Device and method for augmenting the useful life of an energy storage device
View Patent ↗A method ( 300 ) and device ( 400 ) for augmenting the useful life of an energy storage device in a portable electronic device is disclosed. The method ( 300 ) can include the steps of: providing ( 315 ) a power module comprising a fuel cell and a battery; determining ( 310 ) relative humidity; and controlling ( 315 ) the operations of the power module in response to the determined relative humidity. Advantageously, the method ( 300 ) and device ( 400 ) can augment and prolong the useful life of an energy storage device in a portable electronic device, with minimal power drain.
1. A method in a portable electronic device, comprising:
providing a wireless communication device including a power module comprising a fuel cell and a battery;
determining relative humidity of an air exhaust line of the fuel cell; and
controlling the operations of the power module in response to the determined relative humidity, by: passively adjusting relative humidity of the air exhaust line of the fuel cell by being free from using a blower; providing power to a load with the fuel cell when the determined relative humidity is below a threshold relative humidity; and providing power to a load with the battery when the determined relative humidity is at least at a threshold relative humidity.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the controlling step includes switching between the fuel cell and battery for powering a load.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the controlling step includes providing power from the fuel cell when the determined relative humidity is below a threshold relative humidity.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the controlling step includes providing power from the battery when the determined relative humidity is at least at a threshold relative humidity.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the controlling step includes switching between the fuel cell and battery for powering a load, by:
providing power from the fuel cell when the determined relative humidity is below a threshold relative humidity;
providing power from the battery when the determined relative humidity is at least at a threshold relative humidity.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the controlling step includes charging the battery when the determined relative humidity is at least at a threshold relative humidity, with the fuel cell.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the controlling step includes augmenting the useful life of the power module, by:
providing power to a load with the fuel cell when the determined relative humidity is below a threshold relative humidity;
providing power to a load with the battery when the determined relative humidity is at least at a threshold relative humidity.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the controlling step includes augmenting the useful life of the power module, by: periodically charging the battery with the fuel cell.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the determining step includes at least one of:
sensing the relative humidity of the air exhaust line of the fuel cell; and estimating the relative humidity of the air exhaust line of the fuel cell.
10. A method in a portable electronic device, comprising:
providing a portable electronic device including a power module comprising a fuel cell and a battery;
determining relative humidity of an air exhaust line of the fuel cell, the determining step including at least one of: sensing the relative humidity and estimating the relative humidity; and
controlling the operations of the power module in response to the determined relative humidity, by: passively adjusting relative humidity of the air exhaust line of the fuel cell; providing power to a load with the fuel cell when the determined relative humidity is below a threshold relative humidity; and providing power to a load with the battery when the determined relative humidity is at least at a threshold relative humidity.