Method for enclosing a hydrogen and oxygen generating device in an enclosure and an enclosure adapted for a hydrogen and oxygen generating device

Abstract

The enclosure adapted for a movably arranged hydrogen and oxygen generating apparatus has an interior, an inner surface, and an outer surface, the hydrogen and oxygen generating apparatus including at least one electrolyzer stack adapted to electrolyze water into hydrogen-producing gas and oxygen-producing gas and associated gases, and an electrolyte processing device. The outer surface of the enclosure includes at least one insulating flexible polymer cover element attached to a metal frame.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for encapsulating a hydrogen and oxygen generating device in an enclosure.Furthermore, the present invention relates to an enclosure adapted to encapsulate a hydrogen and oxygen generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] Mobile units containing hydrogen and oxygen generators are becoming increasingly popular because they can be manufactured as mass-produced units and easily transported to sites where hydrogen is needed and electrical power is available. The units can even be installed in an open configuration on-site and moved from one site to another. Because the units are exposed to inclement weather and contain delicate, temperature-sensitive equipment, each unit must be enclosed in some type of protective covering to ensure somewhat predictable temperature levels within the unit and protection from precipitation. Such enclosures are typically made of hardboard material with a durable paint or varnish polymer finish. Hardboard enclosures leave several unresolved issues, such as the maintainability of components within the unit, and require either the use of doors in multiple locations or disassembly options, which can be costly to implement. The use of doors also requires room for the door to swing in multiple positions, which increases the unit's footprint. All such units also carry a slight risk of gas leaks, particularly oxygen and hydrogen, which, in appropriate concentrations, can suddenly and violently combust into water, releasing pressure waves. Such pressure waves can cause portions of the hardboard enclosure surrounding the unit to break apart and accelerate, thereby causing injury to personnel and equipment near the unit. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method of encapsulating a hydrogen and oxygen generating device within an enclosure having a frame, an interior, an inner surface, and an outer surface, the hydrogen and oxygen generating device comprising: at least one electrolyzer stack adapted to electrolyze water into a hydrogen-producing gas and an oxygen-producing gas; - a product gas and electrolyte treatment device; The following steps are performed:

[0004] a) Assembling and mounting the hydrogen and oxygen generating device on a metal frame; b) Adding and fixing an insulating flexible polymer cover element to the metal frame.

[0005] This allows providing a mobile unit (8) for transporting / moving the hydrogen and oxygen generating device.

[0006] The above-mentioned components of the hydrogen and oxygen generator are mounted in a frame, which facilitates mobility of the enclosure and the components of the hydrogen and oxygen generator.

[0007] The use of flexible polymer cover elements is an excellent way to mitigate the risk of possible sudden thermal expansion of gas within the enclosure, as the flexible cover element can be easily made lighter so that even if a portion of it is accelerated to high speeds it will not contain enough energy to cause injury to personnel or equipment, and the flexibility of the cover element also prevents penetration even of high-speed fragments of the cover element. Flexible polymer covers also impart a lower weight, thereby allowing for easier transportation of the unit.

[0008] In an embodiment of the present invention, a conductive cover is added with a flexible polymer cover element and secured to the metal frame.

[0009] The conductive cover, when connected to electrical ground at multiple locations, provides an excellent countermeasure against charge buildup, which is otherwise always a risk for flexible polymers spread over a larger area. Providing the conductive cover as a separate unit and not embedded in the flexible polymer cover element makes a wider range of flexible covers available and also makes it easier to improve functions such as insulation, which can be performed independently by simply adding to the thickness of one flexible polymer cover element or by providing an additional layer thereof.

[0010] In one embodiment, an intermediate contour is added to a metal frame by attaching a first mounting surface of the intermediate contour to the metal frame, a flexible and insulating polymer cover element is secured to a second mounting surface of the contour on a side surface of the metal frame and on an upwardly facing surface of the metal frame, and further, a mounting strip is provided on the exterior of the flexible polymer cover element along the intermediate contour, whereby the mounting strip is secured by a through-fastener adapted to pass through the mounting strip, the flexible cover element, the conductive cover, and the second mounting surface of the intermediate contour.

[0011] The use of an intermediate profile ensures that there is a uniform, flat surface for mounting the flexible polymer element and that any irregularities in the metal frame, such as assembly flanges, can be accommodated by the intermediate profile. Also, the intermediate profile is made from a material, such as plated stainless steel, that is easier to machine than a thick metal frame section to obtain fastening points, such as screw or rivet holes.

