to establish a media flow between the fuel cell unit (12) and the auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit (14) and an external media flow. It is proposed that the fuel cell module device (10) has a central interface device (22) which has at least one interface unit (24) to which the line elements (20) are connected in order to establish a media flow between an external media flow and the fuel cell unit (12) and / or the secondary and / or auxiliary unit (14).

Description

State of the art

[0001] A fuel cell module device, in particular a prefab fuel cell module device, has already been proposed, comprising a plurality of fuel cell units which are configured to generate electrical energy from a gaseous medium, comprising at least one auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit which is configured to support the operation of a fuel cell unit in an operating step, comprising at least one housing unit which accommodates the fuel cell units and the auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit, and comprising at least one line element which is configured to establish a media flow and / or an energy flow between the fuel cell unit and the auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit and an external media flow and / or energy flow. Disclosure of the invention

[0002] The invention is based on a fuel cell module device, in particular a prefab fuel cell module device, with a plurality of fuel cell units which are designed to generate electrical energy from a gaseous medium, with at least one auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit which is designed to support the operation of a fuel cell unit in an operating step, with at least one housing unit which accommodates the fuel cell units and the auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit, and with at least one line element which is designed to establish a media flow and / or an energy flow between the fuel cell unit and the auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit and an external media flow and / or energy flow.

[0003] It is proposed that the fuel cell module device has a central interface device which has at least one interface unit to which the line elements are connected in order to establish a media flow between an external media flow and the fuel cell unit and the auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit.

[0004] In this context, a “fuel cell module device” is to be understood in particular as a device which is designed to provide an energy system for variable use. The fuel cell module device is preferably designed to provide an energy system which can be variably used and moved as a device. The fuel cell module device preferably has at least one housing unit in which the fuel cell units and the associated auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit are permanently installed. Two, preferably more, fuel cell units and the associated auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit are preferably mechanically integrated in a centered housing unit. The fuel cell units and the associated auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit are preferably designed to be detachably installed in the housing unit using a tool.In this context, "detachable" should be understood in particular to mean "non-destructively separable". The housing unit is preferably designed as a container. The housing unit preferably has at least one side wall, at least one base element and at least one ceiling element. A "main extension direction" of an object should be understood in particular to mean a direction that runs parallel to a longest edge of a smallest geometric cuboid that just completely encloses the object. The fuel cell units and the associated auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit are preferably arranged in a fixed manner on a base element of the housing unit.The fact that at least one first element is “connected” to at least one further element should be understood in particular to mean that the first element is advantageously connected to the further element via at least one frictional connection and / or at least one positive connection, for example via a riveting and / or snap-in connection and / or a tongue and groove connection and / or a clamping connection and / or another connection that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art, and / or is integrally connected to the further element, for example by a welding process, an adhesive process and / or another process that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art. The fuel cell units and the associated auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit are particularly preferably designed to be firmly connected to the housing unit by means of a screw connection.In particular, it is conceivable that the fuel cell units and the associated auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit are arranged and firmly connected to a side wall and / or a ceiling element of the housing unit. "Configured" should be understood, in particular, to mean specially configured, specially programmed, specially designed, and / or specially equipped. The fact that an object is configured for a specific function should be understood, in particular, to mean that the object fulfills and / or performs this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.

[0005] In this context, a “fuel cell unit” should be understood to mean, in particular, a unit that is designed to generate electrical energy from a fuel. The fuel cell unit is preferably designed to generate electrical energy from a gaseous medium. The fuel cell unit is preferably designed to convert chemical reaction energy from a continuously supplied fuel and an oxidizing agent into electrical energy. For example, natural gas is used as the fuel and oxygen as the oxidizing agent. Alternatively, other fuels that appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art, such as methanol, butane, and / or hydrogen, are also conceivable. In an operating step of the fuel cell unit, electrical energy is preferably generated between an anode and a cathode. The anode preferably splits off the electrons from the fuel.Preferably, the electrons are guided into the cathode via a connecting element. In particular, this movement of the electrons from anode to cathode generates the electrical energy. Preferably, the fuel cell module device has at least two, preferably several, and particularly preferably six fuel cell units. The fuel cell units can be constructed essentially identically to one another or differently, for example, they can be provided for different electrical outputs or be constructed with different fuel cell types. Preferably, the fuel cell units can each be operated individually, in particular they can be individually connected to and / or disconnected from a power grid and / or an electrical consumer, in particular they can be individually connected to and / or disconnected from a fuel supply. Preferably, the fuel cell unit is constructed as a solid oxide fuel cell.

