17967593. FUEL CELL SYSTEM simplified abstract (Kia Corporation)
Contents
FUEL CELL SYSTEM
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Hun Woo Park of Namyangju (KR)
FUEL CELL SYSTEM - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 17967593 titled 'FUEL CELL SYSTEM
Simplified Explanation
The patent application describes a fuel cell system that includes a radiator, coolant supply pump, COD heater, valve, and a controller. The system is designed to control the flow of coolant and consume energy generated by the fuel cell stack based on the state of charge of a battery and the operating state of the fuel cell stack.
- The fuel cell system includes a radiator that exchanges heat with coolant discharged from the fuel cell stack.
- A coolant supply pump is used to supply coolant to the fuel cell stack.
- A COD heater consumes electric power generated by the fuel cell stack.
- A valve is connected to the fuel cell stack, radiator, coolant supply pump, and COD heater to control the flow of coolant.
- The controller is responsible for controlling the operating start time and output of the COD heater based on the state of charge of a battery and the operating state of the fuel cell stack.
- The controller also controls the valve to direct the coolant flow to the COD heater in a temperature control section after the cold start section of the fuel cell stack.
Potential Applications
- Fuel cell systems for various applications such as automotive, residential, or industrial power generation.
- Hybrid power systems that combine fuel cells with batteries for improved efficiency and energy management.
Problems Solved
- Efficient utilization of energy generated by the fuel cell stack.
- Effective temperature control of the fuel cell stack during different operating states.
- Optimization of energy consumption based on the state of charge of a battery.
Benefits
- Improved overall efficiency of the fuel cell system.
- Enhanced control over energy consumption and temperature management.
- Extended lifespan and performance of the fuel cell stack.
- Potential for better integration of fuel cells with other energy storage systems.
Original Abstract Submitted
Described herein is a fuel cell system that includes a radiator configured to exchange heat with coolant discharged from a fuel cell stack, a coolant supply pump configured to supply the coolant to the fuel cell stack, a COD heater configured to consume electric power generated by the fuel cell stack, a valve connected to the fuel cell stack, the radiator, the coolant supply pump, and the COD heater to control a flow of the coolant, and a controller configured to control an operating start time and output of the COD heater to consume energy generated by the fuel cell stack depending on a state of charge (SOC) of a battery and an operating state of the fuel cell stack. The controller controls the valve so that the coolant flows to the COD heater in a temperature control section after a cold start section of the fuel cell stack.
