WO2009124129A2 - Fuel cell cabinet - Google Patents

Abstract

A fuel cell cabinet is provided. The fuel cell cabinet includes a liquid cooling system for maintaining a predetermined temperature range of a first cooling liquid of the fuel cell, an air feed system for maintaining a predetermined temperature range of the temperature controlled air entering the fuel cell, a heat management system that manages and controls an internal air temperature of the housing to be one of at a predetermined temperature and within a predetermined temperature range, an air feed and exhaust system for hydrogen declassification, and a waste water management system that collects and manages the flow of the water from a fuel cell.

Description

FUEL CELL CABINET CLAIM OF PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C. §119

[0001] The present invention claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.

61/041 ,575 entitled "Liquid Cooling System for Fuel Cell Cabinets, Air Feed System for Fuel Cell Cabinets, Heat Management and Thermal Control of Cabinets for Fuel Cells, and EcoPower Cabinet" filed April 1, 2008, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/047,016 entitled "Cabinet Air Feed and Exhaust System for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Declassification" filed April 22, 2008, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/047,031 entitled "Fuel Cell Cabinet Waste Water Management System" filed April 22, 2008, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. REFERENCE TO CO-PENDING APPLICATIONS FOR PATENT

[0002] The present Application for Patent is related to the following co-pending U.S.

Patent Applications: "FUEL CELL CABINET LIQUID COOLING SYSTEM" (U.S. Application Serial No. 12/416,087) having Attorney Docket No. 4799/0290PUS2, filed March 31 , 2009, assigned to the assignee hereof, and the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference; "AIR FEED SYSTEM FOR FUEL CELL CABINETS" (U.S. Application Serial No. 12/416.096) having Attorney Docket No. 4799/0290PUS3, filed March 31, 2009, assigned to the assignee hereof, and expressly incorporated by reference herein; "FUEL CELL CABINET HEAT MANAGEMENT AND THERMAL CONTROL SYSTEM" (U.S. Application Serial No. 12/416.106) having Attorney Docket No. 4799/0290PUS4, filed concurrently herewith, assigned to the assignee hereof, and expressly incorporated by reference herein; "FUEL CELL CABINET AIR FEED AND EXHAUST SYSTEM FOR HYRDROGEN DECLASSIFICATION" (U.S. Application Serial No. 12/416.113) having Attorney Docket No. 4799/0293PUS2, filed March 31, 2009, assigned to the assignee hereof, and expressly incorporated by reference herein, and "FUEL CELL CABINET WASTE WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM" (U.S. Application Serial No. 12/416,116) having Attorney Docket No. 4799/0294PUS2, filed concurrently herewith, assigned to the assignee hereof, and expressly incorporated by reference herein. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to cabinets for housing electronic equipment.

More particularly, the present invention relates to a cabinet for housing electronic equipment and a connection panel for cross-connecting the electronic equipment with various provider and/or subscriber lines, wherein the cabinet includes a fuel cell power backup system, and more particularly, to a fuel cell cabinet having (1) a liquid cooling system for the fuel cell power backup system, (2) an air feed system for the fuel cell power backup system, (3) a heat management and thermal control system, (4) an air feed and exhaust system for hydrogen declassification, and (5) a waste water management system. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Outdoor cabinets that house electronic equipment and connection panels are generally known in the art. The connection panel (sometimes referred to as a feeder- distribution interface), within the cabinet, is used to connect subscriber lines to provider lines directly, or in parallel or serial, with terminals of certain electronic equipment also within the cabinet, such as surge protectors, switches, servers, etc.

[0005] In some conventional cabinets, the electronic equipment includes a fuel cell power backup system. The electronic equipment may be sensitive to temperature and humidity and the air and the electronic equipment in the interior of the cabinet may be environmentally controlled by employing a heat exchanger, dehumidifier, and/or air conditioner. Many conventional systems are air cooled and therefore reduce power density. Conventional air cooled systems may require increased maintenance. Additionally, many conventional systems require a large foot print for the cabinet. Many conventional systems are limited with respect to the outdoor exposure temperatures in which they can operate. That is, many conventional system cannot operate in extreme cold or hot climates.

[0006] In some conventional cabinets, the electronic equipment includes a fuel cell power backup system. The electronic equipment may be sensitive to temperature and humidity and the air and the electronic equipment in the interior of the cabinet may be environmentally controlled by employing a heat exchanger, dehumidifier, and/or air conditioner. In some conventional cabinets, a fuel cell, such as a hydrogen fuel cell, combines hydrogen fuel and oxygen from the air to generate electricity. The fuel cell cabinet and components of the fuel cell cabinet may require explosion proof certification/approval of each component, which may increase the costs and complexity associated with deploying and operating these cabinets.

[0007] Also, as a result of the combination of the hydrogen fuel and the oxygen, water flows from the fuel cell. Therefore, the water flow needs to be managed, for example, to prevent damage to the fuel cell cabinet system and/or electronic equipment. Some conventional fuel cell cabinets commonly drain the water on the surface of ground (i.e., above grade), which may cause water damage to the cabinet, such as the base of the fuel cell cabinet, or the surroundings of the fuel cell cabinet, such as the surface on which the cabinet is mounted. Additionally, the draining water can sit above grade, which may be visibly unpleasant to a user. The water sitting above grade may result in wet or muddy ground conditions, or which may freeze on the ground in colder environments. [0008] Some other conventional fuel cell cabinets commonly capture and store the water, for example in a container or bucket, for subsequent removal by a services technician or company. These conventional approaches may result in increased costs associated with maintaining the system, such as the cost of removal of the captured water. Additionally, these conventional approaches may require timely service to prevent overflowing of the container or bucket used to capture the water, which may add to the complexity of operating and managing the system. Further, the container or bucket takes up space within the fuel cell cabinet or results in an increased size requirement for the fuel cell cabinet. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] These problems and others are addressed by the present invention, a first aspect of which comprises a fuel cell cabinet liquid cooling system comprising a fuel cell, a liquid cooling system for dissipating heat generated by the fuel cell, and a controller that controls the liquid cooling system for maintaining a predetermined temperature range of a first cooling liquid of the fuel cell. Another aspect comprises a fuel cell cabinet comprising an air feed system that supplies temperature controlled air to a fuel cell, and a controller that controls the air feed system for maintaining a predetermined temperature range of the temperature controlled air entering the fuel cell. Another aspect is directed to a fuel cell cabinet heat management and thermal control system, comprising a housing, a fuel cell contained in an interior of the housing, and a heat management system that manages and controls an internal air temperature of the housing. Another aspect comprises a fuel cell cabinet air feed and exhaust system including a sealed air feed system that feeds air from outside a fuel cell cabinet to a fuel cell disposed inside the fuel cell cabinet; a sealed air exhaust system that exhausts air from the fuel cell to the outside of the fuel cell cabinet, wherein each of the sealed air system and the sealed air exhaust system is sealed with respect to the fuel cell such that the sealed air system, the sealed air exhaust system, and the fuel cell form a sealed system. Another aspect comprises a fuel cell cabinet including a waste water management system for a fuel cell, wherein the waste water management system manages a flow of water from the fuel cell to one of a container and an exterior of the fuel cell cabinet. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] These and other aspects and features of embodiments of the present invention will be better understood after a reading of the following detailed description, together with the attached drawings, wherein: [0011] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a cabinet, according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 1B is a plan view of a cabinet, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a schematic of a cabinet, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a schematic of a cabinet, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0014] F1G..4 is a schematic of a cabinet, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a schematic of a cabinet, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a cabinet, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0017] FIG. 7 is another perspective view of the cabinet of FIG. 6.

[0018] FIG. 8 is another perspective view of the cabinet of FIG. 6.

[0019] FIG. 9A is a partial view of a cabinet, according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 9B is a partial view of a cabinet, according to an embodiment of the invention. [0020] FIG. 10A is an exploded view of a fan assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 10B is a perspective view of a fan assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention. [0021] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a pump assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention. [0022] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger, according to an embodiment of the invention. [0023] FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a fuel cell assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 13B is another perspective view of the fuel cell assembly of FIG. 13A. [0024] FIG. 14 is a schematic of a cabinet, according to another embodiment of the invention. [0025] FIG. 15 is a schematic of a cabinet, according to another embodiment of the invention. [0026] FIG. 16 is a schematic of a cabinet, according to an embodiment of the invention. [0027] FIG. 17 is a schematic of a cabinet, according to an embodiment of the invention. [0028] FIG. 18 is a schematic of a cabinet, according to an embodiment of the invention. [0029] FIG. 19 is a partial, perspective view of a cabinet, according to an embodiment of the invention. [0030] FIG. 20 is a partial, perspective view of a fuel cell cabinet air feed system, according to an embodiment of the invention. [0031] FIG. 21 is a side view of a fuel cell cabinet air feed system, according to an embodiment of the invention. [0032] FIG. 22 is a front view of a fuel cell cabinet air feed system, according to an embodiment of the invention: [0033] FIG. 23 is a back view of a fuel cell cabinet air feed system, according to an embodiment of the invention. [0034] FIG. 24A is a perspective view of a heater assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 24B is a perspective view of a heater assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 24C is a perspective view of a heater assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention. [0035] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a heater assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention. [0036] FIG. 26A is an elevation view of a fuel cell cabinet air feed system, according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 26B is a perspective view of a heater assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention. [0037] FIG. 27 is a cross-section view of a heater assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention. [0038] FIG. 28 is a cross-section view of a heater assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention. [0039] FIG. 29 is a cross-section view of a heater assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention. [0040] FIG. 3OA is another perspective view of the fuel cell assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 3OB is another perspective view of the fuel cell assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention. [0041] FIG. 31 is another perspective view of the cabinet of FIG. 6.

[0042] FIG. 32 is a schematic of a cabinet, according to an embodiment of the invention. [0043] FIG. 33 is a front plan view of a fuel cell cabinet, according to an embodiment of the invention. [0044] FIG. 34 is a partial, perspective view of a cabinet, according to an embodiment of the invention. [0045] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a heater assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention. [0046] FIG. 36 is a schematic of a cabinet, according to an embodiment of the invention. [0047] FIG. 37 is a schematic of a cabinet, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0048] FIGS. 38A, 38B, and 38C are perspective views of a plenum, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0049] FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a cabinet, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0050] FIG. 40 is another perspective view of the cabinet of FIG. 6.

[0051] FIG. 41 is another perspective view of the cabinet of FIG. 6.

[0052] FIG. 42 is another perspective view of the cabinet of FIG. 6.

[0053] FIG. 43A is a perspective view of the cabinet, according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 43B is a partial, perspective view of the cabinet of FIG. 43A.

[0054] FIG. 44A is a schematic of a cabinet, according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 44B is a schematic of a cabinet, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0055] FIG. 45 is another perspective view of the cabinet of FIG. 6.

[0056] FIG. 46 is a partial, perspective view of a cabinet, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0057] FIG. 47 is another perspective view of the cabinet of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] The present invention now is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0059] Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. In the figures, the thickness of certain lines, layers, components, elements or features may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0060] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the specification and relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity. [0061] As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, phrases such as "between X and Y" and "between about X and Y" should be interpreted to include X and Y. As used herein, phrases such as "between about X and Y" mean "between about X and about Y." As used herein, phrases such as "from about X to Y" mean "from about X to about Y."

[0062] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "on",

"attached" to, "connected" to, "coupled" with, "contacting", etc., another element, it can be directly on, attached to, connected to, coupled with or contacting the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being, for example, "directly on", "directly attached" to, "directly connected" to, "directly coupled" with or "directly contacting" another element, there are no intervening elements present. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that references to a structure or feature that is disposed "adjacent" another feature may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.

[0063] Spatially relative terms, such as "under", "below", "lower", "over", "upper",

"lateral", "left", "right" and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is inverted, elements described as "under" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "over" the other elements or features. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the descriptors of relative spatial relationships used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0064] LIQUID COOLING SYSTEM

[0065] Exemplary aspects are directed to a fuel cell cabinet having a liquid cooling system for the fuel cell power backup system. Conventional cabinets and the electronic equipment in the interior of the cabinets commonly are air cooled. The aspects recognize that stabilizing and maintaining a substantially constant temperature of the interior environment of the fuel cell cabinet may increase the power density of the fuel cell system. The aspects also may reduce the time needed for the fuel cell to reach full power. The aspects provide a fast response system, and therefore, require less bridging power (i.e., batteries).

[0066] The aspects provide a low cost cooling system for a fuel cell cabinet. The aspects provide redundancy to reduce or eliminate system failures. The aspects improve the efficiency of the fuel cell cabinet. The aspects maintain proper water and/or air temperatures for the fuel cell and interior of the fuel cell cabinet, which may enable the fuel cell to achieve faster power output. The aspects also may add or extend the life of the system. For example, by maintaining the temperature of the cooling liquid and/or the air feed to the fuel cell, and/or the temperature in the interior of the fuel cell cabinet within a predetermined acceptable range, the aspects may extend the life of the fuel cell. More particularly, by maintaining the temperature of the fuel cell, for example, between 6O⁰C and 65°C, the aspects may extend the life of the fuel cell. The aspects also provide a system having a higher power density.

