Direct current/direct current converter for a fuel cell system
AssigneeBallard Power Systems Inc.
InventorsChristos A. Kambouris, John T. Bates
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Fuel cell systems and control methods including a fuel cell and a second energy source, such as a battery that is adapted to supplement the fuel cell. In addition, the fuel cell system utilizes a single bipolar switching module, such as an IGBT six pack module that is configured to implement a DC/DC converter, such as a DC/DC boost converter, for both the fuel cell and the battery. The fuel cell system also makes use of a controller that is configured to control either or both of input current and output voltage of the DC/DC converter.
Claims38
A fuel cell system, comprising:
- a fuel cell;
- a second energy source configured to supplement the fuel cell;
- a single bipolar switching module configured to implement a DC/DC converter for both the fuel cell and the second energy source;
- and
- a controller configured to control at least one of an input current and an output voltage of the DC/DC converter.
A method of controlling a fuel cell system comprising a fuel cell, a second energy source, a bipolar switching module and a controller, the method comprising:
- operating the bipolar switching module as a DC/DC converter for both the fuel cell and the second energy source;
- and,
- using the controller to control at least one of an input current and an output voltage of the DC/DC converter.
A controller programmed to control a fuel cell system comprising a fuel cell, a battery, and an IGBT six pack module comprising three IGBT legs and configured to implement a DC/DC converter for both the fuel cell and the battery, by:
- in a first mode, providing DC/DC conversion for the fuel cell via two of the three IGBT legs and bi-directional DC/DC conversion for the battery via the third IGBT leg;
- in a second mode, providing DC/DC conversion for the battery via two of the three IGBT legs and DC/DC conversion for the fuel cell via the third IGBT leg;
- in a third mode, providing DC/DC conversion for the fuel cell via all three IGBT legs;
- and,
- in a fourth mode, providing DC/DC conversion for the battery via all three IGBT legs.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.