CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATEDAPPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Application
number 61/569,133 filed 09-DEC-2011, which is incorporated in its entirety by this
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention relates generally to the fuel cell field, and more
specifically to a new and useful system and method of managing a fuel cell system in
the fuel cell field.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In many applications, fuel cell systems provide a compelling solution as
a portable power source, due to their portability and low carbon footprint.
[0004] However, the fuel cell systems often require long startup times to bring
the fuel cells and fuel cartridges up to operational temperatures. These long startup
times can be prohibitive to wide consumer adoption of fuel cell systems as power
sources, especially with the ubiquity of preexisting power sources, such as wall
outlets connected to an electrical grid. However, since preexisting power sources
tend to be immobile and not easily portable, it can be desirable for users to utilize
preexisting power sources in certain settings and the fuel cell system in others.
[0005] Thus, there is a need in the fuel cell system field to create an improved
system and method of allowing and leveraging multiple power source usage.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0006] FIGURE 1is a schematic representation of a power adapter for a load.
[0007] FIGURE 2 is a schematic representation of a fuel generator.
[0008] FIGURES 3-11 are schematic representations of a first, second, third,
fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth variation of a power adapter.
[0009] FIGURE 12 is a schematic representation of a method of power adapter
operation.
[0010] FIGURE 13 is a schematic representation of the power adapter
operating in a variation of the auxiliary mode.
[001 1] FIGURE 14 is a schematic representation of the power adapter
operating in a second variation of the auxiliary mode.
[0012] FIGURE 15 is a schematic representation of the power adapter
operating in a variation of the fuel cell mode.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED VARIATIONS
[0013] The following description of the preferred variations of the invention is
not intended to limit the invention to these preferred variations, but rather to enable
any person skilled in the art to make and use this invention.
1. The PowerAdapter
[0014] As shown in FIGURE 1, a system for managing a fuel cell includes a
power adapter system 100 including a fuel cell system 200, a battery 300, and a
control circuit 400. The fuel cell system 200 includes a fuel cell stack 220 and a fuel
supply 240. The system can additionally include a load connector 600, an auxiliary
power connector 500, a conversion circuit 700, a charging circuit, and an energy
generation control system 900. The system is used to provide power to a load 620,
wherein the load 620 is preferably a device, such as a portable consumer device such
as a mobile phone, tablet, or laptop, but can alternatively be an electric vehicle, an
unmanned aerial vehicle, or any other suitable load 620. The system is preferably
external from the device, but can alternatively be integrated within the device,
wherein the control circuit 400 is preferably the control circuit of the device. The
system preferably removably couples to and receives power from an auxiliary power
source 520, wherein the auxiliary power source 520 can be a power grid accessed
through a wall outlet, a turbine, a solar panel system, or any other suitable power
source capable of providing substantially continuous power for a given period of
time. The power adapter 100 enables a device to be charged from both the fuel cell
system 200 and the auxiliary power source 520. Furthermore, the power adapter 100
preferably leverages the power provided by the auxiliary power source 520 to start up
and/or shut down fuel cell power production.
[0015] The fuel cell system 200 of the power adapter 100 functions to convert
fuel into electric power. The fuel cell system 200 includes a fuel cell stack 220 and a
fuel supply 240 that supplies fuel 242 to the fuel cell stack 220. The fuel cell system
200 is preferably a hydrogen fuel cell system 200 (e.g., the fuel supply 240 supplies
hydrogen and the fuel cell stack 220 reacts hydrogen), but can alternatively be a
methane, propane, butane, or any other suitable fuel cell system 200. The fuel cell
system 200 is preferably an integral unit with the power adapter 100, but can
alternatively be a removable unit, wherein the fuel cell system 200 provides power
through a power connector to the power adapter 100.
[001 6] The fuel cell stack 220 of the fuel cell system 200 functions to convert a
fuel into electric power. The fuel cell stack 220 preferably includes one or more fuel
cells. The fuel cells can be electrically coupled in series or in parallel within a fuel cell
stack 220, and can be fluidly coupled in series or in parallel within the fuel cell stack
220 (e.g., through a fuel inlet or outlet manifold or an air inlet or outlet manifold).
The fuel cells are preferably high temperature fuel cells, such as solid oxide fuel cells
(SOFCs) or molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs), wherein the fuel cells must be
brought up to a fuel cell operating temperature before fuel conversion can occur.
However, the fuel cells can alternatively be low temperature fuel cells (e.g., proton
exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells) or any other suitable fuel cell. The fuel cell
stack 220 preferably includes a single type of fuel cell, but can alternatively include a
combination of different fuel cell types. The fuel cells are preferably planar, but can
alternatively be tubular or any suitable shape. The fuel cell stack 220 preferably
produces DC power, but can additionally include a conversion circuit 700 that
converts the DC power into AC power. The fuel cell stack configuration is preferably
device-specific, and preferably provides power at a voltage and current demanded by
the device. However, the fuel cell stack 220 can be device-agnostic and provide
power at a standardized voltage and current (e.g., 5V DC), non-standardized voltage
and current, or at any other suitable voltage and current. The power adapter 100 can
additionally include a conversion circuit 700 that converts the fuel cell stack power to
power acceptable by the device, particularly when the fuel cell stack power is non
standard and non-device specific.
[001 7] The fuel supply 240 of the fuel cell system 200 functions to provide fuel
to the fuel cell stack 220. The fuel supply outlet is preferably fluidly coupled to the
fuel inlets of the fuel cells, but can alternatively be supplied to any suitable portion of
the fuel cell stack 220. The fuel supply 240 is preferably a fuel generator, as shown in
FIGURE 2, but can alternatively be a pressurized fuel cartridge, wherein the fuel
supply 240 preferably additionally includes a fuel supply valve and/or a fuel pump,
or any other suitable fuel supply 240. The fuel generator preferably functions to
generate and provide fuel for the fuel cell stack 220. The fuel generator preferably
accepts a cartridge 260 containing a fuel storage composition, wherein the cartridge
removably couples to the fuel generator. The fuel generator preferably includes a
reaction element that reacts the fuel storage composition. The reaction element is
preferably a heating element, wherein the fuel storage composition endothermically
degrades to produce fuel, but can alternatively be electrical connections that power
heaters within the cartridge, a pump that pumps a reactant to a fuel storage
composition reaction front, a lighting system that selectively lights select portions of
the fuel storage composition, a catalyst, or any other suitable reaction element. The
fuel supply 240 is preferably an integral component with the fuel cell stack 220, but
can alternatively be a separate component couplable to the fuel cell stack 220.
