Telematic method and apparatus with integrated power source

• US 7,621,361 B1
• Filed: 09/25/2008
• Issued: 11/24/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 07/23/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Dennis Fernandez
• Original Assignee: Dennis Fernandez
• Inventors: Fernandez, Dennis
• Primary Examiner(s): Ellis; Christopher P
• Assistant Examiner(s): WALTERS, JOHN DANIEL
• Application Number:
  US12/237,977
• Time in Patent Office: 425 Days
• Field of Search: 180/65.8, 180/65.21, 180/65.265, 180/65.27, 180/65.275, 180/65.1, 180/65.3, 180/65.51, 701/22
• US Class Current: 180/65.8
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 1/00 Supplying electric power to auxiliary equipment of vehicles circuit arrangements for charging batteries H02J7/00
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 15/2045 for optimising the use of energy
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/622 by satellite navigation
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2250/10 by alarm
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2250/30 by voice
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 58/30 for monitoring or controlling fuel cells
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 58/33 by cooling
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 58/34 by heating
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/64 Electric machine technologies in electromobility
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/72 Electric energy management in electromobility
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/16 Information or communication technologies improving the operation of electric vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/40 Application of hydrogen technology to transportation, e.g. using fuel cells
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 903/944 Characterized by control of fuel cell

Abstract

Telematic method and apparatus adaptively uses fuel cell power source in vehicle with integrated power system, electrical system, telematic system, and body/powertrain system. Telematic communications systems including internet, digital video broadcast entertainment, digital audio broadcast, digital multimedia broadcast, global positioning system navigation, safety services, intelligent transportation systems, and/or universal mobile telecommunications system. Network-accessible software enables integrated modular function for automated control and provision of fuel cell resources for telematic appliance and/or other vehicle electro-mechanical devices.

Claims

1. Integrated telematic and power apparatus comprising:

a telematic system coupled to an electrical system comprising a gateway coupling a central controller to the telematic system; and

a power control unit adaptively coupling the telematic system to a battery and a fuel cell stack.

2. Apparatus of claim 1 wherein the fuel cell stack comprises a proton exchange membrane, solid oxide, alkaline electrolyte, phosphoric acid electrolyte, or molten carbonate fuel cell.

3. Apparatus of claim 1 wherein a sensor in a traction motor couples via an inverter to the power control unit.

4. Apparatus of claim 1 wherein a fuel system is coupled via a humidifier to the fuel cell stack.