Fuel cell electric power generating system

Abstract

A fuel cell electric power generation system using air as both a coolant and an oxidant comprises an electric power generation subsystem, an air filter subsystem, a power and control electronics unit (PEU) subsystem comprising a DC/DC converter, and an air fan subsystem. The subsystems are arranged such that air circulation through the system is improved and the risk of moisture damage to sensitive PEU components is reduced. In one embodiment, the air filter subsystem is positioned ahead of the PEU subsystem, which is positioned ahead of the power generation subsystem, which is positioned ahead of the air fan subsystem in the direction of air flow, such that air is drawn by the air fan subsystem through the air filter subsystem, over the PEU subsystem, and through the electric power generation subsystem providing filtered air to cool the PEU prior to entering the fuel cell stack to provide oxygen for the electrochemical reaction.

1. A fuel cell electric power generating system comprising:
 at least one air filter;  
 a power and control electronics unit (PEU);  
 a fuel cell stack comprising one or more fuel cells; and  
 at least one fan configured to suck air through the filter, around the PEU and through the fuel cell stack, said air filter disposed ahead of the PEU, said PEU disposed ahead of the fuel cell stack in the direction of air flow.  
 
     
     
       2. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the fuel cells in the stack comprise plates and the plates comprise port plugs to make them adaptable as end plates. 
     
     
       3. The system of claim l, wherein the fuel cells in the stack comprise membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) and the MEAs comprise edges sealed with bridge seals and adhesive layers, and the fuel cells also comprise plates and the plates comprise perimeter seals sealed against the bridge seals of the MEAs.