Method and apparatus for distributing water in an array of fuel cell stacks
US6322914A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 28, 1999 |
| Grant date | Nov 27, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 28, 2019 |
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 distributing water produced by the electrochemical reaction to ion-exchange membranes in an array comprising a plurality of electrochemical fuel cell stacks. Water distribution within individual fuel cell stacks within the array is improved to reduce membrane dryness near the oxidant stream inlet and to also reduce saturation of the oxidant stream near the oxidant stream outlet, thereby reducing electrode flooding. The method comprises periodically reversing the oxidant stream flow direction within at least one of the plurality of fuel cell stacks. The apparatus comprises an oxidant stream flow switching device for periodically switching the flow direction of an oxidant stream through an individual fuel cell stack.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.