Fuel cell system with purging modules and method of operation

摘要

The fuel cell assembly (2B) has a main stack of PEM (Polymer Electrolyte Membrane) fuel cells (4B) supplied with oxygen and hydrogen reaction gases via control valves (10 O, 10 H). The main fuel cell stack is connected to the main electrical output (30B). The PEM fuel cells are run at less than 80 degrees C. Water formed by the electrochemical reaction is flushed out of the cells by excess oxygen and hydrogen. Water is then separated from the excess gases and the dried gases pass to a secondary fuel cell (44) which supplies current to a separate circuit (54) via a DC/DC converter (50).