[0067] The aspects can reduce the cabinet size compared with conventional systems such that the size of the foot print required for the fuel cell cabinet is reduced, while providing the same power. The aspects also provide a system that is not limited by outdoor exposure temperatures and can operate in extreme cold or hot climates. The aspects also can utilize a standard telecom cabinet, thereby increasing a comfort level of a user of the cabinet. The aspects also can reduce the noise levels associated with the cabinet in comparison with conventional high power backup systems.

[0068] Exemplary aspects will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1-15. A fuel cell cabinet 100 according to an embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The fuel cell cabinet may house electronic equipment and a connection panel for cross- connecting the electronic equipment with various provider and/or subscriber lines. The fuel cell cabinet 100 includes a fuel cell power backup system.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 1B, the fuel cell cabinet 100 can be mounted on the surface of, for example, a concrete pad 102. The surface upon which the fuel cell cabinet 100 can be mounted is not limited to a concrete pad 102 and can include any suitable surface, device, or structure, such as a pad or mounting surface formed from fiberglass, plastic, metal, etc. Aspects of the fuel cell cabinet can be mounted in the interior of buildings, structures, etc., or at the exterior of building, structures, etc. For example, an aspect of a fuel cell cabinet 100 can be mounted on a rack or shelter or other structure (not shown).

[0070] As shown in FIG. 2, an exemplary aspect of a fuel cell cabinet 200 includes a fuel cell 202 and a single cooling loop 204 for stabilizing and maintaining a substantially constant temperature of the fuel cell 202. An embodiment of the system includes a controller 206 that selectively turns the single cooling loop ON and OFF to operate the fuel cell at defined or predetermined fuel temperature set points. The fuel temperature set points can be based on factors including, but not limited to, the number of fuel cells, the type of fuel cells, the output of the fuel cells, the outside temperature or environmental temperature of the cabinet, the climate in which the cabinet is deployed, etc.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 3, an exemplary aspect of a fuel cell cabinet 300 includes a fuel cell 302 and a dual cooling loop 304, for example, including a liquid to air heat exchanger (L-A Hex) 304A and a liquid to liquid heat exchanger (L-L Hex) 304B, for stabilizing and maintaining a substantially constant temperature of the fuel cell 302. An aspect of the system includes a controller 306 that selectively turns the dual cooling loops ON and OFF to operate the fuel cell at defined or predetermined fuel temperature set points. The fuel temperature set points can be based on factors including, but not limited to, the number of fuel cells, the type of fuel cells, the output of the fuel cells, the outside temperature or environmental temperature of the cabinet, the climate in which the cabinet is deployed, etc.

[0072] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustrating an exemplary aspect of a single cooling loop fuel cell cabinet. In this aspect, a cooling liquid is pumped through the fuel cell 402 by a pump 404. A fan and a liquid-to-air heat exchanger assembly (Fan/L-A Hex assembly) 406 (e.g., a radiator fan and a radiator) transfers the heat from the fuel cell 402 to the outside environment of the cabinet. In alternative aspects, the fan and liquid-to-air heat exchanger assembly 406 may be replaced by a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger and connected directly to plant water lines for cooling. The single cooling loop fuel cell cabinet may provide a simple, inexpensive, and efficient means for cooling the fuel cell 402. This aspect may be particularly suitable for use in moderate or warm climates. The liquid used in the cooling loop water may be water, deionized water (Dl), ethylene glycol water (EGW), another suitable liquid, or a mixture of one or more liquids. The pump 404 may include one or more pumps for circulating the liquid. Other cooling loop arrangements are contemplated within the spirit and scope of the invention. The single cooling loop may increase efficiency of the system, stabilize and maintain the temperature of the fuel cell, improve the capability of the system to reach full power faster, and/or extend the life of the system.

[0073] In operation, the single cooling loop fuel cell cabinet may selectively operate the pump 404, the fan, and/or the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger depending on the amount of thermal control required, which may be based on the external temperature, the temperature of the liquid, and/or the number of fuel cells 402, etc. [0074] FIG. 5 is a schematic illustrating an exemplary aspect of a dual cooling loop fuel cell cabinet, which includes an internal loop and an external loop (e.g., a first loop and a second loop). In this aspect, a first cooling liquid is pumped through the fuel cell 502 by a first pump 504A. The heat from the fuel cell 502 is transferred by the first liquid to a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger 508.

[0075] A second cooling liquid is pumped through the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger

508 by a second pump 504B. The heat from the fuel cell 502 is transferred to the second liquid in the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger (L-L Hex) 508. The heat from the second liquid is transferred to a fan and a liquid-to-air heat exchanger assembly (Fan/L- A Hex assembly) 506 (e.g., radiator fan and a radiator), which then transfers the heat from the fuel cell to the outside environment of the cabinet.

[0076] The dual cooling loop fuel cell cabinet may provide a simple, inexpensive, and efficient means for cooling the fuel cell 502. This aspect may be particularly suitable for use in moderate or colder climates. The liquid used in the cooling loop water may be water, deionized water (Dl), ethylene glycol (EGW), another suitable liquid, or a mixture of one or more liquids. The pumps 504A and 504B may include one or more pumps for circulating the liquid and for providing higher redundancy for higher reliability. For example, redundant pumps may be provided to reduce or eliminate system failures. Other cooling loop arrangements are contemplated within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0077] In another aspect, the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger 508 may include a heater for heating the liquid in the internal loop and/or the external loop. This aspect may be particularly suitable in cold climates for maintaining a minimum temperature of the liquid entering the fuel cell 502 to optimize the operation of the fuel cell 502. The dual cooling loop may increase efficiency of the system, stabilize and maintain the temperature of the fuel cell, improve the capability of the system to reach full power faster, and/or extend the life of the system.

[0078] In operation, the dual cooling loop fuel cell cabinet may selectively operate the. pumps 504A and 504B, the fan of the fan/L-L assembly 506, the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger of assembly 506, the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger 508, and/or the heater depending on the amount of thermal control required, which may be based on the external temperature, the temperature of the first and second liquid, and/or the number of fuel cells 502, etc.

[0079] FIG. 6 shows an aspect of a fuel cell cabinet 600 having one or more fuel cells and a single or dual cooling loop. The fuel cell cabinet 600 includes four sides, a top, and a bottom. The fuel cell cabinet 600 includes one or more doors 602, 604 on a first side of the cabinet 600. The cabinet 600 includes one or more doors 616 on a second side of the cabinet 600. The fuel cell cabinet 600 also may include one or more doors on the third and/or fourth side of the cabinet 600, which are not shown in FIG. 6. The doors 602, 604 include air inlet and door perforations 610, 612, and 614. The fuel cell cabinet 600 includes air exits 606 and 608 on one or more sides, such as the second side.

[0080] FIG. 7 shows an aspect of the fuel cell cabinet 600 of FIG. 6 with the doors 602,

604 in an open position. The cabinet 600 includes one or more fan and liquid-to-air heat exchanger assemblies (Fan/L-A Hex assemblies) 618, 620 (e.g., radiator fans and radiators) that cooperate with the air exhaust and door perforations 606, 608 of the doors 602, 604. The cabinet 600 also may include one or more air filters 622, 624 that cooperate with the air inlets and door perforations 610, 612 of the doors 602, 604.

[0081] FIG. 8 shows an aspect of the fuel cell cabinet 600 of FIG. 6 with the door 616 in an open position. The cabinet 600 includes one or more fuel cells 626 disposed and mounted in the interior of the cabinet 600. The cabinet may include a rack or shelving system for mounting or securing the fuel cells 626 inside the cabinet 600. The cabinet 600 includes a battery compartment 628 for mounting or securing backup batteries. The door 616 may include a fan system 630 including one or more fans for venting or exhausting air or gases from the battery compartment 628.

[0082] The fuel cell cabinet 600 may include one or more cooling loops for controlling the temperature of the fuel cells 626, such as a single cooling loop of FIG. 4 or a dual cooling loop of FIG. 5. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the single or dual cooling loops can be incorporated into the fuel cell cabinet in a variety of ways and may include a number of configurations and elements for providing the single or dual cooling loops. The present invention is not limited to the exemplary aspects described herein.

[0083] For example, FIG. 9A shows an exemplary aspect of a fuel cell cabinet 900 having one or more fuel cells and a single cooling loop. The fuel cells are not illustrated in FIG. 9A so that the remainder of the system can be seen. The single cooling loop may increase efficiency of the system, stabilize and maintain the temperature of the fuel cell, improve the capability of the system to reach full power faster, and/or extend the life of the system.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 9A, the single cooling loop includes a pump assembly 904A and a fan assembly (e.g., radiator assembly) 902. In the exemplary aspect, the pump assembly 904A includes redundant pumps 1102A for drawing or pumping (i.e., circulating) a liquid through one or more fuel cells (not shown) via lines 918A, 926A, 912A, 914A, 908a, and 910A. [0085] The pump assembly 904A can include one or more manifolds 1110A connecting one end of each of the lines 918A and 926A to a first connection on each respective redundant pump 1102A. The other end of each of the lines 918A and 926A can be connected to the fan assembly 902, as shown in FIG. 9A.

[0086] The pump assembly 904A also can include one or more manifolds 1106A connecting one end of each of the lines 912A and 914A to a second connection on each respective redundant pump 1102A. The other end of each of the lines 912A and 914A can be connected to the one or more fuel cells (not shown).

[0087] A first end of each of the lines 908A and 910A can be connected to the one or more fuel cells (not shown) and a second end of each of the lines 908A and 910A can be connected to the fan assembly 902, as shown in FIG. 9A.

[0088] In operation, the liquid is pumped or drawn through lines 912A and 914A by the pump assembly 904A. The liquid enters one or more fuel cells (not shown). The liquid exits the fuel cells and is pumped or drawn through lines 908A and 910A to the fan assembly 902 (e.g., fan/radiator assembly). The heat from the liquid is transferred to the outside environment of the cabinet 900 by the fan assembly 902. The liquid exits the fan assembly 902 and flows to the pump assembly 904A via lines 918A and 926A. It is noted that the direction of circulation is not limited to the exemplary aspect and the system can be configured to circulate the liquid in either direction.

[0089] With reference to FIG. 9B, an exemplary aspect of a fuel cell cabinet 900 having one or more fuel cells and a dual cooling loop will now be described. The fuel cells are not illustrated in FIG. 9B so that the remainder of the system can be seen. The dual cooling loop may increase efficiency of the system, stabilize and maintain the temperature of the fuel cell, improve the capability of the system to reach full power faster, and/or extend the life of the system.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 9B, the dual cooling loop includes an internal loop and an external loop (e.g., a first loop and a second loop). In this aspect, the internal loop includes a pump assembly 904B, a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger assembly 906, and one or more fuel cells (not shown). The external loop includes the pump assembly 904B, the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger assembly 906, and a fan assembly (e.g., radiator assembly) 902.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 9B, a first liquid is pumped or drawn through lines 912B and

914B by the pump assembly 904B. The first liquid enters one or more fuel cells (not shown). The first liquid exits the fuel cells and is pumped or drawn through lines 908B and 910B to the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger assembly 906. The first liquid transfers the heat from the fuel cells to a second liquid in the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger assembly 906. The first liquid exits the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger assembly 906 and is drawn or pumped through lines 922, 924 to the pump assembly 904B.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 9B, the second liquid is pumped or drawn through lines 916,

920 into the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger assembly 906. The heat from the fuel cells is transferred from the first liquid to the second liquid in the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger 906. The second liquid exits the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger assembly 906 and is drawn or pumped through lines 918B, 926B to the fan assembly 902 (e.g., fan/radiator assembly). The heat from the second liquid is transferred to the outside environment of the cabinet 900 by the fan assembly 902.

[0093] In an aspect, the first liquid of the internal cooling loop is deionized water, and the second liquid of the external cooling loop is ethylene glycol water. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the first and second liquids are not limited to the exemplary aspects.

[0094] An exemplary aspect of the fan assembly 902 will now be described with reference to FIG. 10. As shown in FIG. 10, the fan assembly 902 includes a liquid-to-air heat exchanger 1002, one or more fan shrouds (e.g., first and second fan shrouds, or left and right fan shrouds) 1004, and a fan 1006. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the fan 1006 can be any suitable fan and corresponding fan motor for passing air over or through the liquid-to-air heat exchanger. The fan 1006 can be mounted behind (i.e., on the interior side of) the liquid-to-air heat exchanger 1002. By mounting the fan 1006 behind the liquid-to-air heat exchanger (i.e., radiator) and pulling the air, the system provides an advantage of reducing the exposure of the fan 1006 to the external environment, which may extend the life of the fan and/or reduce an amount of maintenance needed for the fan.

[0095] An exemplary aspect of the pump assembly 904B will now be described with reference to FIG. 11. As shown in FIG. 11 , the pump assembly 904B includes redundant pumps 1102B for drawing or pumping the second liquid through lines 918B, 926B and 922, 924, which are shown in FIG. 9B. The pump assembly 904B includes one or more manifolds 1110B connecting lines 918B, 926B, 922, and 924. The pump assembly 904B further includes redundant pumps 1104 for drawing or pumping the first liquid through lines 912B, 914B, which are shown in FIG. 9B. The pump assembly 904B includes one or more manifolds 1106B connecting lines 912B, 914B.

