Patent ID: 6805984
Filing Date: 2004-10-19
Classification: B60K,B60L,F01P,F02B,H01M,Y02E,Y02T

Abstract:
A method for the operation of a fuel cell system comprising a plurality of fuel cells, a heat exchanger, at least one cooling fan adapted to produce a cooling air flow directed through the heat exchanger and an air compressor for feeding compressed air to said fuel cells, wherein, at least a part of said cooling air is supplied to said fuel cells for the purpose of at least one of:starting the fuel cells; maintaining the operation of such fuel cells in a low load range during idling; maintaining the operation of said fuel cells in a low load range during loss of speed by rolling; and, maintaining said fuel cells operating in a low load range during overrun operation; and wherein said heat exchanger is position adjacent said cooling fan, and flowing air produced by said cooling fan first through said heat exchanger and, thereafter, into said fuel cells.