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:
Jun. 05, 2012
Filed:
Jul. 09, 2007
Matthew C. Kirklin, Pittsford, NY (US);
Prem C. Menon, Pittsford, NY (US);
Bruce J. Clingerman, Palmyra, NY (US);
Matthew C. Kirklin, Pittsford, NY (US);
Prem C. Menon, Pittsford, NY (US);
Bruce J. Clingerman, Palmyra, NY (US);
GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Detroit, MI (US);
Abstract
A method of operating a fuel cell system comprising a fuel cell and a compressor that provides air to the fuel cell. The method comprises sensing a temperature indicative of the temperature of a fuel cell, providing a restriction in an air flow path to the fuel cell when the sensed temperature is below a threshold, and increasing the speed of the compressor to provide a desired air flow to the fuel cell. In at least some implementations, increasing the speed of the compressor increases the power drawn from the fuel cell to power the compressor and helps to increase the heat of the fuel cell. The increased speed of the compressor can also result in warmer air flow from the compressor that can further increase the temperature of the system components.