초록 ▼

A method and apparatus are provided for distributing water produced by the electrochemical reaction to ion-exchange membranes in an array comprising a plurality of electrochemical fuel cell stacks. Water distribution within individual fuel cell stacks within the array is improved to reduce membrane

A method and apparatus are provided for distributing water produced by the electrochemical reaction to ion-exchange membranes in an array comprising a plurality of electrochemical fuel cell stacks. Water distribution within individual fuel cell stacks within the array is improved to reduce membrane dryness near the oxidant stream inlet and to also reduce saturation of the oxidant stream near the oxidant stream outlet, thereby reducing electrode flooding. The method comprises periodically reversing the oxidant stream flow direction within at least one of the plurality of fuel cell stacks. The apparatus comprises an oxidant stream flow switching device for periodically switching the flow direction of an oxidant stream through an individual fuel cell stack.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [10.]10. A fuel cell array comprising a plurality of electrochemical fuel cell stacks, wherein each one of said plurality of fuel cell stacks comprises at least one fuel cell assembly, said array further comprising an oxidant stream flow switching device for periodically rever

[ What is claimed is:] [10.]10. A fuel cell array comprising a plurality of electrochemical fuel cell stacks, wherein each one of said plurality of fuel cell stacks comprises at least one fuel cell assembly, said array further comprising an oxidant stream flow switching device for periodically reversing the oxidant stream flow direction within at least one of said plurality of fuel cell stacks without simultaneously reversing the oxidant stream flow direction in all of said plurality of fuel cell stacks.