Active control strategy for PEM fuel cell liquid water evacuation
US7858252B2 · kind B2 · utility
1Cited by
6References
13Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 28, 2004 |
| Grant date | Dec 28, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 20, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The present invention provides a fuel cell stack and a method of operating the same that allows for removal of liquid water and minimizes the impact of liquid water on the performance of the fuel cells. By selectively blocking the cathode reactant flow from exiting the fuel cell stack improved water management can be achieved. The selective blocking of the cathode reactant from exiting the fuel cell stack also helps to increase the partial pressure of the oxygen toward the exit side of the fuel cell stack which improves the chemical kinetics and the voltage produced by the fuel cells.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.