Apparatus and method for integrating multiple fuel cell modules

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for generating electrical energy and for connecting and supplying a plurality of modules (2) comprising at least one stack (3) of fuel cells.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for integrating multiple fuel cell modules for power generation, with the aim of ensuring a compact and reliable solution. [Background technology]

[0002] Many technical solutions have been proposed for the production of electricity using fuel cells, also in the field of cogeneration or trigeneration operating solutions.

[0003] However, these often have low specific power (kW / m 2 ), which are complex and / or expensive to maintain and are not really optimized, if not completely incompatible with the requirements of various installation situations.

[0004] Furthermore, in the solutions proposed so far, replacing components that fail, wear out and / or deteriorate is difficult without timely and costly intervention, with adverse effects on the availability of power guaranteed by the system.

[0005] It should also be noted that currently the power grid is often used as a backup, in the sense that if the energy generating unit fails in whole or in part, energy from the power grid must be used.

[0006] Furthermore, the solutions proposed so far need to provide a battery or other electrical energy storage solution that is needed when the network current is to be interrupted even temporarily, in order to avoid interruptions in service and to manage generator connection and disconnection transients.

[0007] US Pat. Nos. 5,629,999 and 5,729,999 teach two prior art solutions. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. WO2010 / 043767(A1) [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019190053(A1) Summary of the Invention

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide a new device for connecting and powering a plurality of fuel cell based electrical energy generating modules. Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus as described above that allows quick and easy connection and disconnection of electrical energy generating modules. Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus whose components are easily accessible. Another object of the present invention is to provide such an apparatus which is easy to maintain and administer. Another object of the present invention is to provide such an apparatus which is easy to assemble and transport.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide an energy generating unit comprising an apparatus and a plurality of electrical energy generating modules. Another object of the present invention is to provide a device that allows for continuous generation of power without interruption, even in the absence of a backup power grid, meeting typical data center requirements of high power availability, e.g., equal to 99.999%. Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and unit that also allows routine maintenance of the water and gas filters to be performed without the need to access the individual modules.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to create a unit in which the access to the connection and disconnection or insertion and disconnection of each module is from above or from the front, leaving the other faces or sides free to minimize the installation space, allowing them to be placed against each other or against a wall, thereby reducing the specific power (kW / m2 ) is to maximize

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for connecting and powering a plurality of modules for generating electrical energy is provided as claimed in claim 1. The dependent claims refer to preferred and advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0013] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the description of an embodiment of the device, illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view from above of a device and unit according to the invention; FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view from below of a device and unit according to the invention; FIG. [Figure 3] 1 shows an enlarged detail of a unit according to the invention; FIG. [Figure 4] 1 shows an enlarged detail of a unit according to the invention; FIG. [Figure 5] 1 shows an enlarged detail of a unit according to the invention; FIG. [Figure 6] 1 shows an enlarged detail of a unit according to the invention; FIG. [Figure 7] 1 shows an enlarged detail of a unit according to the invention; FIG. [Figure 8] 1 shows an enlarged detail of a unit according to the invention; FIG. [Figure 9] 1 shows an enlarged detail of a unit according to the invention; FIG. [Figure 10] 1 shows an enlarged detail of a unit according to the invention; FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a unit part according to the present invention, seen from slightly above. [Figure 12] 1 is a perspective view of a possible electrical energy generating module with at least one fuel cell stack that can be used in a unit according to the invention; [Figure 13] 1 shows a schematic diagram of the components of a possible electrical energy generating module with at least one fuel cell stack that can be used in a unit according to the invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 shows a unit according to the invention housed in a container. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 shows a unit according to the invention housed in a container. [Figure 16] 16A and 16B show an embodiment of a module for the unit of FIGS. 14 and 15 when connected to a respective station. [Figure 17] 10A-10C illustrate steps for placing a module in the position of another unit according to the present invention. [Figure 18] 10A-10C illustrate steps for placing a module in the position of another unit according to the present invention. [Figure 19] 19 shows one embodiment of a module for the unit of FIGS. 17 and 18 when connected to a respective station. FIG. [Figure 20] 19 shows one embodiment of a module for the unit of FIGS. 17 and 18 when connected to a respective station. FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 shows a variant according to the invention in which the modules are connected by restraints at the top. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 shows a variant according to the invention in which the modules are connected by restraints at the top. [Figure 23] 23 shows a unit according to the invention according to the variant of FIGS. 21 and 22 housed in a container. FIG.

