Modular fuel cell system

Abstract

A modular fuel cell system (100) is disclosed. The modular fuel cell system (100) includes a plurality of fuel cell modules (110, 410), each of which includes an inlet gas interface (113, 114) and an exhaust gas interface (112, 412). The modular fuel cell system (100) further includes an inlet gas manifold (140) coupled to each of the inlet gas interfaces (113) of the fuel cell modules (110, 410) and an inlet gas manifold (130) coupled to each of the exhaust gas interfaces (112) of the fuel cell modules (110, 410). The modular fuel cell system (100) further includes a turbocharging system (150) having at least one turbocharger with a compressor (152) and a turbine (151).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a modular fuel cell system.

Background Art

[0002] Fuel cells are potentially capable of providing clean, quiet, and efficient power generation. Unlike engines that utilize thermal energy, fuel cells use an electrochemical process or a process similar to a battery that converts chemical energy associated with the conversion of hydrogen gas into electricity. Fuel cell systems are used in the technical field for generating a large amount of electrical output. A fuel cell system includes several fuel cells and optionally includes a turbocharger or a turbocharging system.

[0003] One drawback of prior art systems is that the individual components of a fuel cell system cannot flexibly meet customer requirements. For example, in many cases, a fuel cell system is designed for a specific output power orientation, that is, the fuel cells, turbochargers, and all other additional components (such as a water supply system or an exhaust gas system) of this system are designed for a specific system orientation with a specific output power. If the desired application requires other parameters, such as a different output power, the entire fuel cell system needs to be redesigned, for example, to match the turbocharger to the fuel cell and to provide an appropriate supply and exhaust system.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] There is an ongoing need for improved fuel cell systems. In particular, there is a desire for a fuel cell system that is extremely flexible and can cover a large output power range with a limited number of components without the need to redesign each of the components for a specific application orientation.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In light of the foregoing, a modular fuel cell system as described in claim 1 in its independent form is provided. Further views, further advantages, and further features are evident from the description of the claims, this specification, and the accompanying drawings.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a modular fuel cell system is provided. The modular fuel cell system includes a plurality of fuel cell modules. Each fuel cell module comprises a fuel cell, an intake air interface that provides intake air to the fuel cell module, and an exhaust gas interface that carries exhaust gas away from the fuel cell module. The modular fuel cell system includes an intake air manifold connected to each of the intake air interfaces of the fuel cell modules. The intake air manifold houses a plurality of modules. Each intake air module is releasably connected to at least one adjacent intake air module and to at least one of the intake air interfaces in order to provide intake air from the intake air manifold to at least one of the intake air interfaces. The modular fuel cell system further includes an exhaust gas manifold connected to each of the exhaust gas interfaces of the fuel cell modules. The exhaust gas manifold houses a plurality of exhaust gas modules. Each exhaust gas module is releasably connected to at least one adjacent exhaust gas module and to at least one of the exhaust gas interfaces in order to receive exhaust gas from at least one of the exhaust gas interfaces. The modular fuel cell system further includes a turbocharging system having at least one turbocharger equipped with a compressor and a turbine. The turbine is in fluid communication with the exhaust gas manifold to receive exhaust gases from the exhaust gas manifold, and the compressor is in fluid communication with the intake air manifold to supply supercharged intake air to the intake air manifold.

[0007] Those skilled in the art will recognize additional features and advantages by reading the following detailed description and referring to the attached drawings.

[0008] The components shown in the figures are not necessarily to scale, but rather are emphasized to illustrate the principles of the present invention. Furthermore, the same reference numerals in the figures indicate parts of the tire. The accompanying drawings relate to various embodiments of the present invention, and these accompanying drawings are described below. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a modular fuel cell system as an embodiment described herein. [Figure 2a] This is a schematic diagram of a fuel cell module as an embodiment described herein. [Figure 2b] This is a schematic diagram of a fuel cell module as another embodiment described herein. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of a combined fuel cell module as an embodiment described herein. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of a modular fuel cell system as another embodiment described herein. [Figure 5a] This is a schematic diagram of a part of a modular fuel cell system device as another embodiment described herein. [Figure 5b] This is a schematic diagram of a part of a modular fuel cell system device as another embodiment described herein. [Figure 5c] This is a schematic diagram of a modular fuel cell system as another embodiment described herein. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram of a part of a modular fuel cell system as another embodiment described herein. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram of a part of a modular fuel cell system device as another embodiment described herein. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram of a part of a modular fuel cell system device as another embodiment described herein. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Now, various embodiments will be referenced in detail, with one or more examples of these embodiments shown in each figure. Each embodiment is provided for illustrative purposes and is not intended to be a limitation of the present invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used in or in connection with any other embodiment, thereby resulting in yet another embodiment. The present invention is intended to include such modifications and variations.

[0011] Within the scope of the following description of the drawings, the same reference numerals refer to the same or similar components. In general, only the differences relating to individual embodiments are described. Unless otherwise specified, a description of a part or viewpoint in one embodiment also applies to the corresponding part or viewpoint in another embodiment.

[0012] Referring to Figure 1 as an example, a modular fuel cell system 100 is shown. The modular fuel cell system 100 includes a plurality of fuel cell modules 110, an intake air manifold 140, an exhaust gas manifold 130, and a turbocharging system 150.

[0013] Referring illustratively to Figure 2a, a fuel cell module 110 is shown. The fuel cell module 110 includes a fuel cell 111. The fuel cell 111 may be a single fuel cell, a stack of fuel cells (as shown in Figure 2a, which shows a stack of four fuel cells), or multiple individual fuel cells or fuel cell stacks.

[0014] The fuel cell module 110 further includes an intake air interface 113 that provides intake air to the fuel cell module 110, and an exhaust gas interface 112 that carries away exhaust gases from the fuel cell module 110. The interfaces can also be considered as connection points for connecting external devices or external fluid lines to the fuel cell module 110.

[0015] The fuel cell module 110 may further include an intake air line 127, which is mechanically coupled to an intake air interface 113 and a fuel cell 111. The intake air line fluidly couples the intake air interface 113 to the fuel cell 111 and also allows intake air, particularly post-supercharging intake air, to be transported from components located outside the fuel cell module 110 to the fuel cell 111 via the intake air interface 113 and the intake air line 127.