[0096] An exemplary aspect of the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger assembly 906 will now be described with reference to FIG. 12. As shown in FIG. 12, the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger assembly 906 includes an assembly casing 1202 that houses one or more liquid-to-liquid heat exchangers 1208, 1210. The lines 908B, 910B (see also FIG. 9B) transfer the first liquid from the fuel cells to the liquid-to-liquid heat exchangers 1208, 1210. The lines 922, 924 transfer the first liquid from the liquid-to-liquid heat exchangers 1208, 1210 to the redundant pumps 1104 of the pump assembly 904B. The lines 908B, 910B are coupled to elbows 1206, 1212 for transferring the second liquid from the liquid-to-liquid heat exchangers 1208, 1210 to the redundant pumps 1102B of the pump assembly 904B. The lines 916, 920 transfer the second liquid from the liquid-to-liquid heat exchangers 1208, 1210 to the fan assembly 902.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 12, another aspect of the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger assembly 906 includes heaters 1204 mounted to the liquid-to-liquid heat exchangers 1208, 1210. The heaters 1204 can be a resistive heating element or the like. These aspects may be particularly suitable in cold climates for maintaining a minimum temperature of the liquid entering the fuel cells to optimize the operation of the fuel cells.

[0098] An exemplary aspect of a fuel cell 1300, which can be mounted or secured in the exemplary cabinet 900, will be described with reference to FIG. 13A and 13B. The fuel cell 1300 includes a sealed fuel cell enclosure 1302. The fuel cell enclosure 1302 includes an air feed fittings 1308 and 1314 for permitting air to enter the fuel cell 1300. The enclosure 1302 includes a plenum sealing collar 1304 for sealing a first end of the fuel cell 1300 to the plenum 928 of FIG. 9A, 9B for hydrogen declassification. The plenum sealing collar includes a cathode exhaust 1312 and an anode exhaust 1310. The fuel cell enclosure 1302 includes liquid feed interface fittings 1306 for permitting the first liquid to enter and exit the fuel cell 1300, for example, via the lines 908A/908B, 910A/910B and 912A/912B, 914A/914B. The fuel cell 1300 can be a liquid cooled hydrogen fuel cell based on exchange membrane (PEM) technology. The fuel cell 1300 can be, for example, an 8 kW fuel cell. In an aspect, two 8 kW fuel cells 1300 can be used to provide 16 kW.

[0099] The exemplary aspects described herein provide a fuel cell cabinet that houses electronic equipment and that includes a fuel cell power backup system. The exemplary fuel cell cabinets having a liquid cooling system for controlling the temperature of the fuel cell power backup system. The aspects may increase a power density of the fuel cell cabinet. The liquid cooling system may provide redundancy, such as a redundant pump assembly, which reduces or eliminates system failures. The aspects provide one or more control loops to stabilize and maintain a constant fuel cell temperature. The aspects may reduce or minimize the time needed for the fuel cell to reach full power.

[00100] An example of the operation of a fuel cell cabinet according to an aspect will now be described. An aspect of the system operates via a controller to turn the cooling loops (e.g., internal and external cooling loops) ON and OFF to operate the fuel cell at defined fuel temperature set points. For example, the water feed temperature to the fuel cell (e.g., 1300) commonly should be greater than 5°C and less than 65⁰C. The water flow rate to the fuel cell (e.g., 1300) commonly should be greater than 30 l/min. The aspects commonly should be configured to operate, for example, in a telecom environment of -4O⁰C to +46°C. The aspects recognize that the water temperature should not exceed + 65°C, with a target temperature range of between 45°C and 65⁰C. Accordingly, an aspect stabilizes and maintains the water temperature between 45°C and 65°C by providing a cooling loop system, such as a single cooling loop or a dual cooling loop.

[00101] In an aspect, the liquid-to-air heat exchanger (e.g., 906) is designed to cool an

8KW fuel cell when the outside air temperature is between -40°C to +46°C and full solar loading as defined by GR487 while maintaining an acoustic noise reading below 65 dBA during normal operation as defined by GR 487 and GR 63.

[00102] According to aspects, the heat exchangers (e.g., 1208, 1210) can be cooled, for example, with a liquid such as water, deionized water (Dl), EGW, or other suitable liquids or mixtures thereof, by a redundant cooling system of liquid manifolds (e.g., 1106), pumps (e.g., 1102B, 1104), liquid-to-liquid heat exchangers (e.g., 1208, 1210) and liquid-to-air heat exchangers (e.g., 1002). Another aspect is designed to work at the most efficient part of the pump curve for redundant pumps (e.g., 1102B, 1104).

[00103] As explained herein, an exemplary aspect provides a dual liquid cooling loop for the fuel cell cabinet. An internal cooling loop utilizes deionized water between the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger (e.g., 906) and a fuel cell. This internal liquid loop dissipates the heat generated by the fuel cell to the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger (e.g., 906). An external loop utilizes ethylene glycol water between the liquid-to-air heat exchanger (e.g., 902) and the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger (e.g., 906). The ethylene glycol water may be used, particularly in colder environments, because it is resistant to freezing between -40⁰C and 0⁰C, depending on the percentage of ethylene glycol within the water.

[00104] For aspects for use in colder environments, one or more heaters can be provided to heat the water entering the fuel cell from -40⁰C to O⁰C with a varying water flow rate between 0 and 45 l/min. For example, in an aspect, the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger (e.g., 906) includes a heating element (e.g., 1204), such as a resistive heating element. The heating element (e.g., 1204) can be attached to the liquid-to- liquid heat exchanger (e.g., 906) to maintain a liquid temperature that is greater than 5°C when the outside temperature is between -40°C and 0°C. The external loop dissipates the heat that is passed to the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger (e.g., 906) from the fuel cell to the outside environment. [00105] Aspects provide important advantages of balancing the air flow rates and the acoustic noise behind the splice chamber doors (e.g., 602, 604) of the cabinet (e.g., 600).

[00106] An aspect of the system a controller (e.g., 206, 306) that selectively turns the cooling loops (e.g., internal and external cooling loops) ON and OFF to operate the fuel cell at defined or predetermined fuel temperature set points. As described herein, the fuel temperature set points can be based on factors including, but not limited to, the number of fuel cells, the type of fuel cells, the output of the fuel cells, the outside temperature or environmental temperature of the cabinet, the climate in which the cabinet is deployed, etc.

[00107] The operation of an exemplary system having a dual cooling loop according to an aspect will now be described with reference to Table 1.1 below.

[00108] TABLE 1.1

[00109] As illustrated in Table 1.1 , when the fuel cell power management (FCPM) is ON, the controller turns the internal pump ON. If the temperature of the water is greater than 0⁰C, then the controller turns the redundant pumps (e.g., 1104) of the internal cooling loop ON. [00110] If the temperature of the water is equal to or greater than 30⁰C, then the controller turns the redundant pumps (e.g., 1102B, 1104) of the external and internal cooling loops ON, and the radiator fan (e.g., fan 1006) OFF. [00111] If the temperature of the water is equal to or greater than 40⁰C, then the controller turns the redundant pumps (e.g., 1102B, 1104) of the external and internal cooling loops ON, and the radiator fan (e.g., fan 1006) ON slow. The controller can start the radiator fan at half speed and then further define the speed based on the specific temperature of the water.

[00112] If the temperature of the water is equal to or greater than 50⁰C, then the controller turns the redundant pumps (e.g., 1102B, 1104) of the external and internal cooling loops ON, and the radiator fan (e.g., fan 1006) ON full speed or high speed. The controller can start the radiator fan at half speed and then increase the fan speed to full or high speed.

[00113] If the temperature of the liquid within the liquid to liquid heat exchanger (L-L

Hex) is less than 5°C, then the controller turns the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger heater (e.g., 1204) ON. If the temperature of the liquid to liquid heat exchanger (L-L Hex) is greater than 13°C, then the controller turns the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger heater (e.g., 1204) OFF.

[00114] The aspects provide a low cost cooling system for a fuel cell cabinet. The aspects provide redundancy to reduce or eliminate system failures. The aspects improve the efficiency of the fuel cell cabinet. The aspects maintain proper water temperatures for the fuel cell, which may enable the fuel cell to achieve faster power output. The aspects also may add or extend the life of the system. For example, by maintaining the temperature of the fuel cell below 65⁰C may extend the life of the fuel cell.

[00115] The aspects of the cooling loop are not limited to application to a fuel cell cabinet, and may be applied to other devices, such as automotive devices having an external loop to cool an engine, food processing plants have dryers using external heat sources with liquid loops (e.g., similar to an internal loop). One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the aspects can be applied to other devices.

[00116] The aspects are not intended to be limited to the disclosed arrangements. For example, as exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, aspects can include other features, such as one or more check valves 410, 510 to limit recirculation loops of water, for example, in the case of a failed pump or when only one pump is ON. For example, an aspect can include one or more check valves 410, 510 that limit flow of the first cooling liquid to a single direction, and/or one or more check valve that limit flow of the second cooling liquid to a single direction. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the location of the check valves 410, 510 is not limited to the disclosed aspects, and the check valves can be located at other locations in the system.

[00117] In another aspect, as exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, the system can include a deionizer bypass line (e.g., 414, 514A, 514B) that can maintain water (e.g., the first cooling liquid and/or the second cooling liquid) at a prescribed resistance level (i.e., predetermined resistance level).

[00118] In another aspect, as exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, the system can include an overflow coolant reservoir 416, 516 for high back pressure and fluid expansion conditions. In another aspect, as exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, the system can include a pressure relief valve 412, 512 to maintain pressure within system. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the location of the pressure relief valves 412, 512 is not limited to the disclosed aspects, and the pressure relief valve can be located at other locations in the system.

[00119] AIR FEED SYSTEM

[00120] Exemplary aspects are directed to a fuel cell cabinet having an air feed system for the fuel cell power backup system. Conventional cabinets and the electronic equipment in the interior of the cabinets commonly are air cooled. The aspects recognize that stabilizing and maintaining a substantially constant fuel cell temperature may increase power density of the fuel cell system. The aspects also may reduce the time needed for the fuel cell to reach full power.

[00121] The aspects provide a low cost air feed system for a fuel cell cabinet. The aspects provide redundancy to reduce or eliminate system failures. The aspects improve the efficiency of the fuel cell cabinet. The aspects maintain proper air intake temperatures for the fuel cell, which may enable the fuel cell to achieve faster power output. The aspects also may add or extend the life of the system, for example, by maintaining the intake temperature of the fuel cell at a predetermined temperature or within a desired temperature range for operation, thereby extending the life of the fuel cell.

[00122] Exemplary aspects will now be described. As shown in FIG. 16, an exemplary aspect of a fuel cell cabinet 2300 includes a fuel cell 2302 and an air feed system 2304 for maintaining a substantially constant air feed temperature to the fuel cell 2302. An aspect of the system includes a controller 2306 that selectively controls the temperature of the air in the air feed system.

[00123] As shown in FIG. 17, in an aspect of a fuel cell cabinet 2400, air enters from the exterior of the cabinet 2400 through an air filter 2402. The air is directed to a heater 2404 where the air is heated to a predetermined temperature or temperature range. The heated air then enters the fuel cell 2406, and then exits the fuel cell 2406 to a plenum (not shown).

[00124] FIG. 18 illustrates another aspect of a fuel cell cabinet 2500. In this aspect, ambient air having a temperature T₃ enters the cabinet from the exterior into, for example, an air filter 2502. The ambient air is heated in a heater 2504. The heater can be, for example, a resistance type heater or the like. The heated air having a temperature T_inta_ke enters the fuel cell 2506 and exits the fuel cell 2506 to the plenum 2508. A blower within the fuel cell 2506 draws the air through the system and exhausts the air to the plenum 2508. An exhaust fan 2510 pulls the air from the plenum 2508 and pushes it to the exterior of the cabinet 2500. In other aspects, a fan can be employed at other locations throughout the system to achieve the desired flow of air through the system. For example, a fan can be located before or after the air filter 2502, or between other elements of the system. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that one or more fans can be provided at various locations throughout the system within the spirit or scope of the invention. An aspect of the system includes a controller 2512 that selectively controls, for example, the temperature of the air (T_inta_ke) at the intake to the fuel cell and/or the flow rate of the air flowing through the system. The controller 2512 can control the heater 2504 and/or the exhaust fan 2510.

[00125] With reference again to FIGS. 17 and 18, an aspect of the air filter 2402 or 2502 can be an active filter that can clean particulates and gaseous substances such as sulfur from incoming air.

[00126] In another aspect, the heater system (e.g., 2404, 2504) can include an auto off feature to reduce or eliminate overheating of the heater, for example, beyond a predetermined threshold temperature. In an aspect, the heater 2404, 2504 can be, for example, a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) type heater.

[00127] One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the air feed system can be incorporated into the fuel cell cabinet in a variety of ways and may include a number of configurations and elements for providing the air feed system. The present invention is not limited to the exemplary aspects described herein.

[00128] Referring again to FIG. 6, an aspect of a fuel cell cabinet 600 has one or more fuel cells and an air feed system. The fuel cell cabinet 600 includes four sides, a top, and a bottom. The fuel cell cabinet 600 includes one or more doors 602, 604 on a first side of the cabinet 600. The cabinet 600 includes one or more doors 616 on a second side of the cabinet 600. The fuel cell cabinet 600 also may include one or more doors on the third and/or fourth side of the cabinet 600, which are not shown in FIG. 6. The doors 602, 604 include air inlet and door perforations 610 and 612.

