Fuel cell operating method with improved hydrogen and oxygen utilization
US7820333B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 25, 2005 |
| Grant date | Oct 26, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 16, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A fuel cell system wherein a plurality of fuel cells are arranged in a series of stages, the number of fuel cells decreasing in number in each stage from anode gas inlet to the anode gas outlet. The system allows for parallel flow to all of the cells in a given stage and series flow between the various stages. A similar configuration is present on a cathode side of the system. However, the direction of flow is reversed, providing a greater number of cells in the stage nearest the cathode outlet and a fewer number of cells in the stage near the cathode gas inlet. The invention further provides for the various stages to be configured such that the direction of flow of the anode gas of a given stage is generally opposite the direction of flow of the cathode gas of a given stage.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.