Systems and methods for starting and operating fuel cell systems in subfreezing temperatures
US8034500B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 30, 2007 |
| Grant date | Oct 11, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 10, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T90/40
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Systems and methods for initiating use of, or starting up, fuel cell stacks in subfreezing temperatures. The fuel cell stacks include a thermal management system that is adapted to deliver a liquid heat exchange fluid into thermal communication with a fuel cell stack, such as to heat the stack during startup of the stack when the stack is at a subfreezing temperature or operated in a subfreezing environment. In some embodiments, the thermal management system includes a heat exchange circuit that is configured to provide delivery of the liquid heat exchange fluid to the fuel cell stack even when the conduits are at a subfreezing temperature. In some embodiments, the fuel cell system is configured to deliver liquid heat exchange fluid from the fuel cell stack and heat exchange circuit when the thermal management system is not being utilized.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.