The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 13, 2010
Filed:
Jul. 13, 2005
Abdullah B. Alp, Rochester, NY (US);
Joe Machuca, Rochester, NY (US);
Abdullah B. Alp, Rochester, NY (US);
Joe Machuca, Rochester, NY (US);
GM Global Technology Operations, Inc., Detroit, MI (US);
Abstract
A control strategy for removing nitrogen from the anode side of a fuel cell stack. The control strategy includes using a bleed valve to remove the nitrogen during the operation of the fuel cell stack until the stack ages to a point where the bleed valve is maintained open, but the concentration of nitrogen in the anode side of the stack continues to increase. Once the concentration of nitrogen in the anode side increases to a predetermined level, then a purge valve is opened in combination with the bleed valve to reduce the concentration of nitrogen. Once the nitrogen concentration is reduced below the level, then both valves are closed, and the sequence is repeated.