[0015] In the accompanying drawings, identical parts or components are identified by the same reference numbers. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] With reference to the attached figures, an apparatus 1 according to the invention is shown for power supplying a number of electrical energy generating modules 2 connected thereto, possibly comprising at least one fuel cell stack 3, which may also be operated in cogeneration or trigeneration mode.

[0017] The device 1 comprises in particular a main base 4 defining a number of stations 5 (see in particular Figures 1 to 20), each of which connects at least one module 2 located above and generating electrical energy.

[0018] Preferably, at least one series or row of stations 5 aligned one behind the other is provided.

[0019] The device 1 can include a front F, a rear R, and two side surfaces S1, S2.

[0020] The device 1 is then provided with a series of inlet ducts 6, 7, 8 for fluids, liquids and / or gases in the device, outlet ducts 9, 10 for fluids, liquids and / or gases from the device, and one or more cables 11 for carrying the electrical energy generated by the modules 2, the ducts 6 to 10 and the cables 11 being housed in a base 4.

[0021] The device 1 then further comprises, housed in the base 4, branches 6a to 11a of the ducts 6 to 10 and cables 11 at each of the stations 5, if necessary in a mainly vertical extension direction, as well as means 6b to 11b for coupling the ducts 6 to 10 and cables 11 to the respective components of the electrical energy generating module 2 having at least one fuel cell 3.

[0022] The base 4 can be made of at least one sheet or plate, for example made of metal, shaped, for example by bending and / or welding and / or bolting and / or screwing, if necessary, to define a portion of the peripheral frame 4a in a rectangular plane, and a plurality of cross members 4b designed to connect the two portions of the base 4 and to define a station 5 that is at least partially open upwards for positioning and connecting the modules 2.

[0023] Of course, the sheet or plate may be obtained by any suitable process, such as molding, extrusion, etc. Therefore, base 4 is not constructed of concrete blocks.

[0024] Advantageously, the base 4 is prefabricated or pre-assembled and then sent to the installation site already attached or assembled, i.e. after the appropriate bending and / or welding and / or bolting and / or screwing has been carried out.

[0025] If the base 4 is made of at least one sheet or plate as described above, it is obviously easier to transport (even in a container, if necessary, as will be explained later) and it is modifiable.

[0026] Part of the peripheral frame 4a can be obtained by wall sections which are arranged vertically in use.

[0027] According to the non-limiting embodiment shown in the figures, the cross member 4b extends in the direction from one side of the base 4 to the other side at the top of the base 4.

[0028] Obviously, the base 4 may be modular and therefore designed so that several components may be placed side by side and appropriately connected, each defining one or more stations 5. In this case, windows may be provided for the passage of ducts / cables within the components of the base 4.

[0029] The coupling means 6b to 10b of one or more ducts 6a to 10a may comprise automatic or quick coupling means or couplings, which may be hydraulic or pneumatic depending on the fluid (gas, water, oil) flowing in the respective duct.

[0030] Alternatively, the coupling means 11b of one or more cables 11 or branches 11a may comprise electrical automatic or quick coupling means.

[0031] These automatic or quick coupling means 6b to 11b include, for example, a first element part or connector 6b1 to 11b1 restrained or fixed to one end of the duct 6 to duct 10 or cable or copper bar or bus 11, or better to one end of each branch 6a to branch 11a, and a second element part or connector 6b2 to 11b2 restrained or fixed or integrated to one end of the module 2 or, better to one end of the duct or cable carrying the fluid or current therein.

[0032] Obviously, the second elements 6b2-11b2 can be quickly and easily inserted, for example by applying an appropriate pressure to the first elements 6b1-11b1.

