Method and apparatus for commencing operation of a fuel cell electric power generation system below the freezing temperature of water
US5798186A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 7, 1996 |
| Grant date | Aug 25, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 7, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus are provided for starting and operating an electric power generation system comprising an electrochemical fuel cell stack for supplying electric current to an external electrical circuit. The stack comprises at least one fuel cell comprising a membrane electrode assembly comprising an anode, a cathode, and a water permeable ion exchange membrane interposed between the anode and the cathode. A fuel stream and an oxidant stream are each flowable to the fuel cell. At least a portion of the membrane electrode assembly has a temperature below the freezing temperature of water. The supply of electric current to the external circuit from the fuel cell stack is commenced such that the temperature of the membrane electrode assembly exceeds the freezing temperature of water.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.