SE545587C2

SE545587C2 - An assembly for housing a fuel cell system

Info

Publication number: SE545587C2
Application number: SE2150375A
Authority: SE
Inventors: Jesper Lindström
Original assignee: Lindstroem Jesper Dan
Priority date: 2021-03-26
Filing date: 2021-03-26
Publication date: 2023-11-07
Also published as: SE2150375A1

Abstract

An assembly (1) for housing a fuel cell system comprising an enclosure (10) adapted to receive at least one exchangeable module (20) of a fuel cell system and comprising an opening side (11), a bottom wall (17) arranged opposite to the opening side (11), an inner side wall (12), and an outer side wall (14), which extend between the opening side (11) and the bottom wall (17), thereby defining a storage space (18) and an insulating space (13), the storage space (18) delimited by the inner side wall (12) and the bottom wall (17), the insulating space (13) delimited by the inner side wall (12), the outer side wall (14), the opening side (11) and the bottom wall (17); a lid (40) adapted to seal the opening side (11) of the enclosure (10), wherein at least one groove (60) extends from the opening side (11) and the inner side wall (12) into the insulating space (13), and the lid (40) extends in a mainplane (2), and comprises flanges (42), which extend in the main plane (2) and an outer periphery (43) of the flanges (42) corresponds to an outer periphery (19) of the outer side wall (14) of the enclosure (10).

Description

Technical Field [000l] The present disclosure relates generally to an assembly for housing a fuel cell system and methods thereof.

Background

[0002] Dangerous substances used in fuel cell systems, such as hydrogen gas, are key mediums that Will enable the energy sector to utilize more reneWable energy, such as solar and Wind, by storing the energy and reducing the imbalance associated With these interrnittent sources.

[0003] Fuel cell systems and storage of fuels are generally adopted by the industry. HoWeVer, facilities other than laboratory equipment, must be constructed as highly restricted areas, in industrial or remote locations. Besides safety precautions such as emergency and inspection plans required, When it comes to large Volumes of dangerous substances, distance to commercial, residential and other public areas are usually a safety criterion When building those facilities.

[0004] Furthermore, With the increasing demand of storing reneWable energy from solar, Wind etc., it becomes challenging to construct a safe facility that is also close to public areas, such as microgrids or local, small scale fuel systems for poWering residential buildings. To alloW an economical utilization of hydrogen storage, the inefficiencies of the chemical process of fuel cells converting electric to hydrogen in terms partial conVersion to therrnal energy, heat losses is important to consume as heat and Warm Water in buildings. Thus, to alloW efficient distribution of the therrnal energy, the fuel cell system is beneficial to place close to the consumer.

[0005] The recognized Way of constructing such systems is to install the fuel cell equipment and fuel storage inside a building, typically in a basement and furtherrnore in operating rooms. Risks associated With this are both to protect the area from a potential fire in the building, and the need to find and Ventilate any fuel (gas) leakage. It is also difﬁcult to make sure that residents follow needed emergency procedures required by fire rescue personnel to avoid fatalities.

[0006] Another installation option is to set up the equipment fully or partially outside the building. While risk of fire in the building is still a risk, this approach has other prominent vulnerabilities. By being more accessible, the risks of sabotage (direct tampering or forceful attacks) and accidents (object falling on or pushed into system) becomes higher.

[0007] Lastly, installations Within robust constructions freestanding from the building, such as a shipping container or dedicated concrete structure could be relatively safer. The doWnside of this altemative is the required space that must be available, and the aesthetical inconveniences of such construction.

