Power generator for marine vessel

Abstract

Disclosed is a hydrogen fuel cell power generator. Located within a container and arranged sequentially along a longitudinal axis is: an electrical conversion system, a first electrical power generation system, a fluid interface system, and a second electrical power generation system. The electrical conversion system is operable as a DC-DC converter for electrical power. The first electrical power generation system comprises a first hydrogen fuel cell system operable to generate electrical power. The fluid interface system is arranged between the first electrical power generation system and the second electrical power generation system, and operable to transfer fluids between a fluid handling apparatus external to the hydrogen fuel cell power generator and the first and / or second electrical power generation system. The second electrical power generation system comprises a second hydrogen fuel cell system operable to generate electrical power. A marine vessel with the hydrogen fuel cell power generator is also disclosed.

Description

[0001] POWER GENERATOR FOR MARINE VESSEL

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to hydrogen fuel cell power generators for use on marine vessels.

[0004] Background

[0005] The use of conventional fossil fuels to power marine vessels can be environmentally damaging. It is desirable to reduce the use of fossil fuels to power marine vessels.

[0006] Summary

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hydrogen fuel cell power generator. The hydrogen fuel cell power generator comprises a container structure having a longitudinal axis. Located within the container structure and arranged sequentially along the longitudinal axis is: an electrical conversion system operable as a DC-DC converter for electrical power, an electrical power generation system comprising a hydrogen fuel cell system operable to generate electrical power, an electrical power output of the electrical power generation system convertible by the electrical conversion system, and a fluid interface system operable to transfer fluids between a fluid handling apparatus external to the hydrogen cell fuel power generator and the electrical power generation system.

[0008] The hydrogen fuel cell power generator of the first aspect is, by being arranged within a container structure, thereby containerised. Such a hydrogen fuel cell power generator can be loaded onto a marine vessel within the container structure, be provided with hydrogen fuel and output electrical power for use by the marine vessel. Such a hydrogen fuel cell power generator can be used as a back-up generator, or an alternative generator, for instance. For example, if the marine vessel enters into an environment in which use of convention fossil fuel-based power generation is restricted, the hydrogen fuel cell power generator can be used. Due to the containerised approach, the hydrogen fuel cell power generator of the first aspect can be straightforwardly installed, and in some examples retrofitted, into vessels requiring minimal or no adaptation of the vessel, provided the marine vessel has storage space for the hydrogen fuel cell power generator and has the necessary interfacing connections. The hydrogen fuel cell power generator can comprise, within the container structure, all the necessary systems for operation thereof; there is no need for provision of an external DC-DC converter, for example, to convert the electrical power generated by the hydrogen cell fuel power generator to be suitable for use by the marine vessel.

[0009] Arranging the constituent electrical conversion system, electrical power generation system and the fluid interface system in a longitudinal sequence within the container structure permits each system to be straightforwardly accessed, managed, and maintained. For instance, the cooling requirements for the electrical conversion system may be different to the electrical power generation system, and such a sequential layout can make it more straightforward to arrange a first environment for the electrical conversion system and a second environment for the electrical power generation system. Furthermore, this arrangement can provide separation between the electrical conversion system from the fluid interface system which can facilitate reduction in an ignition risk, for example, enhancing safety of the hydrogen fuel cell power generator.

[0010] The systems, being arranged in a longitudinal sequence as described herein, can mean that a majority of constituent components of the systems do not overlap, in terms of position with respect to the longitudinal axis, with a neighbouring system in the sequence. The longitudinal sequence can be understood to mean that in progressing along the longitudinal axis from the electrical conversion end of the hydrogen fuel cell power generator, components of the electrical conversion system would be encountered first, followed by components of the electrical power generation system, followed by components of the fluid interface system. Interconnecting portions such as pipework and electrical connections may nevertheless span between such systems, and the skilled person will understand that there may be a slight degree of overlap between the systems, albeit whilst the majority of components are provided in the sequential order described previously. In some examples, there may be substantially no overlap between the systems in the longitudinal direction. For instance, in some examples, the container structure comprises bulkheads, such as sheet metal segments, which substantially span and fill a cross section of the container structure. Such bulkheads can form dividing portions between each system, in the sequence. The bulkheads may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0011] Systems contained with the container structure, such as the electrical conversion system, electrical power generation system, and the fluid interface system, may be collectively referred to herein as “the internal systems”. The container structure is envisaged to be a structure which substantially encloses the internal electrical power generation system, electrical conversion system and fluid interface system, whilst allowing for exchange of e.g. fluids, fuels, cables carrying electrical power with the marine vessel. Substantially encloses, as used herein in the context of the container structure, can refer to the container structure providing an environmental separation between the internal systems mentioned above and the external environment of the marine vessel, which can improve safety of operation of the hydrogen fuel cell power generator, for example. The container structure may be a structure having a degree of structural strength sufficient to support the internal contents of the container structure, such as the electrical conversion system, electrical power generation system and the fluid interface system, for instance if the container structure is moved. For example, the container structure may be an intermodal shipping container, or a similar metal structure.

[0012] Optionally, the container structure comprises an access panel located proximate to the hydrogen fuel cell system, the access panel reconfigurable between an opened and a closed state, and configured such that the hydrogen fuel cell system is accessible from outside the container structure at the location of the access panel when the access panel is in the opened state. As used herein, the access panel being “proximate” to the hydrogen fuel cell system means that the access panel is located sufficiently close to the hydrogen fuel cell system to allow an engineer or a tool to access the hydrogen fuel cell system from a position external to the container structure. For instance, the access panel may be aligned at a same location along the longitudinal axis of the container structure as the hydrogen fuel cell system. In other examples, it may be offset, but still close enough to the hydrogen fuel cell system to permit access. Such an access panel, in being proximate to the hydrogen fuel cell system, can permit inspection and maintenance of the hydrogen fuel cell system without necessarily requiring the removal or repositioning of other components of the hydrogen fuel cell power generator. Such an access panel, in examples, forms part of an exterior wall of the container structure, such that in a closed state it acts to enclose the internal systems.

[0013] The access panel, in being reconfigurable between an opened and closed state, may be a door which slides or hinges, for instance, or may be a panel which is removable by detachment of fasteners, for instance.

