Module for producing hydrogen and system having a plurality of modules of this type

Abstract

The invention relates to a module (1) in the form of a float for producing hydrogen and a system (34) having a plurality of modules (1) of this type. The module (1) has a buoyant support structure (2), which, in the floating state, provides a buoyancy force and to which at least an electrolyzer (3), a solar cell (4), a water supply system (5), at least one system element (6) for storing, forwarding and / or processing hydrogen, and at least one interface element (7) are fastened, each at least indirectly. A module (1) of this type can be connected, by means of the at least one interface element (6), to a plurality of modules (1) to form a large system for producing, storing, processing and / or transferring hydrogen.

Description

[0001] Module for the production of hydrogen and plant with a plurality of such modules

[0002] The invention relates to a module for generating hydrogen and to a system comprising a plurality of such modules. The module has at least one buoyant support structure to which at least one electrolyzer, one solar cell, a water supply system, a system element for processing hydrogen, and at least one interface element for transmitting hydrogen and / or electrical energy to at least one further such module and / or a suitable functional unit are at least indirectly attached. The electrolyzer serves to generate hydrogen, wherein the solar cell is at least indirectly electrically connected to the electrolyzer and at least partially provides the energy required for hydrogen generation by electrolysis.The water supply system supplies the electrolyzer with the process water required for hydrogen production, and the system element serves to store, transfer, and / or process hydrogen. The produced hydrogen can be transported from the module via the interface element and a suitable connection to another module and / or a functional unit configured as needed for the production, storage, compression, processing, loading, and / or transfer of hydrogen.

[0003] In view of the planned transition of the energy industry away from the use of fossil fuels to the use of so-called renewable energies, hydrogen is of particular importance for energy storage and energy conversion. Hydrogen is particularly distinguished in this context by the fact that, provided water is available, it can be produced decentrally and relatively easily using renewable energies, particularly solar and wind power. It also enables both energy storage and transport while largely utilizing existing infrastructure technologies.

[0004] Furthermore, the use of hydrogen as an energy carrier allows for decentralized energy production without the need for limited resources such as oil, gas, or coal, so that the use of hydrogen as an energy carrier can also be expected to offer advantages with regard to existing geopolitical constraints. In order to establish a sustainable energy and hydrogen economy, the production of so-called green hydrogen is therefore of particular importance. Green hydrogen is hydrogen obtained by splitting water using electrolysis, with the electrical energy required for the electrolysis being generated entirely from renewable energies. Green hydrogen is therefore viewed as an environmentally friendly, climate-neutral option within a future hydrogen economy.A major advantage is that the production of hydrogen generates secondary energy, which enables a temporal and spatial decoupling of energy conversion and consumption.

[0005] In addition to hydrogen production on land, various projects are currently being implemented to produce hydrogen using wind and solar energy on water, particularly at sea. Floating photovoltaic modules are sometimes used to generate the electrical energy required for hydrogen production. Wind farms, sometimes in conjunction with no longer required production or drilling platforms, are also being used to harness the electrical energy generated by wind turbines to produce hydrogen using an electrolyzer mounted on such a platform.

[0006] In this context, DE 103 18 036 A1 discloses a plant for generating hydrogen by splitting water into its components. This plant comprises a floating platform to which a photovoltaic module and an electrolyzer are attached. The electrical energy generated by the photovoltaic module is used directly to generate hydrogen. The hydrogen generated is transported from the platform, or from a plurality of platforms, to a central station for further use or temporary storage. The hydrogen generated is then transported via stationary pipelines. The platforms described are designed for use in shallow waters, allowing easy removal of the generated hydrogen, and individual platforms can be maintained and repaired as needed by people standing on the waterbed.

[0007] Based on the highly likely, steadily increasing global demand for hydrogen, particularly so-called green hydrogen, in the coming years, and the technical solutions described above, the invention is based on the object of providing a technical solution with which hydrogen can be produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen in a flexible, demand-based manner, particularly with regard to production capacity, and with high reliability, both on land and on a body of water, especially on the open sea. The plant should be characterized primarily by its robustness, particularly its suitability for use on the high seas, its flexible application possibilities, and its scalability with regard to hydrogen production.Above all, it should be possible to produce hydrogen in a simple yet reliable manner at different locations on Earth, and in particular in sunny ocean regions close to the equator. At the same time, it should be possible to provide a solution for hydrogen production that is robust, flexible, and scalable over a wide range in terms of production capacity, and that can also be implemented economically. Such a hydrogen production plant should have the simplest possible design and, if possible, enable the use of standard components. Furthermore, downtime due to maintenance, repair, and replacement should be minimized. In addition, the operation of a hydrogen production plant should be largely automated and require as little personnel as possible.

[0008] The above-described object is achieved with a module for generating hydrogen according to claim 1 and a system having the features specified in claim 16. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and are explained in more detail in the following description with partial reference to figures.

[0009] The invention relates to a module for generating hydrogen, which has a support structure that floats in water and thus generates a buoyancy force when in contact with water.At least one electrolyzer for generating hydrogen, one solar cell for generating electrical energy, at least one water supply system for supplying the electrolyzer with process water required for generating hydrogen, at least one system element for storing, transmitting and / or processing hydrogen and at least one interface element which is suitable for establishing a connection, at least suitable for transporting electrical energy and / or hydrogen, with another such module for generating hydrogen and / or a functional unit which is also floatable in water and which is suitable for generating, storing, compressing, processing, loading and / or transmitting hydrogen are each attached at least indirectly to the support structure.According to the invention, the solar cell or a photovoltaic module with at least one solar cell, at least the surface intended for absorbing solar radiation, is located in the floating state of the support structure above the water surface and is at least indirectly electrically connected to the electrolyzer, in which hydrogen can be produced from process water by electrolysis. Preferably, the electrolyzer has at least one fuel cell, in which electrolysis can be initiated upon supply of electrical energy. It is essential to the invention that a compact module is provided which comprises all the components required for generating the electrical energy required for hydrogen production and for producing the hydrogen, but also for the further processing of the hydrogen on the module.The module thus comprises at least one solar cell, an electrolyzer, a water supply system for providing the process water required by the electrolyzer, and at least one system element for treating the hydrogen produced. This creates a highly integrated module which, thanks to the interface element also provided, can be connected to a similar module and / or at least one other buoyant functional unit for generating, storing, compressing, processing, loading, and / or forwarding hydrogen. The use of one or more modules according to the invention makes it possible to create a flexibly deployable and scalable unit for generating, processing, storing, and / or loading hydrogen.

