Described herein is a fuel cell and battery hybrid system (1) comprising one or more sets (2) of serially connected fuel cells (FC1-n). The one or more sets (2) of serially connected fuel cells (FC1-n) are further serially connected via a respective fuel cell series enhancer (3). The serially connected sets (2) are further connected in parallel with a battery (4) via a fuel cell power charge controller (5). Each respective set (2) of serially connected fuel cells (FC1-n) is further arranged be controlled by the fuel cell series enhancer (3) to operate electrically independent from other sets (2) of serially connected fuel cells (FC1-n) and at its own unique maximum power point or uniquely selected other operating point, regardless of the operating points of other sets (2) of serially connected fuel cells (FC1-n).
B60L 58/40 - Procédés ou agencements de circuits pour surveiller ou commander des batteries ou des piles à combustible, spécialement adaptés pour des véhicules électriques pour la commande d'une combinaison de batteries et de piles à combustible
B60L 50/75 - Propulsion électrique par source d'énergie intérieure au véhicule utilisant de la puissance de propulsion fournie par des batteries ou des piles à combustible utilisant de la puissance de propulsion fournie à la fois par des piles à combustible et des batteries
B60L 58/12 - Procédés ou agencements de circuits pour surveiller ou commander des batteries ou des piles à combustible, spécialement adaptés pour des véhicules électriques pour la surveillance et la commande des batteries en fonction de l'état de charge [SoC]
B60L 53/20 - Procédés de chargement de batteries spécialement adaptées aux véhicules électriquesStations de charge ou équipements de charge embarqués pour ces batteriesÉchange d'éléments d’emmagasinage d'énergie dans les véhicules électriques caractérisés par des convertisseurs situés dans le véhicule
H01M 16/00 - Combinaisons structurelles de différents types de générateurs électrochimiques
H01M 8/04089 - Dispositions pour la commande des paramètres des réactifs, p. ex. de la pression ou de la concentration des réactifs gazeux
Described herein is a fuel cell power module (1) comprising: a fuel supply module (2) having an outer delimiting surface; a plurality of thin plate shaped micro fuel cell modules (3); a manifold module (5); and a control module (6), wherein the plurality of thin plate shaped micro fuel cell modules (3) are arranged at least partially covering the outer delimiting surface of the fuel supply module (2) and parallel to that surface and at or slightly separated therefrom to form an air flow channel (7) along that surface, and the manifold module (5) is arranged for distribution of fuel from the fuel supply module (2) to the thin plate shaped micro fuel cell modules (3) under control of the control module (6).
Described herein is a battery pack cell state of charge balancing system (1). A battery pack (2) of the system comprises a plurality of serially connected battery pack cells (BAT1 – BATn), each of which (BATx) comprises one or more battery cells connected in parallel. For each respective battery pack cell (BATx) there is a set of serially connected fuel cells (FCx) at battery pack cell voltage level. Each respective set (FCx) is selectively connectable in parallel to a respective corresponding battery pack cell (BATx) by closing a respective first switch (SWx), for charging or boosting battery pack cell (BATx) power output. Each set (FCx) includes a respective DC-DC converter, arranged to regulate the operating point of the set (FCx) to its maximum power point or uniquely selected other operating point, to maintain the respective battery pack cell (BATx) at a defined state of charge for all battery pack cells (BAT1 – BATn) constituting the battery pack (2).
Described herein is a fuel cell and battery hybrid system (1) comprising one or more sets (2) of serially connected fuel cells (FC1-n). The one or more sets (2) of serially connected fuel cells (FC1-n) are further serially connected via a respective fuel cell series enhancer (3). The serially connected sets (2) are further connected in parallel with a battery (4) via a fuel cell power charge controller (5). Each respective set (2) of serially connected fuel cells (FC1-n) is further arranged be controlled by the fuel cell series enhancer (3) to operate electrically independent from other sets (2) of serially connected fuel cells (FC1-n) and at its own unique maximum power point or uniquely selected other operating point, regardless of the operating points of other sets (2) of serially connected fuel cells (FC1-n).
