Joby Aero, Inc.

Jeffrey Allen Lotterman

Robert Gulliver Lynn

Gregor Veble Mikic

Benjamin John Brelje

A variable-geometry cooling airflow management system and method for managing the cooling of a fuel cell on an aerodynamic vehicle (such as an aircraft). The cooling management is achieved by providing a conduit having a fan, radiator, and variable-geometry openings (such as variable-geometry inlet and variable-geometry outlet) at the conduit ends. Heat from the fuel cell is transferred to a coolant, which then flows through the radiator in the conduit. Cooling airflow passes over the radiator to provide fuel cell cooling. The amount of cooling airflow over the radiator is adjusted by varying the size of the variable-geometry inlet, the variable-geometry outlet, or both. Adjustments are made based on the operational parameters of the aircraft such as airspeed and flight configuration. A fan also may be located in the conduit, a speed of which is varied by the control system based on the operational parameters of the aircraft.

Managing cooling airflow using variable-geometry openings

A fuel cell system includes a hydrogen expansion system comprising an aeolipile, and a heat exchanger for receiving and expanding hydrogen received from a supply of hydrogen, for provision to the aeolipile. A generator coupled to the aeolipile may generate electrical power from operation of the aeolipile. The hydrogen leaving the aeolipile may be returned to the heat exchanger to transfer heat to the hydrogen received from the supply of hydrogen.

Growing community of inventors

Los Angeles, CA, United States of America

Jeffrey Allen Lotterman