Patent ID: 8563187
Filing Date: 2013-10-22
Classification: H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A method for reducing degradation of a fuel cell system at transitions in operation, the method comprising: initiating a transition from an operating state of the fuel cell system to a stopped state of the fuel cell system by varying a delivery of material to the fuel cell system, wherein varying the delivery of the material affects a potential difference between a first electrode and a second electrode in the fuel cell system; applying potentiostatic control of the fuel cell system after varying the delivery of the material; acquiring operating parameters of the fuel cell system while under the potentiostatic control; and selectively applying a short-circuit between the first electrode and the second electrode based on the acquired operating parameters in order to reduce the potential difference during the transition from the operating state to the stopped state and to compensate for an unequal gas distribution at the first electrode or the second electrode.