WO2009124129A2 - Boîtier à pile à combustible - Google Patents

Boîtier à pile à combustible Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2009124129A2
WO2009124129A2 PCT/US2009/039165 US2009039165W WO2009124129A2 WO 2009124129 A2 WO2009124129 A2 WO 2009124129A2 US 2009039165 W US2009039165 W US 2009039165W WO 2009124129 A2 WO2009124129 A2 WO 2009124129A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fuel cell
liquid
cabinet
cell cabinet
air
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2009/039165
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2009124129A3 (fr
Inventor
Thomas F. Craft
Anil K. Trehan
Bob Campbell
David Reichert
Bryn Epp
Original Assignee
Commscope, Inc. Of North Carolina
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US12/416,116 external-priority patent/US8236457B2/en
Application filed by Commscope, Inc. Of North Carolina filed Critical Commscope, Inc. Of North Carolina
Publication of WO2009124129A2 publication Critical patent/WO2009124129A2/fr
Publication of WO2009124129A3 publication Critical patent/WO2009124129A3/fr

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04007—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids related to heat exchange
    • H01M8/04014—Heat exchange using gaseous fluids; Heat exchange by combustion of reactants
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04007—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids related to heat exchange
    • H01M8/04029—Heat exchange using liquids
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04007—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids related to heat exchange
    • H01M8/04037—Electrical heating
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04007—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids related to heat exchange
    • H01M8/04067—Heat exchange or temperature measuring elements, thermal insulation, e.g. heat pipes, heat pumps, fins
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04082—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration
    • H01M8/04089—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04291—Arrangements for managing water in solid electrolyte fuel cell systems
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04298—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems
    • H01M8/04313—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems characterised by the detection or assessment of variables; characterised by the detection or assessment of failure or abnormal function
    • H01M8/0432—Temperature; Ambient temperature
    • H01M8/04358—Temperature; Ambient temperature of the coolant
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04298—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems
    • H01M8/04313—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems characterised by the detection or assessment of variables; characterised by the detection or assessment of failure or abnormal function
    • H01M8/0432—Temperature; Ambient temperature
    • H01M8/04365—Temperature; Ambient temperature of other components of a fuel cell or fuel cell stacks
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04298—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems
    • H01M8/04694—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems characterised by variables to be controlled
    • H01M8/04701—Temperature
    • H01M8/04723—Temperature of the coolant
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04298—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems
    • H01M8/04694—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems characterised by variables to be controlled
    • H01M8/04701—Temperature
    • H01M8/04731—Temperature of other components of a fuel cell or fuel cell stacks
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04298—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems
    • H01M8/04694—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems characterised by variables to be controlled
    • H01M8/04746—Pressure; Flow
    • H01M8/04768—Pressure; Flow of the coolant
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/06—Combination of fuel cells with means for production of reactants or for treatment of residues
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/06—Combination of fuel cells with means for production of reactants or for treatment of residues
    • H01M8/0662—Treatment of gaseous reactants or gaseous residues, e.g. cleaning
    • H01M8/0687—Reactant purification by the use of membranes or filters
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/24—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells
    • H01M8/2465—Details of groupings of fuel cells
    • H01M8/247—Arrangements for tightening a stack, for accommodation of a stack in a tank or for assembling different tanks
    • H01M8/2475—Enclosures, casings or containers of fuel cell stacks
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M2250/00—Fuel cells for particular applications; Specific features of fuel cell system
    • H01M2250/10—Fuel cells in stationary systems, e.g. emergency power source in plant
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04007—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids related to heat exchange
    • H01M8/04067—Heat exchange or temperature measuring elements, thermal insulation, e.g. heat pipes, heat pumps, fins
    • H01M8/04074—Heat exchange unit structures specially adapted for fuel cell
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B90/00—Enabling technologies or technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02B90/10—Applications of fuel cells in buildings
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/50—Fuel cells

