Abstract: A condensate collection and distribution system is disclosed. Specific implementations of condensate collection and distribution systems may include a pipe configured to be coupled to a condensate drainage pipe at a first end of the pipe, the pipe coupled to a condensation collection basin at a second end of the pipe, and an outlet in the collection basin, wherein the pipe is configured to transfer condensate from the condensate drainage pipe into the condensation collection basin using only a static pressure of condensate in the pipe.

Abstract: Automatic fluid control assemblies and methods for fire protection include an arrangement of electrically operated control points, a valve body and a controller to operate the fluid control assembly. The automatic fluid control assembly has an inlet, an outlet and a valve body to control flow between the inlet and the outlet. An electric latch includes a first electrically operated control point and a second electrically operated control point in fluid communication with a control line to control the flow of fluid from the inlet to the valve body and outlet. The methods of fluid control include controlling a plurality of electrically operated control points to perform any one of: a leak test, a trip test, a flow test, a water delivery test, and a validation test of a non-trip condition and a trip condition.

Abstract: A fluid control system which encompasses a leak sensor and a fluid control unit adapted for installation on a fluid supply line, both capable of wireless data communication with a gateway acting as an interface between the leak sensor and fluid control unit and a cloud server or a remote user application.

Abstract: A control system for a water filter assembly comprising a filter having an RFID tag and an RFID sensor to generate a RFID signal containing data related to the filter. A valve assembly moves between a shut off position, an operational position directing the flowpath of the water supply through the filter, and a bypass position. A controller communicate with a lawn irrigation system to determine if the irrigation system is operative. When operative, the controller has the valve assembly switch to the bypass position. The controller also receives the RFID signal to verify if the filter is proper. The controller also receives a leak signal from a leak sensor and has the valve assembly automatically switch to the shut off position if a leak occurs. The controller can name the leak sensor with a location and indicate battery life of the leak sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electromagnetic valve device having an armature (18) which is moveable in an axial direction in a valve housing (10) in response to energizing of a stationary coil (12), and which is designed to interact with a first valve seat (22) associated with a fluid inlet connection (26) of the valve housing, a first fluid flow path (36) being formed in the valve housing such that fluid flowing through the opened first valve seat can flow in order to actuate a plunger (32) moveable relative to the armature (18) and to which a preloading force is applied, the actuation causing a second valve seat (43) interacting with the plunger (32) to be opened to produce a fluid connection to a fluid working connection (42) of the valve housing, and the valve housing having a fastening structure (44, 46) in the form of at least one hole extending at an angle to the axial direction, the fluid inlet connection (26) and the working connection (42) being formed on the same axial side of the valve housing in r

Abstract: Disclosed is an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus including a housing, a tankless air compressor, a temperature controller, a heating unit, a power supply, and an electrical junction box. The housing includes a first outlet to receive the hose and a second outlet for air intake. The tankless air compressor is configured in the housing for providing air pressure to blow out water through the first outlet in the hose. The tankless air compressor receives air from the second outlet. The temperature controller is configured within the housing to maintain an optimal temperature. The heating unit is configured within the housing attached to the temperature controller for maintaining an above freezing environment. The power supply cable supplies power. The electrical junction box is configured within the housing for distributing the power.

Abstract: A valve body includes a flange; and an identification tab disposed on the flange, the identification tab defining indicia. A pipe system includes a first flange; a second flange fastened to the first flange by a plurality of fasteners; and an identification tab disposed on the first flange, the identification tab defining indicia.

Abstract: A method for controlling a multi-split air conditioner. The method includes detecting whether the degree of superheat of each outdoor unit meets a target requirement, if yes, determining whether a difference between an average exhaust temperature of each outdoor unit and an average exhaust temperature of an outdoor unit system reaches a preset value, if yes, comparing the size of the average exhaust temperature of each outdoor unit with the size of the average exhaust temperature of the outdoor unit system, according to the result between the size of the average exhaust temperature of each outdoor unit and the size of the average exhaust temperature of the outdoor unit system, controlling an electronic expansion valve to actuate to make the average exhaust temperature of each outdoor unit to approximate to the average exhaust temperature of the outdoor unit system.

Abstract: A system for controlling water delivery in to and out from a structure. Sensors in the structure determine a water leak from a water delivery system within the structure or an ambient temperature. A transmitter associated with each sensor transmits a signal to a controller, the signal indicating a water leak from the water delivery system or a temperature. Valves within the structure control the flow of water in to the structure, out from the structure, and within the structure. The controller receives the sensor signals and responsive thereto opens or closes one or more valves to stop water delivery into the structure, to drain water out from the structure, or to control water delivery within the structure. A source of pressurized gas activated by the controller applies pressure to water within the water delivery system and thereby assists with draining water from the structure.

Abstract: Systems and methods of custom condiment dispensing include a reservoir of base condiment and a plurality of flavoring reservoirs. A first pump is pneumatically connected to the reservoir of base condiment. The second pump is pneumatically connected to at least one flavoring reservoir of the plurality of flavoring reservoirs. A nozzle is fluidly connected to the reservoir of base condiment and fluidly connected to the plurality of flavoring reservoirs. The nozzle is configured to simultaneously dispense the base condiment and at least one flavoring therethrough. A controller receives the user selections of the base condiment and the at least one flavoring and operates the first pump and the second pump to dispense base condiment and at least one flavoring.

Abstract: An air handling system is provided and includes a coil in fluid communication with a water supply piping system and a water return piping system, a water supply piping system for returning the water from the coil to the water supply piping system, a circulating pump, and a control valve disposed in the water return piping system. The control valve controller can cause the control valve to open to a first predetermined position that is less than a fully opened position and modulate in response to a first temperature sensor sensing a temperature below a value such that the pressure drop in the coil and flow to the coil increases at sufficient values to protect against freezing of the water in the coil while also staying within a sufficient range to maintain authority of the control valve when the air handling system is either operating or not operating.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine air intake having a humidity sensor, and a system having a nozzle positioned in the air intake and fluidly connected to a reservoir. The vehicle has a controller configured to activate the system to deliver fluid from the nozzle into the intake while the engine is inoperative and generate a diagnostic code in response to a change in humidity measured by the sensor being less than a threshold value. A method of controlling a vehicle includes measuring a baseline humidity (H1) using a humidity sensor in an air intake of an engine, and controlling a misting system to mist fluid from a reservoir into the air intake and adjacent to the humidity sensor while the engine is inoperative. The method measures a post-fluid delivery humidity (H2) using the humidity sensor, and generates a diagnostic code based on a comparison of H1 and H2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooling device, in particular a freezer, comprising a cooling circuit having a compressor, at least one evaporator, and a condenser; a space for cooling goods that can be closed at its upper surface; and a coolant reservoir at least partially surrounding an upper region of the space for cooling goods, wherein the at least one evaporator is disposed in the coolant reservoir, and wherein the at least one evaporator at least partially surrounds the upper region of the space for cooling goods.

Abstract: A waste heat recovery apparatus includes a heat exchanger, an expander, a condenser, a first tank, a reflux portion, a first passage portion, and a second passage portion. The heat exchanger is configured to generate steam. The expander is configured to recover heat energy of the generated steam as power. The condenser is configured to condense the steam passing through the expander. An inlet portion of the condenser is arranged above an outlet portion of the expander. The first tank is configured to store the working fluid liquefied by the condenser. The reflux portion is configured to reflux the liquid-state working fluid in the first tank to the heat exchanger. The first passage portion connects the outlet portion of the expander and the inlet portion of the condenser to each other. The second passage portion connects the first passage portion and the first tank to each other.

Abstract: A system for reducing the risk of waterlines freezing provides a solenoid controlled valve which may be cycled twice an hour for a minute (or longer if desired) to avoid ice buildup in the lines. The control circuit allows the homeowner flexibility in determining whether to allow the cycle timers (preferably 3 inexpensive timers) to control the solenoid valve's cycling directly or to permit a thermostat to intervene, cycling only when the set point of the thermostat is reached.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing freeze damage to heating system pipes are provided. In some embodiments, systems for preventing freeze damage to heating system pipes that carry a liquid used to heat a heated space and that are exposed to freezing temperatures outside of the heated space are provided, the systems comprising: a hardware controller that causes the liquid to be circulated through the heating system pipes irrespective of the air temperature in the heated space.

Abstract: A device and method for ensuring proper fuel cell system warmup or shutdown during freeze conditions. A three-way valve is used in conjunction with a flow-controlling orifice to ensure that the orifice avoids ice blockage during frozen conditions. Dry, warm air is delivered as a slip stream under pressure to a cathode flowpath, where the construction of the orifice is such that it is structurally compliant to promote flexing in response to the pressurized slip stream, thereby helping to break up any small amount of ice that may have formed in or on the orifice.

