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US 2008/0187802 A1Published application
Ptc element as a self regulating start resistor for a fuel cell stack
AssigneeGM Global Technology Operations LLC
InventorsBenno Andreas-Schott, Glenn W. Skala, Jeffrey A. Rock, Balsu Lakshmanan, Robert S. Foley, Michael W. Murphy
Life of this patent
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Abstract
At least one positive temperature coefficient element is used to efficiently control fuel cell voltage at startup and shutdown making the fuel cell more efficient and protecting the electro catalyst layer.
Claims20
A fuel cell comprising:
- at least a pair of spaced apart plates;
- a membrane positioned between said plates;
- and
- a positive temperature coefficient element electrically connected between said plates, whereby during startup of the fuel cell said element limits a voltage generated by the fuel cell until the fuel cell has reached a normal operating temperature.
1 more element
A fuel cell comprising:
- a plurality of bipolar plates arranged in a stack between a positive terminal and a negative terminal;
- a plurality of membranes, each said membrane positioned between an associated pair of adjacent ones of said plates;
- and
- a positive temperature coefficient voltage limiting means electrically connected to said stack, whereby during startup of the fuel cell said limiting means limits a voltage generated by the fuel cell until the fuel cell has reached a normal operating temperature.
1 more element
A fuel cell comprising:
- a plurality of bipolar plates arranged in a stack between a positive terminal and a negative terminal;
- a plurality of membranes, each said membrane positioned between an associated pair of adjacent ones of said plates;
- and
- a plurality of positive temperature coefficient elements, each of said element positioned in an opening formed in one of said membranes and electrically connected between said associated pair of plates, whereby during startup of the fuel cell said limiting means limits a voltage generated by the fuel cell until the fuel cell has reached a normal operating temperature.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.