Method and system for managing and controlling emissions in a hybrid system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and system for managing and controlling emissions in a hybrid system. The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for managing and controlling emissions generated by a vehicle and / or powertrain system that includes one or more power sources, a processor, one or more inputs, a controller, and one or more emission control devices, the one or more power sources are selected from the group consisting of fuel cells, fuel cell stacks, battery packs, and combinations thereof.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(e) and any other applicable law or regulation, this nonprovisional application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 166,075, filed on March 25, 2021, the entire disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for determining, applying, managing and / or controlling an emissions regulation strategy for meeting a power requirement of a vehicle and / or powertrain. Background Art

[0004] Vehicles and / or power systems operate in locations with varying geography, morphology, and regulatory conditions. In various locations, governments or other regulatory entities may impose limits on the levels, concentrations, and / or amounts of emissions or discharges that are legally permitted and / or prohibited from any vehicle. In other cases, such regulatory entities may provide publicly available and / or known vehicle emissions, discharges, or exhaust standards, such as the release of chemicals and / or compounds that will be permitted from vehicles and / or power systems in their geographic regions.

[0005] For example, a marine vessel vehicle may dock at several waterways ports (e.g., seaports, ocean ports, or river ports) during one or more voyages and, of course, during its service life. Most waterways ports, especially seaports and ocean ports, are emission control areas. When vehicles and / or power systems approach, enter, dock, and / or leave these waterways ports, the vehicle emission requirements of the waterways ports may require the use of certain power strategies to reduce emissions to the required level. Under some illustrative operating conditions, it may be necessary to use a second power source that is different from the first power source used in the high seas to achieve the required vehicle emission requirements.

[0006] For example, vehicle emission standards and regulations generally require that one or more vehicle power sources meet a defined list of restrictions or requirements. Typically, vehicle emission regulations limit or control output, shaft, torque and / or speed requirements.

[0007] Manipulation of these operating parameters may simulate and / or predict a wide variety of operating conditions encountered in real world operation of a vehicle or powertrain system under regulated conditions.

[0008] Diesel engines also present unique challenges related to emissions. For example, regulated diesel engine use often requires limiting emissions to the environment while also meeting performance requirements. In the case of vehicle emissions compliance, the desired performance may require the manipulation of emissions including, but not limited to, nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulates, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen.

[0009] For example, in diesel engines, existing systems or components rely on a combination of exhaust gas recirculation, variable geometry turbochargers, selective catalytic reduction, and diesel particulate filtration to balance the competing requirements of vehicle emissions regulations and the performance required by consumer devices. These engine features, while successful, can adversely affect complexity, cost, and fuel economy as a tradeoff for satisfactory emissions control.

[0010] Some proposed diesel systems rely on uniform combustion modes, such as uniform charge compression ignition, uniform charge post injection, and other uniform combustion modes to reduce emissions. While providing certain emission benefits over non-uniform combustion diesel engines, uniform combustion diesel engines present control challenges and introduce significant cost and complexity to controlling vehicle emissions. For these and other reasons, the present specification provides methods and systems for determining, applying, managing, and / or controlling emission criteria strategies that meet the power requirements of a vehicle and / or powertrain. Summary of the invention

[0011] It is to satisfy these and other needs that embodiments of the present invention are included.

[0012] On the one hand, the present disclosure relates to a method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or a power system. The method includes receiving one or more inputs into a processor in the vehicle and / or power system. The method includes generating an emission criteria management strategy by a processor that communicates with a controller and one or more power sources, wherein the one or more power sources are selected from fuel cells, fuel cell stacks (e.g., including multiple or multiple fuel cells), battery packs, and combinations thereof. The method includes implementing an emission criteria management strategy by a controller that communicates with one or more power sources and one or more emission control devices. The method includes controlling the power output of one or more power sources and managing emissions from one or more emission control devices.

[0013] In some embodiments of the method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system, an emission criteria management strategy is generated and applied before and / or simultaneously with the vehicle and / or power system entering or leaving an area or restricted area. In some embodiments of the method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system, the vehicle and / or power system may include an automobile, a marine vessel (e.g., a ship, a yacht, a barge, etc.), a train (e.g., a locomotive), a bus, a tram, an airplane, or mining equipment. In some embodiments of the method, the vehicle and / or power system is used on waterways, highways, off-highway or off-road, underground, or at high altitudes.

[0014] In some embodiments of the method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system, wherein implementing the emission criteria management strategy further comprises diluting hydrogen in the exhaust gas, moving a portion of the exhaust gas to an internal storage container, purifying hydrogen from the vehicle and / or power system, or reducing the hydrogen content in the exhaust gas by changing one or more power sources used in the vehicle and / or power system. In some embodiments of the method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system, wherein generating the emission criteria management strategy further comprises identifying a region or restricted area and identifying a primary power source generating power output in the region or restricted area.

[0015] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for controlling emissions generated by a vehicle and / or a power system. The method includes receiving one or more inputs into a processor in the vehicle and / or the power system. The method includes generating an emission criteria management strategy by a processor that communicates with one or more power sources and a controller in the vehicle and / or the power system. The method includes identifying at least one active power source selected from one or more power sources, wherein the one or more power sources are selected from a fuel cell, a fuel cell stack, a battery pack, and a combination thereof.

[0016] The method includes implementing an emission criteria management strategy by a controller in communication with one or more power sources and one or more emission control devices. The method includes engaging at least one of the main power sources to meet the production power required by the vehicle and / or power system, thereby controlling the power output of the one or more power sources. The method includes controlling the exhaust gas emitted from the one or more emission control devices.

[0017] In some embodiments of the method for controlling emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system, wherein the emission criteria management strategy is generated and applied before and / or simultaneously with the vehicle and / or power system entering or leaving an area or restricted area. In some embodiments of the method for controlling emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system, the vehicle and / or power system can be part of or placed on an automobile, a marine vessel, a train, a bus, a tram, an aircraft, or a mining equipment. In some embodiments of the method for controlling emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system, wherein the vehicle and / or power system is used on waterways, highways, off-highway or off-road, underground, or at high altitudes.

[0018] In some embodiments of the method for controlling emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system, implementing an emission criteria management strategy may include diluting hydrogen in the exhaust, moving a portion of the exhaust to an internal storage container, purifying hydrogen from the vehicle and / or power system, or reducing the hydrogen content in the exhaust by changing one or more power sources used in the vehicle and / or power system. In some embodiments of the method for controlling emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system, generating an emission criteria management strategy may include identifying a region or restricted area and identifying a primary power source that generates power output in the region or restricted area.

[0019] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a system for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or a power system. The system includes one or more power sources, a processor, and a controller. The processor generates an emission criteria management strategy based on one or more inputs and one or more power sources present in the vehicle and / or power system, wherein the one or more power sources are selected from fuel cells, fuel cell stacks, battery packs, and combinations thereof. The controller implements the emission criteria management strategy in one or more power sources and one or more emission control devices of the vehicle and / or power system.

[0020] In some embodiments of the present system, the emissions criteria management strategy generated by the processor includes identifying a primary power source of the vehicle and / or powertrain.

[0021] In some embodiments of the present system, the one or more power sources include at least one main power source of the vehicle and / or power system. In one embodiment of the present system, the one or more emission control devices include at least one sensor of the vehicle and / or power system. In another embodiment, the present system is used when the vehicle and / or power system enters a zone or restricted area.

[0022] In some embodiments of the present system, the vehicle and / or power system may include a marine vessel, a train, a bus, or a mining device. In other embodiments, the vehicle and / or power system is used for waterways, highways, non-highway or off-road, underground, or high altitude areas.

[0023] In some embodiments of the present system, the one or more emission control devices include at least one storage container of the vehicle and / or power system. In some embodiments of the present system, generating the emission criteria management strategy also includes identifying an area or restricted area and identifying a primary power source generating a power output in the area or restricted area.

[0024] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or a power system. The method includes receiving one or more inputs into a processor in the vehicle and / or power system. The method includes generating an emission criteria management strategy by a processor that communicates with a controller and one or more power sources, wherein the one or more power sources are selected from fuel cells, fuel cell stacks, battery packs, diesel engines, internal combustion engines, hydrogen-powered engines, and combinations thereof. The method includes implementing an emission criteria management strategy by a controller that communicates with one or more power sources and one or more emission control devices. The method includes controlling the power output of one or more power sources and managing emissions from one or more emission control devices.

[0025] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a system for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or a power system. The system includes one or more power sources, a processor, and a controller. The processor generates an emission criteria management strategy based on one or more inputs and one or more power sources present in the vehicle and / or power system, wherein the one or more power sources are selected from fuel cells, fuel cell stacks, battery packs, diesel engines, internal combustion engines, hydrogen-powered engines, and combinations thereof. The controller implements the emission criteria management strategy in one or more power sources and one or more emission control devices of the vehicle and / or power system.

[0026] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system, wherein the vehicle and / or power system is in a first area of ​​a restricted area and before the vehicle and / or power system is about to leave the first area of ​​the restricted area and enter a second area of ​​the restricted area. The method includes receiving one or more inputs into a processor in the vehicle and / or power system. The method includes generating an emission criteria management strategy by a processor that communicates with a controller and one or more power sources, wherein the one or more power sources are selected from fuel cells, fuel cell stacks, battery packs, diesel engines, internal combustion engines, hydrogen-powered engines, and combinations thereof. The method includes implementing an emission criteria management strategy by a controller that communicates with one or more power sources and one or more emission control devices. The method includes controlling the power output of one or more power sources and managing emissions from one or more emission control devices.

[0027] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or a power system. The method includes receiving one or more inputs into a processor in the vehicle and / or power system. The method includes generating one or more emission criteria management strategies by a processor that communicates with a controller and one or more power sources, wherein the one or more power sources are selected from fuel cells, fuel cell stacks, battery packs, diesel engines, internal combustion engines, hydrogen-powered engines, and combinations thereof. The method includes implementing one or more emission criteria management strategies by a controller that communicates with one or more power sources and one or more emission control devices. The method includes controlling the power output of one or more power sources and managing emissions from one or more emission control devices. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, and in which:

[0029] Figure 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a method or system that includes an emissions control strategy for reducing emissions.

[0030] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of an ocean discharge map including different areas that a vehicle and / or power system will encounter when approaching a waterway port, such as an ocean port or harbor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The present disclosure relates to a method and system (e.g., a control system) that includes determining, applying, managing and / or controlling an emission criteria strategy that meets the power requirements of a vehicle and / or power system. More specifically, the method and system of the present disclosure includes determining an emission criteria management strategy for managing power distribution in a vehicle and / or power system having one or more power sources based on performance and emission criteria. In addition, the present disclosure provides a method and system for managing and / or controlling emissions by applying specific power and emission management strategies when a vehicle and / or power system enters a location with regulated or restrictive emission criteria.

[0032] The vehicle and / or power system of the present method or system can be powered by one or more power sources of any type. Exemplary power sources of the present method or system can include, but are not limited to, engines (e.g., internal combustion engines (ICE), diesel engines, hydrogen powered engines, etc.), fuel cells or fuel cell stacks, and / or battery packs. Exemplary power sources can include at least a battery pack of a hybrid power source, the hybrid power source including at least two different types of power sources.

[0033] In another embodiment, the vehicle and / or power system may be powered by a fuel cell or a fuel cell stack and a battery pack (e.g., a hybrid power source of a fuel cell or a fuel cell stack / battery pack). In one embodiment, the vehicle and / or power system may be powered by a battery pack and a diesel engine (e.g., a hybrid power source of a battery pack / diesel engine). In another embodiment, the vehicle and / or power system may be powered by a fuel cell or a fuel cell stack, a battery pack, and a diesel engine (e.g., a hybrid power source of a fuel cell or a fuel cell stack / battery pack / diesel engine).

[0034] In one embodiment, the vehicle and / or power system can be powered by any one or more power sources other than diesel engines. In some embodiments, the vehicle and / or power system can be powered by one or more power sources other than internal combustion engines. In other embodiments, the vehicle and / or power system can be powered by one or more power sources other than hydrogen powered engines. In other embodiments, the vehicle and / or power system can be powered by one or more power sources other than engines.

[0035] The use of a hybrid power source, such as a battery pack / engine hybrid power source, a fuel cell or fuel cell stack / battery pack hybrid power source, or a fuel cell or fuel cell stack / battery pack / engine hybrid power source, independently and / or in combination with the present methods and systems (e.g., a control system), can result in the generation and application of an emission criteria management strategy that provides management and control of emissions from a vehicle and / or power system. Implementing one or more hybrid power sources into the infrastructure of a vehicle and / or power system of the present methods or systems can ensure that any emission criteria management strategy will meet the power requirements of the vehicle and / or power system while also being consistent with the emission criteria and / or regulations of the geographic area in which the vehicle and / or power system operates. The present disclosure relates to a method and control system for generating an emission criteria management strategy that can be applied and / or implemented in a vehicle and / or power system to achieve regulatory readiness or compliance before the vehicle and / or power system approaches or enters a restricted or regulated geographic area.

[0036] The present disclosure also relates to applying or implementing emission criteria management strategies in vehicles and / or power systems when the vehicles and / or power systems approach, are in proximity to, enter, idle, park, park, and / or exit restricted areas. The emission criteria management strategy can be a geo-fencing strategy. The geo-fencing strategy considers and implements various mechanisms to ensure that acceptable emissions and emission limits and constraints for operating vehicles and / or power systems within a given boundary / area are met.

[0037] Emissions and / or emissions that utilize the present systems and methods to maintain compliance within restricted areas or regions include, but are not limited to, any compound or composition known to be harmful to the environment. Illustrative embodiments of emissions and / or emissions include, but are not limited to, chemicals, compounds, and compositions such as water, air, fuel, and / or hydrogen, which may be in any form (e.g., gas and vapor, liquid, solid, etc.). Additional embodiments of emissions and emissions of the present systems and methods include electromagnetic emissions and other electrical-based emissions, such as electromagnetic interference. Further embodiments of emissions and emissions of the present systems and methods may include noise.

[0038] The restricted or regulated area of ​​the present method or system can be any geographic area with specific emission regulations, restrictions and / or bans. These emission regulations, restrictions and / or bans are usually proposed by federal, regional and / or local management entities. Emission readiness or readiness refers to and may include but is not limited to making the emissions of the vehicle and / or power system consistent with the established or to be established regulations in the restricted area by dumping, discharging, storing, diluting, purging or other various methods. Emission readiness also includes determining the availability and / or quantity of power required to enter, operate, run and / or leave the restricted area in compliance.

[0039] In one embodiment, the vehicle and / or power system may be a ship, marine vehicle or vessel, train, locomotive, bus, tram, or mining equipment. In other embodiments, the vehicle and / or power system may be located or configured to be located or attached to a ship, marine vehicle or vessel, train, locomotive, bus, or mining equipment. In one embodiment, the vehicle and / or power system may be a device or apparatus for use on rails, for use on waterways, for use on roads, for use off-road, for use at high altitudes, or for use underground.

[0040] In one embodiment, the vehicle and / or power system may include or be attached to a spacecraft used in the air. For example, the vehicle and / or power system may be or be attached to an airplane, helicopter, or other aircraft or aerospace vehicle (e.g., a drone or hot air balloon). In another embodiment, the vehicle and / or power system of the present system or method does not include an airplane, helicopter, or any airplane, aircraft, aerospace vehicle, or other type of spacecraft used in the air.

[0041] In some cases, disclosed embodiments of the emission criteria management strategy may be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or any combination thereof. Disclosed embodiments of the emission criteria management strategy may also be implemented as instructions carried by or stored on a temporary or non-temporary machine-readable (e.g., computer-readable) storage medium, which may be read and executed by one or more processors. The disclosed embodiments may initially be encoded as a set of preliminary instructions (e.g., encoded on a machine-readable storage medium) that may require preliminary processing operations by a source computing device (e.g., a device that sends instructions, such as one or more processors) to prepare the instructions for execution on a destination computing device (e.g., a device that receives and executes the instructions).

[0042] In one embodiment, preliminary processing of the emission criteria management policy may be performed. Preliminary processing of the emission criteria management policy may include combining the instructions with data present on the device, translating the instructions into a different format, performing compression, decompression, encryption, and / or decryption, combining multiple files including different portions of the instructions, integrating the instructions with other code or information present on the device (such as a library or an operating system), or similar operations.

[0043] The preliminary processing may be performed by a source computing device, a destination computing device, or an intermediate computing device. A machine-readable storage medium may be embodied as any storage device, mechanism, or other physical structure (e.g., volatile or non-volatile memory, media disk, or other media device) for storing or transmitting information in a machine-readable form.

[0044] Figure 1An embodiment of the present control system 100 is diagrammatically illustrated, and the control system 100 is used to generate an emission criteria management strategy that can be applied and / or implemented in a vehicle and / or power system to achieve regulatory readiness or compliance before the vehicle and / or power system enters a restricted or regulated geographic area.

[0045] To facilitate data transfer and other network communications on the control system 100, the control system 100 includes a computing device 102 that communicates with other components of the control system 100 via a network 116, and the other components include but are not limited to a controller 130, one or more power sources 120 in a vehicle and / or power system, one or more emission control devices or components 122, and other components 140 in the vehicle and / or power system that determine function and performance.

[0046] Computing device 102 may be embodied as any type of computing device or computer device capable of performing the functions described herein, including but not limited to a server (e.g., stand-alone, rack-mounted, blade, etc.), a network device (e.g., physical or virtual), a high-performance computing device, a web device, a distributed computing system, a computer, a processor-based system, a multi-processor system, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, and a mobile computing device.

[0047] Figure 1 The illustrative computing device 102 may include one or more of an input / output (I / O) subsystem 106, a memory 108, a processor 110, a data storage device 112, a communication subsystem 114, and a display 118, which may be connected via wired, wireless, and / or power line connections and associated protocols (e.g., Ethernet, WiMAX, 3G, 4G LTE, 5G, etc.) to connect to each other, communicate with each other and / or be configured to connect to and / or communicate with each other.

[0048] The computing device 102 may also include additional and / or alternative components, such as those commonly found in computers (e.g., various input / output devices). In other embodiments, one or more of the components of the illustrative computing device 102 may be incorporated into another component, or otherwise form a part of another component. For example, the memory 108 or a portion thereof may be incorporated into the processor 110.

[0049] The processor 110 may be embodied as any type of computing processing tool or device capable of performing the functions described herein. For example, the processor 110 may be implemented as (one or more) single-core or multi-core processors, digital signal processors, microcontrollers, or other processors or processing / control circuits. The memory 108 may be embodied as any type of volatile or non-volatile memory or data storage device capable of performing the functions described herein.

[0050] In operation, memory 108 may store various data and software, such as operating systems, applications, programs, libraries, and drivers, used during operation of computing device 102. Memory 108 is communicatively coupled to processor 110 via input / output subsystem 106, which may be implemented as circuits and / or components to facilitate input / output operations with processor 110, memory 108, and other components of computing device 102.

[0051] For example, the input / output subsystem 106 may be implemented as or otherwise include a memory controller hub, an input / output control hub, a sensor hub, a host controller, a firmware device, communication links (i.e., point-to-point links, bus links, wires, cables, optical guides, printed circuit board traces, etc.), and / or other components and subsystems to facilitate input / output operations.

[0052] In one embodiment, memory 108 may be directly coupled to processor 110, such as through an integrated memory controller hub. Additionally, in some embodiments, input / output subsystem 106 may form part of a system-on-chip (SoC) and be combined with processor 110, memory 108, and / or other components of computing device 102 on a single integrated circuit chip (not shown).

[0053] The data storage device 112 may be embodied as any type of device configured for short-term or long-term storage of data, such as a memory device and circuit, a memory card, a hard drive, a solid-state drive, or other data storage device. The computing device 102 also includes a communication subsystem 114, which may be embodied as any communication circuit, device, or collection thereof capable of implementing communication between the computing device 102 and other remote devices via a computer network 116.

[0054] The components of the communication subsystem 114 may be configured to communicate using any one or more communication technologies (e.g., wired, wireless, and / or power line communications) and associated protocols (e.g., Ethernet, Such communications between system components and devices may be implemented using WiMAX, 3G, 4G LTE, 5G, etc.) The controller 130, power source 120, emission control device or component 122, computing device 102, and additional features or components 140 of the vehicle and / or power system may use one or more communication technologies (e.g., wired, wireless, and / or power line communications) and associated protocols (e.g., Ethernet, WiMAX, 3G, 4G LTE, 5G, etc.) are connected, communicate and / or are configured to communicate with each other via network 116.

[0055] The computing device 102 may also include any number of additional input / output devices, interface devices, hardware accelerators, and / or other peripheral devices. The computing device 102 of the control system 100 of the vehicle and / or power system may be configured as a separate subsystem for managing data and coordinating communications throughout the vehicle and / or power system.

[0056] The display 118 of the computing device 102 may be embodied as any type of display capable of displaying digital and / or electronic information, such as a liquid crystal display, light emitting diode, plasma display, cathode ray tube, or other type of display device. In some embodiments, the display 118 may be coupled to or otherwise include a touch screen or other input device.

[0057] In one embodiment, an emission criteria management strategy is generated by the processor 110 based on several inputs 104 and applied or implemented by the controller 130 to affect the operation of the vehicle and / or powertrain. The inputs 104 are provided by an operator or publicly or privately available information. In one embodiment, an emission criteria management strategy is generated by the processor 110 based on several inputs 104 and applied or implemented by the controller 130 in real time or automatically to affect the operation of the vehicle and / or powertrain. In one embodiment, the controller 130 is in the same computing device 102 as the processor 110. In other embodiments, the controller 130 may include a memory 132, a processor 134, and a communication system 136, as previously described.

[0058] The generation of the emission criteria management strategy is also dependent on the power sources 120 in the vehicle and / or power system and the information about performance and emissions that the processor 110 can access from each power source 120 present in the vehicle and / or power system via the communication network 116. The controller 130 is capable of controlling the operating functions and / or performance of the power sources 120 (e.g., fuel cells or fuel cell stacks, engines, and / or batteries) and other devices and / or parts included in the vehicle and / or power system to ultimately control or manage emissions of the vehicle and / or power system.

[0059] The controller 130 may control the operational functions and / or performance of various aspects 140 of the vehicle and / or power system. For example, the controller 130 may be configured to connect to and / or communicate with emission control devices or components 122, including but not limited to valves, pipes, lines, wires, modems, conduits, manifolds, actuators, sensors, storage containers (e.g., water, hydrogen, air, and / or fuel storage containers), batteries, air supplies, motors, generators, and drive trains. The emission control devices or components 122 may change, reduce, increase, eliminate, or enhance the functions or performance of one or more power sources 120.