Abstract: A power generation control system includes a converter and a controller. The converter controls a generator of a Rankine cycle system, the Rankine cycle system including an expander, the generator, which is interconnected to the expander, a pump which feeds a working fluid, and an evaporator which evaporates a working fluid. The controller causes the converter to execute, in at least one of a startup operation and a shutdown operation of the Rankine cycle system, first control in at least one of a startup operation and a shutdown operation of the Rankine cycle system such that the expander is prevented from expanding a working fluid if the working fluid at an outlet of the evaporator contains a liquid component while the pump is operating.

Abstract: In a method for operating a tank device of a motor vehicle, with the tank device having a tank and a tank ventilation device with at least one switching valve, an excitation current can be applied to the switching valve, and the switching valve opens only when the excitation current exceeds an excitation current threshold over a certain period of time. Provision is hereby made to apply an excitation current which is greater than the excitation current threshold, at least temporarily, in a first mode of operation to the switching valve for heating purposes, also when ventilation of the tank is not governed by a control unit of the tank device.

Abstract: A plumbing freeze protection system comprises a fluid connection between a water supply line and a waste line. The fluid connection bypasses a plumbing fixture fluidly connected to the water supply line. A valve operable with the fluid connection alternately prevents water flow from the water supply line to the waste line, and allows water flow from the water supply line to the waste line within about 25 percent of maximum volumetric flow rate of the water supply line through the fluid connection. A timer is adapted to control the valve. The valve is open for a predetermined time period to deliver a short duration, high volumetric flow rate of water to the waste line to minimize ice formation in, and remove existing ice from, the water supply and waste lines.

Abstract: A method for draining a delivery unit for a liquid additive, in particular a urea-water solution, includes at least: a) producing an electrical connection by using a currentless switch which is constructed to produce an electrical connection when a temperature falls below a threshold temperature; and b) draining the delivery unit when, in step a), the electrical connection has been produced. The method can be used, in particular, in SCR systems for exhaust-gas aftertreatment for motor vehicles. A delivery unit and a motor vehicle having a delivery unit are also provided.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a system and method for processing fluid captured from a vehicle surface to provide a desired fluid product. The system includes sensors and control circuitry to determine system fluid volume levels and/or the ambient temperature of the system to safeguard the system against non-requested activation or deactivation.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided herein for causing and controlling the injection of antifreeze material into a water line of an irrigation system. The irrigation system comprises an antifreeze supply unit including an antifreeze storage container containing a liquid antifreeze coupled to a water line of the irrigation system. A control unit is coupled to the antifreeze supply unit. The control unit is configured to cause the antifreeze supply unit to inject at least some of the liquid antifreeze from the antifreeze storage container into the water line. The control unit can cause the antifreeze supply unit to inject the liquid antifreeze from the antifreeze storage container in response to temperature data received from a sensor unit or in response to user input at the control unit.

Abstract: A valve and actuator assembly includes a valve to control a flow of liquid into a coil, and an actuator to control the valve. The assembly includes a first temperature sensor to sense the temperature of liquid flowing through the valve, a second temperature sensor to sense the temperature of air surrounding the coil, and a flow meter to measure a flow rate of liquid through the valve. The actuator includes a module that receives data from the first and second temperature sensors and from the flow meter, and determines, based on data received from the flow meter and temperature sensors, a likelihood that the liquid in the coil will freeze. The actuator operates the valve to allow a minimum flow of the liquid through the valve and coil during a potential freeze condition. The minimum flow is sufficient to prevent the liquid in the coil from freezing.

Abstract: An improved vent ice prevention apparatus including a first conduit, a second conduit, and a third conduit, wherein the second conduit concentrically surrounds the first conduit thereby forming an annular region between the two conduits. The third conduit is in fluid communication with said annular region. The first conduit is configured to receive a cold vent stream, and the third conduit is configured to receive a dry purge stream and introduce the dry purge stream into the annular region in order to prevent ice formation.