[0014] Optionally, the access panel is dimensioned such that the hydrogen fuel cell system is removable from, or insertable into, the container structure at the location of the access panel when the access panel is in the opened state. That is, the access panel may have a cross-section whose dimensions are larger than a cross-section of the hydrogen fuel cell system, in order to permit the hydrogen fuel cell system to pass through the access panel. This can allow for the hydrogen fuel cell system to be partially or entirely removed from the container structure to a position external to the container structure, whereupon it can undergo inspection or maintenance, for example. The hydrogen fuel cell system may be thereafter placed back into the container structure, or a replacement hydrogen fuel cell system may be placed into the container structure to replace to the initial hydrogen fuel cell system, for example.

[0015] Optionally, the container structure comprises, positioned proximate to the hydrogen fuel cell system, a thermal ventilation inlet port and a corresponding thermal ventilation outlet port. As used herein, the thermal ventilation inlet port and thermal ventilation outlet port being positioned “proximate” to the hydrogen fuel cell system means that the thermal ventilation port can be positioned sufficiently close to provide or receive heated gas or fluids from the hydrogen fuel cell system. In some examples, the thermal ventilation outlet port is positioned above the hydrogen fuel cell system to receive heated gas via convection, for example. In some examples, the thermal ventilation port is arranged to receive a flow of gas propagated by a ventilation system, for example, and so may be provided on a different surface of the container structure, such as a wall of the container structure. In some examples, the thermal ventilation outlet port is a grille.

[0016] Optionally, the container structure comprises the access panel as described above, and the thermal ventilation inlet port is arranged within the access panel and the corresponding thermal ventilation outlet port is arranged on a ceiling of the container structure, above the hydrogen fuel cell system. This can produce a particularly space- efficient arrangement of components. More generally, the thermal ventilation inlet port may be placed on a first surface of the container structure and the thermal ventilation outlet port may be placed on a second, different surface of the container structure, with a hydrogen fuel cell system at least partially between the thermal ventilation inlet port and the thermal ventilation outlet port, such that, in use, a ventilating air flow is arranged between the thermal ventilation inlet port and the thermal ventilation outlet port and incident upon the hydrogen fuel cell system. Facilitating adequate ventilation can allow for a higher power output and / or power density of the hydrogen fuel cell power generator to be achieved.

[0017] Optionally, the electrical power generation system comprises a plurality of hydrogen fuel cell systems. This can provide redundancy in the electrical power generation system, in case of failure of one or more hydrogen fuel cell systems, which can allow for more reliable or resilient performance compared with one larger hydrogen fuel cell system, for example. Furthermore, it can provide flexibility in power generation, whereby one or more hydrogen fuel cell systems can be run whilst one or more hydrogen fuel cell systems remain inactive. This may allow for more efficient usage of the hydrogen fuel cell systems, for example.

[0018] Optionally, each hydrogen fuel cell system is operable to output at least 350 kW of power, and in some examples up to 375kW of power. In some examples, the hydrogen fuel cell power generator has an output power density of at least 40 kW per cubic meter, and in some examples up to at least 45 kW per cubic meter.

[0019] Optionally, the electrical power generator system comprises an even number of hydrogen fuel cell systems arranged substantially symmetrically either side of the longitudinal axis. Arranging an even number of hydrogen fuel cell systems symmetrically about the longitudinal axis can generate thermal energy more evenly across the container structure, which can reduce prevalence of thermal hotspots wherein thermal energy is clustered within the container structure, and can thereby improve thermal management, or cooling, of the hydrogen fuel cell power generator, for example. In some examples, the hydrogen fuel cell systems are arranged in pairs, a first hydrogen fuel cell system of each pair arranged on a first side of the longitudinal axis, and a second hydrogen fuel cell system of each pair arranged on a second side of the longitudinal axis. Optionally, each hydrogen fuel cell system is proximate to a corresponding respective access panel of the container structure, such that each hydrogen fuel cell system is accessible from outside the container structure at a respective location of the respective access panel when the respective access panel is in an opened state. In this way, each of the hydrogen fuel cell can be independently inspected and maintained via their respective access panel, for example. Accordingly, it may not be required to move, interfere, disturb, or otherwise interact with other hydrogen fuel cell systems of the electrical power generation system during maintenance of a particular hydrogen fuel system, for example. The direct access to each constituent hydrogen fuel cell system can also improve ease of maintenance of the hydrogen fuel cell power generator, which can minimise downtime of the marine vessel, for instance.

[0020] Optionally, each hydrogen fuel cell system of the plurality of hydrogen fuel cell systems is removable from the container structure from a respective location of the respective access panel when the respective access panel is in an opened state. Each hydrogen fuel cell system may be independently removable from the container structure to undergo, for example, maintenance or inspection, and each may accordingly be independently replaceable by another hydrogen fuel cell system. This modular approach can minimise downtime of the hydrogen fuel cell power generator overall.

[0021] Optionally, the container structure comprises a plurality of thermal ventilation inlet ports and thermal ventilation outlet ports. This can improve management of thermal conditions within the hydrogen fuel cell power generator by allowing for greater expulsion of thermal energy, for example.

[0022] Optionally, the container structure comprises a plurality of thermal ventilation inlet ports and thermal ventilation outlet ports, wherein each hydrogen fuel cell system of the plurality of hydrogen fuel cell systems is proximate to a respective thermal ventilation inlet port and a corresponding thermal ventilation outlet port. In this way, heat management can be effectively arranged for each of the hydrogen fuel cell systems, and can allow thermal energy to be removed efficiently for each hydrogen fuel cell system. This can allow for uniform thermal conditions for each hydrogen fuel cell system which can allow for uniformity of operation of the hydrogen fuel cell systems. This can improve efficiency of the hydrogen fuel cell power generator. Optionally, each hydrogen fuel cell system is proximate a respective access panel, and a thermal ventilation inlet port is arranged in the respective access panel, and a corresponding thermal ventilation outlet port is arranged in a ceiling of the container structure, above the hydrogen fuel cell system.

[0023] Optionally, the plurality of hydrogen fuel cell systems are connected to the fluid interface system by a common fluid handling path. Providing a common fluid handling path can reduce an overall spatial footprint and weight compared with providing a plurality of separate fluid handling paths, one serving each hydrogen fuel cell system.

