Methods for Operating a Fuel Cell System

摘要

Methods of operating a fuel cell system, wherein the fuel cell system is purged at system start-up, are disclosed. The purging automatically stops when the anode plenum is fully purged and replaced with fuel. Also discussed are purge valves that are manually turned ON but are automatically turned OFF as the fuel cell's production of electricity reaches a predetermined level, e.g., steady state or thereabout. The purge valve may be opened at system start-up, or may be opened at system shut-down so that the purge valve is armed and the fuel cell system is purged at the next start-up. Also disclosed is integrated fluidic interface module that contains various fluidic components including one of these purge valves. The integrated fluidic interface module can operate passively or without being actively controlled.

主权项

1. A method for operating a fuel cell system comprising at least one fuel cell, said method comprises the steps of
(a) activating a switch to enable a flow a fuel from a fuel source to the at least one fuel cell and to initiate a venting step of an anode compartment in the at least one fuel cell with said fuel; wherein the venting step continues until a power from the at least one fuel cell stops the venting step, and (b) deactivating the switch to stop the flow of said fuel from said fuel source.