Fortunat C Mueller

US Patent:

20110143246, Jun 16, 2011

Filed:

Sep 25, 2008

Appl. No.:

13/059658

Inventors:

David G. Converse - Hampden MA, US
Fortunat Mueller - North Yarmouth ME, US

International Classification:

H01M 8/04

US Classification:

429429

Abstract:

A fuel cell power plant includes a cell stack assembly having an anode and a cathode. A component is arranged in fluid connection with at least one of the anode and cathode. The component has a first shut-down cooling rate. A heat exchanger is arranged in fluid communication with and between the component and one of the anode and cathode. The heat exchanger has a second shut-down cooling rate greater than the first shut-down cooling rate. Water vapor within the fuel cell power plant outside of the cell stack assembly will condense and freeze in the heat exchanger rather than the component, avoiding malfunction of the component upon start-up in below freezing environments.

US Patent:

20050244681, Nov 3, 2005

Filed:

Oct 30, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/533368

Inventors:

Gregory Len - Boston MA, US
Fortunat Mueller - West Hartford CT, US
Vincent Rizzo - Norfolk MA, US

International Classification:

H01M008/06
C01B003/32
B01J008/04

US Classification:

429017000, 429019000, 422190000, 048061000

Abstract:

Fuel processing systems, which reform a hydrocarbon fuel to produce hydrogen suitable for use in a fuel cell, have multiple air inlets for various process steps. Controls and feedback loops are correspondingly complex. Controlling the multiple airflows to a pressurized fuel processor using a single onboard compressor and a number of low pressure drop valves is a significant challenge to overcome in the process of getting a reformed on board a vehicle. A method has been developed for controlling the compressor speed based on the airflow demand of the partial oxidation (POX) zone, without direct feedback from the other airflows in the system. This ensures that the principal zone of air consumption always gets the appropriate amount of air, thus controlling the temperature of that zone and the reaction chemistry effectively. This method also allows removal of extra flow sensors from airflows where the effect of changed airflow (e.g. temperature change) can be used as a feedback to an air controller instead of the actual airflow itself. Similar principles are applicable in the control of other flows, such as fuel and water, when several flows are fed by a common source.