[0010] According to the invention, a module is understood to be a buoyant unit that does not have a ship's hull, but is designed in the form of a raft that is only relatively slightly submerged in the water. The raft-like design of the module is shown in the figures. A module according to the invention is therefore not a ship that is approved for travel on inland waterways or for coastal or maritime travel to transport goods and / or people in accordance with the relevant regulations. It is essential for the module or buoyant unit according to the invention that it has a relatively shallow draft, so that the quotient formed by the draft and the area enclosed by the waterline is also small. The buoyant unit or raft has a floating body, preferably a plurality of floating bodies, to which the other components of the module are at least indirectly attached.The floating bodies preferably comprise a buoyant material and / or have a hollow space that can be or is advantageously filled with air, a gas mixture, or a gas, preferably with hydrogen produced on the module. In a module according to the invention in the form of a raft, the floating body(s) submerge only relatively slightly in the water. In particular, they do not form a ship's hull that submerges in the water, which is the typical feature of a ship, which displaces a large amount of water.

[0011] Furthermore, it is generally conceivable for the module designed according to the invention in the form of a raft to have a keel and / or a centerboard, preferably foldable or pivotable, which reduces transverse drift and can generate a righting torque during a tipping movement. Nevertheless, the module according to the invention does not have an underwater hull with a lateral plan, as is typical for ships or their hulls. Rather, the module according to the invention floats primarily on the water and displaces only a comparatively small amount of water. It is advantageous here that the module is not particularly high, but lies flat on the water and thus has only a slight tendency to tip over.

[0012] The use of such a module or a production plant composed of a plurality of such modules and / or other functional units enables particularly cost-effective production of large quantities of hydrogen, as the advantages of series production, namely the use of standardized, autonomous modules as production units that can be coupled via suitable interface elements, can be utilized. Cost savings can be realized both for the individual components of a module according to the invention and for a single module or the combination of several modules through the direct integration of energy generation, water supply, and electrolyzer in a compact module. By selecting and connecting a plurality of modules and / or other functional units according to requirements, it is possible to create a production plant with the required production capacity effectively and in line with requirements.

[0013] Furthermore, the provision of a large number of similar modules ensures that the entire system can continue to operate without major disadvantages, even if individual components fail. In particular, it is possible to easily maintain, repair, and / or replace individual modules without significantly impacting the overall system. This avoids or at least minimizes periods during which the entire system is shut down for maintenance. Furthermore, defects that cannot be repaired can be quickly and easily remedied by replacing individual modules.

[0014] A robust, seaworthy design of the modules according to the invention, which are suitable for autonomous operation, enables the use of the module according to the invention or a plurality of such interconnected modules on all marine or inland waterways. Furthermore, it is generally possible to use the modules according to the invention on land as well, simply by placing them on their support frame at the designated location and interconnecting or connecting them depending on the required production capacity.

[0015] In a special way, it is provided that the solar cell arranged on a module designed according to the invention with a maximum power of 2 to 2.5 kW p It is also conceivable to use solar cells or a photovoltaic module with higher power, preferably up to about 5 kW pto be used, especially if a storage for the generated electrical energy is present on the same and / or another module and / or functional unit.

[0016] Furthermore, the electrolyzer of a module is designed in such a way that in one day about 200 to 250 g of hydrogen, which at a pressure of 1 ,013 ■ 10 5 Pa and a temperature of 293 K a hydrogen volume of about 2.4 to 3.0 m 3corresponds, it is generally conceivable for the electrolyzer to be able to be operated continuously with varying hydrogen production output. It is also conceivable for the electrolyzer to be supplied exclusively directly by the electrical energy generated by a solar cell or for the electrical energy required to produce hydrogen to be obtained from an electrical energy storage unit, which preferably has a storage capacity of 1 to 6 kWh, such as an accumulator and / or a capacitor. Depending on the design of a module according to the invention, it is conceivable for hydrogen to be produced only during periods of sunshine or at least temporarily outside of these phases, for example at night or when the sky is cloudy.

[0017] It is particularly advantageous if the base area of ​​a module according to the invention with its components has a base area of ​​10 m 2and the maximum height is not greater than 1 m, wherein the supporting structure and / or a floating or ballast body and / or a keel, particularly if the latter is removable from the other components, are preferably not included in this calculation. According to a very special embodiment of the invention, the height of the module with supporting structure, floating or ballast body and / or keel does not exceed a value of 2.3 m. Furthermore, a keel that may be provided is designed to be foldable and / or removable in order to simplify the transport of a module. It is also particularly advantageous if the dimensions of a module according to the invention are selected such that it can be arranged for transport and / or storage in a 20-foot standard container having dimensions of 6.058 m (length), 2.438 m (width) and 2.591 m (height), possibly together with the ballast or floating body and / or keel removed.

[0018] A particular development of the invention provides that the support structure at least partially comprises a material that floats in water and / or at least one ballast tank that can be filled or is filled with at least one gas and / or air. In particular, the provision of such a ballast tank offers the possibility of adapting the buoyancy force provided by the support structure to the design of the module, in particular to the components used, as needed. Suitable actuating elements, such as valves, compressors and measuring, control and / or regulating elements are preferably provided for this purpose. The depth to which the support structure is immersed in the water can thus preferably be adjusted as needed, in particular depending on the prevailing wind and / or current conditions, the water depth and / or the sea state or the wave height.

[0019] Furthermore, it is conceivable that at least one ballast keel is attached or at least attachable to the support structure, which contributes to increasing the tipping stability of the module according to the invention and is intended to at least make it more difficult or even prevent a module from tipping over or capsizing. It is conceivable that the at least one keel is attached to the support structure in a tiltable, pivotable and / or movable manner, so that the depth to which it is immersed in the water can be changed as required. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that an adjusting device is provided to change the weight and / or weight distribution of the keel, for example by deliberately filling and / or draining water, air or a gas.

[0020] In a special embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the system element has at least one hydrogen tank which, when the support structure is in a floating state, provides buoyancy and is part of the support structure and / or at least partially forms the support structure. According to this embodiment, it is thus provided that a hydrogen storage unit or hydrogen tank is an integral component of the module and forms at least part of the buoyant support structure. A module designed in this way is therefore a particularly compact unit which has the components for generating electrical energy and hydrogen, for providing the required process water, and also at least one hydrogen storage unit which is part of the support structure.In principle, the hydrogen storage facility can be either a compressed gas storage facility or a storage facility for storing hydrogen at a comparatively low pressure level.

[0021] What is essential, in turn, is that the generation of electrical energy, the production of hydrogen, and the storage of hydrogen take place in a comparatively small space within the module designed according to the invention. By interconnecting several such modules as needed and / or combining them with additional functional units for the generation, storage, compression, processing, loading, and / or transmission of hydrogen, robust, flexible, and economically efficient hydrogen production units can be easily created as needed.

[0022] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the water supply system is designed such that water is taken at least temporarily from a body of water on which the support structure floats, and the taken water is fed to the electrolyzer, if necessary in treated form, for example in desalinated, cooled and / or purified form, as process water for generating hydrogen. In this case, the water supply system has suitable means for taking the water required for hydrogen generation from a body of water on which the module with its support structure floats and for processing it in such a way that it can be used in the electrolyzer as process water for hydrogen generation, wherein the process water is at least largely split into water and oxygen using the electrical energy provided by the at least one solar cell, in particular a photovoltaic module with a plurality of solar cells.

