Fuel cell power systems and methods of controlling a fuel cell power system
DC
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A fuel cell power system comprising:
- a plurality of fuel cells electrically coupled with plural terminals and individually configured to convert chemical energy into electricity, wherein the fuel cells are configured to be individually selectively deactivated and remaining ones of the fuel cells are configured to provide electricity to the terminals with another of the fuel cells deactivated; and
a digital control system configured to at least one of control and monitor an operation of the fuel cells.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Fuel cell power systems and methods of controlling a fuel cell power system are provided. According to one aspect, a fuel cell power system includes a plurality of fuel cells electrically coupled with plural terminals and individually configured to convert chemical energy into electricity; and a digital control system configured to at least one of control and monitor an operation of the fuel cells. Another aspect provides a method of controlling a fuel cell power system including providing a plurality of fuel cells individually configured to convert chemical energy into electricity; electrically coupling the plurality of fuel cells; providing a first terminal coupled with the fuel cells; providing a second terminal coupled with the fuel cells; and coupling a digital control system with the fuel cells to at least one of monitor and control an operation of the fuel cells.
233 Citations
300 Claims
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1. A fuel cell power system comprising:
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a plurality of fuel cells electrically coupled with plural terminals and individually configured to convert chemical energy into electricity, wherein the fuel cells are configured to be individually selectively deactivated and remaining ones of the fuel cells are configured to provide electricity to the terminals with another of the fuel cells deactivated; and
a digital control system configured to at least one of control and monitor an operation of the fuel cells. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
a housing about the fuel cells;
a temperature sensor within the housing; and
an air temperature control assembly configured to at least one of increase and decrease the temperature in the housing.
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13. The fuel cell power system according to claim 12 wherein the control system is configured to monitor temperature using the temperature sensor and to control the air temperature control assembly responsive to the monitoring to maintain the temperature within the housing within a predefined range.
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14. The fuel cell power system according to claim 12 wherein the control system is configured to monitor temperature using the temperature sensor and to control the air temperature control assembly responsive to the monitoring to maintain the temperature within the housing within a predefined range of approximately 25°
- Celsius to 80°
Celsius.
- Celsius to 80°
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15. The fuel cell power system according to claim 1 further comprising a fan configured to direct air to the fuel cells, and the control system is configured to control the fan.
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16. The fuel cell power system according to claim 1 further comprising a plurality of valves configured to supply fuel to respective fuel cells, and the control system is configured to control the valves.
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17. The fuel cell power system according to claim 1 further comprising a main valve configured to supply fuel to the fuel cells, and the control system is configured to control the main valve.
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18. The fuel cell power system according to claim 1 further comprising a communication port adapted to couple with a remote device, and the control system is configured to communicate with the remote device via the communication port.
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19. The fuel cell power system according to claim 1 wherein the control system is configured to implement a shut down operation to deactivate one or more of the fuel cells.
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20. The fuel cell power system according to claim 19 wherein the control system is configured to implement the shut down operation to deactivate all the fuel cells.
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21. The fuel cell power system according to claim 1 further comprising a switching device intermediate one of the terminals and the fuel cells, and the control system is configured to control the switching device.
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22. The fuel cell power system according to claim 1 further comprising:
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a housing about the fuel cells; and
a fuel sensor configured to monitor for the presence of fuel within the housing, and the control system is coupled with the fuel sensor and configured to implement a shut down operation responsive to a detection of fuel within the housing.
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23. The fuel cell power system according to claim 1 wherein the fuel cells are provided in a plurality of cartridges.
