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Небесная энциклопедия

Космические корабли и станции, автоматические КА и методы их проектирования, бортовые комплексы управления, системы и средства жизнеобеспечения, особенности технологии производства ракетно-космических систем

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Мониторинг СМИ

Мониторинг СМИ и социальных сетей. Сканирование интернета, новостных сайтов, специализированных контентных площадок на базе мессенджеров. Гибкие настройки фильтров и первоначальных источников.

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19-01-2012 дата публикации

Fuel cell system

Номер: US20120015272A1
Автор: Hiromi Tanaka, Masashi Fuji, Nobukazu MIZUNO, Osamu Yumita, Takayoshi Tezuka, Yoshiaki Naganuma
Принадлежит: Toyota Motor Corp

A fuel cell system suppresses the deterioration of an electrolyte membrane of a fuel cell. The fuel cell system comprises: a temperature rise speed calculation unit for calculating a target temperature rise speed of the fuel cell using a temperature of the fuel cell and a water content of the fuel cell; and a drive control unit for controlling a drive of the cooling water pump using the temperature rise speed of the fuel cell and the target temperature rise speed calculated by the temperature rise speed calculation unit. The drive control unit controls the drive of the cooling water pump such that a circulation amount of the cooling water is decreased when the temperature rise speed of the fuel cell is below the target temperature rise speed and controls the drive of the cooling water pump such that the circulation amount of the cooling water is increased when the temperature rise speed of the fuel cell is equal to or greater than the target temperature rise speed.

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Номер записи: 1
18-04-2013 дата публикации

FUEL CELL SYSTEM

Номер: US20130095404A1
Автор: KONDO Masaaki, Shibata Kazunori
Принадлежит:

The fuel cell system of the present invention supplies oxidant gas to a fuel cell during periods where generation of electrical power by the fuel cell is stopped. As a result, an amount of oxidant gas that is just sufficient to continue a reaction with remaining fuel gas is continued even when generation of electrical power itself is stopped. It is therefore possible to protect electrolyte membranes from damage occurring as a result of oxygen deficiency. Further, in addition to intermittent operation, the fuel cell system of the present invention is also applicable to steps for the stopping of generation of electrical power by a fuel cell in accordance with other conditions or at the time of the complete stopping of operation of the fuel cell system. 1. A fuel cell system comprising:a fuel cell supplied with oxidant gas during periods where generation of electrical power is stopped;a driver configured to take in oxidant gas from outside; anda controller programmed, in the periods where generation of electrical power is stopped, to measure a supply amount of the oxidant gas to the fuel cell, to control the driver in such a manner that a measured supply amount of oxidant gas is greater than or equal to a minimum amount of oxygen supplied for preventing oxygen deficiency of the fuel cell, and to stop driving of the driver when the electrical power generated by the fuel cell is less than a predetermined value.2. The fuel cell system according to claim 1 ,wherein supply of oxidant gas to the fuel cell during periods where generation of electrical power is stopped is carried out intermittently.3. The fuel cell system according to claim 1 ,wherein supply of oxidant gas to the fuel cell during periods where generation of electrical power is stopped is carried out continuously.4. The fuel cell system according to claim 1 ,wherein the amount of oxidant gas supplied to the fuel cell during periods where generation of electrical power is stopped is taken to be greater than or ...

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Номер записи: 2
22-08-2013 дата публикации

Solid oxide fuel cell system

Номер: US20130216926A1
Автор: Katsuhisa Tsuchiya, Kiyotaka Nakano, Takuya Matsuo, Toshiharu Ooe, Toshiharu Otsuka, Tsukasa Shigezumi
Принадлежит: TOTO LTD

A solid oxide fuel cell system is disclosed. The solid oxide fuel cell system includes a cell stack having multiple adjacent fuel cells; a reformer that reforms raw gas and produces fuel gas supplied to the fuel cells; a combustion section that causes combustion of the fuel gas discharged from the fuel cells and heats the reformer with combustion heat of the fuel gas; an ignition device that ignites the combustion section; a combustion state confirmation device that senses that heating of the entire reformer has started using the advancement of flame transfer between fuel cells in the combustion section; and a controller programmed to start an operation of the system heating the reformer by using combustion heat from the combustion section and reaction heat from the partial oxidation reforming reaction (POX) in the reformer. During the period until the combustion state confirmation device senses that the heating of the entire reformer has started after the ignition device ignited the combustion section, the controller suppresses the amount of heat emitted by the partial oxidation reforming reaction in the reformer more than the amount of heat emitted after heating of the entire reformer has started.

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Номер записи: 3
19-09-2013 дата публикации

FUEL CELL SYSTEM

Номер: US20130244125A1
Автор: KAMIYAMA Tomohisa, WAKE Chihiro
Принадлежит: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.

The present invention provides a fuel cell system that can quickly decrease a current/voltage characteristic. A fuel cell system includes an introduction piping which connects a discharging piping and a supply piping in communication with each other, and which introduces part of oxidant-off gas in the supply piping, and a circulation on-off valve provided in the introduction piping. The fuel cell system decreases the supply amount of air by an air compressor when a fuel cell is activated at a low temperature to decrease the air-stoichiometry of the fuel cell, and opens the circulation on-off valve to introduce the oxidant-off gas in the supply piping through the introduction piping, thereby causing the oxidant-off gas to circulate. 1. A fuel cell system comprising:a fuel cell which comprises an anode and a cathode and which generates power when a fuel gas and an oxidant gas are supplied to the anode and the cathode, respectively;an oxidant gas supplying unit that supplies the oxidant gas to the cathode;an oxidant gas supplying flow channel through which the oxidant gas to be supplied to the cathode flows;an oxidant-off gas discharging flow channel through which an oxidant-off gas discharged from the cathode flows;an oxidant-off gas introducing flow channel which is in communication with the oxidant-off gas discharging flow channel and the oxidant gas supplying flow channel, and which introduces part of the oxidant-off gas to the oxidant gas supplying flow channel;a circulation on-off valve provided in the oxidant-off gas introducing flow channel;a stoichiometry decreasing process unit which decreases a supply amount of the oxidant gas by the oxidant gas supplying unit when a predetermined condition is satisfied and decreases a stoichiometry of the oxidant gas of the fuel cell to decrease a current/voltage characteristic of the fuel cell; andan oxidant-off gas circulating process unit which opens the circulation on-off valve after a process by the stoichiometry ...

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Номер записи: 4
04-01-2018 дата публикации

FUEL CELL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THE SAME

Номер: US20180006317A1
Автор: Kani Yukimune, ONUMA SHIGENORI, Ukai Kunihiro
Принадлежит:

A fuel cell system includes a fuel feeder that supplies fuel, a fuel cell stack that generates power through an electrochemical reaction using air and a hydrogen-containing gas generated from the fuel, a temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the fuel cell stack, and a controller. The fuel cell stack has a membrane electrode assembly including an electrolyte membrane through which protons can pass, a cathode on one side of the electrolyte membrane, and an anode on the other side of the electrolyte membrane. The controller defines an upper limit of current output from the fuel cell stack on the basis of the temperature of the fuel cell stack and the supply of the fuel and keeps the current output from the fuel cell stack at or below the upper limit. 1. A fuel cell system comprising:a fuel feeder that supplies fuel;a fuel cell stack that generates power through an electrochemical reaction using air and a hydrogen-containing gas generated from the fuel;a temperature sensor that senses a temperature of the fuel cell stack; anda controller, wherein:the fuel cell stack has a membrane electrode assembly including an electrolyte membrane through which protons can pass, a cathode on a first side of the electrolyte membrane, and an anode on a second side of the electrolyte membrane; andthe controller defines an upper limit of current output from the fuel cell stack on the basis of the temperature of the fuel cell stack and a supply of the fuel and keeps the current output from the fuel cell stack at or below the upper limit.2. The fuel cell system according to claim 1 , wherein:the temperature sensor is a first temperature sensor;the fuel cell system further includes an off-gas path, a passage through which off-gas discharged from the anode passes; anda second temperature sensor that senses a temperature of the off-gas; andthe controller defines the upper limit of current output from the fuel cell stack on the basis of either the temperature of the fuel cell stack ...

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Номер записи: 5
07-01-2021 дата публикации

END CELL HEATER FOR FUEL CELL

Номер: US20210007185A1
Автор: JANG Kil Sang, Kim Ju Han
Принадлежит:

Provided is an end cell heater for a fuel cell capable of preventing water existing in reaction cells of a fuel cell stack from being frozen to improve initial start ability and initial driving performance of the fuel cell at the time of cold-starting the fuel cell during winter by disposing heaters on end cells disposed at both ends of the fuel cell stack and capable of securing air-tightness and pressure resistance properties of air passages and fuel passages formed in the end cell. 15.-. (canceled)6. An end cell heater for a fuel cell , comprising:an end cell including a body, an upper cover stacked on and in contact with an upper surface of the body, and a lower cover stacked on and in contact with a lower surface of the body, having air channels formed between the body and the upper cover, and having fuel channels formed between the body and the lower cover;a heating element stacked on and coupled to the end cell; andan electricity collecting plate stacked on and in contact with the heating element.7. The end cell heater for a fuel cell of claim 6 , wherein fusing protrusions are formed to protrude on any one or more of the upper surface of the body and a lower surface of the upper cover claim 6 , fusing grooves are concavely formed at both sides of the fusing protrusions so as to be in contact with the fusing protrusions claim 6 , and the fusing protrusions are melted claim 6 , such that the body and the upper cover are bonded to each other claim 6 , andfusing protrusions are formed to protrude on any one or more of the lower surface of the body and an upper surface of the lower cover, fusing grooves are concavely formed at both sides of the fusing protrusions so as to be in contact with the fusing protrusions, and the fusing protrusions are melted, such that the body and the lower cover are bonded to each other.8. The end cell heater for a fuel cell of claim 6 , wherein the fusing protrusions and the fusing grooves are formed at both sides of each of the air ...

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Номер записи: 6
20-01-2022 дата публикации

FUEL CELL SYSTEM, AND METHOD OF ITS OPERATION

Номер: US20220021010A1
Автор: Bang Mads, Korsgaard Anders Risum
Принадлежит: BLUE WORLD TECHNOLOGIES HOLDING APS

In a fuel cell system, for example HTPEM fuel cells. a valve system is employed by selectively guiding exhaust gas from the burner either to the reformer for heating the reformer, especially during normal operation, or to by-pass the reformer in startup situations in order to heat the fuel cell stack before starting heating the reformer. Optionally, a compact burner/reformer unit is provided. 121.-. (canceled)22. A fuel cell system , comprising:a fuel cell;a cooling circuit for recirculating coolant through the fuel cell for adjusting the temperature of the fuel cell with the coolant;a reformer comprising a catalyser enclosed by reformer walls and configured for catalytic conversion of fuel vapor to syngas, wherein the reformer is conduit-connected to the anode side of the fuel cell for provision of syngas to the fuel cell;an evaporator configured for evaporating liquid fuel and conduit-connected to the reformer for provision of the evaporated fuel to the reformer;a liquid fuel supply conduit-connected to the evaporator for providing liquid fuel to the evaporator;a burner comprising a burner-chamber inside burner walls, wherein the burner-chamber is configured for providing flue gas by burning anode waste gas or fuel or both, wherein the burner-chamber is in fluid-flow communication with the reformer walls for flow of the flue gas from the burner-chamber to and along the reformer walls for transfer of heat from the flue gas to the reformer walls for heating the catalyser by heat transfer through the reformer walls; 'a) flow along the reformer walls,', 'wherein the fuel cell system comprises a by-pass valve in communication with the burner-chamber and configured for regulating flow of the flue gas between'} 'b) flow out of the burner-chamber through a flue gas outlet conduit, by-passing the reformer walls for preventing it from flowing along the reformer walls.', 'and'}23. The fuel cell system according to claim 22 , wherein the flue gas outlet conduit on its ...

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Номер записи: 7
17-01-2019 дата публикации

Fuel cell system and control method for fuel cell system

Номер: US20190020047A1
Автор: Keiji Okada, Kentarou YAJIMA
Принадлежит: Nissan Motor Co Ltd

A fuel cell system including: a solid oxide type fuel cell that is supplied with an anode gas and a cathode gas to generate an electric power; a fuel tank that stores a water-containing fuel containing water; a fuel supply passage that couples the fuel cell to the fuel tank; a reformer disposed on the fuel supply passage, the reformer reforming the water-containing fuel into the anode gas; a separator disposed on the fuel supply passage in an upstream side with respect to the reformer, the separator separating the water contained in the water-containing fuel; a detector disposed in the upstream side with respect to the reformer, the detector detecting or estimating a moisture content contained in the water-containing fuel; and a control unit that controls the separator. The control unit controls the separator on the basis of the moisture content detected or estimated by the detector.

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Номер записи: 8
17-04-2014 дата публикации

FUEL CELL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR STARTING UP THE SAME

Номер: US20140106250A1
Автор: HATADA Susumu
Принадлежит: NIPPON OIL CORPORATION

A fuel cell system may include a reformer having a reforming catalyst layer; a high temperature fuel cell for generating electric power; a reforming catalyst layer temperature measuring means; a reforming catalyst layer temperature increasing means; and a control means for calculating a flow rate of the hydrocarbon-based fuel that can be reformed in the reforming catalyst layer, based on the measured temperature of the reforming catalyst layer, and for controlling the hydrocarbon-based fuel supplied to the reforming catalyst layer to flow at the calculated flow rate, and being able to increase a feed rate of the hydrocarbon-based fuel to the reforming catalyst layer, while repeatedly operating the fuel flow rate calculating function and the fuel flow rate controlling function, until the feed rate of the hydrocarbon-based fuel to the reforming catalyst layer becomes a flow rate at completion of start-up. 18.-. (canceled)9. A fuel cell system comprising:a reformer having a reforming catalyst layer, for reforming a hydrocarbon-based fuel to produce a hydrogen-containing gas;a high temperature fuel cell for generating electric power using the hydrogen-containing gas;a reforming catalyst layer temperature measuring means for measuring a temperature of the reforming catalyst layer;a reforming catalyst layer temperature increasing means for increasing a temperature of the reforming catalyst layer; anda control means having a fuel flow rate calculating function for calculating a flow rate of the hydrocarbon-based fuel that can be reformed in the reforming catalyst layer, based on the measured temperature of the reforming catalyst layer, and a fuel flow rate controlling function for controlling the hydrocarbon-based fuel supplied to the reforming catalyst layer to flow at the calculated flow rate, and being able to increase a feed rate of the hydrocarbon-based fuel to the reforming catalyst layer, while repeatedly operating the fuel flow rate calculating function and the ...

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Номер записи: 9
02-02-2017 дата публикации

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING START OF FUEL CELL

Номер: US20170033378A1
Автор: Kim Dae Jong
Принадлежит:

A system and method of controlling a start of a fuel cell are provdied. The method includes comparing a derived internal temperature of a stack and a predetermined reference temperature value and determining whether the internal temperature of the stack is less than the reference temperature value when an ON signal of the start of the fuel cell is received. A required heat value is then derived using the internal temperature of the stack when the derived internal temperature of the stack is less than the reference temperature value. A temperature of the stack of the fuel cell is increased until a cumulative heat value caused by a temperature increase of the stack of the fuel cell is equal to the required heat value. 1. A method of controlling a start of a fuel cell , comprising:comparing, by a controller, an internal temperature of a stack derived by a temperature sensing unit and a predetermined reference temperature value and determining whether the internal temperature of the stack is less than the reference temperature value when an ON signal of the start of the fuel cell is received;deriving, by the controller, a required heat value for temperature increase using the derived internal temperature of the stack when the derived internal temperature of the stack is less than the reference temperature value; andincreasing, by the controller, a temperature of the stack of the fuel cell until a cumulative heat value caused by a temperature increase of the stack of the fuel cell is equal to the dervied required heat value.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein in the required heat value derivation claim 1 , the internal temperature of the stack is derived by compensating for a temperature of a coolant of the stack of the fuel cell calculated using the temperature sensing unit claim 1 , based on a start off state maintaining time of the fuel cell.3. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising after the required heat value deriving operation:deriving, by ...

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Номер записи: 10
12-02-2015 дата публикации

Method for operating a fuel cell stack for a fuel cell system, and fuel cell system

Номер: US20150044590A1
Автор: Felix Blank, Martin Woehr
Принадлежит: DAIMLER AG

A method for operating a fuel cell stack ( 10 ) for a fuel cell system, in particular of a vehicle, in which by reversing the flow direction ( 14, 16 ) of a coolant during a cooling operation, the coolant in the fuel cell stack ( 10 ) is initially conveyed in a first direction ( 14 ). The coolant is subsequently conveyed in a second direction ( 16 ) which is at least substantially opposite to the first direction ( 14 ). A time period, after the elapse of which the flow direction ( 14, 16 ) is reversed, is changed during the cooling operation. In addition, a distance at which a coolant volume is situated from a heat source ( 12 ) that is present in the fuel cell stack ( 10 ) may be changed during the cooling operation. The invention further relates to a fuel cell system.

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Номер записи: 11
07-02-2019 дата публикации

FUEL CELL AND ASSOCIATED HEATING SYSTEM

Номер: US20190044163A1
Автор: ROMET Antoine
Принадлежит: Safran Power Units

A fuel cell including at least one sealing gasket (), said sealing gasket () comprising a main body () and a heater member () having a heater element () and a power supply portion (), the heater element () being embedded in the main body () and the power supply portion () being accessible from outside the main body (). 1. A fuel cell including at least one sealing gasket , said sealing gasket comprising a main body and a heater member having a heater element and a power supply portion , the heater element being embedded in the main body and the power supply portion being accessible from outside the main body.2. The fuel cell according to claim 1 , wherein the heater element comprises an electrical resistance.3. The fuel cell according to claim 2 , wherein the conductivity of the electrical resistance decreases with increasing temperature.4. The fuel cell according to claim 1 , wherein the heater element comprises at least one electric wire claim 1 , preferably a network of electric wires.5. The fuel cell according to claim 1 , the main body being made of elastomer.6. The fuel cell according to claim 1 , wherein the sealing gasket includes at least one piece of reinforcement embedded in the main body.7. A heater system for heating the fuel cell according to claim 1 , the heater system comprising both an energy source configured to be connected to the power supply portion and configured to power the heater member claim 1 , and also a regulator claim 1 , the regulator being configured to control the energy source as a function of an estimate of the temperature of the sealing gasket.8. The heater system according to claim 7 , wherein the heater element comprises an electrical resistance claim 7 , the energy source comprises an electricity source claim 7 , and the regulator is configured to estimate the temperature of the sealing gasket as a function of an electrical characteristic of the resistance.9. An assembly comprising a fuel cell and the heater system according to ...

