Environmental sensor array for fuel cell air filtration systems
US10693165B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 19, 2016 |
| Grant date | Jun 23, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 7, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T90/40
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
In one embodiment, an environmental sensor array monitors pre-filter airflow to a fuel cell with an air filter, and senses amounts of filter exposure of air contaminants in the monitored pre-filter airflow. The environmental sensor array may then correlate the sensed amounts of filter exposure over time to a long-term adsorption limit of the air contaminants for the air filter, determining a lifetime usage level of the air filter. Accordingly, the environmental sensor array may provide an indication of the lifetime usage level of the air filter. In another embodiment, the environmental sensor array may also monitor post-filter airflow to the fuel cell, and senses instantaneous levels of post-filter air contaminants. In response to the instantaneous level of any particular air contaminant of the post-filter air contaminants being above a respective threshold level, the environmental sensor array may protect the operation of the fuel cell (e.g., de-rate, shut down, etc.).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.