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to cabinets for housing electronic equipment.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic of a cabinet, according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic of a cabinet, according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • F1G..4 is a schematic of a cabinet, according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic of a cabinet, according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a cabinet, according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 7 is another perspective view of the cabinet of FIG. 6.
  • FIG. 8 is another perspective view of the cabinet of FIG. 6.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a pump assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger, according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • 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.
  • FIG. 14 is a schematic of a cabinet, according to another embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 15 is a schematic of a cabinet, according to another embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 16 is a schematic of a cabinet, according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 17 is a schematic of a cabinet, according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 18 is a schematic of a cabinet, according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 19 is a partial, perspective view of a cabinet, according to an embodiment of the invention. [0030] FIG.
  • FIG. 20 is a partial, perspective view of a fuel cell cabinet air feed system, according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 21 is a side view of a fuel cell cabinet air feed system, according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 22 is a front view of a fuel cell cabinet air feed system, according to an embodiment of the invention:
  • FIG. 23 is a back view of a fuel cell cabinet air feed system, according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • 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.
  • FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a heater assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • 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.
  • FIG. 27 is a cross-section view of a heater assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 28 is a cross-section view of a heater assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 29 is a cross-section view of a heater assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • 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.
  • FIG. 31 is another perspective view of the cabinet of FIG. 6.
  • FIG. 32 is a schematic of a cabinet, according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 33 is a front plan view of a fuel cell cabinet, according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 34 is a partial, perspective view of a cabinet, according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a heater assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 36 is a schematic of a cabinet, according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 37 is a schematic of a cabinet, according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIGS. 38A, 38B, and 38C are perspective views of a plenum, according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a cabinet, according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 40 is another perspective view of the cabinet of FIG. 6.
  • FIG. 41 is another perspective view of the cabinet of FIG. 6.
  • FIG. 42 is another perspective view of the cabinet of FIG. 6.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • FIG. 45 is another perspective view of the cabinet of FIG. 6.
  • FIG. 46 is a partial, perspective view of a cabinet, according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 47 is another perspective view of the cabinet of FIG. 6.
  • 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.
  • 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).
  • 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 6O 0 C and 65°C, the aspects may extend the life of the fuel cell.
  • the aspects also provide a system having a higher power density.
  • 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.
  • FIGS. 1A and 1B 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.
  • 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.
  • an aspect of a fuel cell cabinet 100 can be mounted on a rack or shelter or other structure (not shown).
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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).
  • 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.
  • a second cooling liquid is pumped through the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • FIG. 7 shows an aspect of the fuel cell cabinet 600 of FIG. 6 with the doors 602,
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • a single cooling loop of FIG. 4 or a dual cooling loop of FIG. 5.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the single cooling loop includes a pump assembly 904A and a fan assembly (e.g., radiator assembly) 902.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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).
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the dual cooling loop includes an internal loop and an external loop (e.g., a first loop and a second loop).
  • 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.
  • a first liquid is pumped or drawn through lines 912B and
  • 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.
  • the second liquid is pumped or drawn through lines 916,
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the system 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.
  • the liquid-to-air heat exchanger i.e., radiator
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the water feed temperature to the fuel cell e.g., 1300
  • the water flow rate to the fuel cell commonly should be greater than 30 l/min.
  • the aspects commonly should be configured to operate, for example, in a telecom environment of -4O 0 C to +46°C.
  • an aspect recognizes that the water temperature should not exceed + 65°C, with a target temperature range of between 45°C and 65 0 C. 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.
  • the liquid-to-air heat exchanger (e.g., 906) is designed to cool an
  • the heat exchangers 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).
  • a redundant cooling system of liquid manifolds e.g., 1106
  • pumps e.g., 1102B, 1104
  • liquid-to-liquid heat exchangers e.g., 1208, 1210
  • 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).
  • 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 -40 0 C and 0 0 C, depending on the percentage of ethylene glycol within the water.
  • one or more heaters can be provided to heat the water entering the fuel cell from -40 0 C to O 0 C with a varying water flow rate between 0 and 45 l/min.
  • 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.
  • the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger e.g., 906
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the controller 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 0 0 C, 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 30 0 C, 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.
  • FCPM fuel cell power management
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 65 0 C may extend the life of the fuel cell.
  • 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).
  • 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).
  • liquid loops e.g., similar to an internal loop.
  • aspects are not intended to be limited to the disclosed arrangements.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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).
  • a deionizer bypass line e.g., 414, 514A, 514B
  • water e.g., the first cooling liquid and/or the second cooling liquid
  • a prescribed resistance level i.e., predetermined resistance level
  • the system can include an overflow coolant reservoir 416, 516 for high back pressure and fluid expansion conditions.
  • the system can include a pressure relief valve 412, 512 to maintain pressure within system.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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).
  • FIG. 18 illustrates another aspect of a fuel cell cabinet 2500.
  • ambient air having a temperature T 3 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 int a k e 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.
  • a fan can be employed at other locations throughout the system to achieve the desired flow of air through the system.
  • 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 in ta k e) 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.
  • 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.
  • the heater system can include an auto off feature to reduce or eliminate overheating of the heater, for example, beyond a predetermined threshold temperature.
  • the heater 2404, 2504 can be, for example, a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) type heater.
  • PTC positive temperature coefficient
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • FIG. 7 shows an aspect of the fuel cell cabinet 600 of FIG. 6 with the doors 602,
  • 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.
  • FIG. 19 shows an aspect of a fuel cell cabinet 2900 having an air feed system
  • FIG. 2930 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • a heater A1402 is coupled to an electrical connector A1404.
  • the heater A1402 heats the air as the air flows over the heater A1402.
  • 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.
  • FIG. 25 shows an assembly of redundant heater assembly tubes (e.g., A1018,
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the heater assembly A1602, A1604 can include a housing A1610 having a rectangular cross-section.