[0033] Alternatively, other types of attachment means may be provided, for example valves or the like for interrupting the transfer of fluid. Obviously, even in the case of quick couplings, this may involve flow shut-off valves, depending on the type.

[0034] In the case of the exhaust pipe or duct 8, valves, in particular check valves, such as butterfly valves, clappet valves or other types of valves, are advantageously provided, which must close naturally before the module 2 is disconnected from the respective station 5 in order to avoid the escape of waste liquid.

[0035] Naturally, some or all of the stations 5 may be generally identical to one another and therefore may have the same configuration, for example generally square or rectangular, with the respective branches 6a to 11a or first element parts or connectors 6b1 to 11b1 accessible therefrom, thereby allowing the same module 2 to be positioned and connected to multiple stations 5.

[0036] If desired, one, some or all of the quick or automatic couplings or connections of ducts 6 to ducts 10 may be provided with any suitable type of automatic valve, for example butterfly, ball, needle or the like, mounted therein and designed to close the passage therethrough when the two element parts 6b1 to 10b1, 6b2 to 10b2 of the respective quick coupling or connection are disconnected, and to open the passage therethrough when the two element parts 6b1 to 11b1, 6b2 to 11b2 of the respective quick coupling or connection are connected.

[0037] Advantageously, one, some or all of the quick or automatic couplings or connections of cable 11 are provided with interrupting means or switches of any suitable type mounted therein and designed to close the passage of energy therethrough when the two elements 11b1, 11b2 of each quick coupling or connection are disconnected, and to open the passage of energy therethrough when the two elements 11b1, 11b2 of each quick coupling or connection are connected.

[0038] Furthermore, the ducts 6 to 10 and the cable 11 can open onto one side with the respective branches 6a to 11a of the station 5, and onto the other side of the same side of the base, more specifically towards the front F of the base. In connection with this embodiment, studs or the like 6d, 7d, 8d, 10d, 11d can be inserted into the front end of the base 4, and fittings are provided on the studs for the connection of the respective pipes to the ends of the ducts 6, 7, 8, 10 and 11.

[0039] Alternatively, the duct or cable may also lead towards one side and / or towards the bottom of the base 4, or to a part on one side of the base 4 and another part on another side.

[0040] Therefore, in connection with this embodiment, one or more of the ducts 6 to 10 and / or cables 11 may, as necessary, include connecting pipe sections 6c to 11c having an extension direction from which the branches 6a to 11a depart that is mainly horizontal or slightly inclined relative to the horizontal.

[0041] Of course, the various manifold sections 6c-11c may extend within or below the base 4, for example in a direction from the front F to the rear R.

[0042] Optionally, the base 4 defines at least two rows 4c of stations 5 separated from one another by a walkway or corridor 13 designed to allow walking between the rows 4c, in which case the cross members 4b, if provided, extend between a portion of the perimeter frame 4a and the walkway or corridor 13.

[0043] Obviously, there may be only one row of modules, or in any case there may be no walkways or corridors.

[0044] With reference to this embodiment, the device 1 also comprises means 12b for, for example automatically or quickly, attaching the electrical conductors 12 or respective branches 12a in the station to respective portions or cables of the modules 2, where a first element or connector is provided constrained or fixed to one end of each branch 12a and a second element or connector is provided constrained or fixed to or integral with a component that will be described in more detail below.

[0045] The subject of the present invention is also an energy generating unit 14 comprising a device 1 and a number of electrical energy generating modules 2, each of which is mounted at a respective station 5 and each of which has a duct or cable connected to a duct and cable at each station 5.

[0046] Thus, each module 2 can be removably connected to a respective station 5 and can also be moved or transported as a single component, and therefore is not subject to removal or disassembly of the module itself.

[0047] A module 2 usable within the scope of the present invention comprises one or more fuel cells 3 designed to supply electrical energy via one or more supply cables 3a. Obviously, the cable(s) 3a are connected to at least one cable 11 or at least one respective branch 11a by means of coupling means 11b.

[0048] In this regard, the module 2 may include, for example, at least one cell 3 having an anode 17 and a cathode 18, a first line 19 that carries a combustible fluid, such as a reactant fuel gas, to the anode 17, a second line 20 that carries air to the cathode 18, and an exhaust line 21 from the cathode 18 and the anode 17.

