Layout of an electrical power system provided with a fuel cell in an electric vehicle
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An electrical power generating system in an electrical vehicle has a first module for preprocessing and metering of the gases to be supplied to a fuel cell, a second module with the fuel cell, and an electrical power distribution module. The first module and the second module are mounted in a container, which is then installed in the electrical vehicle from underneath, in a cavity provided for this purpose. The electrical power distribution module is then attached to the outside of the container.
9 Citations
20 Claims
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1-10. -10. (canceled)
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11. An electrical power generating system for an electric vehicle which has at least one electric traction motor, and a load-bearing structure with longitudinal supports;
- said electrical power generating system comprising;
a first module that includes devices for preprocessing and metering of gases to be supplied to a fuel cell;
a second module that includes the fuel cell; and
an electric power distribution module, which includes distribution circuits with fuses and at least one switching element for switching the distribution circuits on and off;
wherein,the fuel cell is connected to the first module by mechanical coupling means for carrying the gases to be supplied to the fuel cell, dissipating the reaction gases from the fuel cell, and carrying at least one coolant via the fuel cell, and by electrical coupling elements for transmitting measured values from sensors;
the first module and the second module are jointly mounted in a container that is of such a size and shape as to be insertable into a corresponding cavity on an underneath side of the vehicle, and has at least four holders which are fitted to the container side walls, for attaching to the longitudinal supports in the vehicle; and
the electric power distribution module can be attached to a side wall of the container and can be connected via coupling elements to the electrical outputs of the fuel cell and to cables to the electrical loads in the electrical vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
- said electrical power generating system comprising;
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17. A method for installing an electric power generating system in an electric vehicle which has at least one electric traction motor, and a load-bearing structure with longitudinal supports, said method comprising:
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producing a first module that includes devices for preprocessing and metering of gases to be supplied to a fuel cell, a second module that includes the fuel cell, and a third module, which contains an electrical connection for the electrical outputs of the fuel cell and electrical power distribution circuits with fuses for the connection of electrical loads and at least one switching element for switching the electrical power distribution circuits on and off;
arranging the first and second modules in an apparatus, and connecting them to each other by mechanical coupling elements that include lines for the gases to be supplied to the fuel cell and gases to be dissipated from it, and coolant routing for the fuel cell, and electrical coupling elements for signal transmission between the two modules;
mounting the connected first and second modules in a common container;
inserting the container, including the modules, into a corresponding cavity which is provided in an underneath side of the electric vehicle;
attaching the container to the longitudinal supports;
attaching the third module externally to a side wall of the container;
forming the electrical connections from the third module to the fuel cell and to loads in the electrical vehicle;
connecting the first module to a source for the combustion gas and to a channel for the air supply; and
connecting the first module by means of inputs and outputs to at least one cooling circuit in the electrical vehicle and to output line for the reaction products from the fuel cell. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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Specification