Method and apparatus for controlling a combined heat and power fuel cell system
First Claim
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1. A fuel cell system comprising:
- a fuel cell stack to produce electricity;
a heat sink thermally coupled to the fuel cell stack; and
a circuit adapted to;
generate a heat demand signal in response to a thermal parameter of the heat sink being below a predetermined level, and short at least one fuel cell of the fuel cell stack in response to the heat demand signal.
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Abstract
A cogeneration fuel cell system and associated methods of operation are provided that accommodate a demand for heat as well as a demand for electric power. The system is operated among various modes to balance heat and power demand signals. In general, a fuel cell system is coupled to a power sink and a heat sink, and a controller is adapted to respond to data signals from the power sink and the heat sink. As examples, such data signals from the heat sink may include a temperature indication or a heat demand signal (such as from a thermostat), and such data signals from the power sink may include a voltage or current measurement, an electrical power demand signal, or an electrical load.
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Citations
4 Claims
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1. A fuel cell system comprising:
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a fuel cell stack to produce electricity;
a heat sink thermally coupled to the fuel cell stack; and
a circuit adapted to;
generate a heat demand signal in response to a thermal parameter of the heat sink being below a predetermined level, and short at least one fuel cell of the fuel cell stack in response to the heat demand signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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Specification