Modular electrolyzer system

Abstract

To provide a modular electrolyzer system.SOLUTION: There is provided a modular electrolyzer system, comprising a plurality of generator modules (SGM), each of which includes a hotbox, and a gas distribution module (GDM) 550 configured to supply hydrogen to each of the plurality of generator modules.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an electrolyzer system including a solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) and a method of operating the same, and more particularly to installing and maintaining an electrolyzer system.

Background Art

[0002] A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) can operate as an electrolyzer to produce hydrogen and oxygen, which is called a solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC). In the SOFC mode, oxygen ions are transferred from the cathode side (air) to the anode side (fuel), and the driving force is the chemical gradient of the oxygen partial pressure across the electrolyte. In the SOEC mode, when a positive potential is applied to the air side of the cell, oxygen ions are transferred from the fuel side to the air side. Since the cathode and anode are reversed between SOFC and SOEC (i.e., the SOFC cathode becomes the SOEC anode and the SOFC anode becomes the SOEC cathode), the SOFC cathode (SOEC anode) can be called an air electrode, and the SOFC anode (SOEC cathode) can be called a fuel electrode. During the SOEC mode, water in the fuel stream is reduced (H2O + 2e → O 2- + H2), forming H2 gas and O 2- ions, and the O 2- ions are transferred through the solid electrolyte and then oxidized on the air side (O 2- to O2), producing molecular oxygen. Since the open circuit voltage of an SOFC operating with air and wet fuel (hydrogen, reformed natural gas) is about 0.9V to 1V (depending on the water content), the positive voltage applied to the air side electrode in the SOEC mode raises the cell voltage to a typical operating voltage of 1.1V to 1.3V.

[0003] Rapid and inexpensive installation could help increase the adoption rate of SOFC / SOEC systems. Custom-designed concrete pads for cast-in-place installation typically require trenching for piping and electrical wiring, which can result in very high installation costs. Installation time is also a problem in most cases, as concrete pouring and trenching usually require one or more building permits and inspections by building inspectors. Typical system installations involve architectural techniques such as the use of conduits, rigid pipe trenching with stub-ups, and concrete anchors for seismic anchoring.

[0004] Furthermore, fixed SOFC / SOEC systems may be installed in locations where real estate costs are very high or available space is limited (e.g., loading docks, narrow alleys, or spaces between buildings). SOFC / SOEC system installations utilize a significant portion of available space. If a large amount of open space is required to access the system via doors, etc., real estate costs associated with installation can increase significantly.

[0005] As the number of SOFC / SOEC systems installed on-site increases, one common problem is the need for open spaces between these systems (to allow maintenance on one unit or the other). These spaces become unusable for the system's customers.

[0006] In some SOFC system designs, these problems are solved by increasing the overall capacity of the monolithic system design. However, this creates new challenges due to the increased size and weight of the required concrete pads. Consequently, this approach tends to increase system installation time. Furthermore, as the minimum system size increases, the fault tolerance of the design decreases.

[0007] The fuel cell / electrolyte stack or column of a system is typically located within a hot box (i.e., an insulated container). The hot boxes of existing large-scale stationary fuel cell / electrolyte systems are housed in cabinets, housings, or enclosures. The terms cabinet, enclosure, and housing are used interchangeably herein. Cabinets are typically made of metal. The metal is painted with automotive or industrial powder coatings, which are prone to scratching, denting, and corrosion. Most of these cabinets are similar to existing industrial HVAC equipment cabinets. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0008] Therefore, the present invention relates to a modular electrolytic cell system that substantially eliminates one or more problems arising from the limitations and disadvantages of related technologies.

[0009] The objective of the present invention is to provide a rapidly deployable electrolytic cell modular block field kit.

[0010] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a large-scale stamp architecture.

[0011] Further features and advantages of the present invention are described in the following description, will become partially apparent therefrom, or can be acquired through the practice of the present invention. The object and other advantages of the present invention are realized and achieved, in particular, by the description provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and by the structure shown in the claims herein.

