Power modulation for fuel cell powered datacenters
US10199669B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 1, 2016 |
| Grant date | Feb 5, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 3, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P70/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A fuel cell power controller tracks load current and fuel cell output voltage, and alerts on excessive fuel cell ramp rate, so another power source can supplement the fuel cell and/or the load can be reduced. A power engineering process makes efficient use of available fuel cell power by ramping up power flow rapidly when power is available, while respecting the ramp rate and other power limitations of the fuel cell and safety limitations of the load. Power flow decreases after an alert indicating an electrical output limitation of the fuel cell. Permitted power flow increases in response to a power demand increase (actual or requested) from the load in the absence of the alert. Power flow may increase or decrease in a fixed amount, a proportional amount, or per a sequence. A power controller relay may trip open on a low fuel cell output voltage or high load current.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.