Power supply system using a fuel cell, controller for the same and control method
First Claim
1. A controller configured to:
- control a supply of electrical power to a load from at least one fuel cell (24) and at least one secondary power supply;
during a first supply time period, use the fuel cell for a constant first supply of electrical power to the load;
during a second supply time period, simultaneously use the at least one fuel cell (24) for a constant second supply of electrical power to the load, and use the at least one secondary power supply for an additional second supply of electrical power to the load, wherein the constant second supply of electrical power is lower than the constant first supply of electrical power; and
wherein the controller is further configured to, in a fourth supply time period different from the fourth and second supply time periods, cease the supply of electrical power from the fuel cell to the load.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A power supply system comprises a fuel cell and a battery, each for supplying electrical power to a load. The system is controlled to use the fuel cell for a first period of time (82) to supply electrical power to the load, wherein the power demand is constant over a first time period (82). The battery is used simultaneously with the fuel cell for a second supply time of electrical power to the load, wherein the power varies (84). In this way, fluctuating output is provided by the battery, and the fuel cell output is maintained as constant as possible to prolong the lifetime. During the second supply time, the power to the load (80) can be provided as a constant contribution from the fuel cell and a variable contribution from the battery.
6 Citations
16 Claims
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1. A controller configured to:
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control a supply of electrical power to a load from at least one fuel cell (24) and at least one secondary power supply; during a first supply time period, use the fuel cell for a constant first supply of electrical power to the load; during a second supply time period, simultaneously use the at least one fuel cell (24) for a constant second supply of electrical power to the load, and use the at least one secondary power supply for an additional second supply of electrical power to the load, wherein the constant second supply of electrical power is lower than the constant first supply of electrical power; and wherein the controller is further configured to, in a fourth supply time period different from the fourth and second supply time periods, cease the supply of electrical power from the fuel cell to the load. - View Dependent Claims (2, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14)
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3. A controller configured to:
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control a supply of electrical power to a load from at least one fuel cell (24) and at least one secondary power supply; during a first supply time period, use the fuel cell for a constant first supply of electrical power to the load; during a second supply time period, simultaneously use the at least one fuel cell (24) for a constant second supply of electrical power to the load, and use the at least one secondary power supply for an additional second supply of electrical power to the load, wherein the constant second supply of electrical power is lower than the constant first supply of electrical power; and wherein the controller is further configured to, in a third supply time period after the second supply time period, use the fuel cell for a constant third supply of electrical power to the load wherein the constant third supply of electrical power is higher than the constant second supply of electrical power. - View Dependent Claims (4, 5, 6, 12, 13)
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7. A controller configured to:
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control a supply of electrical power to a load from at least one fuel cell (24) and at least one secondary power supply; during a first supply time period, use the fuel cell for a constant first supply of electrical power to the load; during a second supply time period, simultaneously use the at least one fuel cell (24) for a constant second supply of electrical power to the load, and use the at least one secondary power supply for an additional second supply of electrical power to the load, wherein the constant second supply of electrical power is lower than the constant first supply of electrical power; and wherein the secondary power supply comprises a rechargeable device and the controller is further configured to use the fuel cell to recharge the rechargeable device using only a constant current charging.
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15. A method of supplying an electrical power to a load from rom at least one fuel cell and from at least one secondary power, wherein the method comprises:
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during a first supply time period, using the at least one fuel cell for a constant first supply of electrical power to the load; and during a second supply time period, simultaneously using the at least one fuel cell for a constant second supply of electrical power to the load, and using the at least one secondary power supply for an additional second supply of electrical power to the load, wherein the constant second supply of electrical power is lower than the constant first supply of electrical power, and wherein the secondary power supply comprises a rechargeable device, and the method comprises supplying electrical power to the battery from the fuel cell to recharge the rechargeable device using only a constant current charging regime. - View Dependent Claims (16)
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Specification