[0012] Both the general description above and the detailed description below are illustrative and explanatory, and are intended to provide a further explanation of the present invention as defined in the claims.

[0013] The accompanying drawings, included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and incorporated herein, and forming part thereof, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the specification, illustrate the principles of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an SOFC / SOEC modular system according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic top view of a pad according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a modular field kit according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an embodiment of a modular field kit according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a large-scale electrolytic cell system according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a maintenance passage according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a large-scale electrolytic cell system according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows a generator module according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9A] Figure 9A shows the hydrogen emissions in the rear piping connection box according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9B] Figure 9B shows the hydrogen discharge products in the rear piping connection box and the steam inlet in the rear piping connection box according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below. Examples of these are shown in the accompanying drawings. Please understand that both the above general description and the following detailed description are illustrative and do not limit the claimed invention.

[0016] FIG. 1 shows a SOFC / SOEC modular system 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] The modular design of the SOFC / SOEC system 10 provides for flexible system installation and operation. In contrast to previous modular systems, the embodiment uses above-ground routing of piping and electrical wiring to increase the speed of installation and maintenance and reduce costs. Additionally, the need for specialized installers is reduced. The modules allow for scaling of the installed power generation capacity, reliable power generation, flexibility in fuel processing, and flexibility in power output voltage and frequency using a single design set. The modular design results in a “always-on” unit with very high availability and reliability, and also improves means for maintenance and scaling up. The modular design also allows for the use of available fuels and the required voltage and frequency, which may vary depending on the customer and / or geographical area.

[0018] The SOFC / SOEC modular system 10 includes a housing 14 in which at least one of a generator module 12 (preferably a plurality of generator modules 12, also referred to as “SGM”), one or more fuel processing modules 16, and one or more power conditioning modules 18 (i.e., electrical output, also referred to as generator module or “SPM”) is disposed. In an embodiment, the power conditioning module 18 is configured to deliver direct current (DC). In an alternative embodiment, the power conditioning module 18 is configured to deliver alternating current (AC). In these exemplary embodiments, the power conditioning module 18 can include a mechanism for converting DC to AC, such as an inverter. For example, the system 10 can include any desired number of modules, such as 2 to 30 generator modules, 3 to 12 generator modules, 6 to 12 modules, or other large-scale configurations of generator modules.

[0019] The exemplary system 10 of FIG. 1 includes, on a pad 20, six generator modules 12 (one row of six modules arranged side by side), one fuel processing module 16, and one power conditioning module 18. The housing 14 can include cabinets that house each of the modules 12, 16, 18. Alternatively, modules 16 and 18 may be arranged within a single cabinet. Although one row of generator modules 12 is shown, the system may include two or more rows of modules 12. For example, the SOFC / SOEC system 10 can also include two rows of generator modules 12 arranged back-to-back / end-to-end.

[0020] Each generator module 12 is configured to house one or more hot boxes 13. Each hot box houses one or more stacks or columns of fuel cell / electrolysis cells (not shown for clarity), such as one or more stacks or columns of solid oxide fuel cells having a ceramic oxide electrolyte separated by conductive interconnect plates. Other types of fuel cells, such as PEM, molten carbonate, phosphoric acid, etc., can also be used.

[0021] The fuel cell stack can include stacks that are manifolded externally and / or internally. For example, the stack can have fuel and air risers that extend through openings in the fuel cell layers and / or interconnect plates between fuel cells to be manifolded internally for fuel and air.

[0022] Alternatively, the fuel cell stack may have an internal manifold for fuel and an external manifold for air, in which case only the fuel inlet and exhaust risers penetrate the openings in the interconnect plates of the fuel cell layers and / or between fuel cells. This is described in U.S. Patent No. 7,713,649, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The fuel cell may have a direct-flow AC configuration (air and fuel flow substantially perpendicular to each other on opposing sides of the electrolyte in each fuel cell), a counter-flow parallel configuration (air and fuel flow substantially parallel to each other but in opposing directions on opposing sides of the electrolyte in each fuel cell), or a parallel-flow parallel configuration (air and fuel flow substantially parallel to each other in the same direction on opposing sides of the electrolyte in each fuel cell).