[0008] US2007099049Al discloses building a fuel cell system dug into the ground. HoWever, the disclosed solution creates many issues, such as impossibility of fully accessing the components of the fuel cell system for maintenance or inspection, Which is required by regulators. Moreover, the system has lite ﬂexibility since the only action that could be taken is to refill the fuel storage vessels.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need of an assembly for housing a fuel cell system that is safe, easy to install and to inspect, as Well as flexible so it can be adapted to changes in energy storage and/or production demands throughout the year. Summa [000l0] It is an object of the invention to address at least one of the above-mentioned problems. Accordingly, the present invention preferably seeks to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more of the above-identified deficiencies in the art and disadvantages singly or in any combination and solves at least one of the above-mentioned problems by providing an assembly for housing a fuel cell system comprising an enclosure adapted to receive at least one exchangeable module of a fuel cell system and comprising an opening side, a bottom Wall arranged opposite to the opening side, an inner side Wall, and an outer side Wall, Which extend between the opening side and the bottom Wall, thereby defining a storage space and an insulating space, the storage space delimited by the inner side Wall and the bottom Wall, the insulating space delimited by the inner side Wall, the outer side Wall, the opening side and the bottom Wall; a lid adapted to seal the opening side of the enclosure, Wherein at least one groove extends from the opening side and the inner side Wall into the insulating space, and the lid extends in a mainplane, and comprises ﬂanges, Which extend in the main plane and an outer periphery of the ﬂanges corresponds to an outer periphery of the outer side Wall of the enclosure. [0001 l] The assembly according to the disclosure advantageously provides an assembly that is easy to install and fully inspectable, during check-up and/or maintenance. An easy installation is facilitated since a robust enclosure may be built in site by transporting the relatively light or thin inner and outer side Walls, mounting them on the assembly site and then f1lling the insulating space With a suitable material. Further, the groove located at the enclosure facilitates the installation of the necessary connections between the assembly and extemal pipes and/or cabling, as Well as an easier access to the storage space for inspection, maintenance or removal of an eventual module and/or component therein. The groove is enabled through additional space created between the inner side Wall and outer side Wall. Furthermore, the assembly can house any existing fuel cell systems in its enclosure, Wherein the fuel cell system is fitted into the storage space of the enclosure before sealing the enclosure With the lid.

The assembly thus provide a ﬂexible solution that may house different fuel cell system.

[00012] According to one exemplary embodiment, the lid comprises at least one access opening arranged in the ﬂanges such that the at least one access opening is located above the at least one groove, When the lid is arranged on the enclosure. One exemplary effect thereof is to provide easy access to the grooves and thereby to the interior of the enclosure and possible modules inserted therein. Moreover, the access opening may be used to access the components inside the enclosure, such as modules, as Well as for connecting the fuel cell system to extemal pipes and/or cables.

[00013] According to another exemplary embodiment the lid comprises a volume arranged such that it extends from the main plane and thereby into the enclosure When the lid is arranged on the enclosure. One exemplary effect thereof is the possibility to fill the volume of the lid With materials such as concrete, asphalt, stones and/or bricks. This allows a better sealing of the enclosure, thereby protecting the interior of the enclosure from the outside environment and vice versa. In other Words, the assembly as a Whole becomes more resistant and capable of Withstanding extemal forces, increasing the safety of the assembly. Furthermore, the volume may be filled With soil and/or grass, thereby generating an assembly more acceptable to be located in places such as parking lots, recreational areas, residential and commercial areas. According to an altemative embodiment, the lid further comprises locking arrangements to prevent unauthorized access to the contents in the enclosure.

[00014] According to one exemplary embodiment, the assembly further comprises at least one exchangeable module adapted to fit into the enclosure, the at least one exchangeable module being suitable for containing one or more components of the fuel cell system. The modules may comprise gas, heat and electrical apparatus such as fuel cell, electrolyzer, balance of plant equipment, heat exchanger, control systems and storage vessels among other system-related technologies and components. One exemplary effect of the exchangeable modules is the ﬂexibility of the assembly, Wherein each module may comprise the components needed for the specific use at the installation site. Modules comprising for instance storage vessels or fuel cells may be easily added/removed/substituted, thereby adapting the Whole assembly to the demands of a specific place at a specific moment. The modules may be arranged inside the enclosure side by side, one over the other or any combination thereof, the combination being mainly deterrnined by the dimensions of the enclosure.

[00015] According to another exemplary embodiment, each of the at least one exchangeable module is ﬂuidly and/or electrical and/or communicational connectable to an adjacent module by coupling elements. One exemplary effect thereof is to provide an assembly Where the exchangeable modules can be easily coupled or decoupled accordingly. The coupling elements may connect any components of the fuel cell system in an exchangeable module to other components in another exchangeable module. This design alloWs a ﬂexible configuration of the assembly.

[00016] According to one exemplary embodiment, each of the at least one exchangeable module is attachable to an adjacent module or lid by fastening elements. The fastening elements advantageously provide an easy Way to move the exchangeable modules and/or lid as a single piece, thereby making installation, inspection or maintenance procedures more efficient and less time consuming. Moreover, some exchangeable modules may be fastened together and removed from the enclosure, While other exchangeable modules may stay inside the enclosure. This allows for example a certain module to be lifted out for inspection and/or maintenance, Without interrupting other modules part of a running system.

[00017] According to another exemplary embodiment, the assembly further comprises an actuator arranged in one of the at least one groove of the enclosure. One exemplary effect of the actuator is to provide means for lifting/loWering the exchangeable modules and/or lid out of/into the enclosure. The actuator may move the exchangeable modules in/out of the enclosure, thereby promoting full access to the interior of the enclosure and to the exchangeable modules. Furthermore, the exchangeable modules of the assembly can be easily inspected or exchanged due to their movability promoted by the actuators.

[00018] According to another exemplary embodiment, the assembly further comprises connectors arranged in the at least one groove for connecting the at least one exchangeable module to extemal pipes and/or cables. The connectors can be of standard type for connecting gas and/or electrical connectors for e.g. electricity and/or communication connectors e. g., LAN-ports and/or f1bre connections. Because the connectors are arranged in the at least one groove, the connectors may be attached after moving the exchangeable module into the enclosure or detached before removing the exchangeable module from the enclosure. An easy access to the exchangeable module is provided and Which allows connecting the module to extemal pipes and/or cables.

[00019] According to another exemplary embodiment, the assembly further comprises locking elements at the inner Wall of the enclosure and corresponding locking recesses at an adj acent surface of the at least one exchangeable module, Wherein upon loWering the at least one exchangeable module the locking elements engages With the locking recesses, When the at least one exchangeable module passes the locking elements and, thereby blocking a further displacement of the at least one exchangeable module into the enclosure. One exemplary effect thereof is to provide a safe manner of moving the exchangeable module into or out of the enclosure. The locking elements may be magnetic driven, pneumatic driven, spring driven or driven in any other suitable Way.

[00020] According to another exemplary embodiment, the fuel cell system is a hydrogen fuel cell system. A hydrogen fuel cell system generates clean energy from hydrogen gas and Water as a main residue. The Water may be absorbed by the nearby soil and/or channelled to existing Water pipes, While the oxygen may be channelled to extemal piping. In case of a fully isolated assembly, With no connection to extemal pipes, both oxygen and Water may be stored in exchangeable modules. [0002l] According to another exemplary embodiment, the at least one exchangeable module comprises a frame and removable Walls. One exemplary effect thereof is the great adaptability of the assembly to house fuel cell systems from different manufacturers. The removable Walls allow easy access to the components inside the module. Furthermore, the exchangeable module comprising a frame and removable Walls can be used to house fuel cell system having different shapes and/or sizes, thereby increasing the ﬂexibility of the assembly.

[00022] According to one exemplary embodiment, the inner Wall of the enclosure further comprises rails for guidance, When displacing the at least one exchangeable module. The rails promote a better positioning of the exchangeable modules When it is inserted and/or Withdrawn from the exchangeable module.

[00023] According to another exemplary embodiment, the coupling elements are located at one or more vertices of the at least one exchangeable module. The location at the vertices of the exchangeable modules facilitates connecting an exchangeable module to one or more adj acent modules. The coupling elements may altematively be located anyWhere at the exchangeable module.

[00024] According to one exemplary embodiment, the assembly is at least partly underground. One exemplary effect thereof is the higher degree of safety of the assembly housing a fuel cell system. An at least partly underground assembly is more difﬁcult to be accessed by unauthorized people, who need to access the contents of the enclosure by opening the lid. Moreover, the partly underground assembly may be safer in case of tempering or fire on the surroundings of the assembly. Another advantage is the possibility to place the assembly in locations where it would otherwise be limited or forbidden. The partly underground assembly may blend to its surrounding and be adapted as part of the landscape, such as parking lots, parks, gardens and residential areas. Another exemplary effect of this embodiment is that the combination of a at least partly underground assembly with fully accessible exchangeable modules provides a solution where the exchangeable modules may be monitored, exchanged, inspected, removed and/or repaired with no need of constructing a large underground room with dedicated service passage and areas, such as a bunker. The assembly therefore provides a much cheaper, safe and compact altemative, as well as an assembly that can be blended to the surroundings.

[00025] According to another exemplary embodiment, the lid is located at or below the ground level. The lid location at or below the ground level advantageously provides access to the lid in an easier manner, which can be opened for accessing the contents of the enclosure. Moreover, the volume of the lid may be filled with the same material of the surroundings (e.g. soil, grass, concrete), thereby providing a surface that can be utilized as a leisure place, parking lot, garden and more.