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Номер записи: 12
06-02-2020 дата публикации

FUEL CELL SYSTEM

Номер: US20200044269A1
Автор: ASOU Shinji, Ishikawa Tomotaka, MARUO Tsuyoshi, YAMANAKA Tomio
Принадлежит: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA

A fuel cell system includes a controller that controls actions of the fuel cell system. The controller includes a freezing presence-absence determination unit that performs freezing presence-absence determination, a temperature raising execution unit that performs temperature raising processing for raising a temperature of an exhaust and drain valve, and a thawing presence-absence determination unit. In the freezing presence-absence determination, freezing determination is made when the exhaust flow rate of gas is equal to or lower than a first threshold. In the thawing presence-absence determination, thawing determination indicating that the exhaust and drain valve is thawed is made when the exhaust flow rate of gas is higher than a second threshold. The second threshold shows a flow rate higher than the first threshold. 1. A fuel cell system , comprising:a fuel cell;a temperature sensor that measures an environmental temperature of the fuel cell;an anode gas supply system that supplies anode gas to the fuel cell and includes an anode gas supply path in which anode gas toward the fuel cell flows;an anode gas circulation system that lets anode offgas discharged from the fuel cell circulate to the anode gas supply path and includes an anode gas circulation path in which the anode offgas toward the anode gas supply path flows;an exhaust and drain path that connects the anode gas circulation path to an outside;an exhaust and drain valve that opens and closes the exhaust and drain path; anda controller that controls actions of the fuel cell system, whereinthe controller includesa freezing presence-absence determination unit that performs freezing presence-absence determination of whether the exhaust and drain valve is frozen using an exhaust flow rate of the anode offgas discharged from the exhaust and drain valve, when the fuel cell system is started and if a measurement value of the temperature sensor is below freezing point and the exhaust and drain valve is ordered ...

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Номер записи: 13
23-02-2017 дата публикации

Engine Systems and Methods of Operating an Engine

Номер: US20170051685A1
Автор: Scotto Mark Vincent
Принадлежит:

One embodiment of the present invention is a unique method for operating an engine. Another embodiment is a unique engine system. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for engines and engine systems. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith. 1. An engine system , comprising:an engine;an oxidant system configured to provide an oxidant, and configured to provide an oxygen content of the oxidant having a value that exceeds the oxygen content of ambient atmospheric air, wherein the oxidant system is configured to provide the oxidant without the use of stored oxygen;a reformer in fluid communication with the oxidant system and a source of fuel, wherein the reformer is configured to receive the oxidant and fuel received from the source of fuel, and to reform the fuel;a cooler in fluid communication with the reformer and configured to reduce the temperature of the reformed fuel output by the reformer; anda combustion chamber of the engine in fluid communication with the cooler, wherein the combustion chamber is configured to receive the cooled reformed fuel from the cooler.2. The engine system of claim 1 , wherein the reformer is a catalytic partial oxidation (CPOX) reformer.3. The engine system of claim 1 , wherein the combustion chamber is a pre-combustion chamber.4. The engine system of claim 1 , wherein the engine is a piston engine.5. The engine system of claim 1 , further comprising a compressor configured to increase the pressure of the reformed fuel to above the pressure at the combustion chamber.6. The engine system of claim 1 , further comprising an engine air intake and a valve in fluid communication between the reformer and the air intake claim 1 , wherein the valve is configured to control an amount of flow of the reformed fuel to the combustion chamber by venting a portion of ...

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Номер записи: 14
03-03-2016 дата публикации

SOFC Hot Box Components

Номер: US20160064748A1
Автор: Kalika Vlad, Venkataraman Swaminathan, Weingaertner David
Принадлежит:

Various hot box fuel cell system components are provided, such as heat exchangers, steam generator and other components. 1. A fuel cell system comprising:a hot box; anda fuel cell stack, an anode tail gas oxidizer (ATO), an anode exhaust stream splitter, and an anode cooler heat exchanger located in the hot box;wherein the splitter is configured to provide a first portion of a fuel cell stack anode exhaust stream into the ATO while allowing a remainder of the anode exhaust stream to pass through the splitter into the anode cooler without being provided into the ATO.2. The fuel cell system of claim 1 , further comprising an anode recuperator heat exchanger and a cathode recuperator heat exchanger in the same hot box as the anode exhaust stream splitter.3. The fuel cell system of claim 2 , wherein the anode recupertor heat exchanger includes a fuel reformation catalyst such that the anode recuperator heat exchanger functions as both a heat exchanger and a per-reformer.4. The fuel cell system of claim 3 , further comprising a steam generator in the same hot box as the anode exhaust stream splitter.5. The fuel cell system of claim 4 , further comprising an anode recycle blower and a mixer located outside of the hot box.6. The fuel cell system of claim 5 , wherein:an output of the anode cooler heat exchanger is connected to the anode recycle blower;an output of the anode recycle blower is connected to the mixer;an output of the steam generator is connected to the mixer to mix a second portion of the anode exhaust stream with steam.7. The fuel cell system of claim 5 , wherein:an anode exhaust stream from the fuel cell stack is provided into the anode recuperator heat exchanger to heat a fuel inlet stream before the fuel inlet stream reaches the fuel cell stack;the anode exhaust stream from the anode recuperator heat exchanger is provided into the anode exhaust stream splitter; andthe air inlet stream from the anode cooler is provided into the cathode recuperator heat ...

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Номер записи: 15
03-03-2016 дата публикации

Fuel cell system and control method for fuel cell system

Номер: US20160064754A1
Автор: Kiyoshi Hoshi
Принадлежит: Nissan Motor Co Ltd

A fuel cell system includes an auxiliary machine to be connected to a fuel cell, warm-up power control means for controlling generated power of the fuel cell by adjusting power supplied to the auxiliary machine during the warm-up of the fuel cell, and IV characteristic estimation means for temporarily reducing the power supplied to the auxiliary machine and estimating an IV characteristic of the fuel cell on the basis of at least two pairs of current values and voltage values at that time during the warm-up of the fuel cell.

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Номер записи: 16
01-03-2018 дата публикации

COOLANT HEATER

Номер: US20180062189A1
Автор: CHO Kyung Seok, JANG Kil Sang, JUNG Hyun Seok
Принадлежит:

Provided is a coolant heater, and more particularly, a coolant heater for improving flow performance of a coolant flowing inside a housing, in which a plurality of heater heating elements are disposed inside the housing to be cooled. More specifically, according to the present invention, to increase a flow velocity of a coolant, a housing has a diameter gradually decreasing toward an outlet of the coolant or a flow guide is formed in a spiral shape along an inner surface of the housing. 1. A coolant heater , comprising:a housing having a hollow provided therein, including an inlet through which a coolant is introduced and an outlet through which the coolant is discharged, and having a cross sectional area decreasing toward the outlet; anda plurality of heater heating elements disposed inside the housing to be supplied with high voltage power.2. The coolant heater of claim 1 , wherein the housing has the inlet formed at a lower end part thereof and the outlet formed at an upper end part thereof in a height direction.3. The coolant heater of claim 2 , wherein the housing has a cylindrical shape in which the housing has a diameter gradually decreasing toward the upper end part thereof in the height direction.4. The coolant heater of claim 3 , wherein the inlet and the outlet are provided with an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe which are disposed in parallel with a tangential direction of the housing.5. The coolant heater of claim 4 , wherein the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe are disposed to be perpendicular to the heater heating element.6. The coolant heater of claim 1 , further comprising:a flow velocity increasing portion which extends in a height direction in a space between the plurality of heater heating elements within the housing.7. The coolant heater of claim 6 , wherein the flow velocity increasing portion is disposed in an empty space in the middle between the plurality of heater heating elements.8. A coolant heater claim 6 , comprising:a housing having a ...

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Номер записи: 17
17-03-2022 дата публикации

Method for heating a fuel cell system and fuel cell system

Номер: US20220085392A1
Автор: Martin Hauth, Michael Seidl, Nikolaus Soukup, Stefan WEISSENSTEINER
Принадлежит: AVL List GmbH

The present invention relates to a method for heating a fuel cell system (1a; 1b; 1c; 1d) comprising at least one fuel cell stack (2) with an anode portion (3) and a cathode portion (4), and a reformer (5) upstream of the anode portion (3) for steam reforming using a fuel, the reformer (5) comprising a nickel-based catalyst, said method having the following steps: starting a heating process for heating the fuel cell system (1a; 1b; 1c; 1d) with a heating device (6) and conducting a carbon-containing fluid and conducting steam through the nickel-based catalyst of the reformer (5) during the heating process. The invention also relates to a fuel cell system (1a; 1b; 1c; 1d) which is designed to carry out a method according to the invention.

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Номер записи: 18
11-03-2021 дата публикации

Supply device having a fuel cell device and a battery, and method for frost-starting a supply device

Номер: US20210075037A1
Автор: Martin BREU, Maximilian Schiedermeier
Принадлежит: Audi AG

A supply device for the electrical supply of at least one consumer has a primary current system in which there is a fuel cell device, a secondary current system in which there is a battery which has an operating voltage range limited at the top by a maximum voltage and at the bottom by a minimum voltage and which has an operating current strength range for supplying current to the at least one consumer, and a frost-starting element, which is provided in the primary current system and is designed to bring about heating of the fuel cell device. An open-circuit voltage of the fuel cell device corresponds at most to the maximum voltage of the battery.

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Номер записи: 19
17-03-2016 дата публикации

Fuel cell system and control method thereof

Номер: US20160079621A1
Автор: Keigo Suematsu, Masashi Toida, Ryota AKABOSHI, Shuya Kawahara
Принадлежит: Toyota Motor Corp

A fuel cell system comprises a fuel cell stack, a circulation flow path of a cooling medium, a pump provided in the circulation flow path, a supply-side temperature sensor provided to detect a supplied cooling medium temperature, a discharge-side temperature sensor provided to detect a discharged cooling medium temperature, and a cold-start controller configured to control a circulation volume of the cooling medium by the pump at a cold start of the fuel cell stack. The cold-start controller estimates a fuel cell internal temperature and selectively sets the circulation volume of the cooling medium between a reduced volume and a normal volume, based on a magnitude relationship between the internal temperature and the discharged cooling medium temperature. When the supplied cooling medium temperature becomes equal to the discharge cooling medium temperature after setting the circulation volume, the cold-start controller sets the circulation volume of the cooling medium to an increased volume (maximum circulation volume).

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Номер записи: 20
14-03-2019 дата публикации

INTERNAL LIGHT OFF MECHANISM FOR SOLID OXIDE FUEL CELL SYSTEM STARTUP USING A SPARK IGNITOR

Номер: US20190081334A1
Автор: PATEL Siddharth, Petrucha Michael, PRATAP Aniket
Принадлежит:

A fuel cell system includes at least one spark igniter containing an insulated cable where at least a first end of the insulated cable is positioned within a reaction zone of the fuel cell system. A power supply is configured to provide a direct current (DC) voltage to the at least one spark igniter such that a spark is generated at the first end of the insulated cable. 1. A fuel cell system , comprising:a fuel cell stack and a reaction zone configured to receive a fuel/air mixture;at least one spark igniter comprising an insulated cable, wherein at least a first end of the insulated cable is positioned within the reaction zone; anda power supply configured to provide a direct current (DC) voltage to the at least one spark igniter such that a spark is generated at the first end of the insulated cable.2. The fuel cell system of claim 1 , wherein the insulated cable comprises:an outer sheath comprising a metal alloy;insulation surrounded by the outer sheath; andat least one conductive wire core disposed within the mineral insulation.3. The fuel cell system of claim 2 , wherein the outer sheath is coupled to a ground connection.4. The fuel cell system of claim 2 , wherein the insulation comprises magnesium oxide (MgO).5. The fuel cell system of claim 2 , wherein:the at least one conductive wire core comprises at least two conductive wires that are electrically isolated from each other within the insulation; andthe power supply is configured to generate the spark by an electrical discharge between the at least two conductive wires at the first end of the insulated cable.6. The fuel cell system of claim 5 , wherein the at least two conductive wires include:a first conductive wire comprising a nickel-chromium-silicon alloy; anda second conductive wire comprising a nickel-silicon alloy.7. The fuel cell system of claim 2 , wherein:the at least one conductive wire core comprises a single conductive wire; andthe power supply is configured to generate the spark by an ...

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Номер записи: 21
24-03-2016 дата публикации

ROTATABLE HEATER OF FUEL CELL SYSTEM AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF

Номер: US20160087291A1
Автор: HAN Su-Dong, Kim Hyung Kook
Принадлежит:

A rotatable heater of a fuel cell system includes a heater housing, into and out of which a coolant for cooling a fuel cell stack flows, and which defines a coolant chamber therein. A motor is driven by an electrical energy generated from the fuel cell stack or by another power source. At least one heater stick generates heat by the electrical energy generated by the fuel cell stack and heats the coolant. The at least one heater stick rotates by the motor. 1. A rotatable heater of a fuel cell system , comprising:a heater housing, into and out of which a coolant for cooling a fuel cell stack flows, and which defines a coolant chamber therein;a motor that is driven by an electrical energy generated from the fuel cell stack or by another power source; andat least one heater stick that generates heat by the electrical energy generated by the fuel cell stack and heats the coolant,wherein the at least one heater stick rotates by the motor.2. The rotatable heater of claim 1 , further comprising a heater plate that has the at least one heater stick mounted on one surface thereof and rotates with the motor.3. The rotatable heater of claim 1 , further comprising at least one heat release fin coupled to the entire or each of the at least one heater stick.4. The rotatable heater of claim 3 , wherein the at least one heat release fin is tilted at an angle in a length direction of the at least one heater stick.5. The rotatable heater of claim 1 , further comprising a coolant reservoir that collects fine bubbles generated in the heater housing and temporarily stores or releases the fine bubbles.6. The rotatable heater of claim 1 , wherein the motor allows the at least one heater stick to rotate in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions.7. A control method of a rotatable heater of a fuel cell system claim 1 , wherein the rotatable heater comprising:a heater housing, into and out of which a coolant for cooling a fuel cell stack flows, and which defines a coolant chamber ...

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Номер записи: 22
05-05-2022 дата публикации

System and Method for injecting a deicing agent in a muffler for a fuel cell electric vehicle

Номер: US20220140368A1
Автор: Shim Yun-Jeong
Принадлежит:

A fuel cell electric vehicle includes a muffler deicing agent injection system composed of a deicing agent injector injecting a deicing agent, which is pumped by a deicing agent injection pump, from a deicing agent tank and is supplied to a deicing agent pipe. The muffler deicing agent injection system performs a muffler deicing agent injection logic to inject the deicing agent through operations of the deicing agent injection pump and the deicing agent injector by a controller under an ambient temperature satisfaction condition and a deicing agent injection satisfaction condition.

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Номер записи: 23
30-03-2017 дата публикации

FUEL CELL STACK WITH MULTILAYER TYPE COLLECTOR PLATE

Номер: US20170092967A1
Автор: Ko Haeng Jin
Принадлежит:

A fuel cell stack is provided which manually increases the temperature of cells arranged in the vicinity of an end plate of the stack to improve starting performance of a fuel cell vehicle at temperatures below zero and driving performance thereof at low temperatures. The fuel cell stack realizes rapid thawing and heating functions in response to freezing of end cells when a vehicle is started at temperatures below zero, using a multilayer current collector having at least one thin collector plate which is structurally and sensitively expandable or contractible based on temperature changes. 1. A fuel cell stack with a multilayer type collector plate , comprising:end plates disposed at opposite sides of stack cells stacked in a line to fixedly support the stack cells; andcurrent collectors disposed inside the end plates to collect electricity generated by the stack cells and configured to transmit the electricity to the outside,wherein at least one of the current collectors disposed at the opposite sides of the stack cells includes a first collector plate having a current collection terminal, and a second collector plate stacked on one surface of the first collector plate, and a gap that is a thermal insulation function between the first and second collector plates by thermal contraction of the stack cells at temperatures below zero.2. The fuel cell stack of claim 1 , wherein an elastic member is inserted between a terminal aperture formed in each of the end plates and the current collection terminal of the first collector plate passing through the terminal aperture claim 1 , to elastically support the current collection terminal.3. The fuel cell stack of claim 2 , wherein stepped portions are respectively formed in the terminal aperture and the current collection terminal claim 2 , and the elastic member is accommodated between a stepped portion of the current collection terminal and a stepped portion of the terminal aperture claim 2 , which face each other when the ...

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Номер записи: 24
26-06-2014 дата публикации

Active thermal management system for fuel cell stack

Номер: US20140178784A1
Автор: Hee Seok Jeong, Sung Ho Lee
Принадлежит: Hyundai Motor Co

An active thermal management system for a fuel cell stack controls the distribution of coolant flow for each unit cell of the fuel cell stack based on the temperature distribution measured at unit cells of the fuel cell stack. A coolant distribution means is capable of controlling the distribution of coolant flow for different sets of unit cells. The coolant distribution means is disposed in a coolant inlet manifold, and controls the coolant flow based on the temperature distribution measured at different unit cells of the fuel cell stack so as to reduce temperature variation in the unit cells, thus improving the performance and durability of the fuel cell stack.

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Номер записи: 25
12-05-2022 дата публикации

A FUEL CELL VEHICLE THERMAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM WITH COLD START FUNCTION AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF

Номер: US20220149396A1
Автор: Chen Guodong, Jiang Renpu, Li Wei, WU Zhankuan, Xiong Shusheng, YE Shiyan, ZHANG Xiaoxuan
Принадлежит:

A fuel cell vehicle thermal management system with cold start function, which includes a fuel cell stack, an electronic water pump, an electronic thermostat, a cold start heater, a first solenoid valve, a thermal management controller, and the air intake preheating heat exchangers. The electronic water pump, electronic thermostat, cold start heater, and the first solenoid valve are all electrically connected to the thermal management controller. The coolant outlet of the fuel cell stack is connected with the liquid inlet of the electronic water pump, and the liquid outlet of the electronic water pump is connected with the liquid inlet of the electronic thermostat and the liquid inlet of the first solenoid valve. The first liquid outlet of the electronic thermostat is connected with the liquid inlet of the cold start heater. The liquid outlet of the cold start heater is connected with the liquid inlet of the fuel cell stack. The liquid outlet of the first solenoid valve is connected with the liquid inlet of the intake preheating heat exchanger. The liquid outlet of the intake preheating heat exchanger is connected with the liquid inlet of the cold start heater. The invention solves the problems of the cold start of the fuel cell vehicle in a low temperature environment and the preheating of cold air before entering the stack. 1. A fuel cell vehicle thermal management system with cold start function , comprising:a fuel cell stack, an electronic water pump, the electronic thermostat, a cold start of the heater, a first solenoid valve, a thermal management controller, the air intake preheating structure; the electronic water pump, the electronic thermostat, the cold start heater and first solenoid valve are all electrically connected to the thermal management controller; the electronic thermostat includes a liquid inlet, a first liquid outlet and a second liquid outlet; and the air intake preheating structure includes an intake preheating heat exchanger arranged in the ...

