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: A bipolar plate for use in a fuel cell stack includes a first plate having a first coolant face with a first set of coolant channels formed therein. A second plate has a second coolant face with a second set of coolant channels formed therein. The first and second coolant faces are adjacent to one another to intermittently cross-link the first and second sets of coolant channels over a region of the first and second coolant faces.

Abstract: A fuel processor for rapid start and operational control. The fuel processor includes a reformer, a shift reactor, and a preferential oxidation reactor for deriving hydrogen for use in creating electricity in a plurality of H2—O2 fuel cells. A heating and cooling mechanism is coupled to at least the shift reactor for controlling the critical temperature operation of the shift reactor without the need for a separate cooling loop. This heating and cooling mechanism produces or removes thermal energy as a product of the temperature of the combustion of air and fuel. Anode effluent and cathode effluent or air are used to control the temperature output of the heating mechanism. A vaporizer is provided that heats the PrOx reactor to operating temperature.

Abstract: A fuel processor for rapid start and operational control. The fuel processor includes a reformer, a shift reactor, and a preferential oxidation reactor for deriving hydrogen for use in creating electricity in a plurality of H2—O2 fuel cells. A heating and cooling mechanism is coupled to at least the shift reactor for controlling the critical temperature operation of the shift reactor without the need for a separate cooling loop. This heating and cooling mechanism produces or removes thermal energy as a product of the temperature of the combustion of air and fuel. Anode effluent and cathode effluent or air are used to control the temperature output of the heating mechanism. A vaporizer is provided that heats the PrOx reactor to operating temperature.

Abstract: A fuel processor for rapid start and operational control. The fuel processor includes a reformer, a shift reactor, and a preferential oxidation reactor for deriving hydrogen for use in creating electricity in a plurality of H2—O2 fuel cells. A heating and cooling mechanism is coupled to at least the shift reactor for controlling the critical temperature operation of the shift reactor without the need for a separate cooling loop. This heating and cooling mechanism produces or removes thermal energy as a product of the temperature of the combustion of air and fuel. Anode effluent and cathode effluent or air are used to control the temperature output of the heating mechanism. A vaporizer is provided that heats the PrOx reactor to operating temperature.