US6096449A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fuel cell and method for controlling same
Assignee: Relion Inc
•
Filing: 1998-07-01
•
Granted: 2000-08-01
•
Expires: 2018-07-01
Abstract
Abstract The present invention relates to an improved fuel cell and method for controlling same having an anode and a cathode which produces an electrical current having a given voltage and current output and which includes a controller electrically coupled with the fuel cell and which shunts the electrical current between the anode and the cathode of the fuel cell. The invention also discloses a method for controlling the fuel cell having an anode, a cathode and a given voltage and current output and which includes determining the voltage and current output of the fuel cell; and shunting the electrical current between the anode and cathode of the fuel cell under first and second operational conditions.
Inventors
- 👤 William A. Fuglevand
- 👤 Peter D. DeVries
- 👤 Greg A. Lloyd
- 👤 David R. Lott
- 👤 John P. Scartozzi
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 11:42
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01M; H01M8/00; H01M8/24; H01M8/249; H01M8/04; H01M8/04082; H01M8/04089; H01M8/04223; H01M8/04238; H01M8/04246; H01M8/04298; H01M8/04313; H01M8/04537; H01M8/04544; H01M8/04552; H01M8/04574; H01M8/04582; H01M8/04664; H01M8/04671; H01M8/04694; H01M8/04955; H01M8/2465; H01M8/247; H01M8/2475; H01M8/10; H01M2008/1095; H01M2300/00; H01M2300/0017; H01M2300/0065; H01M2300/0082; H01M8/04291; H01M8/04589; H01M8/04746; H01M8/04753; H01M8/04858; H01M8/04865; H01M8/0488; H01M8/04895; H01M8/0491; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E60/00; Y02E60/30; Y02E60/50
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 82
Claim 1
Independent Claim
89 words
A fuel cell having an anode and a cathode and which produces an electrical current having a voltage output, comprising: a controller electrically coupled with the fuel cell and which shunts the electrical current between the anode and cathode of the fuel cell; a supply of fuel gas disposed in fluid flowing relation relative to the anode of the fuel cell; and a valve disposed in fluid flowing control relative to the supply of fuel gas, and wherein the controller is coupled in controlling relation relative to the valve.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
89 words
A fuel cell having an anode and a cathode and which produces an electrical current having a voltage output, comprising: a controller electrically coupled with the fuel cell and which shunts the electrical current between the anode and cathode of the fuel cell; a supply of fuel gas disposed in fluid flowing relation relative to the anode of the fuel cell; and a valve disposed in fluid flowing control relative to the supply of fuel gas, and wherein the controller is coupled in controlling relation relative to the valve.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller further comprises voltage and current sensors which are disposed in voltage and current sensing relation relative to the electrical power output of the fuel cell.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
84 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 2, wherein the controller further comprises an electrical switch having open and closed electrical conditions, and wherein the controller upon sensing, by the voltage and current sensors, a voltage and current output of the fuel cell, adjusts the valve into a fluid metering relationship relative to the supply of fuel gas, and the electrical switch is positioned in the open or closed electrical condition, and wherein the fuel cell, in the second condition, has a duty cycle.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
92 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 3, wherein the controller, in a first condition, shunts current between anode and cathode of the fuel cell when the electrical switch is in the closed electrical condition, and wherein the controller simultaneously causes the valve to terminate the supply of fuel gas to the fuel cell, and wherein the electrical switch when placed in the open electrical condition by the controller also causes the valve to be placed in a condition which allows the substantially continuous supply of fuel gas to the fuel cell.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
73 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 4, wherein the controller, in a second condition, shunts current during the duty cycle between the anode and cathode of the fuel cell when the electrical switch is in the closed electrical condition, and wherein the controller maintains the valve in a condition which allows the substantially continuous delivery of the fuel gas to the fuel cell during the opening and closing of the electrical switch.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
71 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 4, wherein the fuel cell has performance parameters comprising current and voltage outputs, and wherein the first condition, the voltage and current output of the fuel cell is less than the performance parameters; and wherein in the second condition, the electrical switch periodically opens and closes during the duty cycle to cause a resulting increase in the electrical power output of the fuel cell.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
31 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 4, wherein the fuel cell has performance parameters comprising current and voltage outputs, and wherein in the first condition, the performance parameters are declining.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
46 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 4, wherein the fuel cell has performance parameters comprising current and voltage outputs at a full rated current, and wherein in the first condition the performance parameters are declining or in a range of less than about 0.4 volts.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
70 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 4, wherein the fuel cell has performance parameters comprising current and voltage outputs, and wherein in the second condition the fuel cell has an operating cycle of about 0.01 seconds to about 4 minutes, and wherein the duty and operating cycles are individually and selectively adjusted by the controller at least in part by reference to the performance parameters of the fuel cell.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
