Abstract: A reactor system is integrated internally within an anode-side cavity of a fuel cell. The reactor system is configured to convert higher hydrocarbons to smaller species while mitigating the lower production of solid carbon. The reactor system may incorporate one or more of a pre-reforming section, an anode exhaust gas recirculation device, and a reforming section.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes plural single cells and first sidewalls disposed on the outer side of a cell stack including the plural single cells. In the first sidewalls, holes for supplying the reactive gas to the cell stack are formed. The single cells are disposed in a row shape along a jetting direction (lateral direction) of the reactive gas jetted from the holes. The holes are formed such that a part of the reactive gas jetted from the holes brushes against at least the single cells disposed in positions closest to the first sidewalls and the remaining part of the reactive gas does not brush against the single cells disposed in the closest positions.

Abstract: A fuel cell system according to one aspect of the invention is operated in an ordinary mode and in a gas leakage detection mode. The fuel cell system includes fuel cells, a fuel gas supplier configured to supply a fuel gas to the fuel cells, a shutoff valve provided in a flow path for leading a flow of the fuel gas supply from the fuel gas supplier to the fuel cells and configured to shut off the fuel gas supply, and a variable pressure regulator provided in the flow path between the shutoff valve and the fuel cells to regulate a pressure of the fuel gas in a downstream in a flow direction of the fuel gas supply to a variable pressure value. In the ordinary mode, the fuel cell system sets the pressure value of the variable pressure regulator to an ordinary power generation pressure value for ordinary power generation.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes: a first discharge mechanism that connects an inlet of a discharge flow path directly to a porous body so as to cause liquid in the porous body and liquid in the discharge flow path to be continuous, thereby discharging the liquid in preference to the offgas; and a second discharge mechanism that connects an inlet of a discharge flow path to the porous body via a hollow portion of a predetermined size to prevent liquid in the porous body and liquid in the discharge flow path from becoming continuous, thereby discharging the offgas in preference to the liquid. The fuel cell is easy-to-manufacture with long-lasting effectiveness, and is capable of separating and discharging offgas and liquid in a porous body.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes separators sandwiching electrolyte electrode assemblies. Each of the separators includes a fuel gas supply section, four first bridges extending radially outwardly from the fuel gas supply section, sandwiching sections connected to the first bridges, and flow rectifier members provided between adjacent sandwiching sections. A fuel gas supply passage extends through the center of the fuel gas supply section. Each of the sandwiching sections has a fuel gas channel and an oxygen-containing gas channel. The flow rectifier members rectify the flow of the oxygen-containing gas supplied from the oxygen-containing gas supply passage to the electrolyte electrode assemblies.

Abstract: A fuel cell module that can accommodate a single fuel cell stack efficiently and that can enhance power generation efficiency, and a fuel cell device comprising the fuel cell module.

Abstract: There are included a gas-liquid separator (14) that performs gas-liquid separation on fuel exhaust gas exhausted from a fuel cell (11), a combustion section (13) that combusts hydrogen in the separated fuel exhaust gas, a heat exchanger (15) that performs heat exchange on combustion exhaust gas generated by the combustion, to condense moisture in the combustion exhaust gas and obtain combustion exhaust gas condensed water, and a degasifier (16) that removes carbon dioxide gas from the combustion exhaust gas condensed water and the fuel exhaust gas condensed water separated in the gas-liquid separator (14), and the degassed condensed water is stored in condensed water tank (18).

Abstract: A tubular solid oxide fuel cell assembly includes at least two tubular solid oxide fuel cell units, at least one shared current collector and a retainer for retaining a section of the fuel cell units and shared current collector in close fitting relationship therewith.

Abstract: A fuel-cell flow regulator is placed in a fuel cell having two entrances, each of which is formed at one of two sides of the fuel cell. The fuel cell is composed of a plurality of single cells, each of which includes a fuel inlet and a fuel passage in communication with the fuel inlet. The fuel passages jointly define a fuel tunnel in communication with all of the entrances. The flow regulator is located at the fuel tunnel and movable back and forth along the fuel tunnel.

