Fuel cell stacks and systems with fluid-responsive temperature regulation
US8206864B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 19, 2011 |
| Grant date | Jun 26, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 19, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T90/40
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Fuel cell stacks and systems with thermal management systems to deliver a liquid heat exchange fluid into thermal communication with the stack and thereafter recycle the stream. In some embodiments, the system is adapted to selectively apportion the recycled liquid stream between a stream that, prior to reuse as a heat exchange stream, is returned to a fluid reservoir and/or selectively cooled, and/or selectively returned to the reservoir and mixed with heat exchange fluid in the reservoir, and a stream that is returned into thermal communication with the stack without returning the stream to the reservoir and/or without heating or cooling and/or without being mixed with additional heat exchange fluid. In some embodiments, the system is adapted to automatically apportion the recycled stream responsive to its temperature. In some embodiments, the system includes a thermostatic valve and/or selectively apportions the recycled stream without requiring an electronic controller or manual input.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.