[0016] The fuel cell module 110 may further include an exhaust gas line 125, which is mechanically coupled to the exhaust gas interface 112 and the fuel cell 111. The exhaust gas line 125 fluidly couples the exhaust gas interface 112 to the fuel cell 111 and also allows exhaust gas, particularly post-supercharged exhaust gas, to be transported from the fuel cell 111 to components located outside the fuel cell module 110 via the exhaust gas line 125 and the exhaust gas interface 112.

[0017] The fuel cell module 110 preferably includes a housing 124. The intake air interface 113 and the exhaust gas interface 112 are preferably incorporated within the housing 124. In a preferred embodiment, the housing is a parts housing or a container.

[0018] Referring back to FIG. 1 and referring to this, the fuel cell system 100 further includes an intake air manifold 140. The intake air manifold is connected to each of the intake air interfaces 113 of the fuel cell module 110, and in particular, is mechanically and fluidly coupled. The intake air manifold 140 houses a plurality of intake air modules 141, 142, 143. Each intake air module 141, 142, 143 is releasably connected to at least one adjacent intake air module 141, 142, 143, preferably fluidly and mechanically releasably coupled, and is connected to at least one of the intake air interfaces 113 to provide intake air from the intake air manifold 140 to at least one of the intake air interfaces 113, preferably fluidly and mechanically releasably coupled.

[0019] The intake air modules are of substantially the same structure and dimensional shape. The intake air manifold 140 simplifies the interconnection system with the fuel cell while minimizing the types of components, and includes intake air modules 141, 142, 143 with as few type differences as possible to facilitate a simple scale change of the output power of the fuel cell system 100, particularly the fuel cell system 100. Typically, each intake air module is connected to the same number of intake air interfaces 113 of the fuel cell module 110. Preferably, each intake air module is respectively connected to each single intake air interface 113 of the fuel cell module 110.

[0020] In the illustrated embodiment, the intake air manifold 140 preferably houses one or more coupled intake air modules 141, each of which is coupled to two adjacent intake air modules. The intake air manifold 140 preferably further houses a terminal intake air module 143, which is coupled to only one adjacent intake air module 141. The terminal intake air module 143 may be substantially identical to a coupled intake air module 141 located away from a terminal sidewall that is preferably detachably coupled to the terminal intake air module 143. The intake air manifold 140 preferably further houses an inlet air module 142 that couples the intake air manifold 140 to the turbocharging system 150. The inlet air module 142 may be substantially identical to a coupled intake air module 141 located away from an interface that couples the intake air manifold 140 to the turbocharging system 150.

[0021] The fuel cell system 100 further includes an exhaust gas manifold 130. The exhaust gas manifold 130 is coupled to each of the exhaust gas interfaces 112 of the fuel cell module 110, and in particular, is mechanically and fluidly coupled. The exhaust gas manifold 130 houses a plurality of exhaust gas modules 131, 132, 133. Each exhaust gas module 131, 132, 133 is detachably coupled to at least one adjacent exhaust gas module 131, 132, 133, preferably fluidly and mechanically detachably coupled, and is coupled to at least one of the exhaust gas interfaces 112 to receive exhaust gas from at least one of the exhaust gas manifolds 112, preferably fluidly and mechanically detachably coupled.

[0022] The exhaust gas modules are substantially the same in structure and dimensions. It is preferable that the exhaust gas modules be substantially identical in structure and dimensions to the intake air modules. The exhaust gas module 130 includes exhaust gas modules 131, 132, and 133 with as few differences in type as possible to facilitate simple scaling of the fuel cell system 100, particularly the output power of the fuel cell system 100, while minimizing the number of component types. Typically, each exhaust gas module is connected to the same number of exhaust gas interfaces 112 of the fuel cell module 110. Preferably, each exhaust gas module is connected to each of the single exhaust gas interfaces 113 of the fuel cell module 110.

[0023] In the illustrated embodiment, the exhaust gas manifold 130 may house one or more coupled exhaust gas modules 131, each of which is coupled to two adjacent exhaust gas modules. The exhaust gas manifold 130 may further house a terminal exhaust gas module 133, which is coupled to only one adjacent exhaust gas module 131. The terminal exhaust gas module 133 may be substantially identical to a coupled exhaust gas module 131 located away from the terminal sidewall, which may be releasably coupled to a terminal exhaust gas module 143. The exhaust gas manifold 130 may further house an outlet gas module 132 that connects the exhaust gas manifold 130 to a turbocharging system 150. The outlet gas module 132 may be substantially identical to a coupled exhaust gas module 131 located away from the interface that connects the exhaust gas manifold 130 to the turbocharging system 150.

[0024] The simplified interconnection system (interface) of the intake air manifold 140, exhaust gas manifold 130, and fuel cell allows the fuel cell system 100 to be flexibly scaled as needed, requiring only a small number of different components. The intake air manifold 140 and exhaust gas manifold 130 of the present invention can also be used to modify already assembled fuel cell systems or fuel cell systems that are already usable when desired system parameters change. For example, an already installed fuel cell system of the present invention can be further scaled up without the need to redesign the entire fuel cell system. Instead, only a few additional components are required in such cases. Furthermore, the fuel cell system of the present invention takes into account clear boundaries between the fuel cell module and the various supply manifolds (e.g., intake and exhaust manifolds) and the turbocharging system (described further below). This allows for a good overall view of the fuel cell system and simplified access to the fuel cell system.

[0025] Referring further to Figure 1, the fuel cell system 100 includes a turbocharging system 150. The turbocharging system 150 includes at least one turbocharger having a compressor 152 and a turbine 151. The turbocharger is preferably a shaft-type turbocharger, in which case the compressor 152 and the turbine 151 are mechanically coupled by a shaft. In a shaft-type turbocharger, it is preferably an electric turbocharger (which can electrically power the shaft or obtain power from the shaft). In a variation, the turbocharger may have an electric compressor and an electric turbine that are preferably not coupled by a shaft. The turbine 151 is in fluid communication with the exhaust gas manifold 130 to receive exhaust gas from the exhaust gas manifold 130, and the compressor 152 is in fluid communication with the intake air manifold 140 to provide post-supercharged intake air to the intake air manifold 140.

