Method for cold-start of fuel cell stack
US10249890B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 19, 2015 |
| Grant date | Apr 2, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 23, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T90/40
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Methods and systems are provided for cold-start of fuel cell stack in fuel cell vehicles. In one example, a method may include in response to cold-start of fuel cell vehicle, limiting the load drawn from the fuel cell stack. In addition, a coolant pump may be operated at a higher rate through a bypass loop to get heat quickly to the fuel cell stack to increase the solubility of water in the fuel cell stack to prevent ice formation. The net effect is that the fuel cell stack is then operated within the ice capacity of the membrane, and start-up at lower temperatures is possible without experiencing an intermittent performance drop due to active area freezing. Once the fuel cell stack is sufficiently warmed up, the coolant pump rate and fuel cell stack may be adjusted according to the demand.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.