[0049] Optionally, such a module 2 also comprises at least one duct 22 supplying process water in the first line 19 .

[0050] The module 2 is therefore designed to be powered by fuel and, if desired, water and / or air or other fluids, and to generate electrical energy in the respective fuel cells 3 if desired.

[0051] Naturally, one, some or each line 19, 21, 22 of each module 2 is connected to the respective ducts 6, 9 and 7 or respective branches 6a to 9a of the device, for example by respective coupling means 6b to 9b.

[0052] Optionally, the associated module 2 or unit 14 is a combined heat and power source and therefore produces thermal energy as well as electrical energy, when the heat transferred to the water is recovered and used.

[0053] In this regard, at least one module 2 or unit 14 may include at least one heat exchanger 23 designed to connect an intermediate or final section of the exhaust line 21 or exhaust duct 9 of the device with a line or duct 8, 10 carrying cooling water or fluid.

[0054] Alternatively, they may be combined heat and power cooling, in which case the heat generated by the generator in the absorption chiller is used to generate low temperatures in a particular environment and reduce power consumption corresponding to the generated cooling.

[0055] Module 2 may also include other components such as: a burner 21a designed to ignite the discharge of the anode 17 and the cathode 18, and / or a heater 24a for the fluid, such as air, entering the cell 3, for example at the cathode, which may include, for example, a heat exchanger designed to connect the line 20 with the line 21; and / or an evaporator 24b for determining the evaporation of a fluid such as water on line 22, which may include, for example, a heat exchanger designed to connect line 22 with line 21; and / or an ejector or mixer 26 designed to mix or combine the fuel supplied along line 19 with a fluid such as water supplied along line 22;

[0056] Such a cogeneration or trigeneration module 2 may have any suitable configuration.

[0057] One or more modules 2 may include a casing having a box-like or cabinet configuration, preferably a parallelepiped or rectangular parallelepiped, arranged with a respective base 2a attached to the top of a respective station 5.

[0058] In this case, the base 2a may delimit at least one opening facing downwards in use to allow connection of the ducts and cables (3a, 19, 21, 22) of the module 2 with the ducts 6, 7, 9 or cables 11 or their respective branches 6a, 7a, 9a, 11a of the device 1.

[0059] In this respect, the module 2, in any case removable or movable, may also have at least one panel, for example a front panel 2b, to expose a zone AZ for accessing the components of the module itself and, if necessary, to allow the ducts 19, 21, 22 and cables 3a of the module 2 to be connected to those in the respective stations 5 or to facilitate maintenance or monitoring.

[0060] Panel 2b can be designed to close the lower front zone of module 2 so that an access zone AZ is delimited below module 2.

[0061] In connection with this embodiment, panel 2b may be attached with screws or other restraining means, or may be attached to guides, or may be otherwise freely slidable or pivotable or made / connected so as to be movable between a closed or restricted or covered position of access zone AZ and an open position (see FIG. 12) in which access zone AZ is exposed and accessible for connecting / disconnecting module 2 to or at station 5.

[0062] Alternatively or additionally, the base 4 or each component may instead include movable panels to allow access to zones to ensure connection of the ducts 19, 21, 22 and cables 3a of the modules 2 with those in the respective stations 5, or to facilitate maintenance or monitoring.

[0063] Of course, means for mechanical restraint of the module 2 to the base 4 can also be envisaged.

[0064] The unit 14 may then include at least one component 27 for collecting and managing the electrical energy generated in the module 2 (effectively an electrical panel), with cables or copper bars or buses 11 extending between the station 5 and the collection and management component 27 and, if necessary, from here towards the respective sockets 27a and, if necessary, to the front end of the base 4.

[0065] Copper bars or copper buses, as they are known, deliver electrical current while dissipating less energy. Although this description makes several references to cables for the transmission of electrical current, it is clear that alternative copper bars can be used with reference to the transmission of power / energy rather than the transmission of signals.