[0012] In one embodiment, a zippered opening is provided to allow access through the flexible polymer cover element and the conductive cover to the interior of the enclosure.

[0013] The use of zippers in flexible materials of this nature is well known, but is clearly not the best solution for the enclosure of hydrogen and oxygen generating devices, as the zipper lines leave small openings between the individual locking elements. However, these vents ensure natural ventilation of the unit, which is therefore unexpectedly advantageous.

[0014] In one embodiment, the following further step is carried out: extending a tongue element at the lower edge of the at least one opening into the interior of the enclosure at a downward inclination angle relative to the horizontal plane.

[0015] If a zipper-operated opening is provided where a tongue is desired, it will be natural for the lower edge of such zipper-operated opening to extend into the interior space of the enclosure. The tongue will ensure that any effluent discharged from the electrolyte processing equipment within the enclosure is guided into the interior of the enclosure, where a suitable container for such effluent, such as a drip pan, may be provided.

[0016] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to an enclosure adapted for use in a hydrogen and oxygen generating device, the enclosure comprising a frame portion, an interior, an inner surface, and an outer surface, the hydrogen and oxygen generating device comprising: at least one electrolyzer stack adapted to electrolyze water into a hydrogen-producing gas and an oxygen-producing gas; -Associated gas and electrolyte processing equipment.

[0017] Preferably, the exterior surface of the enclosure comprises at least one insulating flexible polymer cover element attached to a metal frame.

[0018] This allows providing a mobile unit (8) for transporting / moving the hydrogen and oxygen generating device.

[0019] Such elements provide a safer enclosure for the hydrogen and oxygen generating equipment within the mobile unit.

[0020] The above-mentioned components of the hydrogen and oxygen generator are mounted in a frame, which facilitates mobility of the enclosure and the components of the hydrogen and oxygen generator.

[0021] In one embodiment, the intermediate profile is adapted to be mounted on the metal frame via a first mounting surface of the intermediate profile, the flexible and insulating polymer cover element is adapted to abut a second mounting surface of the intermediate profile along the side and upwardly facing side of the metal frame, and finally, the mounting strip is secured to the exterior of the flexible polymer cover element along the intermediate profile by through-fasteners adapted to pass through the strip, the flexible cover element, and the second mounting surface of the intermediate profile.

[0022] The intermediate profile allows the two sets of mounting surfaces to provide some distance between the two sets of surfaces outward from the enclosure, which can be very useful as it allows the polymer cover element to be positioned away from protruding elements such as flange connections between possible subassemblies of the mobile unit.

[0023] In one embodiment, the conductive cover is arranged to extend with the flexible polymer cover element and is secured with the flexible polymer cover element between the mounting strip and the second mounting surface of the intermediate profile.

[0024] A separate conductive cover for the purpose of mitigating possible charge buildup on the flexible polymer cover element allows for rapid redesign of the enclosure, such as for adaptation to arctic conditions, as explained above. However, it is noted that flexible cover elements containing antistatic fillers are also an option for insuring against charge buildup on the surface of the flexible polymer cover element, if and when they become commercially available in the desired quantities.

[0025] In one embodiment, a zippered opening is provided to allow access through the flexible polymer cover element and the conductive cover to the interior of the enclosure.

[0026] Since serviceability is required from nearly all angles of the enclosure, the use of a zipper opening is advantageous not only from a cost standpoint, but also from a space-saving measure around the enclosure.

[0027] In one embodiment, a tongue element at the lower edge of the at least one opening extends into the enclosure at a downward inclination angle relative to the horizontal.

[0028] The use of a tongue element integrally formed with the flexible polymer cover element provides a means for directing waste discharged from components within the enclosure to a container or the like.

[0029] In a further aspect, the present invention may be a mobile unit, for example as defined above with respect to the second aspect of the present invention and manufactured by the above method according to the first aspect of the present invention. More specifically, the mobile unit (8) may be a mobile or mobile hydrogen and oxygen generation plant, the mobile / mobile hydrogen and oxygen generation plant comprising an enclosure (2) configured to enclose a hydrogen and oxygen generation device (1), the enclosure (2) being formed by at least a metal frame, the enclosure comprising: -Interior (3) and -Inner surface (4) and - an outer surface (5), The hydrogen and oxygen generating device (1) comprises: at least one electrolyzer stack (6) adapted to electrolyze water into hydrogen-producing gas and oxygen-producing gas and associated gases; - an electrolyte treatment device (7), The hydrogen and oxygen generating device (1) is disposed within a metal frame part (9), The outer surface (5) of the enclosure (2) comprises at least one insulating flexible polymer cover element (10) attached to a metal frame portion (9).