[0060] In one embodiment, the emission criteria management strategy is applied or implemented by a controller 130 that is present on the vehicle and / or powertrain. In other embodiments, the emission criteria management strategy is applied or implemented by a controller that is not present on the vehicle and / or powertrain. In other embodiments, the emission criteria management strategy is applied or implemented by a controller that is remotely, automatically, programmed, systematically, or locally controlled and / or activated on the vehicle and / or powertrain, such as by a user or operator.

[0061] In one embodiment, the generation of emission criteria management by processor 110 and the application or implementation of emission criteria management strategies by controller 130 may occur in restricted or regulated geographic areas. Restricted or regulated geographic areas include, but are not limited to, port emission control areas, underground facilities (e.g., underground tunnels and stations), gas stations or refueling stations, buildings, bus stations, mining areas, parking lots, large garages, bridges, tunnels (e.g., above-ground tunnels), aerial partitions, and dams.

[0062] In one embodiment, the generation of the emission criteria management strategy by the processor 110 and the application or implementation of the emission criteria management strategy by the controller 130 may be in the vehicle and / or power system entering any structure. In one embodiment, the generation of the emission criteria management strategy by the processor 110 and the application or implementation of the emission criteria management strategy by the controller 130 may be in the vehicle and / or power system entering any structure that may cause a chemical and / or thermal event. In other embodiments, the generation of the emission criteria management strategy by the processor 110 and the application or implementation of the emission criteria management strategy by the controller 130 may be in the vehicle and / or power system entering any structure that may accumulate hydrogen.

[0063] The lower flammability limit (LFL) of hydrogen is approximately 4% by volume, therefore, accumulated hydrogen at, near, or about 4% may become hazardous and / or flammable. Of particular importance to the practice of the present systems and methods are structures that do not include any or adequate hydrogen venting mechanisms. For example, underground structures that may impede adequate hydrogen venting are ideal for the present systems and methods. Proper hydrogen venting prevents and / or reduces the possibility of hydrogen becoming noxious, hazardous, and / or flammable.

[0064] Thus, the present systems and methods are capable of maintaining, reducing, storing, discharging, removing, purifying and / or controlling emissions and discharges, and in particular maintaining, reducing, storing, discharging, removing, purifying and / or controlling hydrogen emissions at or below a level of 4% by volume. In some embodiments, the systems and methods include a ventilation system or subsystem that can remove hydrogen from a vehicle and / or power system to prevent hydrogen from accumulating in excess of 4% by volume. In some embodiments, the systems and methods include a ventilation system or subsystem that can maintain, reduce, store, discharge, remove, purify and / or control hydrogen from a vehicle and / or power system to prevent hydrogen from accumulating in excess of 4% by volume.

[0065] In some embodiments, hydrogen accumulation of the vehicle and / or power system is maintained at a level of from about 0.1% to about 4% by volume, including any specific percentages contained therein. In further embodiments, hydrogen accumulation of the vehicle and / or power system is maintained at a level of from about 0.1% to about 3.9% by volume, including any specific percentages contained therein. In some embodiments, hydrogen accumulation of the vehicle and / or power system is maintained at the following levels by volume: about 0.5% to about 3.5%, about 1% to about 3.5%, about 1% to about 3.9%, about 1.5% to about 3.5%, about 2% to about 3%, about 2% to about 4%, about 2.5% to about 3.9%, about 2% to about 3%, about 3% to about 4%, and about 3% to about 3.9%.

[0066] The hydrogen ventilation and maintenance of the present systems and methods are structural and systemic features and capabilities that prevent and / or reduce situations that may result in hydrogen being trapped, not ventilated, and / or not being able to freely vent. In some embodiments, the present systems and methods may include any components known to facilitate air flow and / or ventilation. In illustrative embodiments, the present methods and systems may include one or more fans, blowers, exhaust devices or exhaust systems, etc. The hydrogen ventilation and maintenance features further provide improvements over current systems, which may not maintain the concentration or level of hydrogen in the volume being reduced, vented, purified, and / or controlled.

[0067] In one embodiment, generating an emission criteria management strategy by processor 110 includes identifying a primary power source selected from all available power sources 120 in the vehicle and / or power system for use in or near a restricted area. The primary power source may be a single power source or a combination of more than one power source.

[0068] In one embodiment, the main power source can be a prime mover. In some embodiments, the main power source can be a hydrogen power mover. In other embodiments, the main power source can include multiple power sources, such as a prime mover and a secondary mover.

[0069] In one embodiment, the power source 120 in the vehicle and / or power system may include an engine (e.g., an internal combustion engine, a diesel engine, a hydrogen-powered engine, etc.) and a battery pack. In other embodiments, the power source 120 in the vehicle and / or power system may include an engine, a fuel cell or a fuel cell stack, and a battery pack. In a further embodiment, the power source 120 in the vehicle and / or power system may include a fuel cell or a fuel cell stack, and a battery pack. In another embodiment, the power source 120 may be substantially composed of a fuel cell or a fuel cell stack and a battery pack.

[0070] In one embodiment, the power source 120 in the vehicle and / or power system may include an engine and a fuel cell or a fuel cell stack, and the main power source in the restricted area may be a fuel cell or a fuel cell stack. In other embodiments, the power source 120 in the vehicle and / or power system may include an engine, a fuel cell or a fuel cell stack, and a battery pack, and the main power source in the restricted area may be a battery.

[0071] In one embodiment, the power source 120 in the vehicle and / or power system may include an engine, a fuel cell, and a battery, and the main power source in the restricted area may be a combination of a fuel cell or a fuel cell stack, and a battery pack. In other embodiments, the power source 120 in the vehicle and / or power system may include a fuel cell or a fuel cell stack, and a battery pack, and the main power source in the restricted area may be a battery. In another embodiment, the power source 120 in the vehicle and / or power system may include a fuel cell or a fuel cell stack, and a battery pack, and the main power source in the restricted area may be a fuel cell or a fuel cell stack, or a battery pack.

[0072] In one embodiment, generating an emission criteria management strategy by processor 110 may include identifying a power requirement of a vehicle and / or power system based on certain inputs 104. These inputs 104 may include, but are not limited to, global positioning system (GPS), geo-fencing constraints and regulations, fuel costs, etc. Inputs 104 may also include forward-looking data and information, such as weather, road and / or sea conditions, or specific emission requirements in restricted areas. For example, in one embodiment, the emission requirements may relate to the amount and / or concentration of chemicals or compounds present in the exhaust of the vehicle and / or power system.

[0073] In one embodiment, the emission requirement may relate to the amount or concentration of hydrogen, water, or different chemicals, compounds, or emission factors present in the exhaust or other emissions of the vehicle and / or power system, such as electromagnetic emissions, electromagnetic interference, and / or noise. In other embodiments, generating the emission criteria management strategy by the processor 110 may include determining the power demand of the vehicle and / or power system based on a look-ahead estimator (not shown) that provides the look-ahead data and / or information as input 104. In one embodiment, the electronic horizon coordinate system may provide the look-ahead data and / or information as input 104.

[0074] In one embodiment, generating the emission criteria management strategy by the processor 110 may include receiving input 104 directly or from the computing device 102 to generate the strategy when the vehicle approaches, enters, or resides in a restricted or regulated area. In one embodiment, generating the emission criteria management strategy by the processor 110 may include receiving input 104 to generate the strategy before the vehicle approaches a restricted area in order to ensure that the emissions of the vehicle and / or powertrain comply with regulations of the restricted area.

[0075] In some embodiments, the emission criteria management strategy can be generated and implemented based on the distance from the vehicle and / or power system to the entrance and / or exit of the restricted area or region. In some embodiments, when the vehicle and / or power system approaches a restricted area or region or travels within a restricted area or region, the emission criteria management strategy can be generated and implemented based on the current speed or rate of the vehicle and / or power system. In some embodiments, the emission criteria management strategy can be generated and implemented based on the time required to start, shut down, initiate, charge or refuel one or more power sources on the vehicle and / or power system. In other embodiments, the emission criteria management strategy can be generated and implemented based on one or more of all of these factors (e.g., distance, rate / speed, power source startup or shutdown timing, etc.).

[0076] Generating the emission criteria management strategy by the processor 110 may include receiving an input 104 that may enable determination of a duration of time that power is required in a restricted area. In one embodiment, the duration of time that power is required may be the duration of time that the vehicle and / or power system is present in the restricted area. In other embodiments, the duration of time that power is required may be different. In one embodiment, generating the emission criteria management strategy by the processor 110 may include determining the power required to operate the vehicle and / or power system in the restricted area. In other embodiments, generating the emission criteria management strategy by the processor 110 may include determining the power required to power the vehicle and / or power system when it resides in the restricted area.

[0077] In one embodiment, generating the emission criteria management strategy by the processor 110 may include determining the power required to power the vehicle and exit the restricted area. In other embodiments, generating the emission criteria management strategy by the processor 110 may include receiving input 104 to determine the power of one or more primary power sources required for the vehicle and / or power system to traverse the entire length of the restricted area.

[0078] In one embodiment, the primary power source may need to provide power to the vehicle and / or power system to cross a distance that is about 20 kilometers longer than the length of the restricted area. In other embodiments, the primary power source may need to provide power to the vehicle and / or power system to cross a distance that is about 50 kilometers longer than the length of the restricted area. In other embodiments, the primary power source may need to provide power to the vehicle and / or power system to cross a distance that is about 100 kilometers longer than the length of the restricted area.

[0079] In one embodiment, generating the emission criteria management strategy by the processor 110 may include using the battery pack as a primary source in a restricted area. Generating the emission criteria management strategy by the processor 110 may include obtaining an input 104 that may enable a determination of when to charge the battery pack. In other embodiments, generating the emission criteria management strategy by the processor 110 may include obtaining an input 104 that may enable a determination of how much to charge the battery pack.

[0080] In one embodiment, the generation of the emission criteria management strategy by the processor 110 may include methods for determining whether the power source 120 in the vehicle and / or power system or any input 104 required by the processor 110 to generate the emission criteria management strategy has been tampered with or changed. In some embodiments, vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication or manual action by an operator may be implemented to verify the emission criteria management strategy and determine whether tampering has been detected. For example, if the battery charging strategy is changed or the fuel handling system is compromised due to software or hardware tampering, verification of such tampering and correction or compensation of the appropriate emission criteria management strategy may be performed automatically (e.g., by the processor and controller) or manually by the operator.

[0081] In one embodiment, validation of the emission criteria management strategy generated by the processor 110 may be performed to protect the power source 120 and prevent any damage to them. In some embodiments, the power source 120, such as a fuel cell, a fuel cell stack, or a battery pack, may be protected from overheating, overuse, improper use, wear, improper charging, and / or improper startup or shutdown. In other embodiments, validation may be performed to check all inputs 104 used to generate the emission criteria management. In some embodiments, validation may be performed automatically (e.g., by a processor and controller) or manually by an operator.

[0082] In one embodiment, the emission criteria management strategy generated by the processor 110 can be customized by the operator based on the operating conditions of the power source 120, the inspection of the input 104, the inspection of any tampering, the location and / or laws of the area where the vehicle and / or power system operates, or the time required for the vehicle and / or power system to enter, operate and / or leave the area. Customization refers to the operator's manipulation of the system and / or method inputs, controls and / or performance. Typically, customization is needed and utilized when specific, detailed and / or updated information is more available to the operator than the information available through the input 104 of the system or method when the manipulation or customization occurs. In some embodiments, the operator can use customization to help identify restricted areas or navigate through restricted areas or areas.

