Method and system for cooling charge air for a fuel cell, and three-fluid charge air cooler
US9343755B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 26, 2013 |
| Grant date | May 17, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 12, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and system for cooling a pressurized charge air in the fuel cell system of a vehicle, using first and second charge air coolers. The system further includes a gas-to-gas humidifier and a fuel cell stack. According to the method and system, cathode exhaust gas passes through the gas-to-gas humidifier and is also used as the coolant gas in the first charge-air cooler. Therefore, the fuel cell cathode exhaust is heated and reduced in water content, reducing the tendency of water in the exhaust to condense and pool underneath the vehicle. Also provided is a three-fluid heat exchanger which integrates the first and second charge air coolers.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.