[0030] For example, the mobile unit (8) in the form of the mobile / mobile hydrogen and oxygen generating plant described above may comprise any of the further features of the enclosure as described in relation to the second aspect of the invention or may be made by the method defined in relation to the embodiments of the first aspect of the invention.

[0031] Various exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, both as to structure and method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific exemplary and non-limiting embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0032] The verbs "to comprise" and "to include" are used herein as open limitations which neither exclude nor require the presence of unrecited features. Features recited in dependent claims may be freely combined with one another unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, it is to be understood that throughout this specification the use of "a" or "an", i.e., the singular, does not exclude a plurality.

[0033] It is to be emphasized that as used herein, the term "comprises / including / including" is to be taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

[0034] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to embodiments illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which it is emphasized that the illustrated embodiments are used for illustrative purposes only and are not to be used to limit the scope of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1] 1 shows six side view representations of the exterior surface of an enclosure according to the present invention. [Figure 2]A 3D representation of a segmented portion of the inner corner of the inclusion and the contour to which the inclusion is anchored. [Figure 3] This is a 3D representation of the cross section along the horizontal plane of the corner seen in Figure 2, viewed from above. [Figure 4] 4 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the corner shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a detail of FIG. [Figure 6] 3D view of hydrogen and oxygen generating device 1 with product gas and electrolyte processing equipment 7 together with metal frame 9 is shown. [Figure 7] 7A and 7B are 3D views of the plant shown in FIG. 6 from different angles. [Figure 8] 3 and 4 show a 3D representation of a cross section through the corner of the plant into which the corner fits. [Figure 9] A 3D view of the entire drip pan 28 is shown. [Figure 10] A 3D representation of the intermediate profile 11, rafters 29 and mounting strips 20 is shown. [Figure 11] A cross-sectional view of a 3D representation of the installation of a through-block power line feeder is shown. [Figure 12] 10 shows the details of the mounting of the slide socket 37. [Figure 13] 1 shows a set of mounting brackets for the wall layers of the enclosure. [Figure 14] 1 is a schematic diagram of a cross section of a self-acting flow-through opening. [Figure 15] Pneumatically operated openings are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] FIG. 1 shows an enclosure 2 having an interior 3 and inner and outer surfaces 4 and 5. Enclosure 2 is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 arranged to enclose a hydrogen and oxygen generating apparatus 1, comprising at least one electrolyzer stack 6 adapted to electrolyze water into hydrogen-producing gas and oxygen-producing gas, and also comprising product gas and electrolyte processing equipment 7. Electrolyzer stack 6 and product gas and electrolyte processing equipment 7 are assembled within a mobile unit 8 comprising a metal frame 9. Thus, mobile unit 8 can be partially or fully assembled at a factory and loaded onto a truck for transport to a site where hydrogen and / or oxygen production is desired.

[0037] To protect the electrolyzer, electrolyte, and gas processing equipment from adverse weather conditions such as rain and wind, a flexible polymer cover element 10, which is also thermally insulating, is added to the metal frame part 9. In this way, the delicate electronic components and mechanically sensitive elements located within the mobile unit 8 are not directly exposed to rain, wind, or sun. Furthermore, the insulating properties of the polymer cover element 10 help to ensure a somewhat uniform temperature inside the enclosure 2, which makes temperature control easier, especially for the electrolyzer stack. The flexibility of the cover element, as well as its light weight, also reduces the risk of a potential sudden reaction of accidentally leaking oxygen and hydrogen gases within the enclosure.