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Номер записи: 26
12-05-2022 дата публикации

ELECTRICITY GENERATION DEVICES USING FORMIC ACID

Номер: US20220149404A1
Автор: HUANG Kuo-Wei, Zheng Junrong
Принадлежит:

The present disclosure relates generally to portable energy generation devices and methods. The devices are designed to covert formic acid into released hydrogen, alleviating the need for a hydrogen tank as a hydrogen source for fuel cell power. In particular, an electricity generation device for powering a battery comprising a formic acid reservoir containing a liquid consisting of formic acid; a reaction chamber capable of using a catalyst and heat to convert the formic acid to hydrogen and carbon dioxide; a fuel cell that generates electricity; a delivery system for moving converted hydrogen into the fuel cell; and a battery powered by electricity generated by the fuel cell is provided. 1. An electricity generation device for powering a battery , comprising:(a) a formic acid reservoir containing a liquid consisting of formic acid;(b) a reaction chamber capable of using a catalyst and heat to convert the formic acid to hydrogen and carbon dioxide;(c) a fuel cell that generates electricity;(d) a delivery system for moving converted hydrogen into the fuel cell; and(e) a battery powered by electricity generated by the fuel cell.2. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a power converter for converting electricity generated via operation of the fuel cell to an appropriate current for delivery to the battery.3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the reaction chamber comprises a heating reaction chamber.4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the reaction chamber further comprises a heat insulator.5. The device of claim 1 , wherein the reaction chamber further comprises an exhaust gas react furnace.6. The device of claim 1 , wherein the reaction chamber further comprises a stir system.7. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a heat pipe for delivering heat from the fuel cell to the reaction chamber claim 1 , to the formic acid reservoir claim 1 , or both the reaction chamber and the formic acid reservoir.8. The device of claim 1 , wherein the delivery system for moving ...

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Номер записи: 27
08-04-2021 дата публикации

SYSTEM, METHOD OF CONTROLLING SYSTEM, AND STORAGE MEDIUM

Номер: US20210104757A1
Автор: MATSUI Akihiro, Sakai Ryoji
Принадлежит:

A system includes an electrical storage device that stores an electric power generated by a fuel cell, an electric load to which the electric power is supplied using the electric power of the fuel cell and/or the electrical storage device, and an electric power control part that controls supply of the electric power to the electric load, and the electric power control part performs warming-up control of the fuel cell when an electric power requested to be generated at the fuel cell is less than a predetermined value, and causes the fuel cell to generate an electric power that is greater than the electric power requested to be generated at the fuel cell and causes to store excess electric power in the electrical storage device when the electric power requested to be generated at the fuel cell is equal to or greater than the predetermined value. 1. A system comprising:a fuel cell configured to generate an electric power by reacting a fuel of an anode with an oxidant of a cathode;an electrical storage device configured to store electric power generated by the fuel cell;an electric load to which the electric power is supplied using at least one of the electric power generated by the fuel cell and the electric power stored in the electrical storage device; andan electric power control part configured to control supply of the electric power from the fuel cell and the electrical storage device to the electric load,wherein the electric power control part performs,warming-up control of the fuel cell when warming-up of the fuel cell is necessary and an electric power requested to be generated at the fuel cell is less than a predetermined value, andcauses the fuel cell to generate an electric power that is greater than the electric power requested to be generated at the fuel cell and causes to store excess electric power in the electrical storage device when the warming-up of the fuel cell is necessary and the electric power requested to be generated at the fuel cell is equal ...

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Номер записи: 28
24-07-2014 дата публикации

Power generation characteristic estimation device for fuel cell

Номер: US20140205923A1
Автор: Michihiko Matsumoto
Принадлежит: Nissan Motor Co Ltd

A power generation characteristic estimation device for fuel cell includes a reference characteristic setting unit for setting a reference power generation characteristic of a fuel cell, a current detection unit for detecting an actual current of the fuel cell, a voltage detection unit for detecting an actual voltage of the fuel cell, and a characteristic estimation unit for estimating an actual power generation characteristic of the fuel cell based on a voltage difference between a voltage on the reference power generation characteristic and an actual voltage at the actual current. The characteristic estimation unit estimates the power generation characteristic during a warm-up operation of the fuel cell when a pressure of a gas supplied to the fuel cell is not lower than a predetermined value.

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Номер записи: 29
14-05-2015 дата публикации

FUEL CELL MODULE

Номер: US20150132674A1
Автор: Ogawa Tetsuya, Yoshimine Yuki
Принадлежит:

A fuel cell module includes a first area where an exhaust gas combustor and a start-up combustor are provided, an annular second area around the first area where a heat exchanger is provided, an annular third area around the second area where a reformer is provided, an annular fourth area around the third area where an evaporator is provided. The heat exchanger includes heat exchange pipes connected to an oxygen-containing gas supply chamber and an oxygen-containing gas discharge chamber. A first circumscribed non-uniform flow suppression plate is provided along a minimum circumscribed circle which contacts outer surfaces of the heat exchange pipes. 1. A fuel cell module comprising:a fuel cell stack formed by stacking a plurality of fuel cells for generating electricity by electrochemical reactions of a fuel gas and an oxygen-containing gas;a reformer for reforming a mixed gas of water vapor and a raw fuel chiefly containing hydrocarbon to produce the fuel gas supplied to the fuel cell stack;an evaporator for evaporating water, and supplying the water vapor to the reformer;a heat exchanger for raising a temperature of the oxygen-containing gas by heat exchange with a combustion gas, and supplying the oxygen-containing gas to the fuel cell stack;an exhaust gas combustor for combusting the fuel gas discharged from the fuel cell stack as a fuel exhaust gas and the oxygen-containing gas discharged from the fuel cell stack as an oxygen-containing exhaust gas to produce the combustion gas; anda start-up combustor for combusting the raw fuel and the oxygen-containing gas to produce the combustion gas,wherein the fuel cell module includes:a first area where the exhaust gas combustor and the start-up combustor are provided;an annular second area around the first area where one of the reformer and the heat exchanger is provided;an annular third area around the second area where another of the reformer and the heat exchanger is provided; andan annular fourth area around the ...

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Номер записи: 30
25-04-2019 дата публикации

ADAPTIVE ELECTRICAL HEATER FOR FUEL CELL SYSTEMS

Номер: US20190123370A1
Автор: AHIRE NITIN Motiram, CHAKRADEO AMARNATH Ashok, MAYUR SIDDHARTH Rajendra, MOGRE PRIYANKA Ashok
Принадлежит:

The present disclosure provides a fuel cell system comprising a hot box, an air tube, an electrical heater and a thermal sensor. The hot box may comprise a fuel cell stack having a plurality of fuel cell units joined together. Each fuel cell unit of the fuel cell stack unit has an anode, a cathode and an electrolyte sandwiched between the anode and cathode. An air tube having an upper end and lower end is configured to receive ambient air at a second inlet. The electrical heater is integrated within the air tube and configured to heat the fuel cell stack by introducing hot air at a cathode side of a plurality of fuel cell units. Further, the fuel system is configured to operate in different modes comprising a startup mode, a normal mode, a dump load mode and hot standby mode with the use of the integrated electrical heater. 1. A fuel cell system comprising:a hot box;an air tube having an upper end and a lower end, wherein the air tube is configured to receive ambient air at a second inlet, a first portion of said air tube is integrated within the hot box to form a hot zone, and a second portion of said air tube is resided outside the hotbox to form a cold zone, wherein the air tube further comprises an outlet having at least one slot at the upper end for supplying hot air into a fuel cell stack;an electrical heater integrated within the air tube, wherein the electrical heater heats the fuel cell stack by introducing hot air at a cathode side of a plurality of fuel cell units, wherein the hot air is uniformly distributed to each of the fuel cell unit from the plurality of fuel cells units; anda thermal sensor located in the conduit of the air tube to measure the air temperature at the outlet of the air tube.2. The fuel cell system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the hot box further comprises the fuel cell stack having the plurality of fuel cell units connected together claim 1 , wherein each fuel cell unit has an anode claim 1 , the cathode and an electrolyte ...

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Номер записи: 31
16-04-2020 дата публикации

Direct liquid fuel cell power generation device

Номер: US20200119377A1
Автор: Bing QIN, Gongquan Sun, Hai Sun, Shengnan MA
Принадлежит: Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics of CAS

A direct liquid fuel cell power generation device comprises a direct liquid fuel cell system and a low-temperature auxiliary starting component. A heat exchanger is arranged at a stack cathode inlet. The heat of a fuel solution at a stack anode outlet is used to heat the air. The heat generated by an electronic load for starting is used to heat a condenser. The heat of a methanol solution at a liquid outlet of a gas-liquid separator is used to preheat high-concentration fuel flowing into a refueling pump. Starting and operation in a low-temperature environment can be realized through auxiliary heating of external power supplies such as the low-temperature auxiliary starting component or an in-vehicle cigarette lighter. Organic micromolecule substances such as methanol and ethanol are used as fuel and are subjected to catalytic combustion in a catalytic combustor.

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Номер записи: 32
12-05-2016 дата публикации

OPERATION CONTROL METHOD OF FUEL CELL AND OPERATION CONTROL APPARATUS OF FUEL CELL

Номер: US20160133967A1
Автор: MARUO Tsuyoshi, Naganuma Yoshiaki, Ogawa Tomohiro, TOIDA Masashi
Принадлежит: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA

The operation control method of a fuel cell includes acquiring a startup temperature of the fuel cell; acquiring a present temperature of the fuel cell; setting a present target operation point of the fuel cell that is identified by an output voltage value and an output current value based on the startup temperature, or based on the startup temperature and the present temperature; controlling at least one of the flow of the reaction gas supplied to the fuel cell, and an output voltage of the fuel cell so that the operation point of the fuel cell becomes the target operation point, and setting the target operation point includes a process of setting an operation point having a low output voltage value as the target operation point when the startup temperature is low as compared to the case when the startup temperature is high, if the present temperature is the same. 1. An operation control method of a fuel cell , comprising:acquiring a startup temperature of the fuel cell;acquiring a present temperature of the fuel cell;setting a target operation point of the fuel cell identified by an output voltage value and an output current value of the fuel cell based on the startup temperature, or based on the startup temperature and the present temperature; andcontrolling at least one of a flow rate of a reaction gas supplied to the fuel cell, and an output voltage of the fuel cell so that the operation point of the fuel cell becomes the target operation point, whereinthe setting the target operation point includes setting an operation point having a low output voltage value as the target operation point when the startup temperature is low as compared to the case when the startup temperature is high, if the present temperature is the same.2. The operation control method of the fuel cell according to claim 1 , whereinthe setting the target operation point includes setting an operation point having a high output voltage value as the target operation point when the present ...

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Номер записи: 33
31-07-2014 дата публикации

METHOD FOR CONTROLLING FUEL CELL SYSTEM

Номер: US20140212779A1
Автор: FURUSAWA Koichiro, YAMAZAKI Kaoru
Принадлежит: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.

Provided is a method of controlling a fuel cell system including a stop command sensing process of sensing a stop command output when the fuel cell system stops, an anode pressure increasing process of increasing pressure so that the pressure of the anode reaches a first predetermined pressure value, and a stop-time discharge process of performing discharge by consuming oxygen remaining within an oxidant off-gas while driving an oxidant off-gas circulation pump. 1. A method of controlling a fuel cell system including:a fuel cell which generates power by supplying a fuel gas to an anode and supplying an oxidant gas to a cathode;a fuel gas supply path through which the fuel gas supplied to the anode flows;a fuel off-gas exhaust path through which a fuel off-gas exhausted from the anode flows;an oxidant gas supply path through which the oxidant gas supplied to the cathode flows;an oxidant off-gas exhaust path through which an oxidant off-gas exhausted from the cathode flows;an oxidant off-gas circulation path which connects the oxidant gas supply path and the oxidant off-gas exhaust path;an oxidant gas supply unit which supplies the oxidant gas to the cathode, andan oxidant off-gas circulation unit which is arranged on the oxidant off-gas circulation path and circulates the oxidant off-gas,the method comprising:a stop command sensing process of sensing a stop command output when the fuel cell system stops;an anode pressure increasing process of increasing pressure so that pressure of the anode reaches a first predetermined pressure value after the stop command has been sensed in the stop command sensing process; anda stop-time discharge process of performing discharge by consuming oxygen remaining within the oxidant off-gas while driving the oxidant off-gas circulation unit after the anode pressure increasing process.2. The method according to claim 1 ,wherein the fuel cell system further includes:a fuel off-gas circulation path which connects the fuel gas supply path ...

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Номер записи: 34
21-05-2015 дата публикации

METHOD OF OPERATING A HEATER

Номер: US20150140461A1
Автор: Fischer, JR. BERNHARD A., RICHARDS James D.
Принадлежит:

A method is provided for operating a heater including a heater housing extending along a heater axis; a plurality of fuel cell stack assemblies disposed within the heater housing along the heater axis and having a plurality of fuel cells which convert chemical energy from a fuel cell fuel into heat and electricity through a chemical reaction with a fuel cell oxidizing agent; and a plurality of combustors disposed within the heater housing along the heater axis. The method includes supplying a combustor fuel to the plurality of combustors, combusting the combustor fuel to produce a heated combustor exhaust when the fuel cell stack assemblies are substantially electrochemically inactive, and using the heated combustor exhaust to elevate the temperature of the fuel cell stack assemblies to be electrochemically active. 1. A method for operating a heater comprising a heater housing extending along a heater axis; a plurality of fuel cell stack assemblies disposed within said heater housing along said heater axis and having a plurality of fuel cells which convert chemical energy from a fuel cell fuel into heat and electricity through a chemical reaction with a fuel cell oxidizing agent; and a plurality of combustors disposed within said heater housing along said heater axis , said method comprising:supplying a combustor fuel to said plurality of combustors;combusting said combustor fuel to produce a heated combustor exhaust when said plurality of fuel cell stack assemblies are at an inactive temperature where said plurality of fuel cell stack assemblies are substantially electrochemically inactive; andusing said heated combustor exhaust to elevate the temperature of said plurality of fuel cell stack assemblies from said inactive temperature to an active temperature where said plurality of fuel cell stack assemblies are electrochemically active.2. A method as in wherein said step of using said heated combustor exhaust to elevate the temperature of said plurality of fuel ...

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Номер записи: 35
21-05-2015 дата публикации

Fuel cell system components

Номер: US20150140468A1
Автор: Arne Ballantine, Martin Perry
Принадлежит: Bloom Energy Corp

A fuel cell stack module includes a plurality of fuel cell stacks, a base supporting the plurality of fuel cell stacks, and a metal shell located over the base and the fuel cell stacks. The metal shell contains an integrated heat exchanger.

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Номер записи: 36
23-04-2020 дата публикации

FUEL CELL SYSTEM AND FUEL CELL SYSTEM CONTROL METHOD

Номер: US20200127309A1
Автор: MATSUI Akihiro, OJIMA Kuniaki, Sakai Ryoji
Принадлежит:

An FC control unit selectively supplies electrical power of an FC unit to one or both of a battery and a battery heater, based on at least one of whether an SOC of the battery is higher or lower than a preset threshold value, and whether a battery temperature is higher or lower than a preset temperature threshold. 1. A fuel cell system , comprising:a load;a fuel cell connected to the load and configured to selectively supply electrical power to the load;a battery connected to the load and configured to selectively supply electrical power to the load;a battery heater configured to supply heat to the battery; anda power control unit configured to perform at least a warm-up control of the fuel cell;wherein the power control unit selectively supplies the electrical power of the fuel cell to one or both of the battery and the battery heater, based on at least one of whether a state of charge of the battery is higher or lower than a preset threshold value, and whether a battery temperature is higher or lower than a preset threshold temperature.2. The fuel cell system according to claim 1 , wherein the power control unit selectively supplies a surplus electrical power of the fuel cell to one or both of the battery and the battery heater claim 1 , based on at least one of whether the state of charge of the battery is higher or lower than the threshold value claim 1 , and whether the battery temperature is higher or lower than the temperature threshold.3. The fuel cell system according to claim 2 , wherein claim 2 , in a case that the state of charge of the battery is lower than the threshold value and that the battery temperature is higher than the threshold temperature claim 2 , the power control unit supplies the surplus electrical power of the fuel cell to the battery.4. The fuel cell system according to claim 3 , wherein the power control unit is configured to initiate the warm-up control in the fuel cell claim 3 , and carry out charging of the battery claim 3 , by ...

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Номер записи: 37
19-05-2016 дата публикации

SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING LOW-TEMPERATURE STARTING OF FUEL CELL VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR THE SAME

Номер: US20160141666A1
Автор: Kim Chang Ho, Kim Sang Hyun, Shim Ji Hyun
Принадлежит:

A system for controlling low-temperature starting of a fuel cell vehicle includes a high-pressure hydrogen flow control valve controlling a flow of hydrogen supplied to a fuel cell stack. A fuel cell controller is configured to change and control an opening rate of the high-pressure hydrogen flow control valve when an internal temperature of the fuel cell stack is a reference value or less. When the opening rate of the high-pressure hydrogen flow control valve decreases, a pressure of the hydrogen passing through the high-pressure hydrogen flow control valve decreases to increase a temperature of the hydrogen which is supplied to the fuel stack. 1. A system for controlling low-temperature starting of a fuel cell vehicle , the system comprising:a high-pressure hydrogen flow control valve controlling a flow of hydrogen supplied to a fuel cell stack; anda fuel cell controller configured to change and control an opening rate of the high-pressure hydrogen flow control valve when an internal temperature of the fuel cell stack is a reference value or less,wherein, when the opening rate of the high-pressure hydrogen flow control valve decreases, a pressure of the hydrogen passing through the high-pressure hydrogen flow control valve decreases to increase a temperature of the hydrogen supplied to the fuel cell stack.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the fuel cell controller determines a pressure difference value required between a front end and a rear end of the high-pressure hydrogen flow control valve in accordance with a temperature difference between the front end and the rear end of the high-pressure hydrogen flow control valve and determines the opening rate of the high-pressure hydrogen flow control valve in accordance with the pressure difference value.3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the fuel cell controller determines the opening rate of the high-pressure hydrogen flow control valve in proportion to an amount of hydrogen required by the fuel cell stack when the ...

