Patent ID: 8039155
Filing Date: 2011-10-18
Classification: H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A method of controlling a fuel cell for generating power by a reaction of reactive gases, the method comprising the steps of: calculating a target stoichiometric flow ratio required for power generation where a stoichiometric flow ratio is defined as a ratio of an amount of a reactive gas to be supplied to the fuel cell to a necessary amount of the reactive gas in accordance with a required amount of power generation; controlling an amount of reactive gas supplied to the fuel cell so that a stoichiometric flow ratio meets the target stoichiometric flow ratio; calculating an average stoichiometric flow ratio as an index indicative of stability of power generated by the fuel cell, the average stoichiometric flow ratio decreasing when the stoichiometric flow ratio has not reached the target stoichiometric flow ratio and increasing when the stoichiometric flow ratio meets the target stoichiometric flow ratio; and reducing the amount of the reactive gas supplied to the fuel cell so as to lower the stoichiometric flow ratio when the calculated average stoichiometric flow ratio is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value by which the fuel cell is determined to be in stable condition to perform power generation.