CONTROL OF OPERATION OF FUEL CELL SYSTEM

摘要

The flow rate and pressure of the air supplied to the cathode side of a fuel cell system are controlled by the following procedures. Air is supplied at a flow rate and a supply pressure both required for power generation to a cathode. During this supply, the rate of change of the amount of water produced and accumulated in the cathode is estimated on the basis of the required generated energy and the air flow rate. If the accumulated amount of water changes at a high rate of change, the pressure-control value of the outlet of the cathode is opened intermittently to reduce the pressure at the outlet in order to avoid flooding. The flow rate of the air is increased at a lower frequency than that of pressure reduction. Thus, by utilizing the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet of the cathode and the air flow rate, the discharge of the produced water can be promoted with less energy loss.