[00129] FIG. 7 shows an aspect of the fuel cell cabinet 600 of FIG. 6 with the doors 602,

604 in an open position. The cabinet 600 includes one or more air filters 622, 624 that cooperate with the air inlets and door perforations 610, 612 of the doors 602, 604. The ambient air from the exterior of the cabinet 600 is drawn through the air filters 622, 624 into the air feed system. [00130] FIG. 8 shows the fuel cell cabinet 600 of FIG. 6 with the door 616 in an open position. The cabinet 600 includes one or more fuel cells 1300 disposed and mounted in the interior of the cabinet 600. The cabinet may include a rack or shelving system for mounting or securing the fuel cells 1300 inside the cabinet 600. Exemplary aspects of a fuel cell 200 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2OA and 2OB.

[00131] FIG. 19 shows an aspect of a fuel cell cabinet 2900 having an air feed system

2930. The fuel cells are not illustrated in FIG. 19.

[00132] Exemplary aspects of the air fee system 2930 will now be described. Aspects of a redundant air feed system are illustrated. The tubing is arranged in parallel to provide redundancy. The air feed system also includes redundant heaters. Other aspects may include a single air feed system or a plurality of air feed systems.

[00133] The air feed system 2930 includes air inlets A1002 and A1004. The ambient air is drawn through the filters 622, 624 in FIG. 6 into the inlets A1002 and A1004 of the air feed system. The inlets A1002, A1004 are coupled to elbows A1006, A1008, which are coupled respectively to T-shaped connector A1010, A1012. A first end of a heater assembly tube A1018, A1022 is coupled to a first end of the T-shaped connectors A1010, A1012. An elbow A1014, A1016 is coupled to the second end of the T-shaped connectors A1010, A1012. A second end of a heater assembly tube (i.e., redundant heater assembly tube) A1020, A1024 is coupled to the elbow A1014, A1016.

[00134] A second end of the heater assembly tube A1018, A1022 is coupled to a first end of a T-shaped connector A1030, A1032. A second end of the heater assembly tube (i.e., redundant heater assembly tube) A1020, A1024 is coupled to the elbow A1026, A1028. An elbow A1026, A1028 is coupled to a second end of the T-shaped connectors A1030, A1032. A third end of the T-shaped connectors A1030, A1032 is connected to air exits A1034, A1036 of the air feed system 2930.

[00135] Exemplary aspects of the heater assembly tubes A1018, A1020, A1022, A1024 will now be described. As shown in FIG. 24A, a heater A1402 is coupled to an electrical connector A1404. The heater A1402 heats the air as the air flows over the heater A1402. In the exemplary aspect illustrated in FIG. 24B, the heater A1402 includes a heat sink A1406 on one or more surfaces of the heater A1402. The electrical connectors A1404 can be provided at each end of the heater A1402. FIG. 24C shows the heater A1402 and heat sink A1406 assembled in a heater assembly tube A1018, A1020, A1022, A1024. The heater assembly tube A1080, A1020, A1022, A1024 can be formed, for example, from a material having a high temperature resistance, such as a high temperature plastic or metal, or other suitable material. The heater assembly tube A1080, A1020, A1022, A1024 can have, for example, a cylindrical or rectangular cross-section or other suitable shaped cross-section. [00136] The aspect illustrated can include a series of heaters, such as four resistance type heaters. In this aspect, the system includes two heaters arranged in series and two heaters arranged in parallel. This aspect includes two large cylindrical heat sinks (e.g., A1406, A1606) covering the heaters to aid in the transfer of heat to the air while limiting the air flow resistance within the air feed system. The heat sinks are covered with tubing (e.g., CPVC) to manage the air flow from the outside environment to the fuel cell. The tubing is arranged in a parallel path to provide redundancy.

[00137] FIG. 25 shows an assembly of redundant heater assembly tubes (e.g., A1018,

A1020) and the corresponding connecting elements (e.g., A1010, A1014, A1026, A1030). The electrical connectors A1404 extend from the heater assembly tubes and are electrically coupled to a controller (e.g., 2306, 2512). The air is drawn in to the heater assembly tubes and over the heater A1402 to increase the temperature of the air at the intake or intakes of the fuel cells.

[00138] FIG. 26A illustrates an aspect of a fuel cell cabinet 600 having an air feed system A1600. The air feed system 1600 includes a redundant heater assemblies A1602 and A1604. FIG. 26B illustrates an exemplary heater assembly A1602, A1604.

[00139] The heater assembly A1602, A1604 can include a housing A1610 having a rectangular cross-section. In other aspects, the cross-section of the housing A1610 can be a circular shape, an oval shape, a square shape, or another shape. The housing A1610 can be, for example, a plastic or metal or a high temperature plastic or metal, or other suitable material. The housing A1610 can include support brackets A1612 for coupling the heater assembly A1602, A1604 to a frame or support structure of the fuel cell cabinet 600. One or more heaters (not shown) are encapsulated in the interior of the housing A1610. The heater assembly A1602, A1604 can be coupled to an electrical connector (not shown).

[00140] The heater assembly A1602, A1604 includes an inlet A1614 that receives intake air. The one or more heaters in the interior of the housing A1610 heat the air as the air flows through the housing A1610 and over the one or more heaters. The heated air then exits the heater assembly A1602, A1604 via an outlet A1616 of the housing A1610 and is supplied to the one or more fuel cells 1300.

[00141] For example, FIG. 27 illustrates an aspect of a heater having a circular-shaped rod A1702. This aspect includes a heat sink A1706 formed on the surface of the rod A1702. FIG. 28 illustrates an aspect of a heater having a square-shaped rod A1802. This aspect includes a heat sink A1806 formed on the surface of the rod A1802. FIG. 29 illustrates an aspect of a heater having a rectangular-shaped rod A1902. This aspect includes a heat sink A1906 formed on the surface of the rod A1902. [00142] With reference again to FIGS. 13A and 13B, an exemplary aspect of a fuel cell

1300 includes a sealed fuel cell enclosure 1302. The fuel cell enclosure 1302 includes an air feed fittings 1308 and 1314 for permitting air to enter the fuel cell 1300. The enclosure 1302 includes a plenum sealing collar 1304 for sealing a first end of the fuel cell 1300 to the plenum 928 of FIG. 9A for hydrogen declassification. The plenum sealing collar includes a cathode exhaust 1312 and an anode exhaust 1310. The fuel cell 1300 can be, for example, an 8 kW fuel cell. In an aspect, two 8 kW fuel cells 1300 can be used to provide 16 kW.

[00143] FIG. 3OA illustrates another view of the cabinet 600 of FIG. 6. As shown in Fig.

3OA, the cabinet 600 includes an access door 640 having a fan system 642, 644, 646 that draws air through a plenum 928 to exhaust the air from the cathode side of the fuel cell. The plenum 928 includes air exits 652, 654 that seal against the door 640 and fan system 642, 644. As illustrated in FIG. 30B₁ the plenum 928 includes intakes 656, 658 that seal against plenum sealing collar 1304 of the fuel cells 1300.

[00144] FIG. 31 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary arrangement of the air filter 622, the air feed system 930, the fuel cells 1300, and the plenum 928 in the cabinet 600. The lines coupling the air feed system 930 to the air feed fittings 1308, 1314 of the fuel cells 1300 are illustrated by dashed lines 2202 and 2204 in FIG. 31. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that air feed system 930 can be coupled to the air feed fittings 1308, 1314 of the fuel cells 1300 by a variety of means, including but not limited to, tubing, pipes, plenums, etc.

[00145] The exemplary aspects described herein provide a fuel cell cabinet that houses electronic equipment and that includes a fuel cell power backup system. The exemplary fuel cell cabinets having an air feed system for controlling the temperature of the air at the intake to the fuel cell power backup system.

[00146] An example of the operation of a fuel cell cabinet according to an aspect will now be described. An aspect of the system operates via a controller (e.g., controller 2306, 2512) to turn the heaters of the air feed system and/or the fan system (e.g., 642, 644, 646) ON and OFF to control or maintain the air temperature at the intake to the fuel cell (e.g., 1300) at a predetermined temperature or within a predetermined temperature range. As described herein, the air intake temperature can be based on factors including, but not limited to, the number of fuel cells, the type of fuel cells, the output of the fuel cells, the outside temperature or environmental temperature of the cabinet, the climate in which the cabinet is deployed, etc.

[00147] For application in a telecom environment, an aspect controls or maintains the air feed temperature T_intake to the fuel cell 1300 such that the air feed temperature T_intake is greater than O⁰C. The air feed flow rate is controlled to be less than or equal to 45 l/min. In a telecom environment, the system provides important advantages of reducing or preventing system failures by providing redundancy in the air feed system, such as redundant heaters and redundant heater assemblies.

[00148] More particularly, in an aspect for use in a telecom environment, the system can operate in ambient conditions of between -40⁰C and +46°C. In this environment, the system should not heat the air past + 50⁰C, with a target temperature range between 15°C to 45⁰C. This exemplary aspect heats the ambient air from -40°C to O⁰C and provides a varying air flow rate between 5 l/min and 45 l/min.

[00149] The operation of an exemplary system according to an aspect will now be described with reference to Table 2.1 below. Table 2.1 exemplarily illustrates the minimum number of heaters required to heat the intake air based on the power requirement of the fuel cell(s), the outside temperature (i.e., ambient air temperature), and the air flow rate of the air feed system.

[00150] TABLE 2.1

[00151] The air feed system according to the invention provides a low cost system that can provide redundancy for minimizing or eliminating failures. The air feed system also can increase the efficiency of the fuel cell power backup system by heating the air to a desired temperature within, for example, twenty (20) seconds, including cases in which the flow rate is at a highest level and the temperature is at a lowest level. The time needed to heat the air to the desired or predetermined temperature varies depending on the flow rate and ambient temperature.

[00152] Other aspects can include a thermal fuse to reduce or eliminate failures and provide fail safe (safety) operation of the fuel cell cabinet system. For example, an electrical connection A1404 can include a thermal fuse.

[00153] Other aspects also can select or optimize the air flow rates and air resistance in the air feed system. For example, the shape of the heater and the heat sinks can be selected to optimize air flow rates and air resistance. As another example, the exhaust fan (or alternatively, a supply fan or blower) can be selected to optimize air flow rates and air resistance. The exhaust fan or blower can be selected or optimized to reduce costs (e.g., manufacturing costs, operational costs, etc.). The size, shape, and number of heat sinks provided on the heaters also can be selected or optimized to reduce costs and increase the efficiency of heat transfer to the air in the air feed system.

[00154] HEAT MANAGEMENT AND THERMAL CONTROL SYSTEM

[00155] Exemplary aspects of the invention are directed to a fuel cell cabinet having heat management and thermal control system. Conventional cabinets and the electronic equipment in the interior of the cabinets commonly are air cooled. The aspects recognize that stabilizing and maintaining a substantially constant temperature of the interior environment of the fuel cell cabinet may increase the power density of the fuel cell system. The aspects also may reduce the time needed for the fuel cell to reach full power. The aspects can provide a fast response system, and therefore, requires less bridging power (i.e., batteries). The aspects can improve the efficiency of the fuel cell cabinet.

[00156] The disclosed aspects can provide a low cost heat management and thermal control system for a fuel cell cabinet, which can maintain the interior temperature of the cabinet to be within a predetermined temperature range. In this way, these aspects can make an outside plant (OSP) fuel cell cabinet operate under similar or the same conditions as a central office (CO). The system can be optimized such that central office (CO) equipment can be deployed in an outside plant (OSP) fuel cell cabinet. The aspects can provide a system that is not limited by outdoor exposure temperatures and can operate in extreme cold or hot climates. The aspects also can utilize a standard telecom cabinet, thereby increasing a comfort level of a user of the cabinet.

[00157] A fuel cell cabinet having a heat management and thermal control system according to exemplary aspects will now be described.

[00158] For telecom applications, the outside temperature, or ambient temperature, commonly can vary between -40⁰C and 46°C. The outside environment may or may not add solar loading to the cabinet. In some cases, the solar loading due to the outside environment can equate to additional heat added to the cabinet ranging, for example, between 0 watts (no solar load) and 2000 watts (full solar load). The internal heat load to the cabinet can vary, for example, between 400 and 1600 watts. For telecom applications, it is desirable to maintain the internal air temperature of the fuel cell cabinet within a predetermined operating range. For example, in an aspect, the internal air temperature of the fuel cell cabinet can be maintained between 5°C and 65°C. [00159] As shown in FIG. 32, an aspect of the fuel cell cabinet 3100 can include a housing 3302 containing one or more fuel cells 1300 in an interior of the housing 3302. The housing 3302 can include one or more racks, shelves, support structures or surfaces, etc. (not shown) for mounting components, such as the fuel cells 1300, within the housing 3302. The fuel cell cabinet 3100 can include a heat management system 3306 that can maintain the internal air temperature of the fuel cell cabinet within a predetermined operating range. For example, in an aspect, the heat management system 3306 can maintain the internal air temperature of the fuel ceil cabinet between 5°C and 65⁰C. An aspect of the heat management system 3306 can include a controller 3302 that selectively controls one or more features of the heat management system to maintain the desired internal air temperature. Other aspects of the heat management system 3306 can include an insulation system, a sealing system, a heater system, and a control loop that selectively controls the operating conditions of one or more of heaters and fans of the fuel cell cabinet 3100, will be described in greater detail below.

