Edward J Bludnicki

US Patent:

20050019628, Jan 27, 2005

Filed:

Jul 22, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/624190

Inventors:

Thomas Clark - Suffield CT, US
Paul Margiott - South Windsor CT, US
Albert Grasso - Vernon CT, US
Richard Breault - North Kingstown RI, US
Leslie Van Dine - Manchester CT, US
Margaret Steinbugler - East Windsor CT, US
Edward Bludnicki - Wallingford CT, US

International Classification:

H01M008/04

US Classification:

429022000, 429026000, 429024000, 429025000, 429013000

Abstract:

A fuel cell power plant system includes the ability to operate an enthalpy recovery device even under cold conditions. A bypass arrangement allows for selectively bypassing one or more portions of the enthalpy recovery device under selected conditions. In one example, the enthalpy recovery device is completely bypassed under selected temperature conditions to allow the device to freeze and then later to be used under more favorable temperature conditions. In another example, the enthalpy recovery device is selectively bypassed during a system startup operation. One example includes a heater associated with the enthalpy recovery device. Another example includes preheating oxidant supplied to one portion of the enthalpy recovery device.