[0024] Optionally, the common fluid handling path is aligned centrally within the container structure and along the longitudinal axis, and the hydrogen fuel cell systems are arranged adjacent to and to either side of the common fluid handling path.

[0025] Optionally, the fluid interface system includes connection interfaces for one or more of a coolant, hydrogen, nitrogen, an oxygen source, and ventilation fluids.

[0026] Optionally, the container structure comprises a bulkhead between the electrical conversion system and the electrical power generation system. This can provide environmental isolation for the electrical conversion system from the electrical power generation system. For instance, the bulkhead can improve the performance of a ventilation system in the electrical conversion system by preventing flow of air from the electrical conversion system into the electrical power generation system. In examples, the bulkhead provides a hermetically sealed, or substantially sealed environment for the electrical conversion system. In examples, the bulkhead comprises through holes, or cutouts, for pipework and cables to pass through the bulkhead. Such through holes may comprise seals to provide the aforementioned sealing.

[0027] Optionally, the electrical power generation system is a first electrical power generation system, and the hydrogen fuel cell power generator comprises a second electrical power generation system comprising at least one hydrogen fuel cell system, and wherein power output of the second electrical power generation system is convertible by the electrical conversion system, the fluid interface system is operable to transfer fluids to and / or from the second electrical power generation system, and the fluid interface system is arranged, along the longitudinal axis, between the first electrical power generation system and the second electrical power generation system. This can introduce redundancy into the hydrogen fuel cell power generator such that power output can be maintained even if one of the electrical power generation systems is inoperable.

[0028] Optionally, the first electrical power generation system is substantially identical to the second electrical power generation system. In this way, the first electrical power generation system can have an identical performance to the second electrical power generation system.

[0029] Optionally, the first electrical power generation system and the second electrical power generation system are substantially identical in orientation.

[0030] Optionally, the first electrical power generation system is operable independently to the second electrical power generation system. In some examples, the first electrical power generation system and the second electrical power generation system are operable either independently or concurrently, whereas in other examples the first electrical power generation system and the second electrical power generation system are only operable independently from one another.

[0031] Optionally, the common fluid handling path is a first common fluid handling path configured to handle fluids of the first electrical power generation system, and the at least one hydrogen fuel cell system of the second electrical power generation system connected to the fluid interface system by a second common fluid handling path.

[0032] Optionally, the common fluid handling path(s) or fluid interface system comprises double-walled pipes. Optionally, an interstitial region between a first and second wall of such double-walled pipes are filled with nitrogen and configured to carry less than 2% oxygen by volume.

[0033] Optionally, the fluid interface system is positioned substantially equidistantly between the first electrical power generation system and the second electrical power generation system.

[0034] Optionally, the first electrical power generation system is substantially identical to the second electrical power generation system, and the first electrical power generation system and the second electrical power generation system are substantially identical in orientation; the first electrical power generation system and the second electrical power generation system each respectively comprising an even number of hydrogen fuel cell systems arranged in pairs, first hydrogen fuel cell systems of each pair arranged on a first side of the longitudinal axis and second hydrogen fuel cell systems of each pair arranged on a second side of the longitudinal axis, the first electrical power generation system and the second electrical power generation system being independently operable, the first electrical power generation system and the second electrical power generation system being connected to the fluid interface system by respective fluid handling paths, the fluid handling paths being substantially identical in length. In this way, the first electrical power generation system and the second electrical power generation system are set up in a substantially symmetrical fashion about the fluid handling interface, which permits them to have substantially similar performance to each other. In some examples, the or each electrical power generation system comprises four hydrogen fuel cell systems. In some examples, the four hydrogen fuel cell systems are arranged in a two-by-two configuration, with a first pair of hydrogen fuel cell systems arranged on a first side of the longitudinal axis and a second pair of hydrogen fuel cell systems arranged on a second side of the longitudinal axis.

[0035] Optionally, the first electrical power generation system is separated from the second electrical power generation system by a bulkhead. In some examples, the bulkhead is integrated with the fluid interface system such that the bulkhead has through holes which permit pipework, such as common fluid handling paths, from the fluid interface system to the electrical power generation systems.

[0036] Optionally, the container structure has a width, and a length along the longitudinal axis and is substantially cuboidal, the width and length dimensioned compliant with intermodal container ISO standards. In some examples, the container structure has a height which is compliant with intermodal container ISO standards. In other examples, the container has a height which is different to the intermodal container ISO standards, but nevertheless the width and length are dimensioned compliant with intermodal container ISO standards.

[0037] Optionally, the container structure has a width, and a length along the longitudinal axis and is substantially cuboidal, the width and the length dimensioned compliant with intermodal container ISO standards; the first electrical power generation system is substantially identical to the second electrical power generation system, and the first electrical power generation system and the second electrical power generation system are substantially identical in orientation; the first electrical power generation system and the second electrical power generation system each respectively comprising four hydrogen fuel cell systems, a first pair of the four hydrogen fuel cell systems arranged on a first side of the longitudinal axis and a second pair of the four hydrogen fuel cell systems arranged on a second side of the longitudinal axis, the first electrical power generation system and the second electrical power generation system being independently operable, the first electrical power generation system and the second electrical power generation system being connected to the fluid interface system by respective fluid handling paths, the fluid handling paths being substantially identical in length. This provides a containerised hydrogen-fuelled power generation source with redundant power generation systems which can be readily installed onto a marine vessel.

[0038] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a marine vessel comprising a hydrogen fuel cell power generator according to the first aspect. That is, there is a marine vessel comprising a hydrogen fuel cell power generator wherein the hydrogen fuel cell power generator comprises a container structure having a longitudinal axis; and located within the container structure and arranged sequentially along the longitudinal axis: an electrical conversion system operable as a DC-DC converter for electrical power, an electrical power generation system comprising a hydrogen fuel cell system operable to generate electrical power, an electrical power output of the electrical power generation system convertible by the electrical conversion system, and a fluid interface system operable to transfer fluids between a fluid handling apparatus external to the hydrogen cell fuel power generator and the electrical power generation system.