[0006] In this context, an "auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit" should be understood to mean, in particular, a unit that is configured to support the operation of a fuel cell unit in an operating step. The auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit preferably comprises at least one gas booster unit configured to accelerate and / or compress a gaseous medium, at least one desulfurization unit configured to desulfurize a gaseous medium, and at least one water management unit configured to start a fuel cell unit with internal hydrogen reforming in an operating step. The auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit is preferably arranged upstream of a fuel cell unit along a media flow.Preferably, the auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit is configured to convert or influence a media flow before the media flow is guided to a fuel cell unit. In particular, it is conceivable that the auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit is arranged in a media flow downstream of the fuel cell unit and, for example, influences an exhaust air flow and / or the generated energy.

[0007] In this context, a “line element” is to be understood in particular as an element which directs an internal media flow and / or an energy flow in the housing unit. The fuel cell device preferably has a plurality of line elements. The line elements preferably lead from an auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit to a fuel cell unit. The line elements preferably lead from an interface device to an auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit and / or a fuel cell unit. In particular, it is conceivable for the line elements to lead from a fuel cell unit to an auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit. The line elements preferably connect all components located in a housing unit in an order that appears sensible to a person skilled in the art. The respective line elements are preferably designed to be adapted to the respective media flow.Preferably, a line element is designed to guide a fluid media flow. Preferably, a line element is designed to guide a gaseous media flow. Preferably, a line element is designed to guide an energy flow. Preferably, the line element for guiding a gaseous or liquid media flow has a circular cross-section in the main direction of extension of the line element. Particularly preferably, the line element for guiding a gaseous or liquid media flow is designed as a pipeline. Alternatively, any other line element for guiding a gaseous or liquid media flow that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art is conceivable. Preferably, the line element for guiding an energy flow is designed as a power cable. Preferably, all line elements that require an external media flow lead to an interface device within a housing unit.In this context, an “interface device” should be understood to mean, in particular, a device which is configured to centrally convert at least one external media flow into an internal media flow. The interface device is preferably configured to convert a plurality of different external medium flows into a plurality of internal medium flows. Alternatively or additionally, the interface device is configured to convert a plurality of different internal medium flows into a plurality of external medium flows. The interface device preferably has a lower housing unit in which at least one interface unit is formed. In this context, an “interface unit” should be understood to mean, in particular, a unit which is configured to receive a further line element which carries an external media flow from a media route to an interface device.Preferably, the at least one interface unit is configured to correspond to the medium to be transported. Preferably, the interface device comprises a plurality of interface units. Preferably, the interface units are arranged in series in a central interface device. Alternatively, any other arrangement of the interface units in a central interface device that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art is conceivable.

[0008] The inventive design of the fuel cell module device makes it possible to provide advantageous properties with regard to scaling multiple fuel cell devices. In particular, advantageous properties with regard to comprehensive, compact bundling of multiple fuel cell module devices can be achieved. In particular, an efficient and simplified installation of the connection of the fuel cell device to a central media route on the customer side can be provided. This makes it possible to provide, in particular, advantageous properties with regard to a centered connection of the fuel cell module device. In particular, advantageous properties with regard to user comfort can be achieved.

[0009] It is further proposed that the housing unit has at least one side wall on which the central interface device is fixedly arranged. Preferably, the central interface device is arranged on a side wall of the housing unit perpendicular to a main extension direction of the housing unit. Preferably, the central interface device is arranged on a side wall of the housing unit perpendicular to a main extension direction of the housing unit in a sub-housing unit. Preferably, the central interface device is fixedly connected to the side wall of the housing unit. In particular, it is conceivable that the central interface unit is detachably arranged on the side wall of the housing unit using a tool. In particular, it is conceivable that the side wall of the housing unit has a recess in which the central interface device is arranged.Furthermore, it is conceivable for the side wall of the housing unit to have a plurality of recesses through which line elements are routed from the housing unit to a central interface device. This can provide particularly advantageous properties with regard to a centered connection of the fuel cell module device.