[0038] An additional cover 22 can be provided with the flexible polymer cover element 10, and preferably, this additional cover is flexible, lightweight, and electrically conductive. The additional cover 22 can be made electrically conductive by adding conductive elements, such as metal fibers or particles, metal oxides and / or carbon-based compounds, or combinations of the above, to the polymer composition of the additional cover 22. Embedded fibrous sheet-like elements can make the additional cover 22 less susceptible to tearing. The presence of this additional cover 22 can reduce the tendency of the flexible polymer cover element 10 to accumulate static charge, preventing static-induced flash discharges. Preferably, the additional cover is added along the surface of the flexible polymer cover element facing the interior 3 of the enclosure 2. This can be seen in FIGS. 5 and 3, but throughout, the additional cover 22 is intended to be provided along all interior surfaces of the flexible polymer cover element, even if not shown in some of the drawings.

[0039] An intermediate profile 11 is disclosed in Figures 2, 3, 4, and 5 and is added onto the metal frame 9 by attaching a first mounting surface 12 of the intermediate profile 11 to the metal frame 9. The intermediate profile 11 allows for easy attachment of the flexible cover element 10 and additional cover 22, as the intermediate profile 11 can be made from a softer, thinner material, such as stainless steel sheet. Furthermore, the intermediate profile 11 also allows for flexible polymer elements to be attached away from the metal frame 9, which provides some flexibility in the construction process, as the intermediate profile 11 can be designed at a later stage and allows for the acceptance of elements that do not easily fit within the metal frame 9 of the mobile unit. Screws, bolts, or even adhesives can be utilized to fasten the first mounting surface to the vertical and horizontal supports of the metal frame 9. It should be noted that when small piece attachment means such as screws are used, fewer screw holes are formed in the metal frame elements than when the flexible polymer cover elements 10, 22 are directly fastened to the metal frame portions using screw, rivet or bolting techniques, and furthermore, the intermediate contours can be easily shaped to accommodate irregularities in the metal frame, such as flanges for interconnection of possible subassemblies of the movable unit 8.

[0040] A flexible (and insulating) polymer cover element 10 can be easily added to the second mounting surface 13 of the intermediate profile, thereby covering all sides 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 of the metal frame 9 .

[0041] Preferably, the polymer cover element 10 is made from a particularly durable polymer, such as PVC; expanded PVC can be selected to ensure good thermal insulation. While the thickness can vary depending on the required thermal properties, the material preferably has a thickness of 3 mm or more and a weight of approximately 1300 g / m². The cover element also preferably includes an embedded fabric, such as a PES-based fabric, for added strength. Note that the conductive cover 22 has a weight of approximately 630 g / m². The combined weight of the flexible cover element 10 and the conductive cover 22 preferably does not exceed 1930 g / m², more preferably does not exceed 2000 g / m². Note that if the hydrogen and oxygen generation device is located in an arctic region, it is preferable to use a thicker, and therefore heavier, flexible polymer cover, using multiple cover elements 10 on top of each other to reach the desired solar radiation value.

[0042] 1 and 10, the upwardly facing surface 18 of the metal frame 9 may be covered in this manner, but here the intermediate profile is preferably shaped as a rafter 29 (best seen in FIG. 10) adapted to bridge the distance between the upper horizontal frame element 19 at the first side 14 and the second side 15 of the enclosure 2. An inverted U-shaped bracket is fastened to the outer end of the rafter 29 and adapted to be attached to the upper horizontal metal frame portion 9. The length axis centerline 31 of the upwardly facing surface 18 of the flexible cover element 10 is raised by the rafter 29, thereby forming the upwardly facing surface 18 as a gable roof 30. This prevents water from accumulating on the upwardly facing surface 18.

[0043] On the exterior of the flexible polymer cover element 10, a mounting strip 20 is provided along the intermediate contour 11, and the strip 20 is secured by a through-fastener 21 adapted to pass through the mounting strip 20, the flexible cover element 10, the conductive cover 22, and the second mounting surface 13 of the intermediate contour 11. This is best seen in Figures 3 and 5. Figure 5 also shows the mounting strip 20 in cross section, where it can be seen that the strip 20 has a V-shaped profile, and when the through-fastener 21 is provided at the apex 31 of the V, it ensures that the two legs of the V are compressed towards the underlying flexible polymer cover element 10 and conductive cover 22, respectively.

[0044] The through-fasteners 21 may be shaped as bolts, screws, or rivets, or even as flexible ropes or wires that pass through holes in the strips, cover, and intermediate profile to ensure pressure between the mounting strips 20 and the underlying second mounting surface 13 of the intermediate profile 11. In the example shown, hollow rivets are selected for their ease of installation and for providing a predictable and consistent tension between the mounting strips 20 and the second mounting surface. Preferably, pre-prepared through-holes are provided in both mounting strips 20 along their vertex lines and through the material of the second mounting surface 13 to make rivet installation very easy.