[0026] The fuel cell system of the present invention includes a single turbocharging system comprising one or more turbochargers, which provides supercharged air to the entire intake air manifold, and the supercharged air is then distributed to individual fuel cell modules. Compared to fuel cell systems comprising separate turbochargers for each fuel, the fuel cell system of the present invention can substantially reduce the number of (turbocharging) components and thus reduce costs. Furthermore, the fuel cell system of the present invention advantageously includes a large turbocharging system, which significantly increases turbocharging efficiency compared to a case comprising several small turbochargers, and thus significantly increases the overall energy efficiency of the fuel cell system.

[0027] The fuel cell system 100 of the present invention is preferably configured with as few different types of fuel cell modules as possible. In a preferred embodiment, the fuel cell system includes only two or three different types of fuel cell modules. Each of the two or three different types of fuel cell modules may have a different output power and / or housing size. For example, the power range of the fuel cell system 100 can be between 25 kW and up to 100 MW, even with only two or three different types of fuel cell modules 110. The fuel cell system of the present invention further takes into account the possibility of combining different types of fuel cell modules, each housing a different type of fuel cell together.

[0028] In one embodiment, the fuel cell modules may include a first fuel cell module 110 and a second fuel cell module 410 (an example of the second fuel cell module 410 is shown in Figure 4). The first fuel cell module 110 and the second fuel cell module 410 preferably include the same type of components and differ only in their achievable power output. The first and second fuel cell modules may also differ from each other in power output and size, for example, the size of the housing 124. Total power output refers to the maximum power which is the technical design target for each fuel cell module (in total, it refers to the sum of all fuel cells or fuel cell stacks housed within each fuel cell module).

[0029] The total power output of the second fuel cell module 410 is preferably greater than the total power output of the first fuel cell module 110. Preferably, the total power output of the second fuel cell module 410 is at least twice the total power output of the first fuel cell module 110. More preferably, the total power output of the second fuel cell module 410 is an integer multiple of the total power output of the first fuel cell module 110.

[0030] For example, the first fuel cell module 110 may have a total output power of 25 kW, and the second fuel cell module 410 may have a total output power of 100 kW. The entire modular fuel cell system can consist of just a number of first fuel cell modules 110 and a number of second fuel cell modules 410. Larger megawatt-class output voltage fuel cell systems may include tens or hundreds of first (and second) fuel cell modules.

[0031] In one embodiment, the modular fuel cell system 100 further includes a combined fuel cell module 210. An embodiment of the combined fuel cell module 210 is shown in Figures 3 and 4. The combined fuel cell module 210 has a plurality of fuel cell submodules 310. The combined fuel cell module 210 is substantially the same as the fuel cell module 110 (and the second fuel cell module 410) in that it has an intake air interface 213 that provides intake air to the fuel cell submodules 310, and an exhaust gas interface 212 that carries away exhaust gas from the fuel cell submodules 310.

[0032] The fuel cell submodule 310 preferably corresponds to the first fuel cell module 110 according to any embodiment disclosed herein. Specifically, each fuel cell submodule 310 has one or more fuel cells or one or more fuel cell stacks, an intake air subinterface 313 that provides intake air to the fuel cell submodule 310, and an exhaust gas subinterface 312 that carries away exhaust gas from the fuel cell submodule 310. Thus, intake air can be transported from the intake air manifold 140 to the fuel cell submodule via the intake air interface 213 and then via the intake air subinterface 313. Exhaust gas can be transported from the fuel cell submodule 310 to the exhaust gas manifold 130 via the exhaust gas subinterface 312 and then via the exhaust gas interface 212.

[0033] In one embodiment, the total output power of the second fuel cell module 410 and the combined fuel cell module 210 are substantially identical. In this embodiment, the total output power of the second fuel cell module 410 is an integer multiple of the total output power of the first fuel cell module 110. Thus, the combined fuel cell module 210 is preferably designed to have the same total output power as the second fuel cell module 410 by utilizing a corresponding integer number of first fuel cell modules 110 as fuel cell submodules 310. For example, the total output power of the first fuel cell modules may be 25 kW, and the combined fuel cell module 210 may contain four first fuel cell modules 110, resulting in a total output power of 100 kW. Due to its flexibility (for production and maintenance purposes), the combined fuel cell allows for easier management of parts. The combined fuel cell also simplifies system upgrades at later stages; for example, if a higher-power fuel cell becomes available, the user can replace such a fuel cell with an upgraded fuel cell. Combined fuel cells also allow for flexible adjustment of fuel cell systems to meet market requirements.

[0034] The combined fuel cell module 210 may further have a housing 224. The housing 224 of the combined fuel cell module 210 and the housing of the second fuel cell module 410 may each be substantially the same size. As shown in Figure 4, the fuel cell system 100 may be configured by flexibly assembling the combined fuel cell module 210 and the second fuel cell module 410. The fuel cell system 100 may also be configured by flexibly assembling any combination of the combined fuel cell module 210 and / or the first fuel cell module 110 and / or the second fuel cell module 410.

[0035] The combined fuel cell module 210 may further include an intake air submanifold 170 that mechanically and fluidly connects one of the intake air modules 141, 142, and 143, and in particular an intake air interface 213, to each of the intake air subinterfaces 313 of the multiple fuel cell submodules 310. The combined fuel cell module 210 may further include an exhaust gas submanifold 160 that mechanically and fluidly connects one of the exhaust gas modules 131, 132, and 133, and in particular an exhaust gas interface 212, to each of the exhaust gas subinterfaces 312 of the multiple fuel cell submodules 310.

[0036] The intake air submanifold 170 and the exhaust gas submanifold 160 are preferably configured in a manner corresponding to the intake air manifold 140 and the exhaust gas manifold 130. The exhaust gas submanifold 160 is preferably comprised of multiple exhaust gas submodules 161, 162, 163, for example, one or more coupled exhaust gas submodules 161, one or more terminal exhaust gas submodules 163, and one or more outlet gas submodules 162 coupled to the exhaust gas interface 212.