[0018] The fuel cartridge of the fuel cell system 200 functions to provide fuel
to the fuel cell stack 220. As aforementioned, the fuel cartridge preferably contains a
fuel storage composition that stores fuel in a chemically bound form, wherein the
fuel storage composition preferably reacts to produce fuel. However, the fuel
cartridge can contain compressed fuel or any other suitable form of fuel. The fuel
storage composition preferably thermolyses at a degradation temperature to produce
fuel, but can alternatively hydrolyze, catalyze, photolyze, or react using any suitable
mechanism to produce fuel. The fuel storage composition is preferably aluminum
hydride (Alane, preferably the a-polymorph, but alternatively any suitable
polymorph), but can be sodium borohydride (SBH, NaBH4), lithium hydride, or any
other suitable hydrogen storage composition. The fuel storage composition is
preferably a substantially solid pill of compacted powder, but can alternatively be
loose powder, gel, liquid, or any other suitable form factor. The casing of the fuel
cartridge is preferably substantially rigid to provide mechanical protection for the
fuel storage composition. However, the casing can be substantially flexible. The
casing is preferably thermally conductive such that the fuel storage composition can
be heated through the casing, but can alternatively be insulated, such as with foam
insulation or vacuum insulation. The casing is preferably made of metal (e.g., copper,
aluminum, steel, or any suitable alloy), but can be made of a polymer, a ceramic, or
any combination of the above. The casing is preferably cylindrical or prismatic, but
can alternatively have any suitable form factor.
[0019] The battery or energy storage device 300 of the power adapter 100
functions to store and provide power to the fuel cell system 200 for fuel cell system
operation. The battery 300 can additionally function to absorb excess energy
produced by the fuel cell system 200, provide power to the load 620, condition
power for the load 620, condition power for the fuel cell system 200, and/or provide
power to an energy generation control system 900. The battery 300 is preferably
rechargeable, and can be a lithium-ion, lithium polymer, nickel cadmium, silver zinc,
or any other suitable rechargeable battery. The battery 300 is preferably
substantially small to reduce the fuel cell system form factor, but can alternatively be
large. The battery is preferably separate from the device battery, but can alternatively
be the device battery. In a first variation, the battery capacity is only large enough to
store enough energy to facilitate fuel cell system start-up (e.g., enough for fuel cell
and/or cartridge heating to operational temperatures). In a second variation, the
battery capacity is only large enough to store excess energy generated after load
decoupling, wherein the battery capacity can be determined from the amount of fuel
supplied to the fuel cell stack 220 after a fuel cessation signal is received. In a third
variation, the battery capacity is large enough to sustain fuel cell operation for a
given period of time, but not large enough to facilitate fuel cell system startup. In a
fourth variation, the battery capacity is large enough to start-up and sustain fuel cell
system operation for a period of time. In a fifth variation, the battery capacity is large
enough to support multiple fuel cell system start-up cycles. In a sixth variation, the
battery capacity is large enough to support device operation for a period of time. In a
seventh variation, the battery capacity is large enough to fully charge the device. The
battery 300 preferably provides power at a substantially constant voltage, wherein
the constant voltage can be a standardized voltage, device specific voltage, device
agnostic voltage, fuel cell system specific voltage, fuel cell stack specific voltage, fuel
supply specific voltage, or any other suitable voltage. Alternatively, the battery 300
can provide power at a variable voltage. The battery 300 is preferably electrically
connected to the fuel cell system 200, more preferably to a heating element of the
fuel cell stack 220 (e.g., a resistive heater that heats the fuel cells) and/or a reaction
element of the fuel supply 240 (e.g., to a resistive heating element of the fuel supply
240). The battery 300 preferably receives auxiliary power 522 and preferably
electrically connects to the power source adapter. The battery 300 can additionally
be electrically connected to the fuel cell stack power outlet, wherein the battery 300
preferably receives power from the fuel cell stack 220 after load disconnection
and/or receives power in excess of load 620 demand during load 620 power
provision. The battery 300 can additionally be electrically connected to the load
connector 600, wherein the battery 300 can selectively provide power to the device
through the adapter and/or receive power from the device.
[0020] The control circuit 400 of the power adapter 100 functions to control
the power adapter operation modes. More preferably, the control circuit 400
controls power routing within the power adapter 100, but can alternatively control
fuel cell system operation (e.g., maintaining the fuel cells and fuel cartridge at the
respective operating temperatures), fuel routing, or control any other suitable
adapter operation parameter. The control circuit 400 is preferably a processor (e.g.,
a CPU), but can alternatively be any suitable control system. The control circuit 400
is preferably electrically connected to the auxiliary power connector 500, the battery
power inlet, the battery power outlet, the fuel cell system power inlet, the fuel cell
system power outlet, and the load connector 600, but can alternatively be connected
to a subset of the aforementioned components. The control circuit 400 preferably
selectively routes power from the energy storage device and/or the auxiliary power
source 520 based on the connectivity state of the power adapter 100 with the
auxiliary power source 520 and a load 620. The control circuit 400 can additionally
selectively route power based on the rate of power generation by the fuel cell system
200, the state of charge of the battery 300, the rate of battery power 302
consumption, the fuel provision rate, or any other suitable adapter operation
parameter. The control circuit 400 is preferably operable between an auxiliary mode
when the power adapter 100 is connected to the auxiliary power source 520 and a
load 620 and a fuel cell mode when the power adapter 100 is disconnected from the
auxiliary power source 520 and is connected to a load 620. The control circuit 400
can additionally be operable in a charging mode when the power adapter 100 is
connected to the auxiliary power source 520 and is disconnected from a load 620.
The control circuit 400 is preferably integrated into the power adapter 100, more
preferably into the fuel cell system 200 of the power adapter 100, but can
alternatively be integrated into any other suitable portion of the power adapter 100
or be located on a removable component of the power adapter 100.
[0021] The power adapter 100 can additionally include a load connector 600
that functions to transmit power from the power adapter 100 to the device. The load
connector 600 preferably includes a device plug, but can alternatively include any
suitable electrical connection to the device battery. The device plug is preferably
device-specific, but can alternatively be device-independent (e.g., a USB adapter).
The device plug is preferably an industry-standardized plug, but can alternatively be
a non-standardized plug. The load connector 600 is preferably permanently coupled
to the power adapter 100, but can alternatively be removably coupled to the power
adapter 100 with a coupling mechanism that includes an electrical connection (e.g.,
clip, tongue-in-groove couple, adhesive, etc.). The load connector 600 is preferably
electrically connected to the fuel cell stack power outlet, and can additionally or
alternatively be electrically connected to the battery 300. The load connector 600 is
preferably additionally electrically connected to the auxiliary power connector 500
through the power adapter 100.
[0022] The power adapter 100 can additionally include an auxiliary power
connector 500 that functions to couple to and transmit power from an auxiliary
power source 520 to the power adapter 100. The auxiliary power source 520 is
preferably a substantially larger power source, more preferably a substantially
unlimited power source, but can alternatively be a limited power source. The
auxiliary power connector 500 is preferably a plug for a wall outlet, wherein the
auxiliary power source 520 is a wall outlet electrically coupled to an electric grid.
However, the auxiliary power source 520 can be a diesel generator, a hydraulic
energy generator, a wind turbine, or any other suitable power source, wherein the
auxiliary power connector 500 is any suitable connector couplable to the auxiliary
power sources 520 mentioned above. The auxiliary power connector 500 is
preferably integrated into the power adapter 100, but can alternatively be removable,
wherein the auxiliary power connector 500 can couple to the power adapter 100 with
a coupling mechanism (e.g., clip, tongue-in-groove couple, adhesive, interference
couple, friction couple, etc.) and provide power through a power connector (e.g.,
pins, electrical contacts, standardized connectors such as USB connections, etc.) to
the power adapter 100 (as shown in FIGURES 3 and 4).
