Removal of hydrogen from coolant fluid
A coolant reservoir for use in a coolant system of a fuel cell stack is provided, and includes a catalyst element disposed in the vessel and being capable of reacting hydrogen within the vessel with oxygen from outside air. The catalyst element includes a heating system for heating the catalyst element to a predetermined temperature.
1 . A coolant reservoir, comprising:
a vessel having an inlet port and an outlet port adapted to be connected to inlet coolant and outlet coolant passages, respectively, of a coolant system;
a catalyst element disposed in said vessel, said catalyst element being capable of reacting hydrogen within said vessel with oxygen from outside air.
2 . The coolant reservoir according to claim 1 , wherein said catalyst element includes a heating system for heating the catalyst element.
3 . The coolant reservoir according to claim 2 , wherein said heating system includes an electrical resistive heater.
4 . The coolant reservoir according to claim 1 , further comprising a guard element around said catalyst element to prevent coolant from contacting said catalyst element.
5 . The coolant reservoir according to claim 4 , wherein said guard element includes a porous protective layer surrounding said catalyst element.
6 . The coolant reservoir according to claim 1 , wherein said catalyst element is an electrolyte coated ceramic.