Method for storing purged hydrogen from a vehicle fuel cell system
US6406805B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 19, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jun 18, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 19, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method of operating a fuel cell having an anode passage. The method includes collecting hydrogen from the anode passage that does not pass through the catalyst membrane. The hydrogen, together with water and inert gases, are directed to a hydrogen storage container. The hydrogen storage container includes a hydrogen storage media such as metal hydride, carbon adsorbents, or carbon nanofibers. A sensor determines whether or not the vehicle is moving. When the vehicle is stopped or moving slowly, the surplus hydrogen is directed to the hydrogen storage container for temporary storage. When the sensor determines that the vehicle is moving at a high speed, the surplus hydrogen is vented to atmosphere and the hydrogen storage media is renewed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.