[0023] The water supply system advantageously comprises the system elements required for the supply of process water, such as pumps, valves, filters, heat exchangers, and / or sensor elements. Preferably, at least one suitable unit, actuator, sensor unit, and / or control unit is provided in order to change at least one property of the water extracted from the surrounding body of water and / or the process water, including any intermediate products, depending on the requirements, such as the nature of the electrolyzer and its electrodes. In this context, it is conceivable that conductivity, temperature, and / or the proportion of biomolecules in the water are measured and changed as needed.

[0024] A particular development of the invention further provides that the water supply system is designed to at least temporarily extract water from the ambient air and supply the extracted water to the electrolyzer as process water for generating hydrogen. The water supply system designed according to this embodiment thus has suitable system elements for extracting the water contained in the ambient air and supplying it to the electrolyzer as process water. It is conceivable that the water supply system has at least one means configured to lower the ambient air below its dew point temperature, at least in specific areas, so that a targeted condensation of water occurs.Preferably, at least one sensor element is provided to detect the temperature, the absolute humidity and / or the relative humidity of the air in the environment of the module designed according to the invention.

[0025] The water supply system is advantageously designed such that process water is extracted from the ambient air, for example, by condensation on surfaces whose surface temperature is lower than the dew point temperature of the ambient air and / or by collecting precipitation, in particular rainwater. In this case, too, the water supply system advantageously comprises all the system elements required for the extraction, transmission, storage, treatment, and / or monitoring of at least one property of the ambient air and / or the extracted water.Regardless of whether the water supply system obtains process water from ambient air, including the extraction of precipitation, and / or from the body of water surrounding the floatable module, it preferably has at least one filter element, a unit for water desalination, a dosing or mixing element, a sensor unit for detecting the salt content of the water extracted from the body of water and / or the process water, a water tank, an outlet for discharging water and / or process water into the body of water, a heating element, a condensation surface, a cooling element for cooling a surface and / or a heat exchanger for condensing water from air.In this context, it is therefore also conceivable for the water supply system for providing the process water to have at least one element for collecting precipitation, in particular rainwater, wherein it is generally conceivable for precipitation to be collected using suitable funnels or gutters and, if the water is not immediately required for hydrogen production in the electrolyzer, to be temporarily stored in a water tank which is also part of the module according to the invention. Surfaces which are provided for the condensation of water from the ambient air or for draining precipitation are particularly preferably inclined relative to the horizontal. In a particularly suitable embodiment, at least additionally the surface of the solar cells or panels provided for generating electrical energy.of the photovoltaic module to drain away precipitation and / or condensing water and feed it into the process water supply. In order to drain away water, but also to generate electrical energy as effectively as possible from incident solar radiation, the surface of at least the solar cells is at least partially inclined relative to the horizontal, whereby it is conceivable that one or more areas of the surface are inclined in the same direction or different directions. For example, it is conceivable that the surfaces of the solar cells are arranged in a V-shape or pyramid-shaped. Alternatively or in addition, it is conceivable that at least the surfaces of the solar cells can be specifically adjusted with regard to their orientation, in particular depending on the position of the sun and the azimuth angle of the sun.Particularly preferably, at least one or all surfaces of the solar cells are arranged such that a projection of a normal vector of the respective surface into a horizontal plane points at least almost in the east or west direction.

[0026] According to a specific development of the invention, the water supply system comprises a cooling element for implementing radiant cooling and / or a sorption dehumidifier, in particular a sorption dehumidifier with a sorption medium that is movable during operation and alternately absorbs moisture from the ambient air and releases it, for example, to an air stream that at least temporarily flows through the sorption medium. Furthermore, in a particularly suitable embodiment, a radiant cooler is used to cool the surface of at least one element that is at least temporarily in contact with ambient air in such a way that water forms on this surface due to the condensation of the ambient air, which is ultimately collected.Preferably, the surface is inclined relative to the horizontal and / or funnel-shaped to promote the flow of condensed water from the surface into a collecting element. Particularly advantageously, the radiant cooler emits infrared radiation, so that the temperature of the surface is lowered below the dew point temperature of the ambient air. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the radiant cooler is controlled depending on the temperature and / or relative humidity of the ambient air detected by at least one sensor unit. Depending on the relative humidity of the ambient air, a temperature reduction on the surface used to generate the process water can thus occur as needed, and water can be separated from the ambient air.

[0027] It is also conceivable to use regeneratively operating sorption media, which alternately absorb water from an ambient air stream, particularly due to rotation, and then release it to another fluid stream of the water supply system.

[0028] In a particularly suitable embodiment of the invention, the electrolyzer, in which the provided process water is split into hydrogen and oxygen by electrolysis, is designed as a fuel cell, in particular as a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), an alkaline fuel cell (AFC), a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), or a saltwater fuel cell, with the cell being operated in reverse mode and thus as an electrolyzer cell. According to a special development, a solid oxide electrolyzer with integrated ammonium production is used to store the hydrogen produced, so that a particularly compact unit is used for the production and storage of hydrogen.

[0029] Furthermore, a specific development of the invention provides that the at least one solar cell is electrically connected to a rechargeable battery and / or a capacitor. It is again advantageous if such energy storage devices in the form of a rechargeable battery and / or capacitor are an integral component of the module designed according to the invention and are thus directly or indirectly connected to the buoyant support structure of the module. Such an energy storage device is advantageously used for the intermediate storage of the electrical energy generated by the solar cell.Particularly in operating phases in which no hydrogen is being produced, for example because the electrolyzer is defective or out of service for repair or maintenance, or when there is no demand for hydrogen production, the electrical energy generated by the solar cell can be temporarily stored and used later, for example at night or when it is cloudy, to supply the electrolyzer and / or other consumers with electrical energy. Furthermore, it is advantageous to dimension the at least one solar cell or photovoltaic module in such a way that the solar cell generates more electrical energy per unit of time than is required by the electrolyzer and the other consumers during operation. In this way, for example, the excess electrical energy generated during the day can be stored and used at night and / or when the sky is cloudy to continue hydrogen production.

[0030] A further specific embodiment of the invention provides that the support structure of the module designed according to the invention is at least indirectly connected to a drive unit and a drive means drivable thereby for propulsion in a floating state. Such a drive unit is preferably an electric motor connected to a propeller or a nozzle unit as the drive means, so that the module can be moved as needed. In this context, it is conceivable that the drive unit and / or the drive means are connected to the support structure via a keel, preferably as described above.

