Fuel cell system with improved humidification system
US7438986B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 22, 2004 |
| Grant date | Oct 21, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 16, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method for operating a fuel cell power plant. The fuel cell can include a reactant passage (22) with an upstream portion and a downstream portion for providing reactant to an electrode (16, 18), at least one liquid passage (24), and a plate (20) made from a porous material that is liquid permeable and conductive. The porous material separates the reactant passage and the liquid passage. A pressure profile is controlled to provide a positive pressure difference in the upstream portion and a negative pressure difference in the downstream portion. A positive pressure difference is one where the liquid pressure is higher than that of the reactant. A negative pressure difference is one where the liquid pressure is less than that of the reactant. The pressure profile can be used to provide enhanced humidification of the reactant in the upstream portion and effective liquid water removal in the downstream portion to maximize both the performance and the life of the fuel cell.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.