摘要:
A gas flow control system for a fuel cell includes a gas supply and a humidifier. A fuel cell stack includes a cathode flow line with an inlet and an outlet. The inlet of the cathode flow line is connected to the outlet of the humidifier. A combustor includes an inlet that receives gas from the outlet of the cathode flow line. A valve and a bypass line bypass gas around the humidifier and the fuel cell stack to the combustor. The valve is preferably one of a gas restriction valve, a throttle valve, and a directional valve. A gas flow sensor generates a gas flow signal based on gas flowing through at least one of the humidifier, the cathode flow line of the fuel cell stack, and the bypass line. A flow controller that is connected to the gas flow sensor and the valve controls the valve based on the gas flow signal.
摘要:
A fuel cell monitor connector electrically connects a fuel cell monitor to a fuel cell stack. The fuel cell monitor connector includes a non-conductive housing. First connectors on the housing align with second connectors located on fuel cell plates of the fuel cell stack. A third connector on the housing mates with a fourth connector coupled to the monitor. Conductors connect the first connectors to the third connector. A clamping device includes a lever and has locked and released positions. When the clamping device is in the locked position, the first connectors retain the second connectors. When the clamping device is in the released position, the first connectors release the second connectors. The clamping device is a zero insertion force connector.
摘要:
A humidity control system for a fuel cell stack includes a gas supply and a humidifier including an outlet and an inlet connected to the gas supply. A fuel cell stack includes an inlet that is connected to the outlet of the humidifier. A bypass line and a valve bypass gas around the humidifier to control the humidity of gas entering the fuel cell stack. The valve is located in the bypass line, between the gas supply and the humidifier, or between the humidifier and the fuel cell stack. The valve is a gas restriction valve, a throttle valve, or a directional valve. A humidity sensor generates a humidity signal based on humidity of gas entering the fuel cell stack. A controller connected to the humidity sensor and the valve controls the valve based on the humidity signal. The inlet of the fuel cell stack is one of a cathode flow line and an anode flow line of the fuel cell stack.
摘要:
An energy management system controls the temperature of a fuel cell system while a vehicle is not running. The energy management system includes a fuel cell stack, a blower that provides air to the fuel cell stack, a water supply, and a hydrogen supply. A hydrogen supply valve is connected between the hydrogen supply and the fuel cell stack. A heater is connected to an output of the fuel cell stack. A controller controls the hydrogen supply valve and the blower to power the heater to warm the fuel cell stack and the water supply. The controller starts the blower and opens the hydrogen supply valve if heating is necessary and if a tank level signal exceeds a first tank level value. The controller activates a purge, drains water from the water supply, and inhibits vehicle startup if the tank level signal does not exceed a first tank level value.
摘要:
An electrochemical engine for a vehicle comprises a storage tank containing hydrogen-retention material which reversibly takes-up and stores hydrogen at a hydrogen-storage temperature and releases it upon heating to a release temperature. A fuel cell stack using the released hydrogen produces electricity and heat by-product. A primary coolant flow circuit extends from a radiator, through the fuel cell stack and the storage tank, and back to the radiator, and has a coolant-distribution valve intermediate the fuel cell stack and the storage tank. A bypass coolant flow line extends from the coolant-distribution valve to the radiator. During operation, the heat by-product of the fuel cell stack is transferred via the primary coolant flow circuit to the storage tank for heating the hydrogen-retention material to release hydrogen for fueling the fuel cell stack. The electrochemical engine further comprises a heat generator within a superheater coolant flow loop having a bypass valve intermediate the storage tank and the radiator operable to keep coolant within the superheater coolant flow loop and a secondary pump to circulate the coolant. Coolant in the superheater coolant flow loop is heated by the heat generator and circulated through the storage tank to further release hydrogen gas from the hydrogen-retention material.
摘要:
Described is a method of conditioning a gas stream comprising passing the gas stream into a vessel 10 which contains a rotating enclosure 12 and which contains an apparatus 18 to rotate the enclosure, which enclosure is pressure sealed from the surrounding atmosphere and which is divided into a plurality of modulating zones 14, 16; treating the gas to modify its properties within the enclosures due to the presence of modulating materials 68 within the zones in the enclosure; and passing the modified gas to an outlet 24, 25 of the vessel. Also described is an apparatus for conditioning a plurality of gas streams.