81 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 4, wherein the fuel cell has performance parameters comprising current and voltage outputs, and wherein in the second condition the fuel cell has an operating cycle of about 0.01 seconds to about 4 minutes, and wherein the duty and operating cycles are individually selectively adjusted by the controller at least in part by reference to the declining performance parameters of the fuel cell in relative comparison to the performance parameters of other fuel cells.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
20 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 4, wherein the fuel cell is serially electrically coupled with another fuel cell.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
78 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 11, wherein in the second condition, the fuel cell has a duty cycle and an operating cycle of about 0.01 seconds to about 4 minutes, and wherein the controller is electrically coupled with each of the fuel cells to shunt electrical current during the duty cycle between the anode and cathode of each of the fuel cells, and wherein the controller shunts the individual fuel cells in a given repeating pattern.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
79 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 12, wherein in the second condition, the controller which is electrically coupled with each of the fuel cells periodically shunts electrical current during the duty cycle between the anode and cathode of each of the fuel cells to achieve a resulting increased electrical power output from the serially electrically coupled fuel cells, and wherein the given repeating pattern of the controller comprises serially shunting the individual fuel cells in the repeating pattern.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
72 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 13, wherein in the second condition, the duty and operating cycles are individually selectively adjusted to optimize the electrical power output of the fuel cells, and wherein the electrical power output of the serially electrically connected fuel cells increases by at least about 5 percent; and wherein the duration of the shunting during the duty cycle is less than about 20% of the operating cycle.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
70 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 14, wherein the electrical switch comprises a field effect transistor, and wherein the controller which is operable to shunt the electrical current between the anode and cathode of each of the fuel cells further comprises a passive by-pass electrical circuit which operates upon failure of the field effect transistor to shunt current between the anode and cathode of each of the fuel cells.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
17 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 15, wherein the passive by-pass electrical circuit comprises a diode.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
117 words
A fuel cell having an anode and cathode and which produces electrical power having a current and voltage output, comprising: a supply of fuel gas disposed in fluid flowing relation relative to the anode of the fuel cell; a valve disposed in fluid flowing controlling relation relative to the supply of fuel gas to meter the fuel gas to the anode of the fuel cell; and a controller electrically coupled with the fuel cell and disposed in controlling relation relative to the valve, and wherein the controller adjusts the valve into a given fluid metering relationship relative to the supply of fuel gas, and the controller shunts current between the anode and cathode of the fuel cell.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
117 words
A fuel cell having an anode and cathode and which produces electrical power having a current and voltage output, comprising: a supply of fuel gas disposed in fluid flowing relation relative to the anode of the fuel cell; a valve disposed in fluid flowing controlling relation relative to the supply of fuel gas to meter the fuel gas to the anode of the fuel cell; and a controller electrically coupled with the fuel cell and disposed in controlling relation relative to the valve, and wherein the controller adjusts the valve into a given fluid metering relationship relative to the supply of fuel gas, and the controller shunts current between the anode and cathode of the fuel cell.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
61 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 17, wherein the controller further comprises voltage and current sensors which are disposed in sensing relation relative to the electrical power output of the fuel cell; and an electrical switch which has open and closed electrical conditions, and wherein the controller causes the electrical switch to move between the open and closed electrical conditions.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
93 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 18, wherein the controller, in a first condition, shunts current between the anode and cathode of the fuel cell when the electrical switch is in the closed electrical condition, and wherein the controller simultaneously causes the valve to terminate the supply of fuel gas to the fuel cell, and wherein the electrical switch when placed in the open electrical condition by the controller also causes the valve to be placed in a condition which allows the substantially continuous supply of fuel gas to the fuel cell.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
83 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 19, wherein the controller, in a second condition, shunts current between the anode and cathode of the fuel cell when the electrical switch is placed in the closed electrical condition, and wherein the controller maintains the valve in a condition which allows the substantially continuous delivery of the fuel gas to the fuel cell during the open and closing of the electrical switch, and wherein the fuel cell in the second condition has a duty cycle.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
70 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 20, wherein the fuel cell has performance parameters comprising current and voltage outputs, and wherein in the first condition, the voltage output of the fuel cell is less than the performance parameters; and wherein in the second condition, the electrical switch periodically opens and closes during the duty cycle to cause a resulting increase in the electrical power output of the fuel cell.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
