Abstract
Proper discharge of nitrogen gas and water condensate is required in a conventional fuel cell system for performance, stability and durability of fuel cell stacks. Present study covers the development of integrated unit and its functioning logic for simultaneous nitrogen gas purge and water condensate drainage in a fuel cell vehicle system. Configuration of condensate drainage pipe, purge valve and level sensor is considered and optimized in physical integration. As a key factor, discharge time is considered and optimized based on the test result of constant-current operation with various operating temperature in logic development. Consequently, derived optimal values are applied and verified in actual vehicle drive mode test. Increase of system design flexibility, weight reduction and cost reduction are anticipated with this study. Additional study for physical and logical improvement is currently being implemented.
