Fuel cell system water management strategy for freeze capability
US8574776B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 27, 2006 |
| Grant date | Nov 5, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 12, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T90/40
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A fuel cell system that employs a method for determining the potential that a freeze condition will exist after the system is shut-down based on predetermined input, such as ambient temperature, geographical location, user usage profile, date, weather reports, etc. If the system determines that a freeze condition is probable, then the system initiates a purge shut-down of the fuel cell system where water is purged out of the reactant gas flow channels. If the system determines that a freeze condition is unlikely, then it will initiate a normal shut-down procedure without purging the flow channels. The system will then periodically determine if the conditions have changed, and will initiate the purge if a freeze condition subsequently becomes probable.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.