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Номер записи: 38
19-05-2016 дата публикации

FUEL CELL SYSTEM AND OPERATION CONTROL METHOD OF THE SAME

Номер: US20160141667A1
Автор: Kaneko Tomohiko, Naganuma Yoshiaki, OKAMOTO Yohei, TANO Yutaka
Принадлежит: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA

The present invention enables the determination of an operating point of a fuel cell so as to prioritize the fulfillment of an amount of required power generation while avoiding various limitations, such as a current limit, in a fuel cell system that warms up the fuel cell by a low efficiency operation. 1. An operation control method of a fuel cell system that warms up a fuel cell by a low efficiency operation , the method comprising:a first step of determining a current target value from an amount of required power generation and an amount of required heat generation;a second step of setting the current target value as a current command value such that the current target value falls within a range of an upper limit current and a lower limit current when the current target value falls outside the range of the upper limit current and the lower limit current;a third step of obtaining a target voltage value corresponding to the current command value by dividing the amount of required power generation by the current command value and setting the target voltage value as a voltage command value such that the target voltage value falls within a range of an upper limit voltage when the target voltage value exceeds the upper limit voltage;a fourth step of setting the voltage command value as a final voltage command value such that the voltage command value falls within a predetermined range that is set for a voltage measured value of the fuel cell when the voltage command value falls outside the predetermined range;a fifth step of obtaining a final current command value by dividing a value obtained as a result of multiplying the voltage command value by the current command value, by the final voltage command value; anda sixth step of operating the fuel cell by the final current command value and the final voltage command value.2. The operation control method according to claim 1 , wherein at least one minimum value among the following (A) to (E) is set as the upper limit ...

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Номер записи: 39
19-05-2016 дата публикации

FUEL CELL SYSTEM AND START-UP METHOD THEREOF

Номер: US20160141668A1
Автор: YAMAMORI Keitaro
Принадлежит: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA

The present disclosure provides a fuel cell system which comprises: a target output reaching time estimation unit configured to estimate a target output reaching time that requires for a fuel cell after start-up at a below-freezing temperature to become capable of providing an expected output desired or expected by a user of the fuel cell system or a predetermined output according to the expected output, based on the water content in the fuel cell and the temperature inside the fuel cell at the time of start-up at a below-freezing temperature; and a target output reaching time notification unit that notifies the user of the time estimated by the target output reaching time estimation unit. 1. A fuel cell system comprising:a fuel cell that generates electric power through an electrochemical reaction between a fuel gas and an oxidant gas;a water content acquisition unit configured to acquire a water content in the fuel cell;a temperature acquisition unit configured to acquire a temperature inside the fuel cell;an estimation unit configured to estimate an amount of ice existing inside the fuel cell based on the acquired water content and temperature; anda notification unit that notifies a user of a time required for the estimated amount of ice to be reduced to a predetermined value or less.2. The fuel cell system according to claim 1 , further comprising:a target output reaching time estimation unit configured to estimate a target output reaching time that requires for the fuel cell after start-up at a below-freezing temperature to become capable of providing an expected output desired or expected by a user of the fuel cell system or a predetermined output according to the expected output, based on the water content in the fuel cell and the temperature inside the fuel cell at the time of start-up at a below-freezing temperature; anda target output reaching time notification unit that notifies the user of the time estimated by the target output reaching time estimation ...

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Номер записи: 40
03-06-2021 дата публикации

ENERGY PRODUCTION ASSEMBLY COUPLING A FUEL CELL AND A REVERSIBLE THERMODYNAMIC SYSTEM

Номер: US20210167405A1
Автор: Boillot Benjamin, Jollys Jean-Baptiste, Tauveron Nicolas
Принадлежит:

An assembly for producing energy may include a fuel cell, a fluidic cell circuit configured to receive a first heat-transfer fluid and arranged at least partially around the fuel cell, a reversible thermodynamic system configured to alternatively: (i) evacuate the thermal energy produced by the fuel cell and transform it into mechanical energy through the first heat-transfer fluid, and (ii) input thermal energy to the fuel cell through the first heat-transfer fluid, wherein the thermodynamic system includes: (a) a fluidic thermodynamic circuit to receive a second heat-transfer fluid; (b) a first exchanger to exchange thermal energy between the fluidic thermodynamic circuit and the fluidic cell circuit; and (c) a second exchanger configured to exchange thermal energy between the fluidic thermodynamic circuit and an external source. The arrangement may improve fuel cell function, particularly for proton exchange membrane, usefully with fuel cell(s), particularly, proton exchange membrane fuel cells, preferably in transport. 1. An assembly configured for producing energy , the assembly comprising:a fuel cell;a fluidic cell circuit comprising a first heat-transfer fluid and arranged at least partially around the fuel cell;a reversible thermodynamic system configured to alternatively: (i)evacuate thermal energy produced by the fuel cell and transform it into mechanical energy through the first heat-transfer fluid; and (ii)input thermal energy to the fuel cell through the first heat-transfer fluid,wherein the thermodynamic system comprises:a fluidic thermodynamic circuit comprising a second heat-transfer fluid;a first exchanger configured to exchange thermal energy between the fluidic thermodynamic circuit and the fluidic cell circuit; anda second exchanger configured to exchange thermal energy between the fluidic thermodynamic circuit and an external source.2. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the reversible thermodynamic system comprises a module configured for ...

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Номер записи: 41
28-05-2015 дата публикации

FUEL CELL MODULE

Номер: US20150147669A1
Автор: Yoshimine Yuki
Принадлежит: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.

A fuel cell module includes a first area where an exhaust gas combustor and a start-up combustor are provided, an annular second area around the first area where a heat exchanger is provided, an annular third area around the second area where a reformer is provided, an annular fourth area around the third area where an evaporator is provided. A plurality of heat exchange pipes are provided in the heat exchanger around a first partition plate. At least one of the heat exchange pipes has at least one constricted portion. 1. A fuel cell module comprising:a fuel cell stack formed by stacking a plurality of fuel cells for generating electricity by electrochemical reactions of a fuel gas and an oxygen-containing gas;a reformer for reforming a mixed gas of water vapor and a raw fuel chiefly containing hydrocarbon to produce the fuel gas supplied to the fuel cell stack;an evaporator for evaporating water, and supplying the water vapor to the reformer;a heat exchanger for raising a temperature of the oxygen-containing gas by heat exchange with a combustion gas, and supplying the oxygen-containing gas to the fuel cell stack;an exhaust gas combustor for combusting the fuel gas discharged from the fuel cell stack as a fuel exhaust gas and the oxygen-containing gas discharged from the fuel cell stack as an oxygen-containing exhaust gas to produce the combustion gas; anda start-up combustor for combusting the raw fuel and the oxygen-containing gas to produce the combustion gas,wherein the fuel cell module includes:a first area where the exhaust gas combustor and the start-up combustor are provided;an annular second area around the first area where one of the reformer and the heat exchanger is provided;an annular third area around the second area where another of the reformer and the heat exchanger is provided; andan annular fourth area around the third area where the evaporator is provided;and wherein the heat exchanger includes an annular oxygen-containing gas supply chamber to ...

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Номер записи: 42
08-09-2022 дата публикации

FUEL CELL SYSTEM

Номер: US20220285705A1
Автор: Matsusue Masaaki
Принадлежит:

A fuel cell system wherein, at the time of activating the fuel cell system, the controller determines whether or not the temperature of the fuel cell detected by the temperature sensor is equal to or less than a temperature corresponding to activation at sub-zero temperatures, and wherein, when the controller determines that the temperature of the fuel cell detected by the temperature sensor is equal to or less than the temperature corresponding to the activation at sub-zero temperatures, the controller sends a command to the fuel gas supplier to supply the fuel gas to the fuel cell, and the controller controls rotation of the circulation pump to stop a flow of the fuel off-gas in the circulation flow path. 1. A fuel cell system ,wherein the fuel cell system comprises:a fuel cell,a fuel gas supplier for supplying hydrogen-containing fuel gas to the fuel cell,a fuel gas supply flow path connecting a fuel gas inlet of the fuel cell and the fuel gas supplier,an ejector disposed in the fuel gas supply flow path,a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the fuel cell,a fuel off-gas discharge flow path for discharging, to the outside of the fuel cell system,the fuel off-gas discharged from a fuel gas outlet of the fuel cell,a gas-liquid separator disposed in the fuel off-gas discharge flow path,a vent and discharge valve disposed downstream from the gas-liquid separator of the fuel off-gas discharge flow path,a circulation flow path connecting the gas-liquid separator and the ejector to allow the fuel off-gas to be supplied to the fuel cell as the circulation gas,a circulation pump disposed in the circulation flow path to circulate the fuel off-gas as the circulation gas, anda controller,wherein, at the time of activating the fuel cell system, the controller determines whether or not the temperature of the fuel cell detected by the temperature sensor is equal to or less than a temperature corresponding to activation at sub-zero temperatures, andwherein, when the ...

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Номер записи: 43
08-09-2022 дата публикации

Sofc-conduction

Номер: US20220285716A1
Автор: James PILCZAK, Matthew Otis, Nathan Palumbo, Paul Osenar
Принадлежит: Upstart Power Inc

A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system includes high thermal conductivity materials such as copper to increase thermal energy transfer by thermal conduction. The copper is protected from oxidation by nickel electroplating and protected from thermal damage by providing oxidation resistant liners inside combustion chambers.

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Номер записи: 44
26-05-2016 дата публикации

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PREVENTING MOISTURE CONDENSATION

Номер: US20160149237A1
Автор: Im Se Joon, Kim Duck Whan, Kim Ju Han, NOH Young Woo, Suh Jung Do, Yu Jung Han
Принадлежит:

An apparatus for preventing moisture condensation includes a fuel cell stack and an enclosure in which the fuel cell stack is disposed. A heater and a temperature sensor are provided in the enclosure. A controller is configured to control the heater to be turned on when an insulation resistance between the fuel cell stack and the enclosure is less than a preset resistance value. The controller controls the heater not to be turned on when a surface temperature of the enclosure measured by the temperature sensor exceeds a preset temperature. 1. An apparatus for preventing moisture condensation , comprising:a fuel cell stack;an enclosure in which the fuel cell stack is disposed;a heater and a temperature sensor provided inside the enclosure; anda controller configured to control the heater to be turned on when an insulation resistance between the fuel cell stack and the enclosure is less than a preset resistance value,wherein the controller controls the heater not to be turned on when a surface temperature of the enclosure measured by the temperature sensor exceeds a preset temperature.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to turn on the heater for a predetermined period of time when the insulation resistance between the fuel cell stack and the enclosure is less than the preset resistance value and when the surface temperature of the enclosure is equal to or less than the preset temperature.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to turn on a warning device when the surface temperature of the enclosure measured by the temperature sensor exceeds the preset temperature.4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to determine whether an average voltage per cell of the fuel cell stack is greater than or equal to a first voltage when a starting-on signal of a vehicle is sensed claim 1 , and to turn on the heater when the average voltage per cell of the fuel cell stack is greater than or equal to ...

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Номер записи: 45
22-09-2022 дата публикации

FUEL CELL SYSTEM AND METHOD OF LOW TEMPERATURE STARTING OF FUEL CELL SYSTEM

Номер: US20220302481A1
Автор: IMAI Naoki, MIYAJIMA Kazuyoshi
Принадлежит:

In a fuel cell system, a first rubber seal is interposed between a top part of a first seal bead portion that is formed to protrude toward a first separator main body, and a membrane electrode assembly member. A method of low temperature starting of the fuel cell system includes: a warm-up step of warming up a fuel cell stack by introducing an oxygen containing gas discharged from a compressor, into a case interior space in a state in which a temperature of the oxygen containing gas is raised by causing the oxygen containing gas to flow through a pressure loss member; and an electrical power generating step of initiating generation of electrical power after completion of the warm-up step. 1. A fuel cell system , comprising:a fuel cell stack including a cell stack body including a plurality of power generation cells stacked together, the power generation cells each containing a membrane electrode assembly member configured to generate electrical power due to an electrochemical reaction between an oxygen containing gas and a fuel gas, and two separator members arranged on both sides of the membrane electrode assembly member;a stack case in which the fuel cell stack is accommodated;an oxygen containing gas supply flow path configured to supply the oxygen containing gas to the fuel cell stack; anda compressor disposed in the oxygen containing gas supply flow path;wherein each of the two separator members includes a metal separator main body;the separator main body is integrally formed with a seal bead portion in order to prevent leakage of a fluid, which is the oxygen containing gas, the fuel gas, or a coolant;the seal bead portion protrudes from the separator main body in a stacking direction of the plurality of power generation cells; anda rubber seal is interposed between a top part of the seal bead portion and the membrane electrode assembly member;the fuel cell system further comprising:a warm-up introduction passage configured to introduce the oxygen containing ...

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Номер записи: 46
22-09-2022 дата публикации

WARMING-UP SYSTEM

Номер: US20220302482A1
Автор: MIYAZAKI Junya, Nakajima Nobutaka, Takeuchi Kento
Принадлежит:

To provide a warming-up system in which a period of time taken to warm up a fuel cell is shorter than that for conventional ones. A warming-up system according to an embodiment includes a fuel cell, a motor, a rotation shaft, a speed reducer, a measuring unit, and a control unit. The motor convert electrical power generated by the fuel cell into a rotative force. The speed reducer brake the rotation shaft that is rotating. The measuring unit measure a temperature of the fuel cell. The control unit is configured to determine whether to perform warming up for the fuel cell, based on the temperature. When the control unit determines to perform the warming up, the control unit causes the motor and the speed reducer to operate, and uses heat generated in the fuel cell and heat generated in the speed reducer to warm up the fuel cell. 1. A warming-up system comprising:a fuel cell configured to generate electrical power through electrochemical reactions;a motor configured to convert the electrical power generated by the fuel cell into a rotative force;a rotation shaft that rotates by the rotative force;a speed reducer configured to brake the rotation shaft that is rotating;a measuring unit configured to measure a temperature of the fuel cell; anda control unit configured to determine whether to perform warming up for the fuel cell, based on the temperature, the control unit causing, when the control unit determines to perform the warming up, the motor and the speed reducer to operate, and using heat generated in the fuel cell and heat generated in the speed reducer to warm up the fuel cell.2. The warming-up system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit determines torque of the speed reducer claim 1 , based on the temperature.3. The warming-up system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit determines a rotating speed and torque of the motor claim 1 , based on the temperature.4. The warming-up system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit determines ...

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Номер записи: 47
21-05-2020 дата публикации

Cooling and gas dehumidifying system, transport means, and method for operating a cooling and gas dehumidifying system

Номер: US20200156800A1
Автор: Markus Piesker
Принадлежит: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH

A cooling and gas dehumidifying system comprising a cooling circuit in which a thermal fluid is circulated. The system further comprises a cooling arrangement arranged in the cooling circuit and configured to cool the thermal fluid flowing therethrough. A consumer gives up heat energy to the thermal fluid flowing through the cooling circuit. A gas dehumidifier having a heat exchanger arrangement is configured to be thermally coupled in a gas dehumidifying operating state with the thermal fluid flowing through the cooling circuit downstream of the cooling arrangement and having a first temperature, and thereby give up heat energy to the thermal fluid, and to be thermally coupled in a de-icing operating state with the thermal fluid flowing through the cooling circuit downstream of the consumer and having a second temperature, and thereby absorb heat energy from the thermal fluid, the second temperature being higher than the first temperature.

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Номер записи: 48
30-05-2019 дата публикации

EQUATION BASED COOLING SYSTEM CONTROL STRATEGY/METHOD

Номер: US20190165394A1
Автор: Farnsworth Jared, Folick Daniel, Fukuda Kentaro, Hasegawa Shigeki
Принадлежит:

A system for heating or cooling a fuel cell circuit of a vehicle includes a fuel cell stack, a temperature sensor to detect a fluid temperature of the fluid, a pump to pump the fluid through the fuel cell circuit, and an ECU. The ECU is designed to determine a temperature control signal based on the fluid temperature of the fluid. The ECU is also designed to calculate a desired mass flow rate of the fluid through the fuel cell stack based on the temperature control signal. The ECU is also designed to calculate a desired pump speed of the pump based on the desired mass flow rate of the fluid through the fuel cell stack. The ECU is also designed to control the pump to pump the fluid at the desired pump speed to increase or decrease the fluid temperature of the fluid. 1. A system for heating or cooling a fuel cell circuit of a vehicle comprising:a fuel cell stack having a plurality of fuel cells and configured to receive a fluid and to heat the fluid;a temperature sensor configured to detect a fluid temperature of the fluid;a pump configured to pump the fluid through the fuel cell circuit; and determine a temperature control signal based on the fluid temperature of the fluid,', 'calculate a desired mass flow rate of the fluid through the fuel cell stack based on the temperature control signal,', 'calculate a desired pump speed of the pump based on the desired mass flow rate of the fluid through the fuel cell stack, and', 'control the pump to pump the fluid at the desired pump speed to increase or decrease the fluid temperature of the fluid., 'an electronic control unit (ECU) coupled to the temperature sensor and the pump and configured to2. The system of further comprising an intercooler oriented in parallel with the fuel cell stack and configured to transfer thermal energy from an airflow to the fluid claim 1 , wherein the ECU is further configured to calculate a total desired mass flow rate of the fluid through the fuel cell stack and through the intercooler claim 1 ...

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Номер записи: 49
30-05-2019 дата публикации

Equation based state estimator for cooling system controller

Номер: US20190165395A1
Автор: Daniel Folick, Jared Farnsworth, Kentaro Fukuda, Shigeki Hasegawa
Принадлежит: Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing North America Inc

A system includes a fuel cell stack that receives a fluid, an actuator to increase or decrease a fluid temperature of the fluid, a pipe to facilitate flow of the fluid, and a memory designed to store a model of the fuel cell circuit. The system also includes an ECU that calculates mass flow values of the fluid through the fuel cell stack or the pipe based on a previously-determined mass flow value and the model of the fuel cell circuit. The ECU also calculates a plurality of pressure values corresponding to the fuel cell stack or the pipe based on the plurality of mass flow values and the model, controls the actuator position of the actuator to increase or decrease the fluid temperature based on at least one of the plurality of mass flow values and at least one of the plurality of pressure values.

