System stability improvements tolerating increased nitrogen cross-over
US7695844B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 13, 2005 |
| Grant date | Apr 13, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 10, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T90/40
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A control strategy for removing nitrogen from the anode side of a fuel cell stack. The control strategy includes using a bleed valve to remove the nitrogen during the operation of the fuel cell stack until the stack ages to a point where the bleed valve is maintained open, but the concentration of nitrogen in the anode side of the stack continues to increase. Once the concentration of nitrogen in the anode side increases to a predetermined level, then a purge valve is opened in combination with the bleed valve to reduce the concentration of nitrogen. Once the nitrogen concentration is reduced below the level, then both valves are closed, and the sequence is repeated.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.