Abstract: A fuel cell stack receiving oxidant into a compressor progressively pressurizing the oxidant from an inlet pressure to a discharge pressure where a fluid connection exists between oxidant effluent from the fuel cell stack and the progressively pressurized oxidant within the compressor at an intermediate pressure between the compressor inlet pressure and the compressor discharge pressure. A pressure regulator is provided for managing pressure of the cell oxidant effluent recycle flow to the compressor, and measurements are taken of compressor power consumption and/or compressor discharge temperature, humidity, and/or pressure to further control the regulator.

Abstract: A mechanization of a fuel cell system and a method of operating the same is provided which simplifies the start-up of the fuel cell system. The fuel cell system can be started up without using any battery derived high voltage power to drive a high voltage compressor. The present invention provides for the use of a low voltage blower to provide oxygen to the cathode side of the fuel cell stack to enable start-up of the fuel cell stack without the initial use of a high voltage compressor. The low voltage blower can be powered by a low voltage power source and/or the voltage produced by the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: System for thermally conditioning, humidifying and filtering reactant feed gases supplied to a stack of fuel cells using an evaporative element, a water spray mechanism and a heat exchanger. The evaporation element also functions as a filter. The evaporative element may take the form of a removable packing (filter media). Use of a controller to manage the rate of nebulized water addition to the feed gas stream is also described. Benefits in filter efficiency and extended filter service life along with volume, weight, and cost reduction in a fuel cell system are realized.

Abstract: A hydrogen blower is provided and includes a housing having a drive unit and a compressor unit disposed therein. The drive unit is separated from the compressor unit by a neutral chamber, whereby the neutral chamber effectively seals the drive unit from the compressor unit. The drive unit includes a drive shaft, whereby the drive shaft extends generally between the drive unit and the compressor unit to selectively drive the compressor. In addition, the drive shaft fixedly supports a series of fan blades such that rotation of the drive shaft imparts a pressure on the neutral chamber to effectively seal the drive unit from the compressor unit. In this manner, the drive motor, compressor, and drive shaft may be packaged in a single housing while effectively sealing the drive unit from the compressor unit through cooperation between the fan blades and the neutral chamber.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack receiving oxidant into a compressor progressively pressurizing the oxidant from an inlet pressure to a discharge pressure where a fluid connection exists between oxidant effluent from the fuel cell stack and the progressively pressurized oxidant within the compressor at an intermediate pressure between the compressor inlet pressure and the compressor discharge pressure. A pressure regulator is provided for managing pressure of the cell oxidant effluent recycle flow to the compressor, and measurements are taken of compressor power consumption and/or compressor discharge temperature, humidity, and/or pressure to further control the regulator.

Abstract: A hydrogen blower is provided and includes a housing having a drive unit and a compressor unit disposed therein. The drive unit is separated from the compressor unit by a neutral chamber, whereby the neutral chamber effectively seals the drive unit from the compressor unit. The drive unit includes a drive shaft, whereby the drive shaft extends generally between the drive unit and the compressor unit to selectively drive the compressor. In addition, the drive shaft fixedly supports a series of fan blades such that rotation of the drive shaft imparts a pressure on the neutral chamber to effectively seal the drive unit from the compressor unit. In this manner, the drive motor, compressor, and drive shaft may be packaged in a single housing while effectively sealing the drive unit from the compressor unit through cooperation between the fan blades and the neutral chamber.

Abstract: System for thermally conditioning, humidifying and filtering reactant feed gases supplied to a stack of fuel cells using an evaporative element, a water spray mechanism and a heat exchanger. The evaporation element also functions as a filter. The evaporative element may take the form of a removable packing (filter media). Use of a controller to manage the rate of nebulized water addition to the feed gas stream is also described. Benefits in filter efficiency and extended filter service life along with volume, weight, and cost reduction in a fuel cell system are realized.