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24. A fuel cell power system comprising:
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a housing;
a plurality of terminals;
a plurality of fuel cells within the housing and electrically coupled with the terminals and configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
a plurality of valves adapted to couple with a fuel source and configured to selectively supply fuel to respective fuel cells; and
a control system configured to control the plurality of valves. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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31. A fuel cell power system comprising:
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a housing;
a plurality of terminals;
a plurality of fuel cells within the housing and electrically coupled with the terminals and configured to convert chemical energy into electricity, wherein the fuel cells are configured to be individually selectively deactivated and remaining ones of the fuel cells are configured to provide electricity to the terminals with another of the fuel cells deactivated;
a bleed valve configured to selectively purge matter from at least one of the fuel cells; and
a control system configured to control selective positioning of the bleed valve. - View Dependent Claims (32, 33, 34, 35)
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36. A fuel cell power system comprising:
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a housing;
a plurality of terminals;
a plurality of fuel cells within the housing and electrically coupled with the terminals and configured to convert chemical energy into electricity, wherein the fuel cells are configured to be individually selectively deactivated and remaining ones of the fuel cells are configured to provide electricity to the terminals with another of the fuel cells deactivated;
a fan within the housing and configured to direct air to at least one of the fuel cells; and
a control system configured to control an operation of the fan. - View Dependent Claims (37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45)
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46. A fuel cell power system comprising:
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a housing;
a plurality of terminals;
a plurality of fuel cells within the housing and electrically coupled with the terminals and configured to convert chemical energy into electricity, wherein the fuel cells are configured to be individually selectively deactivated and remaining ones of the fuel cells are configured to provide electricity to the terminals with another of the fuel cells deactivated;
a control system configured to at least one of control and monitor an operation of at least one of the fuel cells; and
an operator interface coupled with the control system to indicate at least one operational status responsive to control from the control system. - View Dependent Claims (47, 48, 49, 50, 51)
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52. A fuel cell power system comprising:
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a plurality of terminals;
at least one fuel cell electrically coupled with the terminals and configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
a power supply comprising a battery;
a control system configured to receive electricity from the battery and to at least one of control and monitor at least one operation of the at least one fuel cell; and
charge circuitry configured to selectively charge the battery responsive to control from the control system. - View Dependent Claims (53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59)
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60. A fuel cell power system comprising:
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a plurality of terminals;
a plurality of fuel cells electrically coupled with the terminals and configured to convert chemical energy into electricity, wherein the fuel cells are configured to be individually selectively deactivated and remaining ones of the fuel cells are configured to provide electricity to the terminals with another of the fuel cells deactivated;
a sensor configured to monitor at least one electrical condition of at least one of the fuel cells; and
a control system coupled with the sensor and configured to monitor the sensor. - View Dependent Claims (61, 62, 63, 64)
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65. A fuel cell power system comprising:
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a plurality of terminals;
a plurality of fuel cells electrically coupled with the terminals and configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
a main valve adapted to couple with a fuel source;
a plurality of auxiliary valves in fluid communication with the main valve and configured to selectively supply fuel to respective fuel cells; and
a control system configured to control the main valve. - View Dependent Claims (66, 67, 68, 69)
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70. A fuel cell power system comprising:
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a housing;
a plurality of terminals;
at least one fuel cell within the housing and electrically coupled with the terminals and configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
an air temperature control assembly configured to direct air within the housing to the at least one fuel cell and comprising a modifying element configured to condition the temperature of the air; and
a control system configured to control the modifying element. - View Dependent Claims (71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77)
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78. A fuel cell power system comprising:
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a housing;
a plurality of terminals;
at least one fuel cell within the housing and electrically coupled with the terminals and configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
a hydrogen sensor positioned within the housing; and
a control system configured to monitor a detection of hydrogen within the housing using the hydrogen sensor. - View Dependent Claims (79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87)
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88. A fuel cell power system comprising:
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a housing;
a plurality of terminals;
at least one fuel cell within the housing and electrically coupled with the terminals and configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
a temperature sensor within the housing; and
a control system coupled with the temperature sensor and configured to monitor the temperature in the housing using the temperature sensor. - View Dependent Claims (89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99)
a fan configured to circulate air within the housing; and
an air flow device configured to permit selective passage of air at least one of into and out of the housing.
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98. The fuel cell power system according to claim 97 wherein the control system is configured to control the fan and the air flow device.
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99. The fuel cell power system according to claim 88 further comprising a temperature sensor configured to monitor a temperature exterior of the housing.
