FUEL CELL MULTIFUNCTION CATHODE VALVE
First Claim
1. A fuel cell comprising:
- a cathode and an anode;
a compressor having an inlet and an outlet configured to outlet a compressed air from the compressor;
a bypass line configured to return the air from the outlet to the inlet; and
a valve operable in a first mode configured to block the air from the cathode and a second mode configured to direct at least some of the air to the bypass line.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A fuel cell system in a vehicle has a cathode and an anode. A compressor has an inlet and an outlet, the outlet being configured to outlet a compressed air from the compressor. A bypass line is configured to return the compressed air from the outlet to the inlet such that the air returns to the compressor in a loop. A valve is located downstream of the compressor and is operable in a plurality of modes. In a first mode, the valve is configured to block the air from the cathode and return the air via the bypass line. In a second mode, the valve is configured to direct at least some of the air to the cathode. The valve can also be configured to operate in a third mode in which the air is sent to the cathode without going through the bypass line.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A fuel cell comprising:
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a cathode and an anode; a compressor having an inlet and an outlet configured to outlet a compressed air from the compressor; a bypass line configured to return the air from the outlet to the inlet; and a valve operable in a first mode configured to block the air from the cathode and a second mode configured to direct at least some of the air to the bypass line. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A method of selectively delivering air from a compressor to a fuel cell cathode, comprising:
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operating a valve in a first position such that compressed air from the compressor returns to the compressor and is prevented from flowing toward a humidifier; and operating the valve in a second position such that part of the compressed air returns to the compressor and part of the compressed air flows toward the humidifier. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A fuel cell compressor recirculation system, comprising:
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an air compressor having an inlet and an outlet; a valve; a first fluid line coupling the outlet to the valve; a second fluid line coupling the valve to the inlet; and a third fluid line coupling the valve to a cathode; wherein the valve is configured to selectively divert air into the second fluid line while blocking the air from flowing into the third fluid line. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification