Open-loop system and method for fuel cell stack start-up with low-voltage source
US9005785B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 24, 2007 |
| Grant date | Apr 14, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 31, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T90/40
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A fuel cell system is provided that includes a fuel cell stack and an air compressor in communication with a cathode inlet, a hydrogen source in communication with an anode inlet, and a start-up battery adapted to power the air compressor. The start-up battery is at least one of a low-voltage battery and a high-voltage battery. A power conversion module is in electrical communication with the start-up battery and the air compressor. The power conversion module is adapted to boost a voltage of the start-up battery as desired and power the air compressor at start-up. A controller is in communication with the power conversion module and is adapted to set an air compressor speed based on an available electrical energy. An open-loop method of operating the fuel cell system at start-up is also provided, wherein an anode purge is scheduled based on the available electrical energy from the battery.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.