[0023] The power adapter 100 can additionally include a conversion circuit
700 that functions to convert auxiliary power 522 into power suitable for
components of the power adapter 100 and/or the load 620. In a first variation, as
shown in FIGURES 5 and 6, the conversion circuit 700 converts auxiliary power 522
into power suitable for the battery 300, wherein the conversion circuit 700
preferably includes a power converter electrically coupled between the auxiliary
power connector 500 and the battery 300. This conversion circuit 700 can be located
within the auxiliary power connector 500 or within the power adapter body. This
conversion circuit 700 is preferably selected based on the auxiliary power source 520
for which the auxiliary power connector 500 was intended. This conversion circuit
700 preferably includes a power converter that converts auxiliary power 522 into
battery power 302. In a second variation, the conversion circuit 700 can convert
auxiliary power 522 into power suitable for the load 620, wherein the conversion
circuit 700 preferably includes a power converter electrically coupled in the electrical
path between the auxiliary power connector 500 and the load connector 600. The
electrical path between the auxiliary power connector 500 and the load connector
600 can bypass the battery 300 (as shown in FIGURES 7 and 9) or include the
battery 300, wherein the battery 300 functions as a component of the conversion
circuit 700 (as shown in FIGURE 5). This conversion circuit 700 can be located
within the removable auxiliary power connector 500, within the power adapter body,
or within the removable load connector 600. The conversion circuit 700 is preferably
selected based on the intended device, but can be selected to meet a standard power
outputs. In a third variation, the conversion circuit 700 can convert fuel cell system
power into power suitable for the load 620, wherein the conversion circuit 700 is
electrically connected between the fuel cell system power output and the load
connector 600. In a fourth variation, the conversion circuit 700 can convert battery
power 302 into power suitable for the fuel cell system 200, wherein the conversion
circuit 700 is electrically connected between the battery 300 and the fuel cell system
200. The conversion circuit 700 can include one or a combination of the
aforementioned variations, and be located in one or a combination of the
aforementioned locations. The conversion circuit 700 can include an AC/DC
conversion circuit, which can further enable the power adapter 100 to couple with an
AC power supply (e.g., an electric grid). The conversion circuit 700 can additionally
include a DC/DC conversion circuit, which preferably includes a step-up
transformer, a step-down transformer, or both, and is preferably capable of
transforming the provided power to the required device voltage. A DC/DC
conversion circuit is preferably included when the auxiliary power source 520
provides DC power, when the battery 300 or fuel cell system power is converted into
load power, or when battery power 302 is converted into fuel cell system power.
[0024] The power adapter 100 can additionally include a charging circuit that
functions to control battery charging from the auxiliary power source 520 and the
fuel cell system 200. The charging circuit can be a subcircuit of the conversion circuit
700, or can be a separate circuit. The charging circuit preferably controls the battery
charging mode (e.g., charging or not charging), selection of the power source from
which the battery 300 is charged, and the state of charge at which battery charging
will be ceased, but can additionally control any other suitable battery charging
parameter. The charging circuit preferably selects the battery charging mode based
on the battery state of charge and the connection state of the power adapter 100 with
the auxiliary power source 520 and the load 620. The charging mode is preferably
selected when the battery state of charge is below a threshold state of charge and the
power adapter 100 is connected to the auxiliary power source 520. The threshold
state of charge is preferably less than the maximum battery capacity, such that the
battery 300 can be used to absorb excess energy from the fuel cell system 200, but
can alternatively be the maximum battery capacity or any other suitable capacity.
The amount of power supplied to the battery 300 is preferably selected based on the
state of charge of the battery 300 and the rate of power consumption from the
battery 300, wherein the amount of power supplied to the battery 300 is preferably
regulated to charge the battery 300 to the threshold state of charge. The noncharging
mode is preferably selected when the auxiliary power source 520 is
disconnected from the power adapter 100 and the load 620 is connected to the power
adapter 100. The charging circuit can additionally select the charging mode based on
the energy generation state of the fuel cell system 200, wherein the charging mode is
preferably selected when the energy is being generated from the fuel cell system 200
and the load 620 is disconnected, or when the generated energy exceeds the load 620
demand when the load 620 is connected to the power adapter 100. The charging
circuit preferably selects the power source from which the battery 300 is charged
based on the connection state of the power adapter 100 with the auxiliary power
source 520 and the energy generation state of the fuel cell system 200. The auxiliary
power source 520 is preferably selected when the auxiliary power source 520 is
connected to the power adapter 100 and the fuel cell system 200 is not generating
energy. The fuel cell system 200 is preferably selected when the fuel cell system 200
is generating energy. The auxiliary power source 520 can additionally be selected
when the fuel cell system 200 produces energy at a rate below the maximum
charging rate of the battery 300. The charging circuit preferably selects the state of
charge at which battery charging will be ceased based on the energy generation state
of the fuel cell system 200. The charging circuit preferably allows the battery 300 to
charge to the maximum capacity during energy generation, and selects a threshold
state of charge below the maximum capacity when energy is not being generated.
[0025] As shown in FIGURE 15, the power adapter 100 can additionally
include an energy generation control system 900 that functions to control energy
generation from the fuel cell system 200. More preferably, the energy generation
control system 900 initiates and ceases energy generation, but can alternatively only
initiate or only cease energy generation. The energy generation control system 900
preferably initiates fuel generation upon satisfaction of an initiation condition. The
initiation condition is preferably satisfied when the load 620 is connected to the
power adapter 100, the auxiliary power source 520 is disconnected from the power
adapter 100, and a fuel cell system 200 parameter is indicative of fuel cell power
production below a desired threshold, but can alternatively be satisfied when the
battery state of charge falls below a critical threshold or when any other suitable
event indicative of fuel cell power demand occurs. The energy generation control
system 900 preferably ceases energy generation upon the satisfaction of a cessation
condition. The cessation condition is preferably satisfied when the load 620 is
disconnected from the power adapter 100 and a fuel cell system 200 parameter is
indicative of power production (e.g., the fuel flow rate is above a predetermined flow
rate, the fuel generator temperature is above the decomposition threshold, etc.), but
can alternatively be satisfied when the fuel cartridge capacity falls below a
predetermined threshold, or when any other suitable event indicative of a drop in
fuel cell power demand occurs. The energy generation control system 900 preferably
controls energy generation by controlling fuel flow to the fuel cell stack 220, but can
alternatively control energy generation by controlling fuel cell stack 220 operation
parameters, such as the air provision rate or the fuel cell stack 220 temperature. The
energy generation control system 900 is preferably a cooling system (e.g., a fan, cold
plate, etc.) that selectively thermally couples a cooling fluid (e.g., ambient air,
coolant, a volatile liquid, etc.) with a fuel cell system 200 component to cease energy
generation, but can alternatively be a venting system that vents heat and/or fuel to
the environment to cease energy generation, a flow controller that controls fuel flow
to the fuel cell stack 220 (e.g., a pump that selectively pumps fuel to the fuel cell
stack 220 or active valve that selectively seals the fuel connection between the fuel
supply 240 and the fuel cell stack 220) to initiate and/or cease energy generation, a
circuit that controls power provision to fuel cell system 200 components (e.g., to the
heater elements of the fuel generator and/or the fuel cell system 200) to initiate
and/or cease energy generation, or any other suitable system capable of controlling
energy generation initiation and/or cessation.