[0010] It is further proposed that the housing unit has at least one further side wall which is designed free of a central interface device. Preferably, the further side walls are designed parallel to a main direction of extent of the housing unit and free of a central interface device. Preferably, the further side wall is designed perpendicular to a main direction of extent of the housing unit relative to a first side wall with a central interface device and free of a central interface device. Preferably, the further side wall has an access element via which a user gains access to a fuel cell module device. Preferably, the access element is designed in a further side wall parallel to a main direction of extent of the fuel cell module device.The access element is preferably designed as a passageway, a door, a roller shutter, and / or another user access deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art. Maintenance is preferably carried out through the access element in one operating step. A "main extension direction" of an object is to be understood in particular as a direction that runs parallel to a longest edge of a smallest geometric cuboid that just completely encloses the object. The configuration according to the invention makes it possible to provide particularly advantageous properties with regard to a centered connection of the fuel cell module device. In particular, advantageous properties with regard to scaling of multiple fuel cell devices can be provided.

[0011] It is further proposed that the central interface device is configured to form different interface units for, for example, gas, water, electricity, and exhaust air. Preferably, the interface device is configured to transfer at least one gaseous medium, at least one fluid medium, and at least one energy flow from an external media flow to an internal media flow. Preferably, the interface device is configured to transfer at least one gaseous medium, at least one fluid medium, and at least one energy flow from an internal media flow to an external media flow. Preferably, the central interface device has a separate interface unit for each medium. Preferably, the interface unit is configured accordingly for the respective medium. Preferably, the interface device is divided into different compartments.Preferably, a supply for a gaseous medium and for a fluid medium is formed in a compartment separated from the supply of the energy flow. Preferably, the interface units of the respective medium are formed in a section of the central interface device. This allows for particularly advantageous properties with regard to occupational safety and operational safety. Advantageous properties with regard to user comfort can be achieved.

[0012] It is further proposed that the interface units have a flange connection which is designed to form an interface for a fluid line and / or gas line. Preferably, the flange connection of the interface unit is designed to be detachable without destruction. Preferably, the flange connection is designed to correspond to the flange connection of the further line element. Preferably, the further line element is designed as a pipe. Preferably, the flange connection is designed to conduct a gaseous medium, for example exhaust air and / or gas, and / or a liquid medium, for example water. Alternatively, any other conduction of a medium via a flange connection which appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art is conceivable. Preferably, the flange connection of the interface unit and the flange connection of the further line element are designed to be connected without destruction in one operating step.Preferably, the flange connection of the interface unit and the flange connection of the further line element are connected by means of at least one screw and at least one nut. In particular, it is conceivable for the flange connection of the interface unit and the flange connection of the further line element to be connected to one another via a flange coupling. Furthermore, any other flange connection of the interface unit that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art is conceivable. Preferably, the flange connection of the interface unit and the flange connection of the further line element form a gas-tight contact point. In this context, a "gas-tight contact point" is to be understood as a contact point that has a technical gas density.The gas-tight contact point preferably has a leakage of preferably a maximum of 5%, preferably a maximum of 3%, and particularly preferably a maximum of 1% of the volume of the medium flowing through. Particularly preferably, the interface device comprises a plurality of interface units with a flange connection. The flange connections of the respective interface units are preferably designed differently. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the flange connections of the respective interface units to be designed identically. The configuration according to the invention makes it possible to provide particularly advantageous properties with regard to connecting a further line element to a central interface device.

[0013] It is further proposed that the interface units have a plug connection which is designed to form an interface for a power line. The plug connection of the interface unit preferably has a female design. The plug connection of the further line element preferably has a male design. In particular, it is conceivable for the male and female designs to be reversed. The further line element is preferably designed as a cable. The plug connection is preferably designed to conduct a current. Alternatively, any other line which appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art via a plug connection, for example a data line, is conceivable. The plug connection of the interface unit to the plug connection of the further line element is preferably designed to be detachable without destruction.The plug connection is preferably established before an operating step. A circuit is preferably created by connecting the two plug connections. The plug connection is preferably designed as a mains plug connection. In particular, it is conceivable for the plug connection to be designed as a telecommunications and data technology plug connector and / or an industrial plug connector. Alternatively, any other plug connection that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art is conceivable. The interface device particularly preferably has a plurality of interface units with a plug connection. The plug connections of the respective interface units are preferably designed differently. In particular, it is conceivable for one interface unit to be designed for heavy current and another interface unit for normal current. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the plug connections of the respective interface unit to be designed identically.