[0083] In one embodiment, the generation of the emission criteria management strategy by the processor 110 may include the accumulation and / or storage of wastewater due to the use of the main power source in the restricted area. Such wastewater may be purified and / or evaporated. In other embodiments, the generation of the emission criteria management strategy by the processor 110 may include discharging any wastewater or recycling any wastewater back into the system, such as for cooling and / or dilution purposes.

[0084] In one embodiment, the generation of the emission criteria management strategy by the processor 110 may include input 104 and / or criteria regarding electromagnetic emissions, such as electromagnetic interference (EMI) of the vehicle and / or power system. In another embodiment, the generation of the emission criteria management strategy by the processor 110 may include input 104 and / or criteria regarding noise generation by the vehicle and / or power system. For example, the decibel level of noise and / or sound emitted from the vehicle and / or power system or its power source may be an input 104 to the processor 110, so that these requirements are further transmitted to the controller 130 to control and manage the noise or sound.

[0085] In an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle is a marine vessel, and the restricted location is a seaport. In some embodiments, the marine vessel is powered by an engine, a fuel cell or a fuel cell stack, and a battery pack. In order to comply with regulations on noise and limit and / or reduce the decibels of noise emitted from a marine vessel when the marine vessel approaches a waterway port, the controller 130 applies or implements an emission criteria management strategy that may include a conversion from an engine to a fuel cell or battery power source, or vice versa. In one embodiment, in order to monitor noise, emissions, or emissions when a marine vessel approaches a seaport, generating an emission criteria management strategy by the processor 110 may include converting from a fuel cell to a battery power source, or vice versa. In other embodiments, marine vessels may utilize different main power sources in different areas to comply with regulations and restrictions on noise, emissions, and / or emissions.

[0086] In one embodiment, the marine vessel may be powered by one or more fuel cells or fuel cell stacks, and battery packs. In order to comply with regulations regarding emissions or emissions (e.g., noise) and to limit and / or reduce the decibels of noise emitted from the marine vessel when the marine vessel approaches a waterway port, the controller 130 applies or implements an emission criteria management strategy that may include a switch from one or more fuel cells or fuel cell stacks to a battery pack power source, or vice versa. In one embodiment, in order to monitor noise, emissions, and / or emissions, when the marine vessel approaches a harbor, the processor 110 generates and implements an emission criteria management strategy that may include a switch from one or more fuel cells or fuel cell stacks to a battery pack power source when approaching one or more areas or when in one or more areas, or vice versa.

[0087] In one embodiment, generating the emission criteria management strategy by the processor 110 may include obtaining an additional input 104 associated with the state of charge (SoC) of the fuel cell or battery pack, such as a radiator noise criterion. If the power source in the vehicle and / or power system is the engine and the battery pack, the vehicle and / or power system may be sensitive to the battery pack SoC. In other embodiments, if the battery pack is powered by a fuel cell or a fuel cell stack, the vehicle and / or power system may be less sensitive to the battery pack SoC because the fuel cell or fuel cell stack may be able to power the battery pack.

[0088] In one embodiment, the generation of the emission criteria management strategy by the processor 110 may include engaging only a subset of the fuel cells or fuel cell stacks present on the vehicle and / or power system. In other embodiments, the vehicle and / or power system is powered by an engine, a fuel cell or fuel cell stack, and a battery pack. The generation of the emission criteria management strategy by the processor 110 may include utilizing different power sources in different geographic and / or restricted or regulated areas. An area refers to a geographic area located within or near a specific distance of a specific location within a restricted area or a restricted area.

[0089] In some embodiments, the restricted area may include one or more areas. In another embodiment, the restricted area may be surrounded by a plurality of areas. For example, a vehicle would typically pass through one or more areas to reach the restricted area.

[0090] In one embodiment, any restricted area may include one or more regions. In some embodiments, the restricted area may include at least two regions. In an exemplary embodiment, the restricted area may include two or more regions, such as three regions. There is no limit to the number or distance of regions that may be included near the restricted area.

[0091] For example, a train, locomotive, or any vehicle and / or power system including one or more power sources 120 may approach a tunnel that includes one or more zones (e.g., a restricted area). In one embodiment, the zone outside the tunnel entrance, the zone inside the tunnel, and the zone at the tunnel exit may each include one or more zones. The emission criteria management strategy generated by the processor 110 and implemented by the controller 130 to be transmitted to one or more of the power sources 120 may cause the train or locomotive or any vehicle and / or power system to use one or more power sources as the primary power source in each of the plurality of different zones.

[0092] Figure 2Another example of an emission criteria management strategy 200 is shown, which may be generated by the processor 110 and implemented by the controller 130 of a vehicle and / or power system approaching a restricted area (such as a waterway port). In some embodiments, the waterway port is an ocean port or a seaport. In some embodiments, the restricted area of ​​the seaport may include one or more areas 210, 220, 230.

[0093] The emission criteria management strategy 200 generated by the processor 110 and implemented by the controller 130 for transmission to one or more of the power sources 120 may result in a switch in the power source. For example, when the vehicle and / or power system enters the second intermediate area 220 (e.g., a certain distance from the waterway port), the vehicle and / or power system may switch from using the engine as the primary power source 120 in the open sea 230 (the first area farthest from the waterway port) to using a fuel cell or a fuel cell stack as the primary power source 120. When the vehicle and / or power system reaches the third closest area 210, which is closer to the waterway port and / or is directed before entering the waterway port, the vehicle and / or power system may again switch the power source 120 from using the fuel cell or fuel cell stack as the primary power source 120 to using the battery pack as the primary power source 120.

[0094] In one embodiment, vehicles and / or power systems approaching restricted areas (e.g., waterways and ports) may be powered by fuel cells or fuel cell stacks, as well as battery packs. The emission criteria management strategy 200 generated by the processor 110 and implemented by the controller 130 for transmission to one or more of the power sources 120 may result in the use of fuel cells or fuel cell stacks as the primary power source in some areas 210, 220, 230, and the use of battery packs as the primary power source in some other areas 210, 220, 230.

[0095] In one embodiment, the vehicle and / or power system approaching the restricted area can be powered by one or more power sources 120. In one embodiment, each power source 120 can be a main power source. In another embodiment, the main power source can be one or more fuel cells or fuel cell stacks. In another embodiment, the main power source can be one or more battery packs. In additional embodiments, the main power source can be or include an engine, and in another embodiment, the main power source may not be an engine or include an engine.

[0096] One or more emission criteria management strategies may be generated by the processor 110 and implemented by the controller 130 to be independently transmitted to each specific power source 120, such as each main power source. For example, a first emission criteria management strategy may be generated by the processor 110 and implemented by the controller 130 to selectively control a first main power source (e.g., a fuel cell or a fuel cell stack) of a vehicle and / or power system. Similarly, a second emission criteria management strategy may be generated by the processor 110 and implemented by the controller 130 to selectively control a second main power source (e.g., a battery pack) of a vehicle and / or power system. Additional emission criteria management strategies may be generated by the processor 110 and implemented by the controller 130 to selectively control additional main power sources located within the vehicle and / or power system.

[0097] Therefore, the present vehicle and / or power system may include a method and system that utilizes a first emission criteria management strategy that can be generated by the processor 110 and implemented by the controller 130 to independently transmit to the first main power source, and utilizes a second emission criteria management strategy that can be generated by the processor 110 and implemented by the controller 130 to independently transmit to the second main power source.

[0098] The method also includes selectively controlling the first main power source with a first emission criteria management strategy, and selectively controlling the second main power source with a second emission criteria management strategy. In some embodiments, one or more emission criteria management strategies can implement the selective utilization of more than one fuel cell stack. In one embodiment, more than one emission criteria management strategy can be generated and implemented in one area. In other embodiments, more than one emission criteria management strategy can be generated in more than one area. For example, implementing the emission criteria management strategy and / or controlling the first or second main power source may further include diluting the fuel or hydrogen in the emissions, moving part of the emissions to an internal storage container, purifying hydrogen from the main power source and / or the vehicle and / or the power system, or reducing the hydrogen content in the emissions by changing one or more main power sources used to provide power to the vehicle and / or the power system.

[0099] In addition to selectively utilizing the first main power source and / or the second main power source, selectively utilizing one or more power sources (such as the first main power source and / or the second main power source) of the present method and system may include utilizing only a portion of the main power source instead of all of the main power sources. In one embodiment, the vehicle and / or the power system may include a main power source that includes one or more power sources. For example, the vehicle or power system may have a main power source that includes multiple duplicate power sources, such as multiple fuel cell stacks, multiple battery packs, or a combination thereof.

[0100] In an illustrative embodiment, the main power source of the vehicle and / or power system can be a fuel cell stack. The fuel cell stack can include one or more, multiple and / or multiple fuel cells. As known in the art, multiple fuel cells can be configured to be connected in series and / or stacked so that the fuel cell stack generates the power required to operate the vehicle and / or power system.

[0101] During selective utilization of a primary power source such as a first fuel cell stack, an emissions criteria management strategy of the present method or system may be generated by processor 110 and implemented by controller 130 to operate only a portion of the fuel cell stack to reduce emissions to acceptable levels (e.g., within guidelines or limits) and / or prevent emissions entirely.

[0102] In an illustrative embodiment, selective utilization of a fuel cell stack including a plurality of fuel cells may include limiting, reducing and / or adjusting the number of fuel cells that may be operated. For example, a fuel cell stack including 12 fuel cells may operate only a portion of the fuel cell stack, such as any subset or number of fuel cells (e.g., only 10 fuel cells, 6 fuel cells, or 4 fuel cells) that provides the necessary power while reducing emissions or discharges to acceptable levels.

[0103] In other embodiments, selective utilization of a fuel cell stack including a plurality of fuel cells may include limiting, reducing and / or adjusting the power capacity provided by any proportion of the fuel cells of the total fuel cell stack that may be operated. For example, a fuel cell stack including any number of fuel cells operating at 100% capacity may be selectively used to operate at any capacity within a range of 0% to about 100%, including any specific operating capacity percentage contained therein.

[0104] In an exemplary embodiment, the fuel cell stack can be used to operate at about 1% to about 99% (including any specific operating capacity percentage contained therein), about 5% to about 95%, about 10% to about 90%, about 20% to about 80%, about 30% to about 70%, about 40% to about 60%, about 45% to about 50%. In an illustrative embodiment, a fuel cell stack having 12 fuel cells and selectively utilizing a portion of its fuel cells to operate at about 50% capacity will have about 6 operational fuel cells. In another embodiment, a fuel cell stack having 12 fuel cells and selectively utilizing a portion of its fuel cells to operate at about 30% capacity will have about 4 operational fuel cells. This ability to selectively utilize a portion or specific operating capacity of a main power source such as a fuel cell stack is a particular advantage of the present method and system.

[0105] In one embodiment, the power efficiency and cost tradeoffs of any vehicle and / or power system including the present method and / or system can be optimized. More specifically, the generation of the present emission criteria management strategy can indicate and therefore implement control to enable or manage the charging of the battery pack before reaching any area where the battery pack is required to be used as the main power source 120. In one embodiment, the evaluation and pre-charging of any main power source such as a battery pack is critical to ensuring that one or more power sources in the vehicle and / or power system are ready to successfully enter a restricted area, travel from one area to another area or areas, and / or leave a restricted area.

[0106] Return to reference Figure 2 In some embodiments, the battery pack 120 may be charged in the open sea 230 before reaching, entering, or breaching a restricted area or zone. In other embodiments, the battery pack may be charged in the zone 220 and / or before reaching another zone 210. In further embodiments, the battery pack may be charged while the vehicle and / or power system is in more than one zone.

