Abstract: Systems and methods of managing the voltage of fuel cells during no-load or low load events are disclosed. The systems may employ one or more valves such as an inlet and outlet valve for metering the fuel (e.g., hydrogen) and/or oxidant (e.g., oxygen) provided to the fuel cell. The voltage or voltage rise may be limited by starving the fuel cell of, for example, oxygen. A controller may be employed for controlling the one or more valves during a no-load or low load event such as start-up, idling, or stopping.

Abstract: A fuel cell system and a method of controlling the fuel cell system is provided. A fuel cell generates power, and a coolant system provides coolant flow through the stack. A controller is configured to, in response to at least one of an ambient temperature and a coolant temperature being below a threshold value after a vehicle shut down command or event, command the coolant system to circulate coolant through the stack to reduce ice formation in the stack prior to commanding a purge of the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A system and methods are provided for testing anode integrity during vehicle operation. In one example described, the system and methods allow for anode leak tests during vehicle operation based on a flow of hydrogen into a fuel cell, the flow of hydrogen into the fuel cell maintaining the vehicle power while the leak test is performed. The methods further allow for operational adjustments responsive to the leak test, which may include controlling the vehicle power to manage vehicle operations in the presence of a hydrogen leak in some instances.

Abstract: A fuel cell system and a method of controlling the fuel cell system is provided. A fuel cell generates power, and a coolant system provides coolant flow through the stack. A controller is configured to, in response to at least one of an ambient temperature and a coolant temperature being below a threshold value after a vehicle shut down command or event, command the coolant system to circulate coolant through the stack to reduce ice formation in the stack prior to commanding a purge of the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A system and methods are provided for testing anode integrity during vehicle operation. In one particular example, the system and methods allow for anode leak tests during vehicle operation by temporarily reducing fuel cell power while supplementing the fuel cell power reduction with battery power to meet operating demands. In this way, an anode leak test can be performed even during highway driving when operating demands may be particularly high.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a primary fuel stream to a fuel cell stack is provided. The apparatus includes an ejector that is configured to receive the primary fuel stream from a fuel supply. The apparatus is further configured to receive the recirculated fuel stream from the fuel cell stack to provide a combined fluid stream for delivery to the fuel cell stack. The ejector includes an elastic conduit for varying a flow of the combined fluid stream based on a power level of the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A fuel cell purge apparatus for a fuel cell system has a separator defining a chamber for receiving a recirculated fuel stream including a fluid and impurities. The apparatus has a drain conduit with an outer passage connected to the chamber. The outer passage forms a fluid trap to collect the fluid. The drain conduit also has an inner passage nested within the outer passage through the fluid trap for delivering the impurities to a purge valve. The inner passage has a free end extending into the chamber of the separator.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a fuel cell comprising a cathode flow field and a strip is provided. The cathode flow field plate defines a plurality of cathode channels for receiving a first fluid from a cathode source when the fuel cell is in an operational state. The strip includes a flexible first portion positioned about the plurality of cathode channels, the flexible first portion for moving toward the plurality of cathode channels to prevent a flow of the first fluid therein when the fuel cell is in an inoperative state.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a fuel cell system, and a controller configured to receive a first signal indicative of a predicted ambient temperature at a specified location, and command the fuel cell system to operate at a reduced relative humidity when the predicted ambient temperature is below a threshold value. A method for controlling a fuel cell system includes receiving a first signal at a controller indicative of a predicted ambient temperature for a specified location, and operating the fuel cell system at a reduced relative humidity when the predicted ambient temperature is below a threshold value. A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack, and a controller configured to, in response to receiving a predicted freezing condition, command the fuel cell stack to operate at a lower relative humidity level for a time period preceding a predicted time for system shut down.

Abstract: A vehicle system includes a communication interface configured to receive parking information from an infrastructure device. The parking information identifies at least one open parking space and at least one characteristic associated with the parking space. The vehicle system further includes a processing device configured to select the at least one parking space based at least in part on the characteristic.

