18547094. METHOD FOR OPERATING A FUEL CELL SYSTEM, AND CONTROL DEVICE simplified abstract (Robert Bosch GmbH)
Contents
METHOD FOR OPERATING A FUEL CELL SYSTEM, AND CONTROL DEVICE
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Tobias Falkenau of Esslingen (DE)
METHOD FOR OPERATING A FUEL CELL SYSTEM, AND CONTROL DEVICE - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18547094 titled 'METHOD FOR OPERATING A FUEL CELL SYSTEM, AND CONTROL DEVICE
The invention described in the abstract is a method for operating a fuel cell system that includes a fuel cell stack, an anode, an anode circuit, and a water separator.
- The method involves feeding an anode gas containing fresh and recirculated hydrogen to the anode in the fuel cell stack via the anode circuit.
- A water separator integrated into the anode circuit separates liquid water from the anode gas, which is then collected in a container.
- The liquid water is removed from the system by intermittently opening a drain valve when the container is full.
- To detect if the container is full, the actual temperature of the anode gas in the inlet area of the anode is compared with a desired temperature.
- If the actual temperature is lower than the desired temperature, the container is considered full, and the drain valve is opened.
Potential Applications: - This method can be used in various fuel cell systems to efficiently manage liquid water content and prevent system malfunctions. - It can be applied in automotive fuel cell systems, stationary power generation systems, and portable fuel cell devices.
Problems Solved: - Efficient removal of liquid water from the fuel cell system. - Preventing water buildup that can lead to system inefficiencies and damage.
Benefits: - Improved performance and longevity of fuel cell systems. - Reduced maintenance and operational costs. - Enhanced overall system reliability.
Commercial Applications: Title: Innovative Water Management System for Fuel Cell Technology This technology can be commercialized in the automotive industry for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, in the energy sector for stationary power generation, and in the consumer electronics market for portable fuel cell devices.
Questions about Fuel Cell Water Management: 1. How does the integration of a water separator improve the efficiency of a fuel cell system's operation? - The integration of a water separator helps prevent liquid water buildup in the system, which can improve overall performance and prevent damage.
2. What are the potential challenges in implementing this method in different types of fuel cell systems? - Some potential challenges could include system compatibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness in different applications.
Original Abstract Submitted
The invention relates to a method for operating a fuel cell system comprising a fuel cell stack (), wherein an anode gas containing fresh and recirculated hydrogen is fed to an anode () in the fuel cell stack () via an anode circuit (), and liquid water contained in the anode gas is separated by means of a water separator () integrated into the anode circuit (), is collected in a container (), and is removed from the system by intermittently opening a drain valve (). According to the invention, in order to detect whether the container () is full, the actual temperature of the anode gas in the inlet area () of the anode () in the fuel cell stack () is compared with a desired temperature. If the actual temperature is lower than the desired temperature, the container () is considered to be full and the drain valve () is opened.
