WO2010025478A2 - Thermoelectric module for a fuel cell in a breath alcohol concentration measurement device - Google Patents

Thermoelectric module for a fuel cell in a breath alcohol concentration measurement device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2010025478A2
WO2010025478A2 PCT/ZA2009/000069 ZA2009000069W WO2010025478A2 WO 2010025478 A2 WO2010025478 A2 WO 2010025478A2 ZA 2009000069 W ZA2009000069 W ZA 2009000069W WO 2010025478 A2 WO2010025478 A2 WO 2010025478A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fuel cell
temperature
thermoelectric module
control circuit
regulating means
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/ZA2009/000069
Other languages
French (fr)
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WO2010025478A3 (en
Inventor
Donovan Paul Devine
Original Assignee
Pfk Electronics (Pty) Ltd
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Publication date
Application filed by Pfk Electronics (Pty) Ltd filed Critical Pfk Electronics (Pty) Ltd
Publication of WO2010025478A2 publication Critical patent/WO2010025478A2/en
Publication of WO2010025478A3 publication Critical patent/WO2010025478A3/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04007—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids related to heat exchange
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04298—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems
    • H01M8/04313—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems characterised by the detection or assessment of variables; characterised by the detection or assessment of failure or abnormal function
    • H01M8/0432—Temperature; Ambient temperature
    • H01M8/04365—Temperature; Ambient temperature of other components of a fuel cell or fuel cell stacks
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04298—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems
    • H01M8/04694—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems characterised by variables to be controlled
    • H01M8/04701—Temperature
    • H01M8/04731—Temperature of other components of a fuel cell or fuel cell stacks
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/50—Fuel cells

Definitions

  • thermoelectric module for a fuel cell in a breath alcohol concentration measurement device.
  • the alcohol (or ethanol) sensors used in breath alcohol concentration measurement devices are normally constituted by electrochemical fuel cells in which a breath sample containing alcohol passed over the fuel cell generates a potential difference between the fuel cell electrodes, the potential difference being proportional to the concentration of the volatile component of the sample, which potential difference can be used to provide a quantitative ethanol vapour measurement.
  • the fuel cell output varies with temperature variations in the fuel cell environment, which is essentially the ambient temperature of the breath alcohol concentration measurement device.
  • the ambient temperature of the device is determined by the ambient temperature within the vehicle and it has long been realised that heating of the fuel cell is required to bring the cell up to a stable operating temperature.
  • An early example of such a technique is described in US Patent No. 3,631 ,436 - Taguchi.
  • the ambient temperature within a breath alcohol concentration measurement device could range up to 90 ° C if the device is left lying on a vehicle dashboard in the sun.
  • Such high temperatures in particular will degrade the fuel cell wafer and electrolytes to the point where the fuel cell must be replaced.
  • the interlock software is typically programmed to lock out vehicle operation if the interlock device is non-operational and the vehicle will therefore not function until such time as the fuel cell is replaced and re-calibrated.
  • the ambient temperature of the device is determined by the ambient temperature within the vehicle and it has long been realised that heating of the fuel cell is required to bring the cell up to a stable operating temperature.
  • the spread or variance of the measurement sensitivity of the fuel cells used in breath alcohol concentration measurement devices is relatively large. This variance requires that each individual fuel cell be calibrated or recalibrated before the fuel cell is taken into service, whether initially or after the breath alcohol concentration measurement device has been serviced. This presents certain practical difficulties because the calibration process requires the heating of the fuel cell to each of a sequence of predetermined temperatures and calibration of the fuel cell at each such temperature by passing a gas with a known alcohol content through the fuel cell. Because it takes some time for the device temperature to stabilise, it is difficult to guarantee that the fuel cell is at the target temperature unless it is left in a heating or cooling chamber for an adequate time.
  • thermoelectric module proposes a method and means of using the thermoelectric module to address the calibration problem outlined above.
  • temperature regulating means for a fuel cell in a breath alcohol concentration measurement device is provided, the temperature regulating means being constituted by:
  • thermoelectric module adapted for thermal coupling to the fuel cell
  • control circuit adapted to operate under the control of programmable logic means
  • the programmable logic means programmed to switch the control circuit between a first switched mode, in which an electrical current of a definite polarity is applied to the thermoelectric module, and a second switched mode, in which an electrical current of reversed polarity is applied to the thermoelectric module.
  • thermoelectric module (often referred to as a Peltier) consists of semiconductors mounted, with good thermal contact, between radiator plates. When a current of a definite polarity is applied across the semiconductor elements, heat energy is transferred from one side of the semiconductors to the other, thereby creating a temperature differential between the ends of the semiconductors and hence the radiator plates. The one radiator plate absorbs heat energy from the immediate environment, thereby cooling the immediate environment, while the other radiator plate is heated and functions either to radiate heat energy to the immediate environment or to a heat sink. When the current polarity is reversed, the heat transfer direction is reversed, with the radiator plates reversing roles. Such a thermoelectric module can therefore be used either to heat or cool a device, such as a fuel cell, to which it is thermally coupled.
  • thermoelectric module is attached and thermally coupled to the fuel cell in the breath alcohol concentration measurement device and the programmable logic means is programmed to switch the control circuit to apply an electrical current of a definite, first polarity to the thermoelectric module to extract heat energy from the fuel cell when, in use, it is required to cool the fuel cell and to switch the control circuit to apply an electrical current of a reversed polarity to the thermoelectric module to supply heat energy to the fuel cell when, in use, it is required to heat the fuel cell.
  • the temperature regulating means preferably includes a temperature sensor and the programmable logic means is programmed to monitor the output of the temperature sensor and to switch the control circuit to apply a current of first polarity to the thermoelectric module, in use to cool the fuel cell, if the temperature sensor output indicates a temperature higher than the upper limit of a predetermined operating temperature range and to apply a current of reverse polarity to the thermoelectric module, in use to heat the fuel cell, if the temperature sensor output indicates a temperature lower than the lower limit of the predetermined operating temperature range.
  • the lower limit of the predetermined operating temperature range may be a set temperature between 5 0 C and 15 0 C and the upper limit of the predetermined operating temperature range may be a set temperature between 45 °C and 55 0 C.
  • the temperature sensor is preferably a thermistor located within the fuel cell housing.
  • the programmable logic means may conveniently be constituted by a microcontroller that is programmable to supply first and second Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) signals to the control circuit, which may include two pairs of switches, the first PWM signal being adapted to control the first pair of switches to apply a first, positive current to the thermoelectric module and the second PWM signal being adapted to control the second pair of switches to apply a reversed, negative current to the thermoelectric module.
  • PWM Pulse Width Modulated
  • the duty cycle of the microcontroller is preferably variable to modulate the PWM signal thereby to vary the amount of electrical power applied to the load constituted by the thermoelectric module.
  • the temperature regulating means of the invention may conveniently be adapted to operate in conjunction with calibration apparatus for the breath alcohol concentration measurement device, the programmable logic means of the temperature regulating means being programmed to switch the control circuit to activate the thermoelectric module to heat or cool the fuel cell to a predetermined temperature and the calibration apparatus including means to introduce a gas sample with a predetermined alcohol content into the fuel cell and means to permit adjustment of the alcohol measurement made or recorded by the fuel cell or breath alcohol concentration measurement device in dependence on the known alcohol content of the gas sample.
  • the temperature regulating means of the invention may be specifically adapted for use in a fuel cell in a breath alcohol concentration measurement device constituted by vehicle ignition interlock apparatus comprising a vehicle assembly and a discrete communications device (such as a radio frequency (RF) signal transmitter) adapted for operation remotely of the vehicle, the vehicle assembly being adapted for mounting in a vehicle and including the breath alcohol concentration measurement device, the control circuit of which include a signal receiver adapted to receive signals transmitted from the discrete communications device and the programmable logic means being programmed, when the signal receiver receives a signal from the discrete communications device, to activate the temperature regulating means to heat or cool the electrochemical fuel cell.
  • RF radio frequency
  • control circuit may be adapted to heat the fuel cell up to a predetermined optimal operating temperature and to maintain the fuel cell at that temperature for a predetermined time.
  • the discrete communications device may be integrated into the remote actuator normally intended for use with the vehicle security system or into the vehicle key fob.
  • the discrete communications device is preferably a radio frequency (RF) transceiver and the signal receiver a RF transceiver is adapted to operate by means of bidirectional RF communications, the programmable logic means being programmed, upon activating fuel cell preheating, to transmit an acknowledgement signal to the discrete communications device.
  • RF radio frequency
  • the discrete communications device may conveniently be adapted to activate a humanly intelligible signal on receipt of an acknowledgement signal from the vehicle transceiver, which humanly intelligible signal may be constituted by a visual display, a flashing LED, a buzzer or a combination of these devices, included in the remote transceiver.
  • the vehicle assembly control circuit may be programmed to transmit a READY signal to the remote transceiver when the fuel cell has been heated to its operating temperature.
  • the invention includes calibration apparatus for a breath alcohol concentration measurement device comprising a thermochemical fuel cell thermally coupled to a thermoelectric module adapted to heat or cool the fuel cell, a control circuit, a temperature sensor and programmable logic means programmed to switch the control circuit to activate the thermoelectric module to heat or cool the fuel cell to a predetermined temperature, the calibration apparatus including means to introduce a gas sample with predetermined alcohol content into the fuel cell and means to adjust the alcohol measurement made or recorded by the fuel cell or breath alcohol concentration measurement device in dependence on the known alcohol content of the gas sample.
  • the invention includes a method of calibrating a thermochemical fuel cell in a breath alcohol concentration measurement device in which the fuel cell is thermally coupled to a thermoelectric module adapted to heat or cool the fuel cell, the calibration method including the steps of:
  • thermoelectric module activating the thermoelectric module to heat or cool the fuel cell to a predetermined temperature
  • This method may conveniently include the step of adjusting the alcohol measurement made or recorded by the fuel cell or breath alcohol concentration measurement device in dependence on the known alcohol content of the gas sample.
  • the method of this embodiment of the invention may include the steps of repeating, at a number of predetermined temperatures, the steps of of adjusting the alcohol measurement made or recorded by the fuel cell or breath alcohol concentration measurement device in dependence on the known alcohol content of the gas sample and in a development hereof, maintaining the or each predetermined temperature for a duration sufficient to sample the or each gas sample introduced into the fuel cell, using the temperature sensor and a control loop programmed into the microcontroller.