[0107] Return to reference Figure 1 In one embodiment, the application or implementation of the emission criteria management strategy by the controller 130 may result in charging the battery pack prior to entering a restricted area. In one embodiment, the application or implementation of the emission criteria management strategy by the controller 130 may result in charging the battery pack such that the battery pack is the primary power source 120 for the duration that the vehicle and / or powertrain is in a restricted area.

[0108] In one embodiment, the controller 130 applies or implements the emission criteria management strategy, which may result in charging the battery pack so that the battery pack can provide power for the vehicle and / or power system to span the entire length in the restricted area. In other embodiments, the battery pack is charged so that the battery pack can provide power for a distance of about 20 kilometers longer than the length of the restricted area. In one embodiment, the battery pack is charged so that the battery pack can provide power for a distance of about 50 kilometers longer than the length of the restricted area. In one embodiment, the battery pack is charged so that the battery pack can provide power for a distance of about 100 kilometers longer than the length of the restricted area. In other embodiments, the fuel cell may need to be shut down to ensure that the battery pack has enough charge.

[0109] In one embodiment, the controller 130 applies or implements an emission criteria management strategy including communicating with other components of the vehicle and / or power system to enable dilution of hydrogen in the exhaust. In other embodiments, the controller 130 applies or implements an emission criteria management strategy including purifying the exhaust or chemicals and / or compounds (e.g., hydrogen) from the vehicle and / or power system, or moving the exhaust or chemicals and / or compounds (e.g., hydrogen) contained in the exhaust to an internal storage container included in the vehicle and / or power system. In some embodiments, the controller 130 applies or implements an emission criteria management strategy including reducing the generation of hydrogen exhaust by using a primary power source 120 that generates less or no hydrogen.

[0110] In other embodiments, if the hydrogen in the exhaust of the vehicle and / or power system is lower than the regulatory requirements, the control system can reconsider and / or not implement the use of the fuel cell or fuel cell stack. For example, the vehicle and / or power system may be in or approaching a restricted area, in which the regulatory requirements indicate that about 0.1% to about 0.5% hydrogen may be allowed. Input 104 to the processor 110 from one or more sensors (e.g., hydrogen sensors) on the vehicle and / or power system, for example, can determine that the vehicle is emitting more than 0.5% hydrogen. The instructions established by the processor 110 can then be transmitted to the controller 130 and additionally transmitted to additional vehicle components (e.g., exhaust devices, storage devices, etc.) to dilute the hydrogen in the exhaust (e.g., by adding air) so that the hydrogen exhaust emissions comply with the regulations of the restricted area. In another embodiment, the hydrogen exhaust can be dumped into an internal storage container.

[0111] In another embodiment, the vehicle and / or powertrain may be in a restricted region where regulatory requirements are limited to about 0.5% to about 1% hydrogen. In one embodiment, the vehicle and / or powertrain may be in a restricted region where regulatory requirements are limited to about 1% to about 5% hydrogen. In other embodiments, the vehicle and / or powertrain may be in a restricted region where regulatory requirements are limited to no more than about 1% hydrogen.

[0112] In one embodiment, the controller 130 applies or implements an emission criteria management strategy including purifying emissions or emissions from the vehicle and / or power system before or simultaneously utilizing one or more fuel cells as the primary power source 120. In some embodiments, the controller 130 applies or implements an emission criteria management strategy including purifying excess hydrogen from the vehicle and / or power system before or simultaneously increasing the utilization of the fuel cells in the fuel cell stack. In other embodiments, the controller 130 applies or implements an emission criteria management strategy including purifying excess hydrogen from the vehicle and / or power system to comply with emission criteria in restricted areas where the vehicle and / or power system operates. In another embodiment, the controller 130 applies or implements an emission criteria management strategy including implementing a hydrogen shutoff sequence based on administration and regulations of the area where the vehicle and / or power system operates to ensure that gas leaks do not occur.

[0113] In one embodiment, the controller 130 applies or implements the emission criteria management strategy including changing, reducing, increasing, canceling, limiting or enhancing the functionality of the power sources 120 used when the vehicle and / or power system is in, near or near a restricted area, especially those power sources 120 that are not identified as the primary power source 120 or are identified as not being the primary power source 120. In one embodiment, the controller 130 applies or implements the emission criteria management strategy including limiting the functionality of one or more power sources 120 to be used in a restricted area when the vehicle and / or power system is in, near or near a restricted area.

[0114] In other embodiments, the controller 130 applies or implements the emission criteria management strategy including controlling, changing, limiting and / or managing the functionality or power output of one or more power sources 120. In one embodiment, the controller 130 may change, reduce, increase, cancel or enhance the functionality and / or power output of one or more power sources 120, such as when the vehicle and / or power system is in or traveling through one or more different areas of a restricted area.

[0115] In one embodiment, the controller 130 prepares, applies and / or implements the emission criteria management strategy including the time required to prepare, consider and / or manage a startup sequence or shutdown sequence of one or more power sources 120 in the vehicle and / or power system. In some embodiments, the controller 130 prepares to implement the emission criteria management strategy including the time required to prepare, calculate and / or manage a startup sequence or shutdown sequence of a fuel cell, a fuel cell stack, an engine and / or a battery pack.

[0116] In a particular embodiment, the readiness of implementing the present emission criteria management strategy in a vehicle and / or power system including a fuel cell or fuel cell stack, and a battery pack as a primary power source 120 includes incorporating times to allow for a startup and / or shutdown sequence of the fuel cell or fuel cell stack, and a time for the battery pack to be fully charged (e.g., by the fuel cell or fuel cell stack). Incorporating such timing into the current emission criteria management strategy not only ensures successful and compliant travel when entering and exiting restricted areas and / or regions, but also ensures minimal or no damage to any power source (e.g., the fuel cell or fuel cell stack, and the battery pack). Not having enough time to allow each primary power source to successfully ramp up or ramp down will result in damage to one or both primary power sources.

[0117] For example, a typical fuel cell stack may take about 30 seconds to about 30 minutes to start or shut down. In some embodiments, a hydrogen fuel cell stack, such as one or more proton exchange membrane fuel cells, also known as polymer exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), may have a variable startup time. In one embodiment, the startup time of the hydrogen fuel cell stack under non-refrigerated conditions may be in the range of about 30 seconds to about 5 minutes, including any specific time contained therein, such as about 30 seconds to about 2 minutes. In another embodiment, the startup time of the hydrogen fuel cell stack under refrigerated conditions may be in the range of about 30 seconds to about 15 minutes, including any specific time contained therein, such as about 30 seconds to about 10 minutes.

[0118] In some embodiments, a hydrogen fuel cell stack, such as one or more proton exchange membrane fuel cell stacks, may have a variable shutdown time. In one embodiment, the shutdown time of the hydrogen fuel cell stack under non-refrigerated conditions may be in the range of about 30 seconds to about 5 minutes, including any specific time contained therein, such as about 1 minute to about 2 minutes. In another embodiment, the startup time of the hydrogen fuel cell stack under refrigerated conditions may be in the range of about 30 seconds to about 15 minutes, including any specific time contained therein, such as about 30 seconds to about 10 minutes.

[0119] In one embodiment, the processor 110, the controller 130, and the power source 120 are part of a feedback loop. In one such embodiment, the processor 110 generates an emission criteria management strategy based on the input 104 from the power source 120 and the additional input 104 from any other source, and the controller 130 implements the generated strategy by changing, reducing, adding, eliminating, or enhancing the functionality of the emission control devices or components 122 that may be related to the functionality and performance of one or more power sources 120.

[0120] The above embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice what is claimed, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and logical, mechanical, and electrical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Therefore, this detailed description should not be considered limiting.

[0121] The following numbered examples are intended but are not limiting:

[0122] 1. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system, the method comprising: receiving one or more inputs into a processor in the vehicle and / or power system; generating an emission criteria management strategy by a processor that communicates with a controller and one or more power sources, wherein the one or more power sources are selected from fuel cells, fuel cell stacks, battery packs, and combinations thereof; implementing the emission criteria management strategy by a controller that communicates with the one or more power sources and one or more emission control devices; controlling the power output of the one or more power sources; and managing emissions from one or more emission control devices.

[0123] 2. The method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the fuel cell stack comprises one or more fuel cells.

[0124] 3. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 1, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein at least one of the power sources comprises a battery pack of a hybrid power source comprising at least two different types of power sources.

[0125] 4. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 1, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein at least one of the power sources is a fuel cell or a fuel cell stack / battery hybrid power source comprising a fuel cell or a fuel cell stack and a battery pack.

[0126] 5. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein at least one of the power sources is a battery / diesel engine hybrid power source comprising a battery pack and a diesel engine.

[0127] 6. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 1, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein at least one of the power sources is a fuel cell or a fuel cell stack, a battery pack, and a diesel engine, or a fuel cell or fuel cell stack / battery pack / diesel engine hybrid power source.

[0128] 7. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein at least one of the power sources is not a diesel engine.

[0129] 8. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein at least one of the power sources is not an internal combustion engine.

[0130] 9. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein at least one of the power sources is not a hydrogen powered engine.

[0131] 10. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein at least one of the power sources is not an engine.

[0132] 11. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein generating an emissions criteria management strategy comprises generating and applying an emissions criteria management strategy that provides for management and control of emissions from the vehicle and / or power system.

[0133] 12. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 1, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein generating an emission criteria management strategy includes generating and applying an emission criteria management strategy that meets the power requirements of the vehicle and / or power system while being consistent with emission criteria and / or regulations for the geographic area in which the vehicle and / or power system operates.

[0134] 13. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or powertrain of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein generating an emissions criteria management strategy includes generating and applying an emissions criteria management strategy to achieve regulatory readiness or compliance before the vehicle and / or powertrain approaches or enters a restricted or regulated geographic area.

[0135] 14. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein generating an emissions criteria management strategy includes generating and applying an emissions criteria management strategy when the vehicle and / or power system approaches, is in proximity to, enters, idles, is parked, is parked, and / or leaves a restricted area or geographic area.

[0136] 15. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or powertrain system as recited in clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the emissions criteria management strategy is a geo-fencing strategy.

[0137] 16. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 15, any other suitable claim or any combination of suitable claims, wherein generating an emissions criteria management strategy includes considering and implementing control mechanisms to ensure that acceptable emissions and emission limits and constraints on operating the vehicle and / or power system within a given boundary / region are met.

[0138] 17. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system according to clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the emissions are any compound or combination of compounds known to be harmful to the environment.

[0139] 18. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 1, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein the emissions are at least one of chemicals, compounds, and compositions, such as water, air, fuel, and / or hydrogen, and wherein at least one of the chemicals, compounds, and compositions is in at least one of a gaseous form, a vapor form, a liquid form, and a solid form.

[0140] 19. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 1, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein the emissions are electromagnetic emissions, electrical emissions, and at least one of other types of electrical-based emissions and electromagnetic-based emissions, such as emissions that cause electromagnetic interference (EMI).

[0141] 20. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the emissions are noise.

[0142] 21. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein an emissions criteria management strategy is generated and implemented prior to the vehicle and / or power system entering an area or restricted zone.

[0143] 22. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or powertrain system as recited in clause 21, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein a restricted area is any geographic region or area with specific emissions regulations, restrictions and / or bans.

