Method and system for improving the performance of a fuel cell

摘要

An electrochemical fuel cell system adapted for maintaining the efficient production of electrical power. The system comprises a fuel supply containing a hydrogen rich gaseous fuel for delivery to a fuel cell. A fuel supply conduit connects the fuel supply and the fuel cell for delivering a fuel stream of the hydrogen rich gaseous fuel to the fuel cell. An impurity sensor is carried by the fuel supply conduit for detecting impurities in the fuel stream prior to the impurities entering the fuel cell. A heating mechanism is provided in communication with the impurity sensor being operatively associated with the fuel cell for changing the temperature of the fuel cell. The heating mechanism raises the temperature of the fuel cell from a normal operating temperature to an elevated operating temperature when the impurity sensor detects impurities in the fuel stream to prevent the impurities from interfering with fuel cell efficiency.