Method to condition proton exchange membrane (PEM) or solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) fuel cell prepared for inactivate state in freezing conditions; involves evacuating fuel cell to drain water

摘要

The method involves evacuating the fuel cell with a vacuum, which substantially drains all of the water in the cell, before it is prepared for the inactive state. Preferably, the evacuation is effected when the temperature is at least 200C. An Independent claim is included for a method to prepare a proton exchange membrane (PEM) or solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) fuel cell for subsequent inactivity in freezing conditions.