High-Temperature Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell System (HT-PEFC) and a Method for Operating the Same

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This patent describes a high-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (HT-PEFC) system, which incorporates sensors to measure the CO2 concentration in the cathode waste gas. By monitoring CO2 levels at various points within the fuel cell stack, the system can detect even minor defects or emerging failures in the membrane before they escalate to serious malfunctions. This method allows for early identification and precise localization of problematic cells, enabling timely intervention and maintenance.

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• Automotive fuel cell systems, such as in hydrogen-powered vehicles, for enhanced reliability and safety.
• Backup power supply units and stationary energy solutions that require high reliability and uptime.
• Aerospace and aviation applications where early detection of fuel cell defects is critical for safety.
• Industrial power generation using HT-PEFC stacks where operational efficiency and maintenance cost are important.
• Laboratory and research setups requiring precise fuel cell monitoring and analysis.

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• Enables early detection of defects in individual cells of the fuel cell stack, preventing catastrophic failures.
• Improves safety by allowing pre-emptive shutdown or repair before major malfunctions occur.
• Reduces maintenance costs by identifying and localizing faults, allowing targeted replacement rather than full stack replacement.
• Enhances operational reliability and longevity of high-temperature fuel cell systems.
• Allows for simpler, non-invasive monitoring using IR-based or pH-sensitive CO2 sensors.
• Minimizes downtime by supporting quick diagnostics and repairs.

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Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a high-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell stack having at least two high-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (HT-FECF), which comprise at least one means for determining the CO2 concentration of the cathode waste gas. A method for checking this fuel cell stack is thus possible, wherein at least the CO2 concentration of the cathode waste gas is determined. Optionally, the CO2 concentration of the oxidizing agent that is supplied can also be determined. The CO2 concentration is advantageously conducted in the region of individual cells or cell sections. This can be done, for example, by way of a displaceable lance in the cathode waste gas channel or a plurality of outlets (valves) in the cathode waste gas channel. If a threshold value defining the normal state of functional individual cells is exceeded, appropriate measures can be initiated, such as switching off the entire stack and optionally replacing cells or cell blocks. For more precise information, according to the invention the CO2 concentration of the cathode waste gas is determined not only overall, but also at the outlets of individual cells or cell sections within the manifold.