公开(公告)号：US08673515B2

公开(公告)日：2014-03-18

申请号：US12844423

申请日：2010-07-27

Applicant: Daniel I. Harris ,  Matthew A. Lang ,  Daniel C. Di Fiore

Inventor： Daniel I. Harris ,  Matthew A. Lang ,  Daniel C. Di Fiore

IPC: H01M8/04

CPC classification number: H01M8/04559 ,  H01M8/04447 ,  H01M8/04589 ,  H01M8/04798 ,  H01M8/0488 ,  H01M2008/1095

Abstract: A system and method for preventing anode reactant starvation. The system includes a hydrogen source, an anode bleed valve, and a cell voltage monitor. The system also includes an anode sub-system pressure sensor and a controller configured to control the anode sub-system. The controller determines the average cell voltage and estimates the hydrogen molar fraction and/or nitrogen molar fraction in the anode sub-system. The controller also receives measurement data from the cell voltage monitor and the pressure sensor, and determines whether there is a decrease in the minimum cell voltage in response to changes in the anode pressure. If the controller detects a decrease in the minimum cell voltage in response to changes in the anode pressure, the controller corrects for the decrease by increasing anode pressure and/or by decreasing the molar fraction of nitrogen in the anode sub-system.

Abstract translation: 一种用于防止阳极反应物饥饿的系统和方法。 该系统包括氢源，阳极放电阀和电池电压监视器。 该系统还包括阳极子系统压力传感器和被配置为控制阳极子系统的控制器。 控制器确定平均电池电压并估计阳极子系统中的氢摩尔分数和/或氮摩尔分数。 控制器还从电池电压监视器和压力传感器接收测量数据，并且确定响应于阳极压力的变化是否存在最小电池电压的降低。 如果控制器响应于阳极压力的变化而检测到最小电池电压的降低，则控制器通过增加阳极压力和/或通过降低阳极子系统中的氮的摩尔分数来校正该降低。

公开(公告)号：US20120107705A1

公开(公告)日：2012-05-03

申请号：US12913324

申请日：2010-10-27

Applicant: Daniel I. Harris ,  Matthew A. Lang ,  Daniel C. Di Fiore

Inventor： Daniel I. Harris ,  Matthew A. Lang ,  Daniel C. Di Fiore

IPC: H01M8/04

CPC classification number: H01M8/04462 ,  H01M8/04305 ,  H01M8/04514 ,  H01M8/04992

Abstract: A system for determining the concentration of hydrogen in an anode sub-system of a fuel cell system. The fuel cell system includes at least one fuel cell, an anode inlet, an anode outlet, an anode recirculation line, a source of hydrogen gas and an injector for injecting the hydrogen gas. First and second acoustic sensors are provided in the anode recirculation line and are spaced a known distance from each other. A controller that is responsive to the output signals from the first and second acoustic sensors determines the concentration of hydrogen gas in the anode recirculation line based on the time between when the controller receives the sensor signal from the first sensor and receives the sensor signal from the second sensor.

Abstract translation: 一种用于确定燃料电池系统的阳极子系统中的氢浓度的系统。 燃料电池系统包括至少一个燃料电池，阳极入口，阳极出口，阳极再循环管线，氢气源和用于注入氢气的注射器。 第一和第二声学传感器设置在阳极再循环管线中并且彼此隔开已知的距离。 响应于来自第一和第二声学传感器的输出信号的控制器基于控制器从第一传感器接收到传感器信号并从第一传感器接收传感器信号之间的时间来确定阳极再循环管线中的氢气浓度 第二传感器。

公开(公告)号：US08603688B2

公开(公告)日：2013-12-10

申请号：US12913324

申请日：2010-10-27

Applicant: Daniel I. Harris ,  Matthew A. Lang ,  Daniel C. Di Fiore

Inventor： Daniel I. Harris ,  Matthew A. Lang ,  Daniel C. Di Fiore

IPC: H01M8/04

CPC classification number: H01M8/04462 ,  H01M8/04305 ,  H01M8/04514 ,  H01M8/04992

Abstract: A system for determining the concentration of hydrogen in an anode sub-system of a fuel cell system. The fuel cell system includes at least one fuel cell, an anode inlet, an anode outlet, an anode recirculation line, a source of hydrogen gas and an injector for injecting the hydrogen gas. First and second acoustic sensors are provided in the anode recirculation line and are spaced a known distance from each other. A controller that is responsive to the output signals from the first and second acoustic sensors determines the concentration of hydrogen gas in the anode recirculation line based on the time between when the controller receives the sensor signal from the first sensor and receives the sensor signal from the second sensor.