[0014] Furthermore, a modular system is proposed with at least one fuel cell module device according to the invention and with at least one further fuel cell module device according to the invention and with at least one media route which supplies the fuel cell module device and the further fuel cell module device with at least one media flow. The fuel cell module device and the further fuel cell module device are preferably designed identically. In this context, a "media route" should be understood in particular as a supply line via which an external media flow for supplying the fuel cell module devices is guided to the fuel cell module devices. The media route is preferably formed between a fuel cell module device and a further fuel cell module device.Preferably, in a modular system, a further fuel cell module device is arranged mirrored on a media path to a first fuel cell module device. This allows advantageous properties to be achieved with regard to a comprehensive, compact bundling of several fuel cell module devices.

[0015] It is further proposed that the media route has at least one distribution point, wherein the fuel cell module device and the further fuel cell module device are connected to the media route at the distribution point. Preferably, the fuel cell module device and the further fuel cell module device are connected to the same distribution point of the media route. Preferably, the fuel cell module device and the further fuel cell module device are supplied with at least one media flow via the same distribution point of the media route. Preferably, the fuel cell module device is connected to the distribution point by means of at least one further line element. Preferably, the further fuel cell module device is connected to the distribution point by means of at least one further line element.In this context, a "distribution point" is understood to mean, in particular, a distribution node from which at least one further line element leads to a fuel cell module device or further fuel cell module devices and establishes at least one media flow. This allows advantageous properties with regard to the comprehensive, compact bundling of multiple fuel cell module devices to be achieved.

[0016] The modular system preferably has at least one further distribution point. The further distribution point is preferably formed on a media route. The further distribution point is preferably formed at a distance from the distribution point in the direction of the media route. A fuel cell module device and a further fuel cell module device are preferably arranged at the further distribution point. The arrangement of the fuel cell module device and the further fuel cell module device of the further distribution point is preferably identical to the arrangement of the fuel cell module device and the further fuel cell module device of the distribution point. The fuel cell module device of the distribution point is preferably arranged at a distance from the fuel cell module device of the further distribution point.Preferably, the further fuel cell module device of the distribution point is arranged at a distance from the further fuel cell module device of the further distribution point. Preferably, a first service area is formed between the fuel cell module device of the distribution point and the fuel cell module device of the further distribution point. Preferably, a second service area is formed between the further fuel cell module device of the distribution point and the further fuel cell module device of the further distribution point. In particular, it is conceivable for the modular system to have a plurality of distribution points which, like the further distribution point, can be arranged in an expandable manner with regard to scalability. Preferably, the modular system has a further media route. Preferably, the further media route is designed identically to a media route.In particular, it is conceivable that the additional media route differs from the first media route in the number of fuel cell module devices and the additional fuel cell module devices. Particularly preferably, the arrangement of the fuel cell module devices and the additional fuel cell module devices on the additional media route is identical to that of the media route. Preferably, the additional media route is formed at least substantially parallel to the media route. Alternatively, any other arrangement of the additional media route relative to the media route that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art is conceivable. This makes it possible to achieve advantageous properties with regard to a comprehensive, compact bundling of several fuel cell module devices.

[0017] Furthermore, the invention is based on a method for operating a fuel cell module device, in particular a prefab fuel cell module device and / or a module system according to one of the preceding claims. It is proposed that, in an operating step, the conduction of at least one media flow from inside the fuel cell module device to outside the fuel cell module device and / or from outside the fuel cell module device to inside the fuel cell module device takes place solely via the central interface device. In this context, an "operating step" is to be understood in particular as a method step in which the fuel cell module device generates electrical energy and is supplied with the necessary media flows by means of the central interface device.Preferably, each communication and each routing of media flows takes place in one operating step via the central interface device. Preferably, in one operating step, a routing of at least one media flow from inside the fuel cell module device to outside the fuel cell module device and / or from outside the fuel cell module device to inside the fuel cell module device is monitored by means of the interface device. In particular, it is conceivable that in one operating step, the interface device regulates a media flow from inside the fuel cell module device to outside the fuel cell module device and / or from outside the fuel cell module device to inside the fuel cell module device.Furthermore, it is conceivable that, in one operating step, the interface device documents a media flow from inside the fuel cell module device to outside the fuel cell module device and / or from outside the fuel cell module device to inside the fuel cell module device. In particular, an efficient and simplified installation of the connection of the fuel cell device to a central media route on the customer side can be provided. This can provide, in particular, advantageous properties with regard to a centered connection of the fuel cell module device. In particular, advantageous properties with regard to user comfort can be achieved.

