Modular fuel cell power system

Abstract

A modular fuel cell power system includes a coolant source, a reactant source and a plurality of fuel cell modules. Each of the fuel cell modules includes a fuel cell stack and a fluid distribution plant in fluid communication with the reactant source, coolant source and fuel cell stack. The fluid distribution plant controls the flow of reactant between the reactant source and fuel cell stack. The fuel cell stacks are configured to be selectively electrically connected.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A power system comprising:
 a coolant source;   a reactant source; and   a plurality of self-contained fuel cell modules each including a fuel cell stack and a fluid distribution plant disposed therein, the fluid distribution plant in fluid communication with the reactant source, coolant source and fuel cell stack and configured to control flow of reactant between the reactant source and fuel cell stack, the fuel cell stacks configured to be selectively electrically connected.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the fluid distribution plants further control flow of air to the respective fuel cell stacks. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the fluid distribution plants each include a humidifier to humidify the air prior to the air entering the respective fuel cell stacks. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the fluid distribution plants each include an intercooler to cool the air prior to the air entering the respective fuel cell stacks. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the fluid distribution plants each include a pressure control valve to control a pressure of the reactant from the reactant source. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the fuel cell stacks are further configured to be selectively electrically connected in parallel during certain periods and series during other periods. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1  wherein each of the fuel cell modules includes at least one electrical switch and wherein the fuel cell stacks are selectively electrically connected via the electrical switches. 
     
     
         8 . An automotive power system comprising:
 a plurality of self-contained fuel cell modules each including a fuel cell stack, a fluid distribution plant in fluid communication with the fuel cell stack and configured to control flow of reactant and air to the fuel cell stack, and an electrical switch electrically connected with the fuel cell stack, the electrical switches arranged to selectively electrically connect at least some of the fuel cell stacks.   
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8  wherein the electrical switches are further configured to selectively electrically connect at least some of the fuel cell stacks in parallel during certain periods and series during other periods. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 8  wherein the fluid distribution plants each include a humidifier to humidify the air prior to the air entering the respective fuel cell stacks. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 8  wherein the fluid distribution plants each include an intercooler to cool the air prior to the air entering the respective fuel cell stacks. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 8  wherein the fluid distribution plants each include a pressure control valve to control a pressure of the reactant.