Method and apparatus for the operation of a cell stack assembly during subfreezing temperatures
US7282285B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 5, 2002 |
| Grant date | Oct 16, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 23, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A cell stack assembly (102) coolant system comprises a coolant exhaust conduit (110) in fluid communication with a coolant exhaust manifold (108) and a coolant pump (112). A coolant inlet conduit (120) enables transportation of the coolant to the coolant inlet manifold. The coolant system further includes a bypass conduit (132) in fluid communication with the coolant exhaust manifold and the coolant inlet manifold, while a bleed valve (130) is in fluid communication with the coolant exhaust conduit and a source of gas. Operation of the bleed valve enables venting of the coolant from the coolant channels, and through a shut down conduit (124). An increased pressure differential between the coolant and reactant gases forces water out of the pores in the electrode substrates (107,109). An ejector (250) prevents air form inhibiting the pump. Pulsed air is blown (238,239,243,245) through the coolant channels to remove more water.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.