Abstract: During a process of shutting down a fuel cell power plant (11) the exits (28) of the anodes (14) are vented (76-77) under liquid (57). The liquid may be that of a coolant accumulator (57) of a fuel cell stack (12) cooled by conduction and convection of sensible heat into liquid coolant (FIG. 1) or evaporatively cooled (FIG. 4). The vent (77) may be under liquid all of the time (FIGS. 1, 3 and 4) or only after the stack has been drained of coolant (FIG. 2). The vent (77) may be the only vent for the anode exits (FIG. 3), or there may also be a purge vent valve (31) (FIGS. 1 and 4).

Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel cell module provided with a fuel cell stack and a load-applying mechanism. The load-applying mechanism is provided with: a first clamping part that applies a first camping load, in the direction of stacking, to the gas seal part of the fuel cell stack; a second clamping part that applies to an electrolyte/electrode unit, in the aforementioned direction of stacking, a second clamping load that is lighter than the first clamping load; and a third clamping part that is provided on the first clamping part and, separately from the first clamping part, applies a third clamping load to the gas seal part in the aforementioned direction of stacking.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes a plurality of fuel cell modules. Each of the fuel cell modules has a first membrane electrode assembly and a second membrane electrode assembly respectively having an electrolyte membrane and being arranged, such that respective first electrodes are opposed to each other. The fuel cell module also has a first reactive gas flow path arranged to supply a first reactive gas to the first electrodes included in the first membrane electrode assembly and the second membrane electrode assembly, a second reactive gas flow path arranged to supply a second reactive gas to the second electrodes included in the first membrane electrode assembly and the second membrane electrode assembly, and a coolant flow path arranged to cool down the second electrodes included in the first membrane electrode assembly and the second membrane electrode assembly.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack that includes: stacked cells that generate electricity; an exchange plate disposed at a first side of the stacked cells, having a channel in fluid communication with an injection flow path and a discharge flow path, which extend between the cells; and a pump that is disposed at an opposing second surface of the stacked cells, to force coolant (air) through the injection flow path, the exchange plate, and the discharge flow path.

Abstract: A fuel cell system that employs a surface active agent that reduces the surface tension of the water in the flow field channels. The fuel cell system includes humidifiers that humidify the cathode inlet airflow and the hydrogen anode gas. The surface active agent is mixed with the humidifying water in the humidifiers so that the surface active agent enters the flow field channels to reduce the surface tension of the water therein, thus allowing the water to wick the channels. In one non-limiting embodiment, the surface active agent is ethanol. Ruthenium can be added to the platinum in the catalyst layers of the fuel cells to mitigate the poisoning of platinum by carbon monoxide, which is one of the oxidation products of ethanol on the cathode side of the fuel cell.

Abstract: A metal halogen electrochemical energy cell system that generates an electrical potential. One embodiment of the system includes at least one cell including at least one positive electrode and at least one negative electrode, at least one electrolyte, a mixing venturi that mixes the electrolyte with a halogen reactant, and a circulation pump that conveys the electrolyte mixed with the halogen reactant through the positive electrode and across the metal electrode. Preferably, the positive electrode comprises porous carbonaceous material, the negative electrode comprises zinc, the metal comprises zinc, the halogen comprises chlorine, the electrolyte comprises an aqueous zinc-chloride electrolyte, and the halogen reactant comprises a chlorine reactant. Also, variations of the system and a method of operation for the systems.

Abstract: A coolant supply passage, a coolant discharge passage, and an air-releasing passage extend through first and second metal plates of a metal separator in a stacking direction of the first and second metal plates. The coolant supply passage and the coolant discharge passage are provided at vertically middle positions of opposite horizontal ends of the separator. A coolant flow field is connected between the coolant supply passage and the coolant discharge passage. The air-releasing passage for releasing air from the coolant flow field is formed above the coolant discharge passage. At least part of the air-releasing passage is positioned above the top of the coolant flow field.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack is disclosed. The fuel cell stack includes a membrane electrode assembly, separation plates on either side of the membrane electrode assembly, current collectors on either side of the separation plates and configured to electrically convey current to an outside circuit, first and second end plates sandwiching the current collectors and configured to apply a connecting pressure, and manifolds formed to pass through the membrane electrode assembly, at least one of the separation plates, at least one of the current collectors, and at least one of the end plates, the manifolds configured to conduct reaction gas, and cutoff blocks inserted into a portion forming manifolds of the end plates to separate the current collectors and the end plates on a passage in which the reaction gas is circulated.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a gas delivery device for a fuel cell system includes a hollow ceramic element comprising a dielectric material having at least one groove in one end face of the ceramic element and a first metal tube, wherein an end of the first metal tube is inserted into the groove of the hollow ceramic element. According to an embodiment, a fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack or column, a gas delivery line fluidly connected to the stack or column, and a coefficient of thermal expansion compensator/isolator located in the gas delivery line, where the coefficient of thermal expansion compensator/isolator includes a hollow ceramic element made of a dielectric material having at least one groove in one end face of the ceramic element, a first metal tube, where an end of the first metal tube is inserted into the groove of the hollow ceramic element, and a hollow flexible element which compensates for differences in coefficients of thermal expansion between components of the fuel cell system.