  • FIG. 1 is a simplified circuit diagram illustrating the temperature regulating means of the invention
  • Figure 2 is the circuit of Figure 1 to which a first signal has been applied to control a first pair of switches to apply a positive current to the thermoelectric module;
  • Figure 3 is the circuit of Figure 1 to which a second signal has been applied to control a second pair of switches to apply a negative current to the thermoelectric module;
  • Figure 4 is a simplified diagram illustrating the embodiment of the invention in which the control circuit is adapted to pre-heat the fuel cell up to a predetermined optimal operating temperature.
  • thermoelectric module in the form of a Peltier 12 is attached and thermally coupled to the fuel cell in a breath alcohol concentration measurement device (not shown).
  • a first PWM signal controls electronic switches constituted by switching transistors S1 and S4 and a second PWM signal controls switching transistors S2 and S3.
  • control circuit 10 is constituted by a complementary pair of MOSFET integrated circuits connected to one another in a motor H-bridge configuration, the Peltier 12 being connected as the load instead of the motor and the control gates of the MOSFETs being connected to switching transistors that constitute the switch pairs (S1 , S4 and S2, S3) switched by the PWM signals derived from the microcontroller.
  • the amount of power applied to the load constituted by the Peltier 12 is likewise modulated, with an increase or decrease of the duty cycle resulting in a corresponding increase or decrease in the amount of power so applied.
  • the first PWM signal is applied to the control circuit 10 to control the switches S1 and S4 to achieve positive current follow across the Peltier 12.
  • the control circuit 10 will not work if both PWM signals are driven at the same time.
  • the temperature regulating means of the invention includes a temperature sensor constituted by a thermistor mounted in or on the fuel cell housing.
  • the microcontroller is programmed to monitor the output of the thermistor and to apply the first PWM signal to the control circuit 10, closing the switches S1 and S4 and applying a positive current to the Peltier 12, in use to cool the fuel cell, if the temperature sensor output indicates a temperature higher than the upper limit of a predetermined operating temperature range.
  • the microcontroller is programmed to apply the second PWM signal to the control circuit 10, closing the switches S2 and S3 and applying a negative current to the Peltier 12, in use to heat the fuel cell.
  • the cooling and heating intensity of the Peltier 12 is determined by the power applied to the Peltier 12, as determined by the programmed duty cycle of the microcontroller.
  • the upper and lower limits of the predetermined operating temperature range will differ from application to application and the ranges set out above are purely exemplary. These temperature ranges are not necessarily the operating temperature of any specific product.
  • FIG 4 illustrates a vehicle 1 10 in which the vehicle ignition interlock apparatus 112 of the invention (shown diagrammatically) has been installed.
  • the vehicle ignition interlock apparatus 1 12 comprises a vehicle assembly 112.1 adapted for mounting in the vehicle 110 and a separate or discrete remote control unit 1 12.2 in the form of a signal transmitter adapted for operation remotely of the vehicle.
  • the vehicle assembly 1 12.1 includes a breath alcohol concentration measurement device 1 14 comprising an electrochemical fuel cell 1 16 and temperature regulating means for the fuel cell 116, preferably in the form of a Peltier 118 thermally coupled to the fuel cell 16 (as described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 above).
  • a control circuit 120 programmable through the use of one or more integrated circuits, controls the Peltier 1 18 and the vehicle assembly 1 12.1.
  • the control circuit 120 includes a signal transceiver 122 including a radio frequency (RF) receiver 122.1 and a RF transmitter 122.2.
  • RF radio frequency
  • the remote control unit 1 12.2 includes a compatible RF transceiver 124 that includes a RF receiver 124.1 and a RF transmitter 124.2.
  • the transceivers 122 and 124 enable bidirectional RF communications between the vehicle assembly 112.1 and the remote control unit 1 12.2.
  • the remote control unit 1 12.2 includes a processor 126 and a human interface 128 which may take the form of an LED display screen, simple flashing LEDs, a buzzer or a combination thereof.
  • the ignition interlock 112 of the invention permits the user, prior to the vehicle 110 being started, to activate the remote control unit 112.2 and to preheat the fuel cell 116 prior to entering the vehicle 110 and using the ignition interlock to enable starting of the vehicle engine.
  • a person in the house 130 activates the remote control unit 112.2 and communicates with (and activates) the ignition interlock vehicle assembly 112.1 of the vehicle 110 which is parked outside the house 130.
  • the transceiver 124 in the unit 112.2 Upon activation of the remote control unit 112.2, the transceiver 124 in the unit 112.2 sends out a RF signal.
  • the transceiver 122 in the vehicle assembly 112.1 receives the RF signal and, acting under control of the programmable integrated circuit, the control circuit 120 activates the Peltier 118 to start heating up the electrochemical fuel cell 116.
  • the control circuit 120 is preferably programmed to heat the fuel cell 116 up to its optimal operating temperature and to maintain the fuel cell 16 at that temperature.
  • the remote control unit 112.2 may be a separate unit or integrated with the remote actuator normally intended for use with the vehicle security system or the vehicle key fob.
  • the bidirectional communications capability of the vehicle ignition interlock apparatus allows the inclusion of relatively advanced functions into the vehicle ignition interlock apparatus 112.
  • the vehicle assembly 112.1 may be adapted, upon activating fuel cell preheating, to transmit an acknowledgement signal to the remote control unit 112.2, which is programmed to activate a humanly intelligible signal by means of the interface 128 on receipt of the acknowledgement signal.
