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Freeze start operation in a fuel cell with a blocked anode cell

A technology for fuel cells and fuel cell systems, which is applied to fuel cells, fuel cell additives, circuits, etc., and can solve problems such as ice blocking and battery blocking by ice.

Inactive Publication Date: 2011-08-24
GM GLOBAL TECH OPERATIONS LLC
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0003] In cold cranking conditions, sometimes the battery is or will be blocked by ice

Method used

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  • Freeze start operation in a fuel cell with a blocked anode cell
  • Freeze start operation in a fuel cell with a blocked anode cell
  • Freeze start operation in a fuel cell with a blocked anode cell

Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0041] A method of starting operation under blocked anode conditions that reduces or prevents failed starts is provided. This approach allows for improved efficiency and fewer or shorter freeze-ready purges. This stems from a more severe freeze prediction, which is allowed by the remedial start-up method with anode pressure cycling. A freeze-ready purge is required to dry the stack for a reliable cold start, but the purge requires significant operating time and energy. If freeze conditions are not predicted (eg, based on weather forecasts or current temperatures), the freeze preparation purge can be skipped or reduced, thereby saving energy. However, in the absence of a remedial boot method, freeze prediction must be conservative, since an unpredicted freeze condition that results in a failed boot is an unacceptable nuisance to the user.

[0042] This start-up method can potentially reduce cost by allowing the battery voltage monitor to be omitted. When the battery is rever...

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PUM

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Abstract

Methods for starting a fuel cell system are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes providing hydrogen to an inlet of an anode of the fuel cell pressurizing the anode to a pressure; determining whether a blocked cell condition exists; if a blocked cell condition exists, if no blocked cell condition exists, initiating a normal start sequence, alternately reducing the pressure of the anode and increasing the pressure of the anode until an exit condition exists, the exit condition selected from a voltage of the fuel cell being stable, or a temperature of the fuel cell being greater than about 0 DEG C., or both, and when the exit condition exists, initiating the normal start sequence.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates generally to fuel cells, and more particularly to a method of starting a fuel cell system under freezing conditions in which ice blocks an anode cell. Background technique [0002] Starting a fuel cell system for vehicular applications involves a balance between reliability, durability, and time until acceptable drive away (start length). Reliability includes ensuring that sufficient reactants are present throughout the active area on both sides of the membrane so that a full current can be supported. This must be done without exceeding emission requirements for hydrogen. Factors such as hardware layout, hardware reliability, or various environmental conditions such as temperature, pressure, and humidity will also affect the strategy used to successfully start a fuel cell system. [0003] Under cold cranking conditions, sometimes the battery is or will be blocked by ice. If the anode is blocked, after consuming all the ...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): H01M8/04
CPCH01M2008/1095H01M8/04365H01M8/04552Y02E60/50H01M8/04388H01M8/04559H01M8/04223H01M8/04H01M8/04225H01M8/04228H01M8/04302H01M8/04303H01M8/2457Y02T90/40H01M8/04253H01M8/04671
Inventor S.G.格贝尔M.K.霍尔托普
Owner GM GLOBAL TECH OPERATIONS LLC