Fuel cell device

Abstract

The invention relates to a fuel cell device having a first fuel cell unit (14) and at least one further fuel cell unit (16, 18, 20, 22), which can be operated independently of one another, a gas supply unit (24) which has at least one central fuel supply line (26, 32) comprising at least one first gas outlet (28, 34) and a further gas outlet (30, 36) for supplying the fuel cell units (14, 16, 18, 20, 22) with a first gas, in particular fuel (12) and / or hydrogen. According to the invention, the fuel cell device has a first coupling unit (38) for releasably connecting the first fuel cell unit (14) to the first gas outlet (28, 34) of the central fuel supply line (26, 32) and at least one further coupling unit (40, 42, 44, 46) for releasably connecting the at least one further fuel cell unit (16, 18, 20, 22) to the further gas outlet (30, 36) of the at least one central fuel supply line (26), wherein the coupling units (38, 40, 42, 44, 46) each have closing elements (48, 50) for directly closing the gas outlets (28, 30, 34, 36).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Fuel cell device

[0003] State of the art

[0004] A fuel cell device has already been proposed with a first fuel cell unit and with at least one further fuel cell unit, which can be operated independently of one another, with a gas supply unit which has at least one central fuel supply line comprising at least one first gas outlet and a further gas outlet for supplying the fuel cell units with a first gas, in particular fuel and / or hydrogen.

[0005] Disclosure of the invention

[0006] The invention is based on a fuel cell device with a first fuel cell unit and with at least one further fuel cell unit, which can be operated independently of one another, with a gas supply unit which has at least one central fuel supply line comprising at least one first gas outlet and a further gas outlet for supplying the fuel cell units with a first gas, in particular fuel and / or hydrogen.

[0007] It is proposed that the fuel cell device comprise a first coupling unit for detachably connecting the first fuel cell unit to the first gas outlet of the at least one central fuel supply line and a further coupling unit for detachably connecting the further fuel cell unit to the further gas outlet of the at least one central fuel supply line, wherein the coupling units each comprise closing elements for directly closing the gas outlets. The closing elements are provided in particular to close the gas outlets when gas flow is present through the gas supply lines and, in a closed state, to prevent gas from escaping at the gas outlets. Preferably, the coupling units each comprise at least one quick coupling for easily connecting and disconnecting the gas connections between the gas outlets and the fuel cell units.

[0008] The fuel cell units are preferably structurally identical. This paragraph describes the first fuel cell unit. All features of the first fuel cell unit disclosed in this paragraph are also deemed to be disclosed for the at least one further fuel cell unit. The first fuel cell unit preferably comprises at least one fuel cell, particularly preferably at least one high-temperature fuel cell. The at least one fuel cell is preferably designed as a solid oxide fuel cell or as a molten carbonate fuel cell. Alternatively, the at least one fuel cell is designed as a phosphoric acid fuel cell, a direct methanol fuel cell, a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, or the like.The at least one fuel cell unit is preferably provided for the electrochemical conversion of a fuel with the supply of an oxygen-containing fluid, in particular air, particularly preferably ambient air. The fuel cell unit preferably comprises a plurality of fuel cells arranged in one or more stacks. The fuel cells are preferably electrically connected in series. The first fuel cell unit preferably comprises a unit housing in which the at least one fuel cell is arranged. The fuel cell unit preferably comprises an insulation housing for thermally insulating the at least one fuel cell from the environment of the fuel cell unit. The insulation housing can be arranged in the unit housing or formed by the unit housing. The fuel cell unit preferably comprises peripheral devices for operating the fuel cell unit.Examples of peripheral devices include, for example, a reformer for reforming the fuel, an afterburner for thermally converting fuel residues downstream of the at least one fuel cell unit, an exhaust gas recirculation unit, a fuel feed unit for adjusting a fuel volume flow, an oxygen feed unit for adjusting an oxygen volume flow, at least one internal exhaust gas heat exchanger for exhaust gas heat recovery, a recirculation feed unit for feeding exhaust gas back into the fuel, and / or the like. The peripheral devices are preferably arranged within the unit housing. Depending on an operating temperature, some or all of the peripheral devices can be arranged inside or outside the insulation housing.The term "first" fuel cell unit is merely a nomenclature and should be understood as "the first-mentioned" fuel cell unit. The first fuel cell unit and the at least one further fuel cell unit can be arranged in any relative position to one another within the fuel cell device, unless explicitly disclosed otherwise.

