Fuel cell thermal management system and method
US6649290B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 11, 2001 |
| Grant date | Nov 18, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 1, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T90/40
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
This application relates to a system and method for regulating the temperature of a self-contained fuel cell apparatus preferably comprising a fuel reformer. The invention maintains the various components of the fuel cell apparatus within preferred operating temperature ranges while ensuring that exhaust gases and external surfaces of the apparatus do not exceed safe temperature levels. The invention is particularly suited for self-contained hybrid power supply applications, for example for non-road electric vehicles. The various components of the apparatus are strategically configured relative to air flow paths to fully utilize the cooling capacity of the process stream and minimize parasitic loads. In some embodiments the inlet air is pre-heated to enable operation of the apparatus in low temperature environments, such as industrial freezers.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.