Vehicle with a fuel cell system and method for operating the same
US6571897B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 13, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jun 3, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 13, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T90/40
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A vehicle includes a traction unit capable of delivering mechanical power for driving the vehicle; electric loads; and a fuel cell system for supplying the electric loads with electric power. The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack with an anode input line, an anode exhaust line, a cathode input line, and an cathode exhaust line. A compression/expansion loop is employed in the cathode exhaust line. The expansion side of the compression/expansion loop is in thermal contact with the cathode exhaust to cool the cathode exhaust and to transfer the heat of the exhaust to the compression side of the compression/expansion loop at a higher temperature level. A water separator is arranged in the cathode exhaust line for collecting water vapor of product water that is carried in the cathode exhaust and is recycled to the fuel cell system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.