Method for quickly rendering a MOS gas sensor operational, MOS gas sensor system, and fuel cell system
US6467334B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 11, 2001 |
| Grant date | Oct 22, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 11, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S429/90
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method of speeding startup of a MOS gas sensor having a sensor element for sensing a target gas, and a heater configured to heat the sensor element, and which is responsive to a voltage applied thereto. The heater has an operating temperature which is selectively maintained by applying a first voltage thereto, and the heater further has a maximum recommended temperature which is selectively maintained by applying a second voltage thereto. The maximum recommended temperature is higher than the operating temperature, and the second voltage is higher than the first voltage. The method includes providing a third voltage to the heater which is greater than the second voltage for a predetermined amount of time which is selected to increase the temperature to a level not greater than the maximum recommended temperature in a shorter time period than if the second voltage is applied and maintained. A MOS gas sensor system and a fuel cell system also employ such a method.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.