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100. A fuel cell power system comprising:
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a plurality of terminals;
a plurality of fuel cells within the housing and electrically coupled with the terminals and configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
a plurality of switching devices individually configured to selectively shunt at least one of the fuel cells; and
a control system configured to control the switching devices. - View Dependent Claims (101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111)
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112. A fuel cell power system comprising:
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a housing;
a plurality of terminals;
at least one fuel cell within the housing and electrically coupled with the terminals and configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
a switching device coupled intermediate the at least one fuel cell and one of the terminals;
a control system coupled with the switching device and configured to control the switching device to selectively couple the terminal with the at least one fuel cell; and
a temperature sensor positioned within the housing, wherein the control system is configured to monitor the temperature within the housing and to couple the terminal with the at least one fuel cell using the switching device responsive to the temperature being within a predefined range. - View Dependent Claims (113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118)
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119. A method of controlling a fuel cell power system comprising:
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providing a plurality of fuel cells individually configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
electrically coupling the plurality of fuel cells;
providing a first terminal coupled with the fuel cells;
providing a second terminal coupled with the fuel cells;
coupling a digital control system with the fuel cells to at least one of monitor and control an operation of the fuel cells; and
deactivating at least one of the fuel cells. - View Dependent Claims (120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140)
monitoring at least one electrical characteristic of the fuel cells; and
shunting at least one of the fuel cells responsive to the monitoring.
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130. The method according to claim 119 further comprising maintaining an air temperature about the fuel cells in a predefined range.
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131. The method according to claim 119 further comprising maintaining an air temperature about the fuel cells in a predefined range of approximately 25°
- Celsius to 80°
Celsius.
- Celsius to 80°
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132. The method according to claim 119 further comprising directing air to the fuel cells using a fan.
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133. The method according to claim 132 further comprising:
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monitoring a load coupled with the terminals; and
controlling the fan responsive to the monitoring using the control system.
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134. The method according to claim 119 further comprising:
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supplying fuel to the fuel cells using a plurality of auxiliary valves; and
controlling the auxiliary valves using the control system.
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135. The method according to claim 134 further comprising:
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supplying fuel to the auxiliary valves using a main valve; and
controlling the main valve using the control system.
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136. The method according to claim 119 further comprising:
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communicating with a remote device using a communication port; and
controlling the communicating using the control system.
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137. The method according to claim 119 further comprising:
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switching a connection intermediate one of the terminals and the fuel cells; and
controlling the switching using the control system.
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138. The method according to claim 119 further comprising:
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monitoring for the presence of fuel within a housing about the fuel cells; and
implementing a shut down operation responsive to the monitoring using the control system.
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139. The method according to claim 138 wherein the implementing comprises the deactivating.
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140. The method according to claim 138 wherein the implementing comprises deactivating all of the fuel cells.
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141. A method of controlling a fuel cell power system comprising:
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providing a plurality of fuel cells configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
providing a first terminal coupled with the fuel cells;
providing a second terminal coupled with the fuel cells;
supplying fuel to the fuel cells;
controlling the supplying using a control system; and
deactivating at least one of the fuel cells. - View Dependent Claims (142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147)
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148. A method of controlling a fuel cell power system comprising:
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providing a plurality of fuel cells configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
providing a first terminal coupled with at least one of the fuel cells;
providing a second terminal coupled with at least one of the fuel cells;
selectively bleeding a connection coupled with at least one of the fuel cells to purge matter from the at least one fuel cell coupled with the connection;
controlling the bleeding using a control system; and
deactivating at least one of the fuel cells. - View Dependent Claims (149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154)
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155. A method of controlling a fuel cell power system comprising:
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providing at least one fuel cell configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
providing a first terminal coupled with the at least one fuel cell;
providing a second terminal coupled with the at least one fuel cell;
directing air to the at least one fuel cell;
monitoring the temperature of the air; and
controlling the directing using a control system. - View Dependent Claims (156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167)
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168. A method of controlling a fuel cell power system comprising:
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providing at least one fuel cell configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
providing a first terminal coupled with the at least one fuel cell;
providing a second terminal coupled with the at least one fuel cell;
indicating at least one operational status of the fuel cell power system using an operator interface;
controlling the indicating using a control system; and
forwarding the at least one operational status to a remote device. - View Dependent Claims (169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177)
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178. A method of controlling a fuel cell power system comprising:
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providing a plurality of fuel cells configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
providing a first terminal coupled with at least one fuel cell;
providing a second terminal coupled with at least one fuel cell;
supplying electricity to a control system using a power supply comprising a battery;
monitoring at least one operation of at least one of the fuel cells using the control system; and
deactivating at least one of the fuel cells. - View Dependent Claims (179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184)
charging the battery; and
controlling the charging using the control system.