31 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 20, wherein the fuel cell has performance parameters comprising current and voltage outputs, and wherein in the first condition, the performance parameters are declining.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
46 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 20, wherein the fuel cell has performance parameters comprising current and voltage outputs at a full rated current, and wherein in the first condition the performance parameters are declining or in a range of less than about 0.4 volts.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
64 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 20, wherein the fuel cell has performance parameters comprising current and voltage outputs, and wherein in the second condition the fuel cell has an operating and duty cycle, and wherein the operating and duty cycles are individually and selectively adjusted by the controller at least in part by reference to the performance parameters of the fuel cell.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
86 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 20, wherein the fuel cell has performance parameters comprising current and voltage outputs, and wherein in the second condition the fuel cell has a duty cycle, and an operating cycle of about 0.01 seconds to about 4 minutes, and wherein the operating and duty cycles are individually and selectively adjusted by the controller at least in part by reference to the declining performance parameters of the fuel cell in relative comparison to the performance parameters of other fuel cells.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
19 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 20, wherein the fuel cell is serially electrically coupled with another cell.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
34 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 26, wherein the controller is electrically coupled with each of the fuel cells to shunt current between the anode and cathode of each of the fuel cells.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
76 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 27, wherein the fuel cell has a duty cycle and an operating cycle of 0.01 seconds to about 4 minutes, and wherein in the second condition, the controller which is coupled with each of the fuel cells periodically shunts current during the duty cycle between anode and cathode of each of the fuel cells to cause a resulting increased electrical power output from the serially electrically coupled fuel cells.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
73 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 28, wherein in the second condition, the duty and operating cycles are individually selectively adjusted to optimize the electrical power output of the respective fuel cells; and wherein the electrical power output of the serially electrically connected fuel cells increases by at least about 5 percent; and wherein the duration of the shunting during the duty cycle is less than about 20% of the operating cycle.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
71 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 29, and wherein the electrical switch comprises a field effect transistor, and wherein the controller which is operable to shunt current between the anode and cathode of each of the serially connected fuel cells further comprises a passive by-pass electrical circuit which operates upon failure of the field effect transistor to shunt current between the anode and cathode of each of the fuel cells.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
26 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 30, and wherein the passive by-pass electrical circuit comprises a diode, and the controller is an automated intelligent controller.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
202 words
A fuel cell having an anode, a cathode and which produces electrical current having an electrical power output, comprising: a membrane having opposite sides, and wherein the anode is mounted on one side of the membrane, and the cathode is mounted on the side of the membrane opposite to the anode; a supply of fuel gas disposed in fluid flowing relation relative to the anode, and a supply of an oxidant gas disposed in fluid flowing relation relative to the cathode; voltage and current sensors which are individually electrically coupled with the anode and cathode; a valve disposed in fluid flowing controlling relation relative to the supply of fuel gas to meter the supply of fuel gas to the fuel cell; an electrical switch electrically coupled with the anode and cathode and which can be placed into an open and closed electrical condition; a controller coupled with the electrical switch, valve and the voltage and current sensors, the controller upon sensing a voltage and current at the voltage and current sensors causing the valve to be adjusted into a fluid metering relationship relative to the supply of fuel gas, and the electrical switch to assume a predetermined open or closed electrical condition.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
202 words
A fuel cell having an anode, a cathode and which produces electrical current having an electrical power output, comprising: a membrane having opposite sides, and wherein the anode is mounted on one side of the membrane, and the cathode is mounted on the side of the membrane opposite to the anode; a supply of fuel gas disposed in fluid flowing relation relative to the anode, and a supply of an oxidant gas disposed in fluid flowing relation relative to the cathode; voltage and current sensors which are individually electrically coupled with the anode and cathode; a valve disposed in fluid flowing controlling relation relative to the supply of fuel gas to meter the supply of fuel gas to the fuel cell; an electrical switch electrically coupled with the anode and cathode and which can be placed into an open and closed electrical condition; a controller coupled with the electrical switch, valve and the voltage and current sensors, the controller upon sensing a voltage and current at the voltage and current sensors causing the valve to be adjusted into a fluid metering relationship relative to the supply of fuel gas, and the electrical switch to assume a predetermined open or closed electrical condition.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