[0026] The power adapter 100 can additionally include a sensor that measures
a parameter of power adapter operation, wherein the measurement is preferably
received and processed by the processor. Examples of sensors that can be included in
the power adapter 100 include a temperature sensor, flow meter, resistance meter,
voltage meter, current meter, optical sensor, or any other suitable measurement
device. Examples of power adapter operation parameters that can be measured
include the temperature of the fuel cell stack 220, the temperature of the fuel supply
240, the temperature of the fuel storage composition, battery state of charge, the
power supplied by the fuel cell stack 220, the fuel flow rate into the fuel cell stack
220, the coolant flow rate from the fuel cell stack 220, the temperature of the coolant
stream (before and/or after cooling the fuel cell stack 220), the power supplied by
the auxiliary power source 520, or any other suitable operational parameter.
[0027] The power adapter 100 can additionally include on-board memory that
functions to store battery- or fuel cell system-related data. Fuel cell system-related
data can include the operating temperature of the fuel cells and fuel cartridge, the
fuel cell system identifier, the amount of cartridge consumption (e.g., as determined
from the fuel flow rate, cartridge operation time, etc.), or any other suitable fuel cell
system-related data. The memory is preferably non-volatile (e.g., MRAM, flash
memory, etc.), but can alternatively be any suitable memory.
[0028] The power adapter 100 can additionally include a casing that functions
to enclose and mechanically protect the power adapter components. The casing is
preferably substantially rigid, but can alternatively be substantially flexible. The
casing is preferably thermally insulated (e.g., vacuum insulated, foam insulated, etc.)
but can alternatively be thermally conductive. The casing is preferably substantially
prismatic, and can include angled corners, rounded corners, rounded edges, or have
any other suitable configuration or geometry.
[0029] In a first variation, the power adapter 100 includes a first portion
including the fuel cell system 200 integrated with the load connector 600 and a
second portion including a conversion circuit 700 and the auxiliary power connector
500. The first portion preferably removably couples to the second portion. The first
portion is preferably substantially portable, with a small form factor (e.g., the largest
dimension is under 100 mm, alternatively larger). The second portion is preferably
also substantially portable with a small form factor (e.g., under 100 mm,
alternatively larger), but can alternatively be a stationary dock. In one variation, the
dock can include replacement fuel cartridges, and can replace the cartridges within
the fuel cell system 200.
[0030] In a second variation, as shown in FIGURE 10, the power adapter 100
includes a first portion including the fuel cell system 200 integrated with the
conversion circuit 700 and the load connector 600 and a second portion including
the auxiliary power connector 500. The first portion preferably removably couples to
the second portion. The entire power adapter 100 (with the first portion coupled to
the second portion) is preferably substantially portable, with a small form factor
(e.g., under 100 mm, alternatively larger).
[0031] In a third variation, as shown in FIGURE 11, the power adapter 100 is a
single unit including the fuel cell system 200 integrated with the load connector 600,
the conversion circuit 700, and the auxiliary power connector 500. The auxiliary
power connector 500 is preferably a plug, wherein the prongs of the plug can be
folded into the body of the power adapter 100.
[0032] In a fourth variation, as shown in FIGURE 3, the power adapter 100
includes a body with a battery 300 and the conversion circuit 700, wherein the fuel
supply 240 within the body accepts a cartridge. The cartridge preferably includes fuel
storage composition, wherein the fuel supply 240 is a fuel generator, but can
alternatively include a compressed volume of fuel or fuel in any suitable form.
Insulation for the cartridge is preferably removable with the cartridge, but can
alternatively be located within the body. The auxiliary power connector 500
removably couples to the power adapter body. The fuel cell stack 220 also removably
couples to the power adapter body, wherein the fuel cell stack 220 additionally
includes a cooling fan, fuel manifolds, and any other auxiliary mechanisms required
for fuel conversion to electric power. In one variation, the fuel cell stack 220 couples
to the same port on the power adapter body as the auxiliary power connector 500,
wherein the port includes both a power transmission mechanism (e.g., electrical
contacts) and a fuel outlet. In another variation of this variation, the electronics of
the power adapter 100 are divided into separate circuits: a conversion circuit 700 for
auxiliary power 522 to device power conversion; a cartridge circuit that controls fuel
generation, device charging from the battery 300, and battery 300 to device power
conversion; and a fuel cell circuit that controls fuel cell stack 220 operation.
[0033] In a fifth variation, as shown in FIGURE 4, the power adapter 100
includes a body that includes a fuel cell stack 220, a battery 300, and the electronics
for both fuel cell system operation and power conversion (from the auxiliary power
source 520 and/or the battery 300). The body can additionally include any auxiliary
mechanisms required for fuel cell function. The auxiliary power source 520
preferably removably couples to the body through an electrical couple 522. The
cartridge preferably removably couples to the body as well, more preferably to the
same port as the auxiliary power connector 500 but alternatively through another
port. Similar to the fourth variation, the electronics can be included all within the
body or can be distributed between the body and auxiliary power connector 500.
[0034] In a sixth variation, as shown in FIGURE 7, the power adapter 100
includes a conversion circuit 700 electrically connecting an auxiliary power
connector 500 to a battery 300, wherein the battery 300 is electrically connected to a
fuel cell system 200, wherein the fuel cell system 200 is electrically connected to the
load connector 600. The conversion circuit 700 converts auxiliary power 522 into
power suitable for the battery 300, and can include an AC/DC converter. The battery
300 is preferably configured to provide power suitable for powering the fuel cell
system 200. However, when the battery 300 does not provide power suitable for
powering the fuel cell system 200, the electrical connection between the battery 300
and the fuel cell system 200 can additionally include a second conversion circuit 700
that converts battery power 302 into power suitable for the fuel cell system 200, such
as power suitable to heat the fuel cells of the fuel cell stack 220 or power suitable for
the fuel generator of the fuel supply 240. The fuel cell system 200 is preferably
configured to provide power suitable for the device. However, when the fuel cell
system 200 does not provide power suitable for the device, and the load connector
600 can additionally include a third conversion circuit 700 that converts fuel cell
stack power to device power as shown in FIGURE 8. As shown in FIGURE 7, the
auxiliary power connector 500 can additionally be electrically connected to the load
connector 600, wherein the auxiliary power connector 500 and load connector 600
are preferably connected through the first conversion circuit 700 (e.g., the output of
the first conversion circuit 700 is provided to the load connector 600), but can
alternatively be connected through a fourth conversion circuit 700 that converts
auxiliary power 522 into power suitable for the device, as shown in FIGURE 9, or be
connected through the third conversion circuit 700 wherein auxiliary power 522 or
power from the first conversion circuit 700 is fed into the third conversion circuit
700. As shown in FIGURE 7, the battery 300 can additionally be electrically
connected to the load connector 600, wherein the battery 300 can be directly
electrically connected to the device, connected to the device through the third
conversion circuit 700 as shown in FIGURE 7, or be electrically connected through a
fifth conversion circuit 700 that converts battery power 302 into power suitable for
the device. As shown in FIGURE 7, the power outlet of the fuel cell system 200 can
additionally be electrically connected to the battery power inlet, wherein the fuel cell
system power outlet is preferably directly connected to the battery power inlet, but
can alternatively be connected through a sixth conversion circuit 700 that converts
the fuel cell system power into power suitable for the battery 300.
