Patent ID: 8097375
Filing Date: 2012-01-17
Classification: H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A method for filling a fuel cell anode supply manifold with hydrogen gas during start-up, the method comprising the steps of: providing a fuel cell stack having a plurality of fuels cells, the fuel cell stack including an anode supply manifold and an anode exhaust manifold, the anode supply manifold having a fluid disposed therein and in fluid communication with a source of hydrogen gas, wherein an anode inlet conduit defines a volume between the source of hydrogen gas and the anode supply manifold; providing a first valve in fluid communication with the anode supply manifold, wherein the first valve is disposed at a first end of the fuel cell stack and spaced from the anode inlet conduit; providing a second valve in fluid communication with the anode exhaust manifold; supplying hydrogen into the anode inlet conduit with no substantial amount of hydrogen flowing into the anode supply manifold, the first valve and the second valve each in a closed position, thereby pressurizing an active area of the fuel cells of the fuel cell stack to a pre-determined pressure level; and opening the first valve to facilitate a purging of at least a portion of the fluid from the anode supply manifold to facilitate a filling of the anode supply manifold with hydrogen, wherein the pressure level of the active areas of the fuel cells militates against a flow of hydrogen through the fuel cells.