B60L 50/75 - Propulsion électrique par source d'énergie intérieure au véhicule utilisant de la puissance de propulsion fournie par des batteries ou des piles à combustible utilisant de la puissance de propulsion fournie à la fois par des piles à combustible et des batteries
B60L 53/00 - Procédés de chargement de batteries spécialement adaptées aux véhicules électriquesStations de charge ou équipements de charge embarqués pour ces batteriesÉchange d'éléments d’emmagasinage d'énergie dans les véhicules électriques
B60L 58/12 - Procédés ou agencements de circuits pour surveiller ou commander des batteries ou des piles à combustible, spécialement adaptés pour des véhicules électriques pour la surveillance et la commande des batteries en fonction de l'état de charge [SoC]
B60L 58/40 - Procédés ou agencements de circuits pour surveiller ou commander des batteries ou des piles à combustible, spécialement adaptés pour des véhicules électriques pour la commande d'une combinaison de batteries et de piles à combustible
H01M 8/04298 - Procédés de commande des éléments à combustible ou des systèmes d’éléments à combustible
H01M 16/00 - Combinaisons structurelles de différents types de générateurs électrochimiques
H02J 1/10 - Fonctionnement de sources à courant continu en parallèle
H02J 7/34 - Fonctionnement en parallèle, dans des réseaux, de batteries avec d'autres sources à courant continu, p. ex. batterie tampon
5.
A HANDLE, A FUEL-FILLER COMPARTMENT AND A METHOD OF FILLING LIQUID FUEL FROM A FUEL PUMP STATION INTO A FUEL-CELL POWERED ELECTRIC VEHICLE
A handle (100) for filling at least one liquid fuel component into a fuel-cell powered electric vehicle (460) has a nozzle piece (110). The nozzle piece (110) contains a set of output conduit openings (111, 112, 113) each configured feed a particular one of the fuel components into the vehicle (460). The conduit openings (111, 12, 113) are arranged in a first pattern relative to one another, which first pattern is adapted to match a second pattern of receiver conduit openings (211, 212, 213) in a fuel-filler compartment (200) of the vehicle (460) in a key-lock manner. Thereby, unintentional mixing of the fuel components can be avoided.
A fuel cell based charger (CH) has a housing (10) with first and second ends (PE, DE), and a charging unit (11) comprising a fuel cell assembly (FCA) and a connecting mechanism for connecting the charging unit (11) to a fuel generator cartridge (12). The charging unit (11) is arranged in said housing (10) in a sliding relationship such that it is slidable out from said housing (10) at said second end (DE). The housing (10) is adapted for receiving a fuel generator cartridge (12) at said first end (PE). The connecting mechanism comprises a dual function latch mechanism for locking the charging unit (11) to the housing (10) in a non-operative condition and releasing it when a cartridge (12) is inserted into the housing (10) and to lock the charging unit (11) to the cartridge (12) during the inserting operation.
H01M 8/0606 - Combinaison d’éléments à combustible avec des moyens de production de réactifs ou pour le traitement de résidus avec des moyens de production des réactifs gazeux
C01B 3/06 - Production d'hydrogène ou de mélanges gazeux contenant de l'hydrogène par réaction de composés inorganiques comportant un hydrogène lié électropositivement, p. ex. de l'eau, des acides, des bases, de l'ammoniac, avec des agents réducteurs inorganiques
The invention provides a method and a system of power management suitable for use in a range extender for an electric vehicle. The range extender comprises a primary circuit with a fuel cell assembly (10) comprising a plurality of fuel cell segments (14), each segment comprising a plurality of in-plane fuel cells (12) connected in series on a support (16). A hydrogen feed means is provided comprising a valve (20) for each segment (14) for controlling flow into each segment. A secondary circuit comprising a plurality of DC-DC converters converts the voltage to a predetermined value. A power circuit comprising an inverter is arranged to receive the output from the secondary circuit and for providing a three-phase voltage. A control unit comprises circuitry configured to implement the method. The method comprises monitoring the voltage of each individual fuel cell in the assembly, and recording deviations from a set value of said voltage. If a voltage of one of said in-plane fuel cells(12) deviates from said set value by a predetermined amount, closing the valve (20) for the segment (14) in question where said cell (12) is located, thereby shutting off said segment (14) from power generation.
