Abstract: A cogeneration fuel cell system and associated methods of operation are provided that accommodate a demand for heat as well as a demand for electric power. The system is operated among various modes to balance heat and power demand signals. In general, a fuel cell system is coupled to a power sink and a heat sink, and a controller is adapted to respond to data signals from the power sink and the heat sink. As examples, such data signals from the heat sink may include a temperature indication or a heat demand signal (such as from a thermostat), and such data signals from the power sink may include a voltage or current measurement, an electrical power demand signal, or an electrical load.
Type:
Application
Filed:
May 30, 2002
Publication date:
December 5, 2002
Applicant:
Plug Power
Inventors:
Arne W. Ballantine, Ryan Hallum, John W. Parks, Dustan L. Skidmore