초록 ▼

An energy system that couples or integrates an electrochemical converter, such as a fuel cell for the production of electricity, with a Heating, Ventilation and Cooling (HVAC) system, is disclosed. Waste heat generated by the fuel cell is radiatively, convectively, or conductively directed to a ther

An energy system that couples or integrates an electrochemical converter, such as a fuel cell for the production of electricity, with a Heating, Ventilation and Cooling (HVAC) system, is disclosed. Waste heat generated by the fuel cell is radiatively, convectively, or conductively directed to a thermal component, such as a heat-actuated chiller or a boiler, of an HVAC system. The HVAC system receives the waste heat to produce a conditioned fluid, e.g. heated or cooled air or water, or steam, for heating, cooling, or industrial uses. The invention provides an improved efficiency energy system capable of providing electricity, heating and cooling, such as for a commercial facility or for residences. Also disclosed in an interface exchange element for convectively coupling an electrochemical converter to the HVAC system. The interface exchange element receives heated exhaust gases generated by the fuel cell and extracts heat therefrom for transfer to a thermal component, such as heat-actuated chiller or a boiler, of an HVAC system.Kain et al, BioTechniques 19:650-655 (1995).

대표청구항 ▼

[ Having described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:] [1.] An energy system for providing electricity and conditioning a selected fluid, comprisinga fuel cell having means for producing electricity, waste heat and exhaust having a selected elevated

[ Having described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:] [1.] An energy system for providing electricity and conditioning a selected fluid, comprisinga fuel cell having means for producing electricity, waste heat and exhaust having a selected elevated temperature,a thermal energy device for conditioning the fluid, said thermal energy device providing an output fluid flow having a selected temperature relative to said waste heat, andan interface exchanging element positioned between said fuel cell and said thermal energy device for facilitating heat exchange between the exhaust of said fuel cell and the thermal energy device, said interface exchanging element being constructed to receive heat from said exhaust when passing therethrough, said interface exchanging element conveying heat conductively to said thermal energy device.