Fuel cell power supply system
First Claim
1. A power system for converting fuel to electricity, comprising a mobile vehicle fuel cell power system and an off-board station, the mobile vehicle fuel cell power system includesa rechargeable battery,motor means coupled to said battery for propelling the vehicle,a fuel cell for converting fuel to electrical power and for connection to said battery to recharge said battery for powering,storage means for storing fuel for said fuel cell, andmeans for coupling to said off-board station for delivering thereto electrical power generated by said fuel cell when not required for propelling the mobile vehicle,and said off-board station includesmeans for receiving electrical power from said mobile vehicle fuel cell power system, andoutput means for providing at least a portion of said electrical power for use off-board of said mobile vehicle fuel cell power system.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A power supply system for enhancing the economic viability of different modes of transportation that incorporate fuel cells to generate electricity. For example, the power supply system of the present invention provides for the off-board use of the electric power generated by an on-board power plant, such as a fuel cell, of a mobile vehicle power system, such as an electric car. Off-board use, or use remote from the vehicle, of the electrical power includes the delivery of power to a remote site. Off-board stations are provided for delivery of fuel to the vehicle and/or for receiving the electrical power generated by the fuel cell. The off-board station and the vehicle are appropriately equipped for quick and easy interconnection such that electrical power is drawn from the fuel cell for off-board use.
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Citations
42 Claims
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1. A power system for converting fuel to electricity, comprising a mobile vehicle fuel cell power system and an off-board station, the mobile vehicle fuel cell power system includes
a rechargeable battery, motor means coupled to said battery for propelling the vehicle, a fuel cell for converting fuel to electrical power and for connection to said battery to recharge said battery for powering, storage means for storing fuel for said fuel cell, and means for coupling to said off-board station for delivering thereto electrical power generated by said fuel cell when not required for propelling the mobile vehicle, and said off-board station includes means for receiving electrical power from said mobile vehicle fuel cell power system, and output means for providing at least a portion of said electrical power for use off-board of said mobile vehicle fuel cell power system.
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25. A power system, comprising
an off-board station for use with a mobile vehicle fuel cell power system having a fuel cell for converting fuel to electrical power, electrical connection means adapted for receiving electrical power generated by the fuel cell of the mobile vehicle fuel cell power system and adapted for supplying power generated by the fuel cell for use off-board from said mobile vehicle fuel cell power system, and communication means for communicating information regarding at least one of the on-board fuel cell operation and off-board station condition parameters to another location.
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40. A power system for converting fuel to electricity, comprising a first mobile vehicle fuel cell power system and a second mobile electrical power system, the first mobile vehicle fuel cell electric power system including
a first rechargeable battery, a fuel cell for converting fuel to electricity and for connection to said battery to recharge said battery, a storage means for storing fuel for said fuel cell, and means for coupling to said second mobile power system for delivering thereto electrical power generated by said fuel cell, and said second mobile power system including a second rechargeable battery, and means for receiving electrical power from said first mobile vehicle fuel cell power system so as to recharge said second battery.
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41. A power system for converting fuel to electricity, comprising a mobile vehicle power system and an off-board station, the mobile vehicle power system including
a rechargeable battery, power plant means for propelling the vehicle and for conversion of fuel to electrical power and for recharging said battery, a storage means for storing fuel for said power plant, and means for electrical coupling to said off-board station for delivering thereto electrical power generated by said power plant, and said off-board station including means for receiving electrical power from said mobile vehicle power plant, and output means for providing at least a portion of said electrical power for use off-board of said mobile vehicle power system.
Specification