Abstract:
In a fuel cell which includes a plurality of stacks (3) in which a plurality of cells (2), which cause reaction gases to undergo electrochemical reaction and generate electricity, are stacked in layers; and an electrically conductive member (9) which electrically connects together end portions of the stacks (3), so that the stacks (3) constitute a series circuit, there is also provided a first relay (4) which electrically connects together some cell (2) other than one at an end portion of a stack (3), and a cell (2) of another stack (3). This first relay (4) can create a bypass for cutting out a cell (2) whose cell voltage value has become less than or equal to a predetermined value from the series circuit of the fuel cell.
Abstract:
An electrochemical system having a plurality of discrete electrochemical cell stacks is described. The system includes a water-oxygen management system fluidly coupled to the plurality of electrochemical cell stacks and a hydrogen management system fluidly coupled to the plurality of electrochemical cells. A means for ventilating the system and a control system for monitoring and operating said electrochemical system, said control system including a means for detecting abnormal operating conditions and a means for degrading the performance of said electrochemical system in response to said abnormal condition.
Abstract:
The invention relates to fuel cell unit (1) arranged in an underfloor space of a fuel cell vehicle. The fuel cell unit (1) includes a fuel cell (10) that has a plurality of cells (11) stacked together; and a cell monitor (20) that is arranged in a side region of the fuel cell (10), and that monitors a state of each of the cells (11).
Abstract:
The current invention is a fuel cell controller that includes a first control loop, where the first control loop is disposed to adjust a fuel cell current to regulate a hydrogen output pressure from the fuel cell to a pressure target valve, and further includes a second control loop disposed to adjust a hydrogen flow rate from a hydrogen generator to match a DC/DC power output to a power target value.
Abstract:
The present invention refers to a fuel cell electric generator specifically designed for back-up in the absence of network electricity supply. According to the invention, the generator comprises a fuel cell stack, means for supplying the stack with a first and a second reagent flow comprising, in turn, pressure reducing means, and a manifold body to communicate with the stack said first and second reagent flows and at least a flow of coolant fluid via a respective coolant loop. The manifold body comprises on the inside chambers for the mixing of said reagent flows with corresponding re-circulated product flows and a coolant fluid expansion chamber within which said pressure reducing means of said first and second reagent flows are positioned at least partially drowned by said coolant. The invention further refers to methods for the start-up and shut-down of the generator, a method for detecting the flooding of a fuel cell and a method for detecting the presence of gas leakages in the generator.
Abstract:
The present invention comprises a system for use of fuel cells in stationary/mobile devices with a stable/unstable load profile, having: a fuel cell; a buffer for storage of surplus energy arranged to function as a regulating system between the fuel cell and energy consumption unit; a dumping device for dumping of energy when the buffer is full or according to need; an energy generator/converter for transforming energy when required to another form of energy, at larger energy demand than the fuel cell can meet, or for transforming of energy which is not used and which shall be stored in another form, or for transforming of energy which is stored in the buffer which shall be dumped in another form; and a procedure for use thereof.
Abstract:
An electrical power generation system includes a first fuel cell having a first responsiveness, a second fuel cell having a second responsiveness different from the first responsiveness, and a controller coupled to the first fuel cell and the second fuel cell. The controller is configured to engage the first fuel cell to satisfy at least a portion of a base load and selectively engage the second fuel cell to satisfy at least a portion of a load increase.
Abstract:
Die Erfindung betrifft den Betrieb von Brennstoffzellen, hierfür vorgesehene Gleichspannungswandler, ein Programm für eine entsprechende Steuerung, ein System aus derartigen Komponenten sowie ein Computerprogrammprodukt. Um Brennstoffzellen in Abhängigkeit ihrer Degradation zu betreiben, wird eine Lösung vorgeschlagen, bei der Parameter der Brennstoffzelle ermittelt werden, anhand derer eine Belastungskennlinie unter Berücksichtigung des Brennstoffzellentyps der entsprechenden Brennstoffzelle aufgestellt wird, wobei als Parameter zumindest eine Zellleerlaufspannung, eine Zelltemperatur, eine Zelllastspannung und/oder eine Abgaszusammensetzung ermittelt werden, wobei die Leistung von einem Gleichspannungswandler entnommen wird und wobei in Abhängigkeit von einer geforderten Leistung eine Strom-Spannung-Kombination gemäß der Belastungskennlinie gewählt wird. Damit wird ermöglicht, eine Brennstoffzelle immer in ihrem optimalen Betriebsbereich zu betreiben. So kann der Alterungsprozess der Brennstoffzelle verlangsamt und die Lebensdauer und die Verfügbarkeit einer Brennstoffzelle erhöht werden.
Abstract:
A casing (26) of a fuel cell system (10) is divided into a fluid supply section (88), a module section (90), and an electrical equipment section (92). A back plate (106b) of the casing (26) includes a cable outlet (112) adjacent to a left side plate (108b). A cable outlet panel (118) of the cable outlet (112) includes an attachment plate (120). A first outlet surface (122) and a second outlet surface (124) are formed integrally with the attachment plate (120), and surrounded by the attachment plate (120). The first outlet surface (122) and the second outlet surface (124) allow a power cable (79) to be taken out of the casing (26), and have a V-shape in a plan view of the casing (26).