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:
Mar. 15, 2011
Filed:
Apr. 05, 2007
Giuseppe Nastasi, Tremestieri Etneo, IT;
Salvatore Abbisso, Augusta, IT;
Vincenzo Ortisi, Augusta, IT;
Giuseppe Nastasi, Tremestieri Etneo, IT;
Salvatore Abbisso, Augusta, IT;
Vincenzo Ortisi, Augusta, IT;
STMicroelectronics S.r.l., Agrate Brianza, IT;
Abstract
A managing method of the start-up phase of at least one micro fuel cell to be connected to a load includes: measuring a micro fuel cell voltage value across the micro fuel cell activated by means of a fuel injection; comparing the micro fuel cell voltage value with a first threshold voltage value; and establishing an operation mode of the micro fuel cell as follows: as long as the micro fuel cell voltage value is lower than the first threshold voltage value, the micro fuel cell operates in a first open circuit state, during which it is not connected to the load; when the micro fuel cell voltage value overcomes the first threshold voltage value, the micro fuel cell passes to a second pre-ignition state, during which it supplies a current value corresponding to the first threshold voltage value, according to a static voltage-current characteristic of the micro fuel cell.