[0037] The intake air submanifold 170 preferably has multiple intake air submodules 171, 172, 173, for example, one or more coupled intake air submodules 171, one or more terminal intake air submodules 173, and one or more intake air submodules 172 coupled to the intake air interface 213.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the modular fuel cell system 100 includes an external heat exchanger 180 configured to exchange heat between intake air and exhaust gas. Examples of the external heat exchanger 180 are shown in Figures 5a to 5c. The term “external” should be understood as located outside the fuel cell module or not being part of the fuel cell module. As will be further described below, in some embodiments the fuel cell module may include an internal heat exchanger, which exchanges heat within the same portion of the fuel cell module. On the other hand, the external heat exchanger exchanges heat between portions of the modular fuel cell system 100, thereby preferably affecting all of the fuel cell modules. The external heat exchanger 180 is preferably configured to transfer thermal energy from or to the exhaust gas at a location downstream of the exhaust gas manifold 130 and / or to transfer energy from or to the intake air at a location downstream of the turbocharging system 150. In certain embodiments, the external heat exchanger 180 may be used to preheat fuel and / or water. The external heat exchanger 180 is advantageous because it only needs to be connected to the fuel cell system once, thus simplifying the design and reducing the time and cost of manufacturing the fuel cell system.

[0039] In one embodiment, the external heat exchanger 180 is configured to transfer heat from the intake air to the exhaust gas located upstream of the turbine 151. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when the fuel cell 111 is a cryogenic fuel cell, such as a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEMFC). In such a case, the exhaust gas exiting the fuel cell 111 may have a temperature of, for example, 80°C. The temperature of the post-supercharged intake air exiting the turbocharging system 150 may be in the range of 100°C to 300°C. By transferring heat from the intake air to the exhaust gas located upstream of the turbine 151, the temperature of the intake air can be reduced to a temperature suitable for operating the cryogenic fuel cell, while at the same time increasing the thermal energy of the exhaust gas upstream of the turbine 151, which can be used to reduce the energy cost required to operate the turbocharging system 150. In this embodiment, the external heat exchanger 180 may also be referred to as an afterburner (for post-supercharged intake air). Figure 5b shows one embodiment in which heat is transferred from the intake air to the exhaust gas upstream of the turbine 151.

[0040] The external heat exchanger 180 may have a first section or a first fluid flow passage and a second fluid flow passage, in which case heat is exchanged between the first fluid flow passage and the second fluid flow passage. The first fluid flow passage is preferably configured to carry intake air (after supercharging), and the second fluid flow passage is preferably configured to carry exhaust gas. The first section of the external heat exchanger 180 is located downstream of the compressor 152, preferably downstream of the maximum pressure compressor of the turbocharging system, and upstream of the intake air manifold 140. The second section of the external heat exchanger 180 is located downstream of the exhaust gas manifold 130, preferably upstream of the maximum pressure turbine of the turbocharging system. The first section is preferably configured to transfer heat to the second section.

[0041] In one embodiment, the external heat exchanger 180 is configured to transfer heat from the exhaust gas upstream of the turbine 151 to the intake air downstream of the compressor 152. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when the fuel cell 111 is a high-temperature fuel cell, such as a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). In such a case, the exhaust gas temperature leaving the fuel cell 111 may be, for example, 800°C. Even after leaving the turbocharging system, the exhaust gas temperature may be 350°C or higher, for example, 600°C. The temperature of the post-turbocharged intake air leaving the turbocharging system 150 is preferably in the range of 200°C to 300°C. By transferring heat from the exhaust gas downstream of the (minimum pressure) turbine 151, the temperature of the intake air can be increased to a temperature suitable for operating the high-pressure fuel cell. Thermal energy is not extracted from the exhaust gas upstream of the turbocharging system. As a result, while the turbocharging system can generate energy, only the excess heat from the exhaust gas exiting the turbocharging system is used, and this excess heat may be wasted unless configured as described above. Figure 5a shows an embodiment in which heat is transferred from the exhaust gas downstream of the turbine 151 to the intake air downstream of the compressor 152.

[0042] The external heat exchanger 180 preferably has a first portion or first fluid flow passage and a second portion or second fluid flow passage, in which case heat is exchanged between the first fluid flow passage and the second fluid flow passage. The first fluid flow passage is preferably configured to carry intake air (after supercharging), and the second fluid flow passage is preferably configured to carry exhaust gas. The first portion of the external heat exchanger 180 is located downstream of the compressor 152, preferably downstream of the highest pressure compressor of the turbocharging system, and upstream of the intake air manifold 140. The second portion of the external heat exchanger 180 is located downstream of the turbine, preferably downstream of the lowest pressure turbine of the turbocharging system. The second portion is preferably configured to transfer heat to the first portion.

[0043] The turbocharging system 150 may include an external heat exchanger 180. For example, the external heat exchanger 180 may be formed integrally with the turbocharging system 150.

[0044] Figure 2b shows components that are good additional options to be included in the fuel cell module 110. While Figure 2b shows several features, it should be understood that each of these features can be included in the fuel cell module 110 independently of the other features shown. Furthermore, each of the features shown for fuel cell module 110 can also be included in a second fuel cell module 410 or a combined fuel cell module 210. By incorporating one or more of these components into the fuel cell module, the size of the fuel cell system can be flexibly adapted, and the assembly of the fuel cell system is simplified.

[0045] The fuel cell module preferably has an exhaust gas line 125. The fuel cell module 110 preferably includes at least one of an internal heat exchanger 122, an afterburner 121, and an oxidizer, which are located within the exhaust gas line 125. In a preferred embodiment, the fuel cell module 110 includes an internal heat exchanger 122 and an afterburner 121 or oxidizer, which are located within the exhaust gas line 125. The internal heat exchanger 122 and / or the afterburner 121 and / or oxidizer are each preferably arranged in series within the exhaust gas line 125. The afterburner 121 or oxidizer is preferably located upstream of the internal heat exchanger 122. The oxidizer is preferably one selected from a flameless oxidizer, a catalytic oxidizer, and a thermal oxidizer. The afterburner and / or oxidizer are particularly beneficial when using a high-temperature fuel cell, such as a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). In the case of low-temperature fuel cells, such as polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEMFCs), afterburners and / or oxidizers are also advantageously employed to decompose harmful gases and recover a portion of the corresponding chemical energy.

[0046] An internal heat exchanger can be provided in addition to or as an alternative to an external heat exchanger. The internal heat exchanger also allows the available thermal energy to be used in an efficient manner, thus improving the fuel cell system in terms of energy consumption and environmental friendliness.

