High efficiency fuel cell and battery for a hybrid powertrain
US6580977B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 16, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jun 17, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 16, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T90/40
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
This invention provides a new method and system to control strategies of a combined fuel cell and battery pack power system to produce an efficient and cost-effective powertrain with acceptable drivability and low emissions. The method and system provide strategies for vehicle start-up, power load changes, and steady state driving conditions. The strategies reduce vehicle maintenance cost by increasing the battery service life and fuel efficiency. Further, the strategies reduce vehicle cost by reducing fuel cell engine size required by a hybrid electric vehicle while responding rapidly to load changes. The strategies also provide increased fuel efficiency by recovery, storage, and re-use of the vehicle kinetic energy normally dissipated as heat during braking.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.