Fuel cell-electrolyzer system controlled by a single bi-directional DC-to-DC converter
US7622888B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 13, 2005 |
| Grant date | Nov 24, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 27, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S323/906
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A self-contained regenerative power system includes a fuel cell operative to generate electric energy from hydrogen and oxygen, generating water as a byproduct, and an electrolyzer operative to generate hydrogen and oxygen from water by consumption of electric energy. A bi-directional DC-to-DC converter interfaces between the fuel cell and the electrolyzer on one side and the system to be powered on the other. A switch selectively connects either the fuel cell or the electrolyzer with the bi-directional DC-to-DC converter. The products of the fuel cell process can be supplied to the electrolyzer process, and vice versa. Alternately, the self-contained regenerative power system comprises a unitary fuel cell and electrolyzer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.