[0047] As described above, the internal heat exchanger 122 is configured to exchange heat within the same portion of the fuel cell module 110. The internal heat exchanger preferably has a first portion or first fluid passage and a second portion or second fluid flow passage. The first fluid flow passage is preferably configured to allow the intake air flow (after supercharging) to pass through, and the second fluid flow passage is preferably configured to allow the exhaust gas flow to pass through. The second portion of the internal heat exchanger 122 is preferably located within the exhaust gas line 125. The first portion of the internal heat exchanger 122 is preferably located within the intake air line 127 of the fuel cell module 110. The intake air line 127 is shown, for example, in Figure 2b.

[0048] In one embodiment, the internal heat exchanger 122 is configured to transfer heat from the exhaust gas to the intake air in the fuel cell module 110. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when the fuel cell 111 is a high-temperature fuel cell, such as a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). In this embodiment, the internal heat exchanger 122 may be referred to as the intake air heater. The first portion of the internal heat exchanger is preferably located upstream of the cathode of the fuel cell 111.

[0049] In another embodiment, the internal heat exchanger 122 is configured to transfer heat from the intake air to the exhaust gas in the fuel cell 111. The heat is transferred to the exhaust gas at an upstream location of the turbocharging system 150. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when the fuel cell 111 is a low-temperature fuel cell, such as a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEMFC).

[0050] In this embodiment, the internal heat exchanger 122 may be referred to as the exhaust gas heater. The first portion of the internal heat exchanger is preferably located upstream of the cathode of the fuel cell 111 and / or upstream of the pre-reformer or reformer (both of which are described in further detail below).

[0051] According to one embodiment, the internal heat exchanger 122 and / or the external heat exchanger 180 preferably have a third portion or a third fluid passage. The third fluid passage is preferably configured to allow a flow of fuel or water. The internal heat exchanger 122 and / or the external heat exchanger 180 are preferably configured to transfer heat from exhaust gas or intake air to water and / or fuel. In other words, the first or second portion of the internal heat exchanger 122 and / or the external heat exchanger 180 is preferably configured to transfer heat to the third portion. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when the fuel cell 111 is a high-temperature fuel cell, such as a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), because a high-temperature fuel supply and / or high-temperature water supply are required to operate the high-temperature fuel cell module.

[0052] Additionally or alternatively, the internal heat exchanger 122 may have a first portion or a first fluid flow passage or a second portion or a second fluid flow passage. The first fluid flow passage is preferably configured to allow a flow of fuel or water, whereas the second fluid flow passage is preferably configured for exhaust gas. The internal heat exchanger 122 is preferably configured to transfer heat from the exhaust gas to water and / or fuel. In other words, the second portion of the internal heat exchanger 122 is preferably configured to transfer heat to the first portion.

[0053] The fuel cell module 110 may further have a fuel supply line connecting to a fuel supply interface 115. Additionally or alternatively, the fuel cell module battery 110 may further have one or more water supply lines connected to one or more water supply interfaces 114 of the fuel cell module 110. The fuel supply interfaces 115 and water supply interfaces 114 allow the fuel cell module 110 to be designed as a fully modular system to facilitate simple scaling of the fuel cell system 100, in particular simple scaling of the output power of the fuel cell system 100. The water may be water as liquid or water vapor (steam). In the latter case, a steam generator not part of the fuel cell module may supply a flow of water to the water supply interface 114. If the fuel cell module 110 has two or more water supply interfaces 114, one of the water supply interfaces may be configured to supply water as liquid and a second of the water supply interfaces may be configured to supply steam. As a variation, the fuel cell module 110 does not need to have a water supply interface 114, and water can be supplied by the fuel cell 111, for example by an anode recirculation blower, which will be further described below.

[0054] The fuel may include a hydrocarbon gas or a mixture of hydrocarbon gases. In a preferred embodiment, the fuel may be selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methane, liquefied natural gas (LNG), ammonia, methanol, and combinations thereof.

[0055] The fuel cell module 110 may further have at least one of a steam generator 128, a pre-reformer 126, a reformer, and a shift reactor located within the fuel supply line. In addition, the water supply line may connect the water supply interface 114 to at least one of the steam generator 128, pre-reformer 126, reformer, and shift reactor, preferably the pre-reformer 126. The initiating material (fuel) can be chemically reacted, and thus this can correspond to different gas mixtures upstream and downstream of the pre-reformer 126, reformer, and shift reactor, but the entire line connecting the fuel supply interface 115 to the fuel cell is considered the fuel supply line.

[0056] The pre-reformer 126 and / or reformer and / or shift reactor are each preferably arranged in series within the exhaust gas line 125. The pre-reformer 126 is preferably located upstream of the reformer and shaft reactor. The reformer is preferably located upstream of the shift reactor. The steam generator 128 is preferably located downstream of the water supply interface 114 and upstream of the pre-reformer 126 and / or reformer and / or shift reactor and / or fuel cell 111. In a modified example, the steam generator may be a component of the pre-reformer and / or reformer and / or water-gas chemical reaction type shift reactor.

[0057] The pre-reformer is preferably configured to produce methane by the reaction of a fuel, such as a higher hydrocarbon molecule. The reformer is preferably configured to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide by the reaction of a fuel, such as a hydrocarbon, with steam. The shift reactor is preferably configured to accelerate or induce a water-gas shift chemical reaction. The shift reactor is preferably configured to increase the amount of hydrogen compared to the amount of hydrogen contained in the reactants. The steam generator 128 is preferably configured to convert water as liquid into steam. The steam generator is preferably supplied with preheated water, such as water heated by an internal heat exchanger 122.

[0058] If the fuel cell 111 is a high-temperature fuel cell, such as a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), the fuel cell module 110 typically does not contain a reformer, but optionally, it is preferable to contain a pre-reformer 126, especially if the fuel contains hydrocarbon fuels. If the fuel cell 111 is a low-temperature fuel cell, such as a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEMFC), the fuel cell module 110 typically does not contain a reformer, especially if the fuel contains hydrogen, but it is preferable to contain a reformer or shift reactor, for example, to oxidize residual carbon monoxide, especially if the fuel contains methane or hydrocarbon fuels.

