Fuel Cell Assembly With Operating Temperatures For Extended Life

摘要

A fuel cell assembly ( 20 ) includes an electrochemically active portion ( 40 ) that operates at an average operating temperature within a temperature range that is selected based upon an expected life cycle of the fuel cell assembly ( 20 ). In a disclosed example, the average operating temperature range for the electrochemically active portion is between about 340° F. (171° C.) and about 360° F. (182° C.). Maximum and minimum operating temperatures of the electrochemically active portion may be outside of the average operating temperature range. In one example, the electrochemically active portion is maintained at a temperature of at least 300° F. (149° C.) and less than 400° F. (204° C.).