System and method for controlling cathode stoichiometry to minimize RH excursions during transients
US7608351B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 7, 2005 |
| Grant date | Oct 27, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 6, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T90/40
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system and method for providing dynamic cathode stoichiometry control in a fuel cell during stack load transients to minimize relative humidity excursions. Particularly, changes in the cathode stoichiometry is controlled as a function of time in response to a decrease or increase in stack current density. Thus, if the stack current density drops to a predetermined current density, the dynamic stoichiometry logic will monitor the low power condition and determine if the condition is sustained, i.e., for an extended period of time. If the low power condition is not sustained, then the cathode stoichiometry does not change, but if it is sustained, then the cathode stoichiometry is increased. The same delay in changing the cathode stoichiometry can be provided for a transition from a low power condition to a high power condition.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.