[0023] The modular fuel cell system 10 also includes at least one fuel processing module 16. The fuel processing module 16 includes components for pre-treating the fuel, such as an adsorption bed (e.g., a desulfurizer and / or other impurity adsorption bed). The fuel processing module 16 can be designed to process a specific type of fuel. For example, the system may include a diesel fuel processing module, a natural gas fuel processing module, and an ethanol fuel processing module, and these modules may be housed in the same cabinet or in separate cabinets. Different bed compositions tailored for a specific fuel may be provided within each module. The processing module(s) 16 can process at least one of the fuels selected from natural gas, compressed natural gas, methane, propane, liquefied petroleum gas, gasoline, diesel, household heating oil, kerosene, JP-5, JP-8, aviation fuel, hydrogen, ammonia, ethanol, methanol, synthesis gas, biogas, biodiesel, and other suitable hydrocarbon or hydrogen-containing fuels supplied from a pipeline. If desired, the fuel processing module 16 may include a reformer 17. Alternatively, if it is desirable to thermally integrate the reformer 17 into the fuel cell / electrolytic cell stack(s), a separate reformer 17 may be placed in each hot box 13 within each generator module 12. Furthermore, if an internally reformed fuel cell / electrolytic cell is used, the external reformer 17 may be omitted entirely.

[0024] The power adjustment module 18 includes components for converting DC power generated by the fuel cell stack to AC power (e.g., DC / DC converters and DC / AC converters as described in U.S. Patent No. 7,705,490, which is incorporated herein by reference in whole), electrical connectors for the AC power output to the grid, circuits for managing electrical transients, and a system controller (e.g., a computer or a dedicated control logic unit or circuit). The power adjustment module 18 can be designed to convert DC power from the fuel cell module to different AC voltages and frequencies. Designs for 208V, 60Hz; 480V, 60Hz; 415V, 50Hz and other common voltages and frequencies can be provided.

[0025] The fuel processing module 16 and the power adjustment module 18 may be housed in a single cabinet of the housing 14. If a single input / output cabinet is provided, modules 16 and 18 can be arranged vertically within the cabinet (for example, with the components of the power adjustment module 18 above the desulfurizer canister / floor of the fuel processing module 16) or side by side.

[0026] As shown in the exemplary embodiment of Figure 1, one cabinet 14 is provided for a row of six generator modules 12, and the six generator modules 12 are arranged in a linear fashion on one side of the input / output module 14. The row of modules can be positioned, for example, adjacent to a building to which the system will provide power (for example, so that the back of the module cabinets faces the wall of the building).

[0027] The linear arrangement of the generator modules 12 can be easily expanded or contracted. For example, more or fewer generator modules 12 may be provided depending on the power demand of the building or other facility serviced by the fuel cell system 10. The generator modules 12 and input / output modules 14 can also be provided in other ratios. For example, in other exemplary embodiments, more or fewer generator modules 12 may be provided adjacent to the input / output modules 14. Furthermore, support functions can be provided by two or more input / output modules 14 (for example, using separate fuel processing modules 16 and power adjustment module 18 cabinets). Furthermore, the input / output modules 14 are located at the ends of the rows of generator modules 12, but can also be located in the middle of the rows of generator modules 12 or elsewhere.

[0028] The SOFC / SOEC modular system 10 can be configured to facilitate maintenance of the system's components. For example, components that are serviced routinely or frequently (such as consumable parts) may be placed in a single module to reduce the time required by maintenance personnel. For instance, purge gas (optional) and desulfurizer materials for a natural gas-fueled system can be placed in a single module (e.g., fuel processing module 16 or a combined input / output module 14 cabinet). This can be the only module cabinet accessed during routine maintenance. Thus, each module 12, 14, 16, and 18 can be serviced, repaired, or removed from the system without opening other module cabinets or servicing, repairing, or removing other modules. In addition, piping and electrical components can be placed on a steel slab positioned between the concrete pad and the generator module 12.

[0029] For example, as described above, system 10 may have multiple generator modules 12. When at least one generator module 12 goes offline (i.e., no power is generated by the stack in the hotbox 13 within the offline module 12), the remaining generator modules 12, fuel processing module 16, and power adjustment module 18 (or merged input / output module 14) do not go offline. Furthermore, the fuel cell system 10 may include two or more modules 12, 14, 16, or 18 of each type. When at least one module of a particular type goes offline, the remaining modules of the same type do not go offline.

[0030] Therefore, in a system comprising multiple modules, each of modules 12, 14, 16, or 18 can be electrically disconnected, removed from the fuel cell / electrolytic cell modular system 10, and / or serviced or repaired without stopping the operation of other modules in the system, allowing the fuel cell system to continue generating power. If one stack of fuel cells in one hot box 13 fails or is taken offline for maintenance, it is not necessary to shut down the entire SOFC / SOEC modular system 10.

[0031] The modular system 10 may include additional modules and components, such as those described in U.S. Patent Application No. 11 / 656,006 filed on 22 January 2007, U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 208,190 filed on 13 March 2014, and U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 061,673 filed on 4 March 2016. Each of the above patent applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0032] Figure 2 shows a schematic top view of a pad 210 according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Referring to Figure 2, the pad 210 comprises a base 212. The base 212 can be formed from concrete or a similar material. Alternatively, the base 212 may be made from any other suitable structural material such as steel or another metal, and may be precast as a whole or cast in sections. The base 212 may also be manufactured by casting the base material into a pattern mold, removing the cast base 212 from the mold, and then transporting the base 212 from the mold location (e.g., within a base manufacturing facility) to the operating site of the fuel cell system (i.e., where the fuel cell system is positioned to generate electricity). The base 212 may consist of a single unit or may include multiple connected sections.

[0034] The base 212 may have a first through hole 214 and a second through hole 216, a drain recess 218, a wiring recess 220, and a piping recess 222. The base 212 may also include a tie-down pocket 224, a tie-down insert 226, and a piping bracket 228.

[0035] In one exemplary configuration, the drainage recess 218 may extend along the center of the base 212 between rows of modules and may be configured, for example, to collect rainwater or debris collected on the base 212. Tie-down pockets 224 and tie-down inserts 226 may be configured to secure the corresponding modules to the base 212. The piping recess 222 may extend around the periphery of the base 212. In particular, the piping recess 222 may be formed around the periphery of the base 212 (or, for example, along three or more edges of the base 212). The wiring recess 220 may extend from the first through-hole 214 to the second through-hole 216 and may be generally U-shaped.

[0036] The pad 210 may also include piping 230, wiring 232, and system electrical connections such as busbars 234. In particular, the wiring 232 can be located in the wiring recess 220 and connected to one or more of the modules. For example, the wiring 232 can be connected to both the busbar 234 and the generator module 12. The busbar 234 can be connected to the power adjustment module 18. The power adjustment module 18 can be connected to an external load through the second through-hole 216. The busbar 234 can be positioned on the edge of the through-hole 216 so that the wiring 232 does not extend across the through-hole 216. However, if such a location is necessary to meet system requirements, the busbar 234 may be positioned on the opposite side of the through-hole 216 so that the wiring 232 does not extend across the through-hole 216.

[0037] The piping 230 can be located within the piping recess 222. The piping 230 may be connected to an external water source and / or fuel source via the first through-hole 214, or it may be attached to the piping bracket 228. In particular, the piping 230 may include a fuel pipe 230A connecting the fuel processing module 16 to the generator module 12. The piping 230 may also include a water pipe 230B configured to supply water to the generator module 12. The piping 230 may extend from the piping bracket 228 to the generator module 12.

