Method and apparatus for operation of cell stack assembly during subfreezing temperatures

• Main Author: E.A. BALLINGER,D.A. CONDIT,H.T. COUCH
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 06.09.2006
• Subjects: BASIC ELECTRIC ELEMENTS; CHEMISTRY; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; ELECTRICITY; INORGANIC CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY; NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSIONOF CHEMICAL INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY

A coolant system is proposed for addressing temperature concerns during start-up and shut-down of a cell stack assembly. The coolant system comprises a coolant exhaust conduit in fluid communication with a coolant exhaust manifold and a coolant pump, the coolant exhaust conduit enabling transportation of exhausted coolant away from a coolant exhaust manifold. A coolant return conduit is provided to be in fluid communication with a coolant inlet manifold and a coolant pump, the coolant return conduit enabling transportation of the coolant to the coolant inlet manifold. The coolant system further includes a bypass conduit in fluid communication with the coolant exhaust conduit and the coolant return conduit, while a bleed valve is in fluid communication with the coolant exhaust conduit and a gaseous stream. Operation of the bleed valve enables venting of the coolant from the coolant channels, and through said bypass conduit.