Underbody integrated exhaust path for fuel cell vehicles
AssigneeGM Global Technology Operations LLC
InventorJörg Schulze
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A fuel cell vehicle is provided with a temperature tolerant exhaust system that eliminates the need for exhaust pipes, pipe routing, support systems, and ground clearance issues. The exhaust system includes a fuel cell exhaust pipe in fluid communication with a fuel cell stack and an exhaust tube. The exhaust tube is supported within an exhaust channel that extends along and forms a part of the underbody of the fuel cell vehicle. Alternatively, the exhaust tube is formed within the interior of the exhaust channel.
Claims20
A fuel cell vehicle exhaust system comprising:
- an exhaust pipe having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the exhaust pipe is in fluid communication with the fuel cell stack;
- an exhaust tube in fluid communication with the second end of the exhaust pipe;
- and
- an exhaust channel extending along an entire length of the exhaust tube and securing the exhaust tube to the exhaust channel, the exhaust channel formed as part of an underbody of the fuel cell vehicle and configured to guide an exhaust vapor from the fuel cell vehicle to exit the exhaust tube into the atmosphere.
A fuel cell vehicle exhaust system comprising:
- an exhaust pipe having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the exhaust pipe is in fluid communication with the fuel cell stack;
- and
- an exhaust channel in fluid communication with the second end of the exhaust pipe and secured to and formed as part of an underbody of the fuel cell vehicle;
- the exhaust channel configured to guide an exhaust vapor from the fuel cell vehicle to exit the exhaust channel into the atmosphere.
A fuel cell vehicle exhaust system comprising:
- an exhaust pipe having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the exhaust pipe is in fluid communication with the fuel cell stack;
- and
- an exhaust channel in fluid communication with the second end of the exhaust pipe and secured to and formed as part of an underbody of the fuel cell vehicle, the exhaust channel further comprising a sealed chamber forming an exhaust tube;
- the exhaust channel configured to guide an exhaust vapor from the fuel cell vehicle to exit the exhaust channel into the atmosphere.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.