95 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 32, wherein the controller, in a first condition, shunts current between the anode and cathode of the fuel cell when the electrical switch is in the closed electrical condition, and wherein the controller simultaneously causes the valve to terminate the supply of fuel gas to the fuel cell, and wherein the electrical switch when placed in the open electrical condition by the controller causes the valve to be placed in a condition which allows the substantially continuous supply of fuel gas to the anode of the fuel cell.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
85 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 33, wherein the controller, in a second condition, shunts current between the anode and cathode of the fuel cell when the electrical switch is placed in the closed electrical condition, and wherein the controller maintains the valve in a condition which allows the substantially continuous delivery of the fuel gas to the fuel cell during the open and closing of the electrical switch, and wherein the fuel cell, in the second condition, has a duty and operating cycle.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
67 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 34, wherein the fuel cell has performance parameters comprising current and voltage outputs, and wherein in the first condition, the voltage output of the fuel cell is less than the performance parameters; and wherein in the second condition, the electrical switch periodically opens and closes during the duty cycle to increase the resulting electrical power output of the fuel cell.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
31 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 34, wherein the fuel cell has performance parameters comprising current and voltage outputs, and wherein in the first condition, the performance parameters are declining.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
46 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 34, wherein the fuel cell has performance parameters comprising current and voltage outputs at a full rated current, and wherein in the first condition the performance parameters are declining or in a range of less than about 0.4 volts.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
66 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 34, wherein the fuel cell has performance parameters comprising current and voltage outputs, and wherein in the second condition the operating cycle is about 0.01 seconds to about 4 minutes, and wherein the duty and operating cycles are individually and selectively adjusted by the controller at least in part by reference to the performance parameters of the fuel cell.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
78 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 34, wherein the fuel cell has performance parameters comprising current and voltage outputs, and wherein in the second condition the operating cycle is about 0.01 seconds to about 4 minutes, and wherein the duty and operating cycles are individually and selectively adjusted by the controller at least in part by reference to the declining performance parameters of the fuel cell in relative comparison to the performance parameters of other fuel cells.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
20 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 34, wherein the fuel cell is serially electrically coupled with another fuel cell.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
34 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 40, wherein the controller is electrically coupled with each of the fuel cells to shunt current between the anode and cathode of each of the fuel cells.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
58 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 41, wherein in the second condition, the controller which is coupled with the anode and cathode of each of the fuel cells shunts current during the duty cycle between the anode and cathode of the respective fuel cells to achieve increased electrical power output from the serially electrically coupled fuel cells.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
73 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 42, wherein in the second condition, the duty and operating cycles are individually and selectively adjusted to optimize the electrical power output of the respective fuel cells; and wherein the electrical power output of the serially electrically connected fuel cells increases by at least about 5%; and wherein the duration of the shunting during the duty cycle is less than about 20% of the operating cycle.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
354 words
A fuel cell having an anode, a cathode and which produces a current having an electrical power output, comprising: a membrane having opposite sides, and wherein the anode is mounted on one side of the membrane, and the cathode is mounted on the side of the membrane opposite to the anode; a supply of fuel gas disposed in fluid flowing relation relative to the anode, and a supply of an oxidant gas disposed in fluid flowing relation relative to the cathode; voltage and current sensors which are individually electrically coupled with the anode and cathode; a valve disposed in fluid flowing controlling relation relative to the supply of fuel gas to meter the supply of fuel gas to the fuel cell; an electrical switch electrically coupled with the anode and cathode and which can be placed into an open and closed electrical condition; and a controller coupled with the electrical switch, valve and the voltage and current sensors, the controller upon sensing a voltage and current at the voltage and current sensors causing the valve to be adjusted into a fluid metering relationship relative to the supply of fuel gas, and the electrical switch to assume an open or closed electrical condition, and wherein the controller, in a first condition, shunts current between the anode and cathode of the fuel cell when the electrical switch is in the closed electrical condition, and simultaneously causes the valve to terminate the supply of fuel gas to the anode of the fuel cell, and wherein the electrical switch when placed in the open electrical condition by the controller causes the valve to be placed in a condition which allows the substantially continuous supply of fuel gas to the anode of the fuel cell; and wherein the controller, in a second condition, shunts current between the anode and cathode of the fuel cell when the electrical switch is placed in the closed electrical condition, and simultaneously maintains the valve in a condition which allows the substantially continuous delivery of the fuel gas to the fuel cell to the anode during the opening and closing of the electrical switch.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