[0038] To quickly and reliably connect individual modules of a modular system to one another, embodiments utilize ground routing that can be quickly installed without requiring highly skilled professionals. For example, embodiments of the present invention utilize a field kit for modular blocks (or “construction blocks” defined as a generator module and one or more generator modules).

[0039] The electrolytic cell system architecture is a modular approach to system construction, where various functions of the entire system are contained in separate modules. Each module is manufactured and installed as a separate module, but can then be connected to each other at the customer's site. In an alternative embodiment, each modular block (e.g., one module and one or more power generation modules) is pre-configured on a skid and installed at the modular block level rather than the module level.

[0040] Figure 3 shows a modular field kit 300 according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] As shown in Figure 3, the modular field kit includes a steel overlay 340 on a base (e.g., base 212), a pad piping layer 320 (e.g., including conduits), an electrical layer 330 (e.g., including wiring), and a module layer 310. Here, any necessary stub-ups from field utilities for water, fuel, electricity, or control can be provided in a single location on the base for the stamp (e.g., a group of modular blocks), reducing the need to prepare the site for each individual module or modular block to be installed in the field. In some configurations, additional subassemblies can be added to the piping to guide water and gas from the stub-up location to other modules.

[0042] Figure 4 shows an embodiment of a modular field kit 400 according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 4, the modular field kit 400 includes a steel overlay 440 on a base 412, a piping layer 420, and an electrical layer 430. The modular layer is not shown in Figure 4 in order to better illustrate the other components.

[0043] Figure 5 shows a large-scale electrolytic cell system 500 according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] The large-scale electrolytic cell system 500 includes a gas distribution module ("GDM") 550 configured to supply starting hydrogen to several modular blocks 510, 520, 530, and 540. SOEC and SOFC systems typically require fresh hydrogen gas for starting and stopping. The gas distribution module 550 may further include a pressure sensor, a thermal sensor, a gas safety breaker, and a purge gas distributor.

[0045] As described above, each modular block includes, for example, one power module ("SPM") and one or more generator modules ("SGM"). A group of modular blocks forming a system is called a stamp. Therefore, the large-scale electrolytic cell system 500 is a stamp. Since hydrogen is a flammable gas supplied to each SGM under pressure, a safe method is needed to shut off the gas to the group of generator module SGMs when a safety event is detected. Therefore, the GDM550 is configured to shut off the hydrogen supplied to the SGMs when a safety event is detected. Safety designs such as pressure detection, overpressure protection, and gas safety shutoff are readily applied within the electrolytic cell system 500 by the GDM550 and / or fuel handling modules (e.g., 16). In addition, a stamp level controller can be provided in the GDM550.

[0046] One example configuration involves grouping four modular blocks 510, 520, 530, and 540, which is an efficient grouping for gas safety. In addition, the grouping of the four modular blocks 510, 520, 530, and 540 is efficient for collecting hydrogen products in the maintenance passage 560. Pipeline 561 within the maintenance passage 560 is configured to collect hydrogen products that are integrated with the downstream compression system. Pipeline 561 is configured to prevent backflow of condensate into the generator module SGM. Furthermore, condensate management allows for return to the water outlet (or BOP1) using various monitoring and control devices and pipelines.

[0047] Figure 6A shows a maintenance passage 560 according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 6A, the conduit 561 is accessible in the maintenance passage 560. Depending on the design and considering the availability of space, the conduit 561 can be coupled to the rear or top of the generator module SGM. The maintenance passage 560 may have a width of, for example, 1 meter or 1.5 meters. If the installation site does not have space for the maintenance passage 561, the conduit 561 can be configured above, as shown in Figure 6B, in which case the maintenance passage is reduced to, for example, less than 30 centimeters. Here, the conduit 561 is further heated by the cathode exhaust of the ventilation module 562, and internal condensation control is not required. In another example, even when the conduit 561 is located above the generator module SGM, the conduit can be coupled to the rear of the generator module SGM. In other words, hydrogen emissions exit from the rear of the SGM and travel to the collection header conduit 561. The rear can be configured with or without a junction box (e.g., 813).