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185. A method of controlling a fuel cell power system comprising:
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providing at least one fuel cell configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
providing a first terminal coupled with the at least one fuel cell;
providing a second terminal coupled with the at least one fuel cell;
monitoring an electrical condition of the at least one fuel cell using a control system; and
shunting the at least one fuel cell after the monitoring. - View Dependent Claims (186, 187, 188, 189, 190, 191, 192, 193)
directing air to the at least one fuel cell; and
controlling the directing using the control system responsive to the monitoring.
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193. The method according to claim 185 wherein the shunting is responsive to the monitoring.
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194. A method of controlling a fuel cell power system comprising:
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providing a plurality of fuel cells individually configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
providing a first terminal coupled with the fuel cells;
providing a second terminal coupled with the fuel cells;
supplying fuel to the fuel cells, wherein the supplying comprises;
supplying using a main valve; and
supplying using a plurality of auxiliary valves in fluid communication with the main valve and respective fuel cells; and
controlling the supplying using a control system. - View Dependent Claims (195, 196, 197, 198, 199, 200, 201)
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202. A method of controlling a fuel cell power system comprising:
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providing at least one fuel cell configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
providing a first terminal coupled with the at least one fuel cell;
providing a second terminal coupled with the at least one fuel cell;
supplying fuel to the at least one fuel cell; and
monitoring for the presence of fuel within a housing about the at least one fuel cell using a control system. - View Dependent Claims (203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, 211)
coupling an operator interface with the control system; and
controlling the operator interface using the control system to indicate the presence of fuel within the housing.
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209. The method according to claim 202 further comprising:
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selectively ceasing the supplying responsive to the monitoring; and
controlling the ceasing using the control system.
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210. The method according to claim 202 wherein the monitoring comprises monitoring using a fuel sensor.
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211. The method according to claim 209 further comprising heating the fuel sensor.
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212. A method of controlling a fuel cell power system comprising:
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providing at least one fuel cell configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
providing a first terminal coupled with the at least one fuel cell;
providing a second terminal coupled with the at least one fuel cell; and
monitoring a temperature within a housing about the at least one fuel cell using a control system. - View Dependent Claims (213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225)
directing air to the at least one fuel cell; and
controlling the directing using the control system and responsive to the monitoring.
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223. The method according to claim 212 further comprising:
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inputting exterior air into the housing; and
controlling the inputting using the control system and responsive to the monitoring.
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224. The method according to claim 212 further comprising monitoring a temperature exterior of the housing.
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225. The method according to claim 212 wherein the monitoring comprises monitoring using a temperature sensor.
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226. A method of controlling a fuel cell power system comprising:
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providing a plurality of fuel cells configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
providing a first terminal coupled with the fuel cells;
providing a second terminal coupled with the fuel cells;
shunting the fuel cells according to a specified order; and
controlling the shunting using a control system. - View Dependent Claims (227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235)
detecting a failed one of the fuel cells; and
ceasing supply of fuel to the failed fuel cell responsive to the detecting.
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234. The method according to claim 233 wherein the detecting comprises monitoring an electrical characteristic of the fuel cells.
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235. The method according to claim 226 further comprising:
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detecting the presence of fuel; and
ceasing the supplying responsive to the detecting.
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236. A method of controlling a fuel cell power system comprising:
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providing at least one fuel cell configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
providing a first terminal coupled with the at least one fuel cell;
providing a second terminal coupled with the at least one fuel cell;
switching a connection immediate one of the terminals and the at least one fuel cell;
controlling the switching using a control system; and
monitoring a temperature within a housing about the at least one fuel cell and wherein the controlling is responsive to the monitoring. - View Dependent Claims (237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242)
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243. A method of operating a fuel cell power system comprising:
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initiating a start-up procedure;
monitoring the temperature within a housing containing at least one fuel cell;
selectively adjusting the temperature within the housing using a modifying element responsive to the monitoring; and
coupling a power bus with a terminal responsive to the monitoring. - View Dependent Claims (244, 245, 246)
shunting the at least one fuel cell according to a duty cycle; and
selectively setting the duty cycle to maximum.
