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Optimizing contractual management of the total output of a fleet of fuel cells

  • US 9,141,923 B2
  • Filed: 09/25/2012
  • Issued: 09/22/2015
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/25/2012
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A power generator, comprising:

  • a fuel cell fleet comprising a plurality of fuel cell systems, wherein at least one or more of the plurality of fuel cell systems is operational;

    a data server operably connected to each of the plurality of fuel cell systems, wherein the data server is configured to obtain operational data from each of the plurality of fuel cell systems; and

    a total maintained output (TMO) controller operably connected to the data server and configured to;

    determine a TMO power for the fleet integrated over a first portion of a predetermined time period from the operational data;

    compare the TMO power over the first time period to a TMO power set point established for the fleet for a first portion of the predetermined period; and

    increase the power output of the operational fuel cell systems of the fleet for a second portion of the predetermined time period when the TMO power over the first portion of the predetermined time period is less than the TMO power set point for the first portion of the predetermined time period, wherein the increased power output during the second portion of the predetermined time period is configured to make up for a lost amount of TMO power below the TMO power set point over the first portion of the predetermined time period by an end of the predetermined time period; and

    wherein the predetermined period comprises a lifetime of the power generator.

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