WO2009052781A2

WO2009052781A2 - Module housing for fuel cell modules and method for producing a fuel cell module

Info

Publication number: WO2009052781A2
Application number: PCT/DE2008/001619
Authority: WO
Inventors: Manfred Pfalzgraf; Michael Süßl; Stephan Müller von Kralik; Walter Schätzler; Markus Bedebecker; Beate Bleeker; Noureddine Khelifa; Uwe Schmidt
Original assignee: Enerday Gmbh
Priority date: 2007-10-26
Filing date: 2008-09-30
Publication date: 2009-04-30
Also published as: DE102007051361B3; WO2009052781A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a module housing (62) comprising several mounting areas (64, 66, 68, 70) for accommodating fuel cell modules (14) and air-conditioning modules (30). At least one combined mounting area (66) comprises an interface for coupling to at least one fluid supply and/or energy supply of the fuel cell module (14) and also for coupling to at least one fluid supply and/or energy supply of an air-conditioning module (30). The invention also relates to a method for producing at least one operational fuel cell module (14) or a fuel cell module (14) that is in operation.

Description

Modular housing for fuel cell modules and method for providing a fuel cell module

The invention relates to a module housing for fuel cell modules.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for providing fuel cell modules.

Fuel cell systems are becoming increasingly important in connection with numerous applications. Particularly in the mobile sector, they are used as APUs ("auxiliary power units") in order to supply electrical energy independently of the operation of the internal combustion engine and the state of charge of the vehicle battery. It has also been proposed to use the heat emitted by a fuel cell module for heating a motor vehicle. Further air conditioning tasks of the motor vehicle can be achieved by using fuel cells in that an air conditioning system with an electrically operable compressor for cooling the vehicle interior is provided.

Fuel cell systems, which may for example be realized in the form of modules having all the essential components for their operation, include a plurality of individual fuel cells connected in series to produce a practicable voltage, often in the form of a stack, a so-called fuel cell. Lenstacks are arranged. A distinction is made between fuel cell systems, in particular according to their operating temperatures and according to their structure, the common representatives being the high-temperature fuel cell systems and the low-temperature fuel cell systems. A typical - 2 -

A representative of high-temperature fuel cell systems is the SOFC (solid oxide fuel cell) fuel cell. A typical representative of the low-temperature fuel cells is the PEM fuel cell (PEM = polymer electrolyte membrane). Furthermore, the fuel cell systems include a reformer for generating a hydrogen-rich reformate of fuel and atmospheric oxygen and often an afterburner, the remaining energy of the anode exhaust gas uses and provides an environmentally friendly exhaust gas available. To supply the media required for operation, at least one fan and at least one fuel pump are provided. The operation of the fuel cell system is usefully controlled, regulated and monitored by an electronic control unit.

As air conditioning systems, which draw their energy from the fuel cell system, come in particular air conditioning modules in question, which have an electrically operable compressor in a conventional refrigerant circuit with a condenser, expansion valve and evaporator. However, numerous other concepts for generating cold air can also be used, such as, for example, the use of the heat emitted by the fuel cell module by means of a heat-power coupling. Other air conditioning systems are based on the operation of the absorption or adsorption and can basically also draw their energy from the fuel cell module.

It is endeavored to use fuel cell modules both in the mobile area as well as stationary. The stationary groove ~ O -

This applies to permanent stationary operation as well as the temporary stationary operation of otherwise mobile modules. Furthermore, efforts are being made to make the assembly of a motor vehicle with a fuel cell module as comfortable as possible and to facilitate the commissioning of the fuel cell module in the motor vehicle.

The invention has for its object to enable external use and storage of fuel cell modules and to improve the operational readiness of fuel cell modules.

This object is achieved with the features of the independent claims.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are indicated in the dependent claims.

The invention consists in a module housing with several assembly stations for the arrangement of fuel cell modules and air conditioning modules, wherein at least one combination mounting station both an interface for coupling with at least one media and / or power management of the fuel cell module as well as for coupling with at least one ner media and / or Having energy management of an air conditioning module. This makes it possible to accommodate fuel cell modules in an orderly manner, wherein due to the possibility of additionally introducing an air conditioning module into the module housing, there is the option of using a largely closed module housing, since the air conditioning module cools the interior of the housing - 4 -

can serve. Since at least one combination mounting station is provided - according to a particularly preferred embodiment of the module housing, all assembly stations are assembly mounting stations - the module housing can be variably equipped with fuel cell modules and air conditioning modules.