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246. The method according to claim 243 wherein the adjusting comprises heating using the modifying element to increase the temperature.
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247. A fuel cell power system comprising:
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a plurality of fuel cells electrically coupled with plural terminals and individually configured to convert chemical energy into electricity; and
a digital control system comprising a plurality of distributed controllers configured to at least one of control and monitor an operation of the fuel cells. - View Dependent Claims (248)
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249. A fuel cell power system comprising:
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a plurality of fuel cells electrically coupled with plural terminals and individually configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
a digital control system configured to at least one of control and monitor an operation of the fuel cells; and
a plurality of valves configured to supply fuel to respective fuel cells, and the control system is configured to control the valves.
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250. A fuel cell power system comprising:
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a plurality of fuel cells electrically coupled with plural terminals and individually configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
a digital control system configured to at least one of control and monitor an operation of the fuel cells; and
a communication port adapted to couple with a remote device, and the control system is configured to communicate with the remote device via the communication port.
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251. A fuel cell power system comprising:
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a plurality of fuel cells electrically coupled with plural terminals and individually configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
a digital control system configured to at least one of control and monitor an operation of the fuel cells; and
a switching device intermediate one of the terminals and the fuel cells, and the control system is configured to control the switching device.
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252. A fuel cell power system comprising:
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a plurality of fuel cells electrically coupled with plural terminals and individually configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
a digital control system configured to at least one of control and monitor an operation of the fuel cells;
a housing about the fuel cells; and
a fuel sensor configured to monitor for the presence of fuel within the housing, and the control system is coupled with the fuel sensor and configured to implement a shut down operation responsive to a detection of fuel within the housing.
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253. A fuel cell power system comprising:
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a housing;
a plurality of terminals;
at least one fuel cell within the housing and electrically coupled with the terminals and configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
a bleed valve configured to selectively purge matter from the at least one fuel cell; and
a control system comprising a plurality of distributed controllers, wherein the control system is configured to control selective positioning of the bleed valve.
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254. A fuel cell power system comprising:
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a housing;
a plurality of terminals;
at least one fuel cell within the housing and electrically coupled with the terminals and configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
a fan within the housing and configured to direct air to the at least one fuel cell; and
a control system comprising a plurality of distributed controllers, wherein the control system is configured to control an operation of the fan.
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255. A fuel cell power system comprising:
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a housing;
a plurality of terminals;
at least one fuel cell within the housing and electrically coupled with the terminals and configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
a control system comprising a plurality of distributed controllers, wherein the control system is configured to at least one of control and monitor an operation of the at least one fuel cell; and
an operator interface coupled with the control system to indicate at least one operational status of the fuel cell power system responsive to control from the control system.
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256. A fuel cell power system comprising:
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a plurality of terminals;
at least one fuel cell electrically coupled with the terminals and configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
a sensor configured to monitor at least one electrical condition of the at least one fuel cell; and
a control system comprising a plurality of distributed controllers, wherein the control system is coupled with the sensor and configured to monitor the sensor.
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257. A fuel cell power system comprising:
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a plurality of terminals;
a plurality of fuel cells electrically coupled with the terminals and configured to convert chemical energy into electricity, wherein the fuel cells are configured to be individually selectively deactivated and remaining ones of the fuel cells are configured to provide electricity to the terminals with another of the fuel cells deactivated;
a main valve adapted to couple with a fuel source and configured to selectively supply fuel to the fuel cells; and
a control system configured to control the main valve.
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258. A fuel cell power system comprising:
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a housing;
a plurality of terminals;
at least one fuel cell within the housing and electrically coupled with the terminals and configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
a fuel delivery system configured to supply fuel to the at least one fuel cell;
a fuel sensor positioned within the housing; and
a control system comprising a plurality of distributed controllers, wherein the control system is configured to monitor a detection of fuel within the housing using the fuel sensor.
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259. A fuel cell power system comprising:
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a housing;
a plurality of terminals;
a plurality of fuel cells within the housing and electrically coupled with the terminals and configured to convert chemical energy into electricity, wherein the fuel cells are configured to be individually selectively deactivated and remaining ones of the cells are configured to provide electricity to the terminals with another of the fuel cells deactivated;
a fuel delivery system configured to supply fuel to the at least one fuel cell;
a fuel sensor positioned within the housing; and
a control system configured to monitor a detection of fuel within the housing using the fuel sensor.
