Patent ID: 8101308

Claim:
A method for operating a fuel cell system, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing the fuel cell system including a fuel cell stack having an anode inlet and a cathode inlet, an air compressor in fluid communication with the cathode inlet, at least one sensor adapted to measure a surge indicator, and a controller in electrical communication with the at least one sensor; b) providing an adaptable compressor map for the air compressor, the compressor map having a surge line and a surge control distance (SCD); c) establishing an initial operating setpoint for the air compressor based on the adaptable compressor map; d) monitoring the surge indicator; e) adjusting the adaptable compressor map based on the monitored surge indicator; f) determining a desired operating setpoint based on the adjusted adaptable compressor map; g) establishing an adapted operating setpoint for the air compressor based on the adaptable compressor map following the adjustment thereof; and h) repeating the steps d)-g), thereby optimizing the adaptable compressor map for the air compressor.