[0048] Figure 7 shows a large-scale (e.g., 10-megawatt system) electrolytic cell system 700 according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 7, the electrolytic cell system 700 comprises a plurality of stamps 710, 720, 730, 740, 750, 760, and 770. In addition, the electrolytic cell system 700 further comprises additional balance-of-plant components such as a water source BOP1, a hydrogen product collection unit BOP2 (e.g., including pipeline 561), and a hydrogen compression and processing unit BOP3. The hydrogen compression and processing unit BOP3 is functionally configured to supply hydrogen under pressure to a gas distribution module (e.g., GDM550) for each stamp 710, 720, 730, 740, 750, 760, and 770. Thus, the stamp architecture can be repeated in large-scale designs by assembling it using repeating elements for large-scale installations.

[0049] Figure 8 shows a generator module 800 according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] As shown in Figure 8, the generator module 800 comprises an electrolytic cell compartment 812 and an electronics compartment 814. Separate compartments or areas for the electrolytic cell and electronics facilitate the installation of the hydrogen generating element (i.e., the electrolytic cell) and its associated electronic support system. Within the housing of the generator module 800, the electrolytic cell and the electronic support system are housed in spatially separated areas, respectively.

[0051] Physical separation of the electrolytic cell compartment 812 and the electronic equipment compartment 814 can be achieved using sheet metal, gaskets, cable glands, etc. In some examples, embodiments use ventilation fans to achieve and maintain a pressure difference between the electrolytic cell compartment 812 and the electronic equipment compartment 814.

[0052] Within the electrolytic cell compartment 812, there may be a rear piping junction box 813 accessible via a maintenance passage (e.g., 560). In addition, hydrogen products can be discharged through the rear piping junction box 813 and collected to be integrated with a downstream compression system via a pipeline (e.g., pipeline 561). For example, Figure 9A shows discharged hydrogen products in the rear piping junction box 813 according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Referring to Figure 8, the generator module 800 supports both internal and external steam configurations. The generator module 800 further supports the ability to switch between internal and external steam sources. The input steam can be supplied in the rear piping connection box 813 or another connection box. For example, Figure 9B shows the exhaust hydrogen products in the rear piping connection box 813 and the steam inlet in the rear piping connection box 815, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Either the connection box 813 or 815 may be equipped with a flexible hose to facilitate connection. These connection boxes do not increase the footprint of the generator module 800. The steam inlet in the rear piping connection box 815 can be covered when not in use.

[0054] Therefore, safe integration of high-voltage power electronics within the same enclosure as the fuel generation / consumption elements (i.e., electrolytic cell) is achieved. The embodiment enables modular installation of the enclosure at the field level. Furthermore, the enclosure is adaptable to internal or external steam. In addition, the embodiment allows for access and connection points for hydrogen emissions, as well as an optional steam inlet (e.g., external steam), within the module footprint.

[0055] By utilizing various embodiments of the present invention, the connection configuration facilitates a repeatable method and location for connecting several hydrogen generation modules to a shared hydrogen collection unit and a shared supply steam. The connection configuration allows for a common service passage and space for hydrogen collection / steam supply behind the backs of the hydrogen generation modules or in a linear configuration. This makes it possible to easily scale the field design with more or fewer hydrogen generation modules.

[0056] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the modular electrolytic cell system of the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to encompass such modifications and variations as long as they fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A hydrogen generating system comprising a plurality of generator modules and a hydrogen product line, each of the plurality of generator modules includes an electrolytic cell disposed within a hot box; the electrolysis cell is configured to produce a hydrogen product by electrolyzing steam provided to the electrolysis cell; the hydrogen product line is configured to receive hydrogen product from hydrogen outlet connections of the plurality of generator modules and to inhibit backflow of hydrogen product condensate into the plurality of generator modules; the hydrogen product line extends adjacent to a vent module of the generator module; the hydrogen product line is configured to be heated by the exhaust output of the ventilation module to inhibit condensation of the hydrogen product; Modular electrolyzer system.

