초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for managing the performance of a fuel cell system (100) using an agitation means (150). The method of managing the performance involves, monitoring operational parameters (110) of individual fuel cells and the overall fuel cell system, comparing performance parameters (120) o

A method and apparatus for managing the performance of a fuel cell system (100) using an agitation means (150). The method of managing the performance involves, monitoring operational parameters (110) of individual fuel cells and the overall fuel cell system, comparing performance parameters (120) of the system against target values, selecting a control method (130) from a set of available control methods based on the result of comparison of the performance parameters against the target values and using that control method to initiate and control an agitation process, and actuating (140) an agitation means using the selected control method so as alter the monitored operational parameters (160).

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method for managing performance of a fuel cell system having a plurality of fuel cells, each fuel cell having an anode side, a cathode side, and a plurality of operational parameters characterizing its operational state, the method comprising:comparing performance parameters of the system again

1. A method for managing performance of a fuel cell system having a plurality of fuel cells, each fuel cell having an anode side, a cathode side, and a plurality of operational parameters characterizing its operational state, the method comprising:comparing performance parameters of the system against target values to produce a result, said performance parameters being a function of at least one of the plurality of operational parameters of at least one of the plurality of fuel cells in the system, wherein one or more of the operational parameters degrade in response to the settling of a plurality of contaminants on at least one portion of the at least one of the plurality of fuel cells; selecting at least one control method from a plurality of control methods based on the value of said result; initiating an actuation cycle to actuate an agitation means using the selected control method; and agitating the at least one of the plurality of fuel cells using the agitation means, wherein the agitation causes mixing of vapor, liquid, particulates and gaseous components on at least one portion of the fuel cell, and further wherein the agitation causes the plurality of contaminants to be dislodged from the at least one portion of the at least one of the plurality of fuel cells thereby reducing the degradation of the one or more operational parameters.