[0009] The unit housing of the first fuel cell unit and the unit housing of the further fuel cell unit are preferably designed separately from one another, in particular so that the fuel cell units can be transported independently of one another. The fuel cell units are preferably arranged at a distance from one another within the fuel cell device, in particular to enable the fuel cell units to be flushed with ambient air and / or an inert gas. Alternatively, the unit housings of the fuel cell units are arranged in physical contact with one another. The fuel cell units are preferably connected to a central gas supply unit, in particular a fuel supply unit. The fuel cell units are preferably connected to a central exhaust gas disposal line of the fuel cell device.

[0010] The gas supply unit serves, in particular, to centrally supply the fuel cell units with fuel and / or reaction gas. Preferably, the gas supply unit serves, in particular, to centrally supply the fuel cell units with hydrogen, natural gas, a mixture of hydrogen and natural gas, and / or oxygen. The gas supply unit forms, in particular, a central line system that is provided to supply all fuel cell units of the fuel cell device. Preferably, the gas supply unit has precisely one central supply line for each substance, in particular for each gas.

[0011] In this context, a "coupling unit" is understood to mean, in particular, a unit for detachably connecting a fuel cell unit to a gas supply unit, in particular to a gas outlet of the gas supply unit, and / or to an exhaust gas disposal line. The coupling unit comprises, in particular, at least one pneumatic coupling unit with a first pneumatic coupling element, which is permanently connected to the fuel cell unit, and with a second pneumatic coupling element configured to correspond to the first pneumatic coupling element and which is permanently connected to a gas outlet of the gas supply unit. The pneumatic coupling elements are preferably designed to be separable, in particular separable without tools. The pneumatic coupling elements can preferably be connected and separated as often as desired. The pneumatic coupling elements are formed, for example, by pneumatic plug-in connectors.However, another design that would appear sensible to an expert would also be conceivable.

[0012] Preferably, the gas outlets are formed at least partially by flexible hoses, which allow for easy and quick connection and disconnection of the coupling unit. The coupling unit forms, in particular, flexible, pluggable, or easily closable connections that have lockable media inlets and / or outlets for gas, air, water, and / or exhaust gas on the supply line side.

[0013] Furthermore, in this context, a “closing element” should be understood in particular to mean an element for directly closing a gas outlet. The closing element is in particular formed by a valve. Various designs of the closing element that appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art are conceivable, such as a shut-off valve, ball valve, solenoid valve or the like. Preferably, the closing element can be formed by a safety valve that closes automatically when the connection of the coupling unit is severed. “Provided” should be understood in particular to mean specially programmed, designed and / or equipped. The fact that an object is provided for a specific function should be understood in particular to mean that the object fulfills and / or executes this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.

[0014] The inventive design of the fuel cell device enables, in particular, an advantageously simple and rapid separation of individual fuel cell units. In particular, a fuel cell device can be provided in which continuous cluster operation is possible even during servicing. In particular, a rapid replacement of a fuel cell unit is possible while all other fuel cell units continue to operate without interruption.

[0015] It is further proposed that the first coupling unit and the further coupling unit each have an actuating element provided for simultaneously closing the locking elements of the respective coupling unit. The actuating element is, in particular, directly connected to the locking elements. Preferably, the actuating element can transmit an electrical signal for closing to the locking elements, in particular to actuators of the locking elements, and / or mechanically move a locking means of the locking elements to close the locking elements.An "actuating element" is understood, in particular, to be an element that is intended to receive an input from an operator during an actuation process and, in particular, to be contacted directly by an operator, wherein a touch of the actuating element is sensed and / or an actuating force exerted on the actuating element is sensed and / or mechanically transmitted to actuate a unit. This can, in particular, advantageously provide a high level of operating comfort. In particular, it is advantageous to quickly and easily separate a fuel cell unit from the gas supply unit.

[0016] Furthermore, it is proposed that the first coupling unit and the further coupling unit each have an actuator which is provided for the automatic, simultaneous closing of the closing elements of the respective coupling unit. Preferably, the actuator forms part of one of the closing elements. The actuator is provided in particular for converting an electrical signal into a mechanical movement or into other physical quantities. The actuator can be designed, for example, as a magnetic actuator, as a pneumatic actuator, as a hydraulic actuator or as an electromechanical actuator. This can in particular enable a reliable and safe separation of a fuel cell unit from the gas supply unit. In particular, it would be conceivable for the fuel cell unit to be released only when the closing elements are completely closed.

