Patent ID: 6280867
Filing Date: 2001-08-28
Classification: B60L,H01M,Y02E,Y02T

Abstract:
An electrical power generating system for use in a vehicle, comprising:a source of fuel;a source of liquid;a fuel cell; anda first pump in fluid communication between the fuel source and the fuel cell, the first pump including (i) a reciprocating piston for drawing fuel from its source and delivering the fuel to the fuel cell, (ii) an inlet check valve in fluid communication between the fuel source and the first pump to prevent backflow from the first pump and (iii) an outlet check valve in fluid communication between the first pump and the fuel cell to prevent backflow to the first pump; anda second pump in fluid communication between the liquid source and the fuel cell, the second pump including (i) a reciprocating piston for drawing liquid from its source and delivering the liquid to the fuel cell, (ii) an inlet check valve in fluid communication between the liquid source and the second pump to prevent backflow from the second pump and (iii) an outlet check valve in fluid communication between the second pump and the fuel cell to prevent backflow to the second pump,whereby the flow rate of fuel and the flow rate of liquid is deliverable to the fuel cell in an accurate and reproducible manner.