Fuel cell system to power a portable computing device

摘要

The disclosed embodiments relate to the design of a portable and cost-effective fuel cell system for a portable computing device. This fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack which converts fuel into electrical power. It also includes a fuel source for the fuel cell stack and a controller which controls operation of the fuel cell system. The fuel system also includes an interface to the portable computing device, wherein the interface comprises a power link that provides power to the portable computing device, and a bidirectional communication link that provides bidirectional communication between the portable computing device and the controller for the fuel cell system.

主权项

1. A fuel cell system for a portable computing device, comprising:
a portable computing device, comprising a processor and a memory; and a fuel cell system that is separate for the portable computing device, comprising:
a power module, comprising:
a fuel cell stack which converts fuel to electrical power;a controller which controls operation of the power module;an interface which links the power module to a portable computing device, wherein the interface comprises:a power link that provides power to the portable computing device; anda bidirectional communication link that provides bidirectional communication between the portable computing device and the controller for the power module, wherein the bidirectional communication link communicates:fuel cell state information from the fuel cell system to the portable computing device; andfuel cell control information from the portable computing device to the fuel cell system, wherein the controller offloads at least one operation associated with controlling the fuel cell system to the portable computing device; anda fuel source for the power module, comprising a fuel cartridge.