[0018] The fuel cell module device according to the invention, in particular the prefab fuel cell module device, is not intended to be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the fuel cell module device according to the invention, in particular the prefab fuel cell module device, can have a number of individual elements, components, units, and method steps that differs from the number stated herein in order to fulfill a functionality described herein. Furthermore, in the value ranges specified in this disclosure, values ​​within the stated limits are also intended to be disclosed and can be used arbitrarily. drawing

[0019] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawing illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Those skilled in the art will also expediently consider the features individually and combine them into further meaningful combinations.

[0020] They show: Fig. 1 a fuel cell module device according to the invention in a schematic representation, Fig. 2 a fuel cell module device according to the invention free of a housing unit in a schematic representation, Fig. 3 a modular system according to the invention with at least one fuel cell module device according to the invention and with at least one further fuel cell module device according to the invention in a schematic representation and Fig. 4 a schematic flow diagram of a method for operating a fuel cell module device and / or a module system according to the invention. Description of the embodiment

[0021] Fig. 1 shows a fuel cell module device 10 according to the invention, in particular a prefab fuel cell module device, with a plurality of fuel cell units 12, which are configured to generate electrical energy from a gaseous medium. The fuel cell module device 10 is configured to provide an energy system that can be variably used and moved as a device. The fuel cell unit 12 is configured to generate electrical energy from a gaseous medium. The fuel cell unit 12 is configured to convert a chemical reaction energy of a continuously supplied fuel and an oxidizing agent into electrical energy. For example, natural gas is used as the fuel and oxygen as the oxidizing agent. Alternatively, other fuels that appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art, such as methanol, butane, and / or hydrogen, are also conceivable.In an operating step 16 of the fuel cell unit 12, electrical energy is generated between an anode and a cathode. The anode splits the electrons from the fuel. The electrons are conducted to the cathode via a connecting element. This movement of the electrons from anode to cathode generates the electrical energy. The fuel cell module device 10 has at least two, preferably several, and particularly preferably six fuel cell units 12. The fuel cell units 12 can be substantially identical in construction to one another or differently constructed, for example, provided for different electrical outputs or constructed with different fuel cell types.The fuel cell units 12 can each be operated individually, in particular individually connected to and / or disconnected from a power grid and / or an electrical consumer, in particular individually connected to and / or disconnected from a fuel supply. The fuel cell unit 12 is designed as a solid oxide fuel cell. The fuel cell module device 10 has at least one auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit 14, which is configured to support the operation of a fuel cell unit 12 in the operating step 16.The auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit 14 has at least one gas booster unit configured to accelerate and / or compress a gaseous medium, at least one desulfurization unit configured to desulfurize a gaseous medium, and at least one water management unit configured to start a fuel cell unit 12 with internal hydrogen reforming in one operating step. The auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit 14 is arranged upstream of a fuel cell unit 12 in a media flow. The auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit 14 is configured to convert or influence a media flow before the media flow is guided to a fuel cell unit 12.In particular, it is conceivable that the secondary and / or auxiliary unit 14 is arranged in a media flow behind the fuel cell unit 12 and influences, for example, an exhaust air flow and / or the generated energy.

[0022] The fuel cell module device 10 has at least one housing unit 18, which accommodates the fuel cell units 12 and the auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit 14. The fuel cell module device 10 has at least one housing unit 18, in which the fuel cell unit 12 and the associated auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit 14 are permanently installed. Several fuel cell units 12 and the associated auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit 14 are mechanically integrated in a centered housing unit 18. The fuel cell unit 12 and the associated auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit 14 are installed in the housing unit 18 so that they can be detachably removed using a tool. The housing unit 18 is designed as a container. The housing unit 18 has at least one side wall 26, at least one base element 38, and at least one ceiling element 40.The fuel cell units 12 and the associated auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit 14 are arranged in a fixed manner on the base element 38 of the housing unit 18. The fuel cell units 12 and the associated auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit 14 are arranged in a fixed manner on the housing unit 18 by means of a screw connection. In particular, it is conceivable that the fuel cell units 12 and the associated auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit 14 are arranged in a fixed manner on a side wall 26 and / or a ceiling element 40 of the housing unit 18.

