Fuel cell water drain valve control with vehicle tilt compensation
AssigneeGM Global Technology Operations LLC
InventorDEREK S. KILMER
Life of this patent
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Abstract
System and methods for removing water and/or other liquids from a fuel cell system at a variety of vehicle tilt orientations are disclosed. In certain embodiments, a method for regulating a sump system in a vehicle may include receiving orientation information from one or more orientation sensors associated with the vehicle and/or the sump system. Based on the orientation information, an adjusted fill level of the sump system may be determined (e.g., using a look-up table or the like). A drain valve of the sump system may be selectively actuated to regulate a level of liquid in the sump system at or below the adjusted level.
Claims20
A method for regulating a sump system comprising:
- receiving orientation information from one or more orientation sensors;
- determining an adjusted fill level in the sump system based on the orientation information;
- and
- actuating a drain valve of the sump system to maintain a level of liquid in the sump system at or below the adjusted fill level.
A system comprising:
- a fuel cell system;
- a sump system coupled to the fuel cell system configured to collect liquid from the fuel cell system, the sump system comprising a drain valve configured to selectively remove liquid from the sump system when actuated;
- and
- a fuel cell control system communicatively coupled to the drain valve, the fuel cell control system configured to regulate a fill level within the sump system based on orientation information received from one or more orientation sensors by selectively actuating the drain valve.
A vehicle comprising:
- a fuel cell system configured to provide electrical energy for the vehicle;
- a sump system coupled to the fuel cell system configured to collect liquid from the fuel cell system, the sump system comprising a drain valve configured to selectively remove liquid from the sump system when actuated;
- and
- a fuel cell control system communicatively coupled to the drain valve, the fuel cell control system configured to regulate a fill level within the sump system based on orientation information received from one or more vehicle orientation sensors by selectively actuating the drain valve.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.