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260. A fuel cell power system comprising:
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a housing;
a plurality of terminals;
a plurality of fuel cells within the housing and electrically coupled with the terminals and configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
a fuel delivery system comprising a plurality of valves configured supply fuel to respective ones of the fuel cells;
a fuel sensor positioned within the housing; and
a control system configured to monitor a detection of fuel within the housing using the fuel sensor. - View Dependent Claims (261)
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262. A fuel cell power system comprising:
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a plurality of terminals;
at least one fuel cell within the housing and electrically coupled with the terminals and configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
at least one switching device configured to selectively shunt the at least one fuel cell; and
a control system comprising a plurality of distributed controllers, wherein the control system is configured to control the at least one switching device.
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263. A fuel cell power system comprising:
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a plurality of terminals;
a plurality of fuel cells within the housing and electrically coupled with the terminals and configured to convert chemical energy into electricity, wherein the fuel cells are configured to be individually selectively deactivated and remaining ones of the fuel cells are configured to provide electricity to the terminals with another of the fuel cells deactivated;
at least one switching device configured to selectively shunt at least one of the fuel cells; and
a control system configured to control the at least one switching device.
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264. A fuel cell power system comprising:
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a housing;
a plurality of terminals;
at least one fuel cell within the housing and electrically coupled with the terminals and configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
a switching device coupled intermediate the at least one fuel cell and one of the terminals; and
a control system comprising a plurality of distributed controllers, wherein the control system is coupled with the switching device and configured to control the switching device to selectively couple the terminal with the at least one fuel cell.
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265. A method of controlling a fuel cell power system comprising:
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providing a plurality of fuel cells individually configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
electrically coupling the plurality of fuel cells;
providing a first terminal coupled with the fuel cells;
providing a second terminal coupled with the fuel cells;
providing a digital control system comprising a plurality of distributed controllers; and
coupling the digital control system with the fuel cells to at least one of monitor and control an operation of the fuel cells.
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266. A method of controlling a fuel cell power system comprising:
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providing a plurality of fuel cells individually configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
electrically coupling the plurality of fuel cells;
providing a first terminal coupled with the fuel cells;
providing a second terminal coupled with the fuel cells;
selectively shunting at least one of the fuel cells; and
coupling a digital control system with the fuel cells to at least one of monitor and control an operation of the fuel cells. - View Dependent Claims (267)
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268. A method of controlling a fuel cell power system comprising:
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providing a plurality of fuel cells individually configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
electrically coupling the plurality of fuel cells;
providing a first terminal coupled with the fuel cells;
providing a second terminal coupled with the fuel cells;
coupling a digital control system with the fuel cells to at least one of monitor and control an operation of the fuel cells;
supplying fuel to the fuel cells using a plurality of auxiliary valves in fluid communication with the fuel cells; and
controlling the auxiliary valves using the control system. - View Dependent Claims (269)
supplying fuel to the auxiliary valves using a main valve; and
controlling the main valve using the control system.
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270. A method of controlling a fuel cell power system comprising:
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providing a plurality of fuel cells individually configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
electrically coupling the plurality of fuel cells;
providing a first terminal coupled with the fuel cells;
providing a second terminal coupled with the fuel cells;
coupling a digital control system with the fuel cells to at least one of monitor and control an operation of the fuel cells;
communicating with a remote device using a communication port; and
controlling the communicating using the control system.
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271. A method of controlling a fuel cell power system comprising:
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providing a plurality of fuel cells individually configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
electrically coupling the plurality of fuel cells;
providing a first terminal coupled with the fuel cells;
providing a second terminal coupled with the fuel cells;
coupling a digital control system with the fuel cells to at least one of monitor and control an operation of the fuel cells;
monitoring for the presence of fuel within a housing about the fuel cells; and
implementing a shut down operation responsive to the monitoring using the control system. - View Dependent Claims (272, 273)
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274. A method of controlling a fuel cell power system comprising:
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providing at least one fuel cell configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
providing a first terminal coupled with the at least one fuel cell;
providing a second terminal coupled with the at least one fuel cell;
providing a control system comprising a plurality of distributed controllers;
supplying fuel to the at least one fuel cell; and
controlling the supplying using the control system.