[0066] Of course, collection management component 27 or other components of unit 14 may include, among other things, one or more inverters 29 for converting electrical energy from direct current to alternating current.

[0067] Obviously, the device 1 or unit 14 also includes an electronic control unit or PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) responsible for controlling the various components of the device 1 or unit 14, such as the valves.

[0068] In this regard, the device 1 or unit 14 may also be provided with one or more electrical conductors 12 that serve to transmit electronic control signals from a control unit or PLC to the components of the module 2 .

[0069] The PLC may be integrated into the collection management component 27, whereby the conductor(s) 12 that transmit electronic control signals from the control unit or PLC to the components of the module 2 may be routed out (or away) from the collection management component 27.

[0070] The central control unit and / or the individual central control units (and all the component parts of the modules, such as valves or others, both in terms of technical solutions and control logic) can be programmed so that if a module 2 is replaced or maintained, the others continue to function and generate energy.

[0071] However, in solutions envisaged so far (traditional solutions), where multiple energy generating modules or components are envisaged, when one module is broken or damaged, the others must be put into standby mode, de-rated or turned off to allow for repair and / or replacement intervention.

[0072] However, according to the present invention, this cannot happen.

[0073] In connection with this aspect, modules 2 can deliver electrical energy on the same bus or collector of cable 11, so that when module 2 is disconnected for repair or replacement, the power or energy delivered by the other modules increases slightly to ensure power compensation. In this regard, according to the present invention, modules do not operate at maximum energy or maximum power output unless there is an emergency or abnormal condition.

[0074] This advantage ensures the possibility of generating continuous power without interruption, even in the absence of a backup power grid, to meet typical data center requirements of high power availability, for example, greater than 90%, or even greater than 96% if required, or even 99.999% or higher.

[0075] Even the collection management component 27 may have a casing, for example of box-like or cabinet configuration (preferably parallelepiped or rectangular shaped) generally equivalent to the external configuration of the module 2 .

[0076] Collection management component(s) 27 are always mounted above the base 4 at each station 5a, for example two near the front F.

[0077] Optionally, the unit 14 is also provided with at least one fluid filtering unit 28 mounted on one end of the base.

[0078] The filtering unit 28 may have a casing, for example of box-like or cabinet configuration (preferably parallelepiped or rectangular parallelepiped shape) generally identical to the external configuration of the module 2 .

[0079] A filtering unit 28 is always mounted above the base 4 at each station 5b, for example two near the rear R.

[0080] If desired, the or each filter assembly 28 may include a fuel filtering section 28a and a water or other fluid filtering section 28b. The fuel filtering section 28a may include, for example, a desulfurization station and is therefore shared by all modules 2 for the unit 14.

[0081] If hydrogen is used and no sulfur-based odorants are present, a desulfurizer is not required. A desulfurizer is used to filter the sulfur-based components present in mains natural gas, or in the case of biogas or biomethane, natural gas, from sulfur-based odorants.

[0082] Obviously, when at least one filtering group 28 is present, the duct conveying the fluid, liquid and / or gas to be filtered will have a first section that transports the fluid from the outside to the filtering group 28, and then a second section from the filtering group 28 to the module 2, or more preferably to a connecting pipe that distributes the fluid to the branches.

[0083] Thanks to this configuration, it is possible to carry out regular maintenance of the water and gas filters without having to access the individual energy generation modules, primarily due to the fact that the filters are located external to the modules, servicing all or several modules, etc., clearly providing the redundancy and bypass necessary to ensure continuous operation of the equipment.

[0084] The unit 14 according to the invention may have an overall configuration such that it is also capable of accommodating a container or intermodal container 30 (see Figures 14 and 15), for example 40 feet.

[0085] The subject of the present invention is also the unit housed in the container 30.

[0086] In this case, movement of the module 2 can be achieved in any suitable way, for example by overhead crane or the like 31 or trolley 34, preferably automatic or not by forklift.

[0087] Obviously, the unit 14 according to the invention can also be installed in another operating environment, for example in a room or technical room 33 (see Figures 17 and 18). In this case, the modules 2 can be arranged in any suitable way, for example with their respective rear walls 2c or backs in contact with each other or against the wall 33a of the technical room.