354 words
A fuel cell having an anode, a cathode and which produces a current having an electrical power output, comprising: a membrane having opposite sides, and wherein the anode is mounted on one side of the membrane, and the cathode is mounted on the side of the membrane opposite to the anode; a supply of fuel gas disposed in fluid flowing relation relative to the anode, and a supply of an oxidant gas disposed in fluid flowing relation relative to the cathode; voltage and current sensors which are individually electrically coupled with the anode and cathode; a valve disposed in fluid flowing controlling relation relative to the supply of fuel gas to meter the supply of fuel gas to the fuel cell; an electrical switch electrically coupled with the anode and cathode and which can be placed into an open and closed electrical condition; and a controller coupled with the electrical switch, valve and the voltage and current sensors, the controller upon sensing a voltage and current at the voltage and current sensors causing the valve to be adjusted into a fluid metering relationship relative to the supply of fuel gas, and the electrical switch to assume an open or closed electrical condition, and wherein the controller, in a first condition, shunts current between the anode and cathode of the fuel cell when the electrical switch is in the closed electrical condition, and simultaneously causes the valve to terminate the supply of fuel gas to the anode of the fuel cell, and wherein the electrical switch when placed in the open electrical condition by the controller causes the valve to be placed in a condition which allows the substantially continuous supply of fuel gas to the anode of the fuel cell; and wherein the controller, in a second condition, shunts current between the anode and cathode of the fuel cell when the electrical switch is placed in the closed electrical condition, and simultaneously maintains the valve in a condition which allows the substantially continuous delivery of the fuel gas to the fuel cell to the anode during the opening and closing of the electrical switch.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
85 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 44, wherein the fuel cell in the first and second conditions has performance parameters comprising selected current and voltage outputs, and wherein the first condition, the voltage output of the fuel cell is less than the performance parameters; and wherein the fuel cell has a duty cycle, and wherein in the second condition, the electrical switch periodically opens and closes during the duty cycle to cause a resulting increase in the electrical power output of the fuel cell.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
30 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 44, wherein the fuel cell has performance parameters comprising current and voltage outputs, and wherein in the first condition, the parameters are declining.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
46 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 44, wherein the fuel cell has performance parameters comprising current and voltage outputs at a full rated current, and wherein in the first condition the performance parameters are declining or in a range of less than about 0.4 volts.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
71 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 44, wherein the fuel cell has performance parameters comprising selected current and voltage outputs, and wherein in the second condition the fuel cell has an operating cycle of about 0.01 seconds to about 4 minutes, and wherein the duty and operating cycles are individually and selectively adjusted by the controller at least in part by reference to the performance parameters of the fuel cell.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
102 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 44, wherein the fuel cell has performance parameters comprising current and voltage outputs, and wherein in the second condition the fuel cell has an operating cycle of about 0.01 seconds to about 4 minutes, and wherein the duty and operating cycles are individually and selectively adjusted by the controller at least in part by reference to the declining performance parameters of the fuel cell in relative comparison to the performance parameters of other fuel cells, and wherein the duration of the shunting during the duty cycle is less than about 20% of the operating cycle.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
47 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 44, wherein the fuel cell has a duty cycle and an operating cycle of about 0.01 seconds to about 4 minutes; and wherein the electrical power output of the serially electrically connected fuel cells increases by at least about 5%.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
20 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 44, wherein the fuel cell is serially electrically coupled with another fuel cell.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
39 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 44, wherein the controller is electrically coupled with the anode and cathode of each of the fuel cells to shunt current between the anode and cathode of each of the fuel cells.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
56 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 44, wherein the controller which is coupled with each of the fuel cells periodically opens and closes the electrical switch to shunt current between the anode and cathode of each of the fuel cells to cause a resulting increased electrical power output from the serially electrically coupled fuel cells.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
51 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 44, wherein the electrical switch comprises a field effect transistor, and wherein the controller further comprises a passive by-pass electrical circuit which operates upon failure of the field effect transistor to shunt current between the anode and cathode of each of the fuel cells.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