[0017] It is further proposed that the first coupling unit and the further coupling unit each have a sensor unit designed to detect a closed position of the closing elements of the respective coupling unit. Preferably, the sensor unit detects the closed position of all closing elements of the respective coupling unit, with each coupling unit having a corresponding sensor unit. The sensor unit is designed, in particular, to check whether all media connections are correctly closed, preferably before the corresponding fuel cell unit can be removed.In this context, a "sensor unit" is understood to mean, in particular, a unit designed to record at least one parameter and / or one physical property. This recording can take place actively, such as by generating and transmitting an electrical measurement signal, and / or passively, such as by detecting changes in the properties of a sensor component. Various sensor units are conceivable that would be appropriate to a person skilled in the art. This allows, in particular, reliable monitoring of whether the closure elements are closed or open. In particular, it can be checked whether all media connections are correctly closed before the corresponding fuel cell unit is removed.

[0018] It is further proposed that the first coupling unit and the further coupling unit each have a separating plate by means of which all connections of the respective coupling unit can be separated. The separating plate is formed in particular by a plate-shaped component by means of which all connections of the respective coupling unit can be separated simultaneously. Preferably, the first or the further pneumatic coupling elements are integrated into the separating plate. A “plate-shaped” component should be understood in particular to mean an element which has a thickness which corresponds to a maximum of 50%, in particular a maximum of 20%, advantageously a maximum of 10%, preferably a maximum of 5%, of a length and / or a width of the element. Preferably, the component has at least one, preferably at least two, in particular opposite sides, which have a flat, in particular smooth, surface.This enables, in particular, a reliable and safe separation of a fuel cell unit from the gas supply unit.

[0019] It is further proposed that the fuel cell device have a computing unit which is intended to release or block a movement of the separating plate depending on a signal from the sensor units. Preferably, the computing unit is connected to a blocking element which is intended to block or release the separating plate. A "computing unit" should be understood in particular as a unit with an information input, an information processing unit, and an information output. Advantageously, the computing unit has at least one processor, a memory, input and output means, further electrical components, an operating program, control routines, control routines and / or calculation routines. Preferably, the components of the computing unit are arranged on a common circuit board and / or advantageously arranged in a common housing.This allows for reliable monitoring of whether the locking elements are closed or open, and allows disconnection only when the locking elements are closed. In particular, it allows for checking whether all media connections are properly closed before the corresponding fuel cell unit can be removed.

[0020] Furthermore, it is proposed that the first coupling unit and the further coupling unit each have an electronically controllable locking element for locking the separating plate of the respective coupling unit. Preferably, the computing unit is directly connected to the locking element, which is intended to block or release the separating plate. This allows, in particular, reliable monitoring of whether the locking elements are closed or open, and separation is only permitted when the locking elements are closed. In particular, it can be checked whether all media connections are correctly closed before the corresponding fuel cell unit can be removed.

[0021] It is further proposed that the fuel cell units be operable independently of one another and be separable independently of one another. This enables, in particular, an advantageously simple and rapid separation of individual fuel cell units. In particular, a fuel cell device can be provided in which continuous cluster operation is possible even during servicing. In particular, a rapid replacement of a fuel cell unit can be enabled while all other fuel cell units continue to operate without interruption.

[0022] Furthermore, the invention is based on a method for operating the fuel cell device in cluster operation. It is proposed that in at least one servicing step, the first fuel cell unit is separated from the gas supply unit by means of the first coupling unit, while the further fuel cell unit continues to operate without interruption. It is further proposed that in the servicing step, the computing unit locks the separating plate of the first coupling unit when the closing elements of the first coupling unit are open and only releases the separating plate of the first coupling unit when the closing elements of the first coupling unit are closed. Preferably, the computing unit continuously monitors the closed position of the closing elements, wherein movement of the separating plate is blocked when the closing elements are open and released when the closing elements are open.In particular, all locking elements of a coupling unit must be closed so that the computing unit releases the separating plate of the coupling unit. This allows, in particular, reliable monitoring of whether the locking elements are closed or open, and separation is only permitted when the locking elements are closed. In particular, it can be checked whether all media connections are correctly closed before the corresponding fuel cell unit can be removed. Furthermore, in particular, a fuel cell device can be provided in which continuous cluster operation is possible even during servicing. In particular, this enables a rapid replacement of a fuel cell unit while all other fuel cell units continue to operate without interruption.

