Abstract: A system 10 is provided for recovering the potential energy of a hydrogen gas fuel supply within a fuel cell powered vehicle 14. The system 10 includes a conventional storage tank 16 which receives and stores hydrogen gas at a relatively high pressure, an energy conversion unit or assembly 18, a compressor unit or assembly 20, pressure regulators 22, 24, a valve 26, an electrical charge storage device or battery 28, a controller 30, vehicle sensors 32 and electrical switches or switching module 34. The system 10 selectively channels pressurized hydrogen gas through energy conversion unit 18 which lowers the pressure of the hydrogen gas and generates electricity. Controller 30 causes the generated electricity to be selectively communicated to compressor 20, electrical accessories 72, and/or to battery 28 by use of switching module 34, based upon vehicle attribute data received from sensors 32.

Abstract: A system 10 is provided for supplying air to a fuel cell 12 for use within a vehicle 14. The system 10 includes a conventional storage tank 16 which receives and stores hydrogen gas at a relatively high pressure, an expander unit 18, a compressor unit 20, pressure regulators 22, 24, a valve 26, a controller 30, and vehicle sensors 32, and a secondary compressor 34. The system 10 selectively channels pressurized hydrogen gas through expander unit 18 which lowers the pressure of the hydrogen gas and rotatably drives compressor 20. By utilizing the potential energy within the hydrogen gas to drive compressor 20, system 10 conserves energy and improves the overall fuel economy of the vehicle 14.

Abstract: A system 10 is provided for ventilating hydrogen gas from a vehicle 12 which includes one or more fuel cells 14. System 10 includes a control module or controller 16, vehicle sensors 20, several fans 22, and several hydrogen gas sensors 18 which are operatively and communicatively coupled to a hydrogen gas detection module 26. Hydrogen gas detection module 26, sensors 20 and fans 22 are each communicatively connected to controller 16. Controller 16 is effective to selectively and periodically activate fans 22 in response to signals received from module 26 (e.g., sensors 18) and sensors 20, thereby substantially preventing hydrogen gas from pocketing or collecting in areas of vehicle 12.