Abstract: A method of operating a fuel cell. The method includes closing a cathode inlet valve upstream of an inlet of a cathode of the fuel cell to prevent air from entering the fuel cell through the cathode inlet during a shutdown period and a soak period of the fuel cell. The method includes maintaining an anode outlet valve downstream of an outlet of the anode in a closed state to prevent air from leaking into the fuel cell through the anode outlet during the shutdown period and the soak period of the fuel cell.

Abstract: A method of operating a fuel cell. The method includes closing a cathode inlet valve upstream of an inlet of a cathode of the fuel cell to prevent air from entering the fuel cell through the cathode inlet during a shutdown period and a soak period of the fuel cell. The method includes maintaining an anode outlet valve downstream of an outlet of the anode in a closed state to prevent air from leaking into the fuel cell through the anode outlet during the shutdown period and the soak period of the fuel cell.

Abstract: A method of operating a fuel cell including an anode and cathode during shutdown and soak time periods. The method includes closing a cathode inlet valve upstream of an inlet of the cathode to prevent air from entering the fuel cell through the cathode inlet; and maintaining an anode outlet valve downstream of an inlet of the anode in a closed state to prevent air from leaking into the fuel cell through the anode outlet.

Abstract: An intake silencer device is described herein. The intake silencer device includes an outer housing and a plurality of sequential arranged expansion chambers separated by walls. The intake silencer device further includes an inner tube positioned in each of the sequential chambers, each of the inner tubes including an opening providing fluidic communication between an interior of the tube and the corresponding expansion chamber, a size of the openings increasing in size sequentially in a downstream direction.

Abstract: An intake silencer device is described herein. The intake silencer device includes an outer housing and a plurality of sequential arranged expansion chambers separated by walls. The intake silencer device further includes an inner tube positioned in each of the sequential chambers, each of the inner tubes including an opening providing fluidic communication between an interior of the tube and the corresponding expansion chamber, a size of the openings increasing in size sequentially in a downstream direction.

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.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a primary hydrogen source capable of communicating with a fuel cell anode. The system also includes a secondary hydrogen source communicating with the primary hydrogen source. A first valve is positioned downstream of the secondary hydrogen source. The valve allows hydrogen from the secondary source to communicate with hydrogen from the primary source downstream of the valve and upstream of the fuel cell anode.

Abstract: A fuel cell having a cathode and an anode. The cathode has an inlet and an outlet. The fuel cell also includes at least one of a first valve and a second valve. The first valve is situated at and connected to the cathode inlet. The second valve is situated at and connected to the cathode outlet. The fuel cell system also includes a controller configured to control the first and second valves during a first operating condition and a second operating condition. The first operating condition includes the transition of the fuel cell system from an operational state to a non-operational state. The second operating condition includes the transition from a non-operational state to an operational state.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a primary hydrogen source capable of communicating with a fuel cell anode. The system also includes a secondary hydrogen source communicating with the primary hydrogen source. A first valve is positioned downstream of the secondary hydrogen source. The valve allows hydrogen from the secondary source to communicate with hydrogen from the primary source downstream of the valve and upstream of the fuel cell anode.

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.

Abstract: A nozzle 10 for a fuel injector assembly 12. Nozzle 10 includes several integrally formed ports 36 and chambers 38. Chambers 38 receive fuel from ports 36 and are effective to cause the received fuel to swirl and/or spiral through discharge holes 44, thereby causing the fuel to be finely and quickly atomized.

Abstract: An electromagnetically actuated fuel injector supplies fuel to an internal combustion engine. The injector has a body with an inlet and a nozzle. A needle valve is selectively moveable within the body in response to actuation of the fuel injector. A reduced center-body coil spring is disposed within the fuel injector and biases the needle valve in a closed position. The reduced center-body coil spring has a substantially hour glass shape to prevent rubbing with the components of the fuel injector.