초록 ▼

A method and apparatus is provided for operating an electrochemical fuel cell with periodic momentary fuel starvation at the anode. It is believed that such momentary periodic fuel starvation conditions cause the anode potential to increase, resulting in the oxidation and removal of electrocatalyst

A method and apparatus is provided for operating an electrochemical fuel cell with periodic momentary fuel starvation at the anode. It is believed that such momentary periodic fuel starvation conditions cause the anode potential to increase, resulting in the oxidation and removal of electrocatalyst poisons from the anode electrocatalyst and improved fuel cell performance. In a preferred method, while successive localized portions of the fuel cell anode are momentarily periodically fuel starved, the remainder of the fuel cell anode remains electrochemically active and saturated with fuel such that the fuel cell is continually available to generate power.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of operating a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell, said method comprising:supplying an oxidant stream to the cathode of said fuel cell;supplying a fuel stream to the anode of said fuel cell; andperiodically fuel starving at least a portion of said anode, while c

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of operating a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell, said method comprising:supplying an oxidant stream to the cathode of said fuel cell;supplying a fuel stream to the anode of said fuel cell; andperiodically fuel starving at least a portion of said anode, while continuing to produce electrical power from said fuel cell.