Patent ID: 6162554
Filing Date: 2000-12-19
Classification: H01M,Y02E,Y10S

Abstract:
A method for utilizing heat generated by a fuel cell module which produces exhaust gas comprising air and reaction product vapor and a stream of heated coolant, the method comprising the steps of:passing the exhaust gas through a condensing section of a heat exchanger;condensing at least part of the reaction product vapor in the condensing section of the heat exchanger as the exhaust gas passes therethrough thereby generating heat of condensation;passing a fluid medium through a heat exchange section of the heat exchanger as the reaction product vapor is condensed therein;heating the fluid medium with the heat of condensation generated by the condensing of the reaction product vapor to generate a heated fluid medium;passing the heated coolant through the heat exchange section of the heat exchanger; andtransferring heat from the heated coolant to the fluid medium.