Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to the use of the fuel cell systems on board aircraft and other passenger transportation vehicles and to methods of using heat, air, and water generated by such fuel cell systems. The heat may be used to address condensation within the aircraft. The heat may be used to help evaporate excess water that would otherwise condense in the aircraft skin. The excess water collected may be used to create humidification for cabin air. In other examples, the heat, warmed air, or warmed water may be delivered to other locations or heating systems for beneficial use.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to systems and methods for providing improved aircraft fuel cell systems. In one embodiment, the system provides separate zones, maintaining various equipment components in separate controlled hydrogen concentration zones. In one embodiment, the fuel cell system provided may be simpler such that it functions without a power converter and autonomous such that it functions without need for power from any aircraft supply.

Abstract: Described are inerting systems that may be used on board an aircraft or other passenger transportation vehicle to reduce a risk of fire due to electronic components or to other elements in a compartment and to assist in preventing or extinguishing any fire or hazardous condition that may occur. The systems include a source of inert gas such as oxygen depleted air generated from a fuel cell on board the aircraft. The oxygen depleted air or other inert gas is conveyed through ducts to compartments that house the electronics, thus changing the conditions in the compartment to be less conducive to fire.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to systems and methods for providing improved aircraft fuel cell systems. In one embodiment, the system provides separate zones, maintaining various equipment components in separate controlled hydrogen concentration zones. In one embodiment, the fuel cell system provided may be simpler such that it functions without a power converter and autonomous such that it functions without need for power from any aircraft supply.

Abstract: Described are power management systems having at least one fuel cell system, a power distribution unit, at least one galley insert, a galley network controller, a control panel, and/or at least one battery pack. The power management system compares a power output from the power distribution unit to a maximum load level and/or to a minimum load level, instructs the galley network controller to cycle the galley insert off and/or set an operation of the galley insert to a lower power consumption level when the power output approaches and/or is above the maximum load level, and instructs the galley network controller to cycle the galley insert on and/or set the operation of the galley insert to a higher power consumption level when the power output approaches and/or is below the minimum load level.

Abstract: Disclosed is an aircraft resource management system. The system may include at least one fuel cell cluster having at least one fuel cell system configured to receive and convert a hydrogen input comprising hydrogen and an oxygen input comprising a fluid having an initial oxygen content so as to yield a number of products. The products can include water, thermal energy, an oxygen-depleted product comprising the fluid having a second oxygen content lower than the initial oxygen content, and electrical power. The system may include at least one load cluster with at least one load configured to utilize at least one product of the fuel cell cluster. The system may compare a demand level of the load cluster with a supply level of the fuel cell cluster and manage operating levels of the fuel cell cluster based at least in part on the comparison.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to systems and methods for providing improved aircraft fuel cell systems. In one embodiment, the system provides separate zones, maintaining various equipment components in separate controlled hydrogen concentration zones. In one embodiment, the fuel cell system provided may be simpler such that it functions without a power converter and autonomous such that it functions without need for power from any aircraft supply.

Abstract: Described are inerting systems that may be used on board an aircraft or other passenger transportation vehicle to reduce a risk of fire due to electronic components or to other elements in a compartment and to assist in preventing or extinguishing any fire or hazardous condition that may occur. The systems include a source of inert gas such as oxygen depleted air generated from a fuel cell on board the aircraft. The oxygen depleted air or other inert gas is conveyed through ducts to compartments that house the electronics, thus changing the conditions in the compartment to be less conducive to fire.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to the use of the fuel cell systems on board aircraft and other passenger transportation vehicles and to methods of using heat, air, and water generated by such fuel cell systems. The heat may be used to address condensation within the aircraft. The heat may be used to help evaporate excess water that would otherwise condense in the aircraft skin. The excess water collected may be used to create humidification for cabin air. In other examples, the heat, warmed air, or warmed water may be delivered to other locations or heating systems for beneficial use.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to systems and methods for providing improved aircraft fuel cell systems. In one embodiment, the system provides separate zones, maintaining various equipment components in separate controlled hydrogen concentration zones. In one embodiment, the fuel cell system provided may be simpler such that it functions without a power converter and autonomous such that it functions without need for power from any aircraft supply.

Abstract: Disclosed is an aircraft resource management system. The system may include at least one fuel cell cluster having at least one fuel cell system configured to receive and convert a hydrogen input comprising hydrogen and an oxygen input comprising a fluid having an initial oxygen content so as to yield a number of products. The products can include water, thermal energy, an oxygen-depleted product comprising the fluid having a second oxygen content lower than the initial oxygen content, and electrical power. The system may include at least one load cluster with at least one load configured to utilize at least one product of the fuel cell cluster. The system may compare a demand level of the load cluster with a supply level of the fuel cell cluster and manage operating levels of the fuel cell cluster based at least in part on the comparison.

Abstract: Described are power management systems having at least one fuel cell system, a power distribution unit, at least one galley insert, a galley network controller, a control panel, and/or at least one battery pack. The power management system compares a power output from the power distribution unit to a maximum load level and/or to a minimum load level, instructs the galley network controller to cycle the the galley insert off and/or set an operation of the galley insert to a lower power consumption level when the power output approaches and/or is above the maximum load level, and instructs the galley network controller to cycle the galley insert on and/or set the operation of the galley insert to a higher power consumption level when the power output approaches and/or is below the minimum load level.

Abstract: Disclosed are fuel cell systems used as power sources aboard aircraft and utilizing catalytic systems. Fuel cell systems can include a fuel cell assembly and a catalyst system. The fuel cell assembly can receive a hydrogen input, receive an oxygen input comprising a fluid having an initial oxygen content, and convert the hydrogen input and the oxygen input so as to yield products, such as water, thermal energy, an oxygen-depleted product comprising the fluid having a second oxygen content lower than the initial oxygen content, and electrical power. The fuel cell assembly can supply any combination of such products to aircraft operational systems. The catalyst system can receive and combust hydrogen from the fuel cell assembly and/or a hydrogen storage vessel, such as to treat exhaust from the fuel cell assembly and/or provide heat for warming water and/or for regulating operating temperatures of fuel cell system components.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to improved cooling systems and methods for use on aircraft trolleys and compartments. The systems use absorptive cooling with thermal conductive plates strategically positioned in order to keep trolleys and their contents cooled.