  • 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 are encapsulated in the interior of the housing A1610.
  • the heater assembly A1602, A1604 can be coupled to an electrical connector (not shown).
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the 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.
  • FIG. 3OA illustrates another view of the cabinet 600 of FIG. 6. As shown in Fig.
  • 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.
  • the plenum 928 includes intakes 656, 658 that seal against plenum sealing collar 1304 of the fuel cells 1300.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • an aspect controls or maintains the air feed temperature T in take to the fuel cell 1300 such that the air feed temperature T in take is greater than O 0 C.
  • the air feed flow rate is controlled to be less than or equal to 45 l/min.
  • 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.
  • the system can operate in ambient conditions of between -40 0 C and +46°C.
  • the system should not heat the air past + 50 0 C, with a target temperature range between 15°C to 45 0 C.
  • This exemplary aspect heats the ambient air from -40°C to O 0 C and provides a varying air flow rate between 5 l/min and 45 l/min.
  • 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.
  • the air feed system 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.
  • an electrical connection A1404 can include a thermal fuse.
  • Other aspects also can select or optimize the air flow rates and air resistance in the air feed system.
  • the shape of the heater and the heat sinks can be selected to optimize air flow rates and air resistance.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the outside temperature, or ambient temperature commonly can vary between -40 0 C and 46°C.
  • the outside environment may or may not add solar loading to the cabinet.
  • 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.
  • the internal air temperature of the fuel cell cabinet can be maintained between 5°C and 65°C.
  • 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.
  • the heat management system 3306 can maintain the internal air temperature of the fuel ceil cabinet between 5°C and 65 0 C.
  • 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.
  • 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).
  • 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.
  • an aspect of the insulation system can include insulation on one or more of the interior surfaces of the fuel cell cabinet 600.
  • 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.
  • 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 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.
  • the fuel cell cabinet 600 can include insulation on substantially all of the inside surfaces of the housing.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • substantially all or all of the openings in the housing of the fuel cell cabinet 600 can be sealed.
  • 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.
  • the door openings can be sealed, for example, by providing a seal
  • Each of the cabinet doors can include a seal.
  • a seal can be provided on the housing of the fuel cell cabinet 600 around the perimeter of each door opening.
  • 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.
  • the fuel cell cabinet heat management and thermal control system 300 can include a heater system.
  • the heater system can include one or more heaters in the interior of the fuel cell cabinet 600.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the controller 3302 of FIG. 32 can turn these heaters 1204 ON when the internal cabinet temperature reaches 0 0 C and OFF when the internal cabinet temperature reaches 13°C.
  • the system can include two (2) heaters arranged in series and four
  • the controller 3302 can turn the four (4) parallel heaters ON when the outside temperature reaches 0 0 C.
  • 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.
  • 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 0 0 C and off when the internal cabinet temp reaches 13°C.
  • 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.
  • the heaters 3814 can be, for example, 200/400 watt heaters.
  • the 200 watt portion of the heaters 3814 can be turned on when the battery compartment 628 reaches 0 0 C 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.
  • 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 O 0 C and off when the internal cabinet temp reaches 13°C.
  • 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 0 0 C and the additional 200 watt portion of the heaters 3814 turn on when the battery compartment 628 reaches -15°C.
  • the 3300 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 5 0 C and 60 0 C.
  • 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.
  • An aspect of the system control loop can selectively control fan operation according to Table 3.1.
  • 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.
  • Exemplary aspects are directed to a fuel cell cabinet air feed and exhaust system for hydrogen declassification.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • intake air enters the cabinet from the exterior through an air feed system 4301.
  • the air feed system 4301 can include an air filter 4302.
  • the intake air is supplied to the fuel cell 4306 by a sealed air feed line or tube
  • 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.
  • one or more exhaust fans 4312 pull the air, which is exhausted by the exhaust fans 4310, out of the fuel cell cabinet.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • FIGS. 38A and 38B 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the plenum 4500 seals against the fuel cell enclosures 1302 of two vertically stacked fuel cells 1300.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the fuel cell cabinet 600 can include air inlets 614.
  • 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.
  • 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).
  • a pipe or tub or set of pipes or tubes can connect the plenum 500 to the drain lines 106, 108.
  • the drains lines 106, 108 can be combined into a single drain line.
  • 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).
  • the plenum 4500 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.
  • 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.
  • air feed system B1301 An aspect of an exemplary air feed system B1301 will be described with reference to FIGS. 43A and 43B.
  • 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 B1301 can include a housing B1304, which can be a sealed housing.
  • the air feed system B1301 can include an air filter (not shown) inside the housing B1304.
  • 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.
  • the air preheat assembly B1305 can receive intake air having an ambient air temperature of O 0 C and preheat the air to a temperature equal to or greater than 5 0 C 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.
  • a controller (not shown) can selectively control the temperature of the air in the air preheat assembly B1305.
  • the air feed system for hydrogen H 2 declassification is separate from an air feed system for supplying air to the fuel cells 1300.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • a container or bucket is not needed to capture the water, and therefore may further reduce costs.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • an aspect of a fuel cell cabinet 100 can be mounted on a rack or shelter or other structure (not shown).
  • 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.
  • a sealed drain fitting can be provided on the side of the plenum 4504 to interface the plenum 4504 to a drain hose 108.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the drain hose 106, 108 can be heated to resist freezing in cold climates.
  • a heater can be attached to the drain hose, or a fan can supply heated air over the drain hose to resist freezing.
  • 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.
  • the drain pipe 110 can be heated to resist freezing in cold climates.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • FIGS. 13A and 13B, and FIGS. 38A to 38C 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.
  • 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.
  • PEM exchange membrane
  • 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.
  • 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).
  • 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.
  • the fuel cell cabinet 600 can include air exits 614.
  • 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.
  • 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).
  • a pipe or tube or set of pipes or tubes can connect the plenum 500 to one or more the drain lines 106, 108.
  • one or more drains lines 106, 108 can be combined into a single drain line downstream.
  • 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.
  • the waste water management system can recycle the clean, pure water from the fuel cells 1300 back into the surrounding environment.
  • the waste water management system can collect, store, or supply the clean, pure water from the fuel cells to a device for other uses.
  • the system can include a container 120 for collecting the clean pure water located within the interior of the fuel cell cabinet.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • FIGS. 44A-47 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.
  • FIGS. 44A-47 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.
  • 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.
  • 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).
  • a pipe or tube or set of pipes or tubes can connect the plenum 4500 to the drain lines 106, 108.
  • the drains lines 106, 108 can be combined into a single drain line.

