Fuel cell power plant with real and reactive power modes
US11442483B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 4, 2016 |
| Grant date | Sep 13, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 10, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An illustrative example fuel cell power plant includes a cell stack assembly having a plurality of fuel cells configured to generate electricity based on an electrochemical reaction. The power plant includes a capacitor, a plurality of inverters, and at least one controller that is configured to control the plurality of inverters in a first mode and a second mode. The first mode includes the cell stack assembly associated with at least one of the inverters. A cell stack assembly and the associated inverter provide real power to a load external to the fuel cell power plant in the first mode. The second mode includes at least a second one of the inverters associated with the capacitor. The capacitor and the second one of the inverters selectively provide reactive power to or receive reactive power from a grid external to the fuel cell power plant in the second mode.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.