[0059] The modular fuel cell system 100 may further include a water supply manifold 190 that is fluidically and mechanically coupled to each of the water supply interfaces 114 of the fuel cell modules 110, 410 and / or the combined fuel cell module 210. An example of a water supply manifold is shown in Figure 6. The water supply manifold 190 has a plurality of water supply modules 191, 192, 193. Each water supply module 191, 192, 193 is fluidically coupled and mechanically detachably coupled to at least an adjacent water supply module 191, 192, 193 and detachably coupled to at least one water supply interface 114. The water supply manifold 190 is configured to supply water to a steam generator 128 and / or a pre-reformer 126 and / or a reformer and / or a water-gas chemical shift reactor and / or a fuel cell 111.

[0060] The water supply modules 191, 192, and 193 are substantially identical in structure and dimensions to each other. Typically, each water supply module is connected to an equal number of water supply interfaces 114 of the fuel cell module 110, preferably to one single water supply interface 114. The water supply manifold 190 and the exhaust gas manifold 130 or intake air manifold 140 are often configured in a corresponding manner. For example, the water supply manifold 190 may include a plurality of water supply modules 191, 192, and 193, such as one or more connected water supply modules 191, one or more terminal water supply modules 193, and one or more inflow water modules 192 that can be connected to a water source.

[0061] The modular fuel cell system 100 may further include a fuel supply manifold that is fluidly and mechanically coupled to each of the fuel supply interfaces 115 of the fuel cell modules 110, 410 and / or the combined fuel cell module 210. The fuel supply manifold has a plurality of fuel supply modules. Each fuel supply module is fluidly coupled and mechanically detachably coupled to at least an adjacent fuel supply module and detachably coupled to at least one fuel supply interface 115. The fuel supply manifold is configured to supply fuel to the pre-reformer 126 and / or reformer and / or water-gas reaction type shift reactor and / or fuel cell 111.

[0062] The fuel supply modules are substantially identical in structure and dimensions to one another. Typically, each fuel module is connected to the same number of fuel interfaces 115 of the fuel cell module 110, preferably one single fuel supply interface 115. The fuel supply manifold and the exhaust gas manifold 130 or intake air manifold 140 are often configured in a corresponding manner, for example, the fuel supply manifold may include multiple fuel supply modules, e.g., one or more coupled fuel supply modules, one or more terminal fuel supply modules, and one or more inflow fuel modules that can be coupled to a fuel source.

[0063] The fuel supply manifold and water supply manifold 190 facilitate simple scaling of the fuel cell system 100, particularly the output power of the fuel cell system 100, while minimizing the number of component types.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the modular fuel cell system 100 preferably includes at least one of an external steam generator and / or an external pre-reformer, an external reformer, and a water supply manifold 190. As stated above, the term “external” should be understood as being located outside the fuel cell module or not being part of the fuel cell module. In this embodiment, for the entire fuel cell system 100, it is sufficient to provide one single steam generator and / or one single pre-reformer, and / or one single reformer and / or one single shift reactor. In this embodiment, the water supply line and water supply interface 114 of the fuel cell module can be omitted. Instead of a water supply manifold, a (single) water supply line can connect the external steam generator and / or external pre-reformer and / or external reformer and / or external shift reactor to an external water source. Preferably, at least one of the external pre-reformer, external reformer, and external shift reactor is located upstream of the fuel supply interface 115. A modular fuel cell system, including at least one of an external pre-reformer, external reformer, and external shift reactor, takes into account a simpler design with a reduced number of components. Furthermore, the number of interfaces for the fuel supply module can be reduced, thereby making it easier to flexibly adapt the scale of the fuel cell system.

[0065] The modular fuel cell system 100 may include a plurality of external steam generators and / or external pre-reformers and / or external reformers and / or external shift reactors for each fuel supply module. The modular fuel cell system 100 may include at least one of the external pre-reformers, external reformers and external shift reactors. In other words, at least one of the external pre-reformers, external reformers and external shift reactors may be located within each fuel supply module.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the turbocharging system 150 preferably includes at least two turbochargers.

[0067] In one exemplary embodiment, at least two turbochargers are preferably connected in parallel to the intake air manifold 140 and the exhaust gas manifold 130. Each turbocharger includes a turbine and a compressor. At least one of the at least two turbochargers is preferably a shaft-type turbocharger, in which case the compressor 152 and the turbine 151 are mechanically coupled via a shaft, or, as a variation, may include a separate electric compressor and a separate electric turbine. Each of the at least two turbochargers preferably has an external heat exchanger 180 as described herein. The airflow path upstream of the intake air manifold 140 and / or the exhaust gas path downstream of the exhaust gas manifold 130 are preferably divided (branched) into two or more parallel paths, and each turbocharger is in fluid communication with one of the parallel paths.

[0068] In another exemplary embodiment, at least two turbochargers are preferably connected in series with an intake air manifold and an exhaust air manifold. One of the turbochargers may be called a low-pressure turbocharger, and the other may be called a high-pressure turbocharger. The low-pressure turbocharger and / or high-pressure turbocharger are preferably electric turbochargers, and in particular include a separate electric compressor and a separate electric turbine. Typically, a turbocharging system including at least two turbochargers connected in series may include only one external heat exchanger 180 as described herein.

[0069] Additionally or alternatively, the turbocharging system may include an intercooler positioned between a low-pressure turbocharger and a high-pressure turbocharger, or, in the case of three or more turbochargers, the turbocharging system may include an intercooler positioned between each pair of adjacent turbochargers. The intercooler may have a first portion or first fluid flow passage and a second portion or second fluid flow passage.

[0070] In one exemplary embodiment, a first fluid flow passage is preferably configured to carry a flow of fluid or water, while a second fluid flow passage is preferably configured for post-supercharge intake air. The second fluid flow passage is preferably located between a low-pressure compressor and a high-pressure compressor, or between adjacent pairs of compressors. The intercooler is preferably configured to transfer heat from the post-supercharge intake air to water or fuel. In other words, the second part of the intercooler is preferably configured to transfer heat to the first part. Advantageously, the intercooler can use the thermal energy of the post-supercharge intake air to heat water and / or fuel that needs to be heated for the operation of the fuel cell module. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when the fuel cell is a high-temperature fuel cell, in which case the exhaust gas from the high-pressure turbine may have a higher temperature than the intake air from the low-pressure compressor and therefore cannot be used to cool the intake air via the intercooler. Thus, the intercooler is configured to utilize the thermal energy in another way.