Abstract: In a hydrant assembly, the combination comprising an outer tubular member having a first flow port.; an inner tubular member having a closure thereon to close the port in relatively axially advanced position of the closure, and to open the port in relatively axially retracted position of the closure that allows fluid flow through the port to an outlet, control means to control relative movement of the inner and outer members. A second port may be located sidewardly of the outer tubular member to pass fluid in relatively retracted position of the closure to relieve fluid pressure in space formed between the inner and outer members, the inner member being elongated and extending lengthwise in the outer tubular member. The outer tubular member may consist of plastic material. Travel of the closure acts to allow expansion of fluid as it freezes, to relieve pressure build-up within the assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for winterizing a plumbing system, the apparatus including a fluid reservoir, an air manifold, and a house inlet line. The house inlet line is coupled to the fluid outlet of the reservoir and the outlet of the air supply. The apparatus includes an air flow valve, a fluid valve and a reservoir air inlet valve. The house inlet line is adapted to provide antifreeze, air, or both to the plumbing system depending on the arrangement of the valves. The method includes blowing the fluid from the hot water lines, introducing antifreeze to the hot water lines, pushing antifreeze through the hot water lines, blowing the fluid from the cold water lines, introducing antifreeze to the cold water lines, and pushing antifreeze through the cold water lines.

Abstract: A valve and actuator assembly includes a valve to control a flow of liquid into a coil, and an actuator to control the valve. The assembly includes a first temperature sensor to sense the temperature of liquid flowing through the valve, a second temperature sensor to sense the temperature of air surrounding the coil, and a flow meter to measure a flow rate of liquid through the valve. The actuator includes a module that receives data from the first and second temperature sensors and from the flow meter, and determines, based on data received from the flow meter and temperature sensors, a likelihood that the liquid in the coil will freeze. The actuator operates the valve to allow a minimum flow of the liquid through the valve and coil during a potential freeze condition. The minimum flow is sufficient to prevent the liquid in the coil from freezing.

Abstract: An anti-inundation and drainage structure for an anti-freeze faucet contains a tube body, a controlling valve, and a control assembly. The tube body includes a chamber, an inlet, an outlet, and a coupling hole. The controlling valve is fixed in the chamber and includes a housing, an axial bolt, a first check device, a connector, a second check device, a ceramic shifting piece, a ceramic fixing piece, and a positioning member. The control assembly is coupled with the coupling hole and includes a rotating member connecting with a rod in the chamber of the tube body, the rod has a hollow passage defined therein and an air port formed on one end thereof so as to couple with the rotating member, another end of the rod relative to the air port is inserted into the second segment of the slot of the connector of the controlling valve.

Abstract: In a hydrant assembly, the combination comprising an outer tubular member having a first flow port.; an inner tubular member having a closure thereon to close the port in relatively axially advanced position of the closure, and to open the port in relatively axially retracted position of the closure that allows fluid flow through the port to an outlet, control means to control relative movement of the inner and outer members. A second port may be located sidewardly of the outer tubular member to pass fluid in relatively retracted position of the closure to relieve fluid pressure in space formed between the inner and outer members, the inner member being elongated and extending lengthwise in the outer tubular member. The outer tubular member may consist of plastic material. Travel of the closure acts to allow expansion of fluid as it freezes, to relieve pressure build-up within the assembly.

Abstract: The temperature-responsive fluid flow control apparatus of the present invention comprises: a housing installed between the inlet and the outlet of a fluid pipe in which a fluid flows; a valve block installed inside the housing to allow inflow of the flowing fluid in the housing and to discharge a portion of the flowing fluid to the outside according to the change in the internal pressure; and a temperature-responsive device for generating a pressure difference in the valve block according to the temperature change of the temperature-responsive fluid filled therein. The temperature-responsive fluid flow control apparatus prevents the fluid flowing pipe from freezing by discharging a portion of the fluid flowing in the housing to the outside, when the temperature of the temperature-responsive fluid reaches a preset temperature as the external temperature drops.

Abstract: A system for storing an additive solution for a vehicle engine, said system comprising a tank for storing said additive solution, a pumping module for pumping said additive solution in the tank and an electrical heating device for heating the additive solution inside the tank when freezing conditions are detected, said electrical heating device being associated with electrical connecting lines for electrical supply of the heating device, wherein the heating device comprises at least an heating module provided in a blind pocket integral with the lower wall of the tank, said pocket opening outside the tank and projecting inside the internal volume of the tank from the lower wall and said electrical connecting lines for electrical supplying of the heating device being fully provided on the outside of the tank.