[0045] Several tongue elements 24 are visible in FIG. 1 , and a 3D partial cross-section through such tongues 24 is visible in FIG. 2 . The tongue elements 24 extend inward from the lower edge 25 of the tongued zipper-operated opening 26 into the interior of the enclosure. As seen in FIG. 1 , only three of the multiple zipper-operated openings 23 are tongued zipper-operated openings 26. The tongues are positioned at a downward inclination angle 27, as seen in FIG. 4 , to facilitate flow into the drip pan. All of the tongues 24 extend into the so-called drip pan 28, shown in FIG. 8 and in its entirety in FIG. 9 . The drip pan 28 is essentially a corrosion-resistant pan adapted to accumulate effluent leaking from the electrolyzer stack 6 and electrolyte processing equipment 7, such as the separator 34, mounted above it. Additionally, electrolyte-filled pumps, filters, and heat exchangers are located above the drip pan 28, and any tubing interconnecting these multiple components may pose a risk of leakage. Due to the pressure within the vessel as mentioned above, a leak could shoot a gush of fluid towards the containment body, in which case it would be desirable to direct the leaking fluid towards drip pan 28. In Figure 1, when viewed from below, there is only tongue 24 extending inward from first side 14, although in principle it would be possible to position a tongue extending from the lower edge of zipper-operated opening 23 on second side 15 into drip pan 28, although the control valves, wiring and piping in this area would prevent this measure from being realized.

[0046] Zippers (not shown) are inserted into both the flexible polymer cover element 10 and the conductive cover 22 at the first side 14, the second side 15, the first end side 16, and the upward-facing side zipper-operated opening 23, thereby allowing external access at any point where equipment and units requiring maintenance are located as part of the hydrogen and oxygen generation apparatus 1. Thus, the maintenance opening in the flexible polymer cover element can be located at any desired point, eliminating the need for hinges, door frames, door locks, movement spaces for hinged doors, and brackets for securing open doors. The zipper-operated access opening can be easily secured in the open position, such as by being rolled up. As seen in FIG. 1 , the zipper-operated opening has a zipper line that continues on three sides, thereby forming a flap-like element that remains attached to the enclosure when the zipper is unzipped. However, a zipper may be provided along the entire perimeter of the opening, thereby allowing the opening flap to be completely removed from the enclosure. Notably, compared to a board-like enclosure with multiple openings, the flexible cover element also weighs significantly less, which means that the total weight of the unit is smaller, making it easier to transport.

[0047] It is worth noting that the proposed flexible enclosure also allows for deployment of electrolyzer units close to residential areas or infrastructure such as roads and ports, due to a reduced risk of formation of energy-rich explosive gas mixtures within the enclosure, as well as a reduced risk of high-velocity heavy parts spreading away from the unit in the event of a sudden, unplanned decomposition.

[0048] To mitigate the risk of hydrogen buildup inside the mobile unit 8, automatically operating flap-like covers 23A for the air flow areas 23B or openings can easily be provided within the enclosure 2, the light weight and flexibility of the flexible cover element 10 both allowing for easy and lightweight construction of such automatically operating openings. In practice, some or all of the openings 23 enclosed by zipper lines may simply be replaced or supplemented with closures, where necessary, provided with built-in magnets 23E, 23F to keep the flap-like covers 23A closed, and an actuator 23C provided to move the edges of the flap-like covers 23A away from the rest of the unit 8, thereby opening the air flow areas.

[0049] A first number of magnets 23E shall be provided on or possibly embedded in the flap-like cover 23A at its edge, and a further number of magnets 23F shall be provided on the intermediate contour 11 (as shown in FIG. 14) or on the metal frame 9. When the actuator 23C operates the frame-like part 23D to close the opening 23B, the two sets of magnets 23F and 23E shall ensure a reasonable and tight closure of the opening 23B, even if the light weight of the frame-like part 23D does not allow for the realization of a sealing function. If further security against leakage is desired, the zipper 23 may optionally be closed manually.