[0039] A marine vessel according to the second aspect of the invention, having such a hydrogen fuel cell power generator according to the first aspect of the invention, is thereby able to utilise a source of energy which is comparably environmentally friendly compared with fossil fuel alternatives, for example. This can allow the marine vessel to access environments which are under stricter environmental regulation, for example.

[0040] Optionally, the marine vessel comprises a fluid handling system which includes at least one fluid storage module for at least one of hydrogen, nitrogen, and / or coolant, the fluid handling system operable to provide the at least one of hydrogen, nitrogen, and / or coolant from the at least one fluid storage module to the hydrogen fuel cell power generator. In operation, replacement fluid storage modules may be interfaced with the fluid handling system in order to replenish supplies to the hydrogen fuel cell power generator. Such replacement fluid storage modules may be provided to the marine vessel at, for example, a port or harbour, being delivered to and loaded onto the marine vessel. Such replacement fluid storage modules may be stored on board the marine vessel and interfaced with the fluid handling system when fluid stored by the fluid storage module is required by the hydrogen fuel cell power generator, for example. In some examples, the fluid storage module is a tank for containing hydrogen for use as hydrogen fuel.

[0041] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only, which is made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0043] Figure 1 shows schematically a plan view of a hydrogen fuel cell power generator according to an example;

[0044] Figure 2 shows schematically a plan view of a fluid handling of the hydrogen fuel cell power generator according to an example;

[0045] Figure 3 shows schematically access panels of the hydrogen fuel cell power generator according to an example;

[0046] Figure 4 shows schematically an external view of a hydrogen fuel cell power generator according to an example;

[0047] Figure 5 shows schematically a marine vessel equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell power generator according to an example;

[0048] Detailed Description

[0049] A hydrogen fuel cell power generator 100 according to the present disclosure is illustrated in Figure I. The hydrogen fuel cell power generator 100 includes a first electrical power generation system 110, a second electrical power generation system I f f, a fluid interface system 120, and an electrical conversion system 130, all located within a container structure 102. As an overview, the containerised hydrogen fuel cell power generator 100 comprises the systems necessary to generate electrical power using hydrogen fuel cells. Accordingly, the hydrogen fuel cell power generator 100 is straightforwardly installable onto a marine vessel 1000, depicted in Figure 5, such that the marine vessel 1000 can utilise power derived from hydrogen fuel instead of from fossil fuels, for example.

[0050] The container structure 102 in Figure 1 is a cuboidal structure having a length L, width W and height H. The container structure is elongate, such that the length L is longer than the width W and height H, the length L being along a longitudinal axis L . More specifically, the container structure 102 has a width W and length L which are compliant with ISO intermodal container standards, specifically a 40-foot container, which corresponds to a 12.2 metre length and 2.44 metre width. The container structure 102 of Figure 1 has a slightly reduced height relative to ISO intermodal container standards, having a height of 2.1 metre, which can improve ease of handling and installation, but in other examples the height may be around 2.59 metres, compliant with ISO intermodal container standards. In any case, adopting a container structure being compliant with international standards can simplify handling and installation due to the widespread availability of logistics equipment compatible with such dimensions. Further details of the container structure 102 are described later.

[0051] Turning now to the internal systems of the hydrogen fuel cell power generator 100, and specifically their layout within the container structure 102: the first and second electrical power generation systems 110, 111, the fluid interface system 120, and the electrical conversion system 130, are arranged in a sequence along the longitudinal axis of the container structure 102. In the example of Figure 1, the sequence along the longitudinal axis is as follows: the electrical conversion system 130 is located at a first end of the container structure 102, followed by the first electrical power generation system 100, then the fluid interface system 120, then the second electrical power generation system 111 at a second end of the container structure 102.

[0052] The first electrical power generation system 110 is formed of four hydrogen fuel cell systems 110a, 110b, 110c, HOd. The four hydrogen fuel cell systems HOa-d are arranged in a series of pairs: a first pair of the hydrogen fuel cell systems 110a, 110b are arranged either side of a first position along the longitudinal axis and a second pair of the hydrogen fuel cell systems 110c, 1 lOd are arranged either side of a second, different position along the longitudinal axis L . In other words, the hydrogen fuel cell systems 1 lOa-d are arranged in a 2-by-2 configuration. Each hydrogen fuel cell system 1 lOa-d is located a substantially same distance away from the longitudinal axis such that they are arranged symmetrically about the longitudinal axis L .

[0053] Each hydrogen fuel cell system 1 lOa-d comprises four hydrogen fuel cell stacks formed of multiple hydrogen fuel cells (such as 300 fuel cells in a stack) for generating electrical power, and a common balance of plant serving the four stacks and comprising components which can include compressors, blowers, motors, pumps, valves, sensors, heat exchangers, and electrical components such as cables, contactors, fuses, power distribution units, for managing operation of the hydrogen fuel cell stacks. Each hydrogen fuel cell system 1 lOa-d receives hydrogen and process air in order to generate electrical power; coolant for thermal management; ventilating gases to manage the risk of hydrogen leakage, and for additional thermal management; and nitrogen for performing purges, or flushes, during shutdown of the hydrogen fuel cell system. These fluids are supplied from and / or expelled to the fluid interface system 120, described shortly hereafter.

[0054] As part of the balance of plant, each hydrogen fuel cell system 1 lOa-d comprises ventilation apparatus such that hydrogen leaks can be dissipated from the hydrogen fuel cell systems HOa-d and thereby reducing the risk of any leaking hydrogen reaching a flammable concentration.

[0055] It will be appreciated that the precise configuration of each hydrogen fuel cell system is immaterial in the context of the present disclosure, and that a variety of different hydrogen fuel cell systems can be used. Each of the hydrogen fuel cell systems HOa-d has a substantially similar design, within manufacturing tolerances, and is designed to produce a same total power output, within expected variation of performance.

[0056] The second electrical power generation system I l l is substantially identical to the first electrical power generation system, in that it also comprises four hydrogen fuel cell systems I l la, 111b, 111c, 11 Id which are substantially identical to the hydrogen fuel cell systems of the first electrical power generation system. Accordingly, the first electrical power generation system 110 and second electrical power generation system are each operable to produce a substantially similar total power output, within expected variation of performance. The first electrical power generation system 110 is oriented in the same way as the second electrical power generation system 111, in that the second electrical power generation system I l l is positioned at a different position along the longitudinal axis L±but is otherwise the same in configuration. In the example of Figure 1, the first and second electrical power generation systems 110, 111 are independently operable, and during regular operation just one is operated at any given time. In other examples, both may be operated concurrently.

