Drive system and method for the operation of a fuel cell system
US6616424B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 15, 2001 |
| Grant date | Sep 9, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 27, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T90/40
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A drive system for a compressor that delivers compressed air to a fuel cell system in a motor vehicle. The drive system includes an electric motor that drives the compressor. During normal operation of the fuel cell system, the motor is fed with electrical energy from the fuel cell system. During start-up of the fuel cell system, the electric motor receives electrical energy from a low voltage battery, where the electric motor can be operated at a voltage that is significantly higher than the output voltage of the low voltage battery. An expander can be connected to the compressor to drive the compressor with energy from cathode exhaust gases. Further, hydrogen recirculation can also be employed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.