Patent ID: 8048581
Filing Date: 2011-11-01
Classification: H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A system for removing gases from an aqueous coolant flow field in a PEM fuel cell power plant, said system comprising: a) an aqueous coolant flow field containing a non-circulating liquid coolant; b) a vacuum pump at an outlet end of said aqueous coolant flow field adapted to draw gases from said coolant into said outlet end of said coolant flow field ; c) a gas-permeable member disposed in said outlet end of said coolant flow field, said member being operative to pass gases from said coolant to ambient surroundings ; d) a sensor configured to detect a coolant level in said outlet end of said flow field; and e) means for selectively reducing said vacuum responsive to detection of the coolant level in said outlet end of said flow field so as to prevent said coolant from contacting said member.