[0023] The fuel cell device according to the invention and the method are not intended to be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the fuel cell device according to the invention and the method may have a number of individual elements, components, units, and method steps that differs from the number stated herein to fulfill a function described herein. Furthermore, in the value ranges specified in this disclosure, values ​​within the stated limits are also to be considered disclosed and can be used arbitrarily.

[0024] drawing

[0025] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate 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 useful further combinations.

[0026] They show:

[0027] Fig. 1 shows a fuel cell device according to the invention with several fuel cell units, with several coupling units, with a gas supply unit and with a computing unit in a schematic representation,

[0028] Fig. 2 shows a partial section of the fuel cell device according to the invention with the fuel cell units, with the coupling units and with a gas supply unit in a schematic representation and

[0029] Fig. 3 is a schematic flow diagram of a method for operating the fuel cell device according to the invention in a cluster mode. Description of the embodiment

[0030] Figure 1 shows the fuel cell device 10. The fuel cell device 10 comprises a first fuel cell unit 14 and a plurality of further fuel cell units 16, 18, 20, 22 for the electrochemical conversion of a fuel 12. The fuel cell units 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 are preferably operable independently of one another. Particularly preferably, the fuel cell units 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 can be individually switched on and off in order to at least gradually adjust the electrical energy generated by the electrochemical conversion of the fuel 12. The fuel cell units 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 are preferably identical in construction and designed separately from one another.

[0031] The fuel cell device 10 comprises a fuel supply and an air supply, with respect to which the first fuel cell unit 14 and the further fuel cell units 16, 18, 20, 22 are arranged in fluid parallel relationship. The fuel cell device 10 comprises a gas supply unit 24, which has a central fuel supply line 26 for supplying the fuel cell units 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 with a first gas, in particular the fuel 12. The central fuel supply line 26 comprises a first gas outlet 28 and several further gas outlets 30 for supplying the fuel cell units 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 with the first gas, in particular the fuel 12. The first gas outlet 28 is assigned to the first fuel cell unit 14. The further gas outlets 30 are each assigned to one of the further fuel cell units 16, 18, 20, 22.

[0032] The gas supply unit 24 further comprises a further central fuel supply line 32 for supplying the fuel cell units 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 with a further first gas, in particular hydrogen. Preferably, however, the further central fuel supply line 32 is optional. As an alternative variant, it would be conceivable for a water supply line to be provided instead of the further central fuel supply line 32, which supplies water that is injected during the heating process for starting the fuel cell units 14, 16, 18, 20, 22. In this case, the water supply is handled by a water supply module, which is also part of the fuel cell device 10. The further central fuel supply line 32 comprises a first gas outlet 34 and several further gas outlets 36 for supplying the fuel cell units 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 with the further first gas, in particular the fuel 12.The first gas outlet 34 is assigned to the first fuel cell unit 14. The other gas outlets 36 are each assigned to one of the other fuel cell units 16, 18, 20, 22. The additional central fuel supply line 32 serves in particular for operating the fuel cell units 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 with hydrogen, in particular during commissioning and starting of the fuel cell units 14, 16, 18, 20, 22.

[0033] The unit housings of the fuel cell units 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 preferably each comprise at least one fuel supply, which is respectively connected to the gas outlets 28, 30 of the central fuel supply line 26 for admitting the fuel 24, at least one hydrogen supply, which is respectively connected to the gas outlets 34, 36 of the further central fuel supply line 32 for admitting the hydrogen, at least one air inlet for drawing in the air, and at least one exhaust gas outlet for discharging an exhaust gas resulting from the fuel 24 and the air 42. The air inlet is preferably provided for drawing in air from an environment of the fuel cell units 14, 16, 18, 20, 22. The air inlet is designed, for example, as an air grille.

