Patent ID: 8492046
Filing Date: 2013-07-23
Classification: H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A method comprising: operating a fuel cell stack having an anode side and a cathode side, the operating comprising flowing hydrogen into the anode side and flowing air comprising oxygen and nitrogen into the cathode side, producing electricity, and operating a primary electrical device connected to the stack using the electricity; shutting down the stack comprising: disconnecting the stack from the primary electrical device; stopping the flow of air comprising oxygen and nitrogen into the cathode side and maintaining a positive hydrogen pressure on the anode side; shorting the fuel cell stack and allowing oxygen in the cathode side to be consumed by hydrogen; wherein allowing oxygen in the cathode side to be consumed by hydrogen comprises injecting hydrogen gas into the cathode side; thereafter, stopping the flow of hydrogen into and out of the anode side and stopping the flow of exhaust from the cathode side.