Abstract: A distribution method and system for a plurality of fuel cell systems (FCSs) configured to provide electrical energy. The distribution being configured for determining a demand of a load for the electrical energy and correspondingly implementing a powering operation. The powering operation executing a startup operation according to a startup order specified for one or more secondary FCSs of the FCSs. The powering operation including individually performing the startup operations for each of the secondary FCSs according to the startup order, and while each of the second FCSs are performing the startup operation, controlling another one or more of the FCSs to mask a power variance associated therewith.

Abstract: A distribution method and system for a plurality of fuel cell systems (FCSs) configured to provide electrical energy. The distribution being configured for determining a demand of a load for the electrical energy and correspondingly implementing a powering operation. The powering operation executing a startup operation according to a startup order specified for one or more secondary FCSs of the FCSs. The powering operation including individually performing the startup operations for each of the secondary FCSs according to the startup order, and while each of the second FCSs are performing the startup operation, controlling another one or more of the FCSs to mask a power variance associated therewith.

Abstract: A system for controlling purge operation of a fuel cell assembly includes a controller and one or more sensors configured to obtain respective sensor data. The fuel cell stack is configured to receive a stack coolant. The controller is configured to execute a first purge mode when at least one of a first enabling condition and a second enabling condition is met. The first purge mode defines a first group of setpoints, including a relatively low cathode stoichiometric ratio. The controller is configured to switch to a second purge mode when the coolant temperature is above a minimum warm-up temperature and a third mode when a relative humidity value of a stack cathode output falls below a threshold humidity. The second purge mode defines a second group of setpoints, including a relatively high cathode stoichiometric ratio.

Abstract: A system for controlling purge operation of a fuel cell assembly includes a controller and one or more sensors configured to obtain respective sensor data. The fuel cell stack is configured to receive a stack coolant. The controller is configured to execute a first purge mode when at least one of a first enabling condition and a second enabling condition is met. The first purge mode defines a first group of setpoints, including a relatively low cathode stoichiometric ratio. The controller is configured to switch to a second purge mode when the coolant temperature is above a minimum warm-up temperature and a third mode when a relative humidity value of a stack cathode output falls below a threshold humidity. The second purge mode defines a second group of setpoints, including a relatively high cathode stoichiometric ratio.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices which optimize fuel-cell stack airflow control are described. According to aspects of the present disclosure, actuation of at least one cathode-flow actuator is initialized to an initial state based on a desired oxygen flowrate to operate the fuel-cell stack in a voltage-controlled mode, a stack current produced by the fuel-cell stack is determined that corresponds to operation at the actuation of the cathode-flow actuators, a flowrate of oxygen exiting the fuel-cell stack is calculated based on the stack current, the flowrate of oxygen exiting the fuel-cell stack is compared to the desired oxygen flowrate exiting the fuel-cell stack, and actuation of at least one of the cathode-flow actuators is modified in response to the flowrate of oxygen being different from the desired oxygen flowrate. The modified actuation reduces the difference between the desired oxygen flowrate and the flowrate of oxygen exiting the fuel-cell stack.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices which optimize fuel-cell stack airflow control are described. According to aspects of the present disclosure, actuation of at least one cathode-flow actuator is initialized to an initial state based on a desired oxygen flowrate to operate the fuel-cell stack in a voltage-controlled mode, a stack current produced by the fuel-cell stack is determined that corresponds to operation at the actuation of the cathode-flow actuators, a flowrate of oxygen exiting the fuel-cell stack is calculated based on the stack current, the flowrate of oxygen exiting the fuel-cell stack is compared to the desired oxygen flowrate exiting the fuel-cell stack, and actuation of at least one of the cathode-flow actuators is modified in response to the flowrate of oxygen being different from the desired oxygen flowrate. The modified actuation reduces the difference between the desired oxygen flowrate and the flowrate of oxygen exiting the fuel-cell stack.