[0034] The fuel cell units 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 are connected with their respective fuel supplies to the central fuel supply line 26 and to the further central fuel supply line 32. The central fuel supply line 26 preferably includes a gas connection for connection to an external fuel source 94. The further central fuel supply line 32 is connected on the inlet side to a hydrogen storage unit 82. Along the central fuel supply line 26, the fuel cell device 10 preferably has a gas meter 84, a fuel pretreatment unit 86, and / or a desulfurizer 88, which are preferably arranged upstream of a division of the fuel supply line 26 into the fuel cell units 14, 16, 18, 20, 22.

[0035] The fuel cell device 10 preferably comprises a central exhaust gas disposal line 76, to which the fuel cell units 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 are connected via their respective exhaust gas outlets. The exhaust gas from the fuel cell units 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 is discharged via the central exhaust gas disposal line 76, which comprises a first exhaust gas inlet 78 connected to the exhaust gas outlet of the first fuel cell unit 14, and several further exhaust gas inlets 80, each connected to one of the exhaust gas outlets of the further fuel cell units 16, 18, 20, 22. The fuel cell device 10 has a heat exchanger 90. The heat exchanger 90 is preferably connected to the central exhaust gas disposal line 76. The central exhaust gas disposal line 76 leads, for example, through the heat exchanger 90 into a chimney 92 of the fuel cell device 10.

[0036] The fuel cell device 10 preferably comprises an electrical unit 96 for extracting the electrical energy 98 produced by the fuel cell units 14, 16, 18, 20, 22. The electrical unit 96 preferably comprises at least one electrical inverter. The electrical unit 96 preferably comprises at least one electrical buffer. The fuel cell device 10 preferably comprises at least one current detection unit 100 for measuring the electrical energy 98 drawn, in particular, from the electrical buffer. The electrical unit 96 is embodied here, by way of example, as a central electrical unit 96 to which the fuel cell units 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 are connected. Alternatively, each of the fuel cell units 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 comprises its own electrical unit.

[0037] The fuel cell device 10 comprises a computing unit 68. The respective unit housing of each of the fuel cell units 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 preferably comprises at least one data interface for controlling or regulating the fuel cell unit 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 and / or for processing sensor data of the fuel cell unit 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 by the computing unit 68 common to the fuel cell units 14, 16, 18, 20, 22. The computing unit 68 is shown here, by way of example, arranged together with the fuel cell units 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 in a common housing of the fuel cell device 10. Alternatively, the fuel cell device 10 comprises a communication interface connected to the fuel cell units 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 for receiving control signals and / or sending sensor data to a separately formed computing unit 68, for example a server.

[0038] The fuel cell units 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 are designed for cluster operation. The fuel cell units 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 can be operated independently of one another and can be separated independently of one another.

[0039] The fuel cell device 10 further comprises a first coupling unit 38 for detachably connecting the first fuel cell unit 14 to the first gas outlet 28 of the central fuel supply line 26. Furthermore, the first coupling unit 38 is provided for detachably connecting the first fuel cell unit 14 to the first gas outlet 34 of the further central fuel supply line 32 and for detachably connecting the first fuel cell unit 14 to the first exhaust gas inlet 78 of the central exhaust gas disposal line 76. The fuel cell device 10 further comprises a plurality of further coupling units 40, 42, 44, 46 for detachably connecting the further fuel cell units 16, 18, 20, 22, each to a further gas outlet 30 of the central fuel supply line 26.Furthermore, the further coupling units 40, 42, 44, 46 are each provided for a detachable connection of one of the further fuel cell units 16, 18, 20, 22 to one of the further gas outlets 36 of the further central fuel supply line 32 and for a detachable connection of one of the further fuel cell units 16, 18, 20, 22 to one of the further exhaust gas inlets 80 of the central exhaust gas disposal line 76.

[0040] The coupling units 38, 40, 42, 44, 46 each comprise a plurality of pneumatic coupling units, each with a first pneumatic coupling element which is fixedly connected to the respective fuel cell unit 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and with a second pneumatic coupling element designed to correspond to the first pneumatic coupling element and which is fixedly connected to one of the gas outlets 28, 30, 34, 36 of the gas supply unit 24 or one of the exhaust gas inlets 78, 80 of the central exhaust gas disposal line 76.

[0041] The coupling units 38, 40, 42, 44, 46 each have closing elements 48, 50 for directly closing the gas outlets 28, 30, 34, 36. Furthermore, the coupling units 38, 40, 42, 44, 46 each have closing elements 108, 110 for directly closing the exhaust gas inlets 78, 80 of the central exhaust gas disposal line 76.

