Fuel cell multifunction cathode valve
US10454120B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 3, 2016 |
| Grant date | Oct 22, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 29, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T90/40
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A fuel cell system in a vehicle has a cathode and an anode. A compressor has an inlet and an outlet, the outlet being configured to outlet a compressed air from the compressor. A bypass line is configured to return the compressed air from the outlet to the inlet such that the air returns to the compressor in a loop. A valve is located downstream of the compressor and is operable in a plurality of modes. In a first mode, the valve is configured to block the air from the cathode and return the air via the bypass line. In a second mode, the valve is configured to direct at least some of the air to the cathode. The valve can also be configured to operate in a third mode in which the air is sent to the cathode without going through the bypass line.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.