Title:
HYBRID ENERGY STORAGE DEVICE CHARGE EQUALIZATION SYSTEM AND METHOD
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO2002095862
Kind Code:
A9
Abstract:
A system and method for improving the performance of a hybrid power supply apparatus comprising a power generating device, such as a fuel cell, and a primary energy storage device, such as a battery. The purpose of the invention is to provide an equalization charge to the battery from a source other than the fuel cell when the battery achieves a predetermined state of charge condition, thereby avoiding the need to operate the fuel cell in a low power output mode. When the predetermined state of charge condition is detected by a controller, the fuel cell is shut-down. In one aspect of the invention the equalization charge is provided to the battery by a secondary energy storage device, such as a plurality of capacitors or secondary batteries. The predetermined state of charge condition may be satisfied, for example, when the state of charge of the battery exceeds a predetermined threshold, such as 80 % of the battery's storage capacity, for a predetermined period of time. In some aspects of the invention, the secondary energy storage device may also be connectable to the load. Preferably the system also includes a DC/DC converter for regulating current flow between the fuel cell and the storage devices.
Inventors:
LEBOE DAVID (CA)
CORLESS ADRIAN J (CA)
CORLESS ADRIAN J (CA)
Application Number:
PCT/CA2002/000665
Publication Date:
March 06, 2003
Filing Date:
April 30, 2002
Export Citation:
Assignee:
CELLEX POWER PRODUCTS INC (CA)
LEBOE DAVID (CA)
CORLESS ADRIAN J (CA)
LEBOE DAVID (CA)
CORLESS ADRIAN J (CA)
International Classes:
H01M10/44; H01M16/00; H02J7/34; H01M6/50; (IPC1-7): H01M10/44
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