[0050] Actuator 23C may be a conventional pneumatic or electrically operated actuator with one end connected to a frame-like part 23D, such as a plastic frame, disposed around the edge of flap-like cover 23A and fastened thereto. The other end of the actuator is connected to metal frame 9 of movable unit 8, thereby enabling flap-like cover 23A to be operated between an open and closed state, the closed state being shown in FIG. 14. If both zipper-operated opening 23 and magnetically and actuator-operated closure are provided on the same flap-like cover 23A, zipper 23 may be manually operated and used while the unit is being transported, or may remain closed for a longer period of time.

[0051] Pneumatically actuated elements integrated into the double-walled portion of the flap-like cover, such as polymer hoses 45, 46 shown schematically in FIG. 15 and adapted to change shape when exposed to an internal pressure greater than ambient pressure (as indicated by 46), may be provided to enable controlled movement of the flap or flap-like cover 23A (not shown in FIG. 15) to increase airflow through the openings to allow or enhance natural or forced ventilation within the unit 8. This is an alternative to the well-known pneumatic or electric actuators described above. The advantage of this option is that the frame-like component 23D and the electric or pneumatic actuator can be omitted altogether; only magnets and integrated pneumatically actuated polymer hoses are required. The hoses 44, 45 are somewhat longer on one side than the other, which explains the movement between the unpressurized and pressurized states shown in FIG. 15. A number of such elements (not shown), each with a controllable supply of compressed air, can alternately engage and disengage the multiple magnets, thereby opening and closing the airflow through the openings.

[0052] Such openings are most often provided in both the rubber and top of the enclosure to allow for natural ventilation, which can be enhanced by mechanical ventilation, and which also aids in any pressure testing of the unit to detect tears in the flexible polymer cover element 10.

[0053] In some geographic areas, screens or filters (not shown) may be required to cover the airflow openings, increasing their area to provide the same airflow capacity as unscreened areas. This is particularly relevant in areas with significant insect life or frequent dust storms.

[0054] It is recommended that the control of the above-mentioned flap-like cover be combined with the overall control of the hydrogen plant inside the enclosure, so that no operation can be performed with respect to hydrogen production when the above-mentioned automatically operating flap-like cover is closed, and so that the cover cannot be closed unless the plant is fully depressurized and / or all explosive gases have left the plant.

[0055] A particular weakness of flexible cover elements is their susceptibility to tearing. However, simple measures, such as a simple visual inspection of the unit each time work is performed on or around the unit, address this weakness. Pressure or under-pressure testing of the unit may also additionally or alternatively be performed at regular intervals, possibly automated, to ensure that larger tears are not present. In such a test, all openings are first closed, and then the pressure within the unit is slightly changed from ambient pressure and the duration of normalization of the pressure within the unit to return to ambient pressure through gaps, such as closed zipper openings, is measured.

[0056] If better security against tearing is desired, built-in or external reinforcement based on metal wiring is also an option. If placed externally, a wire mesh that is not too flexible can be provided, and if a more flexible wire mesh is used, it can be embedded in the flexible polymer cover element 10.

[0057] FIG. 11 shows a power line 35 connecting two power terminals 40 of the electrolyzer stack 6; the power line 35 must pass through the enclosure 2; for this purpose, a through-block power line feed 36 is provided, slidably mounted in a sliding socket 37. The sliding socket 37 is arranged to allow the through-block power line feed 36 to move vertically relative to the second side 16 of the enclosure. The sliding socket 37 comprises a square metal frame 38 mounted on a vertical holder plate 39, the through-block power line feed 36 being dimensioned to fit easily and slidably into the metal frame 38. As can be seen in FIG. 12, the feed through hole 41 in the vertical holder plate 39 is slightly smaller in size than the metal frame 38, thereby providing an end stop 33 for the movement of the through-block power line feed 36 in a direction towards the interior 3 of the enclosure 2. Cable attachments 42 attach each power line 35 to a respective through-block power line feed 36, so that any movement of the power terminals 40 in an outward direction is absorbed by the power lines 35 and through-block feeds 36 and does not create tension in the holder plate or enclosure 2. Preferably, the through-block power line feeds are made from a polymeric, electrically insulating material. During pressurization and electrolysis to cause heating, the stack 6 lengthens by several millimeters, and while one end is fixed and prevented from moving, the other end holding the power terminals 40 shown in FIG. 11 moves and is slidably positioned to do so.