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Номер записи: 50
29-09-2022 дата публикации

FUEL CELL SYSTEM

Номер: US20220311026A1
Автор: AKABORI Sho, Inoue Tomoyuki, Sato Shuji
Принадлежит:

A fuel cell system includes: a reaction gas supply unit configured to supply a reaction gas to a fuel cell stack; a humidifier configured to transfer moisture from an off-gas discharged from the fuel cell stack to the reaction gas; and a controller configured to control the reaction gas supply unit so as to regulate a supply amount of the reaction gas, wherein the controller is configured to acquire a temperature of the humidifier and set the supply amount of the reaction gas based on a target power generation amount of the fuel cell stack, and in a case where the temperature of the humidifier is equal to or lower than a prescribed warm-up determination value, the controller executes warm-up control to increase the supply amount of the reaction gas as compared with a case where the temperature of the humidifier is higher than the warm-up determination value. 1. A fuel cell system , comprising:a reaction gas supply unit configured to supply a reaction gas to a fuel cell stack;a humidifier configured to transfer moisture from an off-gas discharged from the fuel cell stack to the reaction gas; anda controller configured to control the reaction gas supply unit so as to regulate a supply amount of the reaction gas to the fuel cell stack,wherein the controller is configured to acquire a temperature of the humidifier and set the supply amount of the reaction gas based on a target power generation amount of the fuel cell stack, andin a case where the temperature of the humidifier is equal to or lower than a prescribed warm-up determination value, the controller executes warm-up control to increase the supply amount of the reaction gas as compared with a case where the temperature of the humidifier is higher than the warm-up determination value.2. The fuel cell system according to claim 1 , further comprising:a refrigerant circulation passage for causing a refrigerant to flow through the fuel cell stack; anda refrigerant temperature acquiring unit configured to acquire a ...

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Номер записи: 51
06-06-2019 дата публикации

FUEL CELL SYSTEM

Номер: US20190173111A1
Автор: Imanishi Hiroyuki, Tanaka Seiichi, TOIDA Masashi, YAMANAKA Tomio
Принадлежит: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA

A control unit of a fuel cell system includes a valve control unit configured such that, when it is determined that an exhaust valve is stuck open in a quick warming-up operation, the valve control unit sets at least one of an operable opening area which is an opening area capable of being changed by control and a rate of opening change which is an opening changeable frequency at which an opening is changeable per unit time, for at least one of a pressure adjusting valve and a flow division valve, such that a flow rate of a cathode gas supplied to a fuel cell is in an allowable range of a requested supply flow rate required for the quick warming-up operation. 1. A fuel cell system comprising:a fuel cell;a cathode gas supply passage that supplies a cathode gas to the fuel cell;a cathode gas discharge passage that discharges the cathode gas from the fuel cell;a pressure adjusting valve that is disposed in the cathode gas discharge passage and adjusts a backpressure on a cathode side of the fuel cell;a compressor that is disposed in the cathode gas supply passage;a bypass passage that discharges a part of the cathode gas ejected from the compressor to the cathode gas discharge passage such that the part of the cathode gas bypasses the fuel cell;a flow division valve that is disposed in a connecting portion of the bypass passage and the cathode gas supply passage and adjusts a flow rate ratio of the cathode gas supplied to the fuel cell and the cathode gas supplied to the bypass passage;an anode gas supply passage that supplies an anode gas to the fuel cell;an anode gas discharge passage that discharges the anode gas from the fuel cell;an exhaust valve that is disposed in the anode gas discharge passage and exhausts the anode gas;a merging discharge passage that discharges the anode gas discharged from the anode gas discharge passage and the cathode gas discharged from the cathode gas discharge passage; anda control unit configured to control an operation of the fuel ...

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Номер записи: 52
22-06-2017 дата публикации

FUEL CELL APPARATUS

Номер: US20170179508A1
Автор: OHGURI Nobuaki, TAKAHASHI Kuniyuki
Принадлежит: FUJI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.

A solid oxide fuel cell apparatus includes: a startup temperature raiser configured to mix the fuel and the air, burn a mixture of the fuel and the air using a burner to obtain combustion gas, and introduce the combustion gas to the air electrode to increase a temperature of the fuel cell stack in startup of the apparatus. The startup temperature raiser includes: a combustion cylinder through which the combustion gas passes; a cooling cylinder configured to cover an outer periphery of the combustion cylinder; and a bypass air line configured to introduce a part of the air to an air area formed between the combustion cylinder and the cooling cylinder so as to cool the combustion cylinder. 1. A solid oxide fuel cell apparatus comprising:a fuel cell stack including a fuel electrode to which fuel is supplied and an air electrode to which air is supplied;a startup temperature raiser configured to mix the fuel and the air, burn a mixture of the fuel and the air using a burner to obtain combustion gas, and introduce the combustion gas to the air electrode to increase a temperature of the fuel cell stack in startup of the apparatus, wherein a combustion cylinder through which the combustion gas passes;', 'a cooling cylinder configured to cover an outer periphery of the combustion cylinder; and', 'a bypass air line configured to introduce a part of the air to an air area formed between the combustion cylinder and the cooling cylinder so as to cool the combustion cylinder, and, 'the startup temperature raiser includesthe startup temperature raiser is configured to introduce to the air electrode by mixing the combustion gas that has been burned in the combustion cylinder and has passed through the combustion cylinder with the air introduced to the air area.2. The solid oxide fuel cell apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the combustion cylinder includes a plurality of holes for mixing the combustion gas and the air in the air area.3. The solid oxide fuel cell apparatus ...

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Номер записи: 53
02-07-2015 дата публикации

Solid oxide fuel cell system and method for controlling same

Номер: US20150188174A1
Автор: Yasunori Iwakiri
Принадлежит: Nissan Motor Co Ltd

A solid oxide fuel cell system includes: a fuel cell stack having a fuel electrode and an oxidant electrode; and a combustion unit provided to start the system; a control unit configured to perform control in such a way as to fill a combustion gas discharged from the combustion unit into the fuel electrode of the fuel cell stack at a time of stopping the system, the combustion gas containing an inert gas as a component.

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Номер записи: 54
08-07-2021 дата публикации

A fuel cell system and a method and apparatus for starting a fuel cell stack

Номер: US20210210776A1
Автор: Koski Pauli
Принадлежит:

The invention concerns fuel cell systems and methods for converting chemical energy of a fuel containing hydrogen into electricity. According to the invention, a fuel cell stack is provided having at least one anode and one cathode separated by a proton-exchange membrane. A fuel transport circuit feeds fuel to the fuel cell stack, and a temperature control system is adapted to control the temperature of the fuel cell stack by circulating a coolant medium through said fuel cell stack. The temperature control system includes a pump for circulating the coolant medium, a heater unit connected to a coolant transport circuit for heating the coolant with a PTC heater, a heat radiation unit connected to the coolant transport circuit for removing excess heat, and a temperature sensor. In response to a startup condition of the fuel cell stack, a controller is adapted to read a temperature signal indicative of the fuel cell stack temperature, to bypass the heat radiation unit, if the fuel cell stack temperature is below a first predetermined value, and to connect electric power generated by said fuel cell stack to be started-up to said PTC heater. 3. An apparatus comprising a fuel cell stack for converting chemical energy of a fuel containing hydrogen into electricity , at least one processing core , at least one memory including computer program code , the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to , with the at least one processing core , cause the apparatus in response to a startup condition of said fuel cell stack at least to:read from at least one temperature sensor temperature signals indicative of the temperature of said fuel cell stack; and connect electric power generated by said fuel cell stack to a power output for external consumption at T2,', 'disconnect said PTC heater from said electric power at T3, and', 'connect said heat radiation unit to said coolant transport circuit by operating at least one valve that directs the coolant flow to ...

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Номер записи: 55
30-06-2016 дата публикации

Fuel Cell System, Motor Vehicle Containing a Fuel Cell System, and Method for Operating a Fuel Cell System

Номер: US20160190615A1
Автор: BURCKHARDT Sylvester, Creeth Andrew Martin, DE BRISSAC BAYNES Nicholas, HAASE Stefan, KREITMEIER Stefan, Longman Robert, Schmid Johannes
Принадлежит:

A fuel cell system is provided having a plurality of fuel cells combined to form a fuel cell stack. The fuel cell system is characterized in that at least one fuel cell is a redox flow fuel cell having an electrode assembly, which electrode assembly has a proton-permeable separator, which separator is arranged between an anode region and a cathode region. The redox flow fuel cell has a regenerator spatially separated from the electrode assembly, and a water-forming reaction of the redox flow fuel cell occurs in the regenerator. The redox flow fuel cell also has at least one oxidation-fluid delivery unit for feeding oxidation fluid into the regenerator in order to perform the water-forming reaction in the regenerator of the redox flow fuel cell. The redox flow fuel cell also has a pumping circuit, comprising a pumping device and a pumping line, for transporting an electrochemical storage system through the cathode region or the anode region of the redox flow fuel cell and through the regenerator. The electrochemical storage system contains active redox molecules and is designed to receive and release electrons. The fuel cell system also has a control device, which is designed to adjust an available electrical and/or thermal power of the fuel cell system by changing a redox state of the electrochemical storage system. 1. A fuel cell system , comprising:a plurality of fuel cells combined to form a fuel cell stack, whereinat least one fuel cell is a redox flow fuel cell with an electrode arrangement, comprising a proton-permeable separator which is arranged between an anode region and a cathode region,the redox flow fuel cell has a regenerator, which is spatially separate from the electrode arrangement, and a water-forming reaction of the redox flow fuel cell takes place in the regenerator,the redox flow fuel cell further comprises at least one oxidation fluid delivery unit for feeding oxidation fluid into the regenerator in order for the water-forming reaction in the ...

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Номер записи: 56
05-07-2018 дата публикации

SOFC HOT BOX COMPONENTS

Номер: US20180191007A1
Автор: Basu Nilanjana, Gottmann Matthias, Krishnan Navaneetha, Lyle William David, Perry Martin, Petrucha Michael, Weingaertner David
Принадлежит:

Various hot box fuel cell system components are provided, such as heat exchangers, steam generator and other components. 1. A heat exchanger , comprising:a top enclosure comprising a finger plate or end cap;a bottom enclosure comprising a finger plate or end cap; anda corrugated sheet between the top and bottom enclosure;wherein the heat exchanger is configured such that a first fluid flows on one side of the corrugated sheet and a second fluid flows on an opposite side of the corrugated sheet.2. The heat exchanger of claim 1 , wherein:the top and the bottom enclosure each comprise a finger plate;the heat exchanger comprises an anode cooler heat exchanger for a solid oxide fuel cell system;the first fluid comprises a fuel exhaust from a solid oxide fuel cell stack; andthe second fluid comprises an air inlet for the solid oxide fuel cell stack.3. The heat exchanger of claim 1 , wherein:the top and the bottom enclosure each comprise an end cap;the heat exchanger comprises an anode cooler heat exchanger for a solid oxide fuel cell system;the first fluid comprises a fuel exhaust from a solid oxide fuel cell stack; andthe second fluid comprises an air inlet for the solid oxide fuel cell stack.4. The heat exchanger of claim 1 , wherein:one of the top and bottom enclosures comprises a finger plate and the other one of the top and bottom enclosures comprises an end cap;the heat exchanger comprises an anode cooler heat exchanger for a solid oxide fuel cell system;the first fluid comprises a fuel exhaust from a solid oxide fuel cell stack; andthe second fluid comprises an air inlet for the solid oxide fuel cell stack.5. The heat exchanger of claim 2 , wherein:the top enclosure comprises a top finger plate;the bottom enclosure comprises a bottom finger plate;the corrugated sheet comprises a cylindrical metal sheet;the top finger plate comprises a hollow ring shaped plate having finger shaped extensions which extend into the inner portion of the ring;the bottom finger plate ...

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Номер записи: 57
12-07-2018 дата публикации

FUEL CELL DEVICE HAVING A FUEL CELL STACK INCLUDING A THERMALLY INSULATED CONTAINER AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A FUEL CELL DEVICE

Номер: US20180198138A1
Автор: BACH Peter, Croft Robert, Hollett Mark, Paddon Ryan
Принадлежит:

A fuel cell device and a method for operating a fuel cell device is provided. In order to be able to efficiently heat a fuel cell device during a cold start, a fuel cell stack () of the fuel cell device includes a thermally insulated container () for temperature control fluid, and the temperature control fluid is conducted from the thermally insulated container () into at least one fuel cell () of the fuel cell stack () when the fuel cell device is started. 110-. (canceled)11: A fuel cell device comprising:a fuel cell stack including at least one fuel cell situated between two end plates, the fuel cell stack including a thermally insulated container for a temperature control fluid for temperature control of the fuel cell device.12: The fuel cell device as recited in wherein the thermally insulated container is attached to one of the end plates.13: The fuel cell device as recited in wherein the one end plate is situated between the thermally insulated container and the at least one fuel cell.14: The fuel cell device as recited in wherein the one end plate connects the thermally insulated container and the at least one fuel cell to one another in a temperature control fluid conducting manner.15: The fuel cell device as recited in further comprising a temperature control path for conducting a temperature control fluid and for controlling the temperature of the at least one fuel cell claim 11 , the temperature control path extending through the thermally insulated container.16: The fuel cell device as recited in further comprising at least one shutoff valve claim 11 , a temperature control fluid stream between the thermally insulated container and the fuel cell being interruptible via the shutoff valve claim 11 , or further comprising a temperature control fluid pump claim 11 , temperature control fluid conveyable between the thermally insulated container and the fuel cell via the temperature control fluid pump.17: A method for operating a fuel cell device temperature ...

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Номер записи: 58
27-06-2019 дата публикации

FUEL CELL SYSTEM AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF

Номер: US20190198897A1
Автор: KATO Koichi, OKAMURA Yuji, TAKAKU Koichi
Принадлежит:

A fuel cell system includes a gas-liquid separator, a circulation flow path, a connecting flow path, and a distribution flow path. The gas-liquid separator separates fuel exhaust gas, which flows therein via a fuel exhaust gas flow path, into a gas and a liquid. The circulation flow path causes a gas discharge port of the gas-liquid separator and the fuel gas supply flow path to be in communication with each other. The connecting flow path causes a liquid discharge port of the gas-liquid separator to be in communication with the oxygen-containing gas supply flow path, via a drain valve. The distribution flow path causes the fuel gas supply flow path or the circulation flow path to be in communication with the oxygen-containing gas supply flow path, via an opening and closing valve. 1. A fuel cell system for generating electric power by supplying fuel gas to an anode of a fuel cell via a fuel gas supply flow path and supplying an oxygen-containing gas to a cathode of the fuel cell via an oxygen-containing gas supply flow path , the fuel cell system comprising:a fuel exhaust gas flow path configured to allow fuel exhaust gas discharged from the anode to flow therethrough;a gas-liquid separator into which the fuel exhaust gas flows via the fuel exhaust gas flow path, the gas-liquid separator being configured to separate the fuel exhaust gas into a gas and a liquid;a circulation flow path that is connected to the fuel gas supply flow path via a connecting section so as to cause a gas discharge port of the gas-liquid separator and the fuel gas supply flow path to be in communication with each other;a connecting flow path configured to cause a liquid discharge port of the gas-liquid separator to be in communication with the oxygen-containing gas supply flow path, via a drain valve;a distribution flow path configured to cause the fuel gas supply flow path or the circulation flow path to be in communication with the oxygen-containing gas supply flow path; andan opening and ...

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Номер записи: 59
27-06-2019 дата публикации

FUEL CELL SYSTEM AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF

Номер: US20190198898A1
Автор: KATO Koichi, OKAMURA Yuji, TAKAKU Koichi
Принадлежит:

A fuel cell system includes a gas-liquid separator, a circulation flow path, a connecting flow path, and a distribution flow path. The gas-liquid separator separates fuel exhaust gas, which flows therein via a fuel exhaust gas flow path, into gas and liquid. The circulation flow path causes a gas discharge port of the gas-liquid separator and the fuel gas supply flow path to communicate with each other. The connecting flow path causes a liquid discharge port of the gas-liquid separator to communicate with the oxygen-containing gas supply flow path, via a drain valve. The distribution flow path causes the circulation flow path or a portion of the fuel gas supply flow path that is on a downstream side of a connecting section connecting to the circulation flow path to communicate with a downstream side of the drain valve of the connecting flow path via an opening and closing valve. 1. A fuel cell system for generating electric power by supplying fuel gas to an anode of a fuel cell via a fuel gas supply flow path and supplying an oxygen-containing gas to a cathode of the fuel cell via an oxygen-containing gas supply flow path , the fuel cell system comprising:a fuel exhaust gas flow path configured to allow fuel exhaust gas discharged from the anode to flow therethrough;a gas-liquid separator into which the fuel exhaust gas flows via the fuel exhaust gas flow path, the gas-liquid separator being configured to separate the fuel exhaust gas into a gas and a liquid;a circulation flow path configured to cause a gas discharge port of the gas-liquid separator and the fuel gas supply flow path to be in communication with each other;a connecting flow path configured to cause a liquid discharge port of the gas-liquid separator to be in communication with the oxygen-containing gas supply flow path, via a drain valve;a distribution flow path configured to cause the circulation flow path or a portion of the fuel gas supply flow path that is on a downstream side of a connecting ...

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Номер записи: 60
06-08-2015 дата публикации

FREEZE START-UP METHOD FOR FUEL CELL SYSTEM

Номер: US20150221964A1
Автор: Fellows Richard
Принадлежит:

Methods are disclosed for starting up a fuel cell system from subzero temperatures using the latent heat of crystallization available in a water supply maintained at above freezing temperature. During start-up, a water spray subsystem is used to spray water from the supply onto a heat exchange surface in a heat exchange element through which coolant from a fuel cell stack coolant circuit is circulating. The water freezes onto the heat exchange surface and the heat of crystallization is exchanged with the circulating coolant across the heat exchange surface, thus warming the coolant. 1. A method for starting up a fuel cell system from a temperature below freezing , the fuel cell system comprising a fuel cell stack; a coolant circuit configured to circulate coolant through the fuel cell stack; a heat exchange element in the coolant circuit wherein the heat exchange element comprises a heat exchange surface and coolant flows on one side of the heat exchange surface; a container comprising a supply of water; a water spray subsystem configured to obtain water from the water supply in the container and to spray the water onto the other side of the heat exchange surface , and the method comprising:maintaining the supply of water at above freezing temperature prior to starting up;circulating coolant through the coolant circuit, the fuel cell stack, and the heat exchange element;obtaining water from the water supply in the container; andspraying the water onto the other side of the heat exchange surface while the fuel cell system is at a temperature below freezing.2. The method of wherein water freezes onto the heat exchange surface and the heat of crystallization is exchanged with the circulating coolant across the heat exchange surface thereby warming the coolant.3. The method of comprising:drawing a starting amount of power from the fuel cell stack while the fuel cell system is at a temperature below freezing.4. The method of wherein the fuel cell system comprises an ...

