Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell system. The solid oxide fuel cell system may include a number of fuel cells placed under load in a fuel cell stack, a number of manifold slices placed under load in a manifold column, and a number of compliant feed tubes connecting the fuel cells and the manifold slices.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell structure comprises a conductive base defining a plurality of holes passing through the conductive base and a microporous cellular substrate disposed on the conductive base. In another embodiment, an electrochemical cell structure comprises a conductive base defining a plurality of holes passing through the conductive base, a coarse microporous cellular substrate disposed on the conductive base and a fine microporous cellular substrate disposed on the coarse microporous cellular substrate.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack comprises multiple fuel cell assemblies, wherein each fuel cell assembly includes a fuel cell comprising an anode layer and a cathode layer, and an electrolyte interposed between the anode layer and the cathode layer. The fuel cell assembly further comprises an anode interconnect and a cathode interconnect, wherein the anode interconnect may be firmly attached to the anode layer by means of a bonding agent and a sealing agent used to seal passages on the anode layer of each fuel cell.

Abstract: A combustion engine system comprises a plurality of cylinders configured to combust a mixed fuel to produce an exhaust gas and at least one reforming cylinder configured to receive a first portion of a fuel and deliver a reformed hydrogen-containing gas. The hydrogen-containing gas is introduced into a second portion of the fuel to form the mixed fuel to reduce emission from the combustion engine system.

Abstract: A fuel cell assembly comprises a separating structure configured for separating a first reactant and a second reactant wherein the separating structure has an opening therein. The fuel cell assembly further comprises a fuel cell comprising a first electrode, a second electrode, and an electrolyte interposed between the first and second electrodes, and a passage configured to introduce the second reactant to the second electrode. The electrolyte is bonded to the separating structure with the first electrode being situated within the opening, and the second electrode being situated within the passage.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method comprising combusting a feed stream to form combustion products; and reforming the combustion products to produce a gaseous composition comprising hydrogen. Disclosed herein too is a method for producing hydrogen comprising introducing a feed stream comprising natural gas and air or oxygen into a cyclical compression chamber; compressing the feed stream in the cyclical compression chamber; combusting the feed stream in the cyclical compression chamber to produce combustion products; discharging the combustion products from the cyclical compression chamber into a reforming section; and reforming the combustion products with steam in the reforming section to produce a gaseous composition comprising hydrogen.

Abstract: A fuel cell, comprising a first electrode layer, a second electrode layer and an electrolyte interposed therebetween. The fuel cell further comprises a first electrode interconnect for supporting the first electrode layer. The first electrode interconnect is in intimate contact with the first electrode layer. The fuel cell also comprises a separator plate incorporating a second electrode interconnect for supporting the second electrode layer, which second electrode interconnect is in intimate contact with the second electrode layer, and at least one compliant structure disposed between the first electrode interconnect and the separator plate. In operation, the compliant structure deforms to accommodate motion in the fuel cell.

Abstract: A fuel cell assembly comprises a stress inducer for inducing a planar compressive stress, typically at least one stress inducer, in some embodiments, to at least one of an anode layer, a cathode layer and an electrolyte layer interposed therebetween, constructed from brittle layers having a higher fracture strength in compression than in tension. More particularly, the present technique provides a stress inducer for inducing the planar compressive stress to at least one of those brittle layers.

Abstract: A testing apparatus has an integral load cell element. The apparatus may be used to characterize a property of a sample on, for example, the mesoscale. The apparatus has a frame, at least one actuator and at least one displacement sensor. The apparatus may further include a controller and data acquisition equipment. At least one portion of the frame defines at least one flexure element that is capable of being displaced, by the actuator or a sample, along a rectilinear axis. The frame defining the flexure element has a platform and at least two parallel beams or springs supporting the platform. The portion of the frame defining the flexure element tends to restrict displacement of the sample rectilinearly along an axis that is parallel to the applied force. The arrangement also provides a counter-rotating associated with a cantilever spring assembly. An indentation testing apparatus is has the capability to indent a sample with an indenter.