[0042] Furthermore, the first coupling unit 38 and the further coupling units 40, 42, 44, 46 each have an actuating element 52, 54, which is used for a simultaneous closing of the closing elements 48, 50 and the closing elements

[0043] 108, 110 of the respective coupling unit 38, 40, 42, 44, 46. The actuating elements 52, 54 are directly connected to the locking elements 48, 50 and the locking elements 108, 110. The actuating elements 52, 54 can transmit an electrical signal for closing to the locking elements 48, 50, 108, 110, in particular to actuators 56, 58 of the locking elements 48, 50, 108, 110, and / or mechanically actuate a locking means of the locking elements 48,

[0044] 50, 108, 110 to close the closing elements 48, 50, 108, 110. The first coupling unit 38 and the further coupling units 40, 42, 44, 46 each have an actuator 56, 58, which is provided for the automatic, simultaneous closing of the closing elements 38, 50 of the respective coupling unit 38, 40, 42, 44, 46. Alternatively, however, it would also be conceivable to provide separate actuating elements for the inlet closing elements and the outlet closing elements. These can also be moved by purely mechanical actuating elements.

[0045] Furthermore, the first coupling unit 38 and the further coupling units 40, 42, 44, 46 each have a sensor unit 60, 62, which is provided to detect a closed position of the closing elements 48, 50 of the respective coupling unit 38, 40, 42, 44, 46. The sensor units 60, 62 each detect the closed position of all closing elements 48, 50, 108, 110 of the respective coupling unit 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, wherein each coupling unit 38, 40, 42, 44, 46 has a corresponding sensor unit 60, 62. The sensor units 60, 62 are provided to check whether all media connections are correctly closed before the corresponding fuel cell unit

[0046] 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 can be pulled out. The first coupling unit 38 and the further coupling units 40, 42, 44, 46 each further have a separating plate 64, 66, by means of which all connections of the respective coupling unit 38, 40, 42, 44, 46 can be separated. The separating plates 64, 66 are formed from plate-shaped components, via which all connections of the respective coupling unit 38, 40, 42, 44, 46 can be separated simultaneously. The first or the further pneumatic coupling elements of the respective coupling unit 38, 40, 42, 44, 46 are partially integrated into the separating plates 64, 66. Furthermore, the computing unit 68 is provided to enable or block a movement of the separating plate 64, 66 depending on a signal from the sensor units 60, 62.The first coupling unit 38 and the further coupling units 40, 42, 44, 46 each have an electronically controllable locking element 70, 72 for locking the separating plate 64, 66 of the respective coupling unit 38, 40, 42, 44, 46. The computing unit 68 is connected to the locking elements 70, 72 and is provided for controlling the locking elements 70, 72 depending on a signal from the sensor units 60, 62. The computing unit 68 is provided to enable or block a movement of the separating plates 64, 66 depending on a signal from the sensor units 60, 62 by means of the locking elements 70, 72. The separating plates 64, 66 are in particular optional.

[0047] Furthermore, the coupling units 38, 40, 42, 44, 46 are also provided (not shown) for electrically coupling the fuel cell units 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 to the electrical unit 96. The coupling units 38, 40, 42, 44, 46 preferably have clamp contacts for this purpose. Alternatively or additionally, it would also be conceivable for the fuel cell units 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 to each have plug contacts on their rear side for an electrical connection to the electrical unit 96, which are automatically disconnected when one of the fuel cell units 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 is pulled out. In general, it would also be conceivable for plug contacts to be provided on the top side of the fuel cell units 14,

[0048] 16. 18, 20, 22 are arranged, which are then released manually.