Abstract: Provided are a temperature sensor 15 for detecting a temperature surrounding an EGR valve 12, judging means (IC chip 16) for judging on the basis of the detected temperature from the temperature sensor 15 whether an inside of a gas passage in the EGR valve 12 is frozen or not and a controller 17 for controlling an operation of the EGR valve 12. The controller 17 is adapted to forbid and allow an output of an operating command 17a to an actuator 14 for the EGR valve 12 when an inside of a gas passage in the EGR valve 12 is judged by the judging means (IC chip 16) to be frozen or unfrozen, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for detecting water in locations in homes and buildings etc. where it should not be present, and responding by terminating water inlet access to plumbing in the home or building etc., and by opening a pressure dump valve to relieve leak promoting pressure remaining in the plumbing.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus for treating a substrate and a method for discharge a supercritical fluid, and more particularly, an apparatus for treating a substrate using a supercritical fluid and a method for discharging the supercritical fluid using the same. The apparatus for treating the substrate includes a container for providing a supercritical fluid, a vent line through which the supercritical fluid is discharged from the container, and a freezing prevention unit disposed in the vent line to prevent the supercritical fluid from being frozen.

Abstract: A freeze resistant manifold includes a plurality of conduits, junction, and expansion device. Each conduit of the plurality of conduits includes a respective first end in fluid communication with a respective second end. The junction is defined by each of the respective first ends of the plurality of conduits in direct fluid communication with a remainder of the first ends of the plurality of conduits. The expansion device includes a housing, plug, and linear actuator. The housing has a first housing end and a second housing end. The first housing end is in fluid communication with the junction. The plug is disposed between the first housing end and the second housing end. The plug has a substantially fluid-tight, sliding engagement with an inner wall of the housing. The linear actuator is to urge the plug towards the first housing end with a predetermined amount of force.

Abstract: A device for controlling an irrigation system includes an interrupter for interconnection in a serial manner between a solenoid return common line and a preexisting irrigation timer, a controller for operating the interrupter in a periodic fashion is provided as well as an adjuster, in communication with the controller, for changing the periodicity of the interrupter operation.

Abstract: An improved outlet valve for a frost-preventing faucet substantially employs an axial slot defined at a central top inside the inlet passage for being inserted by an elastic element and an axial post. A first stop ring is disposed around the stop valve. The first stop ring and the stop valve are inserted into a limiting slot of a hollow stop sleeve disposed under the stop valve. A second stop ring disposed around the stop sleeve is inserted into a lower section of an inner wall of the inlet passage. A bottom of the second stop ring is disposed above a top of the top porcelain. Cooperating the subject improved configuration with the top porcelain allows the water to be supplied upward since outlet gates of the bottom porcelain and the top porcelain stay abreast without a blockage. When a water pressure is larger than a rebounding force of the elastic element, the stop valve upwardly compresses the elastic element.

Abstract: A hot water solar heating system includes a solar collector assembly located outside a building, a hot water tank located inside the building and supply and return pipes connecting the tank to the solar collector assembly. Portions of the supply and return pipes are located outside the building and are subject to below freezing temperatures and ice blockages. The system includes resistance heating wires which melt ice blockages in the exterior portions of the supply and return pipes.

Abstract: An improved refrigerator is provided with a freeze tolerant valve for the water tank assembly in the refrigerator. The valve includes a body with an internal plastic spool which minimizes the volume of water within the valve, and which provides a space in the valve to accommodate freezing water in the valve. The valve will not crack or fail in the event of a temperature control problem in the refrigerator which results in frozen water within the valve.

Abstract: A plumbing system operable to automatically introduce antifreeze into the hot and cold water systems responsive to a signal from a controller. The controller activates the system automatically at a predetermined ambient temperature. The system can also be reconfigured manually.

Abstract: An irrigation device includes a chamber having a peripheral wall made of a material susceptible to damage from the expansion of water in an interior of the chamber during freezing. A freeze member is located in the chamber and is made of a compressible material. The freeze member is configured to allow unfrozen water to pass through the chamber and to accommodate expansion of the water during freezing to prevent cracking or other damage to the peripheral wall.

Abstract: A freeze resistant manifold includes a plurality of conduits, junction, and expansion device. Each conduit of the plurality of conduits includes a respective first end in fluid communication with a respective second end. The junction is defined by each of the respective first ends of the plurality of conduits in direct fluid communication with a remainder of the first ends of the plurality of conduits. The expansion device includes a housing, plug, and linear actuator. The housing has a first housing end and a second housing end. The first housing end is in fluid communication with the junction. The plug is disposed between the first housing end and the second housing end. The plug has a substantially fluid-tight, sliding engagement with an inner wall of the housing. The linear actuator is to urge the plug towards the first housing end with a predetermined amount of force.