2. 10. The modular electrolyzer system of claim 1, further comprising a base having a steel overlay, wherein piping and electrical components are disposed between the base and the plurality of generator modules.

3. A modular electrolyzer system as described in claim 1, further comprising a gas distribution module configured to supply hydrogen to the plurality of generator modules upon start-up of the system.

4. 4. The modular electrolyzer system of claim 3, wherein the gas distribution module is configured to detect at least one safety event and to stop the supply of hydrogen in response to the safety event.

5. 4. The modular electrolyzer system of claim 3, wherein the gas distribution module further comprises at least one of a pressure detector, a heat detector, a gas safety shutoff, and a purge gas distributor.

6. A modular electrolyzer system as described in claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of generator modules comprises an electrolyzer compartment and an electronics compartment.

7. A modular electrolyzer system as described in claim 1, wherein the hydrogen product pipeline is arranged between rows of the plurality of generator modules.

8. A modular electrolyzer system as described in claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of generator modules includes a steam inlet connection.

9. A modular electrolyzer system as described in claim 1, wherein steam is generated within the multiple generator modules or generated externally and supplied to the multiple generator modules.

10. The hydrogen outlet connection portion is disposed on an upper surface of each of the plurality of generator modules; at least a portion of the hydrogen product line is disposed above the hydrogen outlet connection; 10. The modular electrolyzer system of claim 1.

11. A hydrogen generating system comprising: a plurality of generator modules; and a hydrogen product line; each of the plurality of generator modules includes an electrolysis cell disposed within a hot box and a cabinet housing the hot box; the electrolysis cell is configured to produce a hydrogen product by electrolyzing steam provided to the electrolysis cell; the hydrogen product line is configured to receive hydrogen product from hydrogen outlet connections of the plurality of generator modules and to inhibit backflow of hydrogen product condensate into the plurality of generator modules; In each of the plurality of generator modules, the hydrogen outlet connection is located at the rear of the cabinet of the generator module below the hydrogen product outlet of the hot box to prevent backflow of hydrogen product condensate into the hot box. Modular electrolyzer system.

12. The outlet connection includes a piping connection box located on the back of the generator module housing below the hydrogen product outlet of the hot box located within the generator module housing; In each generator module, a portion of the hydrogen product line extends within the generator module, and the portion of the hydrogen product line slopes downward from the hydrogen product outlet of the hot box toward the hydrogen outlet connection to prevent backflow of hydrogen product condensate into the hot box.

12. The modular electrolyzer system of claim 11.

13. Each of the plurality of generator modules includes a connection box disposed in a recess on the back surface of the generator module; the hydrogen outlet connection is located within the junction box; a steam inlet connection disposed within the junction box; 10. The modular electrolyzer system of claim 1.

14. Electrolyzing the steam in electrolytic cells disposed within hot boxes disposed within each cabinet of the generator modules to produce hydrogen product; providing a hydrogen product to the hydrogen product line; suppressing backflow of hydrogen product condensate through the hydrogen product line into the generator module by using the exhaust output of the ventilation module of each generator module to heat the hydrogen product line or by flowing hydrogen product downward through the hydrogen product line within the cabinet of the generator module; 1. A method of operating a modular electrolyzer system, comprising:

15. The hydrogen product line extends adjacent to the vent module of each generator module; the hydrogen product line is heated by the exhaust output of the ventilation module to inhibit condensation of the hydrogen product; 15. The method of claim 14.

16. In each of the generator modules, a hydrogen outlet connection of the generator module is located below a hydrogen product outlet of the hot box; the hydrogen product line slopes downward from the hydrogen product outlet of the hot box toward the hydrogen outlet connection to inhibit backflow of the hydrogen product condensate into the hot box; 15. The method of claim 14.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: supplying hydrogen to the generator module upon start-up of the modular electrolyzer system; Detecting at least one safety event; shutting off hydrogen supply to the generator module in response to the safety event; 15. The method of claim 14, comprising:

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