Patents Assigned to Ballard Power Systems
  • Method and apparatus for high performance permanent magnet motor speed control with limited position information
    Patent number: 6700342
    Abstract: A control system for a permanent magnet motor having low-resolution speed measurement is taught. The control system is comprised of a speed regulator, voltage regulator and current regulator. The speed regulator uses a speed command and a measured speed for calculating a desired motor voltage; the voltage regulator uses a voltage command and an applied motor voltage for calculating a motor current command; and the current regulator uses a current command and a motor phase current for calculating a desired motor voltage for use by said voltage regulator; thereby providing a low resolution speed measurement to be used in a high performance application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Ballard Power Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Richard J. Hampo, Yifan Zhao
  • Method and apparatus for humidifying a gas flow and to a method for using such a device
    Patent number: 6699608
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for humidifying a gas flow includes means for atomizing a liquid into a gas feed line and means for heating the liquid. The atomizing means is provided in a spray chamber, with a heat-exchanger region for at least partially evaporating the liquid being arranged adjacent to the spray chamber. The heat-exchanger region has a multiplicity of flow passages for gas flows which are to be humidified, which flow passages are at least partially delimited by heat-exchanger surfaces for condensing and evaporating the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Ballard Power Systems AG
    Inventors: Janusz Blaszczyk, Wolfram Fleck, Colin Keddie
  • Method and apparatus for motor control
    Publication number: 20040036434
    Abstract: A closed-loop permanent magnet motor control method and system optimally partitions torque and flux-weakening currents to produce a desired torque without exceeding the capability of the DC source. A maximum limit for allowable torque current and a minimum threshold for the maximum torque current are determined, and the flux current is varied based at least in part on whether the maximum torque current limit is above or below the minimum threshold while operating in a flux-weakening region to compensate for the variability of the DC source voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: Ballard Power Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Li Chen, Roy I. Davis, Stephen Stella, Tod R. Tesch
  • DEAD-TIME COMPENSATION WITH NARROW PULSE ELIMINATION IN SOLID-SWITCH DEVICES
    Publication number: 20040037097
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for compensating the voltage distortion and minimizing the available voltage range loss both caused by switching dead-time of solid switch components in power conversion devices. As a result, the power quality supplied from the power conversion devices can be improved and the output voltage of such devices can be increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: Ballard Power Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Doug D. Deng, Kon-King M. Wang, Steven J. Kowalec
  • Reformation reactor with catalyst charging
    Patent number: 6696027
    Abstract: A reformation reactor that can be used especially for steam reformation of methanol for generating hydrogen in motor vehicles operated by fuel cells. A gas stream to be reformed is conducted through a reaction chamber into which a charge of a catalyst material is added. A catalyst supply container connected with the reaction chamber is so arranged that the catalyst material is automatically added from the supply container to the reaction chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Ballard Power Systems AG
    Inventors: Rainer Autenrieth, Andreas Christen
  • Device for evaporating and/or overheating a hydrocarbon in a fuel cell
    Patent number: 6696188
    Abstract: A device is used to evaporate and/or superheat a hydrocarbon or a hydrocarbon/water mixture for a gas generation system of a fuel cell installation. The hydrocarbon or the hydrocarbon/water mixture flows through a medium-side region of a heat exchanger, which is in thermally conductive communication with a heat-transfer-side region of the heat exchanger. A burner is arranged upstream of the heat-transfer-side region of the heat exchanger, as seen in the direction of flow. An exhaust gas from a combustion which takes place in the burner flows through the heat-transfer-side region of the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Ballard Power Systems AG
    Inventors: Stefan Boneberg, Bruno Motzet, Alois Tischler, Marc Weisser
  • Method and apparatus for measuring fault diagnostics on insulated gate bipolar transistor converter circuits
    Publication number: 20040034508
    Abstract: A method for diagnosing faults using a load. In the method IGBTs are controlled such that certain currents are expected. If the currents are not as expected, a fault may be diagnosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Applicant: Ballard Power Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Bing Cheng, Kent M. Harmon