  • the user then knows that the breath alcohol concentration measurement device 114 is in preparation for use.
  • vehicle assembly 112.1 may be programmed to transmit an appropriate signal to the remote control unit 112.2 remote transceiver when the fuel cell has been heated to its operating temperature, the remote control unit 112.2 being programmed to display a READY notice or the like on the interface 128.
  • the vehicle user can now proceed to the vehicle and use the breath alcohol concentration measurement device 114 immediately to permit starting of the vehicle engine, the Peltier 18 having heated the fuel cell 116 to its operating temperature.
  • the Peltier can be used to simplify calibration of the breath alcohol concentration measurement device of this invention.
  • the microcontroller is programmed to monitor the thermistor output and to cycle the PWM signals in a control loop to maintain the fuel cell housing at each predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time, during which a gas sample with a predetermined alcohol content is passed through the fuel cell housing.
  • the alcohol measurement made or recorded by the fuel cell at that temperature is adjusted to equate the known alcohol content of the gas sample.
  • the process is repeated at each of the predetermined temperatures.
  • the calibration method of the invention will simplify the calibration of breath alcohol concentration measurement devices in the manufacturing process.
  • the invention will make it possible for service centres remote from the manufacturer to perform the calibration process, a function that previously such service centres might have been unable to perform.
  • the invention finds particular application in breath alcohol concentration measurement devices and in vehicle ignition interlocks using such devices.

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Abstract

This invention relates to a thermoelectric module for a fuel cell in a breath alcohol concentration measurement device. The drawing illustrates the control circuit 10 of a fuel cell temperature regulating means constituted by a Peltier 12 which is attached and thermally coupled to the fuel cell (not shown). A Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) signal derived from a microcontroller (not shown) controls the electrical power applied to the control circuit 10, the microcontroller being programmed to monitor the output of a thermistor and to apply the first PWM signal to the control circuit 10, closing the switches S1 and S4 and applying a positive current to the Peltier 12 to cool the fuel cell - if the thermistor indicates a temperature higher than the upper limit of a set operating temperature range and to apply the second PWM signal to the control circuit 10, closing the switches S2 and S3 and applying a negative current to the Peltier 12, in use to heat the fuel cell - if the thermistor indicates a temperature lower than the lower limit of the predetermined operating temperature range. In colder climates, the Peltier 12 can be activated remotely, for instance by means of a radio frequency (RF) remote control to pre-heat the fuel cell to a stable operating temperature. In addition, the Peltier may be used, with suitable ancillary equipment, to calibrate the fuel cell before it is taken into service, whether initially or after servicing.

Description

THERMOELECTRIC MODULE FOR A FUEL CELL IN A BREATH ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION MEASUREMENT DEVICE
Technical Field
This invention relates to a thermoelectric module for a fuel cell in a breath alcohol concentration measurement device.
Background Art
The alcohol (or ethanol) sensors used in breath alcohol concentration measurement devices are normally constituted by electrochemical fuel cells in which a breath sample containing alcohol passed over the fuel cell generates a potential difference between the fuel cell electrodes, the potential difference being proportional to the concentration of the volatile component of the sample, which potential difference can be used to provide a quantitative ethanol vapour measurement.
The fuel cell output varies with temperature variations in the fuel cell environment, which is essentially the ambient temperature of the breath alcohol concentration measurement device.
Where the device is used as a vehicle ignition interlock, the ambient temperature of the device is determined by the ambient temperature within the vehicle and it has long been realised that heating of the fuel cell is required to bring the cell up to a stable operating temperature. An early example of such a technique is described in US Patent No. 3,631 ,436 - Taguchi. With the increased use of vehicle ignition interlocks it has become necessary to also address the protection of the fuel cell from overheating, bearing in mind the fact that the ambient temperature within a breath alcohol concentration measurement device could range up to 90°C if the device is left lying on a vehicle dashboard in the sun. Such high temperatures in particular will degrade the fuel cell wafer and electrolytes to the point where the fuel cell must be replaced. The interlock software is typically programmed to lock out vehicle operation if the interlock device is non-operational and the vehicle will therefore not function until such time as the fuel cell is replaced and re-calibrated.
It is an object of this invention to address this problem.
Where the device is used as a vehicle ignition interlock, the ambient temperature of the device is determined by the ambient temperature within the vehicle and it has long been realised that heating of the fuel cell is required to bring the cell up to a stable operating temperature.
To heat the breath alcohol concentration measurement device to the correct operating temperature may take several minutes, depending on the ambient temperature at the time. It will be appreciated that the inconvenience of having to sit in a vehicle, for example at -20 °C, to wait 3 or 4 minutes before the engine can be started will predispose the driver against the use of the device.
It is an object of this invention to address this problem.
Being electrochemical devices, the spread or variance of the measurement sensitivity of the fuel cells used in breath alcohol concentration measurement devices is relatively large. This variance requires that each individual fuel cell be calibrated or recalibrated before the fuel cell is taken into service, whether initially or after the breath alcohol concentration measurement device has been serviced. This presents certain practical difficulties because the calibration process requires the heating of the fuel cell to each of a sequence of predetermined temperatures and calibration of the fuel cell at each such temperature by passing a gas with a known alcohol content through the fuel cell. Because it takes some time for the device temperature to stabilise, it is difficult to guarantee that the fuel cell is at the target temperature unless it is left in a heating or cooling chamber for an adequate time.