[00160] With reference again to FIG. 6 and to FIG. 33, a fuel cell cabinet 600 having exemplary aspects of a heat management and thermal control system will now be described. The fuel cell cabinet 600 includes four sides, a top, and a bottom. The fuel cell cabinet 600 can include one or more doors 602, 604 on a first side of the cabinet 600. The cabinet 600 can include one or more doors 616 on a second side of the cabinet 600. The fuel cell cabinet 600 also can include one or more doors on the third and/or fourth side of the cabinet 600, which are not shown in FIG. 6. The doors 602, 604 can include air inlet and door perforations 610, 612, and 614. The fuel cell cabinet 600 can include air exits 606 and 608 on one or more sides, such as the second side. The fuel cell cabinet 600 can include a top 650 and a bottom (not shown).

[00161] As shown in FIG. 33, an aspect of the fuel cell cabinet heat management and thermal control system can include an insulation system that reduces or prevents transfer of heat into the interior of the fuel cell cabinet 600 as a result of solar loading, for example, in warm environmental conditions (e.g., high ambient temperatures). The insulation system also can reduce or prevent the transfer of heat from the interior of the fuel cell cabinet 600, for example, in cold environmental conditions (e.g., cold ambient temperatures). That is, the insulation system minimizes or prevents heat gain from solar loading and minimizes or prevents heat loss from the cabinet to the environment.

[00162] As shown in FIG. 33, an aspect of the insulation system can include insulation on one or more of the interior surfaces of the fuel cell cabinet 600. For example, insulation can be included on one or more of the sides, top, rear door, and base of the cabinet. The insulation can be an insulating panel, layer, fabric, or film, spray insulation, or other suitable material having insulating properties.

[00163] FIG. 33 shows an aspect including an insulating material 3802 on the inside surface of the door 602, an insulating material 3804 on the inside surface of the door 616, and an insulating panel 3806 on an inside surface of the top 650 of the fuel cell 600. One or more insulating panels (not shown) also can be provided on the rear and side surfaces of the fuel cell cabinet 600, which are not visible in FIG. 33. The base of the fuel cell cabinet 600 also can include insulation. In an aspect, the fuel cell cabinet 600 can include insulation on substantially all of the inside surfaces of the housing.

[00164] In an aspect, the insulation on one or more of the sides, top, and rear door of the cabinet can have an R value of 8, and the insulation on the base can have an R value of 4. In another aspect, all of the insulation can have substantially the same R value. In other aspect, one or more of the inside surfaces of the housing can have a different R value than one or more of the other inside surfaces. The insulation is not limited to R values of 4 or 8 and other R values are contemplated. It is noted that, in other aspects, the insulation can be provided on one or more of the exterior surfaces of the fuel cell cabinet 600.

[00165] In an aspect, the fuel cell cabinet 600 can include a sealing system that reduces or prevents air exchange between the external environment (e.g., at cable entrances, door openings, etc.) and the internal cabinet environment. In an aspect, substantially all or all of the openings in the housing of the fuel cell cabinet 600 can be sealed. For example, the cable entrance openings into the fuel cell cabinet 600 can be sealed using conventional sealing means, such as rubber seals, gaskets, foam, caulking, adhesives, etc. Other means for sealing such openings can be provided, and the aspects are not limited to the examples set forth above.

[00166] In an aspect, the door openings can be sealed, for example, by providing a seal

(e.g., 3808) around a perimeter of the inside surface of each of the cabinet doors that seals the inside surface of each door against the perimeter of each door opening of the housing of the fuel cell cabinet 600. Each of the cabinet doors can include a seal. In other aspects, a seal can be provided on the housing of the fuel cell cabinet 600 around the perimeter of each door opening.

[00167] As shown in FIG. 33, in an aspect, the openings (e.g., 3810) in the splice wall between the fan assembly and the fuel eel! compartment also can be sealed and/or insulated. In another aspect, the fuel cell cabinet heat management and thermal control system 300, as shown in FIG. 32, can include a heater system. The heater system can include one or more heaters in the interior of the fuel cell cabinet 600. [00168] With reference again to FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 34 the fuel cell cabinet 600 may include one or more cooling loops for controlling the temperature of the fuel cells 1300, such as a single cooling loop or a dual cooling loop, as shown in FIG. 9. The dual cooling loop can include a fan assembly 902 (e.g., radiator assembly), a pump assembly 904, and a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger assembly 906.

[00169] With reference to FIG. 35, an aspect of the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger assembly 906 can include one or more heaters 1204 mounted to one or more liquid-to- liquid heat exchangers 1208, 1210. The heaters 1204 can be resistive heating elements or the like. The heaters 1204 can be, for example, pad style heaters with resistive elements.

[00170] In this aspect, the heaters 1204 can be 90 watt heaters that are incorporated into or mounted on the liquid heat exchangers 1208, 1210 to maintain the water temperature of the liquid-to-liquid heat exchangers, for example, above 5°C. The one or more heaters A1204 also can add heat to the interior environment of the cabinet 600. In an aspect, the controller 3302 of FIG. 32 can turn these heaters 1204 ON when the internal cabinet temperature reaches 0⁰C and OFF when the internal cabinet temperature reaches 13°C.

[00171] In an aspect, the system can include two (2) heaters arranged in series and four

(4) heaters arranged in parallel. In operation, the controller 3302 can turn the four (4) parallel heaters ON when the outside temperature reaches 0⁰C. The controller 3302 can turn the two (2) series heaters ON when the outside temperature reaches -15°C. The two (2) heaters in series can be a single two stage system that has differing thermostats to close/open the resistance loop based on the temperature. The staging of the heaters limits parasitic power draw from the AC grid to reduce power usage costs to the user of the system.

[00172] With reference again to FIG. 34, another aspect of the heater system can include one or more heaters 3812 on the base of one or more of the fuel cells 1300. The heaters 3812 can be, for example, 200 watt heaters coupled to the base of one or more of the fuel cells 1300, or disposed under the base of one or more of the fuel cells 1300. These heaters 3812 can add heat to the cabinet 600 such that air from the outside does not freeze the fuel cells 1300. These heaters 3812 can be turned on when the internal cabinet temperature reaches 0⁰C and off when the internal cabinet temp reaches 13°C.

[00173] With reference again to FIG. 33, another aspect of the heater system can include one or more heaters 3814 on the base of the fuel cell cabinet. The heaters 3814 are not limited to the location shown in FIG. 33, and can be disposed in other locations, such as on the walls of the battery compartment 628 of the fuel cell cabinet 600 or on the pad supporting the fuel cell cabinet 600.

[00174] The heaters 3814 can be, for example, 200/400 watt heaters. In this exemplary aspect, the 200 watt portion of the heaters 3814 can be turned on when the battery compartment 628 reaches 0⁰C and the additional 200 watts portion of the heaters 3814 can be. turned on when the battery compartment reaches -15°C. The heater 3814 can be, for example, a single or unitary heater pad having 2 stages.

[00175] The operation of a heater system having heaters 1204, 3812, and 3814 according to an exemplary aspect will now be described. In this exemplary aspect, the heater system includes one or more 90 watt heaters 1204 that are incorporated into or mounted on the liquid heat exchanger assembly 906 to maintain the water temperature above 5⁰C. The one or more heaters 1204 also add heat to the interior environment of the cabinet 600. The controller 3302 turns these heaters ON when the internal cabinet temperature reaches 0⁰C and OFF when the internal cabinet temperature reaches 13°C.

[00176] Next, the heater system includes 200 watt heaters 3812 added to the base of the fuel cell 1300. These heaters 3812 add heat to the cabinet 600 and inhibit or prevent any air from the outside from freezing the fuel cells 1300. These heaters 3812 turn on when the internal cabinet temperature reaches O⁰C and off when the internal cabinet temp reaches 13°C.

[00177] Further, the heater system can include 200/400 watt heaters 3814 added to the base of the cabinet 600. The 200 watt portion of the heaters 3814 turns on when the battery compartment 628 reaches 0⁰C and the additional 200 watt portion of the heaters 3814 turn on when the battery compartment 628 reaches -15°C.

[00178] In an aspect, the fuel cell cabinet heat management and thermal control system

3300, as shown in FIG. 32, can include a system control loop that selectively turns one or more of the heaters (e.g., 1204, 3812, 3814) and the fan assemblies 902 ON and OFF at set points (e.g., predetermined temperatures, predetermined times, etc.) to maintain internal air temperatures of the fuel cell cabinet 600 between 5⁰C and 60⁰C. The system control loop can be included in the controller 3302 of the heat management and thermal control system 300, or in a separate control system.

[00179] An aspect of the system control loop can selectively control fan operation according to Table 3.1.

FAN OPERATION CONTROL

1 bay fan 1 (630) is turned ON at 5°C

2 )ay fans 2 and 3 (630) are turned ON at 47°C heat exchanger (Hex) fans 1 (902) are turned ON at 5⁰C

heat exchanger (Hex) fans 2 and 3 (902) are turned ON at 47°C

[00180] TABLE 3.1

[00181] An aspect of the system control loop can selectively control operation of the heater system and the fans of the fuel cell cabinet 600 according to Table 3.2.

[00182] TABLE 3.2

[00183] AIR FEED AND EXHAUST SYSTEM FOR HYDROGEN DECLASSIFICATION

[00184] Exemplary aspects are directed to a fuel cell cabinet air feed and exhaust system for hydrogen declassification. To solve the aforementioned problems with the conventional systems, the aspects provide a fuel cell cabinet air feed and exhaust system having a sealed air feed system that feeds air from outside a fuel cell cabinet to a fuel cell disposed inside the fuel cell cabinet, and a sealed air exhaust system that exhausts air from the fuel cell to the outside of the fuel cell cabinet. Each of the sealed air feed system and the sealed air exhaust system is sealed with respect to the fuel cell such that the sealed air feed system, the sealed air exhaust system, and the fuel cell form a sealed system.

[00185] An aspect provides an advantage of forming a sealed subsystem within the fuel cell cabinet. Because the subsystem is sealed throughout and vents directly to the outside environment, the subsystem may require explosion proof certification/approval of the subsystem components only. Therefore, the aspects may not require any other components outside of the sealed subsystem to obtain explosion proof certification, which may reduce costs and complexity associated with the certification/approval process.

[00186] Aspects also may improve or maximize the use of the space in the interior of the fuel cell cabinet or reduce the cabinet size compared with conventional systems such that the size of the foot print required for the fuel cell cabinet is reduced. Aspects also can provide a system that is not limited by outdoor exposure temperatures and can operate in extreme cold or hot climates. Aspects also can utilize a standard telecom cabinet, thereby increasing a comfort level of a user of the cabinet.

[00187] With reference to FIG. 36, an aspect of a fuel cell cabinet air feed and exhaust system 4200 for hydrogen declassification will now be described. In this aspect, an exhaust system 4206 draws air in from the exterior of the cabinet through an air feed system 4202, through a fuel cell 4204, and into the exhaust system 4206. The exhaust system 4206 purges or exhausts the gases from the fuel cell 4204 to the exterior of the cabinet. A controller 4208 controls the operation of one or more fans in the exhaust system. The controller 4208 can selectively control one or more fans in the exhaust system to provide a predetermined air flow rate, which may depend on factors such as whether the fuel cell is preparing to start up, whether the fuel cell is operating, or whether the fuel cell has ceased operating, as well as the outside (ambient) temperature of the cabinet.

[00188] In an aspect, each of the air feed system 4202, the fuel cell 4204, and the exhaust system 4206 are sealed. Also, each of the components is sealed with respect to each adjacent component. Therefore, these components provide an advantage of forming a sealed subsystem within the fuel cell cabinet. Because the subsystem is sealed throughout and vents directly to the outside environment, the subsystem may require explosion proof certification/approval of the subsystem components only. Therefore, the aspect may not require any other components outside of the sealed subsystem to obtain explosion proof certification, which may reduce the costs and complexity associated with the certification/approval process.

[00189] With reference to FIG. 37, another aspect of a fuel cell cabinet air feed and exhaust system 4300 for hydrogen declassification will now be described. In this aspect, intake air enters the cabinet from the exterior through an air feed system 4301. In an aspect, the air feed system 4301 can include an air filter 4302.

[00190] In an aspect, the air fee system 4301 can include an optional air preheat assembly 4305 having one or more heaters. The air preheat assembly 4305 receives the intake air and preheats the intake air to a predetermined temperature, or to be within a predetermined temperature range. For example, the air preheat assembly 4305 can receive intake air having an ambient air temperature of 0⁰C and preheat the air to a temperature equal to or greater than 5°C prior to entering the fuel cell 4306. The optional air preheat assembly 4305 can maintain a substantially constant air feed temperature to the fuel cell 4306. In another aspect, a controller 4306, which will be described in more detail below, can selectively control the temperature of the air in the air preheat assembly 4305.

