Patent US4243731A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4243731A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Method and device for feeding a fuel cell with fluid reactants
Assignee: IFP Energies nouvelles
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Filing: 1979-11-26
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Granted: 1981-01-06
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Expires: 1999-11-26
Abstract
Abstract A method for feeding with the same fluid different chambers of a fuel cell block, each of these chambers being connected to a fluid feed pipe and to a fluid discharge pipe, the fluid flow rate admitted into each chamber being limited by flow rate control means, this method comprising the step of scavenging with fluid at least one chamber, once or periodically during the operation of the pipe, by passing during a limited time interval, the flow regulation means associated to this chamber.
Inventors
- 👤 Jacques Cheron
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 22:18
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01M; H01M8/00; H01M8/04; H01M8/04298; H01M8/043; H01M8/04276; H01M8/04082; H01M8/04186; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E60/00; Y02E60/30; Y02E60/50
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
86 words
A method for feeding with the same fluid a plurality of chambers of a fuel cell block, each of these chambers communicating with a fluid feed pipe and with a fluid discharge pipe, the flow rate of the fluid admitted into each chamber being limited by flow rate control means, comprising at least one step of scavenging at least one chamber with fluid during the operation of the fuel cell, by-passing during a limited time interval the flow regulator associated with said at least one chamber.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
86 words
A method for feeding with the same fluid a plurality of chambers of a fuel cell block, each of these chambers communicating with a fluid feed pipe and with a fluid discharge pipe, the flow rate of the fluid admitted into each chamber being limited by flow rate control means, comprising at least one step of scavenging at least one chamber with fluid during the operation of the fuel cell, by-passing during a limited time interval the flow regulator associated with said at least one chamber.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein said scavenging step is performed for each chamber successively.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method according to claim 2, wherein said scavenging step is repeated for each chamber at constant time intervals.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
A method according to claim 2, comprising measuring at least one parameter representing the operating conditions of the fuel cell and effecting said scavenging step for the different chambers successively when said measured parameter reaches a predetermined value.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
26 words
A method according to one of claims 3 or 4, wherein the scavenging of one chamber begins at the end of the scavenging of another chamber.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
23 words
A method according to one of claims 3 or 4, wherein scavenging of a chamber begins before scavenging of another chamber is completed.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
70 words
A device for feeding with the same fluid a plurality of chambers of a fuel cell block, comprising a feed pipe and a discharge pipe for each chamber and flow rate control means by regulation of a pressure drop for each chamber, each said control means being connected in series with its respective chamber, said device further comprising means for temporarily by-passing the control means associated with each chamber. each
Claim 9
Independent Claim
70 words
A device for feeding with the same fluid a plurality of chambers of a fuel cell block, comprising a feed pipe and a discharge pipe for each chamber and flow rate control means by regulation of a pressure drop for each chamber, each said control means being connected in series with its respective chamber, said device further comprising means for temporarily by-passing the control means associated with each chamber. each
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
48 words
A device according to claim 7, wherein said means for temporarily by-passing the flow control means of each chamber is formed of a direct passage with reduced pressure drop which connects the feed pipe to said chamber, and a valve controlling the opening or closure of said passage.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
51 words
A device according to claim 8, comprising means for controlling the opening or closure of each valve, means for detecting a parameter representing the operating conditions of the fuel cell, and means actuating said means controlling the opening or closure of the different valves when said parameter reaches a preselected value.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
30 words
A device according to claim 7, comprising a recycling pipe connecting the outlet apertures of the chambers to the feed pipe and means for circulating fluid through this recycling pipe.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1984-01-06 | 1984-07-07 | 1985-01-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-01-06 | 1988-07-07 | 1989-01-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-01-06 | 1992-07-07 | 1993-01-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |