METHOD FOR MAINTAINING THE PERFORMANCE OF A FUEL CELL SYSTEM, AND FUEL CELL GAS CIRCUIT

摘要

The invention relates to a method for maintaining the performance of a fuel cell (1) having a polymer electrolyte membrane, the fuel cell being arranged in a system comprising a fuel gas supply circuit (11) connecting a tank (HT) for fuel gas to the anode of the fuel cell, and an oxidizing gas supply circuit (12b) connecting a tank for oxidizing gas or the ambient air, said method comprising the following steps: • - the fuel cell is supplied with fuel gas and oxidizing gas, • - when the fuel cell reaches an operating state in which current is produced, the oxidizing gas supply is cut at the cathode-side entrance of the fuel cell, • - the oxidizing gas supply is restored after a defined period and/or when the voltage across the terminals of the fuel cell reaches a defined level, • - the two preceding steps are periodically repeated as long as the fuel cell is operating. The invention further relates to a gas circuit of a fuel cell.