Fluid flow pulsing for increased stability in PEM fuel cell

a technology of pem fuel cell and fluid flow, which is applied in the field of fuel cells, can solve the problems of reducing system efficiency, inability to operate the fuel cell stack, and waste of high-grade reactants, and achieves the effects of increasing the efficiency of the system
US20050260463A1Inactive Publication Date: 2005-11-24GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
US · United States
Patent Type
Applications(United States)
Current Assignee / Owner
GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
Publication Date
2005-11-24
Estimated Expiration
Not applicable · inactive patent

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Abstract

A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack and a flow control device that controls a supply of a first phase fluid flowing through the fuel cell stack. A controller monitors at least one parameter of the fuel cell stack and controls the supply to generate pulses of reactant when the at least one parameter crosses a threshold to flush a second phase fluid from said fuel cell stack.
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Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to fuel cells, and more particularly to regulating reactant and coolant flows to increase stability of a fuel cell. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Fuel cells produce electricity through electrochemical reaction and have been used as power sources in many applications. Fuel cells can offer significant benefits over other sources of electrical energy, such as improved efficiency, reliability, durability, cost and environmental benefits. Fuel cells may, eventually be used in automobiles and trucks. Fuel cells may also power homes and businesses.

[0003] There are several different types of fuel cells, each having advantages that may make them particularly suited to given applications. One type is a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell, which has a membrane sandwiched between an anode and a cathode. The membrane and respective electrodes together in an assembly are referred to as a membrane electrode assembly (MEA). To p...

Claims

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