Intelligent fuel cell systems and control logic for smart use of anode header drain valves for fcs bleed and drainage

Abstract

Presented are intelligent fuel cell systems (FCS) with logic for evacuating water from anode headers of a fuel cell stack, methods for making/using such systems, and vehicles equipped with such systems. A method of operating an FCS includes a system controller confirming the FCS is running and, once confirmed, receiving a bleed request to remove exhaust gas from exhaust output by the anode. Responsive to the bleed request, the controller determines a total bleed valve use (TBVU) indicating prior bleed requests completed by an anode bleed valve, and thereafter determines if the TBVU is less than a maximum bleed valve use (MBVU). If so, the controller responsively commands the bleed valve to bleed the exhaust gas from the anode exhaust. If TBVU is not less than MBVU, the controller commands a header drain valve to bleed the exhaust gas from the anode exhaust and drain water from the anode header.