Startup reliability using HFR measurement
US8088523B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 6, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jan 3, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 1, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T90/40
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system and method for improving fuel cell system start-up reliability. The method includes determining if the resistance of the membranes in a fuel cell stack is too high, where the reliability of system start-up will be reduced, and if so, providing one or more remedial actions to help ensure that the start-up is more reliable. In one embodiment, the system and method determine that the fuel cell membranes are to dry based on whether a high frequency measurement of the fuel cell stack exceeds a predetermined HFR threshold. If the HFR threshold has been exceeded, a special start-up procedure is used that increases the reliability that the start-up will be successful using the remedial actions, such as reducing cathode airflow and turning on stack end cell heaters.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.