It is usefully provided that the at least one media guide of the fuel cell module is a fuel feed and / or an oxygen feed and / or an exhaust gas discharge.

It is furthermore advantageous that the at least one media guide of the air conditioning module is an air conditioning air guide.

The module housing according to the invention is particularly useful further developed in that the module housing has a sensor for its internal temperature and a display device for displaying the internal temperature. As a result, it is possible to monitor the internal temperature of the module housing and if necessary to lower the heat output generated in the module housing, for example by removing a fuel cell module. If the interface for mounting the air conditioning modules is equipped such that the heat generated by air conditioning modules is dissipated to the outside, an air conditioning module can be used at the place of the removed fuel cell module, which can then be used for air conditioning of the interior of the module housing. - 5 -

The invention further consists in a method for providing at least one operational or operating fuel cell module with the steps.

Coupling of at least two fuel cell modules with interfaces of a module housing having a plurality of assembly stations for the arrangement of fuel cell modules and air conditioning modules, wherein at least one combination mounting station both an interface for coupling with at least one media and / or power management of the fuel cell module as well as for coupling with at least one media and / or energy management of an air conditioning module, and at least one fuel cell module is arranged at the combination mounting site,

Starting the fuel cell modules or maintaining the operation of the fuel cell modules,

Detecting an internal temperature of the module housing,

Removing the arranged at the at least one combination mounting station fuel cell module when the internal temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold and

Arranging an air conditioning module at the at least one combination mounting station. - 6 -

The described monitoring function and exchange possibility of the various modules is thus realized in the context of a method.

This is usefully further developed so that it has the further step:

Maintaining the operation of a fuel cell module removed from the module housing by means of fuel stored in a fuel buffer module associated with the fuel cell module.

The method can be developed in particular in such a way that it has the further step:

Coupling a fuel cell module removed from the module housing to another device having an interface for the fuel cell module.

The fuel cell modules therefore do not have to be switched off when they are removed from the module housing or transferred between different mounting locations of the module housing.

The method is also useful in the context that it has the further step:

Coupling a fuel cell module removed from the module housing to another device having an interface for the fuel cell module. - 7 -

For example, the transfer of an operating fuel cell module between the module housing and a motor vehicle can be made.

In this context, it can be provided that the another device having an interface for the fuel cell module is a receiving device arranged in a motor vehicle, wherein the receiving device at least partially delimits a loading space of the motor vehicle and devices for supplying and / or discharging supply and / or or disposal media and / or electrical energy.

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings with reference to preferred embodiments.

Show it:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a motor vehicle with a cargo space and arranged therein

modules;

Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a motor vehicle with a cargo space, which is prepared for receiving modules;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a fuel cell module;

FIG. 4 shows a further sectional view of a fuel cell module; - 8th -

FIG. 5 shows a plan view of a receiving device for a fuel cell module and an air-conditioning module;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a fuel cell module in a first state;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a fuel cell module in a second state;

FIG. 8 shows a fuel tank with fuel cell modules arranged thereon;

FIG. 9 shows a module housing with fuel cell modules arranged therein and an air conditioning module;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a trolley for modules;

Figure 11 is another perspective view of a trolley for modules and

Figure 12 is a schematic representation of a motor vehicle with a receiving device and two modules.

In the following description of the drawings, like reference numerals designate the same or similar components. - S -

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a motor vehicle 12 with a loading space 16 and modules 14, 30 arranged therein. FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of a motor vehicle 12 with a loading space 16 which is prepared for receiving modules 14, 30. The motor vehicle 12 is shown from behind with a view into the loading space 16. The motor vehicle 12 may be, for example, a station wagon or an SUV vehicle in which the loading space 16 is easily accessible. However, a large number of the technical features described here are also useful in connection with any other types of vehicle. In the loading space 16 of the motor vehicle 12, a receiving device 10 forming the load compartment floor is provided. This pickup device 10 receives a fuel cell module 14 and an air conditioning module 30, and provides interfaces for its coupling to the modules 14, 30. For example, the interface 26 is provided within a recess 38 for the coupling of the receiving device 10 with the fuel cell module 14. In Figure 2, this recess is recognizable, since a cover 76 is shown for the interface 26 in its lifted state. Likewise, a recess 36 is provided for the air-conditioning module 30, wherein the interface lying in it is not recognizable due to the resting cover 78. The receiving device can provide media guides 20, 22, 24 (see FIG. 3) as well as guides for electrical lines 18 in their interior, for example for supplying fuel cell and air to the fuel cell system 14, for discharging exhaust gas from the fuel cell system the air conditioning system 30 of the fuel cell system - 10 -

