Abstract: A method and apparatus for elevating the operating voltage in a fuel cell having a hydrogen electrode with hydrogen storage capacity and/or an oxygen electrode with oxygen storage capacity. The fuel cell is able to sustain the elevated voltage through application of an electrical current to the fuel cell resulting in the charging of the hydrogen electrode and/or the oxygen electrode.

Abstract: A hybrid fuel cell/battery including one or more electrochemical cell units comprising at least one cathode, at least one anode, and at least one auxiliary electrode. The auxiliary electrode works in combination with the anode to provide a current as a rechargeable battery while the anode and cathode work in combination to provide an electrical current as a fuel cell. The cathode and the auxiliary electrode may operate alone or in tandem to provide an electrical current.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a fuel cell having at least one bi-cell. The bi-cells may be stacked in series to achieve a desired power output. Each bi-cell is a unit cell comprising two hydrogen electrodes, two air/oxygen electrodes, two electrolyte distributors and a gas diffuser. The hydrogen electrodes are disposed adjacent to one another and the air/oxygen electrodes are disposed on the outside ends of the hydrogen electrodes. An electrolyte distributor is disposed between each adjacently set hydrogen electrode and air/oxygen electrode. A gas diffuser/distributor is disposed between the hydrogen electrodes. An elastomeric material is injected between the electrodes and distributors to provide mechanical stability. Further, the entire bi-cell is overmolded with an elastomeric material.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell with intrinsic energy storage. The solid oxide fuel cell includes a hydrogen electrode utilizing a modified anode active material. The modified anode active material allows for intrinsic energy storage within the hydrogen electrode which provides for transient response, load leveling applications, a decreased start-up time, and ability to accept charge. The solid oxide fuel cell may also include a modified cathode active material that allows for intrinsic energy storage within the oxygen electrode.

Abstract: A method and system for electrochemically purifying an impure stream of hydrogen. Hydrogen is absorbed into a gas diffusion anode from the impure hydrogen stream and oxidized to form hydrogen ions and electrons which are released into an alkaline solution. An electrolytic cathode also positioned in the alkaline solution decomposes water to form hydrogen and hydroxyl ions which combine with the hydrogen ions to maintain equilibrium of the system.

Abstract: A layered oxygen electrode incorporating a peroxide decomposition catalyst. The design of the oxygen electrode promotes oxygen dissociation and absorption within the oxygen electrode. The oxygen electrode has differing layers of hydrophobicity which allow chemical impregnation of the active catalyst material into the oxygen electrode where the active catalyst material is needed most.

Abstract: Fuel cell cathodes and instant startup fuel cells employing the cathodes. The cathodes operate through the valency change mechanism of redox couples which uniquely provide multiple degrees of freedom in selecting the operating voltages available for such fuel cells. Such cathodes provide the fuel cells in which they are used a “buffer” or “charge” of oxidizer available within the cathode at all times.

Abstract: A vehicle drive system powered by a hybrid fuel cell including at least one cathode, at least one anode, and at least one auxiliary electrode. The auxiliary electrode works in combination with the anode to provide a current as a rechargeable battery while the anode and cathode work in combination to provide an electrical current as a fuel cell. The cathode and the auxiliary electrode may operate alone or in tandem to provide an electrical current.