[0049] The computing unit 68 is provided for carrying out a method which is explained in more detail in Figure 3. Figure 3 shows a method for operating the fuel cell device 10 in cluster operation. The fuel cell device 10 is started in particular with a commissioning step 102. In the commissioning step 102, the fuel cell units 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 are supplied with hydrogen via the further central fuel supply line 32 and operated by means of this. As an alternative to hydrogen, the starting process can also be carried out by injecting water. After the operating temperature has been reached, a continuous operation step 104 follows in which the fuel cell units 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 are operated with the fuel 12. For this purpose, the fuel cell units 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 are supplied with the fuel 12 via the central fuel supply line 26.In the continuous operation step 104, the computing unit 68 locks the separating plate 64, 66 of the first coupling unit 38 and the further coupling units 40, 42, 44, 46 when the closing elements 48, 50, 108, 110 of the first coupling unit 38 and the further coupling units 40, 42, 44, 46 are open. In the event of a failure or defect of one of the fuel cell units 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 or in the event of maintenance work being required on one of the fuel cell units 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, a service step 74 follows. In the service step 74, for example, the first fuel cell unit 14 is separated from the gas supply unit 24 by means of the first coupling unit 38, while the further fuel cell units 16, 18, 20, 22 continue to operate without interruption. The other fuel cell units 16, 18, 20, 22 continue to operate without interruption in a partial operating step 106.In service step 74, the computing unit 68 releases the separating plate 64 of the first coupling unit 38 only when the locking elements 48 of the first coupling unit 38 are closed. Therefore, in service step 74, an operator must close all locking elements 48, 108 of the first coupling unit 38 via the actuating element 52 before the separating plate 64 is released and the fuel cell unit 14 can be pulled out.

Claims

Claims 1 . Fuel cell device with a first fuel cell unit (14) with at least one further fuel cell unit (16, 18, 20, 22), which can be operated independently of one another, with a gas supply unit (24) which has at least one central fuel supply line (26, 32) comprising at least one first gas outlet (28, 34) and a further gas outlet (30, 36) for supplying the fuel cell units (14, 16, 18, 20, 22) with a first gas, in particular fuel (12) and / or hydrogen, characterized by a first coupling unit (38) for a detachable connection of the first fuel cell unit (14) to the first gas outlet (28, 34) of the central fuel supply line (26, 32) and at least one further coupling unit (40, 42, 44, 46) for a detachable connection of the at least one further fuel cell unit (16, 18, 20, 22) to the further gas outlet (30, 36) of the at least one central fuel supply line (26),wherein the coupling units (38, 40, 42, 44, 46) each have closing elements (48, 50) for directly closing the gas outlets (28, 30, 34, 36).

2. Fuel cell device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first coupling unit (38) and the at least one further coupling unit (40, 42, 44, 46) each have an actuating element (52, 54) which is provided for simultaneous closing of the closing elements (48, 50) of the respective coupling unit (38, 40, 42, 44, 46).

3. Fuel cell device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first coupling unit (38) and the at least one further coupling unit (40, 42, 44, 46) each have an actuator (56, 58) which is designed to automatically and simultaneously close the closing elements (38, 50) of the respective coupling unit (38, 40, 42, 44, 46).

4. Fuel cell device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first coupling unit (38) and the at least one further coupling unit (40, 42, 44, 46) each have a sensor unit (60, 62) which is provided to detect a closed position of the closing elements (48, 50) of the respective coupling unit (38, 40, 42, 44, 46).

5. Fuel cell device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first coupling unit (38) and the at least one further coupling unit (40, 42, 44, 46) each have a separating plate (64, 66) by means of which all connections of the respective coupling unit (38, 40, 42, 44, 46) can be separated.

6. Fuel cell device according to claim 4 and 5, characterized by a computing unit (68) which is provided to release or block a movement of the separating plate (64, 66) depending on a signal from the sensor units (60, 62).

7. Fuel cell device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first coupling unit (38) and the at least one further coupling unit (40, 42, 44, 46) each have an electronically controllable blocking element (70, 72) for blocking the separating plate (64, 66) of the respective coupling unit (38, 40, 42, 44, 46).

8. Fuel cell device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fuel cell units (14, 16, 18, 20, 22) can be operated independently of one another and can be separated independently of one another.

9. Method for operating the fuel cell device (10) according to one of the preceding claims in a cluster mode.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that in at least one service step (74) the first fuel cell unit (14) is separated from the gas supply unit (24) by means of the first coupling unit (38), while the at least one further fuel cell unit (16, 18, 20, 22) continues to operate without interruption.

11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that the computing unit (68) in the service step (74) locks the separating plate (64) of the first coupling unit (38) when the locking elements (48) of the first coupling unit (38) are open and releases the separating plate (64) of the first coupling unit (38) only when the locking elements (48) of the first coupling unit (38) are closed.

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