Method and apparatus for maintaining neutral water balance in a fuel cell system
US6617065B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 11, 2001 |
| Grant date | Sep 9, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 11, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
In a fuel cell system, sufficient water to supply the consumption needs of the system, particularly by the system humidifiers and fuel processor, can be obtained from the exhaust of the fuel cell stack without the use of a condenser, by controlling the operating temperature of the fuel cell stack. The operating temperature can be controlled, for example, using a controller that monitors water level in the process water reservoir and increases or decreases the operating temperature through control of the fuel cell cooling system to maintain the water level within a predetermined range representative of neutral water balance in the system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.