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275. A method of controlling a fuel cell power system comprising:
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providing at least one fuel cell configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
providing a first terminal coupled with the at least one fuel cell;
providing a second terminal coupled with the at least one fuel cell;
providing a control system comprising a plurality of distributed controllers;
directing air to the at least one fuel cell; and
controlling the directing using the control system.
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276. A method of controlling a fuel cell power system comprising:
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providing a plurality of fuel cells configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
providing a first terminal coupled with the fuel cells;
providing a second terminal coupled with the fuel cells;
directing air to the fuel cells;
deactivating at least one of the fuel cells; and
controlling the directing using a control system. - View Dependent Claims (277)
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278. A method of controlling a fuel cell power system comprising:
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providing at least one fuel cell configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
providing a first terminal coupled with the at least one fuel cell;
providing a second terminal coupled with the at least one fuel cell;
providing electricity to a load coupled with the terminals;
monitoring the providing the electricity;
directing air to the at least one fuel cell; and
controlling the directing using a control system responsive to the monitoring.
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279. A method of controlling a fuel cell power system comprising:
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providing at least one fuel cell configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
providing a first terminal coupled with the at least one fuel cell;
providing a second terminal coupled with the at least one fuel cell;
providing a control system comprising a plurality of distributed controllers;
indicating at least one operational status of the fuel cell power system using an operator interface; and
controlling the indicating using the control system.
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280. A method of controlling a fuel cell power system comprising:
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providing a plurality of fuel cells configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
providing a first terminal coupled with the fuel cells;
providing a second terminal coupled with the fuel cells;
deactivating at least one of the fuel cells;
indicating at least one operational status of the fuel cell power system using an operator interface; and
controlling the indicating using a control system. - View Dependent Claims (281)
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282. A method of controlling a fuel cell power system comprising:
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providing at least one fuel cell configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
providing a first terminal coupled with the at least one fuel cell;
providing a second terminal coupled with the at least one fuel cell;
providing a control system comprising a plurality of distributed controllers; and
monitoring an electrical condition of the at least one fuel cell using the control system.
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283. A method of controlling a fuel cell power system comprising:
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providing a plurality of fuel cells configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
providing a first terminal coupled with the fuel cells;
providing a second terminal coupled with the fuel cells;
monitoring an electrical condition of at least one of the fuel cells using a control system; and
deactivating at least one of the fuel cells. - View Dependent Claims (284)
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285. A method of controlling a fuel cell power system comprising:
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providing a plurality of fuel cells individually configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
providing a first terminal coupled with the fuel cells;
providing a second terminal coupled with the fuel cells;
providing a control system comprising a plurality of distributed controllers;
supplying fuel to the fuel cells; and
controlling the supplying using the control system.
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286. A method of controlling a fuel cell power system comprising:
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providing a plurality of fuel cells individually configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
providing a first terminal coupled with the fuel cells;
providing a second terminal coupled with the fuel cells;
supplying fuel to the fuel cells;
controlling the supplying using a control system; and
deactivating at least one of the fuel cells. - View Dependent Claims (287)
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288. A method of controlling a fuel cell power system comprising:
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providing at least one fuel cell configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
providing a first terminal coupled with the at least one fuel cell;
providing a second terminal coupled with the at least one fuel cell;
providing a control system comprising a plurality of distributed controllers;
shunting the at least one fuel cell; and
controlling the shunting using the control system.
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289. A method of controlling a fuel cell power system comprising:
- providing at least one fuel cell configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
providing a first terminal coupled with the at least one fuel cell;
providing a second terminal coupled with the at least one fuel cell;
providing a control system comprising a plurality of distributed controllers;
switching a connection immediate one of the terminals and the at least one fuel cell; and
controlling the switching using the control system.