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Номер записи: 61
04-07-2019 дата публикации

FUEL CELL SYSTEM

Номер: US20190207231A1
Автор: IZUMA Kyohei, WAKAMIYA Kazuki
Принадлежит:

In a fuel cell system, the output from a plurality of fuel cells can reach an output greater than or equal to auxiliary driving power in a short time because the initial supply amount of raw fuel supplied from a raw fuel supply part is greater than or equal to a first supply amount that is a raw fuel supply amount corresponding to the auxiliary driving power. Thus, even if the raw fuel is supplied at the initial supply amount when a power failure has occurred in an electric power system during a startup operation of the fuel cell system, it is possible to supply electric power from the fuel cells to the auxiliary machinery and continue to drive the auxiliary machinery under the control of a startup controller. This suppresses the stop of the fuel cell system under the startup operation. 1. A fuel cell system comprising:a reformer that reforms raw fuel to generate fuel gas;a solid oxide fuel cell that generates electric power by using said fuel gas and oxidant gas;a housing that houses said reformer and said fuel cell in an internal space thereof;a raw fuel supply part that supplies said raw fuel to said reformer;an oxidant gas supply part that supplies said oxidant gas to said fuel cell;an exhaust gas combustor that burns unutilized fuel gas discharged in an unutilized state from said fuel cell;a startup controller that controls said raw fuel supply part to increase an amount of said raw fuel supplied from said raw fuel supply part in stages during a startup operation performed until an output of said fuel cell reaches a steady operation output; anda heater that heats an interior of said housing during said startup operation,wherein, for the amount of said raw fuel supplied from said raw fuel supply part during said startup operation, a plurality of set supply amounts are preset in stages within a range less than or equal to a steady supply amount corresponding to said steady operation output,said startup controller controls said raw fuel supply part to repeat a ...

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Номер записи: 62
04-07-2019 дата публикации

BELOW FREEZING START-UP METHOD FOR FUEL CELL SYSTEM

Номер: US20190207233A1
Автор: Fellows Richard, Fukuyama Yosuke, Iwan Laura, Procter Michael, Shiomi Takeshi
Принадлежит:

Methods are disclosed for starting up a fuel cell system from starting temperatures below 0° C. The methods apply to systems comprising a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell stack whose cathodes comprise an oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyst and whose anodes comprise both a hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) catalyst and an oxidation evolution reaction (OER) catalyst. In the methods, from the beginning of starting up until the fuel cell temperature reaches 0° C., the fuel cell stack current is kept sufficiently low such that the current density drawn does not exceed the stack's capability for the oxidation evolution and the oxygen reduction reactions to occur at the anode and cathode respectively (i.e. current density drawn is less than the stack's maximum OER/ORR current density). 1. A method for starting up a fuel cell system from a starting temperature below 0° C. , the system comprising a fuel cell stack comprising a series stack of solid polymer electrolyte fuel cells , the cathodes in the fuel cells comprising an ORR catalyst , the anodes in the fuel cells comprising an HOR catalyst and an OER catalyst wherein the OER catalyst is different from the HOR catalyst , and the fuel cell stack characterized by a maximum output OER/ORR current density wherein the maximum OER/ORR current density is the maximum current density output from the fuel cell stack when operating without a supply of fuel and is a function of fuel cell temperature and relative humidity in the fuel cells , the method comprising:from the beginning of the starting up until the fuel cell temperature reaches 0° C., drawing a current from the fuel cell stack such that the current density drawn is less than the maximum OER/ORR current density at the fuel cell temperature and at maximum water content.2. The method of wherein the maximum OER/ORR current density is the current density drawn that results in an average fuel cell voltage of −2.2 V.3. The method of comprising drawing a current from the ...

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Номер записи: 63
11-07-2019 дата публикации

Power generation system and a method for operating the same

Номер: US20190214661A1
Автор: Honggang Wang, Ralph Teichmann
Принадлежит: Cummins Enterprise LLC

The power generation system includes a fuel-cell subsystem having a fuel-cell configured to generate an electrical power. The power generation system further includes a power electronics subsystem electrically coupled to the fuel-cell subsystem and configured to process at least a portion of the electrical power generated by the fuel-cell subsystem. The power generation system also includes a first conduit fluidly coupled to the power electronics subsystem and configured to supply at least a portion of a fuel stream to the power electronics subsystem. The power electronics subsystem is configured to heat the portion of the fuel stream to form a pre-heated fuel stream. Moreover, power generation system includes a second conduit fluidly coupled to the power electronics subsystem and the fuel-cell subsystem and configured to supply the pre-heated fuel stream to the fuel-cell subsystem. The fuel-cell is configured to generate the electrical power using the pre-heated fuel stream.

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Номер записи: 64
12-08-2021 дата публикации

Fuel cell power system for an unmanned surface vehicle

Номер: US20210249671A1
Автор: Jeffrey Scott Wilcox, Michael A. Carralero
Принадлежит: Boeing Co, Liquid Robotics Inc

A power system for an unmanned surface vehicle includes a fuel cell including a fuel cell stack, where the fuel cell stack includes a fuel inlet. The power system also includes a fuel storage including at least one fuel-storage module fluidly connected to the fuel inlet of the fuel cell stack. The fuel-storage module is a source of energy for the fuel cell. The power system also includes a fuel and thermal management system fluidly connected to the fuel inlet of the fuel cell stack. The fuel and thermal management system includes a heat exchanger in thermal communication with the fuel cell stack for removing waste heat produced by the fuel cell stack during operation. The fuel and thermal management system also includes a flow valve, a pressure regulator, and a conduit.

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Номер записи: 65
02-07-2020 дата публикации

Fuel cell system and method for controlling fuel cell system

Номер: US20200212458A1
Автор: Hayato Chikugo, Tatsuya Yaguchi, Tetsushi Noda
Принадлежит: Nissan Motor Co Ltd

A fuel cell system includes: a fuel cell; a fuel treating unit configured to treat a raw fuel and generate fuel gas for the fuel cell; an oxidant-gas heater configured to heat oxidant gas for the fuel cell; a combustor configured to combust the raw fuel and generate combustion gas to heat the fuel treating unit and the oxidant-gas heater; and a control unit configured to control supplying of the raw fuel to the fuel treating unit and the combustor at the time of warming-up of the fuel cell. The control unit supplies the raw fuel to both of the fuel treating unit and the combustor when the fuel treating unit is at an operable temperature of the fuel treating unit.

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Номер записи: 66
19-08-2021 дата публикации

FUEL CELL SYSTEM AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF

Номер: US20210257635A1
Автор: Ishikawa Tomotaka, Ito Masahiro, NAMBA Ryouichi, TSUNEKAWA Hiroyuki
Принадлежит:

A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack, an oxidizing gas supply system, a fuel gas supply system, a current control circuit configured to control an output current of the fuel cell stack, a control unit configured to control power generation of the fuel cell stack, and the output current of the current control circuit, the control unit controlling the current control circuit to adjust the output current thereby adjusting a heating value of the fuel cell stack; and a monitoring unit configured to monitor abnormal fuel gas generation, the abnormal fuel gas generation corresponding to a state where the fuel gas in excess of a predetermined allowable amount exists in the cathode. When the monitoring unit detects the abnormal fuel gas generation during execution of a warm-up operation to allow the fuel cell stack to generate heat with a predetermined target heating value, the control unit reduces the output current by reducing the target heating value. 1. A fuel cell system comprising:a fuel cell stack comprising an anode and a cathode;an oxidizing gas supply system configured to supply oxidizing gas to the cathode;a fuel gas supply system configured to supply fuel gas to the anode;a current control circuit configured to control an output current of the fuel cell stack;a control unit configured to control power generation of the fuel cell stack, and the output current of the current control circuit, the control unit controlling the current control circuit to adjust the output current thereby adjusting a heating value of the fuel cell stack; anda monitoring unit configured to monitor abnormal fuel gas generation, the abnormal fuel gas generation corresponding to a state where the fuel gas in excess of a predetermined allowable amount exists in the cathode, whereinwhen the monitoring unit detects the abnormal fuel gas generation during execution of a warm-up operation to allow the fuel cell stack to generate heat with a predetermined target heating value, the ...

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Номер записи: 67
19-08-2021 дата публикации

FUEL CELL SYSTEM AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF

Номер: US20210257637A1
Автор: NAMBA Ryouichi
Принадлежит:

A fuel cell system includes a controller which controls operations of an oxidizing gas supply/discharge system and a fuel gas supply/discharge system, and controls power generation of a fuel cell stack, and, when detecting a fuel gas concentration abnormality that a fuel gas concentration in an exhaust gas exceeds an allowable value during the power generation of the fuel cell stack, the controller increases a flow rate of air fed by an air compressor, and controls an opening of a bypass valve to execute exhaust gas dilution control for increasing a ratio of the flow rate of the air flowing out from the bypass piping to an exhaust gas piping with respect to the flow rate of the air to be supplied to the fuel cell stack. 1. A fuel cell system comprising:a fuel cell stack that includes a cathode to which an oxidizing gas is supplied and an anode to which a fuel gas is supplied;an oxidizing gas supply/discharge system configured to execute supply control of the oxidizing gas to the cathode, the oxidizing gas supply/discharge system including a cathode supply piping connected with an inlet of the cathode, an exhaust gas piping that is connected with an outlet of the cathode and discharges into an atmosphere an exhaust gas containing a cathode off-gas discharged from the cathode, a bypass piping that connects the cathode supply piping and the exhaust gas piping, an air compressor configured to compress air containing the oxidizing gas to feed to the cathode supply piping, and a bypass valve configured to adjust a flow rate of the air flowing in the bypass piping;a fuel gas supply/discharge system configured to execute supply control of the fuel gas to the anode;a fuel gas sensor that is provided in the exhaust gas piping, and configured to detect a fuel gas concentration in the exhaust gas;a controller configured to control operations of the oxidizing gas supply/discharge system and the fuel gas supply/discharge system, and control power generation of the fuel cell stack ...

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Номер записи: 68
18-08-2016 дата публикации

FUEL CELL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING FUEL CELL SYSTEM

Номер: US20160240904A1
Автор: HOSHI Kiyoshi
Принадлежит: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.

A fuel cell system includes a battery, auxiliary machines including an actuator and a heater that heats cooling water circulating in the fuel cell. The actuator is driven to cause gas to be supplied to a fuel cell configured to generate electric power using the gas. Furthermore, the fuel cell system includes a warming-up operation unit that adjusting operations of the auxiliary machines so as to realize output of fuel cell such that a predetermined electric power is extracted, a discharge control unit that supplies the electric power from the battery to the auxiliary machines when electric power generated by the fuel cell is lower than electric power consumed by the auxiliary machines. Furthermore, the fuel cell system includes an auxiliary machine restriction unit that restricts electric power consumed by the actuator when the discharge control unit supplies the electric power from the battery to the auxiliary machines in a case where the fuel cell is warmed up using the heater. 17.-. (canceled)8. A fuel cell system , comprising:a battery configured to reserve electric power;auxiliary machines including an actuator and a heater, the actuator being driven to cause gas to be supplied to a fuel cell configured to generate electric power using the gas, and the heater heating cooling water circulating in the fuel cell;a warming-up operation unit configured to adjust operations of the auxiliary machines so as to realize output of the fuel cell such that a predetermined electric power is extracted;a discharge control unit configured to supply the electric power from the battery to the auxiliary machines when electric power generated by the fuel cell is lower than electric power consumed by the auxiliary machines; andan auxiliary machine restriction unit configured to restrict electric power consumed by the actuator, before restricting electric power consumed by the heater, when the discharge control unit supplies the electric power from the battery to the auxiliary ...

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Номер записи: 69
17-08-2017 дата публикации

MULTI-REFORMABLE FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FUEL CELLS

Номер: US20170237093A1
Автор: Dewald Paul, Finnerty Caine
Принадлежит:

The present teachings provide multi-reformable fuel delivery systems and methods that can deliver, without the use of a liquid pump, any hydrocarbon fuel, i.e., a liquid or gaseous reformable fuel, for example, to at least one of a reformer, a vaporizer, a fuel cell stack, an afterburner and other assemblies and components of a fuel cell unit or system, More specifically, gas pressure can be used to control and deliver gaseous reformable fuels and/or liquid reformable fuels in the delivery systems and methods of the present teachings. The delivery systems and methods also can apply to the delivery of a liquid reactant such as water and gaseous reactants such as an oxygen-containing gas (e.g., air) and steam. 137-. (canceled)38. A liquid and gaseous reformable fuel delivery system for a fuel cell unit or system , the system comprising:a liquid reformable fuel reservoir, wherein the interior of the liquid reformable fuel reservoir comprises a liquid reformable fuel space and a gaseous headspace and the liquid reformable fuel space is in operable fluid communication with a vaporizer and/or a fluid mixing device of a fuel cell unit;a source of positive gas pressure, wherein the source of positive gas pressure is in operable fluid communication with the gaseous headspace of the liquid reformable fuel reservoir; anda source of a gaseous reformable fuel, wherein the source of a gaseous reformable fuel is in operable fluid communication with at least one of a vaporizer, a reformer, a fuel cell stack, and an afterburner of a fuel cell unit.39. The liquid and gaseous reformable fuel delivery system of claim 38 , the delivery system comprising:a pressure relief valve assembly in operable fluid communication with the gaseous headspace of the liquid reformable fuel reservoir;a first valve assembly operable to provide fluid communication between or among the source of a gaseous reformable fuel and at least one of the vaporizer, the reformer, the fuel cell stack, and the ...

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Номер записи: 70
26-08-2021 дата публикации

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SUBZERO START-UP OF FUEL CELL

Номер: US20210265644A1
Автор: ONO Kei, Si Dechun, Wen Junning, Zhang Jianbo
Принадлежит:

Disclosed are a method and apparatus for subzero start-up of a fuel cell. The method for the subzero start-up of the fuel cell includes: introducing a gas containing hydrogen having a mass percentage of 5% to 100% to a hydrogen electrode and an air electrode of the fuel cell () under a condition of minus 50° C. to 0° C.; applying a current or a voltage to the fuel cell (), and utilizing ohmic heat generation, reaction heat, and concentration overpotential heat generation of the fuel cell () to raise the fuel cell () to a required temperature or to cause the fuel cell () to reach to a set time, so as to implement the subzero start-up of the fuel cell. 1. A method for subzero start-up of a fuel cell , comprising:introducing a gas containing hydrogen having a mass percentage of 5% to 100% to a hydrogen electrode and an air electrode of the fuel cell under a condition of minus 50° C. to 0° C.; andapplying a current or a voltage to the fuel cell, and utilizing ohmic heat generation, reaction heat, and concentration overpotential heat generation of the fuel cell to raise the fuel cell to a required temperature or to cause the fuel cell to reach a set time, so as to implement the subzero start-up of the fuel cell.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein a manner of introducing the gas containing the hydrogen having the mass percentage of 5% to 100% to the hydrogen electrode and the air electrode is a continuous or intermittent introduction.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the current or the voltage is a direct current or an alternating current.4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the current or the voltage is an alternating current or an alternating voltage.5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the alternating current or the alternating voltage is selected from an alternating current and an alternating voltage of a symmetrical waveform or an alternating current and an alternating voltage of an asymmetrical waveform.6. The method of claim 5 , wherein an absolute value of a magnitude ...

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Номер записи: 71
23-08-2018 дата публикации

METHOD OF STARTING-UP A FUEL CELL ARRANGEMENT AND FUEL CELL ARRANGEMENT

Номер: US20180241057A1
Автор: Kolb Gunther, SCHUERER Jochen
Принадлежит: DIEHL AEROSPACE GMBH

The invention relates to a method of starting-up a fuel cell arrangement () comprising a fuel processor () and a fuel cell (), 1. A method of starting-up a fuel cell arrangement comprising a fuel processor and a fuel cell ,wherein the fuel processor comprises the following components: a first evaporator, a reformer arranged downstream of the first evaporator, a water-gas shift reactor, a PrOx reactor, a first heat exchanger, an afterburner and a startup burner,wherein the method comprises the following steps:{'b': '1', 'a) electrically heating a heating arrangement in the fuel processor to heat a first gas (G),'}{'b': '1', 'b) heating the components of the fuel processor to a fixed operating temperature by circulating the heated first gas (G) through at least the first heat exchanger and the afterburner,'}{'b': '1', 'c) catalytically combusting an atomized or evaporated fuel (B) in the startup burner and then afterburning hydrogen in the afterburner for further heating of the first gas (G) via at least one heat exchanger,'}d) introducing the fuel (B) into the preheated components of the fuel processor and stopping the catalytic combustion in the startup burner,e) starting up at least one reaction in the components of the fuel processor, until an exit gas from a PrOx reactor has a given CO content, andf) switching on the fuel cell.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein step c) comprises:introducing a fuel (B) downstream of the startup burner and afterburning the hydrogen and the fuel (B) introduced in an afterburner.3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein step c) comprises:using a first heat exchanger having a catalytic coating andintroducing a fuel (B) downstream of the afterburner and catalytically combusting the fuel (B) in the catalytically coated first heat exchanger.4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the fuel (B) used is a propylene glycol/water mixture.51. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the first gas (G) used is air.6113. The ...

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Номер записи: 72
10-09-2015 дата публикации

FUEL CELL MODULE

Номер: US20150255811A1
Автор: Ogawa Tetsuya, Yoshimine Yuki
Принадлежит: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.

