An apparatus and method for humidifying a fuel cell flows moisture-containing fuel cell exhaust against a first side of a humidification membrane. A second side of the humidification membrane is in physical contact with the inlet air flow. Moisture from the exhaust air is transferred across the humidification membrane to the inlet air flow. The humidified inlet air flow conveys moisture to the power section of the fuel cell. In this manner, fuel cell components requiring humidification, for example a proton exchange membrane, are prevented from becoming dehydrated and inoperable.
The invention is a method of reducing catalyst dissolution in the cathode of a membrane electrode assembly fuel cell, the method comprising the steps of: (a) preparing a membrane electrode assembly comprising an anode, a cathode and a polymer electrolyte membrane interposed between the anode and the cathode; (b) assembling a fuel cell using the membrane electrode assembly; (c) applying a fluid comprising an oxidant to the cathode of the membrane electrode assembly; (d) applying a fluid comprising a fuel to the anode of the membrane electrode assembly; and (e) supplying a sufficient quantity of reducing agent to the cathode to maintain the average open-circuit voltage of the cathode at less than about 0. 98 V.
Wen Liu - Newark DE, US William Johnson - Newark DE, US Simon Cleghorn - Newark DE, US Ronald Reid - North East MD, US
International Classification:
H01M 8/00 H01M 8/10
US Classification:
429013000, 429033000, 429030000
Abstract:
The invention is a method of reducing catalyst dissolution in the cathode of a membrane electrode assembly fuel cell, said method comprising the steps of: (a) preparing a membrane electrode assembly comprising an anode, a cathode and a polymer electrolyte membrane interposed between said anode and said cathode; (b) assembling a fuel cell using said membrane electrode assembly; (c) applying a fluid comprising an oxidant to said cathode of said membrane electrode assembly; (d) applying a fluid comprising a fuel to said anode of said membrane electrode assembly; and (e) supplying a sufficient quantity of reducing agent to said cathode to maintain the average open-circuit voltage of said cathode at less than about 0.98 V.
Peter A. Lehman - Arcata CA Charles E. Chamberlin - Arcata CA Ronald M. Reid - McKinleyville CA Thomas G. Herron - Eureka CA
Assignee:
Humboldt State University Foundation
International Classification:
H01M 804
US Classification:
429 13
Abstract:
A polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell using hydrogen as the fuel and oxygen containing air as the oxidant. The fuel cell including a hydrogen side electrode; an air side electrode; an electrolyte positioned between the electrodes; a hydrogen diffuser/collector plate including hydrogen channels; and an air diffuser/collector plate including air channels. A method of operation of the fuel cell including introducing hydrogen into the hydrogen channels and introducing air into the air channels at a pressure of less than 5 psig and with a channel velocity of between about 0. 15 and 7. 0 meters/second.
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Company / Classification
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Ronald W. Reid Owner
Nottingham Mobile Homes Sales & Park Ret Mobile Homes
478 W Christine Rd, Nottingham, PA 19362 6109328600
Ronald Lee Reid Manager
R & D Underground Construction, LLC
Ronald W. Reid Mbr
Monterey Refuse Service, LLC Refuse System
478 W Christine Rd, Nottingham, PA 19362 6109327711