Ford global technologies, llc (20240239242). FUEL CELL VEHICLE WITH DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE FLOW METER FOR HUMIDITY MEASUREMENT simplified abstract
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FUEL CELL VEHICLE WITH DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE FLOW METER FOR HUMIDITY MEASUREMENT
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FUEL CELL VEHICLE WITH DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE FLOW METER FOR HUMIDITY MEASUREMENT - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240239242 titled 'FUEL CELL VEHICLE WITH DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE FLOW METER FOR HUMIDITY MEASUREMENT
The patent application describes a fuel cell system that utilizes various sensors and a controller to optimize the humidity of airflow to the cathode inlet of the fuel cell stack.
- The system includes an air compressor, a humidifier, a mass airflow sensor, a fuel cell stack, a differential pressure flow sensor, and a controller.
- The air compressor is connected to ambient air, which is then humidified before entering the fuel cell stack.
- The mass airflow sensor measures the airflow, while the differential pressure flow sensor monitors the pressure before the cathode inlet of the fuel cell stack.
- The controller uses signals from these sensors to adjust the operation of the air compressor and the fuel cell stack based on the humidity levels of the airflow.
Potential Applications: - This technology can be used in various fuel cell applications, such as automotive, stationary power generation, and portable devices. - It can improve the efficiency and performance of fuel cell systems by optimizing the humidity levels of the cathode airflow.
Problems Solved: - Ensures optimal humidity levels for the cathode inlet of the fuel cell stack, which can improve overall system efficiency. - Helps prevent issues related to improper humidity levels, such as reduced performance and durability of the fuel cell stack.
Benefits: - Increased efficiency and performance of fuel cell systems. - Extended lifespan of fuel cell components. - Enhanced control and optimization of fuel cell operation.
Commercial Applications: - Automotive industry for fuel cell vehicles. - Power generation for residential and commercial buildings. - Portable electronic devices powered by fuel cells.
Questions about the technology: 1. How does the controller adjust the operation of the air compressor and fuel cell stack based on the humidity levels? 2. What are the specific benefits of optimizing the humidity of the cathode airflow in a fuel cell system?
Original Abstract Submitted
a fuel cell system includes an air compressor having an inlet fluidly coupled to ambient, a humidifier fluidly coupled to an outlet of the air compressor, a mass airflow sensor disposed downstream of the air compressor and upstream of the humidifier, a fuel cell stack having a cathode inlet fluidly coupled to an outlet of the humidifier, a differential pressure flow sensor disposed downstream of the humidifier and upstream of the cathode inlet of the fuel cell stack, and a controller programmed to control at least one of the air compressor and the fuel cell stack in response to humidity of airflow to the cathode inlet of the fuel cell stack as indicated by signals from at least the mass airflow sensor and the differential pressure flow sensor.