A fuel cell module includes a first area where an exhaust gas combustor and a start-up combustor are provided, an annular second area around the first area and where a reformer and an evaporator are provided, an annular third area around the second area and where a heat exchanger is provided, and an annular heat recovery area around the third area as a passage of oxygen-containing gas for recovery of heat radiated from the third area toward the outer circumference. 1. A fuel cell module comprising:a fuel cell stack formed by stacking a plurality of fuel cells for generating electricity by electrochemical reactions of a fuel gas and an oxygen-containing gas;a reformer for reforming a mixed gas of a raw fuel chiefly containing hydrocarbon and water vapor to produce the fuel gas supplied to the fuel cell stack;an evaporator for evaporating water, and supplying the water vapor to the reformer;a heat exchanger for raising a temperature of the oxygen-containing gas by heat exchange with a combustion gas, and supplying the oxygen-containing gas to the fuel cell stack;an exhaust gas combustor for combusting the fuel gas discharged from the fuel cell stack as a fuel exhaust gas and the oxygen-containing gas discharged from the fuel cell stack as an oxygen-containing exhaust gas to produce the combustion gas; anda start-up combustor for combusting the raw fuel and the oxygen-containing gas to produce the combustion gas,wherein the fuel cell module includes:a first area where the exhaust gas combustor and the start-up combustor are provided;an annular second area around the first area and where the reformer and the evaporator are provided;an annular third area around the second area and where the heat exchanger is provided; andan annular heat recovery area around the third area as a passage of fluid for recovery of heat radiated from the third area toward an outer circumference of the fuel cell module.2. The fuel cell module according to claim 1 , wherein the reformer includes ...

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Номер записи: 73
31-08-2017 дата публикации

POWER GENERATION CHARACTERISTIC ESTIMATION DEVICE FOR FUEL CELL

Номер: US20170248657A1
Автор: MATSUMOTO Michihiko
Принадлежит: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.

A power generation characteristic estimation device for fuel cell includes a reference characteristic setting unit for setting a reference power generation characteristic of a fuel cell, a current detection unit for detecting an actual current of the fuel cell, a voltage detection unit for detecting an actual voltage of the fuel cell, and a characteristic estimation unit for estimating an actual power generation characteristic of the fuel cell based on a voltage difference between a voltage on the reference power generation characteristic and an actual voltage at the actual current. The characteristic estimation unit estimates the power generation characteristic during a warm-up operation of the fuel cell when a pressure of a gas supplied to the fuel cell is not lower than a predetermined value. 1. A power generation characteristic estimation device for fuel cell , comprising:a reference characteristic setting unit for setting a reference power generation characteristic of a fuel cell;a current detection unit for detecting an actual current of the fuel cell;a voltage detection unit for detecting an actual voltage of the fuel cell;a characteristic estimation unit for estimating an actual power generation characteristic of the fuel cell based on a voltage difference between a voltage on the reference power generation characteristic and an actual voltage at the actual current; anda warm-up operation unit for performing warm-up operation by setting a gas pressure of the fuel cell at a predetermined pressure or higher during warm-up of the fuel cell;wherein the power generation characteristic of the fuel cell is estimated by the characteristic estimation unit during the warm-up of the fuel cell.2. The power generation characteristic estimation device for fuel cell according to claim 1 , wherein:whether or not a voltage drop is caused when power is supplied to a load from the fuel cell is judged based on the power generation characteristic estimated during the warm-up by ...

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Номер записи: 74
17-09-2015 дата публикации

Fuel cell and method for operating the fuel cell

Номер: US20150263355A1
Автор: Akihisa Hosoe, Chihiro Hiraiwa, Masatoshi Majima
Принадлежит: Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd

Provided are a fuel cell that employs a fuel-electrode collector excellent in terms of thermal conductivity and the like, so that it is excellent in terms of power generation efficiency and cost effectiveness; and a method for operating the fuel cell. Included are a membrane electrode assembly (MEA), a fuel-electrode collector that is a porous metal body disposed in contact with a fuel electrode and performing current collection,and a heating device operated by electric power, wherein a solid electrolyte is a proton-permeable electrolyte, a fuel-gas channel is provided to cause a fuel gas to pass through the fuel-electrode collector, and the porous metal body constituting the fuel-electrode collector is formed of aluminum or aluminum alloy.

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Номер записи: 75
08-08-2019 дата публикации

Methods for Transitioning a Fuel Cell System between Modes of Operation

Номер: US20190245226A1
Автор: JaeBong Choi, Mark V. Scotto, Shung-Ik Lee, Ted Ohrn
Принадлежит: LG FUEL CELL SYSTEMS INC

Systems and methods for transitioning a fuel cell system between operating modes. The fuel cell system may be a SOFC system comprising Ni-containing anodes. The transitions may be from a shutdown mode to a hot standby mode, from a hot standby mode to a power ready hot standby mode, from a power ready hot standby mode to an operating mode, from an operating mode to a power ready hot standby mode, from a power ready hot standby mode to a hot standby mode, from a hot standby mode to a shutdown mode, and from an operating mode to a shutdown mode.

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Номер записи: 76
30-09-2021 дата публикации

Ignition method of fuel reformer using partial oxidation reaction of the fuel for sofc fuel cell start-up

Номер: US20210305604A1
Автор: Dongyeon KIM, Jiwoo Oh, Joongmyeon Bae, Minseok BAE, Sai P. Katikaneni
Принадлежит: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology KAIST, Saudi Arabian Oil Co

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a method of starting a fuel reformer including a heating element and a subsequent autothermal reformer includes contacting a first fluid comprising oxygen with the heating element, passing the first fluid into the autothermal reformer to preheat a reformer catalyst within the autothermal reformer to a first temperature, reducing flow of the first fluid into the autothermal reformer, introducing a fuel into the autothermal reformer subsequent to preheating the reformer catalyst to initiate a partial oxidation reaction and generating additional heat, increasing flow of the fuel and first fluid to initiate autothermal reforming, and controlling the temperature of the reformer catalyst by supplying a cooling fluid, the first fluid, and the fuel and adjusting flow of each.

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Номер записи: 77
15-09-2016 дата публикации

Fuel cell module

Номер: US20160268615A1
Автор: Takayuki Yamada
Принадлежит: Honda Motor Co Ltd

A fuel cell unit of a fuel cell module includes a fuel cell stack, a reformer, an evaporator, an exhaust gas combustor, a start-up combustor, and an air preheater. The fuel cell module further includes an air supply channel, a first fuel supply channel, a second fuel supply channel, a switching valve, and an exhaust gas channel. In the exhaust gas channel, the start-up combustor and the air preheater are arranged in the order recited toward the downstream side in a flow direction of a combustion exhaust gas.

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Номер записи: 78
04-12-2014 дата публикации

Energy system having a fuel cell arrangement

Номер: US20140356745A1
Автор: Nils Kaiser, Stefan Schoenbauer
Принадлежит: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH

An energy system having a fuel cell arrangement, wherein the fuel cell arrangement has at least one fuel cell and the fuel cell arrangement has at least one first electrical contact and at least one second electrical contact for tapping off electrically generated energy of the fuel cell arrangement. An electrical component for warming up the fuel cell arrangement is electrically connectable between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact. At least some of the electrical energy flow which is necessary to release the thermal energy can be fed back to the energy system by the electrical component.

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Номер записи: 79
21-10-2021 дата публикации

FUEL CELL SYSTEM

Номер: US20210328239A1
Автор: Ishikawa Tomotaka, Ito Masahiro, NAMBA Ryouichi, Takahashi Manabu
Принадлежит:

A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack and a control device that controls operation of the fuel cell system based on a measured voltage value measured by a voltage sensor. When the fuel cell system is started and a value measured by a temperature sensor is equal to or less than a temperature determined in advance, the control device raises the voltage of the fuel cell stack until a voltage condition determined in advance is met, by supplying a cathode with an oxidant gas before current sweep is started. The control device sets a voltage command value and a current command value such that an operation point of the fuel cell stack is on an equal power line of the fuel cell stack when the operation point is caused to transition in at least a part of a transition period.

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Номер записи: 80
01-10-2015 дата публикации

FUEL CELL SYSTEM AND CONTROL METHOD

Номер: US20150280262A1
Автор: HOSHI Kiyoshi
Принадлежит: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.

A fuel cell system estimates a characteristic of an electric power generation of a fuel cell before a supply of an electric power is permitted from the fuel cell to an outside load, restricts or prohibits characteristic of the electric power generation of the fuel cell when a temperature of the fuel cell is equal to or lower than a first prescribed temperature. 1. A fuel cell system comprising:a fuel cell,an outside load configured to be supplied an electric power generated by the fuel cell,a complementary equipment configured to be supplied the electric power generated by the fuel cell,a first permitting unit configured to permit a supply of the electric power from the fuel cell to the outside load when a characteristic of an electric power generation of the fuel cell becomes a prescribed characteristic,a warm-up operation control unit configured to execute a warm-up operation of the fuel cell by supplying the electric power from the fuel cell to the complementary equipment before a permission is made by the first permitting unit,an estimating unit configured to estimate, while changing an electric current taken out from the fuel cell with a prescribed width by changing a load to the complementary equipment, the characteristic of the electric power generation based on a generated voltage of the fuel cell with this change,a temperature detecting unit configured to detect a temperature of the fuel cell, anda prohibiting unit configured to restrict or prohibit an estimation of the characteristic of the electric power generation by the estimating unit when the temperature of the fuel cell is equal to or lower than a first prescribed temperature.2. The fuel cell system according to claim 1 , whereinthe first prescribed temperature is a temperature at which a voltage of the fuel cell becomes lower than a minimum guaranteed voltage of the fuel cell when the electric current taken out from the fuel cell is changed with the prescribed width by changing the load to the ...

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Номер записи: 81
25-11-2021 дата публикации

Fuel cell system

Номер: US20210367251A1
Автор: Mahiro OZEKI, Masashi Toida, Ryouichi NAMBA, Yusuke Nishida
Принадлежит: Toyota Motor Corp

A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack, a temperature measurement unit, and a controller. The controller is configured to, when the stack temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined first threshold temperature at the time of startup of the fuel cell system, control a heat generation amount per unit time of the fuel cell stack to a set heat generation amount to perform a warming-up operation until the stack temperature increases to a target temperature, and when the stack temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined second threshold temperature, execute at least one of setting the target temperature to be lower than the target temperature when the stack temperature is lower than the second threshold temperature and setting the set heat generation amount to be smaller than the set heat generation amount when the stack temperature is lower than the second threshold temperature.

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Номер записи: 82
15-10-2015 дата публикации

Fuel cell module

Номер: US20150295259A1
Автор: Yuki Yoshimine
Принадлежит: Honda Motor Co Ltd

A fuel cell module includes a fuel cell stack and FC peripheral equipment. The fuel cell module includes a first area where an exhaust gas combustor and a start-up combustor are provided, a second area where a reformer and an evaporator are provided, and a third area where a heat exchanger is provided. A stress relaxing portion for relaxing heat stress is provided at least along a border between the first area and the second area, along a border between the second area and the third area, or along an outermost circumferential portion of the third area.

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Номер записи: 83
12-09-2019 дата публикации

FUEL CELL SYSTEM MOUNTED ON VEHICLE AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF

Номер: US20190275899A1
Автор: Matsuo Junichi
Принадлежит: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA

A fuel cell system mounted on a vehicle comprises a fuel cell; a secondary battery; a drive motor configured to serve as a motor to generate a driving force and as a generator to generate regenerative power; an auxiliary machine configured to consume the regenerative power; an accelerator pedal sensor; a shift position sensor; a vehicle speed sensor; and a controller. The controller determines that the vehicle is in a first state when the vehicle has a negative vehicle speed, a move forward request is given to the vehicle and an accelerator pedal is depressed or when the vehicle has a positive vehicle speed, the move backward request is given to the vehicle and the accelerator pedal is depressed. When a predetermined first condition including a condition that the vehicle is in the first state is satisfied, the controller performs an auxiliary machine consumption process that causes the auxiliary machine to consume the regenerative power that includes a required power for the drive motor calculated by using a depression amount of the accelerator pedal. 1. A fuel cell system mounted on a vehicle , comprising:a fuel cell;a secondary battery connected in parallel with the fuel cell;a drive motor configured to serve as a motor to generate a driving force by using electric power from at least one of the fuel cell and the secondary battery and as a generator to generate regenerative power that is usable to charge the secondary battery;an auxiliary machine configured to consume the regenerative power;an accelerator pedal sensor configured to detect a depression amount of an accelerator pedal provided in the vehicle;a shift position sensor configured to detect a move forward request and a move backward request that is given to the vehicle;a vehicle speed sensor configured to detect a vehicle speed of the vehicle; anda controller configured to cause the regenerative power to be consumed by the auxiliary machine, whereinthe controller determines that the vehicle is in a first ...

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Номер записи: 84
29-10-2015 дата публикации

Fuel cell system

Номер: US20150311551A1
Автор: Seon Hwa Kim
Принадлежит: Posco Energy Co Ltd

A power generation system which is a fuel cell system including a preheating device that preheats a fuel, a preliminary reforming device that reforms the preheated fuel, a fuel cell stack module in which the reformed fuel reacts to generate electric power, and a circulating device that selectively supplies a product generated in the fuel cell stack module to the preheating device.

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Номер записи: 85
17-09-2020 дата публикации

METHOD FOR QUICKLY HEATING A FUEL CELL SYSTEM

Номер: US20200295388A1
Автор: LAWLOR Vincent
Принадлежит: AVL List GmbH

The invention relates to a method for heating a fuel cell system () for a motor vehicle (), having a fuel cell stack () with an anode section (), a cathode section (), at least one evaporator () for evaporating a fuel/water mixture, a reformer () for reforming the evaporated fuel/water mixture for use in the anode section () of the fuel cell stack (), and at least one burner () for combusting a fuel-containing fluid, wherein the reformer () is arranged downstream of the at least one evaporator () in particular, and the at least one burner () is arranged upstream of the at least one evaporator () in particular. The at least one burner () is fluidically connected to the at least one evaporator () in order to supply fuel-containing fluid combusted in the at least one burner () from the at least one burner () to the at least one evaporator (), and a fuel/water mixture source () for providing a fuel/water mixture for the at least one evaporator () is arranged upstream of the at least one evaporator (). The invention additionally relates to such a fuel cell system () and to a motor vehicle () comprising the fuel cell system ().

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Номер записи: 86
24-09-2020 дата публикации

Coolant Storage Tank

Номер: US20200303750A1
Автор: Daniel NINAN, Iain Fraser, Jonathan Cole, Nathaniel Palmer, Paul Leonard Adcock, Peter David Hood, Phillip Wardle, Sophie Charlotte Harris
Принадлежит: Intelligent Energy Ltd

A coolant storage tank ( 1 ) for storing coolant in a fuel cell system ( 2 ), the coolant storage tank comprising a plurality of individually controllable heater elements ( 7, 8 a, 8 b ). A coolant storage tank comprising a first heater element ( 7 ) located at a base of the coolant storage tank and a second heater element ( 8 a ) is also disclosed. A coolant storage tank comprising a first coolant storage compartment ( 50 ) in fluid communication with a second coolant storage compartment ( 51 ), the first coolant storage compartment including at least a first heater element ( 54 ) and wherein the second coolant storage compartment is unheated is also disclosed. A method of melting frozen coolant in a coolant storage tank is also disclosed.

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Номер записи: 87
10-11-2016 дата публикации

FUEL CELL SYSTEM

Номер: US20160329583A1
Автор: CHOI SungBum
Принадлежит:

A fuel cell includes a membrane-electrode assembly, an anode separator and a cathode separator disposed at both sides of the membrane-electrode assembly, wherein the anode separator includes a hydrogen adsorption portion formed in a hydrogen reaction channel in which hydrogen flows. 1. A fuel cell comprising:a membrane-electrode assembly;an anode separator and a cathode separator disposed at both sides of the membrane-electrode assembly,wherein the anode separator includes a hydrogen adsorption portion formed in a hydrogen reaction channel in which hydrogen flows.2. The fuel cell of claim 1 , wherein the hydrogen adsorption portion includes a hydrogen adsorption layer formed by coating a hydrogen adsorption material on a channel surface of the hydrogen reaction channel claim 1 , and wherein the hydrogen adsorption layer adsorbs hydrogen and causes an exothermal reaction.3. The fuel cell of claim 2 , wherein the hydrogen adsorption material is metal hydride.4. The fuel cell of claim 2 , wherein the anode separator forms land portions closely adhered to a side of an anode of the membrane-electrode assembly claim 2 , the hydrogen reaction channel is formed between the land portions claim 2 , and the hydrogen adsorption layer is formed on a channel surface of the hydrogen reaction channel except for the land portions.5. A fuel cell system comprising:a fuel cell stack in which a plurality of fuel cells are stacked;a reaction gas supplier supplying hydrogen and oxygen to the fuel cell stack; anda controller receiving an atmospheric temperature detected by an atmospheric temperature sensor and a coolant temperature detected by a coolant temperature sensor,wherein the fuel cell includes a membrane-electrode assembly, and an anode separator and a cathode separator are disposed at both sides of the membrane-electrode assembly,and wherein the anode separator includes a hydrogen adsorption portion formed in a hydrogen reaction channel in which hydrogen flows.6. The fuel cell ...

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Номер записи: 88
16-11-2017 дата публикации

END CELL HEATER FOR FUEL CELL, AND FUEL CELL INCLUDING SAME

Номер: US20170331126A1
Автор: Gu Jung Sam, JEON Young-Ha, Oh Kwang Hun, SHIN Hyun Kun
Принадлежит:

A fuel cell includes end cell heaters each disposed on outer sides of end cells disposed at both ends of the fuel cell stack. The end cell heaters each include a support formed in a plate shape having fuel channels and air channels. A heat generating part is formed in the support. Electricity conduction blocks are coupled to the support. 1. An end cell heater for a fuel cell , comprising:a support formed in a plate shape and having fuel channels and air channels each formed at both sides thereof to penetrate through both surfaces thereof;a heat generating part provided in the support and generating heat; andelectricity conduction blocks coupled to the support to penetrate through both of the surfaces of the support.2. The end cell heater for a fuel cell of claim 1 , wherein the support has space parts and insertion holes formed therein to penetrate through both of the surfaces thereof claim 1 , the heat generating part formed of positive temperature coefficient elements and disposed in the space parts claim 1 , the electricity conduction blocks inserted into the insertion holes claim 1 ,the end cell heater for a fuel cell further comprising:a first electrode and a second electrode stacked on both of the surfaces of the support, respectively, to thereby be electrically connected to the positive temperature coefficient elements and having the electricity conduction blocks penetrating therethrough and insulated therefrom;a pair of insulators stacked on outer sides of the first electrode and the second electrode and having through-holes formed therein, the through-holes having the electricity conduction blocks penetrating therethrough; anda pair of electricity conduction plates stacked on outer sides of the pair of insulators to thereby be coupled to the electricity conduction blocks and electrically connected to the electricity conduction blocks.3. The end cell heater for a fuel cell of claim 2 , wherein the support has seating grooves concavely formed in both of the ...