[0031] Advantageously, a control unit is also provided, which is configured to process data relating to the module position, information about the position of the sun and / or the duration of sunshine, weather parameters, current parameters, tidal information, and / or wave parameters, or to obtain corresponding information based on the already processed data and, on the basis of the processed data and / or the information, to generate a control signal for controlling the drive unit and thus for targeted module movement. In this context, it is conceivable that such control of the drive unit is automated, so that a module designed according to the invention can be moved as needed and / or transported to different locations.In this context, it is conceivable that the movement of a module designed according to the invention occurs depending on impending weather events, in particular particularly high wind speeds, strong waves, and / or tides. It is also conceivable that, with the aid of such a combination of control and drive unit, a module can be moved at least partially automatically in such a way that it can be connected in a comparatively simple manner, preferably again automatically, to at least one further module and / or a functional unit for generating, storing, compressing, processing, loading, and / or transmitting hydrogen and / or securing ships.

[0032] According to a further particular embodiment of the invention, it is conceivable that the support structure is at least indirectly connected to a fastening unit to which a sea anchor and / or a ground anchor can be fastened. The provision of a suitably designed fastening unit on the module thus ensures that the module can be anchored in the desired position as needed, at least for a certain period of time, or at least limited in terms of its radius of movement or speed of movement. By specifically selecting a suitable sea anchor, movement of the module can be limited to a desired extent depending on the prevailing conditions with regard to wind, waves, and currents.

[0033] Furthermore, it is advantageous if at least one sensor unit is provided in or on the module designed according to the invention, which is suitable for determining the hydrogen concentration in a gas stream. According to this embodiment, it is conceivable that the hydrogen concentration in a gas stream can be monitored and the operation of the electrolyzer can be advantageously controlled depending on the measured hydrogen concentration. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the module according to the invention has at least one further sensor unit, for example for detecting water and / or air parameters. By means of such a sensor unit, the salt content of the water required to produce process water and / or of the process water can be detected.Furthermore, it is conceivable, based on the measured salinity, to adjust the salt concentration to a desired value, for example by deliberately adding or mixing rainwater and / or freshwater obtained from the ambient air into salt water taken from the surrounding body of water, in particular depending on the electrodes used in the electrolyzer.

[0034] Likewise, a sensor unit can be provided to detect the temperature and / or the relative or absolute humidity of the ambient air, so that, for example, a radiation cooler used to extract water from the ambient air, in particular its cooling capacity, can be controlled as required.

[0035] Furthermore, according to a specific embodiment of the invention, the support structure is connected to a unit for generating electrical energy from wind, wave, and / or current energy, in particular from tidal energy, which unit is preferably electrically connected to at least one electrical energy consumer, an accumulator, and / or the electrolyzer of a module designed according to the invention. In this way, it is possible, in addition to the use of solar energy, to also use other energy sources, at least temporarily, to generate the electrical energy required by the consumers arranged on a module according to the invention.

[0036] According to a particularly suitable embodiment of the invention, at least one control unit is provided for controlling operation, in particular for adjusting or changing the output of the water supply system when providing process water, the output of the solar cell when generating electrical energy, and / or the output of the electrolyzer when generating hydrogen as required, depending on at least one operating parameter that is specific to the generation and storage of electrical energy and / or hydrogen. The control unit is thus designed such that the operating output of the solar cell, the electrolyzer, and / or the water supply system is specifically changed as a function of at least one input parameter, in particular a measured variable. In this way, closed-loop control of the aforementioned devices can be implemented in a particularly advantageous manner.In this context, it is conceivable that the performance of the solar cell, for example by temporarily shading it or by switching on electrical resistors, or that of the electrolyzer when producing hydrogen, can be adapted to the remaining storage capacity for hydrogen.

[0037] Furthermore, it is advantageously conceivable for the interface element to have at least one damping unit, one spring unit, and / or one energy conversion unit. With an interface element designed in this way, it is possible to reliably absorb forces that occur at the interface element during the existence of a connection between a module and another module and / or between a module and a functional unit, in particular tensile or compressive forces, or even to use them for energy conversion, in particular to generate electrical energy from the occurring forces, which is then in turn used directly by at least one electrical energy consumer of the module or at least temporarily stored in an electrical energy storage device, such as an accumulator or a capacitor.Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that at least one such damping, spring and / or energy conversion unit is arranged in the connection running between two modules or between a module and a functional unit.

[0038] A further specific embodiment of the invention provides that a module designed according to the invention, in addition to the at least one solar cell, has at least one unit that generates electrical energy by utilizing forces caused by wind, waves and / or currents, in particular tidal currents. Preferably, such a unit is integrated into the hydrogen generation process in such a way that the generated electrical energy is temporarily stored in an electrical energy storage device and is available to the electrical consumers provided on a module. Such additional energy conversion units thus also enable the generation of electrical energy when this is not possible using the solar cell, for example at night or under cloudy skies.

[0039] Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous if at least one adjustment unit is provided in the area of ​​the interface element, with which the length of the connection between interconnected modules or between a module and a connected functional unit, i.e., the respective distance, can be changed. A change in the distance occurs, for example, depending on a change in wave height or the flow velocity prevailing in the water. It is also conceivable that the maintenance, repair, and / or replacement of individual modules, or the connecting and disconnecting of modules, could be facilitated by changing the distance between modules as needed.

[0040] In addition to a module, the invention also relates to a system with at least two modules which are designed according to at least one of the previously described embodiments or with at least one module according to at least one of the previously described embodiments and a functional unit for generating, storing, compressing, processing, loading and / or forwarding hydrogen, wherein the connection between the at least two modules and / or between a module and the functional unit is established by means of a connection suitable for transporting electrical energy and / or hydrogen.Advantageously, the connection thus has a connector that establishes a selectively producible and separable connection between at least two modules or between a module and a functional unit. Such a connector is designed at its ends in such a way that it can be permanently and non-destructively attached to an interface element of the module or functional unit. The system designed according to the invention can be constructed in such a way that it is composed of a plurality of modules and preferably further functional units for storing, processing, and / or loading hydrogen, which are adapted as needed to the desired hydrogen production capacity.

[0041] A correspondingly selected number of modules is also preferably adapted to the number of additional, likewise buoyant functional units provided. Such functional units are also designed and selected as needed, particularly depending on the selected type of hydrogen storage and hydrogen removal. Functional units include, in particular, fastening elements for attaching buoyant vehicles for gas transport, high-pressure or low-pressure hydrogen storage systems, compressors, control elements, sensor and safety elements, and / or ammonia production systems.

[0042] Ammonia can be produced, for example, using the Haber-Bosch process, in which the gases nitrogen and hydrogen react with each other at approximately 200 bar and 450°C over an iron catalyst according to N2 + 3H2 → 2NH3. The nitrogen is preferably produced by air liquefaction and the hydrogen is produced with the aid of at least one electrolyzer arranged on a module designed according to the invention. The gaseous reaction product NH3 is then preferably liquefied either by cooling or absorption in water. Alternatively, the ammonia is produced using a fuel cell, in which water is split into oxygen, H+ ions and electrons at the catalyst-coated anode. The protons diffuse through an electrolyte and a membrane to the cathode, while the electrons transport them via a wire connection.At the cathode, nitrogen molecules are split into N atoms by means of a catalyst, which then react with the protons and electrons to form NH3.