It will be appreciated that this is a laborious and time-consuming process.
This invention proposes a method and means of using the thermoelectric module to address the calibration problem outlined above.
Disclosure of Invention
According to the invention, temperature regulating means for a fuel cell in a breath alcohol concentration measurement device is provided, the temperature regulating means being constituted by:
a thermoelectric module adapted for thermal coupling to the fuel cell;
a control circuit adapted to operate under the control of programmable logic means; and
the programmable logic means programmed to switch the control circuit between a first switched mode, in which an electrical current of a definite polarity is applied to the thermoelectric module, and a second switched mode, in which an electrical current of reversed polarity is applied to the thermoelectric module.
A typical thermoelectric module (often referred to as a Peltier) consists of semiconductors mounted, with good thermal contact, between radiator plates. When a current of a definite polarity is applied across the semiconductor elements, heat energy is transferred from one side of the semiconductors to the other, thereby creating a temperature differential between the ends of the semiconductors and hence the radiator plates. The one radiator plate absorbs heat energy from the immediate environment, thereby cooling the immediate environment, while the other radiator plate is heated and functions either to radiate heat energy to the immediate environment or to a heat sink. When the current polarity is reversed, the heat transfer direction is reversed, with the radiator plates reversing roles. Such a thermoelectric module can therefore be used either to heat or cool a device, such as a fuel cell, to which it is thermally coupled.
In the preferred form of the invention the thermoelectric module is attached and thermally coupled to the fuel cell in the breath alcohol concentration measurement device and the programmable logic means is programmed to switch the control circuit to apply an electrical current of a definite, first polarity to the thermoelectric module to extract heat energy from the fuel cell when, in use, it is required to cool the fuel cell and to switch the control circuit to apply an electrical current of a reversed polarity to the thermoelectric module to supply heat energy to the fuel cell when, in use, it is required to heat the fuel cell.
In this embodiment of the invention the temperature regulating means preferably includes a temperature sensor and the programmable logic means is programmed to monitor the output of the temperature sensor and to switch the control circuit to apply a current of first polarity to the thermoelectric module, in use to cool the fuel cell, if the temperature sensor output indicates a temperature higher than the upper limit of a predetermined operating temperature range and to apply a current of reverse polarity to the thermoelectric module, in use to heat the fuel cell, if the temperature sensor output indicates a temperature lower than the lower limit of the predetermined operating temperature range.
The lower limit of the predetermined operating temperature range may be a set temperature between 5 0C and 15 0C and the upper limit of the predetermined operating temperature range may be a set temperature between 45 °C and 55 0C.
The temperature sensor is preferably a thermistor located within the fuel cell housing.
The programmable logic means may conveniently be constituted by a microcontroller that is programmable to supply first and second Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) signals to the control circuit, which may include two pairs of switches, the first PWM signal being adapted to control the first pair of switches to apply a first, positive current to the thermoelectric module and the second PWM signal being adapted to control the second pair of switches to apply a reversed, negative current to the thermoelectric module.
The duty cycle of the microcontroller is preferably variable to modulate the PWM signal thereby to vary the amount of electrical power applied to the load constituted by the thermoelectric module.
The temperature regulating means of the invention may conveniently be adapted to operate in conjunction with calibration apparatus for the breath alcohol concentration measurement device, the programmable logic means of the temperature regulating means being programmed to switch the control circuit to activate the thermoelectric module to heat or cool the fuel cell to a predetermined temperature and the calibration apparatus including means to introduce a gas sample with a predetermined alcohol content into the fuel cell and means to permit adjustment of the alcohol measurement made or recorded by the fuel cell or breath alcohol concentration measurement device in dependence on the known alcohol content of the gas sample.
The temperature regulating means of the invention may be specifically adapted for use in a fuel cell in a breath alcohol concentration measurement device constituted by vehicle ignition interlock apparatus comprising a vehicle assembly and a discrete communications device (such as a radio frequency (RF) signal transmitter) adapted for operation remotely of the vehicle, the vehicle assembly being adapted for mounting in a vehicle and including the breath alcohol concentration measurement device, the control circuit of which include a signal receiver adapted to receive signals transmitted from the discrete communications device and the programmable logic means being programmed, when the signal receiver receives a signal from the discrete communications device, to activate the temperature regulating means to heat or cool the electrochemical fuel cell.
In this embodiment of the invention the control circuit may be adapted to heat the fuel cell up to a predetermined optimal operating temperature and to maintain the fuel cell at that temperature for a predetermined time.
The discrete communications device may be integrated into the remote actuator normally intended for use with the vehicle security system or into the vehicle key fob.
In the preferred form of this embodiment of the invention, the discrete communications device is preferably a radio frequency (RF) transceiver and the signal receiver a RF transceiver is adapted to operate by means of bidirectional RF communications, the programmable logic means being programmed, upon activating fuel cell preheating, to transmit an acknowledgement signal to the discrete communications device.
The discrete communications device may conveniently be adapted to activate a humanly intelligible signal on receipt of an acknowledgement signal from the vehicle transceiver, which humanly intelligible signal may be constituted by a visual display, a flashing LED, a buzzer or a combination of these devices, included in the remote transceiver. In addition, the vehicle assembly control circuit may be programmed to transmit a READY signal to the remote transceiver when the fuel cell has been heated to its operating temperature.
