METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING THE TEMPERATURE WITHIN AN ELECTROCHEMICAL FUEL CELL

摘要

A method of controlling the temperature within an electrochemical fuel cell stack (10) comprises introducing a reactant fluid stream (34) comprising bot h a heat transfer liquid (42) and a reactant (32) into a fuel cell assembly su ch that the reactant fluid stream contacts an electrode (22). The heat transfer liquid is other than water. Preferably, the method further comprises recirculating heat transfer liquid which is in the reactant exhaust stream, typically via a heat exchanger, and re-introducing it into the fuel cell assembly in the reactant fluid stream. The recirculated heat transfer liquid may be directed to a reservoir which in turn supplies heat transfer liquid t o the reactant fluid stream as it is needed. In a further embodiment, the meth od may comprise using the heat transfer liquid to heat a fuel cell stack to a desired operating temperature rather than cooling the stack.