[0043] Furthermore, it is advantageously provided that a module designed according to the invention itself or a functional unit connected thereto has at least one connection element to which a pipeline for transporting hydrogen is connected and / or can be connected.

[0044] It is essential that the plant according to the invention has a plurality of modules, the number of which, as previously mentioned, can be adapted to the required hydrogen production capacity and, due to the inventive design of the modules, a corresponding plant can be flexibly used or moved to different locations. Suitable transport vehicles can be used for transport, or the modules can be moved autonomously with the aid of a drive that is at least indirectly connected to the support structure. It is particularly advantageous if such a plant is used in an area with a comparatively long duration of sunshine, in particular near the equator. Due to the suitable design of the individual modules, it is generally conceivable to move a plant using the drive unit provided on at least one module.Preferably, the movement is carried out by a drive unit which is controlled by a control unit so that the system can be advantageously moved to a desired location or the positioning of the system can be changed as required.

[0045] The positioning of the individual modules designed according to the invention and / or of the system, which is formed from at least two modules and / or from one module and a suitable functional unit, can be carried out with the aid of suitable navigation units, for example with the aid of GPS data.

[0046] According to a specific development of the invention, it is further provided that at least one of the modules of a system has an adjustment unit in order to change the length of the connection and thus the distance between connected modules and / or between a module and a functional unit connected to it. As already mentioned, it is advantageous if the individual modules or a module and a functional unit are connected by means of a suitable connector through which electrical energy and hydrogen can be transported. It is particularly advantageous if the individual connectors are suitable for absorbing forces occurring, for example, due to sea waves or currents, in particular tensile or compressive forces between the individual modules.It is particularly advantageous if the connectors are designed to generate electrical energy by utilizing the absorbed forces and to transmit it to a module and / or a functional unit for use and / or storage.

[0047] The adjustment of the distance between two modules and / or between a module and a functional unit is preferably carried out depending on the prevailing sea state or current in a body of water. The adjustment is preferably carried out automatically using a control system based on measured or predicted values ​​relating to sea state and / or current. Furthermore, the collectors advantageously provide data transmission links via which data can be exchanged unidirectionally or bidirectionally between neighboring modules and / or between a module and a neighboring functional unit. Additionally or alternatively, data exchange between modules and / or functional units takes place wirelessly.

[0048] Furthermore, with regard to the system according to the invention, it is also conceivable that at least one further unit for generating electrical energy, such as a wind turbine with a rotor rotating about a horizontal or vertical axis, a wave or flow generator, or a so-called kite, is mounted on at least one of the connected modules and / or functional units. It is also conceivable for at least one module according to the invention to be moved using a sail, for example, with a kite guided by at least one cable winch.

[0049] In another particularly suitable embodiment of the invention, at least one of the modules and / or at least one of the functional units of a system comprises a gas compressor unit, a fuel cell for generating electrical energy from hydrogen, a fastening unit for securing watercraft, a transfer point for connecting a hose and / or pipeline, a compressed gas storage unit for gaseous hydrogen, a gas separation plant, a gas liquefaction plant, a cryogenic tank, a plant for generating ammonia from hydrogen, a water tank, and / or a storage unit for electrical energy. As the previously described embodiment illustrates, a system according to the invention is characterized in that the individual modules and / or functional units can be adapted and combined to suit the respective requirements.In general, it is conceivable that the hydrogen produced could be stored for extended periods as hydrogen or in the form of ammonia, or that it could be loaded directly onto a ship via a suitable loading point. It becomes clear that the invention is characterized precisely by the fact that individual modules can be manufactured as needed, preferably from standard components, and that these modules, if necessary supplemented by special functional units, can be used to assemble a suitable hydrogen production plant. In this way, hydrogen can be produced, stored, loaded, and converted into ammonia when needed, in a way that is specifically tailored to the respective situation, cost-effectively, and at the same time highly reliable.

[0050] In a further specific embodiment of the invention, a control unit is provided by which a control signal for initiating a movement, a separation, and / or a connection of modules and / or functional units can be generated based on characteristic values ​​that also include information about a position of the at least one module and / or the at least one system, a position of the sun and / or a duration of sunshine, weather parameters, flow parameters, tidal information, wave parameters, operating parameters that specifically take into account the generation and storage of electrical energy and / or hydrogen and / or offtake capacities during the loading of the hydrogen. Preferably, the separation and connection of the individual modules and / or functional units of an overall floatable system is automated, or at least partially automated.The interface elements of the modules and / or the connectors through which the respective connection is established are designed with suitable coupling elements so that a secure connection can be established using electrical, mechanical, electromechanical or magnetic forces.

[0051] As the above statements show, the invention is essentially based on a specially designed, robust, and needs-configurable module, as well as the possibility of coupling several such modules together to form a hydrogen production plant. This enables on-demand hydrogen production, which can preferably take place on inland waters or the open sea. Nevertheless, it is conceivable to design the modules in such a way that they are each placed on the ground, i.e., on land, and then connected. Depending on the required production capacity of a planned plant, a different number of modules can be coupled together as needed.The failure, maintenance or repair of individual modules is not as significant as is the case, for example, with the failure of individual components of a comparatively large power plant, such as those often used in the conversion of fossil fuels into electrical energy.

[0052] To illustrate the invention, it is explained in more detail below, without limiting the general inventive concept, using individual embodiments with reference to the figures. In the figures:

[0053] Fig. 1: First embodiment of a module designed according to the invention in a top and a side view;

[0054] Fig. 2: second embodiment of a module designed according to the invention in a top and a side view;

[0055] Fig. 3: third embodiment of a module designed according to the invention in a top and a side view;

[0056] Fig. 4: Process diagram of hydrogen production, as it can be realized with the aid of at least one module designed according to the invention and

[0057] Fig. 5: Top view of a plant for hydrogen production with a plurality of interconnected modules for hydrogen production designed according to the invention as well as functional units for storing, compressing and loading hydrogen.

[0058] Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a module 1 designed according to the invention, which is in the form of a raft, wherein Fig. 1a) shows a top view and Fig. 1b) a side view of the module 1. The module 1 shown in Fig. 1 has a photovoltaic module with a plurality of solar cells 4 for producing electrical energy. Below the solar cells 4 there is an electrolyzer 3, here in the form of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEM fuel cell), which splits process water from the electrical energy generated by the solar cells 4 by electrolysis and produces hydrogen and oxygen therefrom. The hydrogen produced by the electrolyzer 3 is then fed to a further, module-integrated system element for processing, which according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 is designed as a hydrogen storage device.Furthermore, the module 1 has an interface element 7 with a coupling to which a connector 27 (not shown in Fig. 1) can be connected to establish a connection with another module 1 or a functional unit 8.

[0059] All components of the module 1 or raft are at least indirectly connected to a supporting structure 2, which provides a buoyancy force, wherein according to the structure shown in Fig.

