Patent ID: 8048574
Filing Date: 2011-11-01
Classification: H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A method for shutting off a fuel cell system, the system including a fuel cell having a reactive gas passage, the fuel cell generating electricity with a reactive gas supplied to the reactive gas passage, the method comprising: determining an actual temperature of the fuel cell; selecting one of a normal operation mode and a low temperature operation mode to expedite starting of the fuel cell, based on the actual temperature of the fuel cell; determining whether or not the fuel cell has been started in the low temperature operation mode; providing an instruction for a shutoff of electricity generation of the fuel cell; supplying a scavenging gas for the reactive gas passage; and comparing the actual temperature of the fuel cell with a predetermined temperature, wherein when the actual temperature of the fuel cell is higher than the predetermined temperature, the scavenging gas is humidified according to the actual temperature of the fuel cell, and wherein when the actual temperature of the fuel cell is not higher than a predetermined temperature, the scavenging gas is not humidified.