17773133. METHOD FOR OPERATING A FUEL CELL SYSTEM AND CONTROL DEVICE FOR SAME simplified abstract (Robert Bosch GmbH)

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METHOD FOR OPERATING A FUEL CELL SYSTEM AND CONTROL DEVICE FOR SAME

Organization Name

Robert Bosch GmbH

Inventor(s)

Helerson Kemmer of Vaihingen (DE)

Ingo Brauer of Vaihingen (DE)

Felix Guenther of Stuttgart (DE)

Michael Schmidt of Weinstadt (DE)

METHOD FOR OPERATING A FUEL CELL SYSTEM AND CONTROL DEVICE FOR SAME - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 17773133 titled 'METHOD FOR OPERATING A FUEL CELL SYSTEM AND CONTROL DEVICE FOR SAME

The invention pertains to a method for operating a fuel cell system, specifically a PEM fuel cell system, where hydrogen-containing anode gas is supplied to at least one fuel cell through an anode gas path, and anode gas exiting the fuel cell is returned via a recirculation path. To reduce the nitrogen content in the anode gas, a flush valve in the recirculation path is opened for flushing. The hydrogen content of the anode gas is determined using sensors and utilized as a control variable for flushing the recirculation path. A control device is also provided to carry out this method.

  • The invention involves a method for operating a fuel cell system, focusing on reducing nitrogen content in the anode gas.
  • A flush valve in the recirculation path is opened to flush the system and improve performance.
  • Sensors are used to determine the hydrogen content of the anode gas, which is then used to control the flushing process.
  • A control device is included to facilitate the implementation of this method.

Potential Applications

This technology can be applied in various fuel cell systems to enhance efficiency and performance by optimizing the composition of the anode gas.

Problems Solved

The method addresses the issue of high nitrogen content in the anode gas, which can negatively impact the operation and efficiency of fuel cells.

Benefits

  • Improved performance and efficiency of fuel cell systems.
  • Enhanced control over the composition of the anode gas.
  • Increased longevity of fuel cell components.

Commercial Applications

Title: Enhanced Control Method for Fuel Cell Systems This technology can be utilized in automotive, stationary power generation, and portable electronic devices powered by fuel cells. It offers a competitive advantage by improving overall system efficiency and reducing maintenance costs.

Prior Art

Prior research in fuel cell systems has focused on optimizing gas composition for improved performance. However, the specific method of using hydrogen content as a control variable for flushing the recirculation path appears to be a novel approach.

Frequently Updated Research

Ongoing research in fuel cell technology continues to explore methods for enhancing system efficiency and performance. Updates in sensor technology and control systems may further improve the implementation of this method.

Questions about Fuel Cell System Control Method

How does the method of using hydrogen content as a control variable improve fuel cell system operation?

By monitoring and adjusting the hydrogen content in the anode gas, the system can maintain optimal operating conditions, leading to improved efficiency and performance.

What are the potential challenges in implementing this control method in different types of fuel cell systems?

Adapting this method to various fuel cell configurations and operating conditions may require customized sensor calibration and control algorithms to ensure effective implementation.


Original Abstract Submitted

The invention relates to a method for operating a fuel cell system (), in particular a PEM fuel cell system, in which at least one fuel cell () is supplied with a hydrogen-containing anode gas via an anode gas path () and anode gas exiting the fuel cell () is returned via a recirculation path (), wherein, in order to reduce a nitrogen content in the anode gas, a flush valve () arranged in the recirculation path () is opened and the recirculation path () is flushed. According to the invention, the hydrogen content of the anode gas is determined using at least one sensor () and used as a control variable when controlling the flushing of the recirculation path (). The invention also relates to a control device () for carrying out the method according to the invention.