Dynamically controlled heat exchange for cascading startup of fuel cell grids
US9608284B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 30, 2014 |
| Grant date | Mar 28, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 13, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A “Cascading Startup Controller” provides various techniques for quickly and efficiently initializing grids of interconnected fuel cells. In general, the Cascading Startup Controller dynamically controls heat exchange between fuel cells in the grid to produce a cascading startup of the fuel cell grid via an expanding pattern of excess thermal energy routing from hotter fuel cell stacks to cooler fuel cell stacks. This expanding pattern of excess thermal energy routing is dynamically controlled via automated valves of a heat exchange grid coupled to the fuel cell grid to decrease a total startup time for fuel cell stacks in the grid. Additional excess heat beyond that used to heat fuel cells to operational temperatures is then made available for a variety of purposes, including, but not limited to, preheating gas or other fuel for use by the fuel cells, local or community-based heating systems, heat-based energy cogeneration systems, etc.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.