The invention includes calibration apparatus for a breath alcohol concentration measurement device comprising a thermochemical fuel cell thermally coupled to a thermoelectric module adapted to heat or cool the fuel cell, a control circuit, a temperature sensor and programmable logic means programmed to switch the control circuit to activate the thermoelectric module to heat or cool the fuel cell to a predetermined temperature, the calibration apparatus including means to introduce a gas sample with predetermined alcohol content into the fuel cell and means to adjust the alcohol measurement made or recorded by the fuel cell or breath alcohol concentration measurement device in dependence on the known alcohol content of the gas sample.
In addition, the invention includes a method of calibrating a thermochemical fuel cell in a breath alcohol concentration measurement device in which the fuel cell is thermally coupled to a thermoelectric module adapted to heat or cool the fuel cell, the calibration method including the steps of:
activating the thermoelectric module to heat or cool the fuel cell to a predetermined temperature; and
introducing a gas sample with predetermined alcohol content into the fuel cell.
This method may conveniently include the step of adjusting the alcohol measurement made or recorded by the fuel cell or breath alcohol concentration measurement device in dependence on the known alcohol content of the gas sample.
The method of this embodiment of the invention may include the steps of repeating, at a number of predetermined temperatures, the steps of of adjusting the alcohol measurement made or recorded by the fuel cell or breath alcohol concentration measurement device in dependence on the known alcohol content of the gas sample and in a development hereof, maintaining the or each predetermined temperature for a duration sufficient to sample the or each gas sample introduced into the fuel cell, using the temperature sensor and a control loop programmed into the microcontroller. Brief description of the drawings
The invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a simplified circuit diagram illustrating the temperature regulating means of the invention;
Figure 2 is the circuit of Figure 1 to which a first signal has been applied to control a first pair of switches to apply a positive current to the thermoelectric module;
Figure 3 is the circuit of Figure 1 to which a second signal has been applied to control a second pair of switches to apply a negative current to the thermoelectric module; and
Figure 4 is a simplified diagram illustrating the embodiment of the invention in which the control circuit is adapted to pre-heat the fuel cell up to a predetermined optimal operating temperature.
Best Modes for Carrying Out the Invention
In Figures 1 to 3, which illustrate merely the control circuit 10 of a temperature regulating means according to this invention, a thermoelectric module in the form of a Peltier 12 is attached and thermally coupled to the fuel cell in a breath alcohol concentration measurement device (not shown).
A Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) signal derived from a microcontroller (not shown) controls the electrical power applied to the control circuit 10. A first PWM signal controls electronic switches constituted by switching transistors S1 and S4 and a second PWM signal controls switching transistors S2 and S3.
In one implementation of the invention, the control circuit 10 is constituted by a complementary pair of MOSFET integrated circuits connected to one another in a motor H-bridge configuration, the Peltier 12 being connected as the load instead of the motor and the control gates of the MOSFETs being connected to switching transistors that constitute the switch pairs (S1 , S4 and S2, S3) switched by the PWM signals derived from the microcontroller.
By modulating the duty cycle of the microcontroller, the amount of power applied to the load constituted by the Peltier 12 is likewise modulated, with an increase or decrease of the duty cycle resulting in a corresponding increase or decrease in the amount of power so applied.
In Figure 2 the first PWM signal is applied to the control circuit 10 to control the switches S1 and S4 to achieve positive current follow across the Peltier 12.
In Figure 3 the second PWM signal is applied to the control circuit 10 to control the switches S2 and S3 to achieve negative current follow across the Peltier 12.
The control circuit 10 will not work if both PWM signals are driven at the same time.
The temperature regulating means of the invention includes a temperature sensor constituted by a thermistor mounted in or on the fuel cell housing. The microcontroller is programmed to monitor the output of the thermistor and to apply the first PWM signal to the control circuit 10, closing the switches S1 and S4 and applying a positive current to the Peltier 12, in use to cool the fuel cell, if the temperature sensor output indicates a temperature higher than the upper limit of a predetermined operating temperature range.
If the temperature sensor output indicates a temperature lower than the lower limit of the predetermined operating temperature range, the microcontroller is programmed to apply the second PWM signal to the control circuit 10, closing the switches S2 and S3 and applying a negative current to the Peltier 12, in use to heat the fuel cell. The cooling and heating intensity of the Peltier 12 is determined by the power applied to the Peltier 12, as determined by the programmed duty cycle of the microcontroller.
The upper and lower limits of the predetermined operating temperature range (of the Peltier 12) will differ from application to application and the ranges set out above are purely exemplary. These temperature ranges are not necessarily the operating temperature of any specific product.
Figure 4 illustrates a vehicle 1 10 in which the vehicle ignition interlock apparatus 112 of the invention (shown diagrammatically) has been installed.
The vehicle ignition interlock apparatus 1 12 comprises a vehicle assembly 112.1 adapted for mounting in the vehicle 110 and a separate or discrete remote control unit 1 12.2 in the form of a signal transmitter adapted for operation remotely of the vehicle.
The vehicle assembly 1 12.1 includes a breath alcohol concentration measurement device 1 14 comprising an electrochemical fuel cell 1 16 and temperature regulating means for the fuel cell 116, preferably in the form of a Peltier 118 thermally coupled to the fuel cell 16 (as described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 above). A control circuit 120, programmable through the use of one or more integrated circuits, controls the Peltier 1 18 and the vehicle assembly 1 12.1.