[0035] In a seventh variation as shown in FIGURE 6, the power adapter 100
includes a power converter 700 electrically connecting an auxiliary power connector
500 to a battery 300, wherein the battery 300 is electrically connected to a fuel cell
system 200 and a load connector 600, and wherein the fuel cell system power outlet
is electrically connected to the battery power inlet. The battery 300 preferably
outputs power suitable for the device, but can alternatively include a second power
converter electrically connecting the battery power outlet to the load connector 600,
wherein the second power converter converts battery power 302 into power suitable
for the device. In this manner, the first power converter, the battery 300, and the
second power converter, if used, can function as a conversion circuit 700 that
converts auxiliary power 522 into power suitable for the device. The fuel cell system
200 is preferably compatible with battery power 302 output, but the battery 300 can
additionally include a third power converter electrically connecting the battery power
outlet to the fuel cell system 200, wherein the third power converter converts battery
power 302 into power suitable for the fuel cell system 200.
[0036] However, the power adapter 100 can have any other suitable physical
and/or electrical configuration.
2. Methods and Modes of Power Adapter Operation
[0037] As shown in FIGURE 12, a method of operating a power adapter
includes determining a connectivity state of an auxiliary power source with the
power adapter Sioo, determining a connectivity state of a load with the power
adapter S200, and selecting and operating the power adapter in an operation mode
based on the connectivity state of the power adapter with the auxiliary power source
and the load S300, the operation modes including an auxiliary mode and a fuel cell
mode. The power adapter can additionally be operable in a charging or pre-starting
mode, based on the connectivity state of the power adapter with the auxiliary power
source and the load. The power adapter preferably automatically determines the
suitable operational mode, but can alternatively be manually switched from one
mode to another. The operational mode is preferably determined by the control
circuit, but the operational modes can alternatively be determined by any other
suitable component or be passively determined. The power adapter utilizing this
method is preferably substantially similar to the one described above, but can
alternatively be any suitable power adapter with a fuel cell system and battery that is
couplable to an auxiliary power source and a load.
[0038] Determining the connectivity state of the auxiliary power source S100
functions to determine the availability of auxiliary power. Determining the
connectivity state of the auxiliary power source can include detecting a potential
difference at the auxiliary power connector wherein the auxiliary power source is
connected when a potential difference over a predetermined voltage threshold is
detected, detecting a current flow from the auxiliary power connector wherein the
auxiliary power source is connected when a current over a predetermined current
threshold is detected, mechanically determining that the auxiliary power connector is
coupled to an auxiliary power source (e.g., a tab in the connector is actuated when
the auxiliary power connector is coupled), or detecting the connectivity state of the
auxiliary power source in any other suitable manner. The connectivity state of the
auxiliary power source is preferably determined by the control circuit, but can
alternatively be determined by any suitable component of the power adapter.
[0039] Determining the connectivity state of the load S200 functions to
determine the need for power provision. Determining the connectivity state of the
load source can include detecting a load at the device connector (e.g., determining a
resistance at the device connector), detecting a power request from the device
connector (e.g., an electrical signal), detecting a power draw from the device
connector, mechanically determining that the device connector is coupled to a load
(e.g., a tab in the connector is actuated when the device connector is coupled), or
detecting the connectivity state of the load in any other suitable manner. The
connectivity state of the load is preferably determined by the control circuit, but can
alternatively be determined by any suitable component of the power adapter. When
the power adapter is integrated within the device, the load is preferably always
determined to be connected, but can alternatively be determined to be disconnected
(e.g. wherein the device disconnects the device battery from the power adapter, when
the device is shut off, etc.).
[0040] The power adapter is preferably operated in auxiliary mode when the
power adapter is coupled to both the auxiliary power source and the load. As shown
in FIGURE 13, operating the power adapter in auxiliary mode S320 preferably
includes providing power to the load S322. Operating the power adapter in auxiliary
mode can additionally include charging the battery to a predetermined state of
charge S322. Operating the power adapter in auxiliary mode can additionally include
pre-starting the fuel cell system S324.
[0041 ] Providing power to the load S322 can include providing power from the
auxiliary power source to the load and/or providing power from the battery to the
load. Providing power from the auxiliary power source to the load can include
directly routing the auxiliary power source to the device connector (e.g., without any
intervening power conditioning). Providing power from the auxiliary power source to
the load can alternatively include routing the auxiliary power through a power
conversion circuit that converts the auxiliary power into power suitable for the
device, and routing the converted power to the load. The power conversion circuit
preferably includes a power converter, such as an AC/DC converter or a DC/DC
converter, but can additionally include the battery, wherein the battery power output
is suitable for the device. Providing power from the battery to the load can include
directly routing the battery power to the device connector. Providing power from the
battery to the load can alternatively include routing the auxiliary power through a
power conversion circuit that converts the battery power into power suitable for the
device, and routing the converted power to the device connector. Providing power to
the load can additionally include providing power to the load from the fuel cell
system, wherein the fuel cell system power can be directly provided to the load or
converted then provided to the load. The load is preferably powered by the fuel cell
system if the fuel cell system was generating power prior to auxiliary power source
and/or load coupling to the power adapter.
[0042] Charging the battery to a predetermined state of charge S324 functions
to provide the battery with enough power to facilitate fuel cell system operation after
the power adapter is disconnected from the auxiliary power source. The
predetermined state of charge is preferably less than the maximum battery capacity.
This can be preferable if the fuel cartridge is heated to a temperature above the
degradation temperature at the time at which the power adapter is placed in the
auxiliary mode, wherein the fuel cell stack preferably converts the excess fuel into
electric power, which is subsequently stored by the battery. Alternatively, the
predetermined state of charge can be the maximum battery capacity, wherein
subsequent power consumption of battery power by the fuel cell system can provide
the space within the battery for absorption of excess fuel cell power. Charging the
battery preferably includes charging the battery from the auxiliary power supply,
wherein charging the battery from the auxiliary power supply can include directly
providing power to the battery from the auxiliary power, or routing auxiliary power
through a power conversion circuit (e.g., a power converter), then routing the
converted power to the battery. Charging the battery can additionally or alternatively
include charging the battery from the fuel cell stack. The battery is preferably
charged from the fuel cell stack when the power adapter is disconnected from the
auxiliary power source, but can alternatively be charged from the fuel cell stack when
the power adapter is connected to the auxiliary power source, particularly when the
fuel cell stack was in operation prior to auxiliary power source connection. The
battery preferably absorbs the excess energy from load charging, such that the
battery preferably receives the entirety of the power generated by the fuel cell system
when the load is disconnected from the power adapter.
