Fuel cell device and method of operating the same
US8367261B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 30, 2011 |
| Grant date | Feb 5, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 30, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Fuel cell device comprising a fuel cell assembly with at least one polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell and a fuel delivery means for providing a fuel flow. The device is provided with means for pre burning adapted to burn fuel entering the fuel cell assembly during the start up phase until the fuel flow is increased to a predetermined level and/or the oxygen concentration is decreased to a predetermined level. A method of operating the assembly comprises the steps of initiating the start up phase by causing the fuel delivery means to deliver a fuel flow, whereby a means for pre burning burns off fuel entering the fuel cell assembly, monitoring the fuel flow and/or the oxygen concentration and when the fuel flow is increased to a predetermined level and/or the oxygen concentration is decreased to a predetermined.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.