Abstract: A power generator comprises a hydrogen producing fuel, multiple fuel cells arranged in a ring, and a rotatable ring valve. Each fuel cell has a proton exchange membrane and an opening separating the hydrogen producing fuel from ambient. The rotatable ring valve has multiple openings corresponding to the openings of the fuels cells such that ambient water is controllably prevented from entering the fuel cell by rotation of the ring valve.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes: a fuel cell; a normally-closed first shut-off valve provided upstream from the fuel cell and opening and closing pipes c1 and allowing air supplied from an air pump to pass therethrough; a normally-closed second shut-off valve opening and closing a pipe allowing cathode off-gas, discharged from the fuel cell, to pass therethrough; a valve-driving section for opening and closing discs of the shut-off valves; and valve lock units maintaining discs of the shut-off valves in open state when the cathode is released by opening the first shut-off valve and the second shut-off valve during electro-chemical reaction progressing in the fuel cell. This structure provides a simple and small-size fuel cell system capable of maintaining opening state of shut-off valves stably and reliably.

Abstract: A flow field plate or bipolar plate for a fuel cell that includes a conductive coating having formed nanopores that make the coating hydrophilic. Any suitable process can be used to form the nanopores in the coating. One process includes co-depositing a conductive material and a relatively unstable element on the plate, and then subsequently dissolving the element to remove it from the coating and create the nanopores. Another process includes using low energy ion beams for ion beam lithography to make the nanopores.

Abstract: A ventilation system for a fuel cell power module is provided. The ventilation system includes a ventilation enclosure for evacuating fluids from the fuel cell power module, the ventilation enclosure having an air inlet for providing ingress of air to the enclosure. The ventilation system further concludes a ventilation shaft in fluid communication with the ventilation enclosure and an evacuation pump arranged to exhaust fluid from the ventilation enclosure to a desired location.

Abstract: Bipolar plates and a fuel cell stack having the bipolar plates. The fuel cell stack includes membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs), and first and second bipolar plates sequentially stacked between the MEAs. The bipolar plates include: flow channels formed on opposing surfaces thereof; four manifolds connected to the flow channels; and through holes to connect to the manifolds of the bipolar plates adjacent thereto.

Abstract: A centrifugal blower system includes: a) a series of blower units, each blower unit in the series comprising a casing having an axial inlet and a radial outlet, an impeller disposed within the casing for drawing a gaseous medium at a first pressure into the inlet and expelling gaseous medium at a second higher pressure through the outlet and a motor for driving the impeller; and, b) a duct connecting the outlet of at least one blower unit in the series with the inlet of at least one other blower unit in the series.

Abstract: A power generator includes a housing, a chemical hydride fuel block adapted to be removably placed within the housing, an air conduit disposed about the chemical hydride fuel block in the housing. The air conduit includes a fuel cell portion and a water vapor permeable, hydrogen impermeable membrane portion. The housing has an air intake opening to draw air into the housing and through the air conduit to provide oxygen to the fuel cell portion and to carry water vapor generated by the fuel cell portion past the permeable membrane portion such that water vapor passes through the membrane and causes release of hydrogen from the fuel block.

Abstract: The present invention is a solid oxide fuel cell configuration which equalizes gas volume distributed into each power generation cell to stabilize fuel cell output and improve the output efficiency. In the present invention, a flat plate laminating type solid oxide fuel cell has a reactant gas supply manifold extending through a fuel cell stack in the laminating direction, for supplying reactant gas to each of power generation cells through gas passages of separators which are communicated with the manifold. The manifold and the passages of the separators are in communication with each other through a gas-flow throttle mechanisms.

Abstract: A separator includes a first fuel gas supply unit, a second fuel gas supply unit, first sandwiching sections, second sandwiching sections, a first case unit and a second case unit. The first and second sandwiching sections are connected to the first fuel gas supply unit and the second fuel gas supply unit, respectively, through first bridges. The first case unit and the second case unit are connected to the first sandwiching sections and the second sandwiching sections through second bridges. A first surface pressure F1 generated near a fuel gas supply passage, a second surface pressure F2 generated near an oxygen-containing gas supply passage, and a third surface pressure F3 generated near electrolyte electrode assemblies have different values.

Abstract: A semi-passive fuel cell system is provided. A stack in which a plurality of unit cells are laterally stacked with one another is provided. Each unit cell includes a membrane-electrode assembly and bipolar plates located on both sides of the membrane-electrode assembly. The membrane-electrode assembly includes an electrolyte membrane, a cathode electrode, and an anode electrode. The cathode and anode electrodes, respectively, are formed on each side of the electrolyte membrane. Also provided are a means for supplying fuel and a means for supplying air. Each of the bipolar plates has air paths formed on a surface facing the cathode electrode and extending from an upper end to a lower end of the bipolar plate. The air supply means includes ducts which are respectively installed on an upper end and a lower end of the stack, and includes a means for blowing air through the ducts.

Abstract: A three-way diverter assembly with a movable member is provided. The three-way diverter assembly includes a housing having a first inlet, a second inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The first inlet and the second inlet are adapted to receive a fluid. The movable member, disposed in the housing adjacent the first inlet, is rotatable about an axis from a first positional limit to a second positional limit, and selectively positional therebetween. Fuel cell systems having the three-way diverter assembly for regulating temperature and humidity of a fuel cell stack are also provided.

Abstract: A bipolar fluid flow flied plate for a fuel cell delivers fuel to a porous anode electrode and oxidant to an adjacent porous cathode electrode. The flow field plate comprises an electrically conductive, non-porous sheet into which fluid flow conduits are formed. A first fluid flow channel is patterned into a first face of the sheet and a second fluid flow channel patterned into the opposite face of the sheet. The pattern of the first channel comprises an interdigitated comb that co-operates with a pattern of the second channel comprising a continous serpentine path, so that no portion of the first channel directly overlies the pattern of the second channel over a substantial active area of the sheet. This allows the channels to be formed with combined depths that exceed the total plate thickness, thereby increasing fluid flow volumes.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes a plurality of power generation cells stacked in a direction of gravity. In a cathode side separator of the power generation cell, an oxygen-containing gas discharge passage is connected to an oxygen-containing gas flow field, and a water guide member is provided for the oxygen-containing gas discharge passage for allowing condensed water to be directly dropped in the direction of gravity along the oxygen-containing gas discharge passage. The water guide member is a plate member protruding into the oxygen-containing gas discharge passage and inclined toward the direction of gravity.

Abstract: In a fuel cell power source system comprising a fuel cell, a fuel supplier for supplying a fuel to the fuel cell, an electricity storing member capable of charging and discharging an energy, and a control circuit for controlling outputs of the fuel cell and the electricity storing member and the fuel supplier for supplying a power to an external load, there are provided a method of operating the fuel cell power source system and a fuel cell system promoting safety of the fuel cell system and reducing a deterioration in the fuel cell by removing the fuel remaining at inside of the fuel cell after stopping the fuel supplier. At an initial stage of supplying the power to the external load and inside of the fuel cell system, the power is supplied from the electricity storing member, and the electricity storing member is charged by using an output outputted from the fuel cell by generating the power by the fuel cell by using the fuel remaining at inside of the fuel cell system after stopping the external load.

Abstract: A fuel cell system which suppresses a decrease in system efficiency of a fuel cell and, at the same time, allows an emission amount of harmful materials to be reduced for an extended period of time is disclosed. The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack generating electric power by chemical reaction between liquid fuel supplied to an anode and oxidant gases supplied to a cathode, and an exhaust mechanism discharging to an outside of the system exhaust gases discharged from the anode of the fuel cell stack, the exhaust mechanism being adapted to emit the exhaust gases into liquid in a tank storing the liquid fuel or water and, thereafter, discharge the exhaust gases to the outside of the system.