[00191] The intake air is supplied to the fuel cell 4306 by a sealed air feed line or tube

4304. The fuel cell 4306 exhausts the air to a plenum 4308, which is sealed to the fuel cell 4306. One or more exhaust fans 4310 draw the air in from the exterior through the air feed system 4301 (e.g., the air filter 4320, the sealed air feed line 4304, and the optional air preheat assembly 4305), the fuel cell 4306, and the plenum 4308. In this aspect, one or more exhaust fans 4312 pull the air, which is exhausted by the exhaust fans 4310, out of the fuel cell cabinet. In an aspect, the system 4300 is sealed and operates under a vacuum from the intake from the exterior until the exhaust to the exterior of the electronics compartment such that hazardous gases can be prevented from escaping into the interior of the fuel cell cabinet.

[00192] A controller 4314 controls the operation of the first exhaust fan or set 4310 and the second exhaust fan or set 4312. The controller 4314 can selectively control one or more fans in the exhaust system to provide a predetermined air flow rate, which may depend on factors such as whether the fuel cell is preparing to start up, whether the fuel cell is operating, or whether the fuel cell has ceased operating, as well as the outside (ambient) temperature of the cabinet.

[00193] In an aspect, each of the air feed system 4304, fuel cell 4306, plenum 4308, first exhaust fan set 4310, and second exhaust fan set 4312 are sealed. Also, each of the components is sealed with respect to each adjacent component. Therefore, these components provide an advantage of forming a sealed subsystem within the fuel cell cabinet. Because the subsystem is sealed throughout and vents directly to the outside environment, the subsystem may require explosion proof certification/approval of the subsystem components only. Therefore, the aspect may not require any other components outside of the sealed subsystem to obtain explosion proof certification, which may reduce the costs and complexity associated with the certification/approval process.

[00194] An exemplary aspect of a fuel cell 1300 and plenum 4500, which can be mounted or secured in the exemplary cabinet 100, will be described with reference to FIGS. 38A and 38B.

[00195] FIG. 13A shows a rear/top/right side view of the fuel cell 1300 and FIG. 13B shows a front/top/left side view of the fuel cell 1300. The fuel cell 1300 includes a sealed fuel cell enclosure 1302. A hydrogen gas feed is plumbed into the cabinet and into a hydrogen feed fitting in the fuel cell enclosure 1302. The fuel cell enclosure 1302 also includes an air feed fitting 1314 for receiving air from an air feed system (e.g., 1302, 1304) into the fuel cell 1300. The enclosure 1302 includes a plenum sealing collar 1304 for sealing a first end of the fuel cell 1300 to a plenum 4500 (FIG. 38A, 38B) for hydrogen declassification. The plenum sealing collar 1304 includes a cathode exhaust 1312 and an anode exhaust 1310. The fuel cell enclosure 1302 includes liquid feed interface fittings 1306 for permitting the cooling liquid to enter and exit the fuel cell 1300. The fuel cell 1300 can be a liquid cooled hydrogen fuel cell based on exchange membrane (PEM) technology. The fuel cell 1300 can be, for example, an 8 kW fuel cell. In an aspect, two 8 kW fuel cells 1300 can be used to provide a 16 kW fuel cell system.

[00196] As shown in FIG. 38A, the plenum 4500 includes a casing 4502 having intakes

4504, 4506 on a first side (i.e., a front side). Each of the intakes is surface mounted and sealed against the plenum sealing collars 1304 of a fuel cell 1300. The intakes 4504, 4506 can include O-rings for sealing the plenum 500 to the fuel cells 1300. In this aspect, the plenum 4500 seals against the fuel cell enclosures 1302 of two vertically stacked fuel cells 1300.

[00197] As shown in FIG. 38B, the other side (i.e., the rear side) of the casing 4502 seals against an inside surface of a door of the fuel cell cabinet 100. The plenum 4500 includes a sealed base 4512 that captures the water from the one or more fuel cells 1300 during operation. A sealed drain fitting 4516 on the bottom of the plenum 4500 interfaces the plenum to another drain hose.

[00198] An exemplary aspect of a fuel cell cabinet having an air feed and exhaust system for hydrogen declassification according to an aspect of the invention will now be described.

[00199] FIG. 39 shows an aspect of the fuel cell cabinet 600 with the door 640 in a closed position. FIG. 40 shows the fuel cell cabinet 600 with the door 640 in the open position. The door 640 includes a fan system or exhaust system, which will be described in more detail below. When the door 640 is in a closed position, the plenum 500 is sealed against the inside surface of the door 640 and communicates with the fan system or exhaust system 642, 644, 646 of the door 640. The other side of the plenum 4500 (not shown in FIG. 10) is sealed against the plenum sealing collar 1304.

[00200] The fuel cell cabinet 600 can include air inlets 614. In this aspect, a splice chamber is located behind the air inlets 614. The sealed plenum base 4512 collects and manages the flow of the water from the fuel cells 1300 to the drain lines 106, 108. In an aspect, the drain lines 106, 108 extend through the splice chamber wall and down below the cabinet 600, as shown in FIG. 40. The drain lines 106, 108 exit from the bottom of the splice compartment into a drain pipe (e.g., 110). In another aspect, a pipe or tub or set of pipes or tubes can connect the plenum 500 to the drain lines 106, 108. In other aspects, the drains lines 106, 108 can be combined into a single drain line.

[00201] An exemplary aspect of a fuel cell cabinet having an air feed and exhaust system for hydrogen declassification according to an aspect of the invention will now be described. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the aspects are not limited to the particular arrangement of elements shown in FIGS. 41-47, and other arrangements can be provided within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[00202] In this aspect, the fuel cell cabinet includes an air feed and exhaust system for hydrogen declassification, and a plenum 4500. The cabinet 600 includes an access door 640 having a fan system 642, 644, 646 that draws air through a plenum 4500, the fuel cells 1300, and the air feed system (e.g., filter 622).

[00203] When the door 640 is in a closed position, the plenum 4500 is sealed against the inside surface of the door 640 and communicates with the fan system or exhaust system 642, 644, 646 of the door 640. More particularly, the plenum 4500 includes air exits 4652, 4654 that seal against the door 640 and fan system behind openings 642, 644, 646. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the plenum 500 also includes intakes 504, 506 that seal against the plenum sealing collar 1304 of the fuel cells 1300. The plenum 4500 also includes a sealed plenum base 4512 that collects and manages the flow of the water from the fuel cells 1300 to the drain lines 106, 108.

[00204] As shown in the Figures, the cabinet 600 includes a sealed subsystem having one or more hydrogen fuel cells 1300 with hydrogen gas plumbed into the fuel cells 1300 within the cabinet 600. The cabinet also includes an air feed and exhaust system.

[00205] An aspect of an exemplary air feed system B1301 will be described with reference to FIGS. 43A and 43B. In operation, air enters the cabinet 600 from the exterior through, for example, air inlets 614 and is pulled into the air feed system B1301. The air feed system B1301can include a housing B1304, which can be a sealed housing. In an aspect, the air feed system B1301 can include an air filter (not shown) inside the housing B1304. In another aspect, the air feed system B1301 can include an optional air preheat assembly B1305 having one or more heaters. The air preheat assembly B1305 receives the intake air and preheats the intake air to a predetermined temperature, or to be within a predetermined temperature range. For example, the air preheat assembly B1305 can receive intake air having an ambient air temperature of O⁰C and preheat the air to a temperature equal to or greater than 5⁰C prior to entering the fuel cell 1300. The optional air preheat assembly B1305 can maintain a substantially constant air feed temperature to the fuel cell 1300. In another aspect, a controller (not shown) can selectively control the temperature of the air in the air preheat assembly B1305.

[00206] It is noted that, in this aspect, the air feed system for hydrogen H₂ declassification is separate from an air feed system for supplying air to the fuel cells 1300. However, in other aspects, the air feed system for hydrogen declassification and for supplying air to the fuel cells 1300 can be integrated into a single air feed system such that, for example, a common air intake, filter, preheat assembly, etc. can be shared by the systems.

[00207] With reference again to FIG. 43A and43B, the air from the air feed system

B1301 is supplied to one or more fuel cells 1300 by one or more a sealed air feed lines or tubes B1302. The sealed air feed line B1302 delivers outside air to the sealed internal fuel cell 1300. The fuel cell 1300 exhausts the air to the plenum 4500, which is sealed to the fuel cell 1300. The exhaust plenum 4500 is sealed to the sealed casing 1302 of the fuel cell 1300 and the rear door 640 of the cabinet 600, thereby creating a completely sealed subsystem within the cabinet 600.

[00208] The cabinet 600 includes a rear door 640 having a plurality of fans that pull fresh air through the air feed line B1302 into the box containing the fuel cells 1300, and through the plenum 4500 that seals against box containing fuel cells 1300 and against the rear door 640. The plenum 4500 has a separate anode purge line 654 with water knock out that seals against the opening 644 in the door 640 such that water within the anode purge line 654 drips into the sealed base 4512 of the plenum 4500 and the gas enters through the opening 654 into a cavity of the door 640. The plenum 4500 has a second opening 652 that seals against the door 640 to exhaust the fuel cell 1300 and the cathode exhaust of the fuel cell 1300. The openings 652, 654 includes seals for facilitating a substantially air tight seal with the surface of the rear door 640.

[00209] The rear door 640 has a main fan set and secondary fan set. The first fan set is dedicated to the fuel cell and its subsystem and pulls fresh air through the air feed line B1302 into the box containing the fuel cells 1300 and through the plenum 4500 that seals against box containing fuel cells 1300 and against the rear door 640.

[00210] In this aspect, the rear door 640 includes a second fan that is mounted in a bottom of the rear door 640 to insure whatever gases are exhausted into the cavity in the rear door are vented outside of the cabinet 600.

[00211] An aspect provides an advantage of forming a sealed subsystem within the fuel cell cabinet. Because the subsystem is sealed throughout and vents directly to the outside environment, the subsystem may require explosion proof certification/approval of the subsystem components only. Therefore, the aspect may not require any other components outside of the sealed subsystem to obtain explosion proof certification, which may reduce costs and complexity associated with the certification/approval process.

[00212] In an aspect, a controller (not shown) controls the operation of the main fan set and the secondary fan set. The controller can selectively control one or more fans in the exhaust system to provide a predetermined air flow rate, which may depend on factors such as whether the fuel cell is preparing to start up, whether the fuel cell is operating, or whether the fuel cell has ceased operating, as well as the outside (ambient) temperature of the cabinet.

[00213] In other aspects, the air flow rate through the air feed lines, the fuel cell, the plenum, and/or the cavity of the door 640 can optimized to improve the efficiency of the air feed and exhaust system. The air flow resistance in the system also can optimized to improve the efficiency of the air feed and exhaust system.

[00214] WASTE WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

[00215] To solve the aforementioned problems with the conventional systems, the exemplary aspects can provide a fuel cell waste water management system that reduces or prevents water damage to the fuel cell cabinet, such as the base of the fuel cell cabinet, or the surroundings of the fuel cell cabinet, such as the surface on which the cabinet is mounted. The aspects also can reduce or eliminate water lying on the surface adjacent to the fuel cell cabinet, which otherwise may be visibly unpleasant to a user, may result in wet or muddy conditions, or may freeze on the ground in colder environments.

[00216] The exemplary aspects also can reduce or eliminate the need to remove captured water from the fuel cell cabinet, thereby reducing the maintenance costs and the complexity associated with the operation and management of the fuel cell cabinet. In these aspects, a container or bucket is not needed to capture the water, and therefore may further reduce costs.

[00217] The exemplary aspects also can extend the life of the fuel cell cabinet and the systems within the fuel cell cabinet by reducing or preventing water damage to the system, and properly removing water flowing from the fuel cells, thereby extending the life of the fuel cell system and fuel cell cabinet.

[00218] The exemplary aspects also can improve or maximize the use of the space in the interior of the fuel cell cabinet or reduce the cabinet size compared with conventional systems such that the size of the foot print required for the fuel cell cabinet is reduced. Exemplary aspects also can provide a system that is not limited by outdoor exposure temperatures and can operate in extreme cold or hot climates. The exemplary aspects also can utilize a standard telecom cabinet, thereby increasing a comfort level of a user of the cabinet. [00219] The exemplary aspects also recognize that the water from the fuel cells is clean, pure water. The exemplary aspects can provide a waste water management system that recycles the clean, pure water from the fuel cells back into the surrounding environment. Other aspects can collect or store the clean, pure water from the fuel cells for other uses.

[00220] Exemplary aspects will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1-15.

[00221] A fuel cell cabinet 100 according to an exemplary aspect is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The fuel cell cabinet may house electronic equipment and a connection panel for cross-connecting the electronic equipment with various provider and/or subscriber lines. The fuel cell cabinet 100 includes a fuel cell power backup system. As shown in FIG. 2, the fuel cell cabinet 100 can be mounted on the surface of, for example, a concrete pad 102. The surface upon which the fuel cell cabinet 100 can be mounted is not limited to a concrete pad 102 and can include any suitable surface, device, or structure, such as a pad or mounting surface formed from fiberglass, plastic, metal, etc. Aspects of the fuel cell cabinet can be mounted in the interior of buildings, structures, etc., or at the exterior of building, structures, etc. For example, an aspect of a fuel cell cabinet 100 can be mounted on a rack or shelter or other structure (not shown).

[00222] With reference to FIGS. 44A and 44B, exemplary aspects of a waste water management system will now be described. The fuel cell cabinet 100 can include one or more fuel cells 1300 that generate electricity and produce clean, pure water. A plenum 4504 can be sealed against the enclosures of the one or more fuel cells 1300. The plenum 4504 can include a sealed base 4512 that captures the water from the one or more fuel cells 1300 during operation.

[00223] A sealed drain fitting can be provided on the side of the plenum 4504 to interface the plenum 4504 to a drain hose 108. In other aspects, a sealed drain fitting can be provided on the bottom of the plenum 4504 to interface the plenum 4504 to the drain hose 106. The drain hose 106, 108 can be, for example, at least a M> inch diameter hose. In an aspect, the drain hose 106, 108 can be insulated to maintain a higher temperature of the water in the hose to reduce or prevent freezing in cold climates. In another aspect, the drain hose 106, 108 can be heated to resist freezing in cold climates. In this aspect, a heater can be attached to the drain hose, or a fan can supply heated air over the drain hose to resist freezing.

[00224] In an exemplary aspect in which the waste water management system is configured for exterior use, the waste water management system can include a drain pipe 110 that extends through the mounting surface, such as a concrete pad 102, and into the gravel 103, as shown in FIG. 44A. The drain pipe 110 can be configured to extend below the frost line 114 in cold climates. The drain pipe 110 can be any suitable drain pipe, such as a PCV drain pipe, a perforated PVC drain pipe, or the like. In other aspects, the drain pipe 110 can be heated to resist freezing in cold climates. In this aspect, a heater can be attached to the drain pipe 110, or a fan can supply heated air into the drain pipe 110 to resist freezing. As described in more detail below, other aspects of the waste water management system can collect, store, or supply the clean, pure water from the fuel cells to a device, for example, for other uses, as shown in FIG. 44B.

[00225] An exemplary aspect of a fuel cell 1300 and plenum 4500, which can be mounted or secured in the exemplary cabinet 100, will be described with reference to FIGS. 13A and 13B, and FIGS. 38A to 38C.

[00226] The fuel cell 1300 can include a sealed fuel cell enclosure 1302. The fuel cell enclosure 1302 can include liquid feed interface fittings 1306 for permitting a cooling liquid to enter and exit the fuel cell 1300. The fuel cell 1300 can be a liquid cooled hydrogen fuel cell based on exchange membrane (PEM) technology. The fuel cell 1300 can be, for example, an 8 kW fuel cell. In an aspect, two 8 kW fuel cells 1300 can be used to provide a 16 kW fuel cell system.

[00227] The plenum 4500 can include a casing 4502 having intakes 4504, 4506 that seal against a plenum sealing collar 1304 of the fuel cells 1300. The casing 4502 can be sealed against an inside surface of a door of the cabinet 100. The plenum 4500 can include a sealed base 4512 that captures the water from the one or more fuel cells 1300 during operation. A sealed drain fitting 4514 can be provided on the side of the plenum 4500 to interface the plenum to a drain hose (e.g., drain hose 108 in FIG. 44A, 44B). in other aspects, a sealed drain fitting 4516 can be provided on the bottom of the plenum 4500 to interface the plenum to a drain hose (e.g., drain hose 106).

[00228] An exemplary fuel cell cabinet having a waste water management system according to an exemplary aspect will now be described with reference to FIGS. 6-9B and 45-47.

[00229] The plenum 4500 can be sealed against the inside surface of the door 640 and can communicate with the fan system or exhaust system 642, 644, 646 of the door 640. The other side of the plenum 4500 (not shown in FIG. 45) can be sealed against the plenum sealing collar 1304.

[00230] The fuel cell cabinet 600 can include air exits 614. In this aspect, a splice chamber can be located behind the air exits 614. The sealed plenum base 512 can collect and manage the flow of the water from the fuel cells 200 to the drain line 106 or 108. in the disclosed exemplary aspect, the drain line 106, 108 can extend through the splice chamber wall and down below the cabinet 600, as shown in FIG. 10. The drain lines 106, 108 can exit from the bottom of the splice compartment into a drain pipe (e.g., 110). In other aspects, a pipe or tube or set of pipes or tubes can connect the plenum 500 to one or more the drain lines 106, 108. In other aspects, one or more drains lines 106, 108 can be combined into a single drain line downstream.

[00231] Referring again to FIG. 44A, the drain pipe 110 can extend through the concrete pad 102 and into the gravel 103. The drain pipe 110 can be configured to extend below the frost line 114. In this aspect, the waste water management system can recycle the clean, pure water from the fuel cells 1300 back into the surrounding environment.

[00232] Referring again to FIG. 44B, in other aspects the waste water management system can collect, store, or supply the clean, pure water from the fuel cells to a device for other uses. For example, the system can include a container 120 for collecting the clean pure water located within the interior of the fuel cell cabinet. In other aspects, a container 130 can be located outside the fuel cell cabinet (shown by dashed lines), in another aspect, a container (not shown) can be disposed under the fuel cell cabinet, such as an underground water tank. In other aspects, the clean, pure water can be pumped to a water tank above grade for storage or collection at a later time, or for supplying water supply needs for another device or use.

[00233] Another exemplary aspect of a fuel cell cabinet 4800 having a waste water management system will now be described with reference to FIGS. 44A-47. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the aspects are not limited to the particular arrangement of elements shown in FIGS. 44A-47, and other arrangements can be provided within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[00234] In this aspect, one or more drain tubes 116, 118 can extend from the plenum fittings 714, 716 and connect to the drain lines 106, 108, for example, inside the splice chamber, as shown in FIGS. 13-15. The drain tubes 116, 118 alternatively can connect to the drain lines 106, 108 inside the interior of the cabinet before passing through the splice chamber wall.

[00235] In operation, the sealed plenum base of plenum 4500 collects and manages the flow of the water from the fuel cells 1300 through the drain tubes 116, 118 to the drain lines 106, 108. The drain tubes 116, 118 or the drain lines 106, 108 extend through the splice chamber wall and down below the cabinet 800. The drain lines 106, 108 can exit from the bottom of the splice compartment into a drain pipe (not shown). In another aspect, a pipe or tube or set of pipes or tubes can connect the plenum 4500 to the drain lines 106, 108. In other aspects, the drains lines 106, 108 can be combined into a single drain line.

[00236] The present invention has been described herein in terms of several preferred embodiments. However, modifications and additions to these embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the foregoing description. It is intended that all such modifications and additions comprise a part of the present invention to the extent that they fall within the scope of the several claims appended hereto. Furthermore, although elements of the invention may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated.

Claims

CLAIMS WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A fuel cell cabinet liquid cooling system comprising: a fuel cell; a liquid cooling system for dissipating heat generated by the fuel cell; and a controller that controls the liquid cooling system for maintaining a predetermined temperature range of a first cooling liquid of the fuel cell.

2. The fuel cell cabinet liquid cooling system according to claim 1 , wherein liquid cooling system includes a single loop liquid cooling system.

3. The fuel cell cabinet liquid cooling system according to claim 1, wherein liquid cooling system includes a dual loop liquid cooling system.

4. The fuel cell cabinet liquid cooling system according to claim 2, wherein the single loop liquid cooling system comprises: a liquid-to-air heat exchanger that receives the cooling liquid from the fuel cell and dissipates heat from the first cooling liquid to an outside environment of the fuel cell cabinet; and a pump that circulates the first cooling liquid between the fuel cell and the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger.

5. The fuel cell cabinet liquid cooling system according to claim 3, wherein the dual loop liquid cooling system comprises: a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger that receives the first cooling liquid from the fuel cell and dissipates heat from the first cooling liquid to a second cooling liquid in the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger; a liquid-to-air heat exchanger that receives the second cooling liquid from the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger and dissipates heat from the second cooling liquid to an outside environment of the fuel cell cabinet; and a pump that circulates the first cooling liquid between the fuel cell and the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger, and the second liquid between the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger and the liquid-to-air heat exchanger.

6. The fuel cell cabinet liquid cooling system according to claim 5, wherein the liquid-to-air heat exchanger includes a fan for moving air over or through the liquid-to-air heat exchanger.

7. The fuel cell cabinet liquid cooling system according to claim 4, wherein the pump includes a plurality of redundant pumps.

8. The fuel cell cabinet liquid cooling system according to claim 5, wherein the pump includes a plurality of redundant pumps.

9. The fuel cell cabinet liquid cooling system according to claim 5, wherein the pump includes a first pump that circulates the first cooling liquid between the fuel cell and the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger and a second pump that circulates the second liquid between the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger and the liquid-to-air heat exchanger.

10. The fuel cell cabinet liquid cooling system according to claim 5, wherein the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger includes a heater that heats one of the first liquid and the second liquid to maintain the one of the first liquid and the second liquid at a predetermined temperature.

11. The fuel cell cabinet liquid cooling system according to claim 4, wherein the controller selectively turns the liquid-to-air heat exchanger and the pump ON and OFF based on one or more of a temperature of the first cooling liquid, a temperature of an outside environment, and a number of fuel cells.

12. The fuel cell cabinet liquid cooling system according to claim 5, wherein the controller selectively turns the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger, the liquid-to-air heat exchanger, and the pump ON and OFF based on one or more of a temperature of the first cooling liquid, a temperature of the second cooling liquid, a temperature of an outside environment, and a number of fuel cells.

13. A fuel cell cabinet liquid cooling system comprising: a fuel cell; an internal loop liquid cooling system for dissipating heat in the fuel cell; and an external loop liquid cooling system for dissipating heat in the internal loop liquid cooling system.

14. The fuel cell cabinet liquid cooling system according to claim 13, wherein the internal loop liquid cooling system comprises: a first cooling liquid that receives heat from the fuel cell; a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger that receives the first cooling liquid from the fuel cell and dissipates heat from the first cooling liquid to a second cooling liquid in the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger; and a first pump that circulates the first cooling liquid between the fuel cell and the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger.

15. The fuel cell cabinet liquid cooling system according to claim 14, wherein the external loop liquid cooling system comprises: a liquid-to-air heat exchanger that receives the second cooling liquid from the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger and dissipates heat from the second cooling liquid to an outside environment of the fuel cell cabinet; and a second pump that circulates the second liquid between the liquid-to- liquid heat exchanger and the liquid-to-air heat exchanger.

16. The fuel cell cabinet liquid cooling system according to claim 15, wherein the liquid-to-air heat exchanger includes a fan for moving air over or through the liquid-to-air heat exchanger.

17. The fuel cell cabinet liquid cooling system according to claim 14, wherein the first pump includes a plurality of redundant pumps.

18. The fuel cell cabinet liquid cooling system according to claim 15, wherein the second pump includes a plurality of redundant pumps.

19. The fuel cell cabinet liquid cooling system according to claim 14, wherein the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger includes a heater that heats one of the first liquid and the second liquid to maintain the one of the first liquid and the second liquid at a predetermined temperature.

20. A fuel cell cabinet liquid cooling system comprising: a fuel cell; a liquid-to-air heat exchanger that dissipates heat from the fuel cell to an outside environment of the fuel cell cabinet; and a pump that circulates one or more cooling liquids between the fuel cell and the liquid-to-air heat exchanger.

21. The fuel cell cabinet liquid cooling system according to claim 20, further comprising: a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger interposing the fuel cell and the liquid-to- air heat exchanger, wherein the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger dissipates heat from the fuel cell to the liquid-to-air heat exchanger, and wherein the pump circulates one or more cooling liquids between the fuel cell, the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger, and the liquid-to-air heat exchanger.

22. The fuel cell cabinet liquid cooling system according to claim 20, wherein the liquid-to-air heat exchanger includes a fan for moving air over or through the liquid-to-air heat exchanger.

23. The fuel cell cabinet liquid cooling system according to claim 20, wherein the pump includes a plurality of redundant pumps.

24. The fuel cell cabinet liquid cooling system according to claim 21 , wherein the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger includes a heater that heats the one or more cooling liquids to maintain the one or more cooling liquids at a predetermined temperature.

25. The fuel cell cabinet liquid cooling system according to claim 1 , wherein the fuel cell cabinet is mounted to a concrete pad.

26. The fuel cell cabinet liquid cooling system according to claim 1 , wherein the fuel cell cabinet is mounted to a structure.

27. The fuel cell cabinet liquid cooling system according to claim 4, further comprising: a check valve that limits flow of the first cooling liquid to a single direction.

28. The fuel cell cabinet liquid cooling system according to claim 5, further comprising at least one of: a check valve that limits flow of the first cooling liquid to a single direction; and a check valve that limits flow of the second cooling liquid to a single direction.

29. The fuel cell cabinet liquid cooling system according to claim 7, further comprising: at least one manifold that couples the plurality of redundant pumps.

30. The fuel cell cabinet liquid cooling system according to claim 8, further comprising at least one manifold that couples the plurality of redundant pumps.

31. The fuel cell cabinet liquid cooling system according to claim 9, wherein the first pump comprises a plurality of first redundant pumps, and wherein the system includes at least one manifold that couples the plurality of first redundant pumps.

32. The fuel cell cabinet liquid cooling system according to claim 9, wherein the second pump comprises a plurality of second redundant pumps, and wherein the system includes at least one manifold that couples the plurality of second redundant pumps.

33. The fuel cell cabinet liquid cooling system according to claim 1 , wherein the liquid cooling system includes a deionizer bypass line that maintains a predetermined resistance level of at least one of the first cooling liquid and a second cooling liquid.

