Fuel cell based power generation systems and methods of operating the same
US8043755B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 22, 2005 |
| Grant date | Oct 25, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 23, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A power generation system has a fuel cell stack and at least one condensation point in the system at which water present after shutdown of the power generation system can condense or collect. Drying after shutdown is improved by maintaining a temperature gradient between the condensation point and at least one other component in the power generation system after shutdown. In one embodiment, the temperature gradient is maintained by housing the fuel cell stack in a thermally insulated container and arranging the condensation point outside of the insulating container. In another embodiment, drying after shutdown is accomplished with an adsorption unit having a water-adsorbing material arranged in a desired location within the power generation system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.