Brief description of the drawings

[00026] Fig. l illustrates an assembly for housing a fuel cell system and a lid for sealing the enclosure, according to one exemplary embodiment.

[00027] Fig. 2 illustrates an exploded view of an assembly, according to one exemplary embodiment.

[00028] Fig. 3 illustrates an assembly for housing a fuel cell system and a lid for sealing the enclosure, according to one exemplary embodiment.

[00029] Fig. 4 illustrates another assembly for housing a fuel cell system, according to one exemplary embodiment.

[00030] Fig. 5 illustrates an assembly for housing a fuel cell system, according to one exemplary embodiment.

Detailed description

[00031] Figure 1 illustrates an assembly 1 for housing a fuel cell system having an enclosure 10 comprising an opening side 11, a bottom wall 17 arranged opposite to the opening side 11 and inner side wall 12 and outer side wall 14 extending between the opening side 11 and the bottom wall 17. The storage space 18 between the inner side wall 12 and the bottom wall 17 may be used to house one or more components of a fuel cell system, for instance exchangeable modules 20. The insulating space 13 between the inner side wall 12, the outer wall 14, the opening side 11 and the bottom wall 17 may be filled with resistant materials for generating an enclosure 10 that withstands forces from the environment to the interior of the enclosure 10 and Vice Versa. The filling material may be asphalt, concrete, bricks, stones or any material suitable for creating a more resistant enclosure. The filling material may be the same material of the inner side wall 12 and the outer side wall 14, thereby generating one solid wall.

[00032] Furthermore, the enclosure 10 may be made of a light material for easy transportation and assembly, such as plastic or styrofoam, as well as resistant and heaVier materials such as aluminum, steel or iron. The inner side wall 12, outer side wall 14 and bottom wall 17 may be fabricated in smaller sections in order to facilitate transportation to the mounting site, where the sections can be mounted to precisely fit into the dimensions of the site for the assembly 1. Furthermore, after mounting, the inner side wall 12 and the outer side wall 14 may be fixed together through fixtures. The skilled person is aware of such suitable fixtures.

[00033] Figure 1 further illustrates a lid 40 comprising ﬂanges 42 that extend from a main plane 2 to an assemble direction, thereby generating a Volume 45 fillable with a suitable material, as described elsewhere herein. The size of the ﬂanges 42 may vary according to the amount of material to be placed into the Volume 45 of the lid Furthermore, the ﬂanges 42 comprise an outer periphery 43 that corresponds to the outer periphery 19 of the outer side Wall 14 of the enclosure 10. When assembled, the lid 40 completely seals storage space 18 of the enclosure 10 from the outside environment.

[00034] Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the assembly 1 comprising the enclosure 10, exchangeable modules 20 and a lid 40. The enclosure 10 further comprises grooves 60 extending from the opening side 11 and the inner side Wall 12 into the insulating space 13. The grooves 60 allow access to the interior of the enclosure 10 and may be used to for instance connect the exchangeable modules 20 to extemal pipes and/or cables 70. Furthermore, the grooves 60 may be used to place removable actuators 30 used for lifting or loWering the exchangeable modules 20 and/or lid 40 into and out of the enclosure 10, as described below.

[00035] The lid 40 further comprises access openings 48 arranged in the ﬂanges 42. The access openings 48 may be used as an access point to the groove 60 When the enclosure 10 is sealed by the lid 40. In order to access the access openings 48, an edge element 47 is removed from the outer periphery 43 of the ﬂanges 42. The unauthorized removal of the edge element 47 may be prevented by locking arrangement 90 (not shoWn). The locking arrangement 90 locks the edge element 47 to the outer periphery 43 of the ﬂanges, thereby protecting the storage space 18 of the enclosure 10 from tempering. The locking arrangement 90 may be any locking arrangement know in the art, such as lock and key, bolts, screWs etc.

[00036] Figure 2 also illustrates exchangeable modules 20 adapted to fit into the enclosure 10. The exchangeable modules 20 may be arranged side by side in a horizontal axis and/or one above the other, the arrangement depending on the dimensions of the enclosure 10. The exchangeable modules 20 have coupling elements 50 that ﬂuidly, electrically and/or communicationally connect an exchangeable module 20 to one or more adjacent exchangeable modules 20. The coupling elements 50 may be any standard coupling element. The coupling elements 50 may be for instance coupled by screWing the coupling elements 50 together. The exchangeable module 20 may comprise for instance a fuel storage vessel, which is ﬂuidly connected by the coupling elements 50 to an adjacent exchangeable module 20 having a fuel cell stack.