14 generated electrical energy as well as fresh air and circulating air, which is cooled by the air conditioning system 30. On the receiving device 10 air ducts are further attached, which are inclined slightly curved in the direction of Fahrzeuginnen- 34. From these air ducts 32 exits conditioned air, which was previously cooled by the air conditioning module and distributed in the receiving device 10 and the air ducts 32 was supplied. Furthermore, a cooling compartment 38 is provided in the receiving device 10, in the arbitrary objects, for example

Drinks, can be loaded. Furthermore, 10 filter elements 40 may be provided in the receiving device, wherein a filtering of all media streams involved comes into question. In particular, it may be useful to supply all of the air flowing into the receiving device 10 to a common filtering, namely, the air conditioning air to be supplied to the air conditioning system 30, the process air to be supplied to the fuel cell system 14, and the air used for cooling the fuel cell system 14 , The

Modules 14, 30 are equipped with handles 44, 46 so that their removal and insertion into the cargo space 16 is facilitated. A further facilitation can be achieved in that the loading floor of the motor vehicle forming the receiving device 10 can be pulled out to the rear.

FIG. 3 shows a sectional view of a fuel cell module 14. The fuel cell module 14 is shown in an arrangement placed on the receiving device 10 and fixed thereto. The fuel cell module 14 contains an interior region 80 of higher temperature and an - 11 -

outside area 82 of lower temperature. In the inner region 80, the highly heat-generating components are arranged, for example, the reformer, the fuel cell stack and the afterburner. During operation of these devices, air is supplied to the components disposed in the inner region 80 via an air guide 20. Also, fuel is supplied to the components via a fuel supply 22. The air guide 20 is fed by a fan 84, while the fuel guide 22 is connected to a fuel hub 86. Exhaust port 24 connects the inner portion 80 to the vicinity of the fuel row module 14. Another fan 88 supplies the outer portion 82 of the fuel cell module 14 for thermal insulation purposes. Furthermore, an electronic control unit 90 is provided, which can evaluate various sensor signals and output actuator signals, for example for the purpose of controlling one or more fans 84, 88 and the fuel pump 86. The fuel cell module 14 is further equipped with a handle 44 which is pivotable and mechanical with a locking mechanism 48 is in communication. About this locking mechanism 48, the fuel cell module 14 is connected to the receiving device 10. When the handle 44 is pivoted, the locking mechanism 48 releases the connection between the fuel cell module 14 and the receiving device 10. This is supported by the force of a spring, which acts between the receiving device 10 and the fuel cell module 14.

FIG. 4 shows a further sectional view of a fuel cell module 14. FIG. 5 shows a plan view of one - 12 -

Receiving device 10 for a fuel cell module and an air conditioning module. The receiving device section 92 serves to receive the fuel cell module 14. In this area, combustion air openings 98, 100 and an exhaust gas opening 102 are provided. Furthermore, the receiving device section 92 includes fuel clutches 104. Further, an electrical connector 106 is provided. In the present embodiment, the cradle portion 94 does not include any special features. The receiving device section 96 serves to receive an air conditioning module, for which purpose a fresh air intake opening 108, an exhaust air opening 110, a cooling air outlet opening 112 and an electrical plug connection 114 are provided.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a fuel cell module in a first state. The air-conditioning module 14 has a split handle 44, so that the pivotability of the two handle parts 44a and 44b enabling the mentioned locking is made possible. Furthermore, an air flow opening 116 can be seen, which is partially covered by a flap 118.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a fuel cell module in a second state. In this state, the two handle portions 44a, 44b are pivoted, whereby the locking mechanism is brought into a different state compared to Figure 6. Furthermore, the pivoting of the grip sections 44a, 44b permits the opening or partial opening of the flap 118. - 13 -

FIG. 8 shows a fuel tank with fuel cell modules arranged thereon. The fuel tank 52 includes a housing 56. This housing 56 has a plurality of recesses arranged in interfaces 54, which may be similar to the interfaces of the receiving device 10 (see FIG. 5) may be formed. These interfaces serve to receive fuel cell modules 14, which are operated with provided by the fuel tank 52 fuel. The fuel cell modules 14, which are provided in particular for use in a motor vehicle, can therefore also be operated externally and the electrical energy can be taken from the fuel cell modules 14 via an externally accessible electrical interface, either in the form of DC voltage or with inclusion of a DC / AC converter as AC voltage. It is possible to remove the electrical voltage separately from the individual fuel cell modules. It may also be provided that the fuel cell tank 52 has an electrical interface to the fuel cell modules, thereby allowing those of the