[0088] According to this variant, movement of the module 2 can be achieved in any suitable way, for example by means of a forklift or trolley 34, automatically or without a forklift if required, or even by means of another system.

[0089] With regard to the version of the overhead crane 31, and with reference to the embodiment of the unit housed in a container, a rod 32 or the like can be provided slidably mounted relative to the frame or superstructure of the container 31 or the technical room 33, which rod 32 supports the head of the overhead crane 31, for example carrying a wire or cable or rope, by means of a hook or the like, at the lifting or gripping end of the module 2. In particular compared to the version with a forklift 34, special facilities must clearly be provided to enable the same component to pick up the module 2 and place it appropriately above the respective station 5.

[0090] Thus, for example, the stations 5 may define an upwardly open seat 5c designed to allow the forks 35 of the trolley 34 to be lowered therein and thus the trolley 34 to be pulled out once the module 2 has been placed on the respective station 5.

[0091] Obviously, the base 4, and therefore the respective station 5, may be recessed into the floor of the technical room or may be attached thereto and project upward therefrom.

[0092] The device 1 and unit 14 according to the invention can be used in any kind of application where reliable electrical energy is required, for example in data centers, banks, supermarkets, plants such as refrigeration plants, or other kinds of applications, or generally as a total or partial replacement of an energy supply group such as a UPS.

[0093] According to the present invention, there is also provided a method for connecting and powering a plurality of electrical energy generating modules 2, which method comprises positioning the device 1 as described above and then transporting, positioning and connecting one or more modules 2 on or in various stations 5 in such number as to ensure the desired electrical energy.

[0094] Naturally, the connection step of each module 2 is carried out by placing it above or partly inside the station 5 and then connecting various coupling means, for example quick or automatic coupling means.

[0095] In this regard, the transport step is carried out in any suitable manner, for example by means of an overhead crane 31 or a manually or automatically guided forklift 34, for example with forks and / or shovels.

[0096] As mentioned above, advantageously the base 4 or frame or upper component 37 is pre-fabricated or pre-assembled and then delivered to the installation site already assembled or to be assembled.

[0097] If necessary, the modules 2 can be transported within the apparatus 1 or unit 14 according to the invention by means of an automatic guidance device or shuttle capable of supporting, for example, 500 kg.

[0098] In connection with this aspect, if a walkway or corridor 13 is provided, the operator or shuttle or overhead crane or trolley can operate to position, connect and maintain the module 2 while remaining on the walkway or corridor 13. In this case, the module 2 is moved or dragged (laterally) within the walkway 13 and between it and the station.

[0099] Thereafter, any panel 2b can be moved, for example upwards, to access the access zone AZ.

[0100] Following this step, one or more modules 2, or rather the respective ducts and cables, are easily connected to those in the respective stations 5.

[0101] Furthermore, as mentioned above, each module can be accessed from above or from the front for connection / disconnection or insertion / disconnection, so that they can be positioned against each other or against a wall, leaving other faces or sides open to minimize installation space.

[0102] 21 to 23, there is shown a variant according to the invention in which the module 2 is constrained and connected to a station 5 on or above the module itself, the station 5 therefore being fully or at least partially open below in order to position and connect the module 2 underneath. Of course, in this variant essentially the same advantageous properties apply as those described with reference to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 20.

[0103] According to this variant, the device comprises a series of ducts 6-9 for the inlet and outlet 10 of fluids to and from the device, and at least one cable 11 conveying the electrical energy generated by the module 2, arranged on top of the device itself or in any case at a high position, then, always on top or in any case at a high position, there are arranged respective branches 6a-11a of each of the ducts 6-10 and of the at least one cable 11 at each of the stations 5, as well as connection means 6b-11b of each of the ducts 6-10 and of the at least one cable 11 to respective components of one or more electrical energy generating modules 2.

[0104] Naturally, branches 6a to 11a extend downward from the respective ducts or cables and have lower connection ends.

[0105] In this aspect, the apparatus 1 may or may not include a frame or support component or upper socket 37 that defines the station 5 open or at least defines at least one opening below.