16 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 54, wherein the by-pass electrical circuit comprises a diode.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
471 words
A plurality of fuel cells which are serially electrically connected together and which individually produce voltage and current outputs comprising: a membrane having opposite sides and which is made integral with each of the fuel cells, and wherein an anode is mounted on one side of the membrane, and a cathode is mounted on the side of the membrane opposite to the anode; a supply of fuel gas disposed in fluid flowing relation relative to the anode of each of fuel cells, and a supply of an oxidant fuel disposed in fluid flowing relation relative to the cathode of each of the fuel cells; voltage and current sensors which are individually electrically coupled with the anode and cathode of each of the fuel cells and which sense the electrical power output of each of the fuel cells; a valve disposed in fluid flowing controlling relation relative to the supply of fuel gas to meter the supply of fuel gas to each of the fuel cells. an electrical switch electrically coupled with the anode and cathode of each of the fuel cells and which can be placed into an open and closed electrical condition; and a controller coupled with each of the electrical switches, valves and the voltage and current sensors, the controller operable to adjust the respective valves into a fluid metering relationship relative to the supply of fuel gas, and one or more of the electrical switches to assume an open or closed electrical condition relative to one or more of the fuel cells under operational conditions, and wherein the controller, in a first operational condition, upon sensing, at one or more of the fuel cells of interest a voltage and current output at the voltage and current sensors electrically coupled with same, shunts current between the anode and cathode of the fuel cell of interest when the electrical switch is in the closed electrical condition, and wherein the controller simultaneously causes the valve which is coupled to the fuel cell of interest to terminate the supply of fuel gas to the anode of the fuel cell of interest, and wherein the electrical switch when placed in the open electrical condition by the controller causes the valve coupled to the fuel cell of interest to be placed in a condition which allows the substantially continuous supply of fuel gas to the fuel cell of interest; and wherein the controller, in a second operational condition, shunts current between the anode and cathode of the fuel cell of interest when the electrical switch is placed in the closed electrical condition, and wherein the controller maintains the valve coupled with the fuel cell of interest in a condition which allows the substantially continuous delivery of the fuel gas to the fuel cell of interest during the open and closing of the electrical switch.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
471 words
A plurality of fuel cells which are serially electrically connected together and which individually produce voltage and current outputs comprising: a membrane having opposite sides and which is made integral with each of the fuel cells, and wherein an anode is mounted on one side of the membrane, and a cathode is mounted on the side of the membrane opposite to the anode; a supply of fuel gas disposed in fluid flowing relation relative to the anode of each of fuel cells, and a supply of an oxidant fuel disposed in fluid flowing relation relative to the cathode of each of the fuel cells; voltage and current sensors which are individually electrically coupled with the anode and cathode of each of the fuel cells and which sense the electrical power output of each of the fuel cells; a valve disposed in fluid flowing controlling relation relative to the supply of fuel gas to meter the supply of fuel gas to each of the fuel cells. an electrical switch electrically coupled with the anode and cathode of each of the fuel cells and which can be placed into an open and closed electrical condition; and a controller coupled with each of the electrical switches, valves and the voltage and current sensors, the controller operable to adjust the respective valves into a fluid metering relationship relative to the supply of fuel gas, and one or more of the electrical switches to assume an open or closed electrical condition relative to one or more of the fuel cells under operational conditions, and wherein the controller, in a first operational condition, upon sensing, at one or more of the fuel cells of interest a voltage and current output at the voltage and current sensors electrically coupled with same, shunts current between the anode and cathode of the fuel cell of interest when the electrical switch is in the closed electrical condition, and wherein the controller simultaneously causes the valve which is coupled to the fuel cell of interest to terminate the supply of fuel gas to the anode of the fuel cell of interest, and wherein the electrical switch when placed in the open electrical condition by the controller causes the valve coupled to the fuel cell of interest to be placed in a condition which allows the substantially continuous supply of fuel gas to the fuel cell of interest; and wherein the controller, in a second operational condition, shunts current between the anode and cathode of the fuel cell of interest when the electrical switch is placed in the closed electrical condition, and wherein the controller maintains the valve coupled with the fuel cell of interest in a condition which allows the substantially continuous delivery of the fuel gas to the fuel cell of interest during the open and closing of the electrical switch.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
86 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 56, wherein the fuel cell has a duty and operating cycle, and wherein in the first and second conditions the fuel cell has performance parameters comprising selected current and voltage outputs, and wherein in the first condition, the current and voltage outputs of the fuel cell are less than the performance parameters; and wherein in the second condition, the electrical switch periodically opens and closes during the duty cycle to increase the electrical power output of the fuel cell.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