Fuel cell modules 14 supplied voltage centrally on the fuel tank 52 is provided. The fuel cell modules 14 require, in particular in connection with the star process of the systems, an external energy source which is made available when the fuel cell modules 14 are used in the motor vehicle by the conventional vehicle battery or by an additional battery arranged in the vehicle. Such an external energy source is also provided in the form of a rechargeable battery 58 in the housing 56 of the fuel cell tank 52, the electrical interfaces between the power cell 52 also being provided for this purpose. - 14 -

fuel tank 52 and fuel cell modules 14. The fuel cell modules 14 may be equipped with a fuel buffer 60 so that operation of the fuel cell modules 14 may be at least temporarily maintained when the modules are removed from the fuel tank 52. In the subsequent use of the modules in a motor vehicle thus no reboot is required. Conversely, a fuel cell module 14 that is in operation can also be removed from a motor vehicle without being shut down and placed on the fuel tank 52 for further operation. The fuel tank 52 can thus serve several purposes. On the one hand, fuel cell modules 14 can be brought together externally from one or more vehicles in order to provide increased power and / or voltage in this way. Furthermore, the operation of a fuel cell module 14 can be maintained from a motor vehicle, without reducing the fuel supply of the vehicle. Also, one or more fuel cell modules 14 may be maintained in an operational state or in an operational state. The individual members of a motor vehicle fleet can readily avail themselves of the so-held fuel cell modules 14 by lifting them off from the fuel tank 52 and inserting them into their motor vehicle. The energy generated during storage of the fuel cell modules in operation, both the electrical energy and the thermal energy, can be utilized so that the fuel tank 52 with the fuel cell modules not only secures the availability of these fuel cell modules 14, but also an energy station for a building, examples - 15 -

For example, a residential building, an office building or a garage provides.

FIG. 9 shows a module housing with fuel cell modules arranged therein and an air conditioning module. The module housing 62 shown here, which is designed as a cabinet with a closable door 120, serves to receive a plurality of fuel cell modules 14 and air conditioning modules 30. These modules 14, 30 are arranged, for example, one above the other in the module housing 42, wherein the module housing 62 for clear representation of the side is shown cut. In practice, the module housing can be completely closed on the sides or actually provided with openings, for example for heat exchange. The modules 14, 30 are arranged at different mounting locations 64, 66, 68, 70. In the present example, fuel cell modules 14 are arranged at the assembly stations 64, 68, 66, while an air conditioning module 30 is provided at the assembly station 70. The assembly stations 64, 68, 66, 70 have interfaces via which the media guide for the modules 14, 30 as well as the guidance of electrical energy can take place. At least one of the assembly stations 64, 68, 66, 70, for example, the assembly station 66, is realized as a combination assembly site 66. This means that this assembly site provides both an interface for a fuel cell module 66 and an interface for an air conditioning module 70. The fuel cell module 14 arranged in the present representation at the combination mounting site 66 can therefore be removed from the module housing 62 and replaced by an air conditioning module 30. The module housing 62 serves insofar as - 16 -

However, at the same time as a functional device, namely with regard to the provision of electrical energy and air conditioning performance for external areas, but the air conditioning capacity can also be used for cooling the module housing interior. In this context, it may be provided, for example, that a temperature sensor 72 is arranged in the module housing 62, wherein the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 72 is optionally displayed by a display device 74 visible from the outside. If the temperature in the module housing interior increases beyond an admissible threshold value, this can be recognized on the display device 74. Additionally or alternatively, an optical or acoustic signal, which is caused by a controller of the module housing or one or more controllers of the modules 14, 30, indicate the excessive increase in temperature. Also can be pointed out an excessively rapid increase in temperature. The user of the module housing 62 is thereby enabled to turn off a fuel cell module 14 in the module housing 62 or to remove a fuel cell module 14 from the module housing 62 so as to generate less heat within the module housing. If the air-conditioning interface is equipped such that heat output generated by the operation of the air-conditioning module 30 is dissipated to the exterior of the module housing 62, so that overall cooling of the module housing interior by an air-conditioning module can take place. fuel cell module from a combination mounting site 66 additionally an air conditioning module 30 at this Kombimon- - 17 -