  • Direct dimethoxymethane and methanol fuel cells
    Publication number: 20040033397
    Abstract: Solid polymer fuel cells can operate directly on a fuel comprising a mixture of dimethoxymethane and methanol with both dimethoxymethane and methanol being oxidized at the fuel cell anode. Both being highly soluble in water, a dimethoxymethane and methanol mixture can be supplied as a liquid aqueous fuel solution. As a fuel, a dimethoxymethane and methanol mixture can provide similar power characteristics as methanol in liquid feed solid polymer fuel cells and is found to outperform methanol at high current densities. Additionally, dimethoxymethane acts as a reactive antifreeze additive in the fuel mixture and imparts a strong and distinct odor to the fuel mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Applicant: Ballard Power Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Colbow, Jiujun Zhang, Kyoung Bai
  • Three-phase connector for electric vehicle drivetrain
    Publication number: 20040033729
    Abstract: A three-phase connector carries all three phases in one connector and keeps the phases properly isolated from each other and the motor case. The three-phase connector has metal connector components that are spaced from one another and supported in a nylon over molding covering each of the connector components, except for upper and lower exposed ends of the connector components, which are each drilled and tapped to receive bolts. First and second connector components extend above and below a flange of the three-phase connector with their respective exposed upper and lower ends offset in different planes than the exposed upper and lower ends of the third connector component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Applicant: Ballard Power Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Ajay V. Patwardhan, John Franklin
  • Power converter system
    Publication number: 20040027839
    Abstract: A power conversion system which comprises a controller and conversion assemblies which selectively rectify and invert an electrical signal. Conversion assemblies comprise a plurality of integrated gate bipolar transistor assemblies. The power conversion system is effective to convert DC current to AC current, to convert AC current to DC current, and to control the output frequency of a received electrical signal to a conventional operating range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Applicant: Ballard Power Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Duo Deng, Dumitru D. Raceu, Kent M. Harmon
  • Composite ion exchange membrane for use in a fuel cell
    Patent number: 6689501
    Abstract: A composite membrane for use in a fuel cell membrane electrode assembly comprises a porous polymeric substrate and an impregnant partially filling the substrate such that the substrate comprises a first region having pores substantially filled with the impregnant, and a second substantially porous region. The impregnant comprises a cation exchange material. The cation exchange material covers one surface of the substrate in a dense surface layer, contiguous with the first region of the substrate. The substrate has greater than 10% residual porosity, and the composite membrane is substantially gas impermeable and has at least one substantially porous major surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Ballard Power Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Stone, David A. Summers
  • Process for preparing graft copolymer membranes
    Publication number: 20040016693
    Abstract: A process for preparing a graft copolymer membrane is provided comprising exposing a polymeric base film to a dose of ionizing radiation, and then contacting the irradiated base film with an emulsion comprising a fluorostyrenic monomer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: Ballard Power Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Stone
  • Fuel cell system having an evaporator
    Patent number: 6682840
    Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell unit having a cooling circuit and an evaporator having at least one evaporation chamber for evaporation of a medium in the fuel cell system and at least one heat-transfer chamber which thermally communicates with the evaporation chamber. The heat-transfer chamber is a part of the cooling circuit of the fuel cell unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Ballard Power Systems AG
    Inventors: Stefan Boneberg, Martin Schüssler
  • Method and apparatus for controlling the temperature within an electrochemical fuel cell
    Patent number: 6682839
    Abstract: A method of controlling the temperature within an electrochemical fuel cell stack comprises introducing a reactant fluid stream comprising both a heat transfer liquid and a reactant into a fuel cell assembly such that the reactant fluid stream contacts an electrode. The heat transfer liquid is other than water. Preferably, the method further comprises recirculating heat transfer liquid which is in the reactant exhaust stream, typically via a heat exchanger, and re-introducing it into the fuel cell assembly in the reactant fluid stream. The recirculated heat transfer liquid may be directed to a reservoir which in turn supplies heat transfer liquid to the reactant fluid stream as it is needed. In a further embodiment, the method may comprise using the heat transfer liquid to heat a fuel cell stack to a desired operating temperature rather than cooling the stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Ballard Power Systems Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Wilkinson, Bien Hung Chiem, Joy A. Roberts, Jean St-Pierre, Jürgen Stumper, Joerg Zimmermann
  • Process for the optimization of the design of an electric power train
    Publication number: 20040015255
    Abstract: A process for the optimization of the design of an electric power train system comprising a plurality of subsystems including identifying a plurality of variables associated with the plurality of subsystems of the electric power train system, wherein the plurality of variables interact, applying a plurality of constraints associated with the plurality of subsystems of the electric power train system to the plurality of variables, and manipulating the plurality of variables such that the plurality of constraints are met.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Applicant: Ballard Power Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Roy I. Davis
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING CURRENT VALUES DEPENDENT ON THE POSITION OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONTROLLING THE POWER OF ONE OR MORE DRIVES IN A MOBILE DEVICE WITH A FUEL CELL FOR SUPPLYING ENERGY
    Patent number: 6680592
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus produce current values dependent on the position of the accelerator pedal controlling the power of one or more electric drives for moving a mobile device that is energised by a fuel cell. The time required by the drive or drives to respond to a change in the desired current value produced as a function of the position of the accelerator pedal is kept as small as possible by producing a current value—convertible into a desired torque value—which is held continuously at a value sufficient to ensure that the output voltage of the fuel cell just avoids undershooting a critical limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Ballard Power Systems AG
    Inventor: Joachim Blum
  • Aqueous ionomeric gels and products and methods related thereto
    Patent number: 6679979
    Abstract: An aqueous ionomer gel having a high viscosity, particularly a proton conducting ionomer, as well as to related products incorporating such gels. Such aqueous ionomer gels are suitable for suspending catalysts for formation of catalyst inks, which in turn are suitable for screen printing on a variety of surfaces. Representative surfaces are the electrode or membrane surfaces in an electrochemical fuel cell. Methods for making aqueous ionomer gels are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Ballard Power Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Wesley Gervais, Michael V. Lauritzen, Kristi M. Zychowka, Lawrence A. Vanderark, Kevin Michael Colbow
  • Adjustable array of fuel cell systems
    Publication number: 20040009380
    Abstract: An array of fuel cell systems are electrically couplable in series and/or parallel combinations to provide a variety of output powers, output current and/or output voltages. The fuel cell systems are “hot swappable” and redundant fuel cell systems may automatically replace faulty fuel cell systems to maintain output power, current and/or voltage, with or without switching. The configuration of fuel cell systems may be automatic and may be based on desired power, current and/or voltage, and/or based on the operating parameters of the fuel cell systems and/or power supply system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Applicant: Ballard Power Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Martin T. Pearson
  • Process for preparing graft copolymer membranes
    Publication number: 20040009305
    Abstract: A process for preparing a graft copolymer membrane is provided comprising exposing a porous polymeric base film to a dose of ionizing radiation, and then contacting the irradiated base film with an emulsion comprising a fluorostyrenic or fluoronaphthyl monomer. The graft copolymer membrane may be densified to render it substantially gas-impermeable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Applicant: Ballard Power Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Stone, Lukas M. Bonorand
  • Arrangement for generating a hydrogen-containing gas
    Patent number: 6676907
    Abstract: An arrangement for generating a hydrogen-containing gas from a hydrocarbon-containing medium includes a multi-stage reforming unit that is connected to a multi-stage carbon monoxide removal unit by a heat-conducting separating medium. The stages of the reforming unit, in an ascending order relative to the gas flow direction in the reforming unit, are in a thermal contact with stages of the carbon monoxide removal unit, in a descending order relative to the gas flow direction in the carbon monoxide removal unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Ballard Power Systems AG
    Inventors: Uwe Benz, Stefan Boneberg, Stefan Brauchle, Dirk Georg, Martin Schäfer, Martin Schüssler, Matthias Wolfsteiner