Systems and methods providing a wearable power generator
AssigneeRaytheon Company
InventorsJames A. Pruett, Howard C. Choe, Byron Elliott Short, Jr., Larry C. Bowling
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A wearable, hybrid power generation system includes a rechargeable battery, a solid fuel cell power generator coupled to the rechargeable battery, and a cartridge with fuel for the solid fuel cell power generator. The cartridge is removeably coupled to the solid fuel cell power generator. The rechargeable battery, the solid fuel cell power generator, and the cartridge may be housed in a form factor conforming to a shape and size of a standard battery.
Claims21
A system comprising:
- a rechargeable battery;
- a solid fuel cell power generator coupled to the rechargeable battery, the power generator having a sensor to disable an air intake of the power generator when the system is submerged;
- and
- a fuel cartridge for the solid fuel cell power generator, the fuel cartridge being removably coupled to the solid fuel cell power generator;
- wherein the rechargeable battery, the solid fuel cell power generator, and the cartridge are housed in a form factor conforming to a size and shape of a standard battery.
A wearable power system comprising:
- means for storing energy having an input for charging the means for storing energy and an output for providing electric power;
- means for generating electric power from fuel, the means for generating being coupled to the means for storing energy to recharge the means for storing energy;
- means for sensing whether the wearable power system is submerged;
- means for drawing in ambient air for use in a power generation reaction in the means for generating electric power when the wearable power system is not submerged;
- means for disabling drawing in ambient air when the wearable power system is submerged;
- and
- means for storing fuel for the means for generating electric power, the means for storing fuel being communicatively coupled to the means for generating electric power to supply fuel thereto, wherein the wearable power system conforms to a form factor of a standard battery.
A method for using a wearable power device, the wearable power device including a battery, a solid fuel cell power generator to charge the battery, and a fuel cartridge to supply fuel to the solid fuel cell power generator that are all housed in a form factor conforming to a size and shape of a standard battery, the method comprising:
- determining whether the battery is adequately charged to power equipment;
- determining whether the wearable power device is submerged and, if not:
- charging the battery with the solid fuel cell power generator if the battery is not adequately charged;
- powering equipment external to the wearable power device using the wearable power device;
- and
- further charging the battery as appropriate during or after powering the equipment;
- otherwise, if the wearable power device is submerged:
- disabling operation of the solid fuel cell power generator.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.