High-Temperature Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell System and Method for Operating the Same

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This invention describes a high-temperature polymer-electrolyte fuel cell system (HT-PEFC) using an acid-doped polybenzimidazole (PBI) membrane. It introduces methods and devices to automatically remove water and/or oxygen within the fuel cell system during key phases such as heating, cooling, or shutdown. These methods prevent the formation of liquid water that could wash away acid from the membrane, thus preserving the cell's performance and longevity. The invention includes different technical solutions, such as oxygen-removal membranes, absorber cartridges for water, and catalytic burners, all integrated to make the removal process efficient without reliance on external inert gas supplies.

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• Automotive applications in fuel cell-powered vehicles (e.g., buses, trucks, and cars) operating at high temperatures.
• Stationary power generation units using high-temperature polymer fuel cells.
• Backup power supplies for telecommunications or critical infrastructure where reliable fuel cell operation is needed.
• Portable or remote power systems exposed to varying environmental conditions.
• Industrial energy systems seeking more efficient and low-maintenance fuel cell technologies.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Prevents the loss of acid dopant from the PBI membrane, thereby maintaining long-term cell efficiency and lifespan.
• Reduces or eliminates the need for external inert gas supplies, lowering operational complexity and costs.
• Improves the reliability and robustness of fuel cell systems, especially during start-up, shutdown, or temperature changes.
• Enables more compact and lightweight system designs by removing bulky gas storage components.
• Allows continuous and automated water and oxygen management within the fuel cell system, minimizing maintenance needs.

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Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a high-temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cell system (HT-PEFC) comprising at least one fuel cell with an anode, an anode chamber, a cathode, a cathode chamber, an acid-doped polybenzimidazole (PBI) membrane located between anode and cathode, and at least one fuel circuit with an associated additional separate medium for removing oxygen or water. During the operation of this HT-PEFC system, especially during heating or cooling or shutdown of the system, oxygen and/or water is removed from the cathode waste gas or anode waste gas of the fuel cell in at least one fuel circuit by means of the additional separate medium. Thus the invention advantageously avoids the formation of liquid water during this phase, which could detrimentally wash the acid from the membrane.