[0057] The fluid interface system 120 comprises fluid handling components used to exchange fluids between the electrical power generation systems 110, 111 and an external fluid handling system 400 (illustrated in Figure 5). The fluid interface system 120 comprises a process air handling system 121, a module ventilation system 122, a hydrogen fuel handling system 123, a nitrogen handling system 124, a coolant handling system 125. Generally, the systems of the fluid interface system 120 either receive a respective fluid from the external fluid handling system 400 to provide to the electrical power generation systems 110, 111, or receive a fluid from the electrical power generation systems 110, 111 to deliver to the external fluid handling system 400, or do both receiving and delivering. Accordingly, the fluid interface system 120 comprises a range of interfaces in an external wall 122 of the container structure 102, seen in Figure 4, to allow for external pipework of the external fluid handling system 400 to be connected to internal pipework. The fluid interface system 120 comprises additional components (not illustrated here) such as control valves, pressure valves, flow monitoring sensors, temperature monitoring sensors, chemical monitoring sensors, and the like, which are generally operable to monitor and / or control fluid flow into and out from the hydrogen fuel cell power generator 100. Components such as dust filters may be present on, for example, ventilation air intakes of the fluid interface system 120. The fluid interface system 120 is positioned equidistantly between the first electrical power generation system 110 and the second electrical power generation system 111.

[0058] The process air handling system 121 provides a source of oxygen to the hydrogen fuel cell systems HOa-d, l l la-d of the electrical power generation systems 110, 111, and removes exhaust air from the same. The module ventilation system 122 provides and subsequently removes ventilating air to each hydrogen fuel cell system HOa-d, l l la-d for thermal management and removal of leaked hydrogen. The hydrogen fuel handling system 123 supplies hydrogen for use as fuel by the hydrogen fuel cell systems HOa-d, l l la-d, and also provides for a separate emergency venting pathway for hydrogen. The nitrogen handling system 124 is operable to perform nitrogen flushes in case of shutdown of a hydrogen fuel cell system HOa-d, l l la-d. The coolant handling system 125 is operable to provide and remove coolant to and from the hydrogen fuel cell systems 1 lOa-d, l l la-d for thermal management.

[0059] Within the container structure 102, fluids are handled by fluid handling paths 108a, 108b which transport the fluids between the fluid interface system 120 and the power generation systems 110, 111, as illustrated by Figure 2. The fluid handling paths 108a, 108b represent pipework and associated components such as valves, sensors for monitoring flow. For example, the fluid handling paths 108a, 108b each comprise dedicated pipework for, respectively, the process air 121, ventilation 122, hydrogen 123, nitrogen 124, and cooling 125 systems. In the example of Figure 1, the pipework for each system comprises a common main pipe with subsidiary pipes branching from the main pipe to interface with the hydrogen fuel cell systems. The hydrogen fuel cell systems are thereby served by a common supply path, which can minimise the amount of piping required to handle fluids. The fluid handling paths 108a, 108b may be configured to distribute the flow of delivered fluids, that is fluids enroute to the electrical power generation systems, in an equal manner between the hydrogen fuel cell systems 1 lOa-d, l l la-d to ensure each is provided with e.g. hydrogen at an equal rate.

[0060] In particular, the fluid handling paths 108a, 108b may include double-walled pipework, such as for handling hydrogen fuel and process exhaust. Such double-walled pipework can reduce a risk of combustion, render leaks more detectable, and / or can thermally insulate contents of the pipe. For example, an interstitial space of the doublewalled pipe, between a first, inner and second, outer wall of the double-walled pipe, can be filled with nitrogen such that the interstitial space contains less than 2% oxygen by volume. This can provide hypoxic protection for hydrogen transported inside the centremost pipe. Oxygen sensors in fluidic communication with the interstitial space can monitor the oxygen level. Pressure sensors in fluidic communication with the interstitial space can monitor pressure in order to detect a leak which might have occurred in either or both of the inner wall or the outer wall of the double-walled pipe. In this example, a first fluid handling path 108a serves the first electrical power generation system 110, and a second fluid handling path 108b, on the opposite side of the fluid interface system 120, serves the second electrical power generation system 111. Each electrical power generation system 110, 111 therefore has independent feed and return systems such that the electrical power generation systems 110, 111 can be run independently. Since the fluid interface system 120 is positioned equidistantly between the first electrical power generation system 110 and the second electrical power generation system 111, the first fluid handling path 108a serving the first electrical power generation system 110 is of a substantially similar length to the second fluid handling path 108b serving the second electrical power generation system 111. This can reduce a longest total length of a fluid handling path 108a, 108b, compared with systems in which the fluid handling interface is not between the two or more electrical power generation systems. This can improve mean flow velocity and reduce pressure loss, which can improve fluid handling performance.

[0061] The fluid handling paths 108a, 108b are substantially colinear with the longitudinal axis of the container structure 102, in that they run centrally along the length of the container 102. This can improve accessibility of the hydrogen fuel cell systems via access panels, as described later.

[0062] The electrical conversion system 130 comprises an array of DC-DC converters which receive electrical power, via high-power cables, generated by the electrical power generation systems 110, 111. The DC-DC converters convert the electrical power generated by the power generation systems 110, 111 into an electrical power output suitable for use by the marine vessel 1000. An output interface 135 of the electrical conversion system 130 is provided such that an external load, such as the marine vessel 1000, can utilise the power output by the power generation systems 110, 111 and subsequently converted by the electrical conversion system 130. The electrical conversion system 130 is also linked to the fluid interface system 120 to receive liquid coolant for thermal management. Additionally, ventilation inlets in external walls of the container structures and ventilation outlets in a ceiling portion of the container structure 130 allow for ventilating air, which further aids in thermal management.

[0063] In the example of Figure 1, the electrical conversion system occupies a roughly 10 foot, or approximately 3 metres, section in the length dimension, L, of the overall 40 foot, or 12.2 metre, container structure 102. The first electrical power generation system 110, fluid interface system 120, and second electrical power generation system 111 split the remaining 30 foot, or approximately 9 metres, of the container structure 102 in the length dimension, L. The first electrical power generation system 110 and second electrical power generation system 111 are substantially identical and so occupy approximately equal proportions of this 30-foot section.

[0064] We turn now to consider further features of the container structure 102 which can augment the internal systems.

[0065] The container structure 102 comprises a number of access panels 104a-h which permit access to engineers and / or machinery in order to perform inspection and / or maintenance from external positions around the container structure 102. A variety of configurations for access points are illustrated in Figure 3 for explanatory purposes; examples may comprise any combination, or just a single type, of the following examples, and it is anticipated that the precise configuration will vary depending on application. For instance, some configurations of the access panels may be more appropriate in environments with limited external space to the container structure 102, for instance.

[0066] Each access panel 104a-h is provided in an exterior wall of the container structure 102. Each access panel 104a-h is proximate to a respective hydrogen fuel cell system 1 lOa-d, 11 la-d. A first access panel 104b is a hinged door which can be in a closed configuration, wherein it forms part of the exterior wall, and an open configuration in which a respective neighbouring hydrogen fuel cell system 11 Id can be accessed. A second access panel 104d is a sliding door which can be moved, parallel to the exterior wall, between open and closed configurations. A third access panel 104c is detachably fastened to the exterior wall. Whilst fastened to the exterior wall, the third access panel 104c can be considered to be in a closed configuration. The third access panel 104c is entirely removable from the exterior wall to an open configuration. When the access panel is in an opened configuration, maintenance can be performed from external positions to the container structure 102, rather than requiring entry into the container structure 102.

[0067] In some cases, such as the third access panel 104c, the access panel 104c has sufficiently large dimensions to allow the hydrogen fuel cell system 110b to be removed from the container structure 102 through the access panel 104c. This can permit maintenance of individual hydrogen fuel cell systems without requiring other parts of the hydrogen fuel cell power generator 100 to be removed as well. The fluid supply path 108a, in being located centrally in the example of Figure 1 and effectively behind the hydrogen fuel cell system 110b with respect to the access panel 104c, do not interfere with this process as they do not block the hydrogen fuel cell system 110b from being removed through the access panel 104c. In some examples, access panels may be reconfigurable between multiple open states, including a first open state in which maintenance can be performed, but not dimensioned such that the respective hydrogen fuel cell system can be removed through the access panel, and a second open state in which the access panel is sufficiently large for the respective hydrogen fuel cell system to be removed.

[0068] In the example of Figure 1, a first set of hydrogen fuel cell systems 111b, 11 Id, 110b, HOd on a first side of the longitudinal axis L±are each oriented in a same direction and are each proximate a respective access panel 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d. This permits each of the hydrogen fuel cell systems to be inspected, handled, and maintained in a similar manner. Similarly, a second set of hydrogen fuel cell systems I l la, 111c, 110a, 110c on a second, opposite side of the longitudinal axis L±are each oriented in a same direction, mirrored relative to the first set, and each are proximate a respective access panel 104e, 104f, 104g, 104h. They can also be inspected, handled, and maintained in a substantially similar manner to the first set, since each hydrogen fuel cell system l l la-d, HOa-d has a same orientation with respect to its respective access panel 104a-h.

[0069] The container structure 102 comprises thermal ventilation ports 108a, 108b for thermal management throughout the container structure 102. In this example, the container structure 102 comprises thermal ventilation inlet ports 108a and thermal ventilation outlet ports 108b arranged in pairs.

[0070] The thermal ventilation inlet ports 108a are each arranged in a respective access panel 104a-h such that each thermal ventilation inlet port 108a is proximate to a respective hydrogen fuel cell system HOa-d, l l la-d. Each thermal ventilation inlet port 108a includes a cleanable air filter and a ventilation fan to draw external air inside the container structure 102, and more specifically to within the respective electrical generation systems 110, 111. The cleanable air filter can reduce the intake of particulates into the container structure 102.

[0071] The thermal ventilation outlet ports 108b are positioned on a ceiling of the container structure 102. Each thermal ventilation outlet port 108b is proximate to a heat-producing component of the hydrogen cell fuel power generator 100. In this example, each hydrogen fuel cell system HOa-d, l l la-d sits underneath a respective thermal ventilation outlet port 108b such that heat escapes the container structure 102 via the thermal ventilation outlet ports 108b.

[0072] Accordingly, air intake through a particular thermal ventilation inlet port 108a is predominantly output through a corresponding thermal ventilation outlet port 108b. Arranging the thermal ventilation inlet ports 108a and thermal ventilation outlet ports 108b in a pairwise fashion can facilitate conservation of airflow at constant velocity over each port, which can improve reliability and uniformity of thermal management of the hydrogen fuel cell power generator 100, for example. In other examples, individual thermal ventilation inlet ports and / or outlet ports may be dimensioned to cover multiple hydrogen fuel cell systems, for example, dimensioned to facilitate conservation of airflow at constant velocity as described above.

[0073] The container structure 102 comprises a door 106, as seen in Figure 4, for access to the electrical conversion system 130, which is managed by human safety interlocks (not shown) to ensure the system is de-energised before entry to the electrical conversion system 130 through the door 106 is possible. Thermal ventilation inlets and outlet ports 108c, d are for the electrical conversion system 130, too, in addition to the liquid cooling described earlier. In this example, thermal ventilation inlet ports 108c are provided in the door 106, and outlet ports 108d are provided in a ceiling of the container structure 102.

[0074] The container structure 102 comprises bulkheads 170a-c which are disposed between each of the internal systems. The bulkheads are formed of sheet steel and are fully welded into place to provide a degree of structural integrity and environmental separation between the internal systems. The bulkheads 170a-c are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the container structure 102, spanning between opposite lateral walls and from ceiling to floor of the container structure 102. A first bulkhead 170a sits between the electrical conversion system 130 and the first electrical power generation system 110. A second bulkhead 170b sits between the first electrical power generation system 110 and the fluid interface system 120. A third bulkhead 170c sits between the fluid interface system 120 and the second electrical power generation system 111. Each bulkhead comprises apertures, such as cut-outs and through-holes, which permit cables and pipework to pass through the bulkhead between internal systems. In some examples, just a single bulkhead is provided at the fluid interface system 120 to provide separation between the first and second electrical power generation systems 110, 111. In some examples, no bulkheads are present.

