Communications Module COM

A communications module handles both internal communications and external communications. The communications are dominated by the system s main control board, and the central processing unit (CPU) is a key component on this board. The internal communications are between the main control board and all the subcontrol boards such as those for pumps, fans, blowers, and solenoid valves. The external communications are between the fuel cell system and the load as well as remote monitoring devices. 

The communications are based on selected and mutually understandable agreements, so that the entities at the communications ends can understand each other otherwise, communications cannot proceed. 

Remote communications allow a distant user to know the situation of the fuel cell system through a monitoring device. If the monitoring device is a computer, the user can remotely control and operate the fuel cell system. Remote communications can be through wireless, telephone line, or Internet. Broadband Internet can transport a large amount of data at faster rates. Wireless connections will be the choice when there is no telephone line or Internet port at the location where the fuel cell system is used. 

A fuel cell system often has interfaces for connecting to a computer or to other electronic monitoring or controlling devices, and at least one port is for connecting to a Universal Serial Bus (USB) for data transfer or other purposes. 

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