Arranging daily space, whereby an improved cooling of the module housing interior can be achieved. The module housing 62 according to FIG. 9 can be used as an energy station and / or as a storage location for fuel cell modules 14 and air-conditioning modules 30, ie basically fulfill the same tasks with respect to the fuel cell modules 14 as the fuel tank 52 described in connection with FIG allows the storage and provision of air conditioning modules 30 and an internal cooling of the module housing 62 by air conditioning modules 30 in a variable manner. A fuel tank for operating the modules 14, 30 may be provided inside or outside the module housing 62.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a

Transport trolley for modules. Figure 11 shows a further perspective view of a trolley for modules. With the transport carriage 122 shown here, fuel cell modules 14 and air conditioning modules 30 can be transported, wherein the transport carriage 122 is constructed in the manner of a trolley. For this purpose, the two wheels 124, 126 or rollers and a handle 128. In addition to the transport function, the transport carriage 122 can also provide an interface function for fuel cell modules 14 and / or air conditioning modules 30 available. For this purpose, for example, electrical connections 130, 132 may be provided on the transport carriage 122, via which the modules electrical energy can be supplied, and / or electrical energy generated by the fuel cell module 14 can be removed. - 18 -

The fuel cell modules and / or air conditioning modules described herein may be useful in both mobile and stationary use. Particular attention is paid to the provision of energy by a fuel cell module, which is used by an air conditioning module, for example for the purpose of stationary air conditioning of a motor vehicle. However, this concept can also be used at home. For example, a fuel cell module and an air conditioning module may be combined in a housing, this housing having one or more air outlets for providing air conditioning air. The housing may have an external electrical interface with which the system of fuel cell module and air conditioning module can be connected to an external electrical energy network. In this way, in particular for the start of the fuel cell module or for the sole operation of the air conditioning module required electrical energy is available. On the other hand, if the fuel cell module is in operation, the energy for the air conditioning module is preferably made available by the fuel cell module, and electrical energy not required by the air conditioning module can be fed into the external electrical network.

Figure 12 shows a schematic representation of a motor vehicle with a receiving device and two modules. For description, fuel cell modules are used by way of example, and in principle also other modules, such as air-conditioning modules, can be configured in the manner described. This is due to the combination of at least - 19 -

at least one module 14, 14 'and a receiving device 10 formed system is designed as a mobile system, in particular, the module 14, 14' is transportable. Due to the easy transportability of the module 14, 14 'this is particularly vulnerable to theft that it can be easily removed from the motor vehicle. The system shown below realizes a comfortable anti-theft protection by the identification of permissible pairs consisting of at least one module 14, 14 'and a receiving device 10. On the motor vehicle 12, a vehicle antenna 136 is arranged, which via an electrical line with one in the motor vehicle 12 arranged Aufnahmevorrich- device 10 is coupled. A first module 14 having a first control unit 90, a first antenna 138, a first bar code 140 and a first transponder 142 is coupled to the receiving device 10, while a second module 14 'is coupled to a second control unit 90', a second antenna 138 ', a second barcode 140' and a second transponder 142 'outside of the motor vehicle 12 is shown. Furthermore, the recording device 10 comprises a bar code detection device 144, a transponder detection device 146 and a third control device 90 "having an electronic memory 148. While the first module 14 is coupled to the recording device 10, the first control device 90 is connected to the third control device 90 '. 'via an electrical interface 150, for example, an electrical line connected. The first bar code 140 and the bar code detection device 144 together form an optical interface 152. The first transponder 142 and the transponder detection device 146 together form a radio interface 154. Alternatively, the - 20 -

Vehicle antenna 136 together with the first antenna 138 or the second antenna 138 'are considered as a radio interface, as between two antennas 136, 138 and 136, 138' also electromagnetic waves for information transmission are used.

The third control unit 90 "has unique identifying information in the electronic memory 148 via the recording device 10. This information can be transmitted via the electrical interface 150 or via the antennas 136, 138 to the first control unit 90. The first control unit 90 can check, for example by comparison with a list of permitted information values, whether an operation of the first module 14 with the receiving device 10 is permissible. The third controller 90 "could then be implemented as a simple electronic circuit for communicating the information stored in the electronic memory 148. Conversely, it is also conceivable that the first control unit 90 or the second control unit 90 'comprises an electronic memory 158 or 160, which uniquely identifies the first module 14 or the second module 14', this information being transmitted via an interface to the third control unit 90 '' is transmitted, which then performs the interpretation of the information.

The third control unit 90 "may also read the information uniquely identifying the first module 14 via the bar code detection device 144 from a first bar code 140. Alternatively, the information clearly characterizing the first module 14 can also be obtained by the transponder detection system. - 21 -

sung device 146 are detected by a first transponder 142. If the identification of the combination of the first module 14 and the receiving device 10 has failed or the combination is not permissible, the operation of the first module 14 is prevented.

