Abstract:
A fuel cell system employing a floating base load hybrid strategy for reducing fast voltage transients of a FCPM. A power request signal is applied to an average power calculation processor that calculates the average power requested over a predetermined previous period of time. A weighting function processor provides a weighting function based on the state of charge of an EESS. The power available from the FCPM and the EESS is applied to a power comparison processor. The available power is compared to the power request to provide a difference value between what is currently being provided and what is desired. The difference value is compared to power limit values of the EESS. The output value of this comparison is added to a filtered value to generate a signal for the change in the output power of the fuel cell stack based on the power request.
Abstract:
A fuel cell system employing a floating base load hybrid strategy for reducing fast voltage transients of a FCPM. A power request signal is applied to an average power calculation processor that calculates the average power requested over a predetermined previous period of time. A weighting function processor provides a weighting function based on the state of charge of an EESS. The power available from the FCPM and the EESS is applied to a power comparison processor. The available power is compared to the power request to provide a difference value between what is currently being provided and what is desired. The difference value is compared to power limit values of the EESS. The output value of this comparison is added to a filtered value to generate a signal for the change in the output power of the fuel cell stack based on the power request.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a method of operating a fuel cell system and a fuel cell system that can adjust the operating pressure of the fuel cell system to maximize efficiency. This present invention recognizes that under certain operating conditions appropriately matched operating pressures enable a substantially more efficient system operation. The method of the present invention and the fuel cell system of the present invention incorporate the recognition that a higher system efficiency can be achieved when the operating pressure produced by the air compressor is matched to the prevailing operating temperature of the fuel cell system.
Abstract:
A fuel cell assembly having a flow distribution subassembly that comprises four sets of flow channels, the first set facing an anode for distribution of a fuel reactant to said anode, the second set facing a cathode for distribution of an oxidant to said cathode, the third set in flow communication with said second set and in heat transfer relation with at least one of said anode and said cathode, and the fourth set receiving a coolant different from said oxidant.
Abstract:
A method and system for controlling temperature in an electric vehicle battery pack which preserves battery pack performance and longevity while maximizing vehicle driving range. A controller prescribes a minimum allowable operating temperature in the battery pack, where the minimum operating temperature increases as battery pack state of charge and remaining useful life decrease. During vehicle driving operations, the minimum allowable temperature is computed, and a thermal management system is used to warm the battery pack only if necessary to raise its temperature above the calculated minimum level. By minimizing use of the thermal management system to warm the battery pack, energy consumption is reduced and vehicle driving range is increased, while not adversely affecting battery pack performance or durability. The same strategy is employed during charging, which reduces the amount of energy consumed from the grid for warming the battery pack.
Abstract:
A propulsion system for a fuel cell hybrid vehicle that includes a fuel cell system and an EESS, where the propulsion system employs an algorithm for increasing system efficiency. A power limit value is defined as the maximum system efficiency times the charge/discharge efficiency of the EESS. If the vehicle operator requests a power greater than the power limit value, then the fuel cell system will preferably provide the power, and if the power request from the vehicle operator is less than the power limit value, then the EESS will preferably provide the power. The algorithm also considers changing operation conditions and parameters that impact the fuel cell system efficiency and the electric energy storage system efficiency, such as the state of charge of the EESS and regenerative braking.
Abstract:
A fuel cell assembly having a flow distribution subassembly that comprises four sets of flow channels, the first set facing an anode for distribution of a fuel reactant to said anode, the second set facing a cathode for distribution of an oxidant to said cathode, the third set in flow communication with said second set and in heat transfer relation with at least one of said anode and said cathode, and the fourth set receiving a coolant different from said oxidant.
Abstract:
A system and method for controlling the bleed valve in an anode recirculation loop of a fuel cell system. The system uses a model to determine the concentration of hydrogen in the recirculated gas by calculating the volume flow of the recirculated gas through a fuel cell stack, a pressure drop across the anode inlet and outlet of the stack, and the density of the recirculated gas, and using a measured temperature of the recirculated gas and a measured pressure drop across a recirculation pump.
Abstract:
A method and system for controlling temperature in an electric vehicle battery pack which preserves battery pack performance and longevity while maximizing vehicle driving range. A controller prescribes a minimum allowable operating temperature in the battery pack, where the minimum operating temperature increases as battery pack state of charge and remaining useful life decrease. During vehicle driving operations, the minimum allowable temperature is computed, and a thermal management system is used to warm the battery pack only if necessary to raise its temperature above the calculated minimum level. By minimizing use of the thermal management system to warm the battery pack, energy consumption is reduced and vehicle driving range is increased, while not adversely affecting battery pack performance or durability. The same strategy is employed during charging, which reduces the amount of energy consumed from the grid for warming the battery pack.
Abstract:
A system and method for controlling the bleed valve in an anode recirculation loop of a fuel cell system. The system uses a model to determine the concentration of hydrogen in the recirculated gas by calculating the volume flow of the recirculated gas through a fuel cell stack, a pressure drop across the anode inlet and outlet of the stack, and the density of the recirculated gas, and using a measured temperature of the recirculated gas and a measured pressure drop across a recirculation pump.