Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Michael Standke

Ingo Hermann

Martin Stadie

Nadine Knoeting

A fuel cell includes a cathode layer, an anode layer and a heat exchange plate. The heat exchange plate is in heat exchange relationship with one of the anode layer and cathode layer. The heat exchange plate includes a series of heating channels formed therein. The heating channels have a catalyst coating that promotes an exothermic reaction. The catalyst layer promotes oxidization of hydrogen (H) thereby releasing heat.

Apparatus and method for internal stack temperature control

A system for modulating a temperature of one or more fuel cells in a fuel cell stack includes a catalytic combustor in heat exchange relationship with the fuel cell stack. The catalytic combustor promotes an exothermic reaction. A hydrogen source selectively supplies hydrogen (H) to the catalytic combustor. The Hreacts with oxygen (O) in the exothermic reaction. In one feature, the catalytic combustor lies adjacent to the fuel cell stack and includes a series of catalyst coated flow channels. In another feature, the catalytic combustor includes a plate having a catalyst layer and that is offset from the fuel cell stack. Heat to radiates from the catalytic combustor to the fuel cell stack. In still another feature, a jacket encloses the fuel cell stack to form a gap between the jacket and the fuel cell stack through which hot exhaust from the catalytic combustor circulates.

Apparatus and method for stack temperature control

Apparatus for storing a combustible gas including a pressure storage vessel, a pressure relief valve communicating with the storage vessel for venting the gas from the vessel when the pressure therein is too high, and a catalytic reactor communicating with the pressure relief valve to catalytically combust the gas exiting the valve and thereby reduce the amount of such gas that enters the environment.

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Mainz, Germany

Michael Standke