The same applies to the second module 14 ', which is shown outside the Kraffahrzeugs 12. The combination of the receiving device 10 with the second module 14 'can be identified via the vehicle antenna 136 together with the second antenna 138' also outside the motor vehicle 12. As long as a radio link exists between the vehicle antenna 136 and the second antenna 138 ', the second module 14' can therefore also be put into operation outside the motor vehicle 12.

The features of the invention disclosed in the foregoing description, in the drawings and in the claims may be essential to the realization of the invention both individually and in any combination.

- 22 -

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10 recording device

12 motor vehicle 14 fuel cell module

16 cargo space

18 electrical line

20 air supply

22 fuel supply 24 exhaust gas removal

26 interface

28 recess

30 air conditioning module 32 air duct 34 motor vehicle interior

36 recess

38 refrigerated compartment

40 filter element

42 Interface 44 Handle

46 handle

48 locking mechanism

50 spring

52 fuel tank 54 interface

56 housing

58 accumulator

60 fuel buffer

62 Module housing 64 Mounting position

66 assembly site - 23 -

68 installation site

70 mounting place

72 sensor

74 Display 76 Cover

78 cover

80 indoor area

82 outdoor area

84 Blower 86 Fuel pump

88 blowers

90 control unit

92 cradle section

94 take-up device section 96 take-up device section

98 combustion air opening

100 combustion air opening

102 combustion air opening

104 fuel couplings 106 electrical connector

108 fresh air outlets

110 exhaust opening

112 Cooling air outlet opening

114 electrical connector 116 air flow opening

118 flap

120 door

122 Dolly

124 wheel 126 wheel

128 handle - 24 -

130 electrical connection

132 electrical connection

136 vehicle antenna

138 first antenna 138 'second antenna

140 first barcode

140 'second barcode

142 first transponder

142 'second transponder 144 bar code detection device

146 transponder detection device 148 electronic memory

150 electrical interface

152 optical interface 154 radio interface

158 electronic memory

160 electronic memory

Claims

- 25 - CLAIMS

A module housing (62) having a plurality of mounting locations (64, 66, 68, 70) for arranging fuel cell modules (14) and air conditioning modules (30), at least one combination mounting station (66) having both an interface for coupling to at least one media and / or or energy management of the fuel cell module (14) as well as for coupling with at least one media and / or power supply of an air conditioning module (30).

Second module housing (62) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one media guide of the fuel cell module (14) is a fuel supply and / or an oxygen supply and / or an exhaust gas discharge.

3. module housing (62) according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that the at least one media guide of

Air conditioning module (30) is an air conditioning air duct.

4. module housing (62) according to one of the preceding claims chen, characterized in that the module housing (62) has a sensor (72) for its internal temperature and a display device (74) for displaying the internal temperature. - 26 -

5. A method for providing at least one operational or operating fuel cell module (14) comprising the steps of:

- Coupling of at least two fuel cell modules (14) with interfaces of a module housing (62) having a plurality of mounting locations (64, 66, 68, 70) for the arrangement of fuel cell modules (14) and air conditioning modules (30), wherein at least one combination mounting site (66) both a Interface for coupling with at least one media and / or power management of the fuel cell module (14) and for coupling with at least one media and / or power management of an air conditioning module (30), and at least one fuel cell module (14) at the combination mounting site (66) is arranged

Starting the fuel cell modules (14) or maintaining operation of the fuel cell modules (14),

Detecting an internal temperature of the module housing,

Removing the fuel cell module (14) arranged on the at least one combination mounting station (66) when the internal temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold value and

Arranging an air conditioning module (30) on the at least one combination mounting station (66). - 27 -

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises the further step:

Maintaining the operation of a fuel cell module (14) removed from the module housing (62) by means of fuel stored in a fuel buffer reservoir (60) associated with the fuel cell module (14).

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that it comprises the further step:

Coupling a fuel cell module (14) removed from the module housing (62) to another device (10) having an interface (26) for the fuel cell module.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that the further an interface (26) for the fuel cell module having device (10) in a motor vehicle (12) arranged AufnähmeVorrichtung (10), wherein the AufnähmeVorrichtung (10) a loading space ( 10) of the motor vehicle (12) is at least partially limited and has means (18, 20, 22, 24) for supplying and / or discharging supply and / or disposal media and / or electrical energy.