[0023] The fuel cell module device 10 has at least one line element 20, which is configured to establish a media flow and / or an energy flow between the fuel cell unit 12 and the auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit 14 and an external media flow and / or energy flow. The fuel cell module device 10 has a plurality of line elements 20. The line elements 20 lead from an auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit 14 to a fuel cell unit 12. The line elements 20 lead from an interface device 22 to an auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit 14 and / or a fuel cell unit 12. In particular, it is conceivable for the line elements 20 to lead from a fuel cell unit 12 to an auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit 14. The line elements 20 connect all components located in a housing unit 18 in an order that appears sensible to a person skilled in the art.The respective line elements 20 are designed to be adapted to the respective media flow. One line element 20 is designed to guide a gaseous media flow. One line element 20 is designed to guide a liquid media flow. One line element 20 is designed to guide an energy flow. The line element 20 has a circular cross-section in the main extension direction of the line element 20 to guide a gaseous or liquid media flow. The line element 20 is designed as a pipeline to guide a gaseous or liquid media flow. Alternatively, any other line element 20 that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art for guiding a gaseous or liquid media flow is conceivable. The line element 20 is designed as a power cable to guide an energy flow.The fuel cell module device 10 has a central interface device 22, which has at least one interface unit 24, to which the line elements 20 are connected in order to establish a media flow between an external media flow and the fuel cell unit 12 and / or the auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit 14. All line elements 20 that require an external media flow lead within a housing unit 18 to an interface device 22. The interface device 22 is configured to convert several different external medium flows into several internal medium flows. Alternatively or additionally, the interface device 22 is configured to convert several different internal medium flows into several external medium flows. The interface device 22 has a lower housing unit 42 in which at least one interface unit 24 is formed.The at least one interface unit 24 is configured according to the medium to be transported. The interface device 22 has a plurality of interface units 24. The interface units 24 are arranged in series in a central interface device 22. Alternatively, any other arrangement of the interface units 24 in a central interface device 22 that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art is conceivable. (see . Fig. 2)

[0024] The housing unit 18 has at least one side wall 26 on which the central interface device 22 is fixedly arranged. The central interface device 22 is arranged on the side wall 26 of the housing unit 18 perpendicular to a main extension direction of the housing unit 18. The central interface device 22 is arranged on a side wall 26 of the housing unit 18 perpendicular to a main extension direction of the housing unit 18 in a lower housing unit 42. The central interface device 22 is fixedly connected to the side wall 26 of the housing unit 18. In particular, it is conceivable for the central interface unit 22 to be detachably attached to the side wall 26 of the housing unit 18 using a tool. In particular, it is conceivable for the side wall 26 of the housing unit 18 to have a recess in which the central interface device 22 is arranged.Furthermore, it is conceivable that the side wall 26 of the housing unit 18 has a plurality of recesses through which line elements 20 are guided from the housing unit 18 to a central interface device 22.

[0025] The housing unit 18 has at least one further side wall 28, which is designed free of a central interface device 22. The side walls 28 are designed parallel to a main extension direction of the housing unit 18, free of a central interface device 22. The further side wall 28 is designed perpendicular to a main extension direction of the housing unit 18, opposite a first side wall 26 with a central interface device 22, free of a central interface device 22. The further side wall 28 has an access element 44, via which a user gains access to a fuel cell module device 10. The access element 44 is designed in a further side wall 28, parallel to a main extension direction of the fuel cell module device 10.The access element 44 is designed as a passage, a door, a rolling gate, and / or another user access that a specialist deems appropriate. In an operating step 16, maintenance is performed through the access element 44.

[0026] The central interface device 22 is configured to form different interface units 24 for, for example, gas, water, electricity, and exhaust air. The interface device 22 is configured to transfer at least one gaseous medium, at least one liquid medium, and at least one energy flow from an external media flow to an internal media flow. The interface device 22 is configured to transfer at least one gaseous medium, at least one liquid medium, and at least one energy flow from an internal media flow to an external media flow. The central interface device 22 has a separate interface unit 24 for each medium. The interface unit 24 is configured accordingly for the respective medium. The interface device 24 is divided into different compartments.Inlets for a gaseous medium and for a liquid medium are formed in a compartment separated from the energy flow inlet. The interface units 24 of the respective medium are formed in a section of the central interface device 22.

