Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Joseph D Rainville

Matthew C Kirklin

Bruce Jeffrey Clingerman

Aaron R Rogahn

Joseph C Gerzseny

John R Bonkoske

Mahmoud H Abd Elhamid

Victor W Logan

James S Siepierski

Loren Devries

Peter Pospichal

A method for increasing the temperature of a cooling fluid used to control the temperature of a fuel cell stack at a system freeze start-up. The method includes determining that the cooling fluid is frozen or nearly frozen, and if so, deactivating excessive power draw on the fuel cell stack to minimize stack waste heat and activating a cooling fluid heater to heat the cooling fluid. Once it is determined that the cooling fluid is not frozen or is flowing, then the method initiates a normal system start-up.

Method to thaw frozen coolant in a fuel cell system

A fuel cell system is disclosed, wherein the fuel cell system is heated by a fluid during a starting operation to mitigate against vapor condensation and ice formation in a fuel cell assembly and to decrease a warm up time of the fuel cell system.

Cold start compressor control and mechanization in a fuel cell system

A method for determining whether a fuel cell stack cooling fluid is flowing at cold fuel cell system start-up. The method monitors the temperature of the cooling fluid outside of the fuel cell stack, and determines whether the temperature of the cooling fluid is increasing properly as the temperature of the stack increases.

Method to detect no coolant flow in a fuel cell system

A fuel cell system that includes a compressor for providing cathode air to the cathode side of a fuel cell stack and an air filter for filtering the air sent to the compressor to prevent particulates and other contaminants from entering the compressor and the fuel cell stack. The fuel cell system also includes a mass flow meter that measures the flow of air to the compressor and a pressure sensor that measures the pressure of the airflow at the output of the compressor. An electronic compressor map is provided that defines the operating characteristics of the compressor. By knowing the flow through the compressor and the pressure at the outlet of the compressor, an algorithm can determine where on the compressor map the compressor is operating, and from that determine the inlet pressure to the compressor, which in turn shows whether the air filter is clogged or otherwise damaged.

Cathode filter replacement algorithm in a fuel cell system

A variable capacity compressor that is operable in a normal mode and either an upward or downward rapid transient mode includes a compressor that compresses a fluid and a motor that drives the compressor. A controller powers the motor from a main power source when operating in the normal mode and powers the motor from a supplemental power source when operating in the upward rapid transient mode.

Regenerative compressor motor control for a fuel cell power system

A fuel cell system that employs surge prevention by electronically mapping the compressor for discharge pressure versus mass airflow. In one embodiment, the fuel cell system employs a mass flow meter that measures the airflow to the compressor. A controller receives a signal from the mass flow meter indicative of the flow rate of the charge airflow to the compressor, and determines the outlet pressure and temperature of the compressor from the compressor speed and the measured airflow. This gives the compressor map location at which the compressor is operating. In another embodiment, the fuel cell system employs a pressure sensor that measures the output pressure of the compressor, and provides a pressure signal to the controller. The controller determines the mass airflow to the compressor to determine the compressor map location.

Virtual compressor operational parameter measurement and surge detection in a fuel cell system

A method for detecting compressor surge in a fuel cell system. The system includes a turbomachine compressor that delivers charge air to the cathode side of a fuel cell module. A bi-directional mass flow meter measures the airflow through the compressor, and provides an indication of a reverse airflow through the compressor for surge protection. A controller receives a signal from the mass flow meter indicative of the reverse flow. The controller controls a motor driving the compressor and a back pressure valve at the cathode exhaust of the fuel cell module to control the pressure in the fuel cell module to remove the surge condition.

Method for detecting compressor surge in a fuel cell system using a mass flow meter

A fuel cell system that selectively causes cathode input air to by-pass a water vapor transfer (WVT) device during high to low power transients. During normal stack operation, the cathode input air is sent through the WVT device to humidify the cathode input air for proper membrane humidification. For low power stack operation, where the cathode input airflow is reduced, which reduces the ability of the airflow to drive water out of the cathode flow channels, a by-pass valve is switched so the cathode inlet air by-passes the WVT device to reduce the cathode inlet humidification. In one embodiment, heaters at the ends of the stack are turned on during the low power condition to further reduce the accumulation of water in the end channels of the stack.

Cathode transient humidity control in a fuel cell system

An apparatus and method for operating a fuel cell power system utilizing a low voltage power source and system power to power an airmover. The fuel cell power system uses a low voltage power source to power the airmover during start-up and transitions to using system power to power the airmover as the fuel cell stack increases its voltage output. During a shutdown operation the fuel cell power system transitions from using system power to using the low voltage power source to power the airmover enabling a purging operation to be performed. A controller coordinates the operation of the airmover between using the low voltage power source and using electrical power produced by the fuel cell stack to power the airmover.

Low voltage compressor operation for a fuel cell power system

A fuel cell system including a turbomachine compressor that delivers charge air to the cathode side of a fuel cell module. A bi-directional mass flow meter measures the airflow through the compressor, and provides an indication of a reverse airflow through the compressor for surge protection. A controller receives a signal from the mass flow meter indicative of the reverse flow. The controller controls a motor driving the compressor and a back pressure valve at the cathode exhaust of the fuel cell module to control the pressure in the fuel cell module to remove the surge condition.

Centrifugal compressor surge detection using a bi-directional MFM in a fuel cell system

A fuel cell system is provided for storing energy created from the reaction of residual gases at shutdown of a fuel cell stack. This energy can then be used for powering a component of the fuel cell stack and enables air to be used to purge the anode gas.

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Caledonia, NY, United States of America

Joseph D Rainville