20240039021. FUEL CELL RE-OXIDATION PREVENTION DURING OPERATION STOP simplified abstract (Cummins Inc.)
Contents
FUEL CELL RE-OXIDATION PREVENTION DURING OPERATION STOP
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Karl J. Haltiner, Jr. of Fairport NY (US)
Malcolm James Grieve of Pittsford NY (US)
Andrew Philip Shapiro of Schenectady NY (US)
FUEL CELL RE-OXIDATION PREVENTION DURING OPERATION STOP - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240039021 titled 'FUEL CELL RE-OXIDATION PREVENTION DURING OPERATION STOP
Simplified Explanation
The abstract of this patent application describes a fuel cell system that includes a hotbox housing a fuel cell stack. The fuel cell stack has a temperature sensor to detect the temperature inside. The system also includes two tanks, one for storing methanol and the other for storing water, each with a valve. A controller is connected to the temperature sensor and controls the valves based on the temperature. The controller sets a dosing rate of methanol to prevent re-oxidation of the fuel cell stack's anode.
- The patent application describes a fuel cell system with a temperature sensor to monitor the temperature inside the fuel cell stack.
- The system includes two tanks, one for storing methanol and the other for storing water, each with a valve.
- A controller is connected to the temperature sensor and controls the valves based on the temperature.
- The controller sets a dosing rate of methanol to prevent re-oxidation of the fuel cell stack's anode.
Potential applications of this technology:
- Fuel cell systems for various applications such as vehicles, portable power devices, and stationary power generation.
- Improved control of fuel cell operation to enhance efficiency and performance.
Problems solved by this technology:
- Prevents re-oxidation of the fuel cell stack's anode, which can degrade performance and efficiency.
- Provides better control over the dosing rate of methanol, optimizing fuel cell operation.
Benefits of this technology:
- Improved fuel cell efficiency and performance.
- Extended lifespan of the fuel cell stack.
- Enhanced control over the fuel cell system's operation.
Original Abstract Submitted
a fuel cell system includes a hotbox configured to house a fuel cell stack, the fuel cell stack including a temperature sensor configured to detect temperature inside the fuel cell stack. the system includes a first tank including a first valve and configured to store methanol. the system includes a second tank including a second valve and configured to store water. the system includes a controller communicatively coupled to receive signals from the temperature sensor and control each of the first valve and the second valve. the controller is configured to set a dosing rate of methanol, based on a temperature of the fuel cells stack, to a predefined dosing rate and initiate operating at least one of the first valve and the second valve to deliver a mixture of methanol and water at the predefined dosing rate to prevent re-oxidation of an anode of the fuel cell stack.
