Hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system

US11634229B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy · US

Inventors

• Karen Swider Lyons · Alexandria, US
• Richard J Foch · Upper Marlboro, US
• Gregory Page · Arnold, US
• Michael Schuette · Kettering, US
• Aaron D. Kahn · Arlington, US
• Richard Stroman · Washington, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 5, 2011
• Grant date: Apr 25, 2023
• Expiry date: Dec 23, 2040

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02T90/40
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a system comprising: a hydrogen fuel cell; a fuel storage tank; a regulator coupled to the storage tank and the fuel cell; an electronic auto pilot; a rechargeable battery; a power electronics module for delivering power from the fuel cell to the autopilot and the battery; and a heat exchanger coupled to the fuel cell. The fuel cell is characterized by: a minimum continuous power output of no more than 25 W; a maximum continuous power output of no less than 5000 W; a specific power of at least 200 W/kg based on the mass of the fuel cell and any control electronics, cooling components, air delivery components, and water management components; an ability to operate at least 2 psig of hydrogen at an inlet; and an ability to operate at temperatures up to 90° C.