US 12,438,167 B2
Apparatus for converting power of fuel cell for power generation and method thereof
Yong Doo Son, Incheon (KR)
Assigned to HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, Seoul (KR); and KIA CORPORATION, Seoul (KR)
Filed by Hyundai Motor Company, Seoul (KR); and Kia Corporation, Seoul (KR)
Filed on Oct. 26, 2022, as Appl. No. 18/049,728.
Claims priority of application No. 10-2022-0020373 (KR), filed on Feb. 16, 2022.
Prior Publication US 2023/0261225 A1, Aug. 17, 2023
Int. Cl. H01M 8/04664 (2016.01); H01M 8/04537 (2016.01); H01M 8/04858 (2016.01); H02H 1/00 (2006.01); H02H 7/18 (2006.01)
CPC H01M 8/04671 (2013.01) [H01M 8/04552 (2013.01); H01M 8/04873 (2013.01); H01M 8/04902 (2013.01); H01M 8/04917 (2013.01); H02H 1/0007 (2013.01); H02H 7/18 (2013.01)] 16 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An apparatus for converting power of a fuel cell for power generation, the apparatus comprising:
a power converter configured to convert and supply power generated by the fuel cell to a system or load;
a controller configured to detect a failure occurring in the fuel cell, the power converter, or the system or load, while the fuel cell is driven and reduce an open circuit voltage (OCV) of the fuel cell by a dummy resistor connected with an output terminal of the fuel cell, when the failure occurs in the fuel cell, the power converter, or the system or load; and
a first initial charge circuit connected in parallel between the output terminal of the fuel cell and an input terminal of the power converter and configured to cut off an inrush current from the fuel cell,
wherein the controller monitors the OCV of the fuel cell in a process where the fuel cell is stopped and increases current flowing in the dummy resistor such that the OCV of the fuel cell is less than a reference voltage.