Patent ID: 7718287
Filing Date: 2010-05-18
Classification: H01M,Y02E,Y02T

Abstract:
1. An anode inlet unit for a fuel cell system, said anode inlet unit comprising: a hydrogen gas source; a hydrogen input line responsive to hydrogen gas from the source; a first anode input line coupled to the hydrogen input line; a second anode input line coupled to the hydrogen input line; a first valve provided in the first anode input line; a second valve provided in the second anode input line; a cathode input line coupled to the hydrogen input line; a third valve provided in the cathode input line; a first purge line coupled to the cathode input line and the first anode input line; a second purge line coupled to the cathode input line and the second anode input line; a fourth valve positioned in the first purge line; a fifth valve positioned in the second purge line; and a controller for controlling the first, second, third, fourth and fifth valves, said controller selectively opening and closing the first and second valves to provide the hydrogen gas to the first and second anode input lines, selectively opening and closing the third valve to provide the hydrogen gas to a cathode input and selectively opening and closing the fourth and fifth valves to provide air to the first and second anode input lines, wherein the only valves that the anode inlet unit includes is the first, second, third, fourth and fifth valves to provide a compact design for a small vehicle.