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Abstract

L’invention concerne un boîtier à pile à combustible incluant un système de refroidissement de liquide pour maintenir une plage de températures prédéterminée d’un premier liquide de refroidissement de la pile à combustible, un système d’apport d’air pour maintenir une plage de températures prédéterminée de l’air à température régulée entrant dans la pile à combustible, un système de gestion de chaleur qui gère et régule une température d’air interne du logement pour qu’elle soit un élément parmi une température prédéterminée et à l’intérieur d’une plage de températures prédéterminée, un système d’apport et d’échappement d’air pour une déclassification d’hydrogène, et un système de gestion de déchet d’eau qui collecte et gère le flux d’eau provenant d’une pile à combustible.
PCT/US2009/039165 2008-04-01 2009-04-01 Boîtier à pile à combustible WO2009124129A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (16)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US4157508P 2008-04-01 2008-04-01
US61/041,575 2008-04-01
US4703108P 2008-04-22 2008-04-22
US4701608P 2008-04-22 2008-04-22
US61/047,016 2008-04-22
US61/047,031 2008-04-22
US12/416,116 US8236457B2 (en) 2008-04-01 2009-03-31 Electronics cabinet with waste water management system for backup power fuel cell
US12/416,113 US8153326B2 (en) 2008-04-01 2009-03-31 Electronics cabinet with air feed and exhaust system for backup power fuel cell
US12/416,087 2009-03-31
US12/416,116 2009-03-31
US12/416,096 2009-03-31
US12/416,106 2009-03-31
US12/416,113 2009-03-31
US12/416,096 US8383289B2 (en) 2008-04-01 2009-03-31 Electronics cabinet with air feed system for backup power fuel cell
US12/416,106 US20090246566A1 (en) 2008-04-01 2009-03-31 Fuel cell cabinet heat management and thermal control system
US12/416,087 US8211580B2 (en) 2008-04-01 2009-03-31 Electronics cabinet with liquid cooling system for backup power fuel cell

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CN113782853A (zh) * 2020-05-29 2021-12-10 福州游标卡尺网络科技有限公司 一种散热性能良好的锂电池储能柜的智能温控系统
KR20230044803A (ko) * 2021-09-27 2023-04-04 세화자동차주식회사 수소연료 발전장치의 장착플랫폼
CN116014175A (zh) * 2022-12-27 2023-04-25 中国航天空气动力技术研究院 一种燃料电池散热系统用的膨胀水箱结构及散热系统

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