Patent ID: 6447939
Filing Date: 2002-09-10
Classification: B60L,H01M,Y02E,Y02T

Abstract:
An electrical power distribution system for a fuel cell vehicle, comprising:a fuel reformer generating reformed gas from fuel, wherein the fuel reformer comprises an electrical vaporizer; an air supply source supplying air to the fuel reformer and to a fuel cell; the fuel cell generating electrical power from the reformed gas and the air; a battery storing electrical power generated by the fuel cell and discharging electrical power; and an electrical motor providing drive to the vehicle by electrical power supplied from the fuel cell and the battery, wherein the electrical power distribution system is operative in response to operation of an accelerator for distribution of electrical power from the fuel cell and the battery to the fuel reformer, the air supply source, and the motor, and further comprises: an operation detector detecting a kick-down operation of an accelerator pedal; and a controller which in the case of a kick-down operation being detected during startup of the fuel reforming system, including the fuel reformer and the air supply source, performs control so as to limit the electrical power required for startup of the fuel reforming system and increase the amount of electrical power distributed to the motor.