Method and apparatus for starting a vehicle

• US 20020092690A1
• Filed: 11/30/2001
• Published: 07/18/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 11/30/2000
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Ballard Power Systems AG (Mercedes-Benz Group AG)
• Original Assignee: Ballard Power Systems AG (Mercedes-Benz Group AG)
• Inventors: Sonntag, Josef, Hornburg, Gerald, Benz, Uwe, Graage, Klaus, Megede, Detlef Zur
• Application Number:
  US09/997,250
• Publication Number:
  US 20020092690A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 180/167
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2260/46 by self learning
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 58/30 for monitoring or controlling fuel cells
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 58/33 by cooling
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/40 Application of hydrogen technology to transportation, e.g. using fuel cells

Abstract

A system for starting a vehicle operated particularly by means of a fuel cell system includes devices for the arbitrary initiation of a starting operation of the fuel cell system or of a starting preparation of the vehicle independently of the presence of a driver in the direct proximity of the vehicle, particularly inside the vehicle.

Claims

1. Apparatus for starting a vehicle powered by a fuel cell system, comprising:

at least one device for initiating one of a starting operation of the fuel cell system and a starting preparation of the vehicle, independently of the presence or absence of a driver proximate to the vehicle.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

the at least one device for initiating the starting operation or the starting preparation is constructed in a wireless manner, particularly in the form of an infrared remote control, the devices being constructed with a corresponding receiver.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said at least one device comprises:

a remote control unit; and

a receiver for receiving signals for initiating the starting operation, the receiver being in an operative connection with the fuel cell system.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a time-switch clock (4) for entering a next desired start time for the fuel cell system or of the vehicle.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for connecting a device for initiating a starting operation of the fuel cell system via a telecommunication network.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said telecommunications network comprises one of the GSM and the internet.

7. A method for starting a vehicle operated by a fuel cell system, comprising:

initiating one of a starting operation of the fuel cell system and a starting preparation of the motor vehicle independently of presence of the driver of the vehicle in the direct proximity of the vehicle.

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising:

after conclusion of a starting operation of the fuel cell system, changing to a standby or warm-holding condition.

9. A vehicle comprising:

a vehicle drive unit;

a fuel cell for powering said vehicle drive unit; and

a device for starting operation of said fuel cell independently of presence or absence of an operator of said vehicle.

10. A vehicle according to claim 9, wherein said device for starting operation comprises:

at least one component for generating a signal for starting said fuel cell independently of presence or absence of said operator; and

a receiver coupled to said fuel cell for initiating starting of said fuel cell in response to receipt of a signal from said at least one component.

11. The vehicle according to claim 10, wherein said at least one component comprises at least one of a presettable timer and a remotely operable transmitter for generating said signal.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein said step of generating a starting signal comprises one of:

activation of a wireless remote control unit by said vehicle operator; and

occurrence of a preset time measured by a timer that is set by said operator.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein said actuation of said wireless remote control unit is coupled to actuation of other equipment by said operator.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein said other equipment comprises at least one of:

a garage door;

a garage light;

an alarm clock;

a central door locking system; and

a seat belt system.

12. A method for starting a vehicle that is powered by a fuel cell, comprising:

generating a starting signal independently of presence or absence of a vehicle operator in proximity to said vehicle; and

starting operation of said fuel cell in response to said starting signal.