Robert bosch gmbh (20240178418). METHOD FOR OPERATING A FUEL CELL SYSTEM, AND FUEL CELL SYSTEM simplified abstract

From WikiPatents
Jump to navigation Jump to search

METHOD FOR OPERATING A FUEL CELL SYSTEM, AND FUEL CELL SYSTEM

Organization Name

robert bosch gmbh

Inventor(s)

Helerson Kemmer of Vaihingen (DE)

METHOD FOR OPERATING A FUEL CELL SYSTEM, AND FUEL CELL SYSTEM - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240178418 titled 'METHOD FOR OPERATING A FUEL CELL SYSTEM, AND FUEL CELL SYSTEM

Simplified Explanation

The invention relates to a method for operating a fuel cell system, where air is supplied to a fuel cell stack via an air intake path and outgoing air is removed via an outgoing air path. A coolant is conducted through the fuel cell stack to remove waste heat, and in a starting situation, the coolant is heated using at least one heat exchanger before entering the fuel cell stack, with the outgoing air used as a heat source.

  • The method involves heating the coolant with outgoing air before entering the fuel cell stack.
  • The innovation helps improve the efficiency of the fuel cell system, especially in starting situations at freezing temperatures.

Potential Applications

The technology can be applied in various fuel cell systems, particularly those used in cold climates or where efficient heat management is crucial.

Problems Solved

This method solves the issue of efficiently starting a fuel cell system at freezing temperatures, ensuring optimal performance and longevity of the system.

Benefits

The benefits of this technology include improved efficiency, better heat management, and increased reliability in operating fuel cell systems in challenging conditions.

Potential Commercial Applications

This innovation can be utilized in automotive fuel cell systems, stationary power generation units, and portable fuel cell devices, enhancing their performance and reliability.

Possible Prior Art

Prior art may include similar methods of heating coolant using waste heat from fuel cell systems, but the specific approach of using outgoing air as a heat source may be unique to this invention.

Unanswered Questions

How does this method compare to traditional heating systems for fuel cell stacks?

This article does not provide a direct comparison to traditional heating systems, leaving the reader to wonder about the relative efficiency and effectiveness of this innovative approach.

What are the specific temperature ranges at which this method is most effective?

The article does not specify the exact temperature ranges at which heating the coolant with outgoing air is most beneficial, leaving a potential gap in understanding for readers seeking detailed operational parameters.


Original Abstract Submitted

the invention relates to a method for operating a fuel cell system (), in which air is supplied to a fuel cell stack () via an air intake path () and outgoing air emerging from the fuel cell stack () is removed via an outgoing air path (), and in which a coolant of a cooling circuit () is conducted through the fuel cell stack () in order to remove the waste heat. according to the invention, in a starting situation, in particular when starting the fuel cell system () at freezing temperatures, the coolant is heated using at least one heat exchanger () prior to entering the fuel cell stack (), wherein the outgoing air emerging from the fuel cell stack () is used as a heat source.