Abstract: Solid ceramic fuel cells operating at high temperatures are already known. This type of fuel cell is particularly the so-called solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). In principle, the SOFC can be built in accordance with a planar concept or a tubular concept. The tubular concept has already been further developed in the so-called HPD configuration. According to an embodiment of the invention, the surface of the support structure in a delta fuel cell is geometrically enlarged in part in order to obtain an enlarged electrochemically active surface. Advantageously, at least one device for deflecting air from one direction to other directions is integrated into the support structure.

Abstract: A PEM fuel cell with a heating element, a method for operating the PEM fuel cell system, and a PEM fuel cell system includes the heating element having an integrated thermosensor that, substantially, can prevent the temperature of the cell/system from dropping below the freezing point of the electrolyte.

Abstract: A fuel cell system is used for on-board power supply in a motor vehicle that is powered by an internal combustion engine. The blower fan that is used to cool the radiator of the engine also cools the fuel cell module and/or it provides the air feed for operating the fuel cell module.

Abstract: A fuel cell system is operated by a supply of fuel and air. The air provides the oxygen required for the operation of the fuel cells in the form of an oxidant. The invention aims to prevent the fuel cell module from damage that might be caused when the motor vehicle is operated in different environments with possibly high pollution levels. To this end, the air is purified before it is supplied to the fuel cell system by way of an air purification device that is associated with the fuel cell module.

Abstract: A fuel cell system is used for on-board power supply in a motor vehicle that is powered by an internal combustion engine. The blower fan that is used to cool the radiator of the engine also cools the fuel cell module and/or it provides the air feed for operating the fuel cell module.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack has a heating device for preheating the feed air with a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger, at least in one dimension of the flat area arrangement, has the same size as the fuel cell stack. This makes it possible for heat exchanger and fuel cell stack to be arranged one behind the other in a simple way and advantageously enables them to be accommodated in a common housing.

Abstract: A smooth operation with different boundary conditions is required in order for fuel cell systems to be practically used in motor vehicles. To this end, the operating temperature of the fuel cell unit is equalized under varying load conditions. This is effected by a latent heat storage that is located upstream from the fuel cell unit in the vehicle, that is, the latent heat storage device extracts energy from or supplies energy to the fuel cell module as needed.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has an electric motor drive and an on-board power supply. Conventional on-board power supply systems can be operated with fuel cell modules. Here, the motor vehicle further comprises an air conditioning system providing cooling air that has an air conditioning compressor supplied by the electric systems of the vehicle. The electric systems can be either the hybrid drive of the motor vehicle or a separate electric motor driven by a fuel cell module already mounted in the vehicle. High-temperature PEM fuel cells are especially suitable for this purpose.

Abstract: Fuel cell units are suitable for continuous energy supply to electrical consumers. Particularly for the application in motor vehicles the above can either be the drive for an electric motor and/or also the supply of other electrical users. Here, a fuel cell module only delivers the electrical energy to a rechargeable battery and not directly to the user. The fuel cell module can thus be permanently held at the optimal operating point thereof. The fuel cell module preferably comprises HT-PEM fuel cells, which in contrast to PEM fuel cells work at a higher temperature, in particular in the range 120 C.° to 200 C.°.

Abstract: A fuel cell unit for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, has at least one fuel cell module and/or fuel cell stack. The fuel cell module is mechanically decoupled from the vehicle with damping elements and it is mounted between the floor and an underbody of the vehicle. The fuel cell module may advantageously be a flat stack with PEM fuel cells or HT-PEM cells.

Abstract: A fuel cell system has at least one fuel cell module operating according to the HT-PEM principle. The novel installation renders harmless at least the excess hydrogen gas that accumulates on the hydrogen side of the individual fuel cell unit, by connecting an exhaust gas catalytic converter. Environmental pollution by hydrogen is thus prevented. The catalytic converter may also be enabled to purify carbon monoxide and/or hydrocarbons from the exhaust gas.

Abstract: HT-PEM fuel cells that are constantly operated at high temperatures are less sensitive to CO contamination than PEM fuel cells that are operated at normal temperatures. It is nevertheless advantageous to regenerate possible CO contamination caused by the starting of the fuel cell. To achieve this, the HT-PEM fuel cell is operated in pulse mode for a predetermined period during the warm-up phase or at operating temperature. This permits the regeneration of the electrodes of the fuel cells, which have CO deposits. To carry out a regeneration method of a control and/or regulation device in a fuel-cell system having at least one fuel cell module that consists of a stack of HT-PEM fuel cells, with a control and/or regulation device for process management allocated thereto, the system is provided with a pulse device, which activates a pulse-mode operation for the fuel-cell stack, in dependence on at least one of several predeterminable parameters.

Abstract: An HT-PEM fuel cell installation is cascaded and the fuel cells are driven in cascade operation. This enables the outlet emissions to be influenced advantageously and undesirable emissions can be reduced to a minimum.

Abstract: A fuel cell unit with a fuel cell stack exhibits improved reaction gas utilization by defining variable mass transfer coefficients within the stack. The reaction gas utilization is optimized by matching and shaping the process gas stream distribution channels, such that the laminar flow in the smooth channels is turned into a turbulent flow and thus an increase in the mass transfer coefficient &bgr; in the back end of the stack occurs. According to a preferred embodiment, pole plates, tripping edges and deflectors are provided in the distribution channels. These measures allow the main direction of flow may be diverted to the active cell surfaces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a configuration and to a method for disconnecting at least one fixed electric device such as a fixed electric consumer or a fixed electric generator in a motor vehicle. Fixed electric generators, in particular, require fuel. The invention enables the operator of a motor vehicle to be protected against an unpleasant surprise caused by a running fixed electric device that empties the tank. A device for disconnecting fixed electric devices is connected to a measuring device for determining the contents of the tank.

Abstract: A PEM fuel cell with a heating element, a method for operating the PEM fuel cell system, and a PEM fuel cell system includes the heating element having an integrated thermosensor that, substantially, can prevent the temperature of the cell/system from dropping below the freezing point of the electrolyte.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes at least two stacked fuel cell units which are held together by a material which has sealing and fixing properties. A method for assembling a fuel cell stack is also provided.

Abstract: The fuel cell installation is monitored and controlled with regard to its system dynamics during its use as the prime mover energy supply of a vehicle. The system is configured to provide half its maximum output after less than 5 minutes following a stationary phase of up to 3 weeks.

Abstract: The fuel cell installation not only provides the energy for a drive unit of a vehicle, but it is also integrated as a member of the motor vehicle body. The fuel cell system is integrated into the vehicle chassis in such a way that the assembly economizes on components and/or forms a direct load-bearing component of the vehicle chassis.

Abstract: The fuel cell installation, which is particularly suitable in mobile applications, includes an emergency shut-down device. The device for shutting down brings about a closure of the hydrogen supply and in addition, when necessary, further measures including disconnecting and/or blowing the devices for conducting current and/or voltage.