[0058] It should be noted that the power lines 35 are fed through and connected to the through-block power line feeds 36 and to the power terminals 40 while the stack 6 is not heated and not pressurized. During pressurization and heating, the power terminals 40 move towards the wall of the enclosure, causing the through-block power line feeds 36 to slide away from the vertical holder plate 39 in the sliding sockets 37, with the connected power lines, without putting pressure on this plate 39 and without disturbing the components of the enclosure 2 that are attached. As can be seen, up to three power lines 35 are connected to each power terminal, this measure providing some flexibility in the power lines compared to a situation where the current is carried by a single power cable.

[0059] An alternative to the mobility-incorporating feedthrough power line supply discussed above is a power cable loop inside the enclosure between power terminals 40, with a rigid feedthrough that can accommodate movement within the loop. This solution is less desirable because the interior of the enclosure becomes piled with pipes, wiring, valves, control electronics and vessels, all of which must remain insulated from the high potentials within the loop, which is not easy to do in a safe way without increasing the overall footprint of mobile unit 8.

[0060] Figure 13 shows two pairs of right-angle brackets 43. The brackets 43 are also seen in Figures 10, 11, and 7, and are adapted to fit in pairs around the square metal frame 38. During installation, the flexible polymer cover element 10 and conductive cover 22 are cut diagonally from corner to corner of the square metal frame 38, drawing the two layers of enclosure wall material toward the vertical holder plate 39. This leaves triangular flaps of enclosure wall material along the outside of the metal frame 38 over which brackets can be attached and screwed at two opposite corners to securely bond the enclosure wall material to the metal frame 38.

[0061] In Figure 7, the electrical cabinet 44 is shown, which is located on the second side 15 of the enclosure, and in the position of the cabinet 44 the enclosure is open, without the flexible cover 10 and the conductive cover 22. Thus, in Figure 1, the view of the second side shows the inner surface 4 of the first side 14 of the enclosure 2, where the electrical cabinet 44 will be when the enclosure is mounted on the mobile unit 8.

[0062] The flexible polymer cover elements 10 are also preferably thermally insulating. For example, they are formed of a material that is thermally insulating or include a component or layer that is thermally insulating. Accordingly, in the context of this application, the flexible polymer cover elements 10 may also be referred to as "thermally insulating flexible polymer cover elements 10," flexible and thermally insulating polymer cover elements 10, etc.

[0063] It should be noted that the drawings and the above description have provided a simple and schematic depiction of exemplary embodiments, and many of the specific mechanical details have not been shown, as those skilled in the art would be familiar with these details and would only unnecessarily complicate this description. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1 Hydrogen and oxygen generator 2. Inclusion bodies 3 inside 4. Inner Surface 5 External surface 6 Electrolyzer Stack 7. Produced Gas and Electrolyte Treatment Equipment 8 Mobile Unit 9 Metal Frame 10 Flexible polymer cover element 11 Intermediate external shape 12 First mounting surface 13 Second mounting surface 14 First Aspect 15 The Second Aspect 16 first end side 17 Second end side 18 Upward Side 19 Upper horizontal frame element 20 Mounting strips 21 Penetrating fasteners 22 Conductive cover 23 Zippered opening 23A Flap-shaped cover 23B Air circulation area 23C Actuator 23D frame-shaped parts 23E Magnet fastened to flap cover 23F Magnets fixed to a metal frame or intermediate shape 24 Tongue element 25 Lower edge 26 zippered opening with tongue 27 Downward tilt angle 28 Drip Pan 29 Rafters 30 Gable roof 31 Length axis centerline 32 The apex of the V-shaped profile 33 End stopper 34 Separator 35 Power Lines 36 Block penetration power line supply section 37 Slide socket 38 square metal frames 39 Vertical holder plate 40 Power terminal 41 Supply through hole 42 Cable attachment 43 Right-angle bracket 44 Electrical Cabinet 45 Non-pressurized polymer hose 46 Pressure Polymer Hose

Claims

1. A method for encapsulating a hydrogen and oxygen generating device (1) in an enclosure (2), the enclosure (2) comprising: - a metal frame part (9), -Inside (3) and - inner surface (4) and - an outer surface (5), The hydrogen and oxygen generating device (1) comprises: at least one electrolyzer stack (6) adapted to electrolyze water into a hydrogen-producing gas and an oxygen-producing gas; - a product gas and electrolyte treatment device (7), The method comprises: - assembling and mounting said hydrogen and oxygen generating device (1) on said metal frame part (9); - adding and fixing a heat insulating flexible polymer cover element (10) to said metal frame part (9).