[0144] 23. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system according to clause 21, any other suitable clause or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the restricted area is at least one of the following: a port emission control area, an underground facility (such as an underground tunnel and one of the stations), a gas station or petrol station, a building, a bus terminal, a mining area, a parking lot, a large garage, a bridge, a tunnel (such as an above-ground tunnel), an aerial partition and a dam.

[0145] 24. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as set forth in clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein managing emissions includes managing emissions readiness or preparedness by dumping, discharging, storing, diluting, and purging the emissions from the vehicle and / or power system to comply with regulations established or to be established in a restricted area.

[0146] 25. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein managing emissions includes managing emissions readiness or preparedness by determining at least one of power availability and the amount of power required to legally enter, operate, run, and / or exit a restricted area.

[0147] 26. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the vehicle and / or power system comprises a marine vessel, a train, a bus, or a mining device.

[0148] 27. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the vehicle and / or power system is used on water, on highways, off highways or off-road, underground, or at high altitudes.

[0149] 28. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the processor and controller communicate with each other, one or more power sources, and one or more emission control devices via a communications network.

[0150] 29. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 1, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein at least one of the processor and the controller is configured to access information about the performance and emissions of each power source present in the vehicle and / or power system.

[0151] 30. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 1, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein a controller is configured to control or manage emissions from the vehicle and / or power system by controlling the operating functions and / or performance of one or more power sources and other devices and / or parts of the vehicle and / or power system.

[0152] 31. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 1, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein one or more emission control devices is at least one of: a valve, a pipe, a line, a wire, a modem, a conduit, a manifold, an actuator, a sensor, a water storage container, a hydrogen storage container, an air storage container, a fuel storage container, a battery pack, an air supply, an electric motor, a generator, and a drive train.

[0153] 32. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein controlling the power output of one or more power sources comprises at least one of: changing, reducing, increasing, canceling, or enhancing the functionality or performance of one or more power sources.

[0154] 33. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein a controller for applying or implementing the emissions management strategy resides on the vehicle and / or power system.

[0155] 34. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein a controller for applying or implementing the emissions management strategy is not present on the vehicle and / or power system.

[0156] 35. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 1, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein managing emissions from one or more emission control devices comprises at least one of: maintaining, reducing, storing, discharging, removing, purifying and / or controlling emissions and emissions, in particular maintaining, reducing, storing, discharging, removing, purifying and / or controlling hydrogen emissions at or below a level of 4% by volume.

[0157] 36. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein managing emissions from one or more emission control devices includes emitting hydrogen from the vehicle and / or power system to prevent accumulation of hydrogen in excess of 4% by volume.

[0158] 37. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 1, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein managing emissions from one or more emission control devices comprises at least one of: emitting, maintaining, reducing, storing, venting, removing, purifying and / or controlling hydrogen from the vehicle and / or power system to prevent hydrogen accumulation in excess of 4% by volume.

[0159] 38. The method of claim 1, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system, wherein managing emissions from one or more emission control devices includes maintaining hydrogen accumulation in the vehicle and / or power system at a level of about 0.1% to about 4% by volume, including any specific percentages subsumed therein.

[0160] 39. The method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein managing emissions from one or more emission control devices includes maintaining hydrogen accumulation in the vehicle and / or power system at the following levels by volume: about 0.5% to about 3.5%, about 1% to about 3.5%, about 1% to about 3.9%, about 1.5% to about 3.5%, about 2% to about 3%, about 2% to about 4%, about 2.5% to about 3.9%, about 2% to about 3%, about 3% to about 4%, and about 3% to about 3.9%.

[0161] 40. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 1, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein implementation of the emission management strategy further includes diluting hydrogen in the exhaust gas, moving a portion of the exhaust gas to an internal storage container, purifying hydrogen from the vehicle and / or power system, or reducing the hydrogen content in the exhaust gas by changing one or more power sources used in the vehicle and / or power system.

[0162] 41. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein implementing the emissions management strategy includes operating one or more components known to facilitate air flow and / or ventilation.

[0163] 42. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 41, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein at least one of the one or more components is a fan, a blower, an exhaust device, and an exhaust system.

[0164] 43. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 1, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein generating an emissions criteria management strategy includes identifying a primary power source selected from one or more power sources of the vehicle and / or power system, wherein the primary power source is used in or near a restricted area.

[0165] 44. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in clause 43, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the primary power source is one of a single power source or a combination of more than one power sources.

[0166] 45. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in clause 43, any other suitable clause, or any combination of the suitable clauses, wherein the primary power source is a prime mover.

[0167] 46. ​​A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in clause 45, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the primary power source is a hydrogen power source.

[0168] 47. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in clause 43, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the primary power source comprises a plurality of power sources, such as a prime mover and a secondary mover.

[0169] 48. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 43, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein the power source in the vehicle and / or power system comprises an engine and a fuel cell or fuel cell stack, and wherein the fuel cell or fuel cell stack is the primary power source in a restricted area.

[0170] 49. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 43, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein the power source in the vehicle and / or power system comprises an engine, a fuel cell or a fuel cell stack, and a battery pack, and wherein the battery pack is the primary power source in a restricted area.

[0171] 50. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 43, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein the power source in the vehicle and / or power system comprises an engine, a fuel cell or a fuel cell stack, and a battery pack, and wherein the fuel cell or the combination of the fuel cell stack and the battery pack is the primary power source in a restricted area.

[0172] 51. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein generating an emissions criteria management strategy includes identifying an area or restricted area and identifying a primary power source that generates power output in the area or restricted area.

[0173] 52. A method for controlling emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system, the method comprising: receiving one or more inputs into a processor in the vehicle and / or power system; generating an emission criteria management strategy by a processor that communicates with one or more power sources and a controller; identifying at least one main power source selected from one or more power sources, wherein the one or more power sources are selected from fuel cells, fuel cell stacks, battery packs, and combinations thereof; implementing the emission criteria management strategy by a controller that communicates with the one or more power sources and one or more emission control devices; engaging the at least one main power source to generate the power output required by the vehicle and / or power system; and controlling the power output of one or more power sources and the exhaust emissions from one or more emission control devices.

[0174] 53. A method for controlling emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 52, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein generating an emissions criteria management strategy comprises generating and applying an emissions criteria management strategy that provides for management and control of emissions from the vehicle and / or power system.

[0175] 54. A method for controlling emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 52, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein generating an emission criteria management strategy includes generating and applying an emission criteria management strategy that meets the power requirements of the vehicle and / or power system while being consistent with emission criteria and / or regulations for the geographic area in which the vehicle and / or power system operates.

[0176] 55. A method for controlling emissions generated by a vehicle and / or powertrain of clause 52, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein generating an emissions criteria management strategy includes generating and applying an emissions criteria management strategy to achieve regulatory readiness or compliance before the vehicle and / or powertrain approaches or enters a restricted or regulated geographic area.

[0177] 56. A method for controlling emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 52, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein generating an emissions criteria management strategy includes generating and applying an emissions criteria management strategy when the vehicle and / or power system approaches, is in proximity to, enters, idles, is parked, is stopped, and / or leaves a restricted area or geographic area.

[0178] 57. A method for controlling emissions generated by a vehicle and / or powertrain system as recited in clause 52, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the emissions criteria management strategy is a geo-fencing strategy.

[0179] 58. A method for controlling emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as claimed in clause 57, any other suitable clause or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein generating an emissions criteria management strategy includes considering and implementing control mechanisms to ensure that acceptable emissions and emission limits and constraints on operating the vehicle and / or power system within a given boundary / region are met.

[0180] 59. A method for controlling emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in clause 52, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the emissions are any compound or combination of compounds known to be harmful to the environment.

[0181] 60. A method for controlling emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 52, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein the emissions are at least one of chemicals, compounds, and compositions, such as water, air, fuel, and / or hydrogen, and wherein at least one of the chemicals, compounds, and compositions is in at least one of a gaseous form, a vapor form, a liquid form, and a solid form.

[0182] 61. A method for controlling emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 52, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein the emissions are electromagnetic emissions, electrical emissions, and at least one of other types of electrical-based emissions and electromagnetic-based emissions, such as emissions that cause electromagnetic interference (EMI).

[0183] 62. A method for controlling emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in clause 52, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the emissions are noise.

[0184] 63. A method for controlling emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as claimed in clause 52, any other suitable clause or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein an emissions criteria management strategy is generated and implemented before the vehicle and / or power system enters an area or restricted zone.

[0185] 64. A method for controlling emissions generated by a vehicle and / or powertrain system as recited in clause 63, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein a restricted area is any geographic region or area with specific emissions regulations, restrictions and / or bans.

[0186] 65. A method for controlling emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as claimed in clause 63, any other suitable clause or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the restricted area is at least one of: a port emission control area, an underground facility (such as an underground tunnel and one of the stations), a gas station or petrol station, a building, a bus terminal, a mining area, a parking lot, a large garage, a bridge, a tunnel (such as an above-ground tunnel), an aerial partition and a dam.

[0187] 66. A method for controlling emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as defined in clause 52, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein managing emissions includes managing emissions readiness or preparedness by dumping, discharging, storing, diluting, and purging the emissions from the vehicle and / or power system to comply with regulations established or to be established in a restricted area.

[0188] 67. A method for controlling emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in clause 52, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein managing emissions includes managing emissions readiness or preparedness by determining at least one of power availability and the amount of power required to legally enter, operate, run, and / or exit a restricted area.

[0189] 68. A method for controlling emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as claimed in clause 52, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the vehicle and / or power system comprises a marine vessel, a train, a bus, or a mining device.

[0190] 69. A method for controlling emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in clause 52, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the vehicle and / or power system is used on water, on highways, off highways or off-road, underground, or at high altitudes.

[0191] 70. A method for controlling emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 52, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein the processor and controller communicate with each other, one or more power sources, and one or more emission control devices via a communications network.

[0192] 71. A method for controlling emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 52, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein at least one of the processor and the controller is configured to access information about the performance and emissions of each power source present in the vehicle and / or power system.

[0193] 72. A method for controlling emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 52, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein the controller is configured to control or manage emissions from the vehicle and / or power system by controlling the operating functions and / or performance of one or more power sources and other devices and / or parts of the vehicle and / or power system.

[0194] 73. A method for controlling emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 52, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein one or more emission control devices is at least one of: a valve, a pipe, a line, a wire, a modem, a conduit, a manifold, an actuator, a sensor, a water storage container, a hydrogen storage container, an air storage container, a fuel storage container, a battery pack, an air supply, an electric motor, a generator, and a drive train.

[0195] 74. A method for controlling emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 52, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein controlling the power output of one or more power sources comprises at least one of: changing, reducing, increasing, canceling, or enhancing the functionality or performance of one or more power sources.

[0196] 75. A method for controlling emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 52, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein a controller for applying or implementing an emissions management strategy is present on the vehicle and / or power system.

[0197] 76. A method for controlling emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as claimed in clause 52, any other suitable clause or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein a controller for applying or implementing an emissions management strategy is not present on the vehicle and / or power system.

[0198] 77. A method for controlling emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as claimed in clause 52, any other suitable clause or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein managing emissions from one or more emission control devices comprises at least one of: maintaining, reducing, storing, discharging, removing, purifying and / or controlling emissions and emissions, in particular maintaining, reducing, storing, discharging, removing, purifying and / or controlling hydrogen emissions at a level at or below 4% by volume.

