摘要 |
A fuel cell system 20 comprises a fuel cell 2 having an anode flow path extending through the fuel cell between an anode inlet 8 and an anode outlet 9, and a cathode flow path extending through the fuel cell between a cathode inlet 10 and a cathode outlet 11. An anode purge valve 22 is coupled to the anode outlet 9 and has an outlet 23 coupled to the cathode inlet 10. A purge valve controller 21 is configured to effect a purge cycle by opening and closing the anode purge valve 22 and to monitor a fuel cell voltage profile during the purge cycle to determine an operational state of the anode purge valve. Preferably, a fuel cell voltage drop during a period following a command signal instructing opening of the anode purge valve 22 is used to indicate successful start of a purge cycle, and a fuel cell voltage rise during a period following a command signal instructing closing of the anode purge valve 22 is used to indicate a successful end to a purge cycle. The purge valve controller 21 may also be configured to monitor a fuel cell system temperature following opening or closing of the anode purge valve 22. |