Patents by Inventor Volker Druenert

Volker Druenert 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).

  • Patent number: 8374740
    Abstract: A self-learning assisted hybrid vehicle system that includes a main power source for providing power to the vehicle, a supplemental power source for providing supplemental power for providing power to the vehicle and an electric motor or other mechanical system for driving the vehicle. The system also includes a self-learning controls unit that receives and stores information from a plurality of inputs associated with the vehicle. The self-learning controls unit uses the information to make predictions about future driving conditions of the vehicle to efficiently utilize the power sources of the hybrid vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Volker Druenert, Bruce J. Clingerman, William H. Pettit
  • Publication number: 20110264317
    Abstract: A self-learning assisted hybrid vehicle system that includes a main power source for providing power to the vehicle, a supplemental power source for providing supplemental power for providing power to the vehicle and an electric motor or other mechanical system for driving the vehicle. The system also includes a self-learning controls unit that receives and stores information from a plurality of inputs associated with the vehicle. The self-learning controls unit uses the information to make predictions about future driving conditions of the vehicle to efficiently utilize the power sources of the hybrid vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Volker Druenert, Bruce J. Clingerman, William H. Pettit
  • Patent number: 7846603
    Abstract: A fuel cell system that employs a technique for safely removing hydrogen gas that accumulates within a cooling fluid reservoir. The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack and a compressor for providing airflow to the cathode side of the fuel cell stack. The system also includes an air filter box having an air filter that is in fluid communication with an air pocket in the reservoir. The air intake to the compressor flows through the air filter box, and sucks the gas from the reservoir, which is then sent to the cathode side of the fuel cell stack to be converted to water by the electro-chemical reaction therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Volker Druenert, Uwe Hannesen
  • Patent number: 7638235
    Abstract: A bipolar plate for a fuel cell including pores extending between cooling fluid flow channels and reactant gas flow channels defined by the plate. Pervaporation membranes cover the pores and selectively allow water in the cooling fluid flowing down the cooling fluid flow channels to pervaporate through the membrane and humidify the reactant gas flowing down the reactant gas flow channels. In one embodiment, the bipolar plate includes two stamped unipolar plates secured together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Volker Druenert, George R. Woody, Annette M. Brenner
  • Publication number: 20080233448
    Abstract: A fuel cell system that employs a technique for safely removing hydrogen gas that accumulates within a cooling fluid reservoir. The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack and a compressor for providing airflow to the cathode side of the fuel cell stack. The system also includes an air filter box having an air filter that is in fluid communication with an air pocket in the reservoir. The air intake to the compressor flows through the air filter box, and sucks the gas from the reservoir, which is then sent to the cathode side of the fuel cell stack to be converted to water by the electro-chemical reaction therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Volker Druenert, Uwe Hannesen
  • Publication number: 20080075993
    Abstract: A bipolar plate for a fuel cell including pores extending between cooling fluid flow channels and reactant gas flow channels defined by the plate. Pervaporation membranes cover the pores and selectively allow water in the cooling fluid flowing down the cooling fluid flow channels to pervaporate through the membrane and humidify the reactant gas flowing down the reactant gas flow channels. In one embodiment, the bipolar plate includes two stamped unipolar plates secured together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Volker Druenert, George R. Woody, Annette M. Brenner
  • Publication number: 20070082245
    Abstract: A fuel cell system including a fuel cell stack that employs a thermal sub-system having a specialized radiator. The cooling fluid from the fuel cell stack is directed through the radiator to remove or dissipate waste heat before the cooling fluid is returned to the stack. The radiator includes a selectively permeable wall that allows liquid water or water vapor to selectively permeate therethrough to the outside of the radiator, where it is evaporated to increase the cooling ability of the radiator. A water separator separates water from the cathode exhaust of the fuel cell stack, which is used to replenish water in the cooling fluid that is evaporated through the radiator wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Inventor: Volker Druenert