Patent ID: 9005830
Filing Date: 2015-04-14
Classification: H01M,Y02E,Y02T

Abstract:
1. A method for starting a fuel cell, the method comprising: providing hydrogen to an inlet of an anode of the fuel cell to pressurize the anode to a pressure; measuring a cell temperature and a cell voltage of the fuel cell; determining from the cell temperature and the cell voltage whether a blocked cell condition exists, wherein the blocked cell condition comprises a blocked anode channel of the fuel cell having an ice blockage, and wherein the blocked cell condition exists when the cell voltage is negative and the cell temperature is below 0° C.; if no blocked cell condition exists, initiating a normal start sequence; if a blocked cell condition exists, alternately and in any order: until an exit condition exists that ensures the ice blockage in the blocked anode channel has melted, wherein the exit condition exists when the cell voltage is stable and the cell temperature is greater than 0° C.; and when the exit condition exists, initiating the normal start sequence.