Abstract: A water filter capable of preventing breakdown thereof due to freezing and a refrigerator having the same. The water filter includes a filter housing having entrance and exit ports to allow water to flow into and out of the filter housing, respectively, a filter member housed in the filter housing, and an expansion compensation part provided in the filter housing to compensate for expansion due to freezing of water.

Abstract: An improved structure of straight-out controllable ceramic valve of anti-freezing faucet, which is comprised by cover water-receiving valve seat with open bottom, cylinder water-controlling shaft bolt that one end is covered into shaft hole at center of water-receiving valve seat and a plurality of butterfly outlet control valves, wherein bottom of water-controlling shaft bolt has a protruding tongue embedding into top of bottom butterfly porcelain shard in order to adjust outlets of top and bottom porcelain shard; its features are as follows: an inlet channel extending to middle section of shaft bolt is made at middle section of bottom of water-controlling shaft bolt, horizontal through outlet channel is made at two sides of inlet channel.

Abstract: A valve freeze control apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes a concentration sensor, a valve, a freeze control device, and a start determination unit. The concentration sensor is adapted to detect an alcohol concentration of fuel supplied to the internal combustion engine. The valve is provided in one of an intake passage and an exhaust passage of the internal combustion engine, wherein the valve controls flow of air that passes through the one of the intake and exhaust passages. The freeze control device is adapted to limit malfunction of the valve caused by freeze of water in exhaust gas, and the water has been attached to the valve. The start determination unit determines to start the freeze control device when the alcohol concentration detected by the concentration sensor is equal to or greater than a reference value.

Abstract: Freeze protection of an on-board emissions treatment substance storage and distribution system in a vehicle includes moving the emissions treatment substance away from a primary fuel/vapor area after filling of the emissions treatment system. In one embodiment an on-board emissions treatment system has a fill tube with a portion extending into a primary fuel fill tube to facilitate co-fueling of the primary fuel and emissions treatment substance. A pressure differential or vacuum is created in the emissions treatment fill tube after filling to move the emissions treatment substance away from a check valve disposed at the terminal end of the fill tube to prevent freezing of the check valve after filling. The emissions treatment substance may be moved out of the co-located portion of the fill tube to an area where passive or active heating of the fill tube may be applied to further reduce susceptibility to freezing.

Abstract: A water flushing system for a pressurized subterranean water distribution system includes an inlet conduit for receiving pressurized water from the subterranean water distribution system; an outlet fluidly connected to the inlet conduit for discharging pressurized water in the inlet conduit downwardly towards a drain; and a control valve for controlling the flow of pressurized water in the inlet conduit. The water flushing system further includes one or more of the following features: a freeze protection assembly, a detachable coupling system, a dechlorination system, and a backflow prevention system.

Abstract: An improved structure of straight-out controllable ceramic valve of anti-freezing faucet, which is comprised by cover water-receiving valve seat with open bottom, cylinder water-controlling shaft bolt that one end is covered into shaft hole at center of water-receiving valve seat and a group of butterfly outlet control valves, wherein bottom of water-controlling shaft bolt has a protruding tongue embedding into top of bottom butterfly porcelain shard in order to adjust outlets of top and bottom porcelain shard; its features are as follows: an inlet channel extending to middle section of shaft bolt is made at middle section of bottom of water-controlling shaft bolt, horizontal through outlet channel is made at two sides of inlet channel.

Abstract: A fuel cell power plant comprises a water circulation passage (5) which circulates the cooling water in a fuel cell stack (4). Sodium hydroxide which lowers the melting point of water is mixed with water in the water circulation passage (5) to prevent freezing of the water in the water circulation passage (5). Electrodes (11, 12) are disposed in the water. When the fuel cell stack (4) is running, a voltage is applied between the electrodes (11, 12) such that the positive electrode (11) attracts sodium ions, thereby removing sodium ions from the cooling water supplied to the fuel cell stack (4). When the fuel cell stack (4) stops running, sodium ions which were attracted to the positive electrode (11) are made to diffuse into the cooling water by ceasing to apply the voltage to the electrodes (11, 12).