17993873. FUEL CELL SYSTEM simplified abstract (HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.)
Contents
- 1 FUEL CELL SYSTEM
FUEL CELL SYSTEM
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Tatsuro Haruki of Saitama (JP)
FUEL CELL SYSTEM - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 17993873 titled 'FUEL CELL SYSTEM
Simplified Explanation
A fuel cell system is described in the patent application, which includes a fuel cell stack, supply passage, discharge passage, bypass passage, cooling passage, and circulation pump. The system is designed to efficiently manage the off-gas discharged from the fuel cell stack, particularly when the system stops operating.
- The fuel cell system includes a circulation pump in the bypass passage to circulate the off-gas from the discharge passage back to the supply passage when the system stops.
- The system activates the circulation pump when the temperature of the fuel cell stack reaches or exceeds a predetermined threshold temperature, as detected by a temperature information acquisition unit.
Potential Applications
The technology described in the patent application could be applied in various fuel cell systems, such as stationary power generation units, automotive applications, and portable electronic devices.
Problems Solved
This technology addresses the issue of efficiently managing the off-gas discharged from a fuel cell stack when the system is not in operation. By circulating the off-gas back to the supply passage, the system can prevent waste and improve overall efficiency.
Benefits
The benefits of this technology include improved energy efficiency, reduced waste of reaction gases, and enhanced overall performance of fuel cell systems. By effectively managing the off-gas, the system can operate more smoothly and reliably.
Potential Commercial Applications
The technology could be utilized in commercial fuel cell systems for various industries, including power generation, transportation, and consumer electronics. Implementing this innovation could lead to more efficient and sustainable energy solutions.
Possible Prior Art
One possible prior art related to this technology could be systems that manage off-gas in fuel cell applications, but the specific design and functionality described in this patent application may offer unique advantages and improvements over existing solutions.
Unanswered Questions
== How does the system determine the predetermined threshold temperature for activating the circulation pump? The patent application does not provide specific details on how the predetermined threshold temperature is determined for activating the circulation pump. Further information on the temperature control mechanism would be helpful to understand the system's operation better.
== What is the expected lifespan of the circulation pump in this fuel cell system? The patent application does not mention the expected lifespan of the circulation pump used in the fuel cell system. Understanding the durability and maintenance requirements of this component would be essential for assessing the long-term reliability of the system.
Original Abstract Submitted
A fuel cell (FC) system is provided, having a FC stack supplied with a reaction gas and performing power generation by electrochemical reaction of the reaction gas. The FC system includes a supply passage, supplying the reaction gas to the FC stack; a discharge passage, distributing an off-gas discharged from a discharge outlet of the fuel cell stack; a bypass passage, communicate between the supply passage and the discharge passage; a cooling passage, provided in the discharge passage and having a heat sink to condense water in the off-gas; a circulation pump, provided in the bypass passage and circulating the off-gas discharged from the discharge passage to the supply passage when the FC system stops. When the FC system stops, as the temperature information of the FC stack from temperature information acquisition unit is equal to or larger than a predetermined first threshold temperature, the controller activates the circulation pump.