49 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 56, wherein the fuel cell has a duty and operating cycle, and wherein in the first and second conditions the fuel cell has performance parameters comprising a current and voltage output, and wherein in the first condition, the performance parameters are declining.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
61 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 56, wherein the fuel cell has a duty cycle, and wherein in the first and second conditions, the fuel cell has performance parameters comprising current and voltage outputs at a full rated current, and wherein in the first condition the performance parameters are declining or in a range of less than about 0.4 volts.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
76 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 56, wherein the fuel cell has a duty and operating cycle, and wherein in the first and second conditions the fuel cell has performance parameters comprising current and voltage outputs, and wherein the operating cycle is about 0.01 seconds to about 4 minutes, and wherein the duty and operating cycles are adjusted by the controller at least in part by reference to the performance parameters of the fuel cell.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
98 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 56, wherein the fuel cell has a duty cycle, and wherein in the first and second conditions, the fuel cell has performance parameters comprising current and voltage outputs, and wherein in the second condition the fuel cell has an operating cycle of about 0.01 seconds to about 4 minutes, and wherein the duty cycle and operating cycle are individually and selectively adjusted by the controller at least in part by reference to the declining performance parameters of the fuel cell in relative comparison to the performance parameters of other fuel cells.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
71 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 60, wherein in the second condition, the duty and operating cycles are individually selectively adjusted to optimize the electrical power output of the fuel cells, and wherein the electrical power output of the serially electrically connected fuel cells increases by at least about 5%; and wherein the duration of the shunting during the duty cycle is less than about 20% of the operating cycle.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
51 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 56, wherein the electrical switch comprises a field effect transistor, and wherein the controller further comprises a passive by-pass electrical circuit which operates upon failure of the field effect transistor to shunt current between the anode and cathode of each of the fuel cells.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
16 words
A fuel cell as claimed in claim 56, wherein the by-pass electrical circuit comprises a diode.
Claim 70
Independent Claim
122 words
A method for controlling a fuel cell which has an anode and a cathode, and a voltage and current output, comprising: determining the voltage and current output of the fuel cell; shunting electrical current between the anode and cathode of the fuel cell under operational conditions; providing a supply of a fuel gas in fluid flowing relation relative to the anode of the fuel cell; providing a valve disposed in fluid metering relation relative to the supply of the fuel gas; and providing a controller which is electrically coupled with the anode and the cathode and which is effective to shunt the electrical current between the anode and the cathode, and which further is coupled in controlling relation relative to the valve.
Claim 71
Independent Claim
122 words
A method for controlling a fuel cell which has an anode and a cathode, and a voltage and current output, comprising: determining the voltage and current output of the fuel cell; shunting electrical current between the anode and cathode of the fuel cell under operational conditions; providing a supply of a fuel gas in fluid flowing relation relative to the anode of the fuel cell; providing a valve disposed in fluid metering relation relative to the supply of the fuel gas; and providing a controller which is electrically coupled with the anode and the cathode and which is effective to shunt the electrical current between the anode and the cathode, and which further is coupled in controlling relation relative to the valve.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
90 words
A method as claimed in claim 65, and wherein the fuel cell has performance parameters, and wherein in a first condition the method further comprises: determining by way of the controller the voltage and current output of the fuel cell; adjusting the valve, by way of the controller, to terminate the flow of the fuel gas to the anode when the voltage and current outputs of the fuel cell are less than the performance parameters; and shunting the current between the anode and the cathode by way of the controller.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
94 words
A method as claimed in claim 66, wherein the fuel cell has performance parameters, and wherein in a second operational condition the method further comprises: determining, by way of the controller, the voltage and current output of the fuel cell; supplying the fuel cell substantially continuously with the fuel gas; and periodically shunting the current between the anode and the cathode, by way of the controller, to cause a resulting increased electrical power output of the fuel cell, and wherein the periodic shunting of the current comprises the duty cycle of the fuel cell.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method as claimed in claim 67, wherein in the second operational condition the controller periodically shunts the current between the anode and the cathode during an operating cycle which is about 0.01 seconds to about four minutes in duration.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method as claimed in claim 68, wherein in the second operational condition, the duration of the shunting during the duty cycle is less than about 20% of the operating cycle.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method as claimed in claim 69, wherein in the second operational condition the voltage output of the fuel cell increases by at least 5%.
