Fuel Cell Drive System with Integrated Compressed Air Energy Storage

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This patent describes a drive arrangement that integrates an electric motor, a fuel cell system, and an energy storage unit. The invention enables the electric motor to be powered by the fuel cell system, and also includes a compressor—mechanically connected to the electric motor—that supplies compressed air to the fuel cell and a pressure reservoir. The system allows flexible management of compressed air and energy flow, permitting components to drive or be driven by one another, optimizing both energy supply and usage.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Hybrid and fuel cell vehicles to improve energy efficiency
• Electric buses, trucks, or trains requiring versatile energy sources
• Industrial machinery where alternative, clean energy integration is needed
• Specialty vehicles or mobile machines needing both electric and pneumatic power sources

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enhanced energy efficiency by enabling multiple modes of operation and energy recovery
• Flexible energy management between fuel cell, electric drive, and compressed air systems
• Potential reduction in fuel consumption and emissions by optimizing power use
• Improved adaptability for various vehicle types or industrial machines
• Possible extension of operational range due to combined energy sources

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a drive arrangement 1, comprising an electric motor 10, a fuel cell arrangement 2 and a drive energy storage 7, 13, wherein the fuel cell arrangement 2 is electrically connected to the electric motor 10, so that electrical energy from the fuel cell arrangement 2 can drive the electric motor 10 and the electric motor 10 can deliver mechanical energy to an output shaft 20. The fuel cell arrangement 2 comprises a compressed air source for a fuel cell, wherein a compressor 4 is provided, which is mechanically connected to the electric motor 10 and can be driven by the electric motor 10, and the compressor 4 is fluidly connected to the fuel cell arrangement 2 and to a pressure accumulator 13 designed both as a compressed air source and as a drive energy storage. The compressor 4, the fuel cell arrangement 2 and the pressure accumulator 13 are adjustably linked to one another in such a way that compressed air from the compressor 4 can be delivered to the fuel cell arrangement 2, from the compressor 4 to the pressure accumulator 13 and/or from the pressure accumulator 13 to the fuel cell arrangement 2 or compressed air from the pressure accumulator 13 to the compressor 4. The compressor 4 can be driven as a compressed air motor by the compressed air from the pressure accumulator 13 and mechanical energy of the compressed air motor can be delivered to the output shaft 20.