[0075] In addition to the features described above, the hydrogen fuel cell power generator 100 is equipped with a suite of sensors which can ensure the hydrogen fuel cell power generator 100 is compliant with maritime safety standards. The suite of sensors is distributed throughout the container structure 102. For instance, sensors are provided which detect the presence of hydrogen, ensure sufficient airflow, monitor excess thermal conditions, and the likes.

[0076] The container structure 102 comprises mounting points 161 which permit mechanical mounting of the container structure 102 to an external surface, such as a deck of the vessel 1000, to thereby secure the hydrogen fuel cell power generator 100 in place. Such mounting points 161 may be welding points which, with plates, can facilitate welding of the container structure 102 onto a deck of the vessel 100.

[0077] In use, each hydrogen fuel cell system 1 lOa-d, 11 la-d is operable to produce a net power output of least 350kW of power, and preferably at least 375 kW of power, with a gross power output of at least 450 kW. Each electrical power generation system 110, 111 is therefore operable to produce up to 1.5 MW of power. The hydrogen fuel cell power generator 100 is therefore operable to produce, utilising both electrical power generation systems 110, 111, up to 3 MW of power. A power density of the hydrogen fuel cell power generator, based on the total dimensions of the container structure 102, can therefore be in the range of at least 40 kW per cubic meter, and preferably at least 45 kW per cubic meter. Such a power density is in excess of previously achieved power densities and is facilitated by the arrangement of the hydrogen fuel cell power generator 100 which enhances thermal management and fluid handling. Other examples according to the present disclosure may achieve still greater power outputs and / or power densities, whilst in other examples according to the present disclosure, lower power outputs and / or densities may be desirable.

[0078] A marine vessel 1000 equipped with the hydrogen fuel cell power generator 100 is illustrated in Figure 5.

[0079] The hydrogen fuel cell power generator 100 is connected to a fluid handling system 400 which provides the hydrogen fuel cell power generator 100 with hydrogen, process air, ventilating air, and nitrogen, and removes process exhaust and condensation from the hydrogen fuel cell power generator 100. The fluid handling system 400 is configured to interface with fluid storage modules 410, such as hydrogen fuel tanks, nitrogen tanks, coolant storage tanks, and the likes, and provide the contents thereof to the hydrogen fuel cell power generator 100 via the fluid interface system 120. In some examples, the fluid handling system 400 comprises on-board generators which are operable to produce a source of fluid for use by the hydrogen fuel cell power generator 100. For example, the fluid handling system 400 may comprise a nitrogen generator which generates compressed nitrogen gas by separation of the nitrogen from the air.

[0080] The fluid storage modules 410 can be provided to the marine vessel from an external site 2000, which can be another vessel, a port or harbour, for example. In one example of operation utilising such fluid storage modules 410, when existing hydrogen fuel levels of a hydrogen fuel tank are running low, the marine vessel 1000 can dock to receive a replacement or further hydrogen fuel tank, thereby replenishing the hydrogen fuel cell power generator.

[0081] The fluid storage modules 410 may be themselves containerised to aid in handling, for example.

[0082] Electrical power output by the electrical power generation systems 110, 111 and converted by the electrical conversion system 100 are connected to a power-consuming system 500 of the marine vessel 1000. The power-consuming system 500 can be any of onboard electronic systems, propulsion systems, and the like.

[0083] The above embodiments are to be understood as illustrative examples of the invention. Further embodiments of the invention are envisaged.

[0084] For example, in the example of Figure 1 an even number of hydrogen fuel cell systems are provided. In some examples, an odd number may be provided. In some examples, an odd number may be arranged in a substantially similar fashion, such as in a 2-by-2 configuration, but with absent hydrogen fuel cell system to leave an empty bay which can be used for an alternative purpose. In some examples, the or each power generation system may only comprise a single hydrogen fuel cell system.

[0085] In some examples, the container structure 102 comprises lateral side walls which comprise brace structures, such as X-braces, to provide improved strength of the container structure 102 for transport and lifting of the hydrogen fuel cell power generator 100. Once installed onto the marine vessel 1000, the brace structures of the lateral side walls can be removed and replaced with access panels as described previously, for example.

[0086] In some examples, a or each hydrogen fuel cell system is mounted in a movable support structure such as a sliding structure that can be slid into and out from a respective access port, for example. Such a sliding structure may involve a drawer-like configuration, in which a substructure can be slid on rails out from a housing structure, or the whole support structure may be wheeled, for instance. This can ease maintenance of the hydrogen fuel cell system. In some examples, the support structure comprises forklift engagement portions such that the hydrogen fuel cell system is straightforwardly handled by a forklift or similar mechanism.

[0087] In some examples, a truncated layout may be provided, such as for use in a 20- foot (6.1m) ISO-compliant container. The second electrical power generation system may be absent from such a truncated layout, such that the sequence is as follows: an electrical conversion system at a first end, followed by an electrical power generation system, followed by a fluid interface system at a second end. In further examples, any dimension of container structure may be used sufficiently large to containerise the hydrogen fuel cell power generator. The dimensions can be selected in accordance with the marine vessel upon which the hydrogen fuel cell generator will be installed, such as based on a deck-to-deck height of the marine vessel.

[0088] It is to be understood that any feature described in relation to any one embodiment may be used alone, or in combination with other features described, and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the embodiments, or any combination of any other of the embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A hydrogen fuel cell power generator comprising a container structure having a longitudinal axis; and located within the container structure and arranged sequentially along the longitudinal axis: an electrical conversion system operable as a DC-DC converter for electrical power, an electrical power generation system comprising a hydrogen fuel cell system operable to generate electrical power, an electrical power output of the electrical power generation system convertible by the electrical conversion system, and a fluid interface system operable to transfer fluids between a fluid handling apparatus external to the hydrogen cell fuel power generator and the electrical power generation system.

