Method and system for controlling and recovering short duration bridge power to maximize backup power

A method for providing back-up power to a load powered by a primary power source, the method comprising:

• generating back-up power for the load from a fuel cell arrangement;
• generating bridge power for the load from a bridging power source;
• initiating application of the bridge power to the load upon detecting a deterioration of power from the primary power source;
• and
• initiating application of the back-up power to the load upon detecting a power capability of the back-up power to power the load.

A system for providing back-up power to a load powered by a primary power source, the system comprising:

• a fuel cell arrangement for generating back-up power for the load, wherein the fuel cell arrangement comprises
• a fuel cell for generating the back-up power;
• a hydrogen storage device in communication with the fuel cell for providing hydrogen thereto;
• and
• an electrolysis cell in communication with the hydrogen storage device, the electrolysis cell for generating hydrogen to be stored at the hydrogen storage device;
• a bridging power source for generating bridge power for the load;
• a controller in operable communication with the fuel cell arrangement and the bridging power source, the controller adapted to initiate application of the bridge power to the load upon detecting a deterioration of power from the primary power source, the controller further adapted to initiate application of the back-up power to the load upon detecting a power capability of the back-up power to power the load;
• and
• a converter coupled between the primary power source and the load, the converter for converting power from the primary power source to power anticipated by the load.