B60L 50/70 - Propulsion électrique par source d'énergie intérieure au véhicule utilisant de la puissance de propulsion fournie par des batteries ou des piles à combustible utilisant de l'énergie fournie par des piles à combustible
8.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING ELECTRIC POWER WITH A FUEL CELL ARRAY, CONTROL UNIT AND DYNAMIC ELECTRICAL LOAD
Electric power is produced in a fuel cell array (120) based on chemical fuel (F) provided from a fuel source (110). The electric power is held available via an output terminal (125). A sensor cell (130) registers a sensor signal (Vs) reflecting a degree of consumption of chemical fuel (F) in the fuel cell array relative to an amount of chemical fuel (F) received in the fuel cell array (120). The production of electric power in the fuel cell array (120) is monitored by measuring at least one voltage (Vi, Vn, VOUT) in the fuel cell array (120). A fraction (PEF) of the electric power produced by the fuel cell array (120) is controlled to be fed into a dynamic electric load (150) connected to the output terminal (125). The fraction (PEF) fed into the dynamic electric load ( 150) is controlled in response to the sensor signal (Vs) such that a difference is minimized between the amount of chemical fuel (F) received in the fuel cell array (120) and an amount of chemical fuel consumed in the fuel cell array (120) when producing the electric power.
H01M 16/00 - Combinaisons structurelles de différents types de générateurs électrochimiques
B60L 50/70 - Propulsion électrique par source d'énergie intérieure au véhicule utilisant de la puissance de propulsion fournie par des batteries ou des piles à combustible utilisant de l'énergie fournie par des piles à combustible
B60L 58/30 - Procédés ou agencements de circuits pour surveiller ou commander des batteries ou des piles à combustible, spécialement adaptés pour des véhicules électriques pour la surveillance et la commande des piles à combustible
H02J 7/34 - Fonctionnement en parallèle, dans des réseaux, de batteries avec d'autres sources à courant continu, p. ex. batterie tampon
9.
HYDROGEN GENERATOR WITH CONDENSATION AND PURIFICATION STRUCTURE
The invention relates to a hydrogen generator (10), comprising a housing (12) having at least one storage compartment (14, 26) for chemical reaction components, and a reaction compartment (26) in which the chemical reaction components can react. The first compartment (26) houses aluminium, and the second compartment (14) houses water and hydroxide in solution. There is provided means (18) for providing fluid communication between second compartment (14) containing the solution of water and hydroxide and the first compartment (26) containing the aluminium. A condensation structure (20, 22) is provided in which water vapour is removed from the generated hydrogen gas. In particular the first compartment (26) constitutes the reaction compartment. A purification structure (20, 22) comprising zeolite(s), is arranged to receive hydrogen gas from the reaction compartment when formed via an inlet and to feed such purified gas to a fuel cell via an outlet.
C01B 3/08 - Production d'hydrogène ou de mélanges gazeux contenant de l'hydrogène par réaction de composés inorganiques comportant un hydrogène lié électropositivement, p. ex. de l'eau, des acides, des bases, de l'ammoniac, avec des agents réducteurs inorganiques avec des métaux
B01D 53/00 - Séparation de gaz ou de vapeursRécupération de vapeurs de solvants volatils dans les gazÉpuration chimique ou biologique des gaz résiduaires, p. ex. gaz d'échappement des moteurs à combustion, fumées, vapeurs, gaz de combustion ou aérosols
10.
FUEL CELL BASED CHARGER FOR ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT WITH SLIDING FUEL CELL UNIT
The invention relates to a fuel cell based charger (10), comprising a housing (12) and a fuel cell unit (14) having a first end (16a) and a second end (16b). The unit is provided inside the housing (12) in a sliding relationship therewith, such that it can be slid to a position where at least a part of the fuel cell unit (14) protrudes from the housing (12). The fuel cell unit (14) comprises a coupling interface (17) at the second end (16b) of the fuel cell unit, to which coupling interface (17) a fuel generator cartridge (18) is attachable. By pushing the attached cartridge (18) into the housing (12), the fuel cell unit can be made to protrude from the housing (12). It also relates to a housing in which a fuel cell unit (14) is housed in a sliding relationship.
H01M 8/06 - Combinaison d’éléments à combustible avec des moyens de production de réactifs ou pour le traitement de résidus
C01B 3/06 - Production d'hydrogène ou de mélanges gazeux contenant de l'hydrogène par réaction de composés inorganiques comportant un hydrogène lié électropositivement, p. ex. de l'eau, des acides, des bases, de l'ammoniac, avec des agents réducteurs inorganiques
09 - Appareils et instruments scientifiques et électriques
42 - Services scientifiques, technologiques et industriels, recherche et conception
Produits et services
Liquid fuel dispensing pumps for fuel-cell powered electric vehicles. Fuel cells; Fuel cell systems for generating electric power; Fuel cell systems for charging electric vehicles; Battery charging devices for motor vehicles; Battery chargers for personal electronic devices; Fuel cell based chargers for personal electronic devices; charging appliances for rechargeable equipment for personal electronic devices; Fuel cell based charging stations for electric equipment; protective devices and cases for chargers for personal electronic devices. Research within the field of fuel cell technology; development and design of fuel cells and fuel cell systems; fuel cell technology consultancy; information and advisory services within the field of fuel cell technology.
