Electric vehicle having multiple-use APU system
US8042631B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 8, 2006 |
| Grant date | Oct 25, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 13, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY04S10/126
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
During periods of vehicle inactivity, a vehicle-based APU electric generating system may be coupled into a regional electric grid to send electricity into the grid. A currently-preferred APU is a solid oxide fuel cell system. When a large number of vehicles are thus equipped and connected, substantial electric buffering can be effected to the grid load. A vehicle-based APU can also function as a back-up generator to a docking facility in the event of power failure of the grid. Gaseous hydrocarbon is readily supplied by pipe in many locations as a commercial and residential heating fuel source, and a hydrocarbon reformer on the vehicle can be attached to the fuel source, enabling an APU to operate as a stationary power source indefinitely. An optional storage tank on the vehicle may be refueled with gaseous fuel, for example, while the battery is being electrically recharged by the grid.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.