Abstract translation: 一种用于确定燃料电池系统的阳极子系统中的氢浓度的系统。 燃料电池系统包括至少一个燃料电池，阳极入口，阳极出口，阳极再循环管线，氢气源和用于注入氢气的注射器。 第一和第二声学传感器设置在阳极再循环管线中并且彼此隔开已知的距离。 响应于来自第一和第二声学传感器的输出信号的控制器基于控制器从第一传感器接收到传感器信号并从第一传感器接收传感器信号之间的时间来确定阳极再循环管线中的氢气浓度 第二传感器。

公开(公告)号：US20120028152A1

公开(公告)日：2012-02-02

申请号：US12844423

申请日：2010-07-27

Applicant: Daniel I. Harris ,  Matthew A. Lang ,  Daniel C. Di Fiore

Inventor： Daniel I. Harris ,  Matthew A. Lang ,  Daniel C. Di Fiore

IPC: H01M8/04

CPC classification number: H01M8/04559 ,  H01M8/04447 ,  H01M8/04589 ,  H01M8/04798 ,  H01M8/0488 ,  H01M2008/1095

Abstract: A system and method for preventing anode reactant starvation. The system includes a hydrogen source, an anode bleed valve, and a cell voltage monitor. The system also includes an anode sub-system pressure sensor and a controller configured to control the anode sub-system. The controller determines the average cell voltage and estimates the hydrogen molar fraction and/or nitrogen molar fraction in the anode sub-system. The controller also receives measurement data from the cell voltage monitor and the pressure sensor, and determines whether there is a decrease in the minimum cell voltage in response to changes in the anode pressure. If the controller detects a decrease in the minimum cell voltage in response to changes in the anode pressure, the controller corrects for the decrease by increasing anode pressure and/or by decreasing the molar fraction of nitrogen in the anode sub-system.

Abstract translation: 一种用于防止阳极反应物饥饿的系统和方法。 该系统包括氢源，阳极放电阀和电池电压监视器。 该系统还包括阳极子系统压力传感器和被配置为控制阳极子系统的控制器。 控制器确定平均电池电压并估计阳极子系统中的氢摩尔分数和/或氮摩尔分数。 控制器还从电池电压监视器和压力传感器接收测量数据，并且确定响应于阳极压力的变化是否存在最小电池电压的降低。 如果控制器响应于阳极压力的变化而检测到最小电池电压的降低，则控制器通过增加阳极压力和/或通过降低阳极子系统中的氮的摩尔分数来校正该降低。

公开(公告)号：US20130017465A1

公开(公告)日：2013-01-17

申请号：US13180270

申请日：2011-07-11

Applicant: Daniel I. Harris ,  Sergio E. Garcia ,  Brian McMurrough

Inventor： Daniel I. Harris ,  Sergio E. Garcia ,  Brian McMurrough

IPC: H01M8/04

CPC classification number: H01M8/04302 ,  H01M8/04089 ,  H01M8/04223 ,  H01M8/04303 ,  H01M8/04388 ,  H01M8/04402 ,  H01M8/04679 ,  H01M8/04753

Abstract: A method for determining if more hydrogen has been added to a fuel cell system than a predetermined threshold amount to detect leaks in an anode subsystem or a cathode subsystem of a fuel cell system. The method includes determining a quantity of hydrogen added to the fuel cell system for a given period of time during a predetermined operating condition of the fuel cell system and determining whether the quantity of hydrogen added is more than the predetermined threshold amount. The method also includes adapting an anode subsystem reactant gas concentration model if the quantity of hydrogen added to the fuel cell system is more than the predetermined threshold amount to provide precise control of pressure in the anode subsystem and the cathode subsystem of the fuel cell system.

Abstract translation: 一种用于确定燃料电池系统中是否已经添加了比预定阈值量更多的氢以检测燃料电池系统的阳极子系统或阴极子系统中的泄漏的方法。 该方法包括在燃料电池系统的预定操作条件期间确定添加到燃料电池系统中的给定时间的氢气量，并确定所加氢的量是否大于预定阈值量。 该方法还包括如果添加到燃料电池系统中的氢气量大于预定阈值量来适应阳极子系统反应气体浓度模型，以提供对燃料电池系统的阳极子系统和阴极子系统中的压力的​​精确控制。

公开(公告)号：US20110229783A1

公开(公告)日：2011-09-22

申请号：US12725974

申请日：2010-03-17

Applicant: Gary M. Robb ,  Steven G. Goebel ,  Daniel I. Harris

Inventor： Gary M. Robb ,  Steven G. Goebel ,  Daniel I. Harris

IPC: H01M8/04

CPC classification number: H01M8/0491 ,  H01M8/0267 ,  H01M8/04037 ,  H01M8/04223 ,  H01M8/04225 ,  H01M8/04228 ,  H01M8/04302 ,  H01M8/0432 ,  H01M8/0438 ,  H01M8/04388 ,  H01M8/04447 ,  H01M8/04552 ,  H01M8/04559 ,  H01M8/04582 ,  H01M8/04589 ,  H01M8/0494 ,  H01M8/04955 ,  H01M8/242 ,  H01M8/2483 ,  Y10T307/735

Abstract: A fuel cell system is disclosed with a fuel cell stack having a plurality of fuel cells, the fuel cell stack including an external electrical circuit adapted to control current from the fuel cell stack, a sensor for measuring at least one of an environmental condition affecting the fuel cell stack and a characteristic of the fuel cell stack, wherein the sensor generates a sensor signal representing a measurement of the sensor, and a processor for receiving the sensor signal, analyzing the sensor signal, and controlling an adaptive load applied to the external electrical circuit based upon the analysis of the sensor signal.

Abstract translation: 燃料电池系统被公开为具有多个燃料电池的燃料电池堆，所述燃料电池堆包括适于控制来自燃料电池堆的电流的外部电路，用于测量影响燃料电池堆的环境状况中的至少一个的传感器 燃料电池堆和燃料电池堆的特征，其中传感器产生表示传感器的测量的传感器信号，以及处理器，用于接收传感器信号，分析传感器信号，并控制施加到外部电气的自适应负载 基于传感器信号分析的电路。

公开(公告)号：US20110039168A1

公开(公告)日：2011-02-17

申请号：US12912939

申请日：2010-10-27

Applicant: Daniel I. Harris

Inventor： Daniel I. Harris

IPC: H01M8/04

CPC classification number: H01M8/04022 ,  F23C13/00 ,  F28D7/00 ,  F28F1/14 ,  H01M8/04029 ,  H01M8/04111 ,  H01M8/04126 ,  H01M8/04268 ,  H01M8/0662 ,  H01M2008/1095 ,  H01M2250/20 ,  Y02T90/32

Abstract: A catalytic combustion unit for a fuel cell system is provided. The catalytic combustion unit includes a reactor having a porous medium with a catalyst deposited thereon. The reactor is disposed adjacent a heat exchanger and adapted to receive an air stream and a hydrogen stream. The reactor is further adapted to promote an exothermic reaction and modulate a temperature of a fuel cell stack. A fuel cell system and method employing the catalytic combustion unit are also provided.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种用于燃料电池系统的催化燃烧单元。 催化燃烧单元包括具有沉积在其上的催化剂的多孔介质的反应器。 反应器设置在热交换器附近并适于接收空气流和氢气流。 反应器还适于促进放热反应并调节燃料电池堆的温度。 还提供了一种使用催化燃烧单元的燃料电池系统和方法。

公开(公告)号：US20100151284A1

公开(公告)日：2010-06-17

申请号：US12334007

申请日：2008-12-12

Applicant: Steven D. Burch ,  Bruce J. Clingerman ,  Abdullah B. Alp ,  Jon R. Sienkowski ,  James K. Leary ,  Victor W. Logan ,  Daniel I. Harris

Inventor： Steven D. Burch ,  Bruce J. Clingerman ,  Abdullah B. Alp ,  Jon R. Sienkowski ,  James K. Leary ,  Victor W. Logan ,  Daniel I. Harris

IPC: H01M8/04

CPC classification number: H01M8/04014 ,  H01M8/04268 ,  H01M2008/1095

Abstract: A system and method for quickly heating a fuel cell stack at fuel cell system start-up. The fuel cell system includes a three-way valve positioned in the anode exhaust that selectively directs the anode exhaust gases to the cathode input of the fuel cell stack so that hydrogen in the anode exhaust gas can be used to heat the fuel cell stack. During normal operation when the fuel cell stack is at the desired temperature, the three-way valve in the anode exhaust can be used to bleed nitrogen to the cathode exhaust.