Claim 77
Independent Claim
183 words
A method for controlling a fuel cell which has an anode and a cathode, and a voltage and current output, comprising: providing a supply of a fuel gas in fluid flowing relation relative to the anode of the fuel cell; providing a valve disposed in fluid metering relation relative to the supply of the fuel gas; providing a controller which is electrically coupled in voltage and current sensing relation with the anode and the cathode and which is effective to shunt the electrical current between the anode and the cathode, and which further is coupled in controlling relation relative to the valve; determining by way of the controller whether the voltage and current output of the fuel cell has a voltage and current output; after the step of determining the voltage and current output, adjusting the valve by way of the controller to terminate the flow of fuel gas to the anode if the voltage and current output is less than a predetermined amount, and shunting the electrical current by way of the controller between the anode and cathode of the fuel cell.
Claim 78
Independent Claim
183 words
A method for controlling a fuel cell which has an anode and a cathode, and a voltage and current output, comprising: providing a supply of a fuel gas in fluid flowing relation relative to the anode of the fuel cell; providing a valve disposed in fluid metering relation relative to the supply of the fuel gas; providing a controller which is electrically coupled in voltage and current sensing relation with the anode and the cathode and which is effective to shunt the electrical current between the anode and the cathode, and which further is coupled in controlling relation relative to the valve; determining by way of the controller whether the voltage and current output of the fuel cell has a voltage and current output; after the step of determining the voltage and current output, adjusting the valve by way of the controller to terminate the flow of fuel gas to the anode if the voltage and current output is less than a predetermined amount, and shunting the electrical current by way of the controller between the anode and cathode of the fuel cell.
Claim 79
Independent Claim
208 words
A method for controlling a fuel cell which has an anode, a cathode, a voltage and current output, and a duty and operating cycle, comprising: providing a supply of a fuel gas in fluid flowing relation relative to the anode of the fuel cell; providing a valve disposed in adjustable fluid metering relation relative to the supply of the fuel gas; providing a controller which is electrically coupled in voltage and current sensing relation with the anode and the cathode and which is effective to shunt the electrical current during the duty cycle between the anode and the cathode of the fuel cell, and which further is coupled in controlling relation relative to the valve; and after determining the voltage and current output of the fuel cell, and with the valve being maintained in a position which insures the substantially continuous supply of fuel gas to the anode of the fuel cell, periodically shunting, by way of the controller, the current between the anode and the cathode to cause a resulting increased electrical power output, and wherein the operating cycle is about 0.01 seconds to about 4 minutes, and wherein the duration of the shunting during the duty cycle is less than about 20% of the operating cycle.
Claim 80
Independent Claim
208 words
A method for controlling a fuel cell which has an anode, a cathode, a voltage and current output, and a duty and operating cycle, comprising: providing a supply of a fuel gas in fluid flowing relation relative to the anode of the fuel cell; providing a valve disposed in adjustable fluid metering relation relative to the supply of the fuel gas; providing a controller which is electrically coupled in voltage and current sensing relation with the anode and the cathode and which is effective to shunt the electrical current during the duty cycle between the anode and the cathode of the fuel cell, and which further is coupled in controlling relation relative to the valve; and after determining the voltage and current output of the fuel cell, and with the valve being maintained in a position which insures the substantially continuous supply of fuel gas to the anode of the fuel cell, periodically shunting, by way of the controller, the current between the anode and the cathode to cause a resulting increased electrical power output, and wherein the operating cycle is about 0.01 seconds to about 4 minutes, and wherein the duration of the shunting during the duty cycle is less than about 20% of the operating cycle.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
88 words
A fuel cell having an anode, a cathode, and which produces an electrical current having a voltage output comprising: a controller electrically coupled to the fuel cell and which periodically shunts the electrical current between the anode and cathode of the fuel cell, and wherein the fuel cell has an operating cycle and a duty cycle, and wherein the periodic shunting increases the electrical power output of the fuel cell, and the duration of the shunting during the duty cycle is less than 20% of the operating cycle.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
88 words
A fuel cell having an anode, a cathode, and which produces an electrical current having a voltage output comprising: a controller electrically coupled to the fuel cell and which periodically shunts the electrical current between the anode and cathode of the fuel cell, and wherein the fuel cell has an operating cycle and a duty cycle, and wherein the periodic shunting increases the electrical power output of the fuel cell, and the duration of the shunting during the duty cycle is less than 20% of the operating cycle.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-08-01 | 2004-01-31 | 2004-08-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-08-01 | 2008-01-31 | 2008-08-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-08-01 | 2012-01-31 | 2012-08-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |