Method and apparatus for venting and purging of a fuel cell
US7132181B2 · kind B2 · utility
0Cited by
5References
13Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 8, 2003 |
| Grant date | Nov 7, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 27, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Hydrogen in a fuel cell is vented and purged with a fail-closed valve using stored energy (e.g. from a capacitor) when a diagnostic parameter is outside of an acceptable operating range. The valve closes after the stored energy has depleted. A safety switch in the relay circuit of the solenoid switch (or solenoid valve) is also grounded in computer-implemented shutdowns. Benefits from the invention include use of air-compatible catalysts, minimized parasitic losses to power output, minimized contamination of fuel cell internal surfaces after venting, minimized risk of explosive mixture buildup, and efficient operation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.