Mobile-power system utilizing propane generator, fuel cell and super capacitors

• US 7,245,032 B2
• Filed: 08/29/2005
• Issued: 07/17/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 11/15/2002
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: T-Mobile Innovations LLC (Deutsche Telekom AG)
• Original Assignee: Sprint Communications Company LP (Deutsche Telekom AG)
• Inventors: Johnson, Larry L., Willets, Julie A., Meyers, Jerry D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Ponomarenko; Nicholas
• Application Number:
  US11/214,133
• Publication Number:
  US 20060066108A1
• Time in Patent Office: 687 Days
• Field of Search: 290/1.A, 290/1.R, 290/2, 290/52, 322/7, 322/8, 322/14, 307/64
• US Class Current: 290/1.00A
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 2008/1095 Fuel cells with polymeric electrolytes
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 2250/10 Fuel cells in stationary systems, e.g. emergency power source in plant
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 2250/40 Combination of fuel cells with other energy production systems
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/04208 Cartridges, cryogenic media or cryogenic reservoirs
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 2300/30 The power source being a fuel cell
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/345 using capacitors as storage or buffering devices
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 9/06 with automatic change-over , e.g. UPS systems
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 9/061 for DC powered loads
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 9/08 requiring starting of a prime-mover
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 90/10 Applications of fuel cells in buildings
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/50 Fuel cells

Abstract

The present invention is a mobile-energy generating system capable of providing redundant direct current power. It comprises a reciprocating engine and generator having dual fuel capability, a fuel cell, commercial electrical power hookups, and capacitors used for bridging purposes. Back-up fuel for the engine and fuel for the fuel cells are stored in propane and hydrogen storage tanks, respectively.

Claims

1. A power supply system capable of producing redundant direct current (DC) power, said system comprising:

a generation subsystem producing a first source of alternating current (AC);

a means for converting said first source of AC into a first source of DC;

a device adapted to consume hydrogen to generate a second source of DC; and

,

at least one capacitor to bridge when switching between said first source of DC and said second source of DC.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said generation subsystem includes a reciprocating engine producing an output motion and a generator adapted to utilize said output motion to produce said first source of AC.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein said reciprocating engine is adapted to combust natural gas and propane.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein said system is adapted to receive AC from a utility.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein said device comprises at least one fuel cell.

6. The system of claim 5 wherein said fuel cell comprises at least one proton exchange membrane.

7. The system of claim 5 wherein said at least one fuel cell receives said hydrogen from a plurality of storage tanks.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein said means for converting said first source of AC into a first source of direct current (DC) comprises at least one rectifier.

9. The system of claim 1 wherein said at least one capacitor is adapted to be selectively charged from said first source of DC.

10. The system of claim 1 wherein at least said generation subsystem, said means for converting said first source of AC to said first source of DC, said device to generate said second source of DC, and said at least one capacitor are located on a mobile platform.

11. The system of claim 10 wherein said mobile platform is connected to a base transceiver station (BTS) for providing electrical power thereto.

12. The system of claim 1 wherein said means to switch between said first source of DC and said second source of DC comprises a control system having the programmable logic necessary to determine the appropriate source to utilize.