Abstract: A preservation assembly of a PEFC stack which is capable of sufficiently inhibiting degradation of performance of the PEFC stack particularly during a time period that elapses from when the stack is placed in the uninstalled state until it is placed in the installation position and is practically used. The PEFC stack is provided with an oxidizing agent passage having an inlet and an outlet and extending through a cathode and a reducing agent passage having an inlet and an outlet and extending through an anode. The PEFC stack is preserved in an uninstalled state in such a manner that an interior of the oxidizing agent passage and an interior of the reducing agent passage are set in a pressure-reduced state.

Abstract: A PEM fuel system includes a fuel cell stack comprising one or more PEM fuel cells and fan configured to provide process air to supply oxidizer to and cool the fuel cell stack. The system has an air duct coupled to the fan and the fuel cell stack, and an electrical service load coupled to the fuel cell stack for receiving electrical power generated from reactions within the fuel cell stack. The system further includes as auxiliary electrical load coupled to the fuel cell stack and located within the air duct to reduce potentials across the fuel cell stack. The air duct is configured to direct the flow of air to the fuel cell stack and auxiliary electrical load to provide cooling air to the fuel cell stack and auxiliary electrical load.

Abstract: Carbon dioxide recirculating apparatus (20, 120) is disclosed for use in an arrangement having combination means (115) and a path for the flow of a gas through the combustion means (115). The apparatus (20, 120) comprises extraction means (221) for extracting carbon dioxide from a first region of the path downstream of the combustion means (115). It further includes condensing means (26, 30) for condensing the extracted carbon dioxide, and feed means (36, 136) for feeding the condensed carbon dioxide to a second region of the path upstream of the combustion means.

Abstract: In a fuel cell system, a humidifier is attached to an end plate. A pipe connector of a fluid pipe provided at the end plate such as an oxygen-containing gas inlet manifold and a pipe connector of a fluid pipe of the humidifier such as a humidified air supply pipe are connected through a substantially ring-shaped intermediate pipe. O-rings are attached to annular grooves in the outer circumferential portions of the intermediate pipe. One of the O-rings tightly contacts the inner circumferential surface of the pipe connector of the oxygen-containing gas inlet manifold, and the other of the O-rings tightly contacts the inner circumferential surface of the pipe connector of the humidified air supply pipe.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack is divided into a main power generation portion and a sub power generation portion. A variable load large in variation of output current is connected to the main power generation portion located upstream in a fuel flow and a steady load small in variation of output current is connected to the sub power generation portion located downstream in the fuel flow. This causes a fuel cell unit constituting the sub power generation portion to continue consuming a constant fuel by constant power generation and also causes hydrogen gas to continue flowing at a constant flow rate into the fuel cell unit, thereby preventing impurity gas concentrated and stored in the fuel cell unit from diffusing toward the upstream.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a separator having circular disks. On a surface of each of the circular disks, a fuel gas channel is provided for supplying a fuel gas to an anode. The fuel gas channel includes ring shaped grooves and ridges provided alternately, wherein the width of the ring shaped grooves gradually increases outwardly from a fuel gas inlet.

Abstract: A fuel cell system has a purge valve that adjusts the amount of nitrogen in a hydrogen circulation channel and a fuel electrode to be discharged through a discharge channel. A purge rate correcting unit variably sets a target control value of the nitrogen content in the hydrogen circulation channel and the fuel electrode by taking into account whether a driving mode is set in a normal power generation mode or an idle mode. An opening of the purge valve is controlled on the basis of the target control value.

Abstract: A direct liquid feed fuel cell stack includes a first end plate and a second end plate facing each other, and a plurality of unit cell modules mounted between the first end plate and the second end plate, wherein an electrical circuit that contacts terminals of the unit cell modules is formed on an inner surface of the first end plate.

Abstract: An efficient and passive micro fuel cell includes an anode plate, a reaction plate, a cathode plate and a condensation plate. The anode plate draws a dilute solution of methanol from a fuel tank to delivery to a series of upper oxidation reaction room through micro-channels by thermal capillarity. The condensation plate separates carbon dioxide and vapor from each other. Meanwhile, the methanol solution is delivered to a plurality of lower oxidation reaction rooms. Protons pass through the inner walls of the reaction holes and a porous membrane layer and arrive in the lower reduction reaction rooms. The lower reduction reaction rooms and the lower oxidation reaction rooms have reaction holes whose inner walls have carbon nanotubes and catalysts. A plurality of upper reduction reaction rooms delivers oxygen for the reduction reaction and drains the reduced water at the same time.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel cell system using evaporative cooling that generates electricity by reacting hydrogen as a fuel and air as an oxidant. The system includes a fuel cell stack including a cooling channel provided on a bipolar plate separately from an air channel and a hydrogen channel, an air inlet line connected to an inlet side of the cooling channel of the fuel cell stack, a water injection means provided at the inlet side of the cooling channel to inject water into air introduced to the cooling channel through the air inlet line, and an air compression means provided at the rear of the fuel cell stack and connected to a discharge line coupled to an outlet side of the cooling channel to provide a suction force to the cooling channel and to compress a mixture of air and water vapor sucked from the cooling channel. The present system provides advantages in that the configuration of the fuel cell system is simplified, lightweight, and downsized, and the manufacturing cost is reduced.

Abstract: A fuel cell has an anode, a cathode, and a proton-exchange membrane disposed between the anode and cathode. An exhaust anode gas exhausted from an outlet of the anode is directed back to an inlet of the anode. Hydrogen is added to the exhaust anode gas before the exhaust anode gas reaches the inlet.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell body that includes a middle plate and an electricity generating unit that generates electricity by a reaction of air and fuel. The middle plate includes a plurality of unit sections, a supply passage formed inside the middle plate, a supply opening for supplying the fuel to the supply passage, a plurality of inlet openings formed on the unit sections, a discharge passage formed inside the middle plate, a plurality of outlet openings formed on the unit sections, and a discharge opening for discharging the fuel from the discharge passage. The fuel is supplied to the unit sections through the inlet openings, and the fuel discharged from the unit sections being discharged to the discharge passage through the outlet openings. In one embodiment, an opening area of an inlet opening become smaller as the inlet opening is located farther from the supply opening.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel cell in which an electrolyte electrode assembly having an electrolyte sandwiched between an anode and a cathode is provided between separators, each of the separators including: a sandwiching section which sandwiches an electrolyte electrode assembly and includes a fuel gas channel and a separately provided oxygen-containing gas channel; a bridge which is connected to the sandwiching section and includes a reactant gas supply channel; a reactant gas supply section which is connected to the bridge and includes a reactant gas supply passage; and a connecting section that connects the sandwiching section to the bridge.

Abstract: An electrochemical fuel cell stack with integrated anode exhaust valves is disclosed, comprising a plurality of fuel cells, each fuel cell having an anode and at least one anode flow field channel, an anode exhaust manifold fluidly connected to the at least one anode flow field channel of each fuel cell, and a means for minimizing fluid backflow from the anode exhaust manifold into the anode flow field channels of the fuel cells. Methods for purging, and reducing fuel cell voltage variations within, the electrochemical fuel cell stack are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes at least one cooling channel that extends between a housing and a fuel cell stack disposed within the housing. The cooling channel has an inlet and an outlet for producing a gas flow in the cooling channel. As a result, a gas flow may be used for cooling and at the same time may be used for ventilation of the cathode.

Abstract: Fuel cell of this invention generates electricity by supplying fuel fluid to one of a pair of electrodes forming an MEA 1, supplying oxidation fluid to the other electrode, at least one of the fuel and oxidation fluids being gas, comprising a gas supply device transferring the gas along a flow path 10 defined on a surface of the MEA 1 and a drive circuit driving the gas supply device comprising a vibrating plate 4 and a reflection wall on both sides of the flow path 10, and the drive circuit performs a normal operation control generating gas flow from inlet to outlet of the flow path 10 due to sound pressure gradient generated in the flow path 10 by vibrating the vibrating plate 4 and a foreign material elimination operation control eliminating foreign material in the flow path 10 by changing a vibration mode of the vibrating plate 4.

Abstract: An interconnect for a fuel cell stack includes a first set of gas flow channels in a first portion of the interconnect, and a second set of gas flow channels in second portion of the interconnect.