Daimler Ag

Ford Motor Company Limited

Nissan Motor Company Limited

Michael Procter

Richard Fellows

Yosuke Fukuyama

Takeshi Shiomi

Michael P Sexsmith

Janusz Blaszczyk

Laura Iwan

Shiomi Takeshi

Peter J Bach

Methods are disclosed for starting up a fuel cell system from starting temperatures below 0&#xb0; C. The methods apply to systems comprising a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell stack whose cathodes comprise an oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyst and whose anodes comprise both a hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) catalyst and an oxidation evolution reaction (OER) catalyst. In the methods, from the beginning of starting up until the fuel cell temperature reaches 0&#xb0; C., the fuel cell stack current is kept sufficiently low such that the current density drawn does not exceed the stack's capability for the oxidation evolution and the oxygen reduction reactions to occur at the anode and cathode respectively (i.e. current density drawn is less than the stack's maximum OER/ORR current density).

Below freezing start-up method for fuel cell system

Improved methods are disclosed for shutting down and storing a fuel cell system, particularly for below freezing temperature conditions. The methods comprise stopping power production from the fuel cell stack, monitoring its temperature, and repeatedly performing a predetermined warming operation if the stack temperature falls to a normal threshold temperature. In the improved methods, either an initial threshold temperature and/or an initial warming operation are used that differ from the respective normal threshold temperature and the predetermined warming operation.

Shutdown and storage method for fuel cell system at below freezing temperatures

Methods and systems are provided for cold-start of fuel cell stack in fuel cell vehicles. In one example, a method may include in response to cold-start of fuel cell vehicle, limiting the load drawn from the fuel cell stack. In addition, a coolant pump may be operated at a higher rate through a bypass loop to get heat quickly to the fuel cell stack to increase the solubility of water in the fuel cell stack to prevent ice formation. The net effect is that the fuel cell stack is then operated within the ice capacity of the membrane, and start-up at lower temperatures is possible without experiencing an intermittent performance drop due to active area freezing. Once the fuel cell stack is sufficiently warmed up, the coolant pump rate and fuel cell stack may be adjusted according to the demand.

Method for cold-start of fuel cell stack

Improved methods are disclosed for shutting down and storing a fuel cell system, particularly for below freezing temperature conditions. The methods comprise stopping power production from the fuel cell stack, monitoring the amount of energy remaining in an energy supply, monitoring the stack temperature, and repeatedly performing a predetermined warming operation if the stack temperature falls to a normal threshold temperature and if the amount of energy remaining exceeds a certain minimum amount. In the improved methods, when the amount of remaining energy is less than or equal to the minimum amount, a final warming operation is performed that differs from the predetermined warming operation.

A device for separating a fluid having a water and gas portion in a fuel cell system includes a fluid inlet an a fluid outlet with an outlet valve. The separating device includes a first reservoir region for collecting the water portion of the fluid. The first reservoir region includes a first outlet to feed the water portion in the direction of the fluid outlet. The separating device also includes a second reservoir region having a second outlet that feeds the water portion in the direction of the fluid outlet so that the first reservoir regionis connected in series in terms of flow via the second reservoir region with the fluid outlet. In an installation position of the separating device the first outlet is arranged lower than the second outlet so that deposits of the water portion completely covering the first outlet are prevented from flowing away.

Separating device for a fuel cell system, fuel cell system with the separating device and method for operating the separating device

A fuel cell stack comprising a fuel inlet and an oxidant inlet for allowing the supply of a fuel and an oxidant to the fuel cell stack, respectively, and a fuel outlet and an oxidant outlet for allowing the removal of an anode exhaust and a cathode exhaust from the fuel cell stack, respectively, wherein the fuel outlet is fluidly connected to a high frequency purge valve.

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Vancouver, Canada

Michael Procter