18358996. FUEL CELL SYSTEM simplified abstract (TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA)
Contents
- 1 FUEL CELL SYSTEM
- 1.1 Organization Name
- 1.2 Inventor(s)
- 1.3 FUEL CELL SYSTEM - A simplified explanation of the abstract
- 1.4 Simplified Explanation
- 1.5 Potential Applications
- 1.6 Problems Solved
- 1.7 Benefits
- 1.8 Potential Commercial Applications
- 1.9 Possible Prior Art
- 1.10 Unanswered Questions
- 1.11 Original Abstract Submitted
FUEL CELL SYSTEM
Organization Name
TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
Inventor(s)
Masayuki Ito of Shizuoka-ken (JP)
Masaaki Matsusue of Mishima-shi (JP)
Yumiko Tsugawa of Nagareyama-shi (JP)
FUEL CELL SYSTEM - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18358996 titled 'FUEL CELL SYSTEM
Simplified Explanation
The patent application describes a fuel cell system that recirculates unused fuel off gas to improve efficiency and reduce waste in power generation.
- Fuel cell system recirculates fuel off gas for improved efficiency.
- System includes fuel cell stack, fuel container, fuel supply path, and fuel circulation path.
- Fuel circulation path is connected to fuel outlet of fuel cell stack and runs parallel to end plate.
- Fuel supply path is connected to fuel container, runs parallel to end plate, and merges with fuel circulation path.
- Fuel circulation path includes a bent portion downstream of merging portion with fuel supply path.
- Fuel circulation path is connected to fuel inlet of fuel cell stack downstream of bent portion.
Potential Applications
The technology could be applied in various industries where fuel cells are used for power generation, such as automotive, aerospace, and stationary power systems.
Problems Solved
1. Improved efficiency in power generation by recirculating unused fuel off gas. 2. Reduction of waste and environmental impact by utilizing all available fuel for power generation.
Benefits
1. Increased efficiency and performance of fuel cell systems. 2. Reduced waste and environmental impact. 3. Cost savings by maximizing the use of fuel for power generation.
Potential Commercial Applications
Optimizing Fuel Cell Efficiency through Off Gas Recirculation
Possible Prior Art
There may be prior art related to fuel cell systems that optimize efficiency through fuel recirculation, but specific examples are not provided in the patent application.
Unanswered Questions
How does the system handle variations in fuel composition and flow rates?
The patent application does not address how the fuel cell system adjusts to different fuel compositions and flow rates to maintain optimal performance.
What maintenance or cleaning procedures are required for the fuel circulation path?
The patent application does not mention any specific maintenance or cleaning requirements for the fuel circulation path to ensure long-term functionality of the system.
Original Abstract Submitted
A fuel cell system that recirculates fuel off gas that has not been used for power generation of a fuel cell is provided. The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack, a fuel container, a fuel supply path, and a fuel circulation path. The fuel circulation path is connected to a fuel outlet of the fuel cell stack and extends parallel to an end plate of the fuel cell stack. The fuel supply path is connected to the fuel container, extends parallel to the end plate, and merges with the fuel circulation path at a position where a center of the fuel supply path is offset from a center of the fuel circulation path. The fuel circulation path includes a bent portion downstream of a merging portion with the fuel supply path, and is connected to a fuel inlet of the fuel cell stack downstream of the bent portion.