[0071] In one exemplary embodiment, the first fluid flow passage is preferably configured toward the exhaust gas, while the second fluid flow passage is preferably configured toward the post-supercharged intake air. The first fluid flow passage is preferably located between a high-pressure turbine and a low-pressure turbine, or between an adjacent pair of turbines. The second fluid flow passage is preferably located between low-pressure compressors, or between an adjacent pair of compressors. The intercooler is preferably configured to transfer heat from the post-supercharged intake air to the exhaust gas. In other words, the second part of the intercooler is preferably configured to transfer heat to the first part. Advantageously, the intercooler can use the thermal energy of the post-supercharged intake air to heat the exhaust gas, thereby improving power and efficiency in the next turbine stage. This embodiment is particularly advantageous if the fuel cell is a low-temperature fuel cell, in which case the exhaust gas originating from the high-pressure turbine can have a lower temperature than the intake air temperature originating from the low-pressure compressor.

[0072] The exemplary embodiments described above can also be combined with each other by providing two or more parallel turbocharging subsystems, each having two or more turbochargers arranged in series.

[0073] Typically, each parallel turbocharging subsystem may have just one external heat exchanger 180 and / or an intercooler located between the low-pressure turbocharger and the high-pressure turbocharger, or between each pair of adjacent turbochargers, as described above.

[0074] The external heat exchanger 180 is preferably formed integrally with the lowest pressure turbocharger, especially when using a high-temperature fuel cell, such as a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). In this case, the turbo heat is preferably transferred from the upstream position of the lowest pressure turbine to the position after the highest pressure stage compressor located downstream of the fuel cell.

[0075] Figure 7 shows a fuel cell system including a turbocharger supercharging system with three turbochargers arranged in series. The turbocharger supercharging system includes a high-pressure turbine 153, an intermediate-pressure turbine 154, a low-pressure turbine 155, a high-pressure compressor 156, an intermediate-pressure compressor 157, and a low-pressure compressor 158. The fuel cell system further includes an external heat exchanger. A first fluid flow passage is configured to allow the flow of intake air (after supercharging), and a second fluid flow passage is configured to allow the flow of exhaust gas. A first portion of the external heat exchanger 180 is located downstream of the highest-pressure compressor 156 of the turbocharger supercharging system and upstream of the intake air manifold 140. A second portion of the external heat exchanger 180 is located downstream of the lowest-pressure turbine 155 of the turbocharger supercharging system. The second portion is preferably configured to transfer heat to the first portion. Preferably, the turbocharging system includes intercoolers between each pair of compressors, namely, one intercooler between the high-pressure compressor 156 and the intermediate-pressure compressor 157, and one intercooler between the intermediate-pressure compressor 157 and the low-pressure compressor 158. The embodiment shown in Figure 7 is particularly advantageous when the fuel cell 111 is a high-temperature fuel cell.

[0076] The fuel cell system may include an external heat exchanger 180 for each of the turbochargers. Each external heat exchanger 180 may be formed integrally with one of the turbochargers, especially when using a low-temperature fuel cell. At each stage, heat can move from behind the compressor to the upstream (forward) side of the corresponding turbine.

[0077] Figure 8 shows a fuel cell system including a turbocharging system with three turbochargers arranged in series. The turbocharging system includes a high-pressure turbine 153, an intermediate-pressure turbine 154, a low-pressure turbine 155, a high-pressure compressor 156, an intermediate-pressure compressor 157, and a low-pressure compressor 158. The fuel cell system includes an external heat exchanger 180 for each of the turbochargers. In each stage, heat moves from behind the compressor to the upstream (forward) side of the corresponding turbine. The embodiment shown in Figure 8 is particularly advantageous when the fuel cell 111 is a low-temperature fuel cell.

[0078] The fuel cell module 110 further includes an internal electrical connection system and electrical connection interfaces. The modular fuel cell system may include a control system that controls the operation of the fuel cell system and, in particular, the fuel cell module, and an external electrical connection system. The external electrical connection system may be connected to the control system and to each of the electrical connection interfaces of the fuel cell module 110.

[0079] The modular fuel cell system may include a cooling circuit, and the fuel cell module 110 may further include one or more cooling circuit interfaces, such as inlet and outlet connections. The cooling fluid may be water, air, or any other suitable coolant fluid.

[0080] The fuel cell module 110 may further include an anode recirculation blower 123, an example of which is shown in Figure 2b. The anode recirculation blower 123 may be configured to return hydrogen not consumed by the fuel cell 111 and / or water discharged from the anode of the fuel cell 111 to the pre-reformer and / or reformer and / or water-gas reaction type shift reactor and / or fuel cell fuel inlet (e.g., hydrogen feed section).

[0081] The fuel cell system of the present invention is suitable for use in a wide range of applications with varying fuel consumption levels. For example, while the fuel cell system is used in automotive and combined heat and power (CHP) applications, it can also be used in large-scale applications requiring MW output power, where dramatic cost reductions can be expected.

[0082] The foregoing relates to various embodiments, but other embodiments and alternative embodiments can be conceived without departing from the basic scope, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the following claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0083] 100 Modular Fuel Cell Systems 110,410 fuel cell modules 111 Fuel Cell 112,412 Exhaust gas interface 113,413 Intake air interface 114 Water supply interface 115 Fuel supply interface 121 Afterburner 122 Internal heat exchanger 123 Anode recirculation blower 124,224 Housing 125 Exhaust gas line 126 Pre-reformer 127 Intake air line 130 Exhaust gas manifold 131, 132, 133 Exhaust Gas Modules 140 Intake air manifold 141, 142, 143 Intake air module 150 Turbocharged System 151 Turbine 152 Compressor 153 High-pressure turbine 154 Intermediate Pressure Turbine 155 Low-pressure turbine 156 High-pressure compressor 157 Medium-pressure compressor 158 Low-pressure compressor 160 Exhaust gas sub-manifold 161, 162, 163 Exhaust gas submodules 170 Air Submanifold 171, 172, 173 Intake air submodule 180 External heat exchanger 190 Water supply manifold 191, 192, 193 Water supply modules 210 Combined Fuel Cell Module 212 Exhaust Gas Interface 213 Intake Air Interface 310 Fuel Cell Submodule 312 Exhaust gas subinterface 313 Intake air subinterface

