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:
Jan. 19, 2010
Filed:
Mar. 09, 2006
Kaushik Rajashekara, Carmel, IN (US);
George N. Simopoulos, Noblesville, IN (US);
Michael T. Faville, Geneseo, NY (US);
Elwood W. Wingeier, Orion, MI (US);
Kaushik Rajashekara, Carmel, IN (US);
George N. Simopoulos, Noblesville, IN (US);
Michael T. Faville, Geneseo, NY (US);
Elwood W. Wingeier, Orion, MI (US);
Delphi Technologies, Inc., Troy, MI (US);
Abstract
A fuel cell APU system comprising a plurality of fuel cell modules connected in parallel. Each module includes a local controller connected to a master controller that coordinates the modules to achieve a desired power output at any given time. Each module is operated within an output range to maximize efficiency of the system. When load demand on a first module exceeds the desired output range of the module, an additional module is brought online in parallel with the first. As the load increases further, additional modules are brought online in cascade fashion to permit all modules to be operated efficiently. If a module is disabled, it is automatically switched out of service and replaced by a standby module. The master controller keeps track of the total operating time of each module and varies the sequence in which different modules are brought into service to balance deterioration among the modules.