Method and apparatus for controlling a fuel cell system having a variable number of parallel-connected modules
US7648784B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 9, 2006 |
| Grant date | Jan 19, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 4, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A fuel cell APU system comprising a plurality of fuel cell modules connected in parallel. Each module includes a local controller connected to a master controller that coordinates the modules to achieve a desired power output at any given time. Each module is operated within an output range to maximize efficiency of the system. When load demand on a first module exceeds the desired output range of the module, an additional module is brought online in parallel with the first. As the load increases further, additional modules are brought online in cascade fashion to permit all modules to be operated efficiently. If a module is disabled, it is automatically switched out of service and replaced by a standby module. The master controller keeps track of the total operating time of each module and varies the sequence in which different modules are brought into service to balance deterioration among the modules.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.