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Номер записи: 89
16-11-2017 дата публикации

FUEL CELL AND COOLANT STORAGE

Номер: US20170331127A1
Автор: Foster Simon, GARDNER Vince, MOGHIMI Shahin, Palmer Nathaniel, Rama Pratap
Принадлежит: Intelligent Energy Limited

A method of operating a fuel cell system comprising a fuel cell assembly configured to generate electrical power from a fuel flow and an oxidant flow, the method comprising a first phase and a subsequent second phase, the first phase comprising; operating the fuel cell assembly with a first stoichiometric ratio of oxidant flow to fuel flow to generate electrical power; providing said generated electrical power to a heater element for heating a coolant for supply to said fuel cell assembly; the second phase comprising; delivering coolant heated in the first phase to the fuel cell assembly; operating the fuel cell assembly with a second stoichiometric ratio of oxidant flow to fuel flow to generate electrical power, the second stoichiometric ratio lower than the first ratio. 1. A method of operating a fuel cell system comprising a fuel cell assembly configured to generate electrical power from a fuel flow and an oxidant flow , the method comprising: operating the fuel cell assembly with a first stoichiometric ratio of oxidant flow to fuel flow to generate electrical power;', 'providing said generated electrical power to a heater element for heating a coolant for supply to said fuel cell assembly;', 'the second phase comprising;', 'delivering coolant heated in the first phase to the fuel cell assembly;', 'operating the fuel cell assembly with a second stoichiometric ratio of oxidant flow to fuel flow to generate electrical power, the second stoichiometric ratio lower than the first ratio., 'a first phase and a subsequent second phase, the first phase comprising;'}2. A method according to claim 1 , in which the second phase includes the step of providing said generated electrical power to the heater element or a different heater element for heating a coolant for supply to said fuel cell assembly.3. A method according to claim 1 , in which the first phase includes setting a fuel flow supply pressure to a first pressure and the second phase comprises setting the fuel flow ...

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Номер записи: 90
03-12-2015 дата публикации

Fuel cell system and control method therefor

Номер: US20150349360A1
Автор: Kiyoshi Hoshi
Принадлежит: Nissan Motor Co Ltd

A fuel cell system includes an auxiliary machine electrically connected to a fuel cell, the auxiliary machine being driven by power of the fuel cell, a heater electrically connected to the fuel cell, the heater being configured to heat cooling water supplied to the fuel cell, and a warm-up control unit configured to warm up the fuel cell itself by the supply of power to the auxiliary machine and the heater during start-up of the fuel cell below freezing point. The warm-up control unit includes a water amount computation unit configured to compute a produced water amount on the basis of a degree of wetness and a temperature of the fuel cell and a generated power of the fuel cell during warm-up, the produced water amount being a water amount produced in an electrolyte membrane until the temperature of the fuel cell increases to a freezing point temperature, and an anti-freezing control unit configured to increase a power ratio of power to the heater in regards to the auxiliary machine during the warm-up when the computed produced water amount is determined to be larger than a threshold value.

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Номер записи: 91
15-11-2018 дата публикации

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PREVENTING MOISTURE CONDENSATION

Номер: US20180331377A1
Автор: Im Se Joon, Kim Duck Whan, Kim Ju Han, NOH Young Woo, Suh Jung Do, Yu Jung Han
Принадлежит:

An apparatus for preventing moisture condensation includes a fuel cell stack and an enclosure in which the fuel cell stack is disposed. A heater and a temperature sensor are provided in the enclosure. A controller is configured to control the heater to be turned on when an insulation resistance between the fuel cell stack and the enclosure is less than a preset resistance value. The controller controls the heater not to be turned on when a surface temperature of the enclosure measured by the temperature sensor exceeds a preset temperature. 115-. (canceled)16. A method for preventing moisture condensation , comprising steps of:measuring an insulation resistance between a fuel cell stack and an enclosure;determining whether the insulation resistance is less than a preset resistance value;determining whether a surface temperature of the enclosure measured by a temperature sensor exceeds a preset temperature;controlling a heater to be turned on for a predetermined period of time when the surface temperature of the enclosure does not exceed the preset temperature; andcontrolling a warning device to be turned on when the surface temperature of the enclosure exceeds the present temperature.17. The method of claim 16 , further comprising steps of:sensing a starting-on signal of a vehicle;determining whether an average voltage per cell of the fuel cell stack is greater than a first voltage when the starting-on signal is sensed;controlling the heater to be turned on for the predetermined period of time when the average voltage per cell of the fuel cell stack is greater than the first voltage;determining the average voltage per cell of the fuel cell stack is equal to or less than a second voltage after the heater is turned on; andcontrolling the heater to be turned off when the average voltage per cell of the fuel cell stack is equal to or less than the second voltage.18. The method of claim 16 , further comprising steps of:sensing a vehicle stop signal or a shut-down signal; ...

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Номер записи: 92
23-11-2017 дата публикации

Air Control System and Method for Fuel Cell Stack System

Номер: US20170338500A1
Автор: Martin Pryor
Принадлежит: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC

An airflow control method of an air control system for a fuel cell stack (FCS) includes opening a recirculation valve by a controller to recirculate air through a compressor to increase a temperature of the air prior to entering the FCS to offset a FCS temperature below a predetermined threshold in response to identification to a cold-start event. The recirculation valve may be arranged with the compressor to recirculate air therethrough. The FCS may be arranged with the compressor and recirculation valve to selectively receive air therefrom. A sensor may measure thermal conditions of the FCS. The controller may be programmed to receive signals from the sensor indicating thermal conditions of the FCS, and to operate the recirculation valve based on the signals to recirculate air through the compressor to increase a temperature of the air prior to entering the FCS.

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Номер записи: 93
01-12-2016 дата публикации

FUEL CELL SYSTEM AND CONTROL METHOD FOR FUEL CELL SYSTEM

Номер: US20160351928A1
Автор: HOSHI Kiyoshi
Принадлежит: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.

A fuel cell system is configured to generate power by supplying anode gas and cathode gas to a fuel cell. The fuel cell system includes a load connected to the fuel cell and an IV estimation unit configured to change an output current of the fuel cell with a predetermined width by adjusting power supplied to the load during the warm-up of the fuel cell. The fuel cell system is configured to estimate an IV characteristic of the fuel cell on the basis of at least two sets of an output current value and an output voltage value detected while the output current is changed. The fuel cell system includes an IV estimation stop unit configured to stop the execution of the IV estimation on the basis of an output of the fuel cell during the execution of the IV estimation. 116.-. (canceled)17. A fuel cell system for generating power by supplying anode gas and cathode gas to a fuel cell , comprising:a load connected to the fuel cell;a current control unit configured to change an output current of the fuel cell with a predetermined width by adjusting power supplied to the load during the warm-up of the fuel cell;an IV estimation unit configured to estimate an IV characteristic of the fuel cell on the basis of at least two sets of an output current value and an output voltage value detected while the output current is changed; andan IV estimation stop unit configured to stop an IV estimation by the IV estimation unit when a detected value of an output voltage value of the fuel cell drops to or below a first predetermined value during the execution of the IV estimation.18. A fuel cell system for generating power by supplying anode gas and cathode gas to a fuel cell , comprising:a load connected to the fuel cell;a current width control unit configured to change an output current of the fuel cell with a current width based on a state of the load and/or a state of the fuel cell system by adjusting power supplied to the load during the warm-up of the fuel cell;an IV estimation unit ...

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Номер записи: 94
22-11-2018 дата публикации

Electricity Generation Devices Using Formic Acid

Номер: US20180337416A1
Автор: HUANG Kuo-Wei, Zheng Junrong
Принадлежит: KING ABDULLAH UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

The present disclosure relates generally to new forms of portable energy generation devices and methods. The devices are designed to covert formic acid into released hydrogen, alleviating the need for a hydrogen tank as a hydrogen source for fuel cell power. 1. An electricity generation device for powering a fuel cell using formic acid , comprising:(a) a formic acid reservoir;(b) a reaction chamber;(c) a conduit for delivering formic acid from the formic acid reservoir to the reaction chamber, comprising a feed pump for moving the formic acid into and through the conduit for delivering, the formic acid to the reaction chamber;(d) a fuel cell that generates at least electricity and heat as by-products; wherein the reaction chamber is capable of receiving heat generated by operation of the fuel cell or from another heat source and promoting the formic acid to convert to hydrogen and carbon dioxide, wherein the initial heating is powered by a battery;(e) a delivery system for moving converted hydrogen into the fuel cell, wherein the delivery system for moving converted hydrogen into the fuel cell further comprises a flow meter: and(f) a battery powered by electricity generated by the fuel cell.2. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a power converter for converting electricity generated via operation of the fuel cell to an appropriate current for delivery to the battery.3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the reaction chamber comprises a heating reaction chamber.4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the reaction chamber further comprises a heat insulator.5. The device of claim 1 , wherein the reaction chamber further comprises an exhaust gas react furnace.6. The device of claim 1 , wherein the reaction chamber further comprises a stir system.7. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a heat pipe for delivering heat from the fuel cell to the reaction chamber claim 1 , to the formic acid reservoir claim 1 , or both.8. (canceled)9. The device of claim 1 , further ...

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Номер записи: 95
30-11-2017 дата публикации

Cooling System for at Least One Fuel Cell of a Fuel Cell System and Method for Cooling at Least One Fuel Cell

Номер: US20170346109A1
Автор: Formanski Volker, Patron Gustavo Rizo
Принадлежит:

A cooling system for a fuel cell of a fuel cell system includes a cooling circuit that includes at least one heat exchanger and the fuel cell. The cooling system also includes at least two pumping devices, arranged in the cooling circuit, whereby the at least two pumping devices at least sometimes jointly deliver coolant into the cooling circuit. 1. A cooling system for a fuel cell of a fuel cell system , the cooling system comprising:a cooling circuit that includes at least one heat exchanger and the fuel cell; andat least two pumping devices, arranged in the cooling circuit, wherein the at least two pumping devices at least sometimes jointly deliver coolant into the cooling circuit.2. The cooling system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the at least two pumping devices comprises a first pumping device that is provided upstream of the fuel cell and downstream of the heat exchanger claim 1 , and a second pumping device that is provided downstream of the least one fuel cell and upstream of the heat exchanger.3. The cooling system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the at least two pumping devices are identical in design.4. The cooling system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the cooling circuit further comprises a bypass that branches off of a fuel cell discharge line downstream of the fuel cell and upstream of the heat exchanger claim 1 , and wherein the bypass opens in a fuel cell feed line upstream of the fuel cell and downstream of the heat exchanger.5. The cooling system as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the cooling circuit further comprises a bypass that branches off of a fuel cell discharge line downstream of the fuel cell and upstream of the heat exchanger claim 2 , and wherein the bypass opens in a fuel cell feed line upstream of the fuel cell and downstream of the heat exchanger.6. The cooling system as claimed in claim 4 , wherein the first pumping device is arranged upstream of the fuel cell and downstream of the mouth of the bypass claim 4 , and wherein the ...

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Номер записи: 96
22-10-2020 дата публикации

COOLING SYSTEM FOR FUEL CELL STACKS

Номер: US20200335805A1
Автор: Belschner Werner, Heyse Jorg, Lynk Kevin, Remlinger Markus, Schneider Jesse
Принадлежит:

The invention relates to a cooling system () for fuel cell stacks (), comprising a first cooling module () and a second cooling module (). The first cooling module () comprises a fuel cell stack (), a supply line connection () for connecting a supply line () for supplying coolant to the fuel cell stack (), a discharge line connection () for connecting a discharge line () for discharging coolant from the fuel cell stack (), and a venting line connection () for connecting a venting line (). 1. A cooling system for fuel cell stacks , comprising: a fuel cell stack having a fuel cell;', 'a supply line connection for connecting a supply line for feeding coolant to the fuel cell stack;', 'a drain line connection for connecting a drain line for discharging coolant from the fuel cell stack; and', 'a venting line connection for connecting a venting line;, 'a first cooling module, comprising a collection line, wherein the collection line is connected via the supply line to the supply line connection of the first cooling module;', 'a cooler line connection for connection to a cooler line of a cooler, via which cooled coolant of the fuel cell stack can be fed to the collection line;', 'a bypass line connection for connection to a bypass line, by means of which a cooling of the coolant can be bypassed;, 'a second cooling module, comprisinga startup heater, which is connected to the collection line via a startup heater infeed line and a startup heater discharge line, wherein the startup heater infeed line and the startup heater discharge line are arranged downstream, in the direction of flow of the collection line, of a coolant fed to the collection line via the bypass line connection; anda heat exchanger supply connection and a heat exchanger discharge connection for connecting a heat exchanger.2. The cooling system of claim 1 , wherein the heat exchanger is a passenger compartment heating heat exchanger.3. The cooling system of claim 1 , wherein the second cooling module has a ...

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Номер записи: 97
07-12-2017 дата публикации

FUEL CELL SYSTEM

Номер: US20170352896A1
Автор: BRAILLARD VINCENT, Paganelli Gino
Принадлежит:

A fuel-cell stack system includes a stack of electrochemical cells, a fuel gas supply circuit and an oxidant gas supply circuit, a cooling circuit, a micropump, a temperature measurement device, and a controller. The cells are separated by bipolar plates, with each bipolar plate including an anode, a cathode, and an ion-exchange membrane. The cooling circuit, which is structured to enable a coolant fluid to circulate therein, includes a secondary circuit and a primary circuit that is smaller in size than the secondary circuit, with the primary and secondary circuits being isolated from each other by a thermostatic valve. The micropump is installed at an outlet of the stack and enables a volume of water inside the stack to be mixed. The temperature measurement device determines an internal temperature of a core of the stack. The primary circuit is activated when the internal temperature rises above a predetermined threshold. 16-: (canceled)7: A fuel-cell stack system , comprising:a stack of electrochemical cells separated by bipolar plates, each of the bipolar plates including an anode, a cathode, and an ion-exchange membrane;a fuel gas supply circuit and an oxidant gas supply circuit;a cooling circuit structured to enable a coolant fluid to circulate therein, the cooling circuit including a secondary circuit and a primary circuit that is smaller in size than the secondary circuit, the primary and secondary circuits being isolated from each other by a thermostatic valve;a micropump installed at an outlet of the stack, the micropump being structured to enable a volume of water inside the stack to be mixed; anda core temperature measurement device arranged to determine an internal temperature of a core of the stack, wherein the primary circuit is activated when the internal temperature rises above a predetermined threshold.8. The system according to claim 7 , further comprising a cooling-circuit temperature measurement device arranged to determine a temperature in the ...

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Номер записи: 98
15-12-2016 дата публикации

DUAL SEAL ANODE DRAIN / PURGE TUBE

Номер: US20160365588A1
Автор: Chinnici Anthony G., Clingerman Bruce J., Dammar Chad A.
Принадлежит:

A device and method for improving cathode catalytic heating by allowing independently for a draining of a liquid and a purging of a gas in a fuel cell at cold starts via a system including an anode drain and a cathode catalytic heating system connected by a purge tube, a sump external to the purge tube, and a pintle having a closed position, a first open position, and a second open position. 1. A method for improving cathode catalytic heating by allowing independently for a draining of at least one liquid comprising water and a purging of at least one gas in a fuel cell at cold starts , the method comprising: an anode drain and a cathode drain, coupled by a purge tube there between, the purge tube configured for the purging of the at least one gas from the anode drain to the cathode drain;', 'a sump external to the purge tube and configured for the draining of the at least one liquid comprising the water from the sump to the cathode drain; and', 'a pintle selectively disposed within the purge tube, the pintle moveable between a closed position preventing the draining of the at least one liquid from the sump and preventing the purging of the at least one gas from the purge tube, a first open position allowing the draining of the at least one liquid from the sump while preventing the purging of the at least one gas from the purge tube, and a second open position allowing the draining of the at least one liquid from the sump and allowing the purging of the at least one gas from the purge tube;, 'providing a cathode catalytic heating system comprising;'}actuating the pintle from the closed position to the first open position; anddraining the at least one liquid from the sump to the cathode drain.2. The method of further comprising actuating the pintle from the first open position to the second open position claim 1 , and removing recycled hydrogen by the purging of the at least one gas.3. The method of further comprising actuating the pintle from about 1 to about 9 ...

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Номер записи: 99
29-12-2016 дата публикации

FUEL CELL SYSTEM WITH A SINGLE COOLANT LOOP

Номер: US20160380280A1
Автор: Filangi Sébastien, Foncin Charles
Принадлежит:

Embodiments of the present invention provide a single coolant loop () that can be used for cooling at least two systems () that are generally operable at two different temperatures. Rather than providing two separate cooling loops that can provide the two different cooling temperatures, there is provided a single cooling loop () that can route, harness, and mix heated coolant so that the two system can be served by a single loop. 1. A single coolant loop for cooling at least two systems having different operating temperatures , the single coolant loop comprising:(a) a coolant pump for moving coolant fluid through the loop;(b) a distributor for routing coolant fluid through one of two paths;(c) a first path, comprising delivery of coolant fluid through a heat exchanger and to cool a first system;(d) a second path, comprising by-pass of the first system;(e) wherein the first and second paths converge at a coolant mixer, wherein the coolant mixer combines coolant from the first and second paths.2. The single coolant loop of claim 1 , wherein the coolant fluid comprises a dielectric coolant fluid.3. The single coolant loop of claim 1 , wherein the at least two systems to be cooled comprise a fuel cell system and its related electronic components.4. The single coolant loop of claim 1 , wherein coolant fluid on the first path that leaves the first system passes through a thermal conditioning unit prior to delivery to the coolant mixer.5. The single coolant loop of claim 1 , wherein fluid leaving the coolant mixer is delivered to the second system.6. The single coolant loop of claim 1 , wherein coolant fluid leaving the second system passes through a thermal conditioning unit prior to delivery to the distributor.7. The single coolant loop of claim 1 , further comprising a heat storage unit for capturing heat generated by at least one of the systems.8. The single coolant loop of claim 7 , wherein coolant fluid may transfer heat to the heat storage unit or wherein coolant ...

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Номер записи: 100