[00037] Due to the modular design of the exchangeable modules 20, an exchangeable module 20 having an empty storage vessel can be replaced by an exchangeable module 20 having a ref1lled storage vessel in a simple manner. Another advantage is that an exchangeable module 20 having for instance a defective fuel cell stacks and/or balance of plant equipment can be readily exchanged by an exchangeable module 20 having a new fuel cell stack and/ or balance of plant equipment. Furthermore, in order to meet the regulatory requirements regarding fuel cell systems, the assembly l is fully accessible due to the organization in exchangeable modules 20, which can be easily removed from the enclosure l0 for maintenance, inspection or replacement. [0003 8] In some embodiments, the assembly l may comprise one exchangeable module 20 having all necessary components of a fuel cell system. In other embodiments, each exchangeable module 20 comprises at least one component of a fuel cell system. The skilled person knows the components of a fuel cell system; however some non-limiting examples are storage vessels, fuel cell stacks, balance of plant equipment, electrolyzer, heat exchanger, control systems, among others. The configuration of the components in the exchangeable module 20 may vary depending on scale of the assembly l and modifications of the system. For example, whether the assembly l both produces and consumes fuel, whether the assembly l is only refillable and consume fuel, or whether the assembly l only stores the fuel.

[00039] Each exchangeable module 20 may be attached to an adjacent exchangeable module 20 and/or lid 40 by fastening elements 24. When fastened by the fastening elements 24, the exchangeable modules 20 and/or lid 40 may be lifted from or lowered into the enclosure l0 as one single piece, which accelerates and simplifies installation, maintenance and/or inspection. Any fastening element 24 may be used to physically secure the exchangeable modules 20 and/or lid 40 to each other, however some non-limiting examples are a pin and wedge arrangement, screwed bolts and snap locks.[00040] Figure 3 illustrates an underground assembly 1 having exohangeable modules 20 f1tted into the enolosure 10. The assembly 1 may however be looated above the ground as well. The enolosure 10 oomprises looking elements 64 looated at the inner wall 12, while the exohangeable modules 20 oomprise at least one oorresponding looking reoess 62 at its surface oontaoting the inner wall 12 of the enolosure 10. A number of looking elements 64 are vertioally arranged so that when the exohangeable module 20 is lifted up, its surface pushes the looking element 64 into the inner wall 12 of the enolosure 10, allowing further displaoement of the module 20. When the looking reoess 62 of the exohangeable module 20 reaohes the looking element 64 of the enolosure 10, the looking element 64 is pushed out and hooks into the looking reoess 62, thereby blooking further downwards movement of the exohangeable module 20. This blookage advantageously provides a safety oheokpoint in oase of a problem while the exohangeable module 20 is lifted up. In oase of for instanoe a failure of the aotuator 30 during the lifting/lowering prooess, the exohangeable modules 20 may not oompletely fall into the enolosure 10, but may be safely stopped when the looking reoess 62 of the module 20 engages to the next looking element 64 of the enolosure 10. The oontinuing upward movement of the exohangeable module 20 again pushes the looking elements 64 into the inner wall 12 of the enolosure 10, until the exohangeable module 20 is totally removed from the enolosure 10. The same prooess applies when the exohangeable modules 20 and lid 40 are attaohed by fastening elements 24 and moved as a single pieoe.

[00041] When the exohangeable module 20 is lowered into the enolosure 10, the movement is blooked when the looking element 64 engages with the looking reoess 62. The looking element 64 may then be released and retrieved to allow the downward movement of the exohangeable module

[00042] In some embodiments, where the assembly 1 is underground, a safety net 80 may be provided between the ground level and the lid 40. The safety net 80 may proteot the assembly 1 from tempering or may deteot and alert a threat. The safety net 80 may deteot a threat for instanoe by having thin oonduotive oables that, when out, deteot and alert about the threat.[00043] Figure 4 illustrates an underground assembly 1 comprising actuators 30. The assembly 1 may however be located above the ground as Well. The actuators 30 may be removable or fixed in the groove 60 of the enclosure 10. When the lid 40 and/or one or more exchangeable modules 20 need to be lifted or lowered, the actuators 30 may be placed into the groove 60 for engaging With the lid 40 and/or exchangeable modules 20. The lid 40 and the exchangeable modules 20 comprise attachment points 31 Where the actuators 30 engage for lifting and/or loWering the structures. The attachment points 31 may be located at the surface of the exchangeable modules 20 facing the grooves 60 of the enclosure 10. Further, the attachment points 31 may be located between the ﬂanges 42 and the outer periphery 43 of the lid

