METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ADJUSTING THE TEMPERATURE OF A FUEL CELL BY FACILITATING METHANOL CROSSOVER AND COMBUSTION

摘要

A method is provided for adjusting the temperature of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell (2), such as a direct methanol fuel cell or PEM fuel cell. A method is also provided for starting a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell. A solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell apparatus is further provided. In the present methods and apparatus, the temperature of a fuel cell is increased by providing a fuel stream (2c) containing methanol to the fuel cell anode and facilitating methanol crossover and combustion. The methanol concentration or methanol pressure can be adjusted in response to a measured parameter indicative of the fuel cell temperature( 7).