Assisted stack anode purge at start-up of fuel cell system
US8450025B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 3, 2011 |
| Grant date | May 28, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 3, 2031 |
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 enables an assisted anode purge upon start-up is provided. The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack having a plurality of fuel cells with anodes and cathodes. The fuel cell stack has an anode supply manifold and an anode exhaust manifold in fluid communication with the anodes. The fuel cell system further includes a suction device in fluid communication with at least one of the anode supply manifold and the anode exhaust manifold. The suction device adapted to selectively draw a partial vacuum on the fuel cell stack during a start-up of the fuel cell system. Methods for starting the fuel cell system are also provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.