Method of mitigating fuel cell degradation due to startup and shutdown via hydrogen/nitrogen storage
US8492046B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 18, 2006 |
| Grant date | Jul 23, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 21, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method of operating the fuel cell stack having an anode side and a cathode side by flowing hydrogen into the anode side and flowing air into the cathode side. The fuel cell produces electricity that is used to operate a primary electrical device. To shut down the stack in one embodiment, the primary electrical device is disconnected from the stack. The flow of air into the cathode side is stopped and positive hydrogen pressure is maintained on the anode side. The fuel cell stack is shorted and oxygen in the cathode side is allowed to be consumed by hydrogen. The inlet and outlet valves of the anode and the cathode sides are closed. Thereafter, the flow of hydrogen into the anode side is stopped and the flow of exhaust from the cathode side is stopped.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.