The control circuit 120 includes a signal transceiver 122 including a radio frequency (RF) receiver 122.1 and a RF transmitter 122.2.
The remote control unit 1 12.2 includes a compatible RF transceiver 124 that includes a RF receiver 124.1 and a RF transmitter 124.2. The transceivers 122 and 124 enable bidirectional RF communications between the vehicle assembly 112.1 and the remote control unit 1 12.2.
The remote control unit 1 12.2 includes a processor 126 and a human interface 128 which may take the form of an LED display screen, simple flashing LEDs, a buzzer or a combination thereof.
In cold climates, it may take several minutes for the Peltier 1 18 to heat the breath alcohol concentration measurement device (the fuel cell 116) to the correct operating temperature. Rather than subjecting the vehicle user to the inconvenience of having to sit in a cold vehicle to wait before the engine can be started, the ignition interlock 112 of the invention permits the user, prior to the vehicle 110 being started, to activate the remote control unit 112.2 and to preheat the fuel cell 116 prior to entering the vehicle 110 and using the ignition interlock to enable starting of the vehicle engine.
In the example illustrated (by a callout box to indicate the remote control unit 112.2 used from within a house 130), a person in the house 130 activates the remote control unit 112.2 and communicates with (and activates) the ignition interlock vehicle assembly 112.1 of the vehicle 110 which is parked outside the house 130.
Upon activation of the remote control unit 112.2, the transceiver 124 in the unit 112.2 sends out a RF signal.
The transceiver 122 in the vehicle assembly 112.1 receives the RF signal and, acting under control of the programmable integrated circuit, the control circuit 120 activates the Peltier 118 to start heating up the electrochemical fuel cell 116.
The control circuit 120 is preferably programmed to heat the fuel cell 116 up to its optimal operating temperature and to maintain the fuel cell 16 at that temperature.
The remote control unit 112.2 may be a separate unit or integrated with the remote actuator normally intended for use with the vehicle security system or the vehicle key fob.
The bidirectional communications capability of the vehicle ignition interlock apparatus allows the inclusion of relatively advanced functions into the vehicle ignition interlock apparatus 112.
For instance the vehicle assembly 112.1 may be adapted, upon activating fuel cell preheating, to transmit an acknowledgement signal to the remote control unit 112.2, which is programmed to activate a humanly intelligible signal by means of the interface 128 on receipt of the acknowledgement signal. The user then knows that the breath alcohol concentration measurement device 114 is in preparation for use.
In addition, vehicle assembly 112.1 may be programmed to transmit an appropriate signal to the remote control unit 112.2 remote transceiver when the fuel cell has been heated to its operating temperature, the remote control unit 112.2 being programmed to display a READY notice or the like on the interface 128.
The vehicle user can now proceed to the vehicle and use the breath alcohol concentration measurement device 114 immediately to permit starting of the vehicle engine, the Peltier 18 having heated the fuel cell 116 to its operating temperature.
The Peltier can be used to simplify calibration of the breath alcohol concentration measurement device of this invention.
This is done (referring to Figures 1 to 3) by first pre-determining a sequence of target calibration temperatures and then, by means of a suitable microcontroller program, applying the PWM signals to the Peltier 12 to heat (or cool if necessary) the fuel cell (or fuel cell housing) to each such temperature in sequence.
The microcontroller is programmed to monitor the thermistor output and to cycle the PWM signals in a control loop to maintain the fuel cell housing at each predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time, during which a gas sample with a predetermined alcohol content is passed through the fuel cell housing.
At each temperature setting and for each gas sample introduced, the alcohol measurement made or recorded by the fuel cell at that temperature is adjusted to equate the known alcohol content of the gas sample.
The process is repeated at each of the predetermined temperatures.
It will be appreciated that the calibration method of the invention will simplify the calibration of breath alcohol concentration measurement devices in the manufacturing process. In addition, the invention will make it possible for service centres remote from the manufacturer to perform the calibration process, a function that previously such service centres might have been unable to perform. Industrial Applicability
The invention finds particular application in breath alcohol concentration measurement devices and in vehicle ignition interlocks using such devices.

Claims

Claims
1. Temperature regulating means for a fuel cell in a breath alcohol concentration measurement device, the temperature regulating means being constituted by:
a thermoelectric module adapted for thermal coupling to the fuel cell;
a control circuit adapted to operate under the control of programmable logic means; and
the programmable logic means programmed to switch the control circuit between a first switched mode, in which an electrical current of a definite polarity is applied to the thermoelectric module, and a second switched mode, in which an electrical current of reversed polarity is applied to the thermoelectric module.
2. Temperature regulating means according to claim 1 in which the thermoelectric module is attached and thermally coupled to the fuel cell in the breath alcohol concentration measurement device and the programmable logic means is programmed to switch the control circuit to apply an electrical current of a definite, first polarity to the thermoelectric module to extract heat energy from the fuel cell when, in use, it is required to cool the fuel cell and to switch the control circuit to apply an electrical current of a reversed polarity to the thermoelectric module to supply heat energy to the fuel cell when, in use, it is required to heat the fuel cell.
