Solid polymer fuel cell system and method for humidifying and adjusting the temperature of a reactant stream
US6416895B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 9, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jul 9, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 9, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Reactant gas supply streams for solid polymer fuel cells may be heated and humidified using heat generated by the fuel cell and water vapor from the fuel cell exhaust. The heat and water vapor in the oxidant exhaust stream are sufficient to heat and humidify a reactant gas supply stream, preferably the oxidant supply stream. The heating and humidifying can be accomplished by flowing a reactant gas supply stream and a fuel cell exhaust gas stream on opposite sides of a water permeable membrane in a combined heat and humidity exchange apparatus. The method and apparatus are particularly suitable for use with air-cooled fuel cell systems and systems which employ near ambient pressure air as the oxidant gas supply.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.