Patents by Inventor Prem C. Menon

Prem C. Menon has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Control method for cold fuel cell system operation
    Patent number: 8192881
    Abstract: A method of operating a fuel cell system comprising a fuel cell and a compressor that provides air to the fuel cell. The method comprises sensing a temperature indicative of the temperature of a fuel cell, providing a restriction in an air flow path to the fuel cell when the sensed temperature is below a threshold, and increasing the speed of the compressor to provide a desired air flow to the fuel cell. In at least some implementations, increasing the speed of the compressor increases the power drawn from the fuel cell to power the compressor and helps to increase the heat of the fuel cell. The increased speed of the compressor can also result in warmer air flow from the compressor that can further increase the temperature of the system components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Matthew C. Kirklin, Prem C. Menon, Bruce J. Clingerman
  • Thermal control of cathode inlet air flow for a fuel cell system
    Patent number: 7811713
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for thermal control of air flow in a fuel cell system, capable of accurately controlling the temperature of the air stream entering the water vapor transfer unit, maintaining a desired temperature set-point, and minimizing the time required for the air stream to reach the optimum operating temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason R. Kolodziej, Seth E. Lerner, Prem C. Menon, Steven D. Burch
  • CONTROL METHOD FOR COLD FUEL CELL SYSTEM OPERATION
    Publication number: 20090017340
    Abstract: A method of operating a fuel cell system comprising a fuel cell and a compressor that provides air to the fuel cell. The method comprises sensing a temperature indicative of the temperature of a fuel cell, providing a restriction in an air flow path to the fuel cell when the sensed temperature is below a threshold, and increasing the speed of the compressor to provide a desired air flow to the fuel cell. In at least some implementations, increasing the speed of the compressor increases the power drawn from the fuel cell to power the compressor and helps to increase the heat of the fuel cell. The increased speed of the compressor can also result in warmer air flow from the compressor that can further increase the temperature of the system components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew C. Kirklin, Prem C. Menon, Bruce J. Clingerman
  • Thermal control of cathode inlet air flow for a fuel cell system
    Publication number: 20080138671
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for thermal control of air flow in a fuel cell system, capable of accurately controlling the temperature of the air stream entering the water vapor transfer unit, maintaining a desired temperature set-point, and minimizing the time required for the air stream to reach the optimum operating temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Jason R. Kolodziej, Seth E. Lerner, Prem C. Menon, Steven D. Burch