Abstract: An automated reactant flow control subsystem is provided for a fuel cell system. The subsystem is achieved with a minimum of parts for decreased cost and increased reliability. The subsystem includes a fail-safe solenoid-actuated three-way valve in the fuel line that achieves very low pressure drop and very low parasitic load requirements. The subsystem also includes a fuel bypass system such as a flare, and a controller to automatically interlock the fuel and oxidant streams of the fuel cell.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack assembly includes a stack of fuel cell flow plates that include fluid passageways; pipes to communicate fluids with the fluid passageways; an end plate; and a dielectric manifold. The end plate supports a compressive load to compress the stack, and the end plate includes openings. The manifold is located between the end plate and the stack to communicate the fluids between the pipes and the fluid passageways. The manifold at least partially extends through the openings in the end plate to form a sealed connection between the manifold and the pipes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel cell system with a hydrogen purification subsystem. The hydrogen purification subsystem can concentrate hydrogen from the fuel exhaust for recirculation or storage. The hydrogen purification subsystem can also concentrate hydrogen from a fuel supply for input into a fuel cell or for storage. The hydrogen purification subsystem can also concentrate hydrogen for quantitative comparison with a second stream containing hydrogen. The hydrogen purification subsystem can also charge a hydrogen storage device for system use such as meeting transient fuel cell load increases.

Abstract: Combined vapor pump and a liquid driven motor for driving same. A combined motor and pump, as aforesaid, is provided as a compact unit which is of sufficiently simple design, and possessed of sufficiently few parts, as to be economical in manufacture while being effective in operation and capable of long life with a minimum of maintenance. The unit is made in three basic components, namely a motor component, a pump component and a conduit component positioned between the motor and pump components whereby the manufacture and assembly of said components may be carried out quickly and efficiently and whereby, further, a malfunctioning unit can be quickly and easily repaired by replacing in a simple manner the malfunctioning component thereof. Means comprising a chamfer in the body structure adjacent the vanes of the motor are provided to minimize the deleterious effect of dirt or grit entering into the motor from the liquid used for driving same.