System and method for controlling the humidity level of a fuel cell
US6376111B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 25, 2000 |
| Grant date | Apr 23, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 25, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system for controlling the humidity level of a fuel cell is provided. The system includes a fuel cell, a humidifier for humidifying the fuel cell, and a controller for determining the humidity level of the fuel cell and controlling the humidifier in response to the determined humidity level. The resistance of the fuel cell varies as a function of the humidity level of the fuel cell. Thus, in a preferred system, the controller calculates the resistance of the fuel cell via measurements of AC preferred voltage and current components to determine the humidity level of the fuel cell. A method for controlling the humidity level of a fuel cell is also provided. The steps of the method include: determining the humidity level of the fuel cell, and humidifying the fuel cell in response to the determined humidity level.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.