[0060] 1 shown embodiment of the hydrogen storage 9 a part of the supporting structure

[0061] 2. The raft-like module 1 and the support structure 2 with the buoyancy force caused by it are dimensioned such that the module 1 is buoyant both when empty and when the hydrogen storage 9 is filled with hydrogen, whereby it is irrelevant whether the body of water on which the module 1 is to float is salt water, fresh water or brackish water. In contrast to a ship with a hull, the module 1, in particular floating bodies which preferably form at least part of the support structure, is only submerged comparatively slightly in the surrounding water. The module 1 in the form of a raft therefore only displaces a small amount of water. The procedural interconnection of the individual components of the module 1 and the process used to generate hydrogen, as can be implemented with the module shown in Fig. 1, are explained in detail in connection with the description of Fig. 4.

[0062] What is essential for the module 1 shown in the form of a raft is that it is a compact and robust unit in which all components required for the production and storage of hydrogen are combined and are at least indirectly connected to the supporting structure 2 in such a way that the module 1 is floatable in water.

[0063] Furthermore, the module 1 has a water supply system 5, which extracts water from the body of water on which the module 1 floats, treats it, and feeds it to the electrolyzer as process water. The desired hydrogen is ultimately generated from the process water by splitting it into oxygen and hydrogen. The water treatment system 5 has a pump 11, preferably a submersible pump, and a water filter 28 as well as a sensor unit 22 for measuring the electrical conductivity of the water extracted from the body of water, in particular salt water, and feeds this water either directly or after intermediate storage in a water tank 10 to the electrolyzer 3 as process water. In general, it is conceivable that fresh water is mixed or dosed into the water extracted from the body of water, either outside or in the water tank, particularly if the conductivity and thus salt content are too high, in order to generate process water with the properties required by the electrolyzer.

[0064] The electrodes of the electrolyzer 3 are designed in such a way that the material is resistant to process water with a permissible salt content, in particular, ensuring a desired minimum operating time. The water no longer required is discharged from the water supply system 5 into the body of water via a water outlet 12.

[0065] Furthermore, the water supply system 5 has means for extracting water from the ambient air and supplying it at least partially as process water to the electrolyzer 3. According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the water supply system 5 has a unit 14 for extracting water from the ambient air, which unit has both a condensation element 16 with a surface whose temperature can be lowered depending on the humidity of the ambient air, and a device 15 for collecting precipitation.

[0066] With the help of the unit 14 for extracting water from the ambient air, it is possible to extract water, particularly at night, by lowering the surface temperature of a condensation element 16 below the dew point temperature of the ambient air. According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the reduction in the surface temperature is made possible by means of radiant cooling that emits infrared radiation. Here, the temperature of the surface of the condensation element 16, which is inclined relative to the horizontal, is lowered below the dew point temperature of the ambient air, and the condensing water is drained away via the inclined surface and fed to the electrolyzer as process water as needed, either directly or after temporary storage in the water tank 10.Mixing with water taken from the body of water occurs particularly when the salt content of the water taken from the body of water is too high to be fed directly to the electrolyzer.

[0067] Furthermore, the module 1 shown in Fig. 1 provides a device 15 for collecting rainwater, which has a gutter surrounding the solar cells 4 on the circumference, in which rainwater in particular is collected and can be fed to the electrolyzer 3 as process water as needed, either directly or after temporary storage in the water tank 10. To enable suitable operation, a control unit 25 is provided to adjust the salt content of the process water to a value by suitably mixing the water taken from the body of water with rainwater and / or water taken from the ambient air, so that the salt content is below an upper limit that would endanger the durability of the electrodes of the electrolyzer 3, at least during prolonged operation.Module 1 has a central control system with a control unit 19, which can be used to initiate a targeted movement of module 1, as explained below, and a control unit 25, which controls the components required for the production of electrical energy and hydrogen. In this context, it is fundamentally conceivable that the data and software required for control are located on module 1 and / or at least partially on a remote data processing unit.

[0068] As can be seen in the side view of the module shown in Fig. 1 b), a drive unit 17 with an electric motor and a propeller 18 driven by the motor are provided below the water surface on the support structure 2 of the module 1, which enables the module 1 to be moved as required. In order to ensure the most targeted movement of the module 1, the propeller 18 is rotatably mounted relative to the support structure 2. Alternatively, a rotatable water nozzle or, in particular in the case of a non-rotatable propeller or water nozzle, a pivotably mounted rudder blade can be provided. With the aid of the drive unit 17 and the propeller, a module 1 designed according to the invention can be moved in a targeted manner, so that it can be connected to other modules 1 and / or functional units 8 or even a system comprising a plurality of connected modules 1 can be moved.In particular, a targeted movement of at least one module 1 to an advantageous position is possible, for example, depending on an impending storm or certain tidal currents. Such a movement can, of course, also be dependent on the position of the sun, in particular the duration of sunshine in a marine area, the altitude of the sun, and / or the azimuth angle of the sun.

[0069] Fig. 2 shows, in figures 2a), a top view and 2b), a side view of a module 1 constructed according to a second embodiment of the invention. The module 1 according to Fig. 2 differs from that according to Fig. 1 in that the unit 14 for extracting water from the ambient air has an additional condensation element 16, on whose surface condensation can be induced in a targeted manner. This condensation element 16, which is part of the water supply system 5, is arranged centrally with respect to the rectangular surface of the module 1 and has a post with condensation surfaces that can be folded relative thereto.To extract water from ambient air, regardless of whether rainwater or condensate is to be extracted, the condensation surfaces are unfolded and inclined relative to the horizontal, so that any rainwater or water condensing from the ambient air is diverted toward the post. A hose or pipe is located inside or on the post through which the extracted water is diverted and fed to the electrolyzer 3, either directly or after temporary storage in the water tank 10.

[0070] Since the condensation surfaces, when unfolded, at least partially cover and partially shade the photovoltaic module with the solar cells 4, the condensation surfaces are preferably unfolded at night or when there is only minimal sunshine, for example, under cloudy skies. In this case, too, it is possible to extract water from the environment by condensation via the inclined condensation surfaces of the condensation element 16, which are preferably cooled below the dew point temperature of the ambient air using radiant cooling, and to temporarily store this water or to feed it directly as process water to the electrolyzer 3 of the module 1 when needed.

[0071] Furthermore, according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the process water is split into hydrogen and oxygen by electrolysis by the electrolyzer 3 of the module 1, with the oxygen produced being discharged into the environment.

[0072] The hydrogen produced is stored in a hydrogen storage unit 9, in particular a compressed gas storage unit, which at least partially forms the supporting structure 2 of the module 1. Furthermore, the module shown in Fig. 2 also has a drive unit 17 with an electric motor and a propeller 18 driven by the electric motor, so that the module 1 can be moved as needed, as already described.

