Method of using H2 purge for stack startup/shutdown to improve stack durability
US7799475B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 26, 2004 |
| Grant date | Sep 21, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 10, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method of fuel cell shutdown and start-up is provided. The method of shutdown includes introducing hydrogen gas into the cathode passages to purge a cathode gas from the cathode passages, then introducing air through the cathode and anode passages to remove water droplets and vapor from the fuel cell stacks. The method from fuel cell start-up includes introducing hydrogen gas into the anode and cathode passages to consume/purge oxygen in both the anode and cathode passages, and then introducing a cathode gas into the cathode passages. The introduction of hydrogen into the cathode passages in both the shutdown and start-up procedures allow a rapid draw down of the anode/cathode open circuit voltage and avoids providing a hydrogen/air front while the cathode is filled with air.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.