Patent ID: 8057942
Filing Date: 2011-11-15
Classification: H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A method for starting a fuel cell system, the method comprising the steps of: providing a fuel cell stack with a plurality of fuel cells having anodes and cathodes, the fuel cell stack having an anode supply manifold and an anode exhaust manifold in fluid communication with the anodes, the anode supply manifold in fluid communication with a first purge valve and a regulator valve adapted to selectively deliver hydrogen to the anode supply manifold, the anode exhaust manifold in fluid communication with an anode outlet valve; providing a suction device in fluid communication with the first purge valve and the anode outlet valve; drawing a partial vacuum on the fuel cell stack by opening the first purge valve and the anode outlet valve; closing the anode outlet valve; purging the anode supply manifold with hydrogen by opening the regulator valve; closing the first purge valve when the anode supply manifold is substantially filled with hydrogen; supplying the anodes and the anode exhaust manifold with hydrogen by opening the anode outlet valve; and supplying air to the cathodes, wherein the fuel cell stack is placed in an operational mode.