[0073] Both the module 1 according to Fig. 1 and the one according to Fig. 2 have, as essential components, at least one interface element 7, via which a connection can be made to at least one further module 1 designed according to the invention and / or a functional unit 8 for storing, processing, forwarding and / or loading hydrogen. Suitable connectors are used for the connection, via which both hydrogen and electrical energy can be exchanged between the individual modules 1 and / or between modules 1 and functional units 8. The transmission of data is also conceivable, wherein data transmission between the individual modules 1 and / or between modules 1 and functional units 8 can also take place wirelessly, in particular with the interposition of amplifier units.

[0074] Fig. 3 shows a third embodiment of a module 1 designed according to the invention in a top view and a side view. According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the solar cells 4 or their surfaces are arranged such that a cross-section is V-shaped. Precipitation, in particular rain, striking the surfaces can thus easily run off and is collected at the lower edges of the solar cells in a drain or gutter of the water supply system 5, which is arranged between the solar cells 4. It is also conceivable that at least one edge, at which the lower ends of the solar cells 4 touch, is at least partially inclined, so that collected water flows off and is used by the water supply system 5 to generate process water. A module 1 as shown in Fig.3, is arranged or fixed, in particular on a body of water, in such a way that a line formed by the touching lower edges of the solar cells 4 runs at least almost in the north-south direction.

[0075] Fig. 4 shows a process diagram of a process for generating hydrogen, as can be implemented with a hydrogen generation module 1 designed according to the invention. According to the invention, a photovoltaic module with solar cells 4 is provided, which supplies the electrical energy required by the various consumers of the module 1. The electrical energy generated by the solar cells 4 is either used directly or temporarily stored in an electrical energy storage device, in particular an accumulator, such as a lithium-ion accumulator.

[0076] It is essential that the module 1 has a water supply system with which water can be extracted from the body of water on which the module floats and from the ambient air. With the help of a pump 11, which is preferably designed as a submersible pump, water is first extracted from the body of water on which the module floats and passed through a condenser 30 provided as a condensation element 16. In the condenser 30, heat is transferred between the drawn-in water from the body of water, for example sea water, and sucked-in ambient air, which has previously been passed through an air filter 29. In the condenser 30, the sucked-in water is heated and the ambient air is cooled, so that condensation occurs within the air stream as soon as the temperature of the drawn-in air drops below its dew point temperature. The heated water is returned to the body of water via a water outlet 12.The water obtained in the condenser 30 is fed to a water tank 10, wherein the condensate is optionally mixed, depending on the most recent weather conditions, with existing rainwater or water obtained from the ambient air in some other way. Before the water, which may be obtained in various ways and may also contain seawater depending on the design of the water supply system 5, is fed to the water tank 10, at least one parameter, in particular the conductivity of the water, is measured using at least one sensor unit 22. This is important to ensure that the obtained or treated water is suitable for use as process water in the electrolyzer 3 for generating hydrogen, and in particular that the salt content does not exceed an impermissible limit. If the salt content of the process water is too high, this can lead to damage to the electrodes of the electrolyzer 3.Unsuitable, unnecessary or excess process water is also discharged into the surrounding water body.

[0077] As the above explanations show, process water is supplied to the electrolyzer as needed using the water supply system 5. According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the electrolyzer is a fuel cell, in particular a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEM fuel cell), which is used in reverse as an electrolyzer 3. The electrical energy required to split the process water into hydrogen and oxygen by electrolysis is supplied to the electrolyzer 3 by the solar cells 4 or from the battery. Hydrogen is produced at the electrode serving as the cathode of the fuel cell, while oxygen is produced at the electrode serving as the anode. The produced oxygen is discharged, while the produced hydrogen is discharged, and the hydrogen concentration of the discharged gas stream is measured using a suitable sensor unit 21.

[0078] According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the hydrogen produced is thus fed into a special system element 6 of module 1, in which the gas concentration of the gas stream is transmitted and measured. Furthermore, the hydrogen produced is conveyed via an interface element 7 with a coupling and a connector 27, which establishes a connection to another functional unit 8, into a hydrogen storage unit 9 provided on the functional unit. Alternatively, the hydrogen storage unit 9 can also be arranged directly on module 1 and forms at least part of the support structure 2.

[0079] As shown in Fig. 4, the hydrogen supplied from module 1 via connector 27 is first temporarily stored in a first hydrogen storage unit 9 of functional unit 8 in an uncompressed state. A portion of this hydrogen is fed to a fuel cell 31, which generates electrical energy used to drive a compressor 32 of functional unit 8. Compressor 31 compresses a large portion of the remaining hydrogen stored in first hydrogen storage unit 9 and pumps it into a high-pressure gas storage unit 33, in which the hydrogen is stored until further use or transport, for example, by seagoing gas tanker. For this purpose, either functional unit 8 or another platform connected to it has a mooring device 26 with fastening elements for securing ships 26. Any excess hydrogen generated during the process is discharged into the environment.

[0080] Finally, Fig. 5 shows a plan view of a system 34 comprising a plurality of modules 1 designed according to the invention and floating on the water surface for hydrogen production, as well as special functional units 8, wherein the modules 1 are partially connected to other modules 1 or to one of the functional units. The individual modules 1 each have suitable interface elements 7, to which connectors 27 are attached for establishing a connection via which at least hydrogen and electrical energy, preferably also data, can be transmitted. Furthermore, the connectors 27 absorb the forces occurring during operation, for example, due to sea waves or currents.The individual interface elements 7 and / or the connectors 27 are preferably further designed such that damping and / or generation of electrical energy is realized by utilizing mechanical, electrical, electropneumatic or magnetic forces.

[0081] Of the modules 1 shown in Fig. 5 in a plan view, which each have a photovoltaic module with solar cells 4, a water supply system 5 and an electrolyzer 3, in particular in the form of a PEM fuel cell, as their main components, at least some of the modules 1 also have a hydrogen storage unit 9, which is part of the buoyant support structure 2 of the respective module 1. Furthermore, special functional units 8 are provided, which likewise have connections provided for this purpose with connectors 27, which preferably exchange electrical energy and / or hydrogen with at least one module 1 designed according to the invention or at least one further functional unit 8.

[0082] The functional units 8, which are also floatable and specifically designed to meet special requirements, offer a flexible option for storing and processing the hydrogen produced, for example, producing ammonia and / or transporting the hydrogen, in particular for loading it onto gas tankers. Some of the functional units 8 provided in the outdoor area have a suitable mooring facility 26 with fastening elements for securing ships, in particular seagoing gas tankers. It is also conceivable that at least some of the modules 1 of the system 34 shown in Fig. 4, which represents a production unit for generating hydrogen, have further elements for generating electrical energy, which use wind, wave or current forces to generate electrical energy. A key feature of the system shown in Fig.5 for the production, storage and loading of hydrogen is that it can be adapted as needed to the amount of hydrogen intended for production. As indicated by the dotted lines, any number of compact, robust modules 1 designed according to the invention can generally be connected to form a large, floatable system by which hydrogen is produced using solar energy. By interconnecting a large number of individual compact modules 1, maintenance and repair work can be carried out relatively easily, especially without significantly reducing the production output of the system 34. Likewise, individual modules 1 can be replaced relatively easily without this having a significant impact on the operation of the system 34.

