FUEL CELL CATHODE SWITCHING FOR AIRCRAFT APPLICATIONS

摘要

An aircraft fuel cell power system includes multiple cathode reactant supply sources to supply oxidant under varied environmental conditions and system requirements during operation.

主权项

1. A fuel cell power system for an aircraft, comprising:
at least one fuel cell having an oxidant supply inlet to the fuel cell; a first oxidant supply source comprising oxygen; a second oxidant supply source comprising air; a controlled valve fluidly connected to the first and second oxidant supply sources and the oxidant supply inlet to direct oxidant from one or both oxidant supply sources to the oxidant supply inlet; and a controller connected to the controlled valve and configured to control flow of oxidant to the oxidant supply inlet of the at least one fuel cell based on at least one system monitored parameter chosen from among pressure, temperature, oxygen content, humidity, and flow demand of the fuel cell, and combinations thereof.