[0106] Thus, for example, and by way of non-limiting example, the frame 37 may include a vertical wall 38 fixed in any suitable manner to the upper wall 30a of the technical room, or vessel 30, or general room, or apparatus itself, and extending to a height corresponding to or slightly higher than the height of the module 2.

[0107] Similar to that shown for base 4, the frame or support component or upper socket 37 can be made of one or more sheets or plates, for example, made of metal. Additionally, the frame or upper component 37 can be pre-fabricated or pre-assembled and then delivered to the installation site already assembled or to be assembled.

[0108] If desired, each station 5 may be defined between two lateral vertical walls 38 , in which case adjacent stations 5 may have a common vertical wall 38 .

[0109] These vertical walls 38 may then define windows or seats 39, 40 at the top for the passage of ducts or cables.

[0110] The station may also be defined by the walls of a container or technical room which may constitute the bottom or rear of the station 5 .

[0111] As for the front of the station (not corresponding to the front of the device or unit), it can be opened and closed using a panel, as will be described later.

[0112] According to this variant, the modules 2 are transported, placed and connected under a number of stations 5 in such a way as to guarantee the desired electrical energy.

[0113] Of course, the connection step for each module 2 is carried out by placing the module 2 under the station 5 and then connecting various connection means, for example quick or automatic connection means.

[0114] In this regard, the modules 2 with their respective side walls can be brought into position within the horizontal shackles of the vertical walls 38 of the respective stations 5, i.e., each module 2 is positioned within the vertical projection space of the zone defined between adjacent vertical walls 38.

[0115] According to this variant, the ducts 19, 21, 22 and the cable 3a of the module 2 project upwards or, in any case, can engage or be connected from above for connection with the ducts 6, 7, 9 or the cable 11 or the respective branches 6a, 7a, 9a, 11a of the device 1.

[0116] In this regard, the transport step can be carried out in any suitable way, for example by a manually or automatically guided trolley, optionally with forks and / or shovels, or the modules 2 can also be provided with wheels 41 at the bottom in order to slide them along corridors or the like, after which, once they are placed under the stations 5, they can be easily or better connected by connecting the respective ducts, cables to those of the respective stations 5. This obviously applies to all modules 2.

[0117] Of course, even in this case, a movable panel 2b can be provided to hide the access zone AZ.

[0118] Obviously, the movable panel can be provided within the module 2 or also at the top of the device, if desired in the upper component or socket or its frame.

[0119] Thus, for example, the frame 37 may include panels 37a attached with screws or other restraining means, or may be attached to guides and otherwise freely slide or pivot or create / connect with respect to the frame 37 or the respective vertical wall 38, and thus be movable between a closed or limited or coverage position and an open position of the access zone.

[0120] Modifications and variations of the present invention are possible within the scope defined by the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0121] 1. Fuel cell module integration device 2 modules (for generating electrical energy) 3 Fuel cell stack 4. Bass 5 Stations 6~10 ducts 11 Cable 13 Sidewalks or corridors 14 units 37 Frame or upper component

Claims

1. A device for generating electrical energy and for connecting and supplying a plurality of modules (2) each comprising at least one stack (3) of fuel cells, comprising: The device comprises a main base (4) or frame or upper element (37) defining a number of stations (5), each station for positioning and connecting above or below it at least one module (2) for generating electrical energy; the device further comprises a plurality of ducts (6-9) housed within the base (4) or frame or upper component (37) and arranged for fluid inlet and outlet (10) to the device, and at least one cable (11) for carrying electrical energy generated by the modules (2); The device further comprises respective branches (6a-11a) of the ducts (6-10) and at least one cable (11) at each of the stations (5), always housed in the base (4) or in a frame or upper component (37), and means (6b-11b) for coupling the ducts (6-10) and at least one cable (11) to respective components of a module (2) for generating electrical energy, A device, wherein said base (4) or frame or upper component (37) is made of at least one folded and / or welded and / or bolted and / or screwed sheet or plate.

2. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the base (4) or frame or upper component (37) defines a part of a surrounding frame (4a) and a number of cross members (4b) designed to connect the two parts of the base (4) and to define the station (5) at least partially open upwards or downwards for the positioning and connection of modules (2) for generating electrical energy.

3. 3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the coupling means (6b-11b) of one or more ducts and / or one or more cables are automatic or quick coupling means or joints.

4. said automatic or quick coupling means or joints comprising a first element or connector (6b1-11b1) restrained or fixed to one end of a duct (6-10) or cable (11) and a second element or connector (6b2-11b2) which can be restrained or fixed by a module (2) or rather to one end of said tube or cable carrying a fluid or current therein, The second element parts (6b2 to 11b2) are inserted into the first element parts (6b1 to 11b1), 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the automatic or quick coupling means or coupling comprises an automatic valve or shut-off means or switch means mounted within the automatic or quick coupling means or coupling and adapted to close a fluid or energy passage when two components of the respective automatic or quick coupling means or coupling are disconnected, and to open the passage when the two components are connected.

5. said base (4) defining at least two rows (4c) of stations separated from each other by a walkway or corridor (13); 5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the walkways or corridors are designed to allow walking between the rows (4c).

6. The ducts (6-10) and the cables (11) lead to the same side of the base (4) or frame or upper component (37), or are all open; 6. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6; a plurality of electrical energy generating modules (2), each mounted on or above or below a respective station (5), with respective pipes or cables connected to the ducts and cables at each station (5); An energy generating unit comprising:

8. At least one module of said plurality of modules comprises at least one fuel cell stack (3) designed to deliver electrical energy via one or more supply cables (3 a), said at least one fuel cell stack (3) comprising an anode (17) and a cathode (18); The unit further comprises a first line (19) for conveying reactant fuel gas to the anode (17), a second line (20) for conveying air to the cathode (18), and exhaust lines (21) from the anode (17) and from the cathode (18).

8. The unit of claim 7.

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

10. 10. A unit according to claim 7, 8 or 9, wherein at least one module defines at least one opening which, in use, faces downwards or upwards to allow connection of the ducts and cables (3a, 19, 21, 22) of that module (2) with the ducts (6, 7, 9) or cables (11) or respective branches (6a, 7a, 9a, 11a) of the device.

11. 11. A unit according to claim 7, 8, 9 or 10, wherein at least one module (2) or the base (4) or the frame or upper component (37) comprises at least one panel (2b) that is removable, or in any case movable, so as to expose an access zone (AZ) and allow the connection of the ducts (19, 21, 22) and cables (3a) of the module (2) to those of the respective station (5).

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

13. 13. A unit according to any one of claims 7 to 12, comprising at least one group for filtering a fluid (28) attached to one end of the base (4) or the frame or upper component (37).

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

15. 15. A unit according to claim 14, wherein the control unit is configured so that when one module (2) is disconnected for replacement or maintenance, the other modules continue to function and generate energy.

16. An intermodal container comprising a unit according to any one of claims 7 to 15 housed therein.

17. 1. A method for connecting and powering a plurality of electrical energy generating modules, comprising: Providing a device according to any one of claims 1 to 6; transporting, positioning and connecting one or more modules (2) into, above or below the station (5); The method comprising:

18. 18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the base (4) or frame or upper component (37) is prefabricated or preassembled and then transported to the installation site already mounted or assembled.

19. the step of connecting each module (2) is carried out by placing the module (2) above or partly inside or below the station (5) and then connecting automatic or quick coupling means or joints; 19. A method according to claim 17 or claim 18, using an apparatus according to claim 2.

20. 20. The method according to claim 17, 18 or 19, wherein the modules (2) are transported in the apparatus (1) by an automatic guidance device or shuttle, or an overhead crane or a forklift, or the modules slide on wheels (41).

21. an electronic control unit is provided for controlling the components of the device (1) or the module (2); Multiple modules (2) deliver electrical energy on the same bus or collector (11), so that when one module (2) is disconnected for repair or replacement, the power or energy delivered by the other modules increases slightly to ensure power compensation, and those modules do not operate at maximum energy or maximum power output unless there is an emergency or abnormal condition; 21. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 20.

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