HIGH EFFICIENCY FUEL CELL AND BATTERY FOR A HYBRID POWERTRAIN
First Claim
1. A process for controlling a load-dependent current generating system in an electric vehicle that is efficient and cost-effective with acceptable drivability and low emissions, comprising the steps of;
- determining vehicle state;
determining vehicle load;
calculating a desired current output for the load-dependent current generating system based on vehicle load;
calculating available current output from the load-dependent current generating system;
starting the load-dependent current generator system in a fast manner;
operating the load-dependent current generating system in its most efficient range of operation;
determining whether a stored powered source is needed to level vehicle load;
utilizing a second stored power source to level vehicle load; and
recapturing vehicle kinetic energy using regenerative braking.
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Accused Products
Abstract
This invention provides a new method and system to control strategies of a combined fuel cell and battery pack power system to produce an efficient and cost-effective powertrain with acceptable drivability and low emissions. The method and system provide strategies for vehicle start-up, power load changes, and steady state driving conditions. The strategies reduce vehicle maintenance cost by increasing the battery service life and fuel efficiency. Further, the strategies reduce vehicle cost by reducing fuel cell engine size required by a hybrid electric vehicle while responding rapidly to load changes. The strategies also provide increased fuel efficiency by recovery, storage, and re-use of the vehicle kinetic energy normally dissipated as heat during braking.
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Citations
8 Claims
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1. A process for controlling a load-dependent current generating system in an electric vehicle that is efficient and cost-effective with acceptable drivability and low emissions, comprising the steps of;
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determining vehicle state;
determining vehicle load;
calculating a desired current output for the load-dependent current generating system based on vehicle load;
calculating available current output from the load-dependent current generating system;
starting the load-dependent current generator system in a fast manner;
operating the load-dependent current generating system in its most efficient range of operation;
determining whether a stored powered source is needed to level vehicle load;
utilizing a second stored power source to level vehicle load; and
recapturing vehicle kinetic energy using regenerative braking. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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Specification