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. 24, 2007
Filed:
Apr. 14, 2003
Victor W Logan, Naples, NY (US);
James W Dandalides, Webster, NY (US);
Victor W Logan, Naples, NY (US);
James W Dandalides, Webster, NY (US);
General Motors Corporation, Detroit, MI (US);
Abstract
A switching system and control method therefor are provided and implemented with a fuel cell stack system. The switching system enables fuel cell stacks to be connected in series for providing power to a power user while removing the particular disadvantages of a series circuit. In the event of a stack fault, the faulty stack may be bypassed, whereby the remaining stacks provide power to the power user at reduced capacity. The stack is continuously monitored and is reintroduced to the series circuit if the fault clears. If the fault reoccurs a predetermined number of times after the stack has been reintroduced, a 'reduced capacity' mode is initiated. Additionally, in the event of a reduced or an increased current demand, stacks are selectively switched in and out of the series connection, for limiting the overall operation voltage range of the fuel cell stack system.