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:
Nov. 07, 2006
Filed:
Aug. 08, 2003
Bruce J Clingerman, Palmyra, NY (US);
Kiran Mallavarapu, Rochester, NY (US);
Bryan Tipton, Johnstown, PA (US);
Rodney J Rhodes, Honeoye Falls, NY (US);
Robert Chalfant, Farmington, NY (US);
Bruce J Clingerman, Palmyra, NY (US);
Kiran Mallavarapu, Rochester, NY (US);
Bryan Tipton, Johnstown, PA (US);
Rodney J Rhodes, Honeoye Falls, NY (US);
Robert Chalfant, Farmington, NY (US);
General Motors Corporation, Detroit, MI (US);
Abstract
Hydrogen in a fuel cell is vented and purged with a fail-closed valve using stored energy (e.g. from a capacitor) when a diagnostic parameter is outside of an acceptable operating range. The valve closes after the stored energy has depleted. A safety switch in the relay circuit of the solenoid switch (or solenoid valve) is also grounded in computer-implemented shutdowns. Benefits from the invention include use of air-compatible catalysts, minimized parasitic losses to power output, minimized contamination of fuel cell internal surfaces after venting, minimized risk of explosive mixture buildup, and efficient operation.