[0027] The interface unit 24 has a flange connection which is designed to form an interface for a fluid line. The flange connection of the interface unit 24 is designed to be detachable without destruction. The flange connection is designed to correspond to the flange connection of a further line element 46. The further line element 46 is designed as a pipe. The flange connection is designed to conduct a gaseous medium, for example exhaust air and / or gas, and / or a liquid medium, for example water. Alternatively, any other medium conduction which appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art is conceivable via a flange connection. The flange connection of the interface unit 24 and the flange connection of the further line element 46 are designed to be detachably connected without destruction in an operating step 16.The flange connection of the interface unit 24 and the flange connection of the further line element 46 are connected by means of at least one screw and at least one nut. In particular, it is conceivable that the flange connection of the interface unit 24 and the flange connection of the further line element 46 are connected to one another via a flange coupling. Furthermore, any other flange connection of the interface unit 24 that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art is conceivable. The flange connection of the interface unit 24 and the flange connection of the further line element 46 form a gas-tight contact point. The interface device 22 has a plurality of interface units 24 with a flange connection. The flange connections of the respective interface units 24 are designed differently.Alternatively, it is conceivable that the flange connections of the respective interface units 24 are of the same design.

[0028] The interface unit 24 has a plug connection which is designed to form an interface for a power line. The plug connection of the interface unit 24 has a female design. The plug connection of the further line element 46 has a male design. In particular, it is conceivable for the male and female designs to be reversed. The further line element 46 is designed as a cable. The plug connection is designed to conduct a current. Alternatively, any other line that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art via a plug connection, for example a data line, is conceivable. The plug connection of the interface unit 24 is designed to be non-destructively detachable from the plug connection of the further line element 46. The plug connection is established before an operating step 16. A circuit is created by connecting the two plug connections.The plug connection is designed as a mains plug connection. In particular, it is conceivable for the plug connection to be designed as a telecommunications and data technology plug connector and / or an industrial plug connector. Alternatively, any other plug connection that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art is conceivable. The interface device 10 has a plurality of interface units 24 with a plug connection. The plug connections of the respective interface units 24 are designed differently. In particular, it is conceivable for one interface unit 24 to be designed for heavy current and another interface unit 24 for normal current. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the plug connections of the respective interface units 24 to be designed identically.

[0029] Fig. 3 shows a modular system 30 according to the invention with at least one fuel cell modular device 10 according to the invention and with at least one further fuel cell modular device 32 according to the invention and with at least one media route 34 which supplies the fuel cell modular device 10 and the further fuel cell modular device 32 with at least one media flow. The fuel cell modular device 10 and the further fuel cell modular device 32 are identical in design. The media route 34 is formed between a fuel cell modular device 10 and a further fuel cell modular device 32. In a modular system 30, a further fuel cell modular device 32 is arranged on a media route 30 in a mirror image to a first fuel cell modular device 10.The media route 34 has at least one distribution point 36, wherein the fuel cell module device 10 and the further fuel cell module device 32 are connected to the media route 34 at the distribution point 36.

[0030] The fuel cell module device 10 and the further fuel cell module device 32 are connected to the same distribution point 36 of the media route 34. The fuel cell module device 10 and the further fuel cell module device 32 are supplied with at least one media flow via the same distribution point 36 of the media route 34. The fuel cell module device 10 is connected to the distribution point 36 by means of at least one further line element 46. The further fuel cell module device 32 is connected to the distribution point 36 by means of at least one further line element 46 that is different from the further line element 46 of the fuel cell module device 10.

