Fuel Cell Supply Including Information Storage Device and Control System

摘要

The present invention is directed to a fuel cell system with various features for optimal operations of an electronic device, a battery charger or a fuel refilling device. The fuel cell system includes an information storage device associated with the fuel supply, pump and/or refilling device. The information storage device can be any electronic storage device including, but not limited to, an EEPROM or a PLA. The information storage device can include encrypted information. The information storage device can include software code for confirming the identification of the cartridge before operation of the electronic device and/or refilling device. The information storage device can include instructions for a hot swap operation to shut down properly when the fuel supply is ejected while the electronic device is in operation. The present invention is also directed to system architecture for a fuel cell system that utilizes information storage devices. The system architecture may have flow regulators, which include a regulating valve.

主权项

1. A fuel cell system to power an electronic device, the system comprising:
a fuel supply, a controller operatively connected to an information storage device and a fuel cell, wherein the information storage device contains information relating to the fuel cell system including a fuel regulator and the fuel cell, and the controller reads and writes to the information storage device, wherein the fuel supply is in fluid communication with the fuel regulator and the fuel regulator is in fluid communication with the fuel cell, such that fuel from the fuel supply is transportable to the fuel cell for conversion to electricity, and, wherein the fuel regulator comprises a regulating valve.