[0043] Pre-starting the fuel cell system S326 functions to place the fuel cell
system in a state capable of producing substantially on-demand power after auxiliary
power source disconnection from the power adapter. The fuel cell system can be prestarted
whenever the fuel cell system is connected to the auxiliary power source, or
can be pre-started only when the fuel cell system is in auxiliary mode, wherein the
power adapter is connected to both the auxiliary power source and the load. Prestarting
the fuel cell system preferably includes pre-heating a fuel cell of the fuel cell
stack, more preferably pre-heating a portion of the fuel cells of the fuel cell stack or
pre-heating all the fuel cells of the fuel cell stack. Pre-heating a fuel cell stack
preferably includes heating the fuel cell to the fuel cell operational temperature,
preferably by providing power to the fuel cell from the auxiliary power source and
resistively or otherwise heating the fuel cell, but alternatively by providing power or
heat from any other suitable source (e.g., waste heat from the device). Pre-starting
the fuel cell system preferably additionally includes pre-starting the fuel source, but
the fuel source can alternatively not be pre-started. Pre-starting the fuel source
preferably includes pre-heating the fuel storage composition to a temperature near
but below the decomposition temperature (e.g., within several degrees F of the
degradation temperature), such that no fuel is produced, but a small energy input
from the battery will induce degradation of the fuel storage composition to produce
fuel. This variation is preferably utilized when the estimated fuel that can be
produced from the cartridge is over a fuel threshold, but can alternately be used
under other conditions. However, pre-starting the fuel source can alternatively
include all but the last steps required for fuel generation or fuel supply (e.g., starting
up the fuel or reactant pump). Pre-starting the fuel source preferably includes
providing power from the auxiliary power source to the fuel source (e.g., to resistively
heat the fuel generator), but can alternatively include providing power and/or heat
from the battery, fuel cell stack, device, or any other suitable component.
[0044] Operating the power adapter in auxiliary mode S320 can additionally
include measuring a fuel cell system parameter indicative of power generation when
the power adapter is determined to be connected to the auxiliary power source and
ceasing power generation when the parameter measurement indicates power
generation S327. These steps function to reduce fuel cell system use while the power
adapter is connected to the auxiliary power source, conserving the fuel source for
disconnected use. Measuring the fuel cell system parameter indicative of power
generation preferably includes measuring a parameter indicative of fuel provision to
the fuel cell stack (e.g., fuel storage composition temperature, fuel generator
temperature, fuel flow rate, etc.), but can alternatively include measuring the fuel cell
stack temperature, the power production rate, or any other suitable parameter. The
measured parameter can be indicative of power generation when fuel generator or
fuel storage composition temperature exceeds the decomposition temperature, when
the fuel flow rate is non-zero or above a predetermined threshold, the power
production rate is above a predetermined rate, the fuel cell stack temperature is
above the operational temperature, or can be any other suitable condition indicative
of power generation. Ceasing power generation preferably leverages the auxiliary
power source to cease power generation, but can alternatively otherwise cease power
generation. Ceasing power generation preferably includes cooling a fuel cell system
component, but can alternatively include ceasing fuel provision to the fuel cell
system (e.g., halting fuel or reactant pumping) or any other suitable means of ceasing
fuel cell system power generation. Power from the auxiliary power supply is
preferably used to cool the fuel cell system, but battery power can additionally or
alternatively be used. Cooling the fuel cell system preferably includes cooling the fuel
supply, but can alternatively and/or additionally include cooling the fuel cell stack.
[0045] Ceasing power generation from the fuel cell system is preferably used
when the power adapter is coupled to an auxiliary power source while the fuel cell
system is still in operation. For example, a user can be charging a device with the fuel
cell system, finds a wall outlet, and plugs the power adapter into the wall outlet. By
using the power from the wall outlet to cease power generation from the fuel cell
system, the power adapter can function to shut down the fuel cell system and
conserve the fuel cartridge and/or fuel cell system lifespan while still providing
adequate power to the load. Cooling the fuel cell system can also be used when the
load (e.g., device) is decoupled from the power adapter. Cooling the fuel cell system
can also be used during cartridge replacement, wherein the power adapter cools the
cartridge to a replacement temperature. This is preferably used when the power
adapter determines that cartridge temperature is over a replacement threshold (e.g.,
over 50°C) and the amount of fuel that can be produced from the cartridge is deemed
to be lower than a fuel threshold (e.g., the cartridge is deemed substantially
consumed).
[0046] Cooling the fuel cell system preferably includes cooling the fuel supply
to a temperature just under the degradation temperature (e.g., within several degrees
F of the degradation temperature) to cease fuel production. However, the fuel storage
composition can be cooled to or below 50°C, ambient temperature, or to any other
suitable temperature that allows for user handling. Cooling systems that can be used
include a fan (e.g., convective cooling), a cold plate, a piezoelectric heat pump, or any
other suitable cooling system. While the fuel supply is cooling, the fuel cell stack is
preferably maintained at the operational temperature to convert the excess fuel
produced by the fuel supply into power, which is preferably subsequently stored in
the battery. However, the fuel cell stack can be cooled below the operational
temperature, wherein the excess fuel is preferably vented into the ambient
environment.
[0047] Cooling the fuel cell system can additionally facilitate cartridge
replacement in addition to cooling the cartridge down to the replacement
temperature. In one example, the fuel cell system automatically exchanges the
consumed cartridge for a fresh cartridge, wherein the power adapter is preferably a
dock holding multiple cartridges. In a second example, the fuel cell system ejects the
consumed cartridge. Ejection is preferably performed after the cartridge temperature
has fallen below a threshold temperature, wherein temperature-dependent retention
mechanisms (e.g., shape-memory material, leveraging the expansion and contraction
of materials under different temperatures, a mechanism that is operational in
different modes dependent on a reading from a temperature sensor, etc.) preferably
control the cartridge ejection. In a third example, the fuel cell system presents a
replacement indicator. The replacement indicator can be a light on the power
adapter, a message displayed on the device (e.g., wherein the power adapter
generates and sends the message, wherein the device determines the cartridge state,
etc.), a power adapter color change, a sound, or any other suitable indicator to the
user that the cartridge should be replaced.
[0048] Alternatively, any suitable combination of the variations described
above can be used in the auxiliary mode.
[0049] The power adapter preferably operates in fuel cell mode S340 when the
power adapter is decoupled from the auxiliary power source. Operating in fuel cell
mode S340 preferably provides power to the load from the fuel cell system S346.
Operating in fuel cell mode preferably additionally includes initiating fuel source
operation S342 and maintaining fuel source operation S344. The battery preferably
initially provides energy for fuel source operation until a predetermined fuel cell
stack temperature is reached, after which waste heat from the fuel cell stack is
preferably routed to the fuel generator to maintain fuel production. Fuel generator
heating can additionally be supplemented by waste heat and/or power from the
battery. However, fuel supply operation can be sustained by battery power
throughout utilization of the fuel cell mode. The battery can additionally provide
power to the fuel cell stack to bring the fuel cells up to operational temperature,
particularly when the power adapter was not operating in auxiliary mode prior to
fuel cell mode operation.
[0050] Initiating fuel source operation S342 functions to start fuel production.
