초록 ▼

A method and apparatus increase the temperature of a fuel cell via reactant starvation at one or both electrodes. Reactant starvation at an electrode results in an increased overvoltage at the electrode and hence increased internal heat generation under load. Starvation conditions can be prolonged o

A method and apparatus increase the temperature of a fuel cell via reactant starvation at one or both electrodes. Reactant starvation at an electrode results in an increased overvoltage at the electrode and hence increased internal heat generation under load. Starvation conditions can be prolonged or intermittent and can be obtained, for example, by suitably reducing the supply rate of a reactant or by operating the fuel cell at sufficiently high current density so as to consume reactant faster than it is supplied. The method can allow for some generation of useful power by the fuel cell during start-up. The method is particularly suitable for starting up a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell from temperatures below 0.degree. C.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A method of starting a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell from a starting temperature below the normal operating temperature of said fuel cell, the temperature of said fuel cell rising to said normal operating temperature over a starting period, said method comprising:

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A method of starting a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell from a starting temperature below the normal operating temperature of said fuel cell, the temperature of said fuel cell rising to said normal operating temperature over a starting period, said method comprising:supplying an oxidant reactant stream to the cathode electrode of said fuel cell;supplying a fuel reactant stream to the anode electrode of said fuel cell; andreactant starving at least a portion of one of said electrodes during said starting period.