[0031] The modular system 30 has at least one further distribution point 48. The further distribution point 48 is formed on the media route 34. The further distribution point 48 is formed at a distance from a distribution point 36 in the direction of the media route 34. A fuel cell module device 10 and a further fuel cell module device 32 are arranged at the further distribution point 48. The arrangement of the fuel cell module device 10 and the further fuel cell module device 32 of the further distribution point 38 is identical to the arrangement of the fuel cell module device 10 and the further fuel cell module device 32 of the distribution point 36. Preferably, the fuel cell module device 10 of the distribution point 36 is arranged at a distance from the fuel cell module device 10 of the further distribution point 48.The additional fuel cell module device 32 of the distribution point 36 is arranged at a distance from the additional fuel cell module device 32 of the additional distribution point 48. A first service area 50 is formed between the fuel cell module device 10 of the distribution point 36 and the fuel cell module device 10 of the additional distribution point 48. A second service area 52 is formed between the additional fuel cell module device 32 of the distribution point 36 and the additional fuel cell module device 32 of the additional distribution point 48. In particular, it is conceivable for the modular system 30 to have a plurality of distribution points, which, like the additional distribution point 48, can be arranged in an expandable manner with regard to scalability. The modular system 30 has an additional media route 54. The additional media route 54 is designed identically to the media route 34.In particular, it is conceivable that the additional media route 54 differs from the first media route 34 in the number of fuel cell module devices 10 and the additional fuel cell module devices 32. The arrangement of the fuel cell module devices 10 and the additional fuel cell module devices 32 on the additional media route 54 is identical to the media route 36. The additional media route 54 is formed at least substantially parallel to the media route 34. Alternatively, any other arrangement of the additional media route 54 relative to the media route 34 that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art is conceivable.

[0032] Fig.4 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method for operating a fuel cell module device 10 according to the invention and / or a module system 30. In an operating step 16, at least one media flow is routed from inside the fuel cell module device 10 to outside the fuel cell module device 10 and / or from outside the fuel cell module device 10 to inside the fuel cell module device 10 solely via the central interface device 22. Any communication and any routing of media flows takes place in the operating step 16 via the central interface device 22.In operating step 16, a line of at least one media flow from inside the fuel cell module device 10 to outside the fuel cell module device 10 and / or from outside the fuel cell module device 10 to inside the fuel cell module device 10 is monitored by means of the interface device 22. In particular, it is conceivable that in operating step 16, the interface device 22 regulates a media flow from inside the fuel cell module device 10 to outside the fuel cell module device 10 and / or from outside the fuel cell module device 10 to inside the fuel cell module device 10.Furthermore, it is conceivable that in the operating step 16 the interface device 22 documents a media flow from inside the fuel cell module device 10 to outside the fuel cell module device 10 and / or from outside the fuel cell module device 10 to inside the fuel cell module device 10.

Claims

[1] Fuel cell module device (10), in particular a prefab fuel cell module device, comprising a plurality of fuel cell units (12) which are configured to generate electrical energy from a gaseous medium, at least one auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit (14) which is configured to support the operation of a fuel cell unit (12) in an operating step (16), at least one housing unit (18) which accommodates the fuel cell units (12) and the auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit (14), and at least one line element (20) which is configured to establish a media flow and / or an energy flow between the fuel cell unit (12) and the auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit (14) and an external media flow and / or energy flow, characterized bya central interface device (22) which has at least one interface unit (24) to which the line elements (20) are connected in order to establish a media flow between an external media flow and the fuel cell unit (12) and / or the auxiliary and / or auxiliary unit (14). [2] Fuel cell module device (10), in particular prefab fuel cell module device, according to claim 1, characterized by that the housing unit (18) has at least one side wall (26) on which the central interface device (22) is fixedly arranged. [3] Fuel cell module device (10), in particular prefab fuel cell module device, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the housing unit (18) has at least one further side wall (28) which is designed free of a central interface device (22). [4] Fuel cell module device (10), in particular prefab fuel cell module device, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the central interface device (22) is designed to form different interface units (24) for, for example, gas, water, electricity and exhaust air. [5] Fuel cell module device (10), in particular prefab fuel cell module device, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the interface unit (24) has a flange connection which is designed to form an interface for a fluid line. [6] Fuel cell module device (10), in particular prefab fuel cell module device, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the interface unit (24) has a plug connection which is designed to form an interface for a power line. [7] Module system (30) with at least one fuel cell module device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, with at least one further fuel cell module device (32) according to one of the preceding claims and with at least one media route (34) which supplies the fuel cell module device (10) and the further fuel cell module device (32) with at least one media flow. [8] Modular system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the media route (34) has at least one distribution point (36), wherein the fuel cell module device (10) and the further fuel cell module device (32) are connected to the media route (34) at the distribution point (36). [9] Method for operating a fuel cell module device (10), in particular a prefab fuel cell module device, and / or a module system (30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat in an operating step (16) the conduction of at least one media flow from inside the fuel cell module device (10) to outside the fuel cell module device (10) and / or from outside the fuel cell module device (10) to inside the fuel cell module device (10) takes place solely via the central interface device (22).

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