초록 ▼

The present invention provides a method for initiating a fuel cell power system by directly introducing a gas containing oxygen into the fuel cell stack 10. A gas storage source 28 provides oxidizer to the fuel cell 10 such that there is enough initial power to generate a load. The air compressor 24

The present invention provides a method for initiating a fuel cell power system by directly introducing a gas containing oxygen into the fuel cell stack 10. A gas storage source 28 provides oxidizer to the fuel cell 10 such that there is enough initial power to generate a load. The air compressor 24 is started electrically by a portion of the load, and begins to supply compressed air to the cathode 14. The fuel cell stack 10 thereby obtains a further quantity of oxidizer from the compressed air. The air system valve 32 then operates to transfer the fuel cell stack 10 from the gas storage source 28 to the air compressor 24.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed:] [1.] A fuel cell power system comprising:a fuel cell stack for continuously generating electric power to a load, said fuel cell having an anode, a cathode, and an electrolytic layer therebetween, in which a fuel containing hydrogen is supplied to said anode and a gas containing o

[ What is claimed:] [1.] A fuel cell power system comprising:a fuel cell stack for continuously generating electric power to a load, said fuel cell having an anode, a cathode, and an electrolytic layer therebetween, in which a fuel containing hydrogen is supplied to said anode and a gas containing oxygen is supplied to said cathode to generate said electric power;a gas storage source for supplying a stored gas to said cathode;a compressor started electrically by a portion of said load, said compressor supplying compressed air to said cathode and to said gas storage source; anda valve operable to select between said stored gas and said compressed air when said fuel cell stack is operable on oxygen supplied entirely from said air compressor.