[0199] 78. A method for controlling emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 52, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein managing emissions from one or more emission control devices includes emitting hydrogen from the vehicle and / or power system to prevent accumulation of hydrogen in excess of 4% by volume.

[0200] 79. A method for controlling emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 52, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein managing emissions from one or more emission control devices includes at least one of: emitting, maintaining, reducing, storing, venting, removing, purifying and / or controlling hydrogen from the vehicle and / or power system to prevent hydrogen accumulation in excess of 4% by volume.

[0201] 80. The method of controlling emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system of clause 52, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein managing emissions from one or more emission control devices includes maintaining hydrogen accumulation in the vehicle and / or power system at a level of about 0.1% to about 4% by volume, including any specific percentages subsumed therein.

[0202] 81. The method for controlling emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system of clause 52, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein managing emissions from one or more emission control devices includes maintaining hydrogen accumulation in the vehicle and / or power system at the following levels by volume: about 0.5% to about 3.5%, about 1% to about 3.5%, about 1% to about 3.9%, about 1.5% to about 3.5%, about 2% to about 3%, about 2% to about 4%, about 2.5% to about 3.9%, about 2% to about 3%, about 3% to about 4%, and about 3% to about 3.9%.

[0203] 82. A method for controlling emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 52, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein implementing the emission management strategy further comprises diluting hydrogen in the exhaust gas, moving a portion of the exhaust gas to an internal storage container, purifying hydrogen from the vehicle and / or power system, or reducing the hydrogen content in the exhaust gas by changing one or more power sources used in the vehicle and / or power system.

[0204] 83. A method for controlling emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 52, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein implementing an emissions management strategy includes operating one or more components known to facilitate air flow and / or ventilation.

[0205] 84. A method for controlling emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 83, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein at least one of the one or more components is a fan, blower, exhaust device, and exhaust system.

[0206] 85. A method for controlling emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 52, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein generating an emissions criteria management strategy includes identifying a primary power source selected from one or more power sources of the vehicle and / or power system, wherein the primary power source is used in or near a restricted area.

[0207] 86. A method for controlling emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in clause 85, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the primary power source is one of a single power source or a combination of more than one power sources.

[0208] 87. A method for controlling emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in clause 85, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the primary power source is a prime mover.

[0209] 88. A method for controlling emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in clause 85, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the primary power source is a hydrogen motive force.

[0210] 89. A method for controlling emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in clause 83, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the primary power source comprises a plurality of power sources, such as a prime mover and a secondary mover.

[0211] 90. A method for controlling emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 83, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein the power source in the vehicle and / or power system comprises an engine and a fuel cell or a fuel cell stack, and wherein the fuel cell or fuel cell stack is the primary power source in a restricted area.

[0212] 91. A method for controlling emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 83, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein the power source in the vehicle and / or power system comprises an engine, a fuel cell or a fuel cell stack, and a battery pack, and wherein the battery pack is the primary power source in a restricted area.

[0213] 92. A method for controlling emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 83, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein the power source in the vehicle and / or power system comprises an engine, a fuel cell or a fuel cell stack, and a battery pack, and wherein the fuel cell or the combination of the fuel cell stack and the battery pack is the primary power source in a restricted area.

[0214] 93. A method for controlling emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as claimed in clause 52, any other suitable clause or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein generating an emissions criteria management strategy comprises identifying an area or restricted area and identifying a primary power source generating power output in the area or restricted area.

[0215] 94. A method for controlling emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 52, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein implementing the emission standards management strategy also includes diluting hydrogen in the exhaust gas, moving a portion of the exhaust gas to an internal storage container, purifying hydrogen from the vehicle and / or power system, or reducing the hydrogen content in the exhaust gas by changing one or more power sources used in the vehicle and / or power system.

[0216] 95. A method for controlling emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in clause 94, any other suitable clause or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein generating an emissions criteria management strategy further comprises identifying an area or restricted area and identifying a primary power source that generates power output in the area or restricted area.

[0217] 96. A system for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system, comprising: one or more power sources; a processor that generates an emissions criteria management strategy based on one or more inputs and the one or more power sources, wherein the one or more power sources are selected from fuel cells, fuel cell stacks, battery packs, and combinations thereof; and a controller that implements the emissions criteria management strategy in the one or more power sources and one or more emission control devices of the vehicle and / or power system.

[0218] 97. A system for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as claimed in claim 96, any other suitable claim or any combination of suitable claims, wherein generating an emissions criteria management strategy comprises generating and applying an emissions criteria management strategy that provides for management and control of emissions from the vehicle and / or power system.

[0219] 98. A system for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 96, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein generating an emissions criteria management strategy includes generating and applying an emissions criteria management strategy that meets power requirements of the vehicle and / or power system while being consistent with emission criteria and / or regulations for the geographic area in which the vehicle and / or power system operates.

[0220] 99. A system for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or powertrain of clause 98, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein generating an emissions criteria management strategy includes generating and applying an emissions criteria management strategy to achieve regulatory readiness or compliance before the vehicle and / or powertrain approaches or enters a restricted or regulated geographic area.

[0221] 100. A system for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as claimed in clause 96, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein generating emission criteria management strategies comprises generating and applying emission criteria management strategies when the vehicle and / or power system approaches, is in proximity to, enters, idles, is parked, is parked and / or leaves a restricted area or geographic area.

[0222] 101. A system for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or powertrain system as recited in clause 96, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the emissions criteria management strategy is a geo-fencing strategy.

[0223] 102. A system for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as claimed in clause 57, any other suitable clause or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein generating an emissions criteria management strategy includes considering and implementing control mechanisms to ensure that acceptable emissions and emission limits and constraints on operation of the vehicle and / or power system within a given boundary / region are met.

[0224] 103. A system for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as claimed in clause 96, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the emissions are any compound or combination of compounds known to be harmful to the environment.

[0225] 104. A system for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 96, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein the emissions are at least one of chemicals, compounds, and compositions such as water, air, fuel, and / or hydrogen, and wherein at least one of the chemicals, compounds, and compositions is in at least one of a gaseous form, a vapor form, a liquid form, and a solid form.

[0226] 105. A system for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 96, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein the emissions are electromagnetic emissions, electrical emissions, and at least one of other types of electrical-based emissions and electromagnetic-based emissions, such as emissions that cause electromagnetic interference (EMI).

[0227] 106. A system for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in clause 96, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the emissions are noise.

[0228] 107. A system for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as claimed in clause 96, any other suitable clause or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein an emissions criteria management strategy is generated and implemented before the vehicle and / or power system enters an area or restricted area.

[0229] 108. A system for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or powertrain system as claimed in clause 96, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein a restricted area is any geographic area or region with specific emissions regulations, restrictions and / or bans.

[0230] 109. A system for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as claimed in clause 96, any other suitable clause or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the restricted area is at least one of: a port emission control area, an underground facility (such as an underground tunnel and one of the stations), a gas or petrol station, a building, a bus terminal, a mining area, a parking lot, a large garage, a bridge, a tunnel (such as an above-ground tunnel), an aerial partition and a dam.

[0231] 110. A system for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as provided in clause 96, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein managing emissions includes managing emissions readiness or preparedness by dumping, discharging, storing, diluting, and purging the emissions from the vehicle and / or power system to comply with regulations established or to be established in a restricted area.

[0232] 111. A system for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as claimed in clause 96, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein managing emissions includes managing emissions readiness or preparedness by determining at least one of power availability and the amount of power required to legally enter, operate, run, and / or exit a restricted area.

[0233] 112. A system for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as claimed in clause 96, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the vehicle and / or power system comprises a marine vessel, a train, a bus, or a mining device.

[0234] 113. A system for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as claimed in clause 96, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the vehicle and / or power system is used on water, on highways, off highways or off-road, underground, or at high altitudes.

[0235] 114. A system for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 96, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein the processor and controller communicate with each other, one or more power sources, and one or more emission control devices via a communications network.

[0236] 115. A system for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as claimed in claim 96, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein at least one of the processor and the controller is configured to access information about the performance and emissions of each power source present in the vehicle and / or power system.

[0237] 116. A system for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as claimed in claim 96, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein the controller is configured to control or manage emissions from the vehicle and / or power system by controlling the operating functions and / or performance of one or more power sources and other devices and / or parts of the vehicle and / or power system.

[0238] 117. A system for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 96, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein one or more emission control devices is at least one of: a valve, a pipe, a line, a wire, a modem, a conduit, a manifold, an actuator, a sensor, a water storage container, a hydrogen storage container, an air storage container, a fuel storage container, a battery pack, an air supply, an electric motor, a generator, and a drive train.

[0239] 118. A system for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 96, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein controlling the power output of one or more power sources comprises at least one of: changing, reducing, increasing, canceling, or enhancing the functionality or performance of one or more power sources.

[0240] 119. A system for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 96, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein a controller for applying or implementing the emissions management strategy is present on the vehicle and / or power system.

[0241] 120. A system for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as claimed in claim 96, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein a controller for applying or implementing the emissions management strategy is not present on the vehicle and / or power system.

[0242] 121. A system for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as claimed in claim 96, any other suitable claim or any combination of suitable claims, wherein managing emissions from one or more emission control devices comprises at least one of: maintaining, reducing, storing, discharging, removing, purifying and / or controlling emissions and emissions, in particular maintaining, reducing, storing, discharging, removing, purifying and / or controlling hydrogen emissions at a level at or below 4% by volume.

[0243] 122. A system for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 96, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein managing emissions from one or more emission control devices includes emitting hydrogen from the vehicle and / or power system to prevent accumulation of hydrogen in excess of 4% by volume.

[0244] 123. A system for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as claimed in claim 96, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein managing emissions from one or more emission control devices includes at least one of: emitting, maintaining, reducing, storing, venting, removing, purifying and / or controlling hydrogen from the vehicle and / or power system to prevent hydrogen accumulation in excess of 4% by volume.

[0245] 124. A system for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 96, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein managing emissions from one or more emission control devices includes maintaining hydrogen accumulation in the vehicle and / or power system at a level of about 0.1% to about 4% by volume, including any specific percentages subsumed therein.

[0246] 125. A system for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as claimed in claim 96, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein managing emissions from one or more emission control devices includes maintaining hydrogen accumulation in the vehicle and / or power system at the following levels by volume: about 0.5% to about 3.5%, about 1% to about 3.5%, about 1% to about 3.9%, about 1.5% to about 3.5%, about 2% to about 3%, about 2% to about 4%, about 2.5% to about 3.9%, about 2% to about 3%, about 3% to about 4%, and about 3% to about 3.9%.

[0247] 126. A system for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 96, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein implementation of the emission management strategy also includes diluting hydrogen in the exhaust gas, moving a portion of the exhaust gas to an internal storage container, purifying hydrogen from the vehicle and / or power system, or reducing the hydrogen content in the exhaust gas by changing one or more power sources used in the vehicle and / or power system.

[0248] 127. A system for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 96, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein implementation of the emissions management strategy includes operating one or more components known to facilitate air flow and / or ventilation.

[0249] 128. A system for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 127, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein at least one of the one or more components is a fan, blower, exhaust, and exhaust system.

[0250] 129. A system for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as claimed in claim 96, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein generating an emissions criteria management strategy includes identifying a primary power source selected from one or more power sources for the vehicle and / or power system, wherein the primary power source is used in or near a restricted area.

[0251] 130. A system for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in clause 129, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the primary power source is one of a single power source or a combination of more than one power sources.