- providing at least one fuel cell configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
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290. A fuel cell power system comprising:
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a plurality of fuel cells electrically coupled with plural terminals and individually configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
a digital control system configured to at least one of control and monitor an operation of the fuel cells; and
a plurality of switching devices configured to selectively shunt respective fuel cells. - View Dependent Claims (291)
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292. A fuel cell power system comprising:
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a plurality of fuel cells electrically coupled with plural terminals and individually configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
a digital control system configured to at least one of control and monitor an operation of the fuel cells;
a housing about the fuel cells;
a temperature sensor within the housing; and
an air temperature control assembly configured to at least one of increase and decrease the temperature in the housing. - View Dependent Claims (293, 294)
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295. A fuel cell power system comprising:
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a plurality of terminals;
at least one fuel cell electrically coupled with the terminals and configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
a power supply comprising a battery; and
a control system comprising a plurality of distributed controllers configured to receive electricity from the battery and to at least one of control and monitor at least one operation of at least the one of the fuel cells.
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296. A fuel cell power system comprising:
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a plurality of terminals;
a plurality of fuel cells electrically coupled with the terminals and configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
a power supply comprising a battery; and
a control system configured to receive electricity from the battery and to at least one of control and monitor at least one operation of at least one of the fuel cells;
wherein the fuel cells are configured to be individually selectively deactivated and remaining ones of the fuel cells are configured to provide electricity to the terminals with others of the fuel cells deactivated.
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297. A method of controlling a fuel cell power system comprising:
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providing at least one fuel cell configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
providing a first terminal coupled with the at least one fuel cell;
providing a second terminal coupled with the at least one fuel cell;
selectively bleeding a connection coupled with the at least one fuel cell to purge matter from the at least one fuel cell; and
controlling the bleeding using a control system comprising a plurality of distributed controllers.
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298. A method of controlling a fuel cell power system comprising:
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providing at least one fuel cell configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
providing a first terminal coupled with the at least one fuel cell;
providing a second terminal coupled with the at least one fuel cell;
supplying electricity to a control system comprising a plurality of distributed controllers using a power supply comprising a battery; and
monitoring at least one operation of the at least one fuel cell using the control system.
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299. A method of controlling a fuel cell power system comprising:
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providing at least one fuel cell configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
providing a first terminal coupled with the at least one fuel cell;
providing a second terminal coupled with the at least one fuel cell;
supplying electricity to a control system using a power supply comprising a battery;
monitoring at least one operation of the at least one fuel cell using the control system;
monitoring an electrical condition of the battery; and
controlling charging of the battery responsive to the monitoring of the electrical condition of the battery.
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300. A method of controlling a fuel cell power system comprising:
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providing at least one fuel cell configured to convert chemical energy into electricity;
providing a first terminal coupled with the at least one fuel cell;
providing a second terminal coupled with the at least one fuel cell;
supplying electricity to a control system using a power supply comprising a battery;
monitoring at least one operation of the at least one fuel cell using the control system;
charging the battery; and
controlling the charging using the control system.
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Specification
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Litigation Data
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Current AssigneePlug Power Inc.
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Original AssigneeAvista Laboratories Inc. (Plug Power Inc.)
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InventorsLott, David R., Fuglevand, William A., Bayyuk, Shiblihanna I., Lloyd, Greg, Scartozzi, John P., Devries, Peter D.
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Primary Examiner(s)KALAFUT, STEPHEN J
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Application NumberUS09/322,666Time in Patent Office1,082 DaysField of Search429/22, 429/23, 429/24, 429/25, 429/9US Class Current429/429CPC Class CodesH01M 16/006 of fuel cells with recharge...H01M 2008/1095 Fuel cells with polymeric e...H01M 2300/0082 Organic polymersH01M 8/04007 related to heat exchangeH01M 8/04014 Heat exchange using gaseous...H01M 8/04089 of gaseous reactantsH01M 8/04097 with recycling of the react...H01M 8/04225 during start-upH01M 8/04228 during shut-downH01M 8/04231 Purging of the reactantsH01M 8/04291 Arrangements for managing w...H01M 8/04302 applied during start-upH01M 8/04303 applied during shut-downH01M 8/0432 Temperature; Ambient temper...H01M 8/04335 of cathode reactants at the...H01M 8/04343 of anode exhaustsH01M 8/0444 Concentration; Density H01M...H01M 8/04574 CurrentH01M 8/04626 of auxiliary devices, e.g. ...H01M 8/04664 Failure or abnormal functionView All
