Stack end cell heater control methodology
US8372555B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 27, 2006 |
| Grant date | Feb 12, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 11, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A fuel cell system that employs end cell heaters in the end cells of a fuel cell stack in the fuel cell system that consistently maintain the temperature of the end cells above the operating temperature of the stack so as to reduce water in the end cells. In one embodiment, the temperature of the end cells is maintained within the range of 80° C.-85° C. across the entire output power range of the fuel cell stack. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the end cells are electrically coupled in series, and the control signal for controlling the end cells heaters is selected to heat the warmest end cell to the desired temperature.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.