Controlling oxygen concentrations in fuel cell cooling water loops
US4824738A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 12, 1988 |
| Grant date | Apr 25, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 12, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
In order to achieve good stack water chemistry and minimize corrosion in a fuel cell stack water cooling loop, the oxygen concentration in the water must remain within a relatively narrow range. Stacks using steam separators produce water in the separators which is relatively devoid of oxygen. Makeup water is used to replace the steam lost from the separator, which makeup water is relatively rich in oxygen. The flow rates of the makeup water and steam separator water are controlled to produce a proper oxygen concentration in the recirculated coolant water. Some of the makeup water will be added directly into the steam separator so that it will be stripped of oxygen and the rest will be added subsequent to the steam separator.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.