The fuel source is preferably pre-heated when in the auxiliary mode, wherein battery
power is preferably used to start fuel production from the fuel source. In one
variation, battery power is preferably used to heat the fuel source to the
decomposition temperature (e.g., through resistive heating). In another variation,
heat from the fuel cell stack is preferably used to heat the fuel source to the
decomposition temperature, wherein battery power can be used to supplement fuel
source heating. In another variation, battery power is used to pump a reactant to a
reaction front at the fuel storage composition. In another variation, battery power is
used to pump pressurized fuel from a pressurized fuel cartridge to the fuel generator.
However, any other suitable method of initiating fuel flow to the fuel cell stack can be
used.
[0051] Maintaining fuel source operation S344 functions to provide fuel at a
given rate to the fuel cell stack. Maintaining fuel source operation preferably includes
generating fuel at the fuel generator at the given rate, but can alternatively include
pumping fuel to the fuel cell stack at the given rate. Generating fuel at the fuel
generator at the given rate preferably includes maintaining the fuel storage
composition at or above the degradation temperature to produce fuel. In this mode,
the power adapter preferably determines the fuel production rate, adjusts the
reactant supply accordingly, and maintains fuel production. Determining the fuel
production rate functions to determine whether the cartridge is producing fuel at the
desired rate. This step can include determining the fuel flow rate from the fuel
cartridge, determining the cartridge temperature, determining changes in the
mechanical or electrical properties of the fuel storage composition, or any other
suitable method of determining cartridge fuel production. Adjusting the reactant
supply preferably includes adjusting the heat provided to the fuel cartridge, but can
alternatively include adjusting the pumping rate or any other suitable reactant
supply parameter. Adjusting the heat provided to the fuel cartridge preferably
includes providing more or less power from the battery, but can include conducting
more or less waste heat from the fuel cell stack. Maintaining fuel production
preferably includes providing the adequate amount of reactant to the fuel storage
composition; more preferably, providing the adequate amount of heat to the fuel
storage composition. Heat is preferably provided by resistive heaters powered by the
battery, but the waste heat from the fuel cell assembly, the device, or any other
suitable component can additionally be used to heat the cartridge.
[0052] The fuel cell mode can additionally include powering the device from
the battery. This step is preferably performed only when fuel production is low (e.g.,
when the fuel cell system is starting up), or when the fuel cell system is not producing
adequate power (e.g., wherein battery power supplements fuel cell power).
Alternatively, the power produced by the fuel cell can be fed only to the battery,
wherein the device is always charged from the battery. In a first variation, the battery
supplements the power supplied by the fuel cell system to the device. In a second
variation, the battery provides the full amount of power demanded by the device.
[0053] The fuel cell mode can additionally include charging the battery during
fuel cell system operation, which functions to replenish the power consumed for fuel
cartridge and/or fuel cell startup. The battery is preferably charged with fuel cell
stack power produced in excess of power provided to the load, wherein the waste
heat from the fuel cells and/or other components is enough to drive fuel production
from the cartridge. The battery can alternatively be charged with more power (e.g.,
the load receives less power than demanded) or less power (e.g., wherein the excess
power is converted into another source of energy, such as light or heat). The battery
is preferably held at a partial charge (e.g., charged to a holding threshold, 90% of full
capacity, 80% of full capacity, etc.), such that the battery can absorb the excess power
produced from the excess fuel in the system when the fuel cell system is placed in an
"off state (e.g., the load is uncoupled from the power adapter, the fuel cell system is
shut off, etc.). The holding threshold is preferably determined from the maximum
amount of fuel that the system can produce after system shut-off, including the
volume of the fuel flow paths and the amount of fuel produced during cartridge cooldown.
However, the holding threshold can be determined in any suitable manner.
[0054] The power adapter can additionally operate in charging mode when the
power adapter is electrically connected to the auxiliary power source, wherein the
battery is preferably charged with power from the auxiliary power source in a
manner similar to charging the battery to a predetermined state of charge in the
auxiliary mode.
[0055] The power adapter preferably operates in pre-starting mode when the
power adapter is electrically connected to the auxiliary power source, wherein the
fuel cell system is preferably pre-started in a similar manner to fuel cell system prestarting
in the auxiliary mode.
[0056] In a first example of power adapter operation in auxiliary mode (shown
in FIGURE 13), the power adapter receives power from the auxiliary power source
through the auxiliary power connector, and routes a first portion of the power
through the device connector to the device. The power adapter simultaneously routes
a second portion of the auxiliary power to the battery of the fuel cell, charging the
battery to substantially full capacity. The power adapter can additionally
simultaneously route a third portion of the auxiliary power to the fuel cell system,
wherein the power is used to heat the fuel cells and the fuel storage composition
within the fuel cartridge to operational temperature.
[0057] In a second example of power adapter operation in auxiliary mode
(shown in FIGURE 14), the power adapter receives power from the auxiliary power
source through the auxiliary power connector, and routes a first portion of the power
through the device connector to the device. A processor within the power adapter
determines the operational state of the cartridge (e.g., from a cartridge temperature
measurement, flow rate out of the cartridge, etc.). When the cartridge is in an
operational state (e.g., producing fuel), the processor preferably activates a cooling
system, external or internal to the power adapter, that cools the cartridge under the
decomposition temperature. The battery preferably additionally absorbs the excess
power produced by the fuel cell when the cartridge is in operational state, wherein
auxiliary power can be used to supplement battery charging to substantially full
capacity. Alternatively, the excess power can be provided to the load, wherein
auxiliary power is used to supplement load power provision. A controller preferably
controls excess power routing. When the cartridge is in a non-operational state (e.g.,
not producing fuel), battery power and/or auxiliary power is routed to the fuel cell
system to heat the cartridge to a temperature just under the decomposition
temperature. The processor can additionally determine the consumption state of the
cartridge (e.g., from past cartridge operation history, a measurement of the fuel
storage composition physical properties, etc.). When the cartridge consumption state
is below a consumption threshold, the processor preferably facilitates cartridge
replacement by cooling the cartridge to a replacement temperature (e.g., below 50°C,
more preferably substantially near 2 0 °C).
[0058] In a third example of power adapter operation in auxiliary mode, the
power adapter receives power from the auxiliary power source and routes the
auxiliary power to the battery. Power is routed from the battery to the load. The
battery preferably cooperatively conditions the auxiliary power for the load in
conjunction with one or more power converters. The power adapter simultaneously
routes a second portion of the battery power to the fuel cell system to heat the fuel
cell stack to operational temperature and to pre-heat the fuel generator to a
temperature below the decomposition temperature (e.g., ambient temperature or
just below the decomposition temperature).
