초록 ▼

A fuel cell/battery hybrid power system is disclosed which as a microprocessor based control system. The control system enables the fuel cell to be taken out of the system by a switch when its predetermined maximum desired energy output is about to be exceeded by load requirements. The batteries are

A fuel cell/battery hybrid power system is disclosed which as a microprocessor based control system. The control system enables the fuel cell to be taken out of the system by a switch when its predetermined maximum desired energy output is about to be exceeded by load requirements. The batteries are protected from overdischarge through a switch and the surge battery is selected by the battery having the highest level of charge at any given time.

대표청구항 ▼

A hybrid power source system for supplying electrical current to a load and for controlling the amount of current supplied in response to current demand from the load, the power source comprising: a primary electrical energy source couplable to the load through a first switch means interposed thereb

A hybrid power source system for supplying electrical current to a load and for controlling the amount of current supplied in response to current demand from the load, the power source comprising: a primary electrical energy source couplable to the load through a first switch means interposed therebetween and having a predetermined maximum desired power output; first energy storage means couplable to the load in parallel with the primary electrical power source through a second switch means interposed between the first energy storage means and the load; second energy storage means couplable to the load in parallel with both the primary electrical power source and the first energy storage means through a third switch means interposed between the second energy storage means and the load, either said primary electrical energy source, said first and second energy storage means or combinations thereof being connected in parallel to supply current to the load depending upon whether said first, said second or said third switch means or combinations thereof are appropriately energized; load current sensing means for sensing the current flowing into the load; charge sensor means for sensing the state of charge in said first and second energy storage means and operatively associated with said control means for enabling selection by said control means among said first and second energy storage means of the energy storage means with the highest level of charge, to serve as a surge energy storage means; and control means responsive to said load current sensing means for selectively energizing either said first, said second or said third switch means in a manner such that the current demand on said primary electrical energy source is maintained at or below approximately its predetermined maximum desired power output level.