Claims

1. A modular fuel cell system (100), - Includes a plurality of fuel cell modules (110, 410), each fuel cell module (110, 410) comprising a fuel cell (111), an intake air interface (113, 413) that provides intake air to the fuel cell module (110, 410), and an exhaust gas interface (112, 412) that carries away exhaust gas from the fuel cell module (110, 410), - Includes an intake air manifold (140) connected to each of the intake air interfaces (113) of the fuel cell modules (110, 410), wherein the intake air manifold (140) houses a plurality of modules (141, 142, 143), and each intake air module (141, 142, 143) is releasably connected to at least one adjacent intake air module (141, 142, 143) and releasably connected to at least one of the intake air interfaces (113) to provide intake air from the intake air manifold (140) to at least one of the intake air interfaces (113), - Includes an exhaust gas manifold (130) connected to each of the exhaust gas interfaces (120) of the fuel cell modules (110, 410), wherein the exhaust gas manifold (130) houses a plurality of exhaust gas modules (131, 132, 133), and each exhaust gas module (131, 132, 133) is removably connected to at least one adjacent exhaust gas module (131, 132, 133) to receive exhaust gas from at least one of the exhaust gas interfaces (112), and is also removably connected to at least one of the exhaust gas interfaces (112), - A modular fuel cell system comprising a turbocharging system (150) having at least one turbocharger comprising a compressor (152) and a turbine (151), wherein the turbine (151) is in fluid communication with the exhaust gas manifold (130) to receive the exhaust gas from the exhaust gas manifold (130), and the compressor (152) is in fluid communication with the intake air manifold (140) to supply supercharged intake air to the intake air manifold (140).

2. The plurality of fuel cell modules (110, 410) include a first fuel cell module (110) and a second fuel cell module (410), wherein the total output power of the second fuel cell module (410) is greater than the total output power of the first fuel cell module (110). The modular fuel cell system according to claim 1.

3. The combined fuel cell module (210) further includes a plurality of fuel cell submodules (310), each fuel cell submodule (310) including a fuel cell, an intake air subinterface (313) that provides intake air to the fuel cell submodule (310), and an exhaust gas subinterface (312) that carries away exhaust gas from the fuel cell submodule (310). The modular fuel cell system according to claim 2.

4. The total output power of the second fuel cell module (410) and the combined fuel cell module (210) is substantially the same, and / or the fuel cell module (410) and the combined fuel cell module (210) each include a housing (224) of substantially the same size. The modular fuel cell system according to claim 3.

5. The combined fuel cell module (210) further includes an intake air submanifold (170) connecting one of the intake air modules (141, 142, 143) to each of the intake air subinterfaces (313) of the plurality of fuel cell submodules (310), and an exhaust gas submanifold (160) connecting one of the exhaust gas modules (131, 132, 133) to each of the exhaust gas subinterfaces (312) of the plurality of fuel cell submodules (310). The modular fuel cell system according to claim 3.

6. Further includes an external heat exchanger (180) configured to exchange heat between intake air and exhaust gas. The modular fuel cell system according to claim 1.

7. The external heat exchanger (180) is configured to transfer heat from the intake air to the exhaust gas upstream of the turbine (151). The modular fuel cell system according to claim 6.

8. The first portion of the external heat exchanger (180) is located downstream of the compressor (152) and upstream of the intake air manifold (140), and the second portion of the external heat exchanger (180) is located downstream of the exhaust gas manifold (130) and upstream of the turbine (151). The modular fuel cell system according to claim 6 or 7.

9. The external heat exchanger (180) is configured to transfer heat from the exhaust gas downstream of the turbine (151) to the intake air downstream of the compressor (152). The modular fuel cell system according to claim 6.

10. The first portion of the external heat exchanger (180) is located downstream of the compressor (152) and upstream of the intake air manifold (140), and the second portion of the external heat exchanger (180) is located downstream of the turbine (151). A modular fuel cell system according to claim 6 or 9.

11. The intake air manifold (140) and the exhaust gas manifold (130) include at least two turbochargers connected in parallel, The modular fuel cell system according to claim 1.

12. Each of the plurality of fuel cell modules (110) further includes an exhaust gas line (125) connecting the fuel cell (111) to the exhaust gas interface (112), and the modular fuel cell system further includes an internal heat exchanger (122), an afterburner (121), and an oxidizer, as well as combinations of the internal heat exchanger, the afterburner, and the oxidizer, and optionally includes the internal heat exchanger (122) and the afterburner (121) arranged in series within the exhaust gas line (125). The modular fuel cell system according to claim 1.

13. Each of the plurality of fuel cell modules (110) further includes a fuel supply line connecting the fuel cell (111) to a fuel supply interface (115), and the modular fuel cell system further includes one of a steam generator (128), a pre-reformer (126), a reformer, and a shift reactor located within the fuel supply line. The modular fuel cell system according to claim 1.

14. Each of the plurality of fuel cell modules (110, 410) and / or each of the combined fuel cell module (210) includes a water supply interface (114), and the fuel cell system (100) is - Further comprising a water supply manifold (190) connected to each of the water supply interfaces (114) of the fuel cell modules (110, 410) and / or the combined fuel cell module (210), wherein the water supply manifold (190) accommodates a plurality of water supply modules (191, 192, 193), each water supply module (191, 192, 193) being releasably connected to at least an adjacent water supply module (191, 192, 193) and to at least one water supply interface (114), The modular fuel cell system according to claim 3.

15. Each of the plurality of fuel cell modules (110, 410) and / or each of the combined fuel cell module (210) includes a fuel supply interface (115), and the fuel cell system (100) is - Further comprising a fuel supply manifold connected to each of the fuel supply interfaces (115) of the fuel cell modules (110, 410) and / or each of the fuel supply interfaces (115) of the combined fuel cell module (210), wherein the fuel supply manifold accommodates a plurality of fuel supply modules, each fuel supply module being releasably connected to at least an adjacent fuel supply module and releasably connected to at least one fuel supply interface (115), The modular fuel cell system according to claim 3.

16. The water supply manifold (190) further includes at least one of the following: an external steam generator, an external pre-reformer, an external reformer, and an external shift reactor. The modular fuel cell system according to claim 14.

17. The fuel supply manifold further includes at least one of the following: an external steam generator, an external pre-reformer, an external reformer, and an external shift reactor. The modular fuel cell system according to claim 15.

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