Patent ID: 8192881
Filing Date: 2012-06-05
Classification: H01M,Y02E,Y02T

Abstract:
1. A method of operating a fuel cell system comprising a fuel cell and a compressor that provides air to the fuel cell, the method comprising: sensing a temperature indicative of the temperature of the fuel cell; providing a restriction in an air flow path from the compressor to the fuel cell when the sensed temperature is below a threshold; sensing a pressure ratio across the compressor; and concurrently, controlling a restriction amount in the air flow path from the compressor to the fuel cell as a function of the sensed pressure ratio, and increasing the speed of the compressor to maintain a desired air flow to the fuel cell and to cause the air supplied to the fuel cell to increase in temperature, wherein the compressor simultaneously draws power from the fuel cell for increasing its speed which in turn generates heat by the fuel cell, and wherein the temperature of the fuel cell is increased.