[00044] The actuator 30 may lift/lower one piece at a time, e. g., each exchangeable module 20 and lid 40 separately. Altematively, the actuator 30 may lift/ lower the exchangeable modules 20 and/or lid 40 simultaneously, When they are tied together by the fastening elements 24. The actuator 30 may be substituted by any extemal actuator, such as a crane or a lift. The later configurations may be more cost efficient in smaller systems, meanWhile the option of having actuators 30 may be suitable in larger assemblies that undergo frequent interventions, such as on assemblies 1Where refueling is needed.

[00045] Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment of the assembly 1 Wherein the exchangeable modules 20 comprise a frame 27 and removable Walls 28. The coupling elements 50 are arranged at the frame 27 of the exchangeable modules 20, preferably on the vertices of the exchangeable modules 20. Furthermore, fastening elements 24 are located at the frame 27, preferably between the vertices of the exchangeable modules 20. The removable Walls 28 advantageously provide an exchangeable module 20 adaptable to house fuel cell systems from different origins, such as from different manufacturers. For instance, a fuel cell system container can be placed into the exchangeable modules 20, connected to the coupling elements 50 and then displaced by the actuators 30 into the enclosure 10. Locking arrangements 90 arranged at the edge element 47 of the lid 40 secure that the lid 40 and the enclosure 10 are kept sealed.

Therefore, an assembly 1 adaptable to different fuel cell systems is generated.[00046] The general steps for mounting an assembly 1 can be regarded as follows: First, the enclosure 10 is f1tted at the mounting site, such as a pit in case of an underground assembly 1. The first exchangeable module 20 is displaced onto the bottom wall 17 of the enclosure 10. Actuators 30 placed into the groove 60 of the enclosure 10 or extemal actuators may lower the exchangeable module 20 onto the bottom wall 17 of the enclosure 10. Furthermore, as previously described, locking elements 64 and locking recesses 62 may prevent the exchangeable modules 20 from accidently falling into the enclosure 10. Optionally, the next exchangeable module 20 is placed over the first exchangeable module 20 by the same process. One preferred altemative is to ﬂuidly connect the exchangeable modules 20 to each other through coupling elements 50 and then place them as one piece into the enclosure 10 due to the fastening elements 24, as previously described. Depending on the configuration of the assembly 1, the exchangeable modules 20 may be placed side-by-side, one over the other or any combination thereof Furthermore, connectors arranged in the groove 60 are plugged for connecting the exchangeable modules 20 to extemal pipes and/or cables 70. Finally, the lid 40 is lowered by the actuators 30 or extemal actuators, thereby sealing the storage space 18 of the enclosure 10. The assembly 1 may be protected from tempering by locking arrangements 90 arranged at the edge element 47 of the lid 40. In case the assembly 1 is to be accessed to for instance maintenance or inspection, the same process is done reversibly.

[00047] In case of an underground assembly 1, f1rstly the ground may be excavated with the area dimensions allowing the enclosure 10 to be f1tted into the excavation. The depth of the excavation may allow the enclosure 10 to reach the level of ground surface, or to reach desired height above the surface. Appropriate measures to excavate the bottom may be taken, such as ground water drainage and/or reinforcement, so it becomes solid enough to withstand natural elements and the weight of the assembly 1. A trench for connecting piping and cabling 70 is also excavated. When covered by earth material, connecting pipes and cabling 70 are not visible, preventing tampering.

[00048] Some exemplary embodiments are provided below:A method for mounting an underground assembly 1 comprising: a. Fitting the enclosure 10 into a pit; b. Connecting the at least one exchangeable module 20 to extemal pipes and/or cables 70; c. Lowering the at least one exchangeable module 20 comprising one or more components of the fuel cell system into the enclosure 10 using actuators 30; d. Sealing the opening side 11 of the enclosure 10 by loWering the lidusing actuators The method for mounting an underground assembly according to the previous clause, further comprising: a. Attaching the at least one exchangeable module 20 to an adjacent module and/or lid 40 by fastening elements 24; b. Fluidly, electrically and/or communicationally connecting the at least one exchangeable module 20 to an adjacent exchangeable module 20 by coupling elements 50; c. Simultaneously loWering the at least one exchangeable module 20 and the lid 40 into the enclosure 10 using the actuator The method for mounting an underground assembly according to any one of the previous clauses, further comprising: a. Filling the insulating space 13 of the enclosure 10 With a reinforcing material such as concrete, brick and/or stone; b. Optionally f1lling the region upon the Volume 45 of the lid 40 With a material such as concrete, asphalt, stones, bricks and/or grass.

