IP Library › Granted Patent US 7,276,307
Granted Patent B2
US 7,276,307 · App. 11/220,201 · Granted Oct 2, 2007

Method and apparatus for controlling a combined heat and power fuel cell system

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,276,307
App. No.
11/220,201
Granted
Oct 2, 2007
Kind
B2
Abstract

A cogeneration fuel cell system and associated methods of operation are provided that accommodate a demand for heat as well as a demand for electric power. The system is operated among various modes to balance heat and power demand signals. In general, a fuel cell system is coupled to a power sink and a heat sink, and a controller is adapted to respond to data signals from the power sink and the heat sink. As examples, such data signals from the heat sink may include a temperature indication or a heat demand signal (such as from a thermostat), and such data signals from the power sink may include a voltage or current measurement, an electrical power demand signal, or an electrical load.

Claims (10)

1. A method of operating a fuel cell system, comprising:

providing a fuel flow and an oxidant flow to a fuel cell stack to produce electricity;

providing the electricity to an electrical load;

transferring heat from the fuel cell stack to a heat sink by circulating a first coolant through a first coolant circuit, wherein the first coolant circuit is adapted to remove heat from the fuel cell stack and is further adapted to transfer heat to the heat sink;

measuring a thermal parameter of the heat sink;

generating a heat demand signal when the thermal parameter of the heat sink is below a predetermined level; and

selectively connecting at least two fuel cells in the fuel cell stack in parallel in response to the heat demand signal.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the heat sink comprises a water tank, and wherein the thermal parameter is a temperature of water in the water tank.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the heat sink comprises air contained in a building, and wherein the thermal parameter comprises a temperature of the air contained in the building.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the heat sink comprises a generator portion of an adsorption cooling system and wherein the thermal parameter is a temperature of the generator portion.