Fuel cell-electrolyzer system controlled by a single bi-directional DC-to-DC converter

• US 7,622,888 B2
• Filed: 12/13/2005
• Issued: 11/24/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 12/13/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation (Martin Marietta Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation (Martin Marietta Corporation)
• Inventors: Krok, Michael, Dame, Mark, Gjini, Orges
• Primary Examiner(s): Tso; Edward
• Assistant Examiner(s): Fantu; Yalkew
• Application Number:
  US11/301,662
• Publication Number:
  US 20070132425A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,442 Days
• Field of Search: 320/101, 429/9
• US Class Current: 320/101
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 16/003 of fuel cells with other electrochemical devices, e.g. capacitors, electrolysers
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/50 Fuel cells
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 136/291 Applications
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 323/906 Solar cell systems

Abstract

A self-contained regenerative power system includes a fuel cell operative to generate electric energy from hydrogen and oxygen, generating water as a byproduct, and an electrolyzer operative to generate hydrogen and oxygen from water by consumption of electric energy. A bi-directional DC-to-DC converter interfaces between the fuel cell and the electrolyzer on one side and the system to be powered on the other. A switch selectively connects either the fuel cell or the electrolyzer with the bi-directional DC-to-DC converter. The products of the fuel cell process can be supplied to the electrolyzer process, and vice versa. Alternately, the self-contained regenerative power system comprises a unitary fuel cell and electrolyzer.

Claims

1. A self-contained regenerative power system comprising:

a fuel cell operative to generate electric energy from hydrogen and oxygen, generating water as a byproduct;

an electrolyzer operative to generate hydrogen and oxygen from water by consumption of electric energy;

a bi-directional DC-to-DC converter for interfacing between both the fuel cell and the electrolyzer on one side of the bi-directional converter and the system to be powered on the other side of the bi-directional converter; and

a switch for selectively placing one of the fuel cell and the electrolyzer in electric communication with the bi-directional DC-to-DC converter.

2. The self-contained regenerative power system according to claim 1, further comprising storage for the hydrogen and oxygen generated by the electrolyzer.

3. The self-contained regenerative power system according to claim 2, wherein the fuel cell is supplied with hydrogen and oxygen from the storage.

4. The self-contained regenerative power system according to claim 1, further comprising a container for holding water generated by the fuel cell.

5. The self-contained regenerative power system according to claim 4, wherein the electrolyzer is supplied with water from the container.

6. The self-contained regenerative power system according to claim 1 further comprising a DC bus in electric communication with the bi-directional DC-to-DC converter.

7. The self-contained regenerative power system according to claim 1 further comprising a supplemental source of electric energy.

8. The self-contained regenerative power system according to claim 7 wherein the supplemental source of electric energy is intermittent.

9. The self-contained regenerative power system according to claim 7 wherein the supplemental source of electric energy comprises solar generation.

10. The self-contained regenerative power system according to claim 1, wherein the power system supplies a mobile vehicle.

11. A self-contained regenerative power system comprising:

a unitary fuel cell and electrolyzer, selectively operative to generate electric energy from constituent hydrogen and oxygen, generating water as a byproduct, or to generate hydrogen and oxygen from water by consumption of electric energy; and

a bi-directional DC-to-DC converter for interfacing between both the unitary fuel cell and electrolyzer on one side of the bi-directional converter and the system to be powered on the other side of the bi-directional converter.

12. The self-contained regenerative power system according to claim 11 further comprising a DC bus in electric communication with the bi-directional DC-to-DC converter.

13. The self-contained regenerative power system according to claim 11 further comprising a supplemental source of electric energy.

14. The self-contained regenerative power system according to claim 13 wherein the supplemental source of electric energy is intermittent.

15. The self-contained regenerative power system according to claim 13 wherein the supplemental source of electric energy comprises solar generation.

16. The self-contained regenerative power system according to claim 11, wherein the power system supplies a mobile vehicle.