Ventilation – Vehicle – Having automatic control means
Reexamination Certificate
2000-08-16
2001-09-18
Joyce, Harold (Department: 3749)
Ventilation
Vehicle
Having automatic control means
C454S162000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06290594
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a system and method for ventilating hydrogen gas from a vehicle and more particularly, to a system and method for use within a fuel cell-powered vehicle and which includes a plurality of ventilation fans that are selectively and periodically activated based upon several input signals, thereby substantially preventing hydrogen gas from pocketing or collecting in portions of the vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In order to reduce automotive emissions and the demand for fossil fuel, automotive vehicles have been designed which are powered by electrical devices such as fuel cells. These fuel cell-powered electric vehicles reduce emissions and the demand for conventional fossil fuels by eliminating the internal combustion engine (e.g., in completely electric vehicles) or operating the engine at only its most efficient/preferred operating points (e.g., in hybrid electric vehicles). However, while fuel cell-powered vehicles have reduced harmful vehicular emissions, they present other drawbacks.
For example and without limitation, many fuel cells generate and/or consume hydrogen gas (e.g., as a reaction by-product or constituent). The generated and/or consumed hydrogen must be properly stored, transferred, removed and/or treated in order to prevent the hydrogen gas from escaping into other portions of the vehicle. Vehicles employing these types of fuel cells often include systems and/or assemblies for controlling hydrogen gas. However, since hydrogen is a relatively highly diffusive gas, these prior hydrogen gas control systems may “leak” or release hydrogen gas into portions of the vehicle, especially during certain conditions, such as during vehicle refueling or operation. This escaped hydrogen may undesirably “pocket” or collect in areas of the vehicle such as portions of the vehicle body, trunk, hood or passenger compartment.
There is therefore a need for a new and improved system and method for ventilating hydrogen gas from a vehicle which substantially prevents the hydrogen gas from pocketing or collecting in portions of the vehicle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is a first object of the invention to provide a system and method for ventilating hydrogen gas from a vehicle which overcomes at least some of the previously delineated drawbacks of prior systems, assemblies and methodologies.
It is a second object of the invention to provide a system and method for detecting the presence of hydrogen gas within certain areas of a fuel cell-powered vehicle and for activating several ventilation fans in response to such a detection.
It is a third object of the invention to provide a system and method for selectively and periodically activating several ventilation fans within a vehicle including a hydrogen-based fuel cell, effective to substantially prevent the pocketing or collection of hydrogen gas in portions of the vehicle.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, a system is provided for ventilating gas from a vehicle. The system includes at least one first sensor which is effective to detect the gas and to generate a first signal in response to the detection; at least one fan which is operatively disposed within the vehicle; and a controller which is communicatively coupled to the at least one first sensor, the controller being effective to receive the first signal and to selectively activate the at least one fan for a predetermined period of time upon receipt of the first signal, thereby ventilating the gas from the vehicle.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for ventilating gas from a vehicle. The method includes the steps of providing a plurality of fans; operatively disposing the plurality of fans within the vehicle; detecting an amount of the gas within the vehicle; and activating the plurality of fans for a predetermined period of time in response to the detected amount of gas, thereby ventilating the gas from the vehicle.
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the invention will become apparent by reading the following specification and by reference to the following drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4638443 (1987-01-01), Kaneyasu et al.
patent: 5074137 (1991-12-01), Harris et al.
patent: 5132663 (1992-07-01), Strobl et al.
patent: 5644069 (1997-07-01), Liu et al.
patent: 5720181 (1998-02-01), Karl et al.
patent: 5954577 (1999-09-01), Meckler
Boles Derek S.
Ford Global Tech. Inc.
Ford Global Tech., Inc.
Joyce Harold
LandOfFree
System and method for ventilating hydrogen gas from a vehicle does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with System and method for ventilating hydrogen gas from a vehicle, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and System and method for ventilating hydrogen gas from a vehicle will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2533438