Fuel cell module with an integrated additional heater
US6258474A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 24, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jul 10, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 24, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The fuel cell module contains an integrated additional heater for a start-up operation and comprises the following components. Planar fuel cells are connected in series and form a cylindrical stack at the lateral surface of which air infeed points of the cells are located. A jacket is arranged about the cell stack and is formed as a dynamic heat insulation in a manner radially permeable to air. Furthermore, a space between the cell stack and the jacket is provided for an afterburning of gas leaving the cell and for conducting off exhaust gases. Heat sources of the additional heater are arranged at the inner surface of the jacket. During the start-up operation, the heat given off by the additional heater is at least partially introduced into the fuel cells by a radial air flow.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.