FAST STARTING FUEL CELL

摘要

An electrical power supply system has a fuel cell module and a battery. The fuel cell can be selectively connected to the battery system through a diode. The system preferably also has a current sensor and a controller adapted to close a contactor in a by-pass circuit around the diode after sensing a current flowing from the fuel cell through the diode. The system may also have a resistor and a contactor in another by-pass circuit around the diode. In a start-up method, a first contactor is closed to connect the fuel cell in parallel with the battery through the diode and one or more reactant pumps for the fuel cell are turned on. A current sensor is monitored for a signal indicating current flow through the diode. After a current is indicated, a by-pass circuit is provided around the diode.

主权项

1. An electrical power supply system comprising,
a) a fuel cell module; b) a source of electrical power, preferably stored electrical power, such as a battery; c) a diode; and, d) an electrical circuit configured to selectively connect the fuel cell module to the battery or other source of electrical power either around or through the diode.