[0059] In a first example of power adapter operation in fuel cell mode (shown
in FIGURE 15), the power adapter determines that little to no power is being
received from the auxiliary power source, and initiates fuel cell system operation. To
achieve system operation, the power adapter preferably supplies power from the
battery to the fuel generator to initiate fuel production. In one variation, the battery
powers the heaters of the fuel generator to bring the fuel cartridge up to the
decomposition temperature. The power adapter can additionally supply power to the
fuel cells of the fuel cell stack to achieve and/or maintain the fuel cell operational
temperature until adequate fuel flow is produced, wherein the exothermic fuel
conversion reaction preferably maintains the fuel cell stack at operational
temperatures. During steady state operation, the battery preferably supplies enough
power to sustain continued fuel generation. In one variation, waste heat from the fuel
cells is preferably used to maintain the cartridge at the degradation temperature,
wherein heat generated from battery power is only used to supplement the waste
heat. During steady state operation, any excess power produced by the fuel cell
system is preferably used to charge the battery, or can be consumed as heat (and
used to heat the cartridge). The battery is preferably charged to a holding threshold
that is lower than the full battery capacity. This partially charged state allows the
battery to absorb the excess power produced by the excess fuel in the system (e.g.,
fuel already produced, fuel being produced, and fuel to be produced as the cartridge
cools down) when the load is disconnected from the power adapter (e.g., there is
little to no load on the system).
[0060] In a second example of power adapter operation in fuel cell mode, the
power adapter functions in substantially the same manner as the first example,
except that the power adapter charges the device from the battery during fuel cell
system start-up, as indicated in FIGURE 15.
[0061] As a person skilled in the art will recognize from the previous detailed
description and from the figures and claims, modifications and changes can be made
to the preferred variations of the invention without departing from the scope of this
invention defined in the following claims.
Claims
We Claim:
1. A method of operating a power adapter for a load, the power adapter
including a fuel cell system including a fuel supply and a fuel cell stack, the power
adapter also including an energy storage device electrically connected to the fuel cell
system, the method comprising:
• determining a connectivity state of a auxiliary power source with the energy
storage device;
• determining a connectivity state of a load with the fuel cell system;
• selecting a power adapter operation mode based on the connection states of
the auxiliary power source and the load, the operation modes comprising:
• an auxiliary mode when the auxiliary power source is connected to the
energy storage device and the load is connected to the fuel cell system,
comprising: providing power from the auxiliary power source to the
load, and providing power to the fuel cell system;
• a fuel cell mode when the auxiliary power source is disconnected from
the energy storage device and the load is connected to the fuel cell
system, comprising: providing fuel to the fuel cell stack from the fuel
source, generating power from the fuel by the fuel cell stack, and
providing the generated power to the load.
2 . The method of claim l , wherein the auxiliary mode further comprises pre
heating the fuel cell system.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein pre-heating the fuel cell system comprises
heating the fuel cell stack to a fuel cell stack operational temperature.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein heating the fuel cell stack to a fuel cell stack
operational temperature comprises heating the fuel cell stack to the operational
temperature with power from the auxiliary power source.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the fuel source comprises a fuel generator,
wherein providing fuel to the fuel cell stack comprises providing power to the fuel
generator to initiate fuel generation.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the fuel generator thermolyses a fuel storage
composition at a decomposition temperature to generate fuel, wherein providing
power to the fuel generator to initiate fuel generation comprises providing heating
the fuel storage composition to the degradation temperature.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein heating the fuel storage composition to the
degradation temperature comprises heating the fuel generator with power from the
energy storage device.
8. The method of claim 6, wherein the auxiliary mode further comprises pre
heating the fuel storage composition to a temperature lower than the decomposition
temperature.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein pre-heating the fuel storage composition
comprises pre-heating the fuel generator with power from the auxiliary power
source.
10. The method of claim 1, further comprising selecting a pre-heating mode when
the auxiliary power source is connected to the energy storage device, comprising pre
heating the fuel cell system.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein providing the generated power to the load
further comprises supplementing the generated power with power from the energy
storage device to meet a power demand from the load.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary mode further comprises:
• measuring a parameter of the fuel cell system indicative of power generation
from the fuel cell system; and
• ceasing energy production when the measured parameter indicates power
generation.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein measuring a parameter of the fuel cell
system comprises measuring the temperature of the fuel supply, wherein the
measured parameter is indicative of energy generation when the fuel supply
temperature exceeds a degradation temperature of a fuel storage composition of the
fuel supply, and wherein ceasing energy production comprises cooling the fuel
supply below the degradation temperature.
14. The method of claim 1, wherein providing power from the auxiliary power
source to the load comprises conditioning the auxiliary power into power suitable for
the load and providing the conditioned power to the load.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein providing power from the auxiliary power
source to the load comprises routing auxiliary power to the energy storage device,
converting the auxiliary power into power suitable for the load at the energy storage
device, and routing the power from the energy storage device to the load.
16. Apower adapter for a load, the power adapter comprising:
• a fuel cell system comprising:
o a fuel generator that generates fuel from a fuel storage composition, the
fuel storage composition storing fuel in chemically bound form;
o a fuel cell stack, fluidly coupled to the fuel generator, that converts fuel
from the fuel generator into electrical power;
• a rechargeable battery electrically connected to the fuel cell system that
receives power from a auxiliary power source;
• a control circuit, electrically connected to the battery and the fuel cell system,
that controls power provision from the battery to the fuel cell system, the
control circuit operable between:
o a connected mode when the power conditioning unit is electrically
connected to the auxiliary power source; and
o a disconnected mode when the power conditioning unit is electrically
disconnected from the auxiliary power source and the load is
electrically connected to the fuel cell system, wherein the control circuit
powers the fuel cell system with power from the battery.
17. The power adapter of claim 16, wherein the fuel storage composition
comprises a thermolytic composition that thermolyses at a degradation temperature
to generate fuel, wherein the fuel generator comprises a heating element thermally
connected to the fuel storage composition.
18. The power adapter of claim 16, wherein the battery has a maximum energy
capacity large enough to simultaneously power the fuel cell system and the load for a
predetermined period of time.
19. The power adapter of claim 16, further comprising a charging circuit, wherein
the charging circuit regulates an amount of power supplied from the auxiliary power
supply to the battery based on a state of charge of the battery and a rate of power
consumption from the energy storage device.
20. The power adapter of claim 19, wherein the control circuit, when in connected
mode, powers the load and the fuel cell system with power from the auxiliary power
source.
21. The power adapter of claim 16, further comprising a power converter
electrically connected to a battery inlet that converts power from the auxiliary power
source into power suitable for the battery.
22. The power adapter of claim 21, wherein the power converter is located within
an auxiliary power connector that removably connects to the battery and the
auxiliary power source.
23. The power adapter of claim 16, further comprising a power converter
electrically connected between the battery and the fuel cell system that converts
power from the battery into power suitable for the fuel cell system.
24. The power adapter of claim 16, further comprising an energy generation
control system connected to the fuel cell system that ceases energy generation by the
fuel cell system upon satisfaction of a cessation condition.
25. The power adapter of claim 24, wherein the cessation condition is satisfied
when the auxiliary power supply is connected to the energy storage device and a fuel
flow rate from the fuel supply to the fuel cell stack is greater than a predetermined
flow rate.
26. The power adapter of claim 25, wherein the energy generation control system
comprises a cooling system that cools the fuel supply when the cessation condition is
satisfied.
27. The power adapter of claim 26, wherein the cooling system comprises a fan.
28. The power adapter of claim 25, wherein the energy generation control system
comprises a valve that seals a fuel flow path from the fuel supply to the fuel cell
system when the cessation condition is satisfied.