Device and method for augmenting the useful life of an energy storage device
AssigneeMotorola Mobility LLC
InventorsRobert M. Johnson, Jason N. Howard
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method (300) and device (400) for augmenting the useful life of an energy storage device in a portable electronic device is disclosed. The method (300) can include the steps of: providing (315) a power module comprising a fuel cell and a battery; determining (310) relative humidity; and controlling (315) the operations of the power module in response to the determined relative humidity. Advantageously, the method (300) and device (400) can augment and prolong the useful life of an energy storage device in a portable electronic device, with minimal power drain.
Claims10
A method in a portable electronic device, comprising:
- providing a wireless communication device including a power module comprising a fuel cell and a battery;
- determining relative humidity of an air exhaust line of the fuel cell;
- and
- controlling the operations of the power module in response to the determined relative humidity, by:
- passively adjusting relative humidity of the air exhaust line of the fuel cell by being free from using a blower;
- providing power to a load with the fuel cell when the determined relative humidity is below a threshold relative humidity;
- and providing power to a load with the battery when the determined relative humidity is at least at a threshold relative humidity.
A method in a portable electronic device, comprising:
- providing a portable electronic device including a power module comprising a fuel cell and a battery;
- determining relative humidity of an air exhaust line of the fuel cell, the determining step including at least one of:
- sensing the relative humidity and estimating the relative humidity;
- and
- controlling the operations of the power module in response to the determined relative humidity, by:
- passively adjusting relative humidity of the air exhaust line of the fuel cell;
- providing power to a load with the fuel cell when the determined relative humidity is below a threshold relative humidity;
- and providing power to a load with the battery when the determined relative humidity is at least at a threshold relative humidity.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.