The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 03, 2001
Filed:
Jul. 14, 1999
Masayoshi Iwase, Anjo, JP;
Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota, JP;
Abstract
A fuel cell system minimizes the power loss that may occur in a conduction passage during supply of electric power from a fuel cell to a load. A bypass connects between the input of a DC/DC converter and the output thereof, and therefore supplies power generated by the fuel cell to an inverter, bypassing the DC/DC converter. A changeover switch selectively changes the connection of the output of the fuel cell between the connection to the input of the DC/DC converter and the connection to the bypass. When the fuel cell is connected to the DC/DC converter, the power from the fuel cell is supplied to the inverter or a battery via the DC/DC converter. When the fuel cell is connected to the bypass, the power from the fuel cell is supplied to the inverter, bypassing the DC/DC converter. A cutoff switch disconnects the output of the battery from a connecting line. That is, the cutoff switch disconnects the battery from the inverter, the bypass and the like when turned off. When turned on, the cutoff switch,connects the battery to those components.