[00049] Although, the present invention has been described above With reference to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to the specific forrn set forth herein. Rather, the invention is limited only by the accompanying claims.

[00050] In the claims, the terrn “comprises/comprising” does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps. Additionally, although individual features may be included in different claims, these may possibly advantageously be combined, and the inclusion in different claims does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and/or advantageous. In addition, singular references do not exclude a plurality. The terms “a”, “an”, “f1rst”, “second” etc do not preclude a plurality. Reference signs in the claims are provided merely as a clarifying example and shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims in any Way.

Claims

1. An assembly (1) for housing a fuel cell system comprising: a. an enclosure (10) adapted to receive at least one exchangeable module (20) of a fuel cell system and comprising: 0 an opening side (11), 0 a bottom Wall (17) arranged opposite to the opening side (11), 0 an inner side Wall (12), and an outer side Wall (14), Which extend between the opening side (11) and the bottom Wall (17), thereby def1ning a storage space (18) and an insulating space (13), 0 the storage space (18) delimited by the inner side Wall (12) and the bottom Wall (17), 0 the insulating space (13) delimited by the inner side Wall (12), the outer side Wall (14), the opening side (11) and the bottom Wall (17); b. a lid (40) adapted to seal the opening side (11) of the enclosure (10), Wherein at least one groove (60) extends from the opening side (11) and the inner side Wall (12) into the insulating space (13), and the lid (40) extends in a mainplane (2), and comprises ﬂanges (42), Which extend in the main plane (2) and an outer periphery (43) of the ﬂanges (42) corresponds to an outer periphery (19) of the outer side Wall (14) of the enclosure (10).

2. The assembly (1) according to claim 1, Wherein the lid (40) comprises at least one access opening (48) arranged in the ﬂanges (42) such that the at least one access opening (48) is located above the at least one groove (60), When the lid (40) is arranged on the enclosure (10).. The assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, Wherein the lid (40) comprises a Volume (45) arranged such that it extends from the main plane (2) and thereby into the enclosure (10) When the lid (40) is arranged on the enclosure (10). . The assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an actuator (3 0) arranged in one of the at least one groove (60) of the enclosure (10). . The assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one exchangeable module (20) adapted to fit into the enclosure (10), the at least one exchangeable module (20) being suitable for containing one or more components of the fuel cell system. . The assembly (1) according to claim 5, Wherein each of the at least one exchangeable module (20) is ﬂuidly and/or electrically and/or communicationally connectable to an adj acent module (20) by coupling elements (50). . The assembly (1) according to any one of claims 5 or 6, Wherein each of the at least one exchangeable module (20) is attachable to an adjacent module (20) or lid (40) by fastening elements (24). . The assembly (1) according to any one of claims 5-7, further comprising connectors arranged in the at least one groove (60) for connecting the at least one exchangeable module (20) to extemal pipes and/or cables (70). . The assembly (1) according to any one of claims 5-8, further comprising locking elements (64) at the inner Wall (12) of the enclosure (10) and corresponding locking recesses (62) at an adjacent surface of the at least one exchangeable module (20), Wherein the locking elements (64) engages With the locking recesses (62), When the at least one exchangeable module (20) passes the locking elements (64) and, thereby blocking a further displacement of the at least one exchangeable module (20) into the enclosure.The assembly (1) according to any one of claims 5-9, Wherein the at least one exchangeable module (20) comprises a frame (27) and removable Walls (28). The assembly (1) according to any one of claims 5-10, Wherein the inner Wall (12) of the enclosure (10) further comprises rails for guidance, When displacing the at least one exchangeable module (20). The assembly (1) according to any one of claims 6-11, Wherein the coupling elements (5 0) are located at one or more vertices of the at least one exchangeable module (20). The assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, Wherein the fuel cell system is a hydrogen fuel cell system.