Apparatus and method for heating fuel cells
First Claim
1. An apparatus for heating at least one fuel cell to an optimized operating temperature, comprising:
- a resistive conductor attached to a source of electricity, said resistive conductor being configured for close proximity to at least one fuel cell;
a smart controller for automatically optimizing an amount of electrical current in said resistive conductor so as to maintain said at least one fuel cell at an optimized operating temperature, said smart controller comprising;
at least one voltage sensor for measuring an output of the at least one fuel cell;
at least one temperature sensor for monitoring a temperature of the at least one fuel cell;
at least one heater control component that modifies the amount of electrical current in said resistive conductor so as to optimize said output of the at least one fuel cell; and
a host interface for communications between said smart controller and a consumer electronic device that is powered by said fuel cell.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A fuel cell or fuel cell stack heater using resistive heat. A resistive conductor (preferably some type of metal wire) is attached to a source of electricity such as a battery. The resistive conductor is in proximity with the fuel cell or stack so that when the resistive conductor is heated, the cell or stack will also become hot. An insulating material surrounds the outside of the fuel cell or stack, so that it encloses the cell or stack and the resistive conductor. The insulating material will capture heat from the resistive conductor and any waste heat given off by the operation of the fuel cell or stack. A means for modifying the amount of electrical current in the resistive conductor is attached to the apparatus. When the fuel cell or stack reaches the desired temperature, the means is employed to reduce or turn off current in the resistive conductor.
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Citations
10 Claims
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1. An apparatus for heating at least one fuel cell to an optimized operating temperature, comprising:
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a resistive conductor attached to a source of electricity, said resistive conductor being configured for close proximity to at least one fuel cell; a smart controller for automatically optimizing an amount of electrical current in said resistive conductor so as to maintain said at least one fuel cell at an optimized operating temperature, said smart controller comprising; at least one voltage sensor for measuring an output of the at least one fuel cell; at least one temperature sensor for monitoring a temperature of the at least one fuel cell; at least one heater control component that modifies the amount of electrical current in said resistive conductor so as to optimize said output of the at least one fuel cell; and a host interface for communications between said smart controller and a consumer electronic device that is powered by said fuel cell. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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Specification