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Fuel cell power and management system, and technique for controlling and/or operating same

  • US 7,914,945 B2
  • Filed: 06/13/2005
  • Issued: 03/29/2011
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/22/2004
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A fuel storage unit for use in a fuel cell management system comprising a power unit and a refill unit, the fuel storage unit comprising:

  • a removable fuel vessel operable to store the fuel;

    memory to store data which is representative of at least one operating parameter of the fuel storage unit;

    a fuel storage unit control system operable to determine, monitor, manage and/or control the parameter; and

    a fuel storage unit interface comprising;

    a fuel storage unit mechanical interface; and

    a fuel storage unit communications interface,wherein a mechanical interface of the power unit and the fuel storage unit mechanical interface are respectively operable to permit holding, retention and/or engagement between the power unit and the fuel storage unit, and a fluid interface therebetween permits fluid communication of the fuel between the fuel storage unit and the power unit,wherein a communications interface of the power unit and the communications interface of the fuel storage unit are respectively operable to provide communications between a control system of the power unit and the control system of the fuel storage unit;

    wherein a mechanical interface of the refill unit and the fuel storage unit mechanical interface are respectively operable to permit holding, retention and/or engagement between the refill unit and the fuel storage unit, and a fluid interface therebetween permits fluid communication of the fuel between the fuel storage unit and the refill unit, andwherein a communications interface of the refill unit and the communications interface of the fuel storage unit are respectively operable to provide communications between a control system of the refill unit and the control system of the fuel storage unit.

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