2. a) adding the intermediate profile (11) onto the metal frame (9) by attaching the first mounting surface (12) of the intermediate profile (11) to the metal frame (9); b) said flexible polymer cover element (10) is fixed to the side surfaces (14, 15, 16, 17) of said metal frame (9) and to the second mounting surface (13) of said intermediate contour (11) on the upward facing surface (18) of said metal frame (9); c) providing attachment strips (20) on the exterior of said flexible polymer cover element (10) along said intermediate contour (11); d) attaching the mounting strip (20) to the flexible polymer cover element (10) by means of a penetrating fastener (21) adapted to pierce the mounting strip (20), the flexible cover element (10), and the second mounting surface (13) of the intermediate profile (11).

3. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein a zipper-operated opening (23) is provided, said zipper-operated opening (23) allowing access through said flexible polymer cover element (10) to the interior of said enclosure.

4. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein a conductive cover (22) is added together with the flexible polymer cover element (10) and fixed to the metal frame part (9).

5. a) adding the intermediate profile (11) onto the metal frame (9) by attaching the first mounting surface (12) of the intermediate profile (11) to the metal frame (9); b) said flexible polymer cover element (10) is fixed to the side surfaces (14, 15, 16, 17) of said metal frame (9) and to the second mounting surface (13) of said intermediate contour (11) on the upward facing surface (18) of said metal frame (9); c) providing attachment strips (20) on the exterior of said flexible polymer cover element (10) along said intermediate contour (11); d) attaching the mounting strip (20) to the flexible polymer cover element (10) by means of a penetrating fastener (21) adapted to pierce the mounting strip (20), the flexible cover element (10), the conductive cover (22), and the second mounting surface (13) of the intermediate profile (11).

6. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein a zipper-operated opening (23) is provided, said zipper-operated opening (23) allowing access to said interior of said enclosure through said flexible polymer cover element (10) and said conductive (22) cover.

7. 7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the following further step is performed: extending a tongue element (24) of a lower edge (25) of at least one opening (26) into the interior (3) of the enclosure (2) at a downward inclination angle (27) relative to the horizontal.

8. An enclosure (2) adapted to enclose a hydrogen and oxygen generating device (1), said enclosure (2) comprising: - a metal frame part (9), -Inside (3) and - inner surface (4) and - an outer surface (5), The hydrogen and oxygen generating device (1) comprises: at least one electrolyzer stack (6) adapted to electrolyze water into hydrogen-producing and oxygen-producing gases and associated gases; an electrolyte treatment device (7), The hydrogen and oxygen generating device (1) is disposed within the metal frame part (9), The outer surface (5) of the enclosure (2) comprises at least one insulating flexible polymer cover element (10) attached to the metal frame portion (9).

9. 9. The enclosure (2) of claim 8, wherein an intermediate profile (11) is mounted on the metal frame (9) via a first mounting surface (12) of the intermediate profile (11), the flexible polymer cover element (10) is adapted to abut against a second mounting surface (13) of the intermediate profile (11) on the side surfaces (14, 15, 16, 17) and the upwardly facing side surface (18) of the metal frame (9), and a mounting strip (20) is adapted to be fixed to an exterior of the flexible polymer cover element (10) along the intermediate profile (11) by a penetrating fastener (21) adapted to pierce the mounting strip (20), the flexible cover element (10), and the second mounting surface (13) of the intermediate profile (11).

10. 10. The enclosure (2) of claim 9, wherein a conductive cover (22) is arranged to extend together with the flexible polymer cover element (10) and is fixed together with the flexible polymer cover element (10) between the mounting strip (20) and the second mounting surface (13) of the intermediate contour (11).

11. 11. The enclosure (2) of claim 10, characterized in that a zipper-operated opening (23) is provided to allow access through the flexible polymer cover element (10) to the interior (3) of the enclosure (2).

12. 12. Enclosure (2) according to claim 11, characterized in that an electrically conductive cover (22) is provided together with said flexible polymer cover element (10) and fixed to said metal frame part.

13. 13. The enclosure according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that a tongue element (24) of a lower edge (24) of at least one opening (26) extends into the interior (3) of the enclosure (2) at a downward inclination angle (27) relative to the horizontal plane.

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