Abstract: A system and methods are provided for testing anode integrity during vehicle operation. In one example described, the system and methods allow for anode leak tests during vehicle operation based on a flow of hydrogen into a fuel cell, the flow of hydrogen into the fuel cell maintaining the vehicle power while the leak test is performed. The methods further allow for operational adjustments responsive to the leak test, which may include controlling the vehicle power to manage vehicle operations in the presence of a hydrogen leak in some instances.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electric vehicle, including: a connector configured to receive a charging plug; and an ejection mechanism positioned with respect to the connecter, configured to eject the plug under predetermined conditions.

Abstract: A system and methods are provided for testing anode integrity during vehicle operation. In one particular example, the system and methods allow for anode leak tests during vehicle operation by temporarily reducing fuel cell power while supplementing the fuel cell power reduction with battery power to meet operating demands. In this way, an anode leak test can be performed even during highway driving when operating demands may be particularly high.

Abstract: An apparatus for placing a fuel cell stack in a standby mode is provided. The apparatus comprises a compressor, a fuel cell stack, a cathode valve and a controller. The compressor is operably coupled to an air induction system for providing a cathode stream. The fuel cell stack provides electrical power to a load in response to the cathode stream. The cathode valve is operably coupled to an outlet of the fuel cell stack for controlling a flow of the cathode stream to the fuel cell stack. The controller is configured to receive a power request amount for the load and to compare the power request amount to a predetermined amount. The controller is further configured to control the compressor to operate at a minimum speed and the cathode valve to close in response to determining that the power request amount is similar to the predetermined amount.

Abstract: A vehicle system includes a communication interface configured to receive parking information from an infrastructure device. The parking information identifies at least one open parking space and at least one characteristic associated with the parking space. The vehicle system further includes a processing device configured to select the at least one parking space based at least in part on the characteristic.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack for generating power, a compressor providing an air stream to the stack, and a controller. The controller is configured to, in response to determining a mass air flow through the compressor from a lookup table using a speed of the compressor and a pressure ratio across the compressor, operate the fuel cell system based on the mass air flow. A method for controlling a fuel cell system includes receiving first and second signals at a controller indicative of air pressure upstream and downstream of a compressor respectively, and receiving a third signal at the controller indicative of a speed of the compressor. The fuel cell system is operated at a desired mass air flow based on an inferred mass air flow determined using the first, second, and third signals.

Abstract: A gas reclaiming system is disclosed. The gas reclaiming system includes a getter device adapted to receive mixed gases and separate the mixed gases into at least one gas of interest and constituent gases. A recirculation loop is disposed in fluid communication with the getter device and adapted to receive the at least one gas of interest from the getter device. A gas reclaiming method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a fuel cell system, and a controller configured to receive a first signal indicative of a predicted ambient temperature at a specified location, and command the fuel cell system to operate at a reduced relative humidity when the predicted ambient temperature is below a threshold value. A method for controlling a fuel cell system includes receiving a first signal at a controller indicative of a predicted ambient temperature for a specified location, and operating the fuel cell system at a reduced relative humidity when the predicted ambient temperature is below a threshold value. A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack, and a controller configured to, in response to receiving a predicted freezing condition, command the fuel cell stack to operate at a lower relative humidity level for a time period preceding a predicted time for system shut down.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a purge system for a fuel cell stack is provided. The system comprises a blower, a differential pressure sensor and a purge valve. The blower delivers a recirculated gas back to the stack at varying electrical power levels and blower speeds. The differential pressure sensor senses pressure of the recirculated gas across the blower. The purge valve purges the recirculated gas based on at least one of a blower power level, a blower speed, and the pressure of the recirculated gas.

Abstract: A system for delivering an input fuel stream to a fuel cell stack to generate electrical current and to discharge an unused fuel stream is provided. A supply produces a supply fuel stream. An ejector combines a purged fuel stream and the supply fuel stream and controls the flow of the input fuel stream to the fuel cell stack. A purging arrangement receives the unused fuel stream which includes impurities and purges the impurities from the unused fuel stream to generate the purged fuel stream. A bypass valve is capable of delivering the purged fuel stream to the ejector. A blower is capable of delivering the purged fuel stream to the ejector. A controller controls one of the bypass valve and the blower for delivering the purged fuel stream to the ejector based on the amount of electrical current generated by the fuel cell stack.