[0252] 131. A system for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in clause 129, any other suitable clause, or any combination of the suitable clauses, wherein the primary power source is a prime mover.

[0253] 132. A system for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in clause 129, any other suitable clause, or any combination of the suitable clauses, wherein the primary power source is a hydrogen power motive force.

[0254] 133. A system for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in clause 127, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the primary power source comprises a plurality of power sources, such as a prime mover and a secondary mover.

[0255] 134. A system for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 127, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein the power source in the vehicle and / or power system comprises an engine and a fuel cell or fuel cell stack, and wherein the fuel cell or fuel cell stack is the primary power source in a restricted area.

[0256] 135. A system for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 127, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein the power source in the vehicle and / or power system comprises an engine, a fuel cell or a fuel cell stack, and a battery pack, and wherein the battery pack is the primary power source in a restricted area.

[0257] 136. A system for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 127, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein the power source in the vehicle and / or power system comprises an engine, a fuel cell or a fuel cell stack, and a battery pack, and wherein the fuel cell or the combination of the fuel cell stack and the battery pack is the primary power source in a restricted area.

[0258] 137. A system for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as claimed in clause 96, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the one or more power sources comprise at least one main power source for the vehicle and / or power system.

[0259] 138. A system for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 137, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein one or more emission control devices comprises at least one sensor of the vehicle and / or power system.

[0260] 139. A system for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as claimed in clause 96, any other suitable clause or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein generating an emissions criteria management strategy comprises identifying an area or restricted area and identifying a primary power source generating power output in the area or restricted area.

[0261] 140. A system for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as claimed in clause 96, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein implementation of the emission management strategy further comprises diluting hydrogen in the exhaust gas, moving a portion of the exhaust gas to an internal storage container, purifying hydrogen from the vehicle and / or power system, or reducing the hydrogen content in the exhaust gas by changing one or more power sources used in the vehicle and / or power system.

[0262] 141. A system for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as claimed in clause 96, any other suitable clause or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein generating an emissions criteria management strategy also includes identifying an area or restricted area and identifying a primary power source generating power output in the area or restricted area.

[0263] 142. A system for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as claimed in clause 96, any other suitable clause or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the system is employed when the vehicle and / or power system enters a zone or restricted area.

[0264] 143. A system for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as claimed in clause 96, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein one or more emission control devices comprises at least one storage container of the vehicle and / or power system.

[0265] 144. A system for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as claimed in clause 143, any other suitable clause or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein generating an emissions criteria management strategy also includes identifying an area or restricted area and identifying a primary power source generating power output in the area or restricted area.

[0266] 145. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as claimed in clause 1, any other suitable clause or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein an emissions guideline management strategy is implemented before the vehicle and / or power system enters a first area of ​​a restricted area.

[0267] 146. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in clause 145, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein emissions from one or more emission control devices are managed when the vehicle and / or power system travels from a first area to a second area of ​​a restricted area.

[0268] 147. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 1, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein one or more power sources are further selected from a diesel engine, an internal combustion engine, a hydrogen-powered engine, or a combination thereof.

[0269] 148. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the emission criteria management strategy comprises a first emission criteria management strategy and a second emission criteria management strategy.

[0270] 149. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 148, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein a first emissions criteria management strategy is transmitted to a first primary power source and a second emissions criteria management strategy is transmitted to a second primary power source.

[0271] 150. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or powertrain system as recited in claim 149, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein a first emission criteria management strategy and a second emission criteria management strategy are both implemented by a controller to one or more emission control devices.

[0272] 151. A method for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in clause 150, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein a first primary power source and a second primary power source are selectively utilized.

[0273] 152. A system for managing emissions generated by a vehicle and / or power system as recited in claim 96, any other suitable claim, or any combination of suitable claims, wherein one or more power sources are further selected from a diesel engine, an internal combustion engine, a hydrogen-powered engine, or a combination thereof.

[0274] As used herein, elements or steps listed in the singular and beginning with the word "one" or "an" should be understood as not excluding a plurality of said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. In addition, reference to "one embodiment" of the subject matter described in the present invention is not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate said features. The specified numerical ranges of units, measurements and / or values ​​include, consist essentially of, or consist of all numerical values, units, measurements and / or ranges that include or are within these ranges and / or endpoints, regardless of whether these numerical values, units, measurements and / or ranges are explicitly specified in the present disclosure.

[0275] Unless otherwise defined, the technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those generally understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. The terms "first", "second", "third", etc. used herein do not represent any order or importance, but are used to distinguish one element from another. The terms "or" and "and / or" are meant to be inclusive, and refer to any one, all, or any combination of the listed items. In addition, the terms "connect" and "couple" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or couplings, and may include electrical connections or couplings, whether direct or indirect. Direct connection and / or coupling may include such connection and / or coupling without intermittent connection or parts present between two endpoints, parts or projects. Indirect connection and / or coupling may include the situation where one or more intermittent or intermediate connections and / or couplings are present between corresponding endpoints, parts or projects.

[0276] In addition, unless expressly stated to the contrary, embodiments that "comprise," "include," or "have" an element or elements having a particular property may include additional such elements that do not have that property. The terms "comprise" or "comprising" refer to compositions, compounds, formulations, or methods that are inclusive and do not exclude additional elements, ingredients, and / or method steps. The term "comprising" also refers to compositions, compounds, formulations, or method embodiments of the present disclosure that are inclusive and do not exclude additional elements, ingredients, or method steps.

[0277] The phrases “consisting of” or “composed of” refer to compounds, compositions, formulations, or methods excluding the presence of any additional elements, ingredients, or method steps. The term “consisting of” also refers to compounds, compositions, formulations, or methods of the present disclosure excluding the presence of any additional elements, ingredients, or method steps. The phrases “consisting essentially of” or “consisting essentially of” refer to compositions, compounds, formulations, or methods that include additional elements, ingredients, or method steps that do not materially affect the property(s) of the composition, compound, formulation, or method. The phrase “consisting essentially of” also refers to compositions, compounds, formulations, or methods of the present disclosure that include additional elements, ingredients, or method steps that do not materially affect the property(s) of the composition, compound, formulation, or method step.

[0278] As used herein throughout the specification and claims, approximate language can be used to modify any quantitative representation, which can be allowed to vary without causing a change in the basic function associated therewith. Therefore, the value modified by one or more terms such as "about" and "substantially" is not limited to the specified exact value. In some cases, approximate language may correspond to the accuracy of the instrument used to measure the value. Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and / or interchanged. Such a range is determined and includes all subranges contained therein, unless the context or language indicates otherwise.

[0279] As used herein, the terms "may" and "may be" indicate the possibility of occurring under a set of circumstances; possessing a specified characteristic, feature, or function; and / or qualifying another verb by expressing one or more capabilities, properties, or possibilities associated with the qualified verb. Thus, the use of "may" and "may be" indicates that the modified term is clearly suitable, capable, or suitable for the indicated capacity, function, or usage, while taking into account that the modified term may sometimes be inappropriate, unable, or inappropriate in some circumstances.

[0280] It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. For example, the above embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) may be used individually, together or in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt specific situations or materials to the teachings of the present subject matter set forth herein without departing from the scope thereof. Although the size and type of the material described herein are intended to limit the parameters of the disclosed subject matter, they are by no means restrictive, but exemplary embodiments. After reading the above description, many other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the scope of the subject matter described herein should be determined with reference to the full scope of the equivalents authorized by the appended claims and these claims.

[0281] The written description uses examples to disclose several embodiments of the subject matter set forth herein, including the best mode, and also to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to practice the embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, including making and using the devices or systems and performing the methods. The patentable scope of the subject matter described herein is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to a person of ordinary skill in the art. Such other examples are intended to fall within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that differ slightly from the literal language of the claims.

[0282] Although only certain features of the present invention have been shown and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is therefore to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A method for managing hydrogen emissions generated by a vehicle, the method comprising: controlling a first power source and a second power source different from the first power source so that the first power source provides a majority of the total power required by the vehicle, receiving one or more inputs into a processor of a vehicle, the one or more inputs comprising a vehicle location and geo-fence constraints of the vehicle, generating, by the processor, an emissions criteria management strategy based on the one or more inputs, Determine the distance between the vehicle's vehicle location and the geofence constraint, and In response to the distance being equal to or less than a threshold, implementing an emissions criteria management strategy via a controller in communication with the first power source, the second power source, and the one or more emissions control devices, Wherein implementing an emissions regulation management strategy includes managing hydrogen emissions from one or more emission control devices. 2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein managing hydrogen emissions from the one or more emission control devices comprises moving a portion of the hydrogen emissions to an internal storage container of the vehicle for storage before the vehicle enters the geo-fence constraint.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein managing hydrogen emissions from the one or more emission control devices comprises purging hydrogen emissions from the vehicle before the vehicle enters a geo-fence constraint to prevent hydrogen from accumulating in excess of 4% by volume. 4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein managing hydrogen emissions from the one or more emission control devices comprises diluting hydrogen emissions before a vehicle enters a geo-fence restriction.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The first power source is an engine and the second power source is a battery.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the first power source is a fuel cell and the second power source is a battery. 7 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the threshold is greater than zero such that an emissions guideline management strategy is implemented before the vehicle enters the geo-fence constraint.

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein managing hydrogen emissions from the one or more emission control devices comprises controlling the first power source and the second power source via the controller such that the second power source provides a majority of the total power required by the vehicle, thereby reducing the generation of hydrogen emissions by the first power source.

9. The method of claim 1 further comprising receiving sensor input into the processor from one or more sensors on the vehicle, the sensor input being related to an amount of hydrogen emissions from one or more emission control devices.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising charging the second power source in response to the distance being greater than the threshold.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The vehicle includes a marine vessel, a train, a bus or a mining equipment.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the vehicle is used on waterways, highways, off-highways, off-road, underground, or at high altitudes.

13. A system for managing hydrogen emissions generated by a vehicle, the system comprising: The first power source, A second power source different from the first power source, a processor that generates an emissions criteria management strategy based at least in part on one or more inputs, wherein the one or more inputs include a vehicle location and geo-fence constraints of a vehicle, and A controller is configured to operate a first power source such that the first power source provides a majority of the total power required by the vehicle, and is configured to implement an emissions criteria management strategy by managing hydrogen emissions from one or more emission control devices in response to determining that a distance between a vehicle location of the vehicle and a geo-fence constraint is equal to or less than a threshold.

14. The system of claim 13, further comprising an internal storage container, wherein a portion of the hydrogen exhaust is moved to the internal storage container for storage before the vehicle enters the geo-fence constraint.

15. The system of claim 13, further comprising a ventilation system, wherein hydrogen exhaust is purged from the vehicle by the ventilation system before the vehicle enters the geo-fence confinement.

16. The system of claim 13, wherein: The first power source is an engine and the second power source is a battery.

17. The system of claim 13, wherein the first power source is a fuel cell and the second power source is a battery.

18. The system of claim 13, wherein the threshold is greater than zero such that the emissions criteria management strategy is implemented before the vehicle enters a geo-fence constraint.

19. The system of claim 13, wherein: The controller is configured to operate the first power source and the second power source such that the second power source provides a majority of the total power required by the vehicle to manage hydrogen emissions from the one or more emission control devices to reduce generation of hydrogen emissions by the first power source.

20. The system of claim 13, further comprising one or more sensors configured to provide sensor input to the processor related to an amount of hydrogen emissions from the one or more emission control devices.

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