Fuel cell generator energy dissipator
US6025083A · kind A · utility
17Cited by
16References
10Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 25, 1998 |
| Grant date | Feb 15, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 25, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus and method are disclosed for eliminating the chemical energy of fuel remaining in a fuel cell generator when the electrical power output of the fuel cell generator is terminated. During a generator shut down condition, electrically resistive elements are automatically connected across the fuel cell generator terminals in order to draw current, thereby depleting the fuel inventory in the generator. The invention provides a safety function in eliminating the fuel energy, and also provides protection to the fuel cell stack by eliminating overheating.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.