Abstract translation: 一种用于在燃料电池系统启动时快速加热燃料电池堆的系统和方法。 燃料电池系统包括位于阳极排气中的三通阀，其选择性地将阳极废气引导到燃料电池堆的阴极输入端，使得可以使用阳极废气中的氢气来加热燃料电池堆。 在燃料电池堆处于所需温度的正常操作期间，阳极排气中的三通阀可以用于将氮气排出到阴极排气口。

公开(公告)号：US09070921B2

公开(公告)日：2015-06-30

申请号：US13431703

申请日：2012-03-27

Applicant: Michael Cartwright ,  Bruce J. Clingerman ,  Daniel I. Harris ,  Aaron Rogahn ,  Derek R. Lebzelter

Inventor： Michael Cartwright ,  Bruce J. Clingerman ,  Daniel I. Harris ,  Aaron Rogahn ,  Derek R. Lebzelter

IPC: H01M8/06 ,  H01M16/00 ,  H01M8/04

CPC classification number: H01M8/0662 ,  H01M8/04223 ,  H01M8/04228 ,  H01M8/04253 ,  H01M8/04303 ,  H01M16/006 ,  Y02E60/50

Abstract: A method for purging water from a fuel cell stack at fuel cell system shutdown. The method includes determining a stack water generation request to control the rate of drying of membranes in the stack and determining a cathode catalytic heating water generation request. A maximum charge a battery in the fuel cell system can accept is also determined. An ancillary power request for powering components of the fuel cell system during shutdown is determined. The method allocates how much of the water generation request will be fulfilled by operating the fuel cell stack to charge the battery and to provide the power needed for the ancillary power request, and how much of the water generation request will be fulfilled by cathode catalytic heating that produces water and heat in a cathode side of the fuel cell stack.

Abstract translation: 一种在燃料电池系统关闭时从燃料电池堆排出水的方法。 该方法包括确定堆积水生成请求以控制堆叠中的膜的干燥速率并确定阴极催化加热水产生请求。 也可以确定燃料电池系统中可以接受的电池的最大充电量。 确定在关闭期间为燃料电池系统的组件供电的辅助功率请求。 该方法通过操作燃料电池堆来对电池进行充电并提供辅助电力需求所需的功率，并通过阴极催化加热达到多少水分产生要求， 其在燃料电池堆的阴极侧产生水和热。

公开(公告)号：US08945785B2

公开(公告)日：2015-02-03

申请号：US13345288

申请日：2012-01-06

Applicant: Daniel I. Harris ,  Derek R. Lebzelter ,  John P. Salvador ,  William H. Pettit ,  Akbar Chowdhury ,  Edward G. Himes

Inventor： Daniel I. Harris ,  Derek R. Lebzelter ,  John P. Salvador ,  William H. Pettit ,  Akbar Chowdhury ,  Edward G. Himes

IPC: H01M8/04

CPC classification number: H01M8/04955 ,  H01M8/04559

Abstract: A system and method for reducing the frequency of stack stand-by mode events, if necessary, as a fuel cell stack ages and experiences lower performance. The method determines an irreversible voltage loss of the fuel cell stack at predetermined time intervals and determines a stack voltage degradation variable based on the irreversible voltage loss. The method also determines if the stack voltage degradation variable indicates that the fuel cell stack will not meet predetermined stack end-of-life voltage requirements and calculates a maximum allowed voltage degradation rate of the fuel cell stack. The method calculates a maximum number of stand-by mode events per unit time that can be allowed to prevent the stack from exceeding the maximum allowed degradation rate and controls the number of stand-by mode events based on the calculated maximum number of stand-by mode events.

Abstract translation: 如果需要，当燃料电池堆老化并且经历较低的性能时，用于降低堆叠待机模式事件的频率的系统和方法。 该方法以预定的时间间隔确定燃料电池堆的不可逆电压损失，并且基于不可逆的电压损耗确定堆电压劣化变量。 该方法还确定堆叠电压劣化变量是否表明燃料电池堆不能满足预定的堆积寿命电压要求并且计算燃料电池堆的最大允许电压降低率。 该方法计算出每单位时间的待机模式事件的最大次数，可以被允许以防止堆栈超过允许的最大降级率，并根据计算的最大待机数量控制待机模式事件的数量 模式事件。