Fuel Cell System and Method for Controlling a Fuel Cell System

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This invention describes a fuel cell system designed for mobile applications, which includes a fuel cell, a DC/DC converter, and an energy storage unit—managed by an advanced control and regulation unit. This control unit uses real-time feedback from current, voltage, and other operational parameters to dynamically regulate the fuel cell's operating conditions, compensating for aging effects and optimizing performance and lifespan. The system can be integrated into active hybrid architectures and provides advanced methods for adjusting performance characteristics based on changing requirements and condition of the fuel cell.

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• Electric vehicles (cars, buses, trucks) using fuel cell-based powertrains
• Portable or backup power generators requiring long service life and reliability
• Hybrid marine propulsion systems that combine fuel cells with batteries or supercapacitors
• Aerospace applications where weight, reliability, and dynamic response are critical
• Industrial mobile robotics or automated guided vehicles for emission-free operation
• Railway locomotives powered by fuel cells and requiring advanced health management

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• Optimizes fuel cell performance and efficiency over time by actively compensating for age-related degradation
• Extends the lifespan of fuel cells by protecting against conditions that cause premature aging or damage
• Enables flexible, real-time adjustment of fuel cell operation, supporting dynamic and variable load demands
• Improves overall reliability and safety of the hybrid system
• Allows integration with various types of energy storage (e.g., Li-ion, NiMH, supercaps), enhancing design flexibility
• Maintains high system efficiency throughout the fuel cell’s operational life, reducing operational costs

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Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a fuel cell system for mobile applications, comprising a fuel cell (1) and a DC/DC converter (2) which is coupled to the fuel cell and which can be coupled to an energy store (3). The fuel cell system is characterized in that a control/regulation unit (4) is connected to the fuel cell (1) and to the DC/DC converter (2) and that the control/regulation unit (4) comprises a performance characteristics regulator (5) that receives a value lBz,ist of a current, a voltage value UBz,ist from the fuel cell (1) and a value for at least one additional operating variable of the fuel cell system, that processes the received values lBz,ist, UBz,ist and the value for the operating variable to give a control signal and that forwards the control signal to a device (6) for controlling the operating variable. The invention also relates to an active hybrid system and to a method for the performance characteristic regulation of the fuel cell.