Fuel cell system with inverter and phase change material
First Claim
1. A power system for meeting alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) demands at a telecommunications site, comprising:
- a source of alternating current (AC), said source connected to an AC demand and to a DC demand via a rectifier;
a back-up source of direct current (DC) connected directly to said DC demand; and
an inverter connected to said back-up source of DC for converting at least a portion of DC to AC for supply to said AC demand, and wherein said inverter is at least partially encompassed by a phase changing material capable of absorbing heat from said inverter and surrounding ambient air.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention is a back-up power supply of alternating current and direct current, with the alternating current being generated by an inverter from the direct current, which is produced by a fuel cell. The inverter is at least partially encompassed by a phase changing material having an elevated melting point such that the phase changing material absorbs heat generated by the inverter as well as in the surrounding air, thereby maintaining the inverter temperature within acceptable limits. As the phase changing material absorbs the heat, its temperature rises and melts. Upon cooling of the system, the phase change material re-solidifies.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. A power system for meeting alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) demands at a telecommunications site, comprising:
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a source of alternating current (AC), said source connected to an AC demand and to a DC demand via a rectifier; a back-up source of direct current (DC) connected directly to said DC demand; and an inverter connected to said back-up source of DC for converting at least a portion of DC to AC for supply to said AC demand, and wherein said inverter is at least partially encompassed by a phase changing material capable of absorbing heat from said inverter and surrounding ambient air. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method for meeting alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) demands at a site, comprising:
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electronically coupling a source of alternating current (AC) to an AC demand and to a DC demand via a rectifier; electronically coupling a back-up source of direct current (DC) directly to said DC demand; electronically coupling an inverter to said back-up source of DC to convert at least a portion of DC to AC, said inverter at least partially surrounded with a phase changing material for absorbing heat created by operation of said inverter; electronically coupling said inverter to said AC demand; providing AC power to said AC demand via said source of AC; providing DC power to said DC demand via said source of AC and said rectifier; providing AC power to said AC demand via said back-up source of DC and said inverter when said source of AC is not available; and providing DC power to said DC demand via said back-up source of DC when said source of AC is not available. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification