Ford Motor Company Limited

Daimler Ag

Bdf IP Holdings Ltd.

Christopher J Richards

Herwig Haas

Simon Farrington

Richard Fellows

Elisabeth Funk Woolliams

Laura Iwan

Andrew L Christie

Radu P Bradean

Adrian Kent Roett

David D L Adam

Matthew Blair Guenther

A method for starting operation of a solid polymer fuel cell from a temperature below 0&#xb0; C. is disclosed that prevents certain problems with ice formation as the fuel cell thaws. During startup, the method involves providing the volumetric oxidant flow at a rate less than two thirds of its maximum when the coolant temperature is near 0&#xb0; C.

Freeze start method for fuel cells

A plurality of flow field plate assemblies forms a fuel cell stack. Each flow field plate assembly has a first flow field plate positionable on an anode side of a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) of a first fuel cell, a second flow field plate positionable on a cathode side of an MEA of a second fuel cell, adjacent the first fuel cell. At least one back-feed channel is interposed between the first and second flow field plates. At least a portion of the back-feed channel or a reactant manifold opening formed by the first and second flow field plates has a geometry that forms regions of high and low capillary forces, promoting liquid migration toward regions substantially isolated from a flow of reactants, to prevent water collection and ice formation. The migrated liquid is purged during a purge of the fuel cell stack after operation.

Apparatus and method for managing fluids in a fuel cell stack

Improved water distribution can be obtained within the cells of a fuel cell series stack by maintaining a suitable temperature difference between the cathode and anode sides of each cell in the stack during shutdown. This can be accomplished by thermally insulating the 'hot' end and sides of the stack and by providing a thermal mass adjacent to the 'hot' end.

Shutdown methods and designs for fuel cell stacks

Growing community of inventors

New Westminster, Canada

Christopher J Richards