Chemistry: electrical current producing apparatus – product – and – Having magnetic field feature
Reexamination Certificate
1999-01-11
2003-11-18
Chaney, Carol (Department: 1745)
Chemistry: electrical current producing apparatus, product, and
Having magnetic field feature
C429S010000, C429S006000, C290S00100C
Reexamination Certificate
active
06649289
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates generally to the field of propulsion systems. In particular, the invention concerns an on-board fuel cell system for mobile vehicles such as trains, marine vessels, automobiles and other mobile means of transportation.
As concerns surrounding traditional power sources persist, investigation into alternative means of power generation are becoming increasingly important. In particular, environmental and political concerns associated with combustion-based energy systems cannot be ignored. In an effort to reduce dependence on these types of power supplies and methods, interest is increasing in devices capable of generating electricity by consuming fuels without requiring combustion.
In addition to being utilized for the generation of electricity, however, combustion processes are most commonly used to power means of transportation such automobiles, trains, or marine vessels. Motor vehicles alone are among the chief contributors to pollution problems associated with combustion of fuel. So, while alternative power sources such as nuclear and hydroelectric systems may be suitable for large scale electric utilities, they do not present an ideal solution to the problems associated with powering means of transportation such as motor vehicles.
Alternatives to internal combustion engine powered motor vehicles have included various types of electric vehicles. Electric vehicles are well known in the art. Typical electric vehicles are powered by nickel-cadmium batteries which drive electric motors of anywhere from twenty to 100 horsepower. The batteries are generally rechargeable by stationary direct current (dc) power supplies. A problem with known systems, however, is that they require constant recharging and offer limited range between required recharging stops.
Known systems are also expensive. Solar rechargeable systems, such as are available from Solectria of Arlington, Mass., represent one attempt to increase the travel range and control the cost of electric motor vehicles. Drawbacks associated with the solar generation of electricity, however, include its usefulness being limited to clear weather and daylight hours, and the expense of the vehicle.
Fuel cells, therefore, have been explored as a means for powering electric vehicles and reducing the constant need to recharge the vehicle from off-board sources. Fuel cells electrochemically convert fuel, such as hydrocarbon fuel, to electricity. Typically, a combustion reaction is not involved.
A drawback associated with prior art fuel cell systems, however, is that they are not economically viable for applications in which the power rating of the fuel cell must meet propulsion demands. In motor vehicle applications, for example, a fuel cell system designed to provide sufficient power required by the vehicle for cruising, let alone for peak surge, would be prohibitively expensive. While various known systems have attempted to exploit the advantages of designating a surge battery to meet peak demand in motor vehicle applications, none has satisfactorily overcome the economic problems.
It is an object of the invention, therefore, to provide a system for powering a motor vehicle which does not require a combustion reaction.
It is another object of the invention to provide such a system which has a range comparable with that of traditional combustion engines without requiring interruptive recharging from off-board sources.
It is still another object of the invention to provide an economically feasible system for powering a motor vehicle which can accommodate typical motor vehicle surge and range demands.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide a fuel-cell powered vehicle that is capable of generating power for off-board consumption.
Other general and more specific objects of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part appear from the drawings and description which follow.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a power supply system that enhances the economic viability of certain means of transportation that incorporate fuel cells to generate electricity. Such means of transportation are referred to herein as mobile vehicle fuel cell power systems, where vehicle, as used herein, refers to all means of transportation, for example, automobiles, trucks, trains, marine vessels, airplanes and spacecraft. For example, the power supply system of the present invention provides for the off-board use of the electric power generated by the on-board fuel cell of a mobile vehicle fuel cell power system such as an electric car. Off-board use, or use remote from the vehicle, of the electrical power can include delivery of power to a remote site, such as a local residence, for example, the residence of the owner of the vehicle, or to a local utility power grid, or to another mobile vehicle.
Off-board stations are provided for delivery of fuel to the vehicle and for receiving the electrical power generated by the fuel cell. The off-board station and the vehicle are appropriately equipped for quick and easy interconnection such that electrical power is drawn from the fuel cell for off-board use. In addition, the off-board station can be equipped to deliver fuel to the vehicle, with similar provisions for the quick interconnection of the vehicle and the off-board station. Vehicles can be considered mobile fuel cell systems that deliver power for off-board use when power from the fuel cells is not required for on-board uses, such as propelling the vehicle. Fuel cells may be incorporated into mobile vehicles in a number of ways. For example, fuel cells can be used in tandem with a gas turbine to propel a vehicle, such as a marine vessel or a train.
Note that the on-board use of the fuel cell need not be limited to, or even involve, propelling the vehicle or vessel. For example, fuel cells can be used to provide heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
According to other examples, a marine vessel can use an on-board fuel cell for on-board HVAC and for the provision of on-board electrical power; off-board uses can include the delivery of electrical power to an off-board station when the vessel is in port.
According to another aspect, the invention can employ from one to many off-board stations. For example, the owner or principal user of an electric vehicle can have an off-board station located near a primary residence. Alternatively, off-board stations can be provided at locations where electric vehicles are typically parked for an extended period of time, such as homes, shopping malls, parking lots and places of employment. The off-board station is can be electrically connected through power cables to a utility grid, to transmit a portion of the electrical power produced by the on-board fuel cell to a remote site for use. Conductive power cables, however, are not the only means for the high efficiency transmission of electrical power; such transmission has been demonstrated over free space using microwaves. Whatever the means of power transmission, the dual use of the vehicle fuel cell power plants, that is, use wherein the fuel cell supplies power for both on-board and off-board purposes, is intended to enhance the economic viability of mobile vehicle fuel cell power systems, promote the use of alternative power sources, and realize the attendant environmental benefits.
In another aspect, the invention comprises a power supply system for converting fuel to electricity, where the power supply system includes a mobile vehicle fuel cell power system and an off-board station. The mobile vehicle fuel cell power system further includes a rechargeable battery; a fuel cell for converting fuel to electricity and for recharging the battery; optionally a fuel supply for storing and providing fuel to the fuel cell; and apparatus for electrical connection to the off-board station for delivering to the off-board station the electricity generated by the fuel cell. The mobile vehicle fuel cell power system can also include apparatus for receiving fuel from the off-board
Hsu Michael S.
Ong Robin Y. P.
Chaney Carol
Ztek Corporation
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