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:
Jan. 17, 2012
Filed:
Jan. 15, 2008
Gary M. Robb, Honeoye Falls, NY (US);
Steven G. Goebel, Victor, NY (US);
Wenbin Gu, Pittsford, NY (US);
Gary M. Robb, Honeoye Falls, NY (US);
Steven G. Goebel, Victor, NY (US);
Wenbin Gu, Pittsford, NY (US);
GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Detroit, MI (US);
Abstract
A method for filling a fuel cell anode supply manifold with hydrogen prior to a start-up operation to facilitate a substantially even hydrogen distribution across the fuel cell is disclosed. The anode supply manifold is in fluid communication with a source of hydrogen. A first valve in fluid communication with the anode supply manifold and a second valve in fluid communication with an anode exhaust manifold are initially in a closed position while hydrogen is supplied to the anode inlet conduit to pressurize the fuel cell stack. The first valve is then opened to purge at least a portion of a fluid from the anode supply manifold to facilitate a filling of the manifold with hydrogen.