3. Temperature regulating means according to claim 2 in which the temperature regulating means includes a temperature sensor and the programmable logic means is programmed to monitor the output of the temperature sensor and to switch the control circuit to apply a current of first polarity to the thermoelectric module, in use to cool the fuel cell, if the temperature sensor output indicates a temperature higher than the upper limit of a predetermined operating temperature range and to apply a current of reverse polarity to the thermoelectric module, in use to heat the fuel cell, if the temperature sensor output indicates a temperature lower than the lower limit of the predetermined operating temperature range.
4. Temperature regulating means according to claim 3 in which the lower limit of the predetermined operating temperature range is a set temperature between 5 0C and 15 0C and the upper limit of the predetermined operating temperature range is be a set temperature between 45 0C and 55 0C.
5. Temperature regulating means according to either of claims 3 or 4 in which the temperature sensor is located within the fuel cell housing.
6. Temperature regulating means according to any one of the preceding claims in which the programmable logic means is constituted by a microcontroller that is programmable to supply first and second Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) signals to the control circuit, which may include two pairs of switches, the first PWM signal being adapted to control the first pair of switches to apply a first, positive current to the thermoelectric module and the second PWM signal being adapted to control the second pair of switches to apply a reversed, negative current to the thermoelectric module.
7. Temperature regulating means according to claim 6 in which the duty cycle of the microcontroller is variable to modulate the PWM signal thereby to vary the amount of electrical power applied to the load constituted by the thermoelectric module.
8. Temperature regulating means according to any one of the preceding claims that is adapted to operate in conjunction with calibration apparatus for the breath alcohol concentration measurement device, the programmable logic means of the temperature regulating means being programmed to switch the control circuit to activate the thermoelectric module to heat or cool the fuel cell to a predetermined temperature and the calibration apparatus including means to introduce a gas sample with a predetermined alcohol content into the fuel cell and means to permit adjustment of the alcohol measurement made or recorded by the fuel cell or breath alcohol concentration measurement device in dependence on the known alcohol content of the gas sample.
9. Temperature regulating means according to any one of the preceding claims for a fuel cell in a breath alcohol concentration measurement device constituted by vehicle ignition interlock apparatus comprising a vehicle assembly and a discrete communications device (such as a radio frequency (RF) signal transmitter) adapted for operation remotely of the vehicle, the vehicle assembly being adapted for mounting in a vehicle and including the breath alcohol concentration measurement device, the control circuit of which include a signal receiver adapted to receive signals transmitted from the discrete communications device and the programmable logic means being programmed, when the signal receiver receives a signal from the discrete communications device, to activate the temperature regulating means to heat or cool the electrochemical fuel cell.
10. Temperature regulating means according to claim 9 in which the control circuit is adapted to heat the fuel cell up to a predetermined optimal operating temperature and to maintain the fuel cell at that temperature for a predetermined time.
11. Temperature regulating means according to claim 10 in which the discrete communications device is integrated into the remote actuator normally intended for use with the vehicle security system.
12. Temperature regulating means according to claim 10 in which the discrete communications device is a integrated into the vehicle key fob.
13. Temperature regulating means according to any one of claims 10 to 14 in which the discrete communications device is a radio frequency (RF) transceiver and the signal receiver a RF transceiver adapted to operate by means of bidirectional RF communications, the programmable logic means being programmed, upon activating fuel cell preheating, to transmit an acknowledgement signal to the discrete communications device.
14. Temperature regulating means according to claim 13 in which the discrete communications device is adapted to activate a humanly intelligible signal on receipt of an acknowledgement signal from the vehicle transceiver.
15. Calibration apparatus for a breath alcohol concentration measurement device comprising a thermochemical fuel cell thermally coupled to a thermoelectric module adapted to heat or cool the fuel cell, a control circuit, a temperature sensor and programmable logic means programmed to switch the control circuit to activate the thermoelectric module to heat or cool the fuel cell to a predetermined temperature, the calibration apparatus including means to introduce a gas sample with predetermined alcohol content into the fuel cell and means to adjust the alcohol measurement made or recorded by the fuel cell or breath alcohol concentration measurement device in dependence on the known alcohol content of the gas sample.
16. A method of calibrating a thermochemical fuel cell in a breath alcohol concentration measurement device in which the fuel cell is thermally coupled to a thermoelectric module adapted to heat or cool the fuel cell, the calibration method including the steps of:
activating the thermoelectric module to heat or cool the fuel cell to a predetermined temperature; and
introducing a gas sample with predetermined alcohol content into the fuel cell.
17. A method of calibrating a thermochemical fuel cell according to claim 16 including the step of adjusting the alcohol measurement made or recorded by the fuel cell or breath alcohol concentration measurement device in dependence on the known alcohol content of the gas sample.
18. A method of calibrating a thermochemical fuel cell according to claim 17 including the steps of repeating, at a number of predetermined temperatures, the steps of of adjusting the alcohol measurement made or recorded by the fuel cell or breath alcohol concentration measurement device in dependence on the known alcohol content of the gas sample.
19. A method of calibrating a thermochemical fuel cell according to claim 18 including the steps of maintaining the or each predetermined temperature for a duration sufficient to sample the or each gas sample introduced into the fuel cell, using the temperature sensor and a control loop programmed into the microcontroller.
PCT/ZA2009/000069 2008-08-28 2009-07-30 Thermoelectric module for a fuel cell in a breath alcohol concentration measurement device WO2010025478A2 (en)

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ZA2008/07635 2008-08-28
ZA200807635 2008-08-28
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