Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack, an anode reactant source and a shut-off valve that selectively prohibits anode reactant flow from the anode reactant source to the fuel cell stack through a conduit. A control module initiates closure of the shut-off valve to prohibit anode reactant flow through the conduit and determines a shutdown schedule based on a residual mass of the anode reactant within the conduit. The control module operates the fuel cell system using the residual mass and based on the shutdown schedule.

Abstract: A product comprising a fuel cell stack comprising a cathode outlet, a first conduit connected to the cathode outlet and to a first housing, a water-retaining material provided in said first housing, a bypass conduit connected to the cathode outlet of the fuel cell system, and a first valve for opening and closing at least one of said first conduit and said bypass conduit.

Abstract: A fuel cell system for a hybrid vehicle that includes a high voltage battery, where the system uses a cathode exhaust gas airflow from a fuel cell stack to draw air through a battery compartment in which the battery is mounted to provide battery cooling. An air intake line is in fluid communication with the passenger compartment of the vehicle and the battery compartment. An ejector line is in fluid communication with the battery compartment and the cathode exhaust gas pipe. The flow of the cathode exhaust gas around the injector pipe creates a low pressure area, which draws air through the battery compartment from the passenger compartment. In one embodiment, a compressor that provides the cathode inlet air to the fuel cell stack is used at low stack output loads, such as during vehicle idle, to direct air through the cathode exhaust gas pipe, and cool the battery system under low load conditions.

Abstract: A fuel cell system for a hybrid vehicle that includes a high voltage battery, where the system uses a cathode exhaust gas airflow from a fuel cell stack to draw air through a battery compartment in which the battery is mounted to provide battery cooling. An air intake line is in fluid communication with the passenger compartment of the vehicle and the battery compartment. An ejector line is in fluid communication with the battery compartment and the cathode exhaust gas pipe. The flow of the cathode exhaust gas around the injector pipe creates a low pressure area, which draws air through the battery compartment from the passenger compartment. In one embodiment, a compressor that provides the cathode inlet air to the fuel cell stack is used at low stack output loads, such as during vehicle idle, to direct air through the cathode exhaust gas pipe, and cool the battery system under low load conditions.

Abstract: A product comprising a fuel cell stack comprising a cathode outlet, a first conduit connected to the cathode outlet and to a first housing, a water-retaining material provided in said first housing, a bypass conduit connected to the cathode outlet of the fuel cell system, and a first valve for opening and closing at least one of said first conduit and said bypass conduit.

Abstract: A heating system for a pipe or hose in a fuel cell system that include heaters and conductors to prevent water in the pipe or hose from freezing. A heater wire is provided in contact with the pipe, and a conductor is wrapped around the heater wire and the pipe, and a protective layer is wrapped around the conductor, where the conductor provides thermal isolation. For a plastic or rubber hose, an inner conductor is wrapped around the house and an outer conductor is wrapped around the inner conductor. Heater wire is positioned between the inner conductor and the outer conductor. A protective layer is then wrapped around the outer conductor.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack, an anode reactant source and a shut-off valve that selectively prohibits anode reactant flow from the anode reactant source to the fuel cell stack through a conduit. A control module initiates closure of the shut-off valve to prohibit anode reactant flow through the conduit and determines a shutdown schedule based on a residual mass of the anode reactant within the conduit. The control module operates the fuel cell system using the residual mass and based on the shutdown schedule.