2. The hydrogen fuel cell power generator of any previous claim, wherein the container structure comprises an access panel located proximate to the hydrogen fuel cell system, the access panel reconfigurable between an opened and a closed state, and configured such that the hydrogen fuel cell system is accessible from outside the container structure at the location of the access panel when the access panel is in the opened state.

3. The hydrogen fuel cell power generator of claim 2, wherein the access panel is dimensioned such that the hydrogen fuel cell system is removable from, or insertable into, the container structure at the location of the access panel when the access panel is in the opened state.

4. The hydrogen fuel cell power generator of any previous claim, wherein the container structure comprises, positioned proximate to the hydrogen fuel cell system, a thermal ventilation inlet port and a corresponding thermal ventilation output port.

5. The hydrogen fuel cell power generator of claim 4 when dependent on claim 3, wherein the thermal ventilation inlet port is arranged within the access panel and the corresponding thermal ventilation output port is arranged on a ceiling of the container structure, above the hydrogen fuel cell system.

6. The hydrogen fuel cell power generator of any previous claim, wherein the electrical power generation system comprises a plurality of hydrogen fuel cell systems.

7. The hydrogen fuel cell power generator of claim 6, wherein the electrical power generator system comprises an even number of hydrogen fuel cell systems arranged substantially symmetrically either side of the longitudinal axis.

8. The hydrogen fuel cell power generator of claim 6 or 7, wherein each hydrogen fuel cell system is proximate to a corresponding respective access panel of the container structure, such that each hydrogen fuel cell system is accessible from outside the container structure at a respective location of the respective access panel when the respective access panel is in an opened state.

9. The hydrogen fuel cell power generator of claim 8, wherein each hydrogen fuel cell system of the plurality of hydrogen fuel cell systems is removable from the container structure from a respective location of the respective access panel when the respective access panel is in an opened state.

10. The hydrogen fuel cell power generator of any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the container structure comprises a plurality of thermal ventilation inlet ports and a thermal ventilation outlet ports, each hydrogen fuel cell system of the plurality of hydrogen fuel cell systems proximate to a respective thermal ventilation inlet port and a corresponding thermal ventilation outlet port.

11. The hydrogen fuel cell power generator of claim 10 when dependent on claim 8 or 9, wherein each hydrogen fuel cell system is proximate a respective thermal ventilation inlet port arranged in the respective access panel, and the correspondingoutlet port is arranged in a ceiling of the container structure, above the hydrogen fuel cell system.

12. The hydrogen fuel cell power generator of any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein the plurality of hydrogen fuel cell systems are connected to the fluid interface system by a common fluid handling path.

13. The hydrogen fuel cell power generator of claim 12, wherein the common fluid handling path is aligned centrally within the container structure and along the longitudinal axis, and the hydrogen fuel cell systems are arranged adjacent to and to either side of the common fluid handling path.

14. The hydrogen fuel cell power generator of any previous claim, wherein the fluid interface system includes connection interfaces for one or more of a coolant, hydrogen, nitrogen, an oxygen source, and ventilation fluids.

15. The hydrogen fuel cell power generator of any previous claim, wherein the container structure comprises a bulkhead between the electrical conversion system and the electrical power generation system.

16. The hydrogen fuel cell power generator of any previous claim wherein the electrical power generation system is a first electrical power generation system, and the hydrogen fuel cell power generator comprises a second electrical power generation system comprising at least one hydrogen fuel cell system, and wherein power output of the second electrical power generation system is convertible by the electrical conversion system, the fluid interface system is operable to transfer fluids to and / or from the second electrical power generation system, and the fluid interface system is arranged, along the longitudinal axis, between the first electrical power generation system and the second electrical power generation system.

17. The hydrogen fuel cell power generator of claim 16, wherein the first electrical power generation system is substantially identical to the second electrical power generation system.

18. The hydrogen fuel cell power generator of claim 17, wherein the first electrical power generation system and the second electrical power generation system are substantially identical in orientation.

19. The hydrogen fuel cell power generator of any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the first electrical power generation system is operable independently to the second electrical power generation system.

20. The hydrogen fuel cell power generator of any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the common fluid handling path is a first common fluid handling path configured to handle fluids of the first electrical power generation system, and the at least one hydrogen fuel cell system of the second electrical power generation system connected to the fluid interface system by a second common fluid handling path.

21. The hydrogen fuel cell power generator of claim 20, wherein the second common fluid handling path is aligned centrally within the container structure and along the longitudinal axis.

22. The hydrogen fuel cell power generator of any one of claims 16 to 21, wherein the fluid interface system is positioned substantially equidistantly between the first electrical power generation system and the second electrical power generation system.

23. The hydrogen fuel cell power generator of any one of claims 16 to 22, wherein the first electrical power generation system is separated from the second electrical power generation system by a bulkhead.

24. The hydrogen fuel cell power generator of any previous claim, wherein the container structure has a width, and a length along the longitudinal axis and issubstantially cuboidal, the width and length dimensioned compliant with intermodal container ISO standards.

25. The hydrogen fuel cell power generator of claim 16, wherein the container structure has a width, and a length along the longitudinal axis and is substantially cuboidal, the width and the length dimensioned compliant with intermodal container ISO standards; the first electrical power generation system is substantially identical to the second electrical power generation system, and the first electrical power generation system and the second electrical power generation system are substantially identical in orientation; the first electrical power generation system and the second electrical power generation system each respectively comprising four hydrogen fuel cell systems, a first pair of the four hydrogen fuel cell systems arranged on a first side of the longitudinal axis and a second pair of the four hydrogen fuel cell systems arranged on a second side of the longitudinal axis, the first electrical power generation system and the second electrical power generation system being independently operable, the first electrical power generation system and the second electrical power generation system being connected to the fluid interface system by respective fluid handling paths, the fluid handling paths being substantially identical in length.

26. A marine vessel comprising the hydrogen fuel cell power generator of any previous claim.

27. The marine vessel of claim 26, further comprising a fluid handling system which includes at least one fluid storage module for at least one of hydrogen, nitrogen, and / or coolant, the fluid handling system operable to provide the at least one of hydrogen, nitrogen, and / or coolant from the at least one fluid storage module to the hydrogen fuel cell power generator.

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