The invention relates to a novel fuel cartridge for providing hydrogen gas on the basis a reactant system. Thus, a fuel cartridge for a fuel cell device, comprises a reactor compartment for storing a first reactant, a water compartment for storing water. It has a mixing compartment (106)containing a water soluble second reactant, and a fluid communication means (114) between the mixing compartment (106) and the reactor compartment (102) adapted to pass second reactant dissolved in water to the reactor compartment (102),in which the dissolved second reactant can react with the first reactant to generate a gas. Suitably, the fuel cartridge comprises an interface connectable to a water control mechanism disposed outside the cartridge, the water control mechanism configured to control a flow of the water between the water compartment and the mixing compartment such that the water mixes with and dissolves the second reactant in the mixing compartment.
C01B 3/08 - Production d'hydrogène ou de mélanges gazeux contenant de l'hydrogène par réaction de composés inorganiques comportant un hydrogène lié électropositivement, p. ex. de l'eau, des acides, des bases, de l'ammoniac, avec des agents réducteurs inorganiques avec des métaux
C01B 3/06 - Production d'hydrogène ou de mélanges gazeux contenant de l'hydrogène par réaction de composés inorganiques comportant un hydrogène lié électropositivement, p. ex. de l'eau, des acides, des bases, de l'ammoniac, avec des agents réducteurs inorganiques
H01M 8/0606 - Combinaison d’éléments à combustible avec des moyens de production de réactifs ou pour le traitement de résidus avec des moyens de production des réactifs gazeux
13.
DISTRIBUTION OF REACTANT SOLUTION IN A FUEL CARTRIDGE
The invention relates to a fuel cartridge (200) and comprises a reactor compartment (204) housing a reactive material in which an aqueous solution having a pH in the range 12,5 to 14 can be introduced to react with the reactive material to generate hydrogen gas. There is an inlet to said reactor compartment (204) for said aqueous solution and an outlet (216) for hydrogen gas. A porous and hydrophilic film (220) is provided in the reactor compartment at said inlet and having an extension over at least a part of the inner space of the reactor compartment. The film is adapted to convey said aqueous solution by capillary force to distribute the solution over the inside of said reactor chamber. The film is suitably provided against an inner wall of the reactor compartment and covers at least 50% of the inner wall, preferably the entire inner wall.
C01B 3/08 - Production d'hydrogène ou de mélanges gazeux contenant de l'hydrogène par réaction de composés inorganiques comportant un hydrogène lié électropositivement, p. ex. de l'eau, des acides, des bases, de l'ammoniac, avec des agents réducteurs inorganiques avec des métaux
The invention relates to a fuel generator(12) for a fuel cell based charger system, and a system containing a charger (10) and a fuel generator. The generator comprises a compartment (20') containing aluminium, means (18', 20', 21, FW) for providing a solution of water and a water soluble compound capable of reacting with aluminium to generate hydrogen gas,when dissolved in water and brought into contact with the aluminium,and means (FS) for passing said solution into the compartment containing aluminium. The invention also provides a method of operating the system. It comprises providing a fuel generator and a hydrogen driven fuel cell based charger device having means for accommodating the generator. The generator and charger having a common interface cooperative for providing fluid communication between the generator and the charger. The system is primed by inserting the generator into the charger whereby the interface opens up fluid communication between selected parts of the system. A flow of reaction solution is initiated so as to bring it into contact with the aluminium whereby hydrogen begins to be produced, the hydrogen is fed to the fuel cells in the fuel cell assembly whereby electricity is produced.
