Method and apparatus for electrochemical compression and expansion of hydrogen in a fuel cell system
US7045233B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 7, 2002 |
| Grant date | May 16, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 13, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T90/40
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The invention relates to fuel cell systems and associated methods of operation where an electrochemical cell such as a fuel cell is used as an electrochemical hydrogen separator to separate hydrogen from a process stream (e.g., reformate or synthesis gas), or as an electrochemical hydrogen expander to inject hydrogen into a process stream. In one aspect, the invention provides a method of operating a fuel cell system, including the following steps: flowing hydrogen from a hydrogen supply conduit through a fuel cell to provide an electric current to a load coupled to the fuel cell; actuating an electrochemical hydrogen separator in a first mode of operation of the system to transfer hydrogen from the hydrogen supply conduit to a hydrogen storage vessel; and actuating an electrochemical hydrogen expander in a second mode of operation of the system to transfer hydrogen from the hydrogen storage vessel to the fuel cell.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.