초록 ▼

A proton exchange membrane fuel cell has a noble metal or noble metal alloy catalyst 15 disposed in its air inlet manifold 13. During start up, a fuel cell is warmed to operating temperature by introducing a small amount of hydrogen into a flow of air to the air inlet 12 of the fuel cell where they

A proton exchange membrane fuel cell has a noble metal or noble metal alloy catalyst 15 disposed in its air inlet manifold 13. During start up, a fuel cell is warmed to operating temperature by introducing a small amount of hydrogen into a flow of air to the air inlet 12 of the fuel cell where they react with the catalyst to produce heat at subflame temperatures. The adiabatic temperature rise of the gas stream is limited to about 150.degree. F. by limiting the hydrogen to about one volume percent of the fuel/oxidant mixture, thereby to be capable of raising the fuel cell temperature, for instance, from -40.degree. C. (-40.degree. F.) to about +45.degree. C. (+113.degree. F.), without flame, explosion or drying out of the membrane.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] In a fuel cell having a proton exchange membrane electrolyte and process oxidant channel, fed through an oxidant inlet manifold, in which oxidant is transported to the cathode side of the fuel cell, a method of warming the fuel cell during start up of operation, comprising:supporti

[ We claim:] [1.] In a fuel cell having a proton exchange membrane electrolyte and process oxidant channel, fed through an oxidant inlet manifold, in which oxidant is transported to the cathode side of the fuel cell, a method of warming the fuel cell during start up of operation, comprising:supporting a metal or metal alloy catalyst in said manifold; andproviding a dilute mixture of hydrogen and oxidant to said oxidant inlet manifold at start up, said mixture having a volume percent of hydrogen less than 4%.