H01M 8/065 - Combinaison d’éléments à combustible avec des moyens de production de réactifs ou pour le traitement de résidus avec des moyens de production des réactifs gazeux par dissolution des métaux ou des alliagesCombinaison d’éléments à combustible avec des moyens de production de réactifs ou pour le traitement de résidus avec des moyens de production des réactifs gazeux par déshydruration de substances métalliques
C01B 3/08 - Production d'hydrogène ou de mélanges gazeux contenant de l'hydrogène par réaction de composés inorganiques comportant un hydrogène lié électropositivement, p. ex. de l'eau, des acides, des bases, de l'ammoniac, avec des agents réducteurs inorganiques avec des métaux
09 - Appareils et instruments scientifiques et électriques
Produits et services
(1) Battery chargers for personal electronic devices; chargers, namely, fuel cell chargers for personal electronic devices; charging appliances for rechargeable equipment for personal electronic devices; protective devices and cases for chargers;
The invention relates to an electrochemically operable actuator (20), comprising a support structure, a flexible membrane sealed against said support structure to form a compartment (108), electrochemical means (101) adapted to generate hydrogen or oxygen gas and to deliver the gas to the inside of said compartment, the electrochemical means comprising an ion conducting membrane having an electrode on opposing sides thereof, and terminal means for connecting a voltage source to enable applying a potential across the electrodes. The electrochemical means can be a hydrogen pump (101) or an electrolyzer or both. The invention also relates to a fuel cell assembly (100) incorporating a valve (V) with an actuator.
09 - Appareils et instruments scientifiques et électriques
Produits et services
(1) Battery chargers for personal electronic devices, namely cell phones, GPS devices, digital cameras, music and media players, portable gaming units and tablets; chargers, namely fuel cell chargers for cell phones, GPS devices, digital cameras, music and media players, portable gaming units, tablets; charging appliances for rechargeable equipment for personal electronic devices, namely cell phones, GPS devices, digital cameras, music and media players, portable gaming units and tablets.
The invention relates to a polyelectrolyte membrane fuel cell apparatus, comprising a backing plate (11), a top clamping plate (15), at least one in-plane planar fuel cell assembly (13) interposed between said top plate (15) and said backing plate (11), and a current collector foil (14) interposed between the planar fuel cell(s) (13) and the top clamping plate (15), said current collector foil (14) comprising an electrically non-conductive foil having a pattern of electrically conductive material provided thereon on the side facing the planar fuel cell. The fuel cell apparatus is held together by spot welds between the top clamping plate and the backing plate (11).
Fuel cell device (10) comprising a fuel cell assembly (5) with at least one polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell and a fuel delivery means for providing a fuel flow. The device is provided with means (4) for pre burning adapted to burn fuel entering the fuel cell assembly during the start up phase until the fuel flow is increased to a predetermined level and/ or the oxygen concentration is decreased to a predetermined level. The method of operating a fuel cell device (10), the fuel cell device comprising a fuel cell assembly (5) with at least one polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell, a fuel delivery means for providing a fuel flow. The method comprises the steps of initiating the start up phase by causing the fuel delivery means to deliver a fuel flow, whereby a means (4) for pre burning burns off fuel entering the fuel cell assembly, monitoring the fuel flow and /or the oxygen concentration and when the fuel flow is increased to a predetermined level and/ or the oxygen concentration is decreased to a predetermined level, switching from start up phase to power generating phase.
The invention relates to a power source (1) for portable electronic devices. It comprises a control unit (CU) responsive to changes in fuel cell performance and adapted to momentarily stop or decrease the fuel cell current for a period of time in case of a malfunction. There is also provided a pressure release valve (56) at the exit of the fuel cell unit (11), said valve being adapted to open in response to an increased pressure inside the fuel cell unit. A flow restrictor (FR) is coupled between the fuel source and the fuel cell unit (11) adapted to provide a pressure within the fuel cell unit during normal operation that is lower than the opening pressure for the valve.
The invention relates to an arrangement for interconnecting electrochemical cells of the type having a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) interposed between an anode gas diffusion layer (208) and a cathode gas diffusion layer (210), and first and second current collectors coupled to said anode and cathode gas diffusion layers (GDL), respectively, wherein the first current collector extends from the anode side of one cell to the cathode side of an adjacent cell, and wherein the cell components are clamped together. The first current collector (206) which is in contact with the anode gas diffusion layer (GDL; 208) of a first electrochemical cell (200a) is configured to be connected to the cathode side of a second, adjacent electrochemical cell (200b) via an inert and electrically conductive member (204b), without being in electrochemical contact with the electrochemically active components of the adjacent cell.
The invention relates to a sensor cell (1010) for control purposes usable in an assembly (1000) of fuel cells of the type having a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) interposed between an anode gas diffusion layer and a cathode gas diffusion layer, and first and second current collectors coupled to said anode and cathode gas diffusion layers (GDL), respectively. The sensor cell (1010) is preferably coupled so that it shares the negative current collector (1050) with last fuel cell in the in-plane fuel cell assembly (1000), and is short-circuited by a resistor (1070) to provide a voltage signal, indicative of the status of the assembly in operation.