34. The fuel cell cabinet liquid cooling system according to claim 1, wherein the liquid cooling system includes an overflow reservoir.

35. The fuel cell cabinet liquid cooling system according to claim 1 , wherein the liquid cooling system includes a pressure relief valve.

36. A fuel cell cabinet comprising: an air feed system that supplies temperature controlled air to a fuel cell; and a controller that controls the air feed system for maintaining a predetermined temperature range of the temperature controlled air entering the fuel cell.

37. The fuel cell cabinet air feed system according to claim 36, wherein the air feed system includes redundant air feed systems.

38. The fuel cell cabinet air feed system according to claim 36, wherein the air feed system includes a heater.

39. The fuel cell cabinet air feed system according to claim 38, wherein the heater is a resistance heater.

40. The fuel cell cabinet air feed system according to claim 38, further comprising: a heat sink on the heater.

41. The fuel cell cabinet air feed system according to claim 38, further comprising: a heat sink on a plurality of surfaces of the heater.

42. The fuel cell cabinet air feed system according to claim 38, further comprising: a housing that surrounds the heater, wherein the housing manages air flow of ambient air over the heater.

43. The fuel cell cabinet air feed system according to claim 38, wherein the heater includes redundant heaters.

44. The fuel cell cabinet air feed system according to claim 38, wherein the heater includes two heaters arranged in series and two heaters arranged in parallel.

45. The fuel cell cabinet air feed system according to claim 38, further comprising: a fan that draws ambient air from outside of the fuel cell cabinet through the air feed system and into the fuel cell.

46. The fuel cell cabinet air feed system according to claim 45, wherein the heater heats the ambient air to a predetermined intake air temperature or air temperature range prior to entering the fuel cell.

47. The fuel cell cabinet air feed system according to claim 45, wherein the fan exhausts air from the fuel cell to the outside of the fuel cell cabinet.

48. The fuel cell cabinet air feed system according to claim 37, wherein the redundant air feed systems include parallel paths of housing sections that manage flow of air, wherein each of the housing sections includes a heater, and wherein each of the housing section manages flow of the air over the heater.

49. The fuel cell cabinet air feed system according to claim 37, wherein each of the redundant air feed systems includes a heater having a heat sink.

50. The fuel cell cabinet air feed system according to claim 49, wherein two heaters are arranged in series.

51. The fuel cell cabinet air feed system according to claim 49, wherein two heaters are arranged in parallel.

52. The fuel cell cabinet air feed system according to claim 37, wherein the controller selectively turns the heater ON and OFF to control an intake air temperature at the fuel cell.

53. The fuel cell cabinet air feed system according to claim 36, wherein the controller selectively turns the heater ON and OFF to control a temperature of air exiting the air feed system.

54. A fuel cell cabinet air feed system comprising: a fuel cell; an air feed system that supplies temperature controlled air to the fuel cell; and a controller that controls the air feed system for maintaining a predetermined temperature range of the temperature controlled air entering the fuel cell.

55. The fuel cell cabinet air feed system according to claim 54, wherein the air feed system includes redundant air feed systems.

56. The fuel cell cabinet air feed system according to claim 54, wherein the air feed system includes a heater.

57. The fuel cell cabinet air feed system according to claim 56, further comprising: a heat sink on the heater.

58. The fuel cell cabinet air feed system according to claim 57, further comprising: a housing that surrounds the heater and heat sink, wherein the tube section manages air flow of ambient air over the heater and heat sink.

59. The fuel cell cabinet air feed system according to claim 54, wherein the controller selectively turns the heater ON and OFF to control an intake air temperature at the fuel cell.

60. An air feed system for a fuel cell cabinet, comprising: a heater; a heat sink on the heater; and a housing surrounding the heater and the heat sink, wherein the housing manages a flow of air over the heater and the heat sink.

61. The fuel cell cabinet air feed system according to claim 38, wherein the heater is a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) type heater.

62. The fuel cell cabinet air feed system according to claim 36, further comprising: a filter upstream of the air feed system that filters intake air entering the air feed system.

63. The fuel cell cabinet air feed system according to claim 62, wherein the filter is an active filter.

64. The fuel cell cabinet air feed system according to claim 38, wherein the controller automatically turns off the heater when a temperature of one of the air in the air feed system and the temperature of the heater is equal to or greater than a predetermined temperature.

65. The fuel cell cabinet air feed system according to claim 42, wherein the housing has a rectangular cross-section.

66. The fuel cell cabinet air feed system according to claim 42, wherein the housing has one of a circular and an oval cross-section.

67. The fuel cell cabinet air feed system according to claim 42, wherein the housing is formed from a material that is resistant to a predetermined minimum temperature.

68. A fuel cell cabinet comprising: a housing; a fuel cell contained in an interior of the housing; and a heat management system that manages and controls an internal air temperature of the housing to be one of at a predetermined temperature and within a predetermined temperature range.

69. The fuel cell cabinet according to claim 68, wherein the predetermined temperature is equal to or greater than 5°C and equal to or less than 65⁰C.

70. The fuel cell cabinet according to claim 68, wherein the heat management system includes at least one of an insulation system, a sealing system, a heater system, and a control loop system.

71. The fuel cell cabinet according to claim 68, wherein the heat management system includes a heater system, and wherein the heater system includes one or more heaters.

72. The fuel cell cabinet according to claim 71, wherein the one or more heaters include a resistance heater.

73. The fuel cell cabinet according to claim 71 , further comprising: a liquid to liquid heat exchanger, wherein at least one of the one or more heaters is on the liquid to liquid heat exchanger.

74. The fuel cell cabinet according to claim 71 , wherein at least one of the one or more heaters is one of on and adjacent to the fuel cell.

75. The fuel cell cabinet according to claim 71 , wherein at least one of the one or more heaters is one of on and adjacent to a base of the housing.

76. The fuel cell cabinet according to claim 68, wherein the heat management system includes an insulation system, and wherein the insulation system includes an insulating material on an inside surface of one or more of a door of the housing, a wall of the housing, a base of the housing, and a top of the housing.

77. The fuel cell cabinet according to claim 76, wherein the insulation system includes an insulating material on an inside surface of each door of the housing, each wall of the housing, a base of the housing, and a top of the housing.

78. The fuel cell cabinet according to claim 68, wherein the heat management system includes a sealing system, and wherein the sealing system includes sealing means for sealing an opening in one of a door, a wall, a base, and a top of the housing.

79. The fuel cell cabinet according to claim 78, wherein the sealing means seals substantially all openings each door of the housing, each wall of the housing, a base of the housing, and a top of the housing.

80. The fuel cell cabinet according to claim 68, wherein the heat management system, includes a sealing system, and wherein the sealing system includes sealing means for sealing a perimeter of a door of the housing to a surface of the housing surrounding a door opening of the housing.

81. The fuel cell cabinet according to claim 72, wherein the heat management system includes a control system, and wherein the control system selectively turns on and off the one or more of the heaters to maintain the internal air temperature of the housing.

82. The fuel cell cabinet according to claim 68, further comprising: a fan assembly on the housing, wherein the fan assembly includes one or more fans, wherein the heat management system includes a control system, and wherein the control system selectively turns on and off the one or more fans to maintain the internal air temperature of the housing.

83. The fuel cell cabinet according to claim 81, further comprising: a fan assembly on the housing, wherein the fan assembly includes one or more fans, and wherein the control system selectively turns on and off the one or more of the heaters and fans to maintain the internal air temperature of the housing.

84. The fuel cell cabinet according to claim 72, wherein the heat management system includes a control system, and wherein the control system selectively controls an operating condition of one or more heaters and fans of the fuel cell cabinet.

85. A fuel cell cabinet heat management and thermal control system, comprising: a housing; a fuel cell contained in an interior of the housing; and a heat management system that manages and controls an internal air temperature of the housing.

86. A fuel cell cabinet comprising: a housing; a fuel cell contained in an interior of the housing; and means for managing and controlling an internal air temperature of the fuel cell cabinet.

87. A method of managing and controlling an internal air temperature of a fuel cell cabinet, the method comprising: selectively controlling an operating condition of a heater and a fan of the fuel cell cabinet based on at least one predetermined factor to maintain the internal temperature of the fuel cell cabinet one of at a predetermined temperature and within a predetermined temperature range.

88. The method of claim 87, wherein the predetermined factor is one of an outside temperature of the fuel cell cabinet, an inside temperature of the fuel cell cabinet, and a solar exposure condition of the fuel cell cabinet.

89. The method of claim 87, wherein the predetermined temperature is equal to or greater than 5°C and equal to or less than 65°C.

90. A fuel cell cabinet comprising: a waste water management system for a fuel cell, wherein the waste water management system manages a flow of water from the fuel cell to one of a container and an exterior of the fuel cell cabinet.

91. The fuel cell cabinet according to claim 90, wherein the waste water management system manages the flow of water from the fuel cell to the exterior of the fuel cell cabinet and under a mounting surface of the cabinet.

92. The fuel cell cabinet according to claim 90, wherein the waste water management system includes a plenum having a sealed base that collects and manages the flow of the water from the fuel cell.

93. The fuel cell cabinet according to claim 92, wherein the plenum includes one or more sealed drain fittings that receive one or more drains lines for managing the flow of the water from the plenum.

94. The fuel cell cabinet according to claim 92, further comprising: one or more drain lines coupled to the plenum, wherein the one or more drain lines manages the flow of the water to the one of the container and the exterior of the fuel cell cabinet.

95. The fuel cell cabinet according to claim 94, wherein the one or more drain lines manages the flow of the water to the exterior of the fuel cell cabinet and to a location that is one of in, under, and on an opposite side of a mounting surface of the cabinet.

96. The fuel cell cabinet according to claim 95, further comprising: a drain pipe extending from the mounting surface of the fuel cell to the location.

97. The fuel cell cabinet according to claim 96, wherein a top of the drain pipe is at or above the mounting surface.

98. The fuel cell cabinet according to claim 95, wherein the mounting surface is formed over a gravel base.

99. The fuel cell cabinet according to claim 96, wherein a bottom of the drain pipe extends below a frost line.

100. The fuel cell cabinet according to claim 95, wherein the mounting surface is a horizontal pad or horizontal mounting surface.

101. The fuel cell cabinet according to claim 95, wherein the mounting surface is a vertical mounting surface.

102. The fuel cell cabinet according to claim 96, wherein at least a portion of the drain pipe is perforated.

103. The fuel cell cabinet according to claim 96, wherein the one or more drain lines extend into an interior space of the drain pipe.

104. The fuel cell cabinet according to claim 96, wherein the one or more drain lines extend into an interior space of the drain pipe and below a frost line.

105. The fuel cell cabinet according to claim 94, wherein the drain lines are insulated drain lines.

106. The fuel cell cabinet according to claim 94, further comprising: a heater that heats the drain lines.

107. The fuel cell cabinet according to claim 90, wherein the container is disposed inside the fuel cell cabinet.

108. The fuel cell cabinet according to claim 90, wherein the container is disposed outside the fuel cell cabinet.

109. The fuel cell cabinet according to claim 90, wherein the container collects and stores the water, and wherein the fuel cell cabinet reuses the water for cooling or hydrogen regeneration.

110. A fuel cell cabinet waste water management system comprising: a sealed device that collects and manages the flow of the water from a fuel cell, wherein the sealed device manages a flow of the water from the fuel cell to one of a container and an exterior of the fuel cell cabinet.

111. The system according to claim 110, further comprising: one or more drain lines coupled to the plenum, wherein the one or more drain lines manages the flow of the water to the one of the container and the exterior of the fuel cell cabinet.

112. The system according to claim 111 , wherein the one or more drain lines manages the flow of the water to the exterior of the fuel cell cabinet and to a location that is one of in, under, and on an opposite side of a mounting surface of the cabinet.

113. The system according to claim 112, further comprising: a drain pipe extending from the mounting surface of the fuel cell to the location.

114. The system according to claim 111 , wherein the container is disposed inside the fuel cell cabinet.

115. The system according to claim 111, wherein the container is disposed outside the fuel cell cabinet.

116. The system according to claim 111, wherein the container collects and stores the water, and wherein the system reuses the water for cooling or hydrogen regeneration.

117. A fuel cell cabinet waste water management system comprising: a fuel cell arranged in or on a fuel cell cabinet; and a sealed device that collects and manages the flow of the water from the fuel cell, wherein the sealed device manages a flow of the water from the fuel cell to one of a container and an exterior of the fuel cell cabinet.

118. The system according to claim 117, further comprising: one or more drain lines coupled to the sealed device, wherein the one or more drain lines manages the flow of the water to the one of the container and the exterior of the fuel cell cabinet.

119. The system according to claim 118, wherein the one or more drain lines manages the flow of the water to the exterior of the fuel cell cabinet and to a location that is one of in, under, and on an opposite side of a mounting surface of the cabinet.

120. The system according to claim 119, further comprising: a drain pipe extending from the mounting surface of the fuel cell to the location.

121. The system according to claim 117, wherein the container is disposed inside the fuel cell cabinet.

122. The system according to claim 117, wherein the container is disposed outside the fuel cell cabinet.

123. The system according to claim 117, wherein the container collects and stores the water, and wherein the system reuses the water for cooling or hydrogen regeneration.