High efficiency hydrogen fueled high altitude thermodynamic fuel cell system and aircraft using same
US12077064B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 13, 2023 |
| Grant date | Sep 3, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 13, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T90/40
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A high efficiency hydrogen fuel system for an aircraft at high altitude which utilizes compressors to compress air to a sufficiently high pressure for the fuel cell. Liquid hydrogen is compressed and then utilized in heat exchangers to cool the compressed air, maintaining the air at a temperature low enough for the fuel cell. The hydrogen is also used to cool the fuel cell as it is also depressurized prior to its entry in the fuel cell cycle. A water condensation system allows for water removal from the airstream to reduce impacts to the atmosphere. The hydrogen fuel system may be used with VTOL aircraft, which may allow them to fly at higher elevations. The hydrogen fuel system may be used with other subsonic and supersonic aircraft, such as with asymmetric wing aircraft.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.