摘要 |
Apparatus and operating methods are provided for integrated electrochemical hydrogen separation and compression systems. In one possible embodiment, an electrical connection is initiated between an anode and a cathode of an electrochemical cell. Hydrogen is ionized at the anode to flow protons through a proton exchange membrane to the cathode. The protons are reacted with oxygen at the cathode to form water. The electrical connection between the anode and the cathode is removed, and a power supply is connected to the anode and cathode so that the anode has a higher electrical potential with respect to zero than the cathode. Various methods, features and system configurations are discussed. |