Method and apparatus for testing electrochemical energy conversion devices
DCFirst Claim
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1. A system for testing an electrochemical energy generation or storage device comprising:
- a. a plurality of transistors coupled in parallel;
b. nodes in series with the transistors adapted to receive an energy generation or storage device under test;
c. a shunt in series with the energy generation or storage device and the transistors;
d. means for sensing the current through the energy storage device under test; and
e. means for varying the resistance of the transistors based upon the current sensed, said testing involving operating the device at a known and controlled current and measuring the voltage produced by the device at the current.
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Abstract
A system for testing electrochemical energy conversion and storage devices includes means for sensing the current from the storage device and varying the load across the storage device in response to the current sensed. The system is equally adaptable to batteries and fuel cells. Means is also provided to sense system parameters from a plurality of locations within the system. Certain parameters are then stored in digital form for archive purposes and certain other parameters are used to develop control signals in a host processor.
39 Citations
13 Claims
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1. A system for testing an electrochemical energy generation or storage device comprising:
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a. a plurality of transistors coupled in parallel; b. nodes in series with the transistors adapted to receive an energy generation or storage device under test; c. a shunt in series with the energy generation or storage device and the transistors; d. means for sensing the current through the energy storage device under test; and e. means for varying the resistance of the transistors based upon the current sensed, said testing involving operating the device at a known and controlled current and measuring the voltage produced by the device at the current.
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2. A method of testing an electrochemical energy storage device comprising the steps of:
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a. coupling an energy storage device in series with a plurality of parallel connected transistors; b. sensing the current through the energy storage device; and c. varying the resistance of the parallel connected transistors in response to the current sensed, said testing involving operating the device at a known and controlled current and measuring the voltage produced by the device at the current.
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3. A system for testing electrochemical energy conversion and storage devices comprising:
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a. a variable resistance load circuit adapted to receive an energy conversion or storage device and thereby develop a load current, the load circuit including a plurality of field effect transistors coupled in parallel; b. sensors for sensing the load current and developing a load current signal; c. a central processor for receiving the load current signal and developing a control signal to the transistors to vary the function of the transistors in response to a change in the load current, said testing involving operating the device at a known and controlled current and measuring the voltage produced by the device at the current. - View Dependent Claims (4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A system for testing a fuel cell, the system comprising:
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a. a variable resistance load circuit adapted to receive a fuel cell and thereby develop a load current, the load circuit including a plurality of field effect transistors coupled in parallel; b. a gas supply and exhaust sub-system adapted to receive the fuel cell for the electrochemical generation of electricity; c. electrical sensors for sensing the load current and developing a load current signal; d. pressure sensors in the gas supply and exhaust sub-system to develop gas parameter signals; e. a central processor for receiving the load current signal and developing a control signal to the transistors to vary the function of the transistors in response to a change in the load current; f. the central processor also for receiving the gas parameter signals to control gas flow in the gas supply and exhaust subsystem, said testing involving operating the device at a known and controlled current and measuring the voltage produced by the device at the current. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification