Control method for cold fuel cell system operation
US8192881B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 9, 2007 |
| Grant date | Jun 5, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 13, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T90/40
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method of operating a fuel cell system comprising a fuel cell and a compressor that provides air to the fuel cell. The method comprises sensing a temperature indicative of the temperature of a fuel cell, providing a restriction in an air flow path to the fuel cell when the sensed temperature is below a threshold, and increasing the speed of the compressor to provide a desired air flow to the fuel cell. In at least some implementations, increasing the speed of the compressor increases the power drawn from the fuel cell to power the compressor and helps to increase the heat of the fuel cell. The increased speed of the compressor can also result in warmer air flow from the compressor that can further increase the temperature of the system components.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.