[0083] By utilizing the inventive concept, particularly effective, demand-adapted, and simultaneously fail-safe plants 34 for producing green hydrogen can be realized, without even requiring the provision of a land area. Furthermore, since at least some of the modules 1 shown in Fig. 5 have drive units 17 with an electric motor and a propeller 18 driven by the latter, the modules and thus also the entire plant 34 can be moved to different locations. In this context, it is conceivable that, if certain storm events are forecast, the plant 34 could be relocated in such a way that it is only affected by the tail end of the predicted storm, if at all.Furthermore, it is conceivable that adjustment units 29 are arranged in the area of ​​the interface elements 7 of the modules 1, in particular their couplings, so that the distance between the individual modules 1 can be changed, for example depending on the sea state, i.e. the connectors 27 between the individual modules 1 and / or functional units 8 can be lengthened or shortened.

[0084] List of reference symbols

[0085] 1 module

[0086] 2 Supporting structure

[0087] 3 Electrolyzer

[0088] 4 solar cells

[0089] 5 Water supply system

[0090] 6 Plant element

[0091] 7 Interface element

[0092] 8 functional unit

[0093] 9 hydrogen storage

[0094] 10 water tank

[0095] 11 Pump

[0096] 12 Water outlet

[0097] 13 heat exchangers

[0098] 14 Unit for extracting water from the ambient air

[0099] 15 Device for collecting precipitation

[0100] 16 Condensation element

[0101] 17 Drive unit

[0102] 18 propellers

[0103] 19 Control unit for moving a module

[0104] 20 Fastening element for anchoring

[0105] 21 Sensor unit for detecting gas properties

[0106] 22 Sensor unit for recording water properties

[0107] 23 storage for electrical energy

[0108] 24 adjustment unit

[0109] 25 Control unit for operating a module

[0110] 26 mooring facility

[0111] 27 Connector

[0112] 28 water filters

[0113] 29 air filters

[0114] 30 capacitor

[0115] 31 fuel cell

[0116] 32 Compressor 33 High-pressure gas storage

[0117] 34 Appendix

Claims

Patent claims 1. Module (1) in the form of a raft for hydrogen production with a floating support structure (2) to which at least indirectly at least one electrolyzer (3) for hydrogen production, one solar cell (4) for generating electrical energy is attached, which is located above the water surface in the floating state of the support structure (2) and is at least indirectly electrically connected to the electrolyzer (3), at least one water supply system (5) for supplying the electrolyzer (3) with process water required for hydrogen production, at least one system element (6) for storing, transmitting and / or processing hydrogen and at least one interface element (7) for establishing a connection suitable at least for the transport of electrical energy and / or hydrogen with another module (1) for hydrogen production and / or a floating functional unit (8) for generating, storing,The system is equipped for the compression, processing, loading and / or forwarding of hydrogen, and is secured, with the supporting structure (2) providing a buoyancy force when floating.

2. Module according to claim 1, characterized in that the supporting structure (2) at least partially comprises a material capable of floating in water and / or at least one float or ballast tank which can be filled with or is filled with at least one gas and / or air and / or is at least indirectly connected to a fastening unit (20) to which a sea anchor and / or a ground anchor can be attached.

3. Module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the system element (6) has at least one hydrogen storage device (9) which provides a buoyancy force to the support structure (2) in a floating state and is part of the support structure (2) and / or forms the support structure (2). 4th module following one of the preceding ones, characterized in that the water supply system (5) is designed to at least temporarily extract water from a body of water on which the support structure (2) floats and to supply the extracted water to the electrolyzer (3) as process water for the production of hydrogen and / or to extract water at least temporarily from ambient air and to supply the extracted water to the electrolyzer (3) as process water for the production of hydrogen.Module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the water supply system (5) comprises at least one filter element (28, 29), a water desalination unit, a sensor unit for detecting the salinity of the water taken from the water body and / or the process water, a water tank (10), an outlet (12) for discharging water and / or process water into the water body, a heating element, a condensation element (16) and / or a heat exchanger (30) for condensing water from air and / or a device (15) for collecting rainwater, means for radiative cooling and / or a sorption dehumidifier, in particular a sorption dehumidifier with a sorption medium that is moved during operation.Module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the solar cell (4) is electrically connected to an electrical energy storage device (23) in the form of a battery and / or a capacitor. Module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support structure (2) is at least indirectly connected to a drive unit (17) and a drive means (18) driven thereby for locomotion in a floating state. Module according to claim 8, characterized in that a control unit (19) is provided which is configured to receive data relating to a module position, information on the position of the sun and / or the duration of sunshine, weather parameters, current parameters, tidal information and / or wave parameters. process and, based on the data processing, generate a control signal to control the drive unit (17) and / or the drive means (18) for targeted module movement.

9. Module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the supporting structure (2) is connected to a unit for generating electrical energy from wind, wave and / or current energy, in particular from tidal current energy, which is electrically connected to at least one consumer of electrical energy, an accumulator and / or the electrolyzer (3).

10. Module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one control element (25) is provided to vary the power output of the water supply system (5) when providing process water, the power output of the solar cell (4) when generating electrical energy and / or the power output of the electrolyzer (3) when generating hydrogen as required, depending on at least one operating parameter that is specific for the generation and storage of electrical energy and / or hydrogen.

11. Module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interface element (7) has at least one damping, one spring and / or one energy conversion unit.

12. Plant (34) comprising at least two modules (1) in the form of rafts configured according to one of the preceding claims, or comprising at least one module (1) according to one of the preceding claims and at least one floating functional unit (8) for the production, storage, compression, processing, loading and / or transmission of hydrogen, wherein the connection between the at least two modules (1) and / or between a module (1) and the functional unit (8) is established by means of a connector (27) suitable for the transport of electrical energy and / or hydrogen.

13. System according to claim 12, characterized in that an adjustment unit (24) is provided to change the length of the connection and the distance between connected modules (1) and / or between a module (1) and a functional unit (8) connected thereto. System according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that at least one of the modules (1) and / or at least one of the functional units comprises a gas compressor unit (32), a fuel cell (31) for generating electrical energy from hydrogen, a mooring device (26) with fastening means for securing watercraft, a transfer point for connecting a hose and / or pipeline, a pressurized gas storage tank for gaseous hydrogen, a gas separation plant, a gas liquefaction plant, a cryogenic tank, a plant for generating ammonia from hydrogen and / or a storage tank for ammonia.A system according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that a control unit (19, 25) is provided by which, on the basis of characteristic values ​​derived from information about the position of the at least one module (1) and / or the at least one functional unit (8), about the position of the sun and / or the duration of sunshine, about weather parameters, about current parameters, about tides, about wave parameters, about operating parameters specific for the generation and storage of electrical energy and / or hydrogen, and / or about offtake capacities during hydrogen loading, a control signal can be generated to initiate a movement, a separation and / or a connection of modules (1) and / or functional units (8).

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