Accelerated testing method of rapidly evaluating lifespan of fuel cell
US7906243B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 23, 2006 |
| Grant date | Mar 15, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 9, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method of estimating a lifespan of a fuel cell including a cathode and an anode which contain catalysts and an electrolyte membrane interposed between the anode and the cathode. A cyclic potential with a voltage ranging from a low voltage to a voltage greater than oxidation voltages of the catalysts is applied between the anode and the cathode and fuel cell performance is measured initially and after a predetermined number of cycles. The lifespan of the fuel cell may estimated based on degradation of cell performance after the predetermined number of cycles, based on CV curves obtained during the cycling of the potential and/or a change in particle size of the catalysts after the predetermined number of cycles.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.