Abstract: The accuracy of detecting gas leakage in a fuel battery system is improved. A fuel battery system includes a fuel battery to which a reactive gas is supplied to generate power, and a gas passage (a fuel gas supply path and a fuel gas circulation path) connected to this fuel battery, this gas passage is provided with a plurality of adjoining closed spaces, and the system includes a detecting unit (a control section) to detect gas leakage in one closed space in a state in which at least a pressure of another closed space adjoining the one closed space as a gas leakage detection target on a downstream side is lowered.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel cell stack that has a separator arranged between fuel cells, the separator 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 air supply system for a fuel cell and a fuel supply system with the same include a housing having an inlet hole and an outlet hole for respectively allowing inward and outward flow of a fluid; an air pump inserted and installed into the housing and having an inlet tube into which the fluid flows and an outlet tube through which the fluid flows out; a filtering portion installed between the inlet hole and the outlet hole within the housing and filtering particulate contaminants and chemical contaminants in the fluid; and a soundproofing member installed between the outlet tube and the outlet hole within the housing.

Abstract: A fuel cell system (100) includes two supply passages (30, 32) for supplying the hydrogen to the anode (14). Valves (22, 23) which control flow amounts of the hydrogen passing through the two supply passages (30, 32) are provided. An exhaust passage (34) which outputs exhaust gas from the anode (14) is provided on the supply passage, and a valve (24) is also provided. When the valve (24) on the exhaust passage (34) is closed, the flow amount ratios of the hydrogen passing through the two supply passages (30, 32) are varied in time. Therefore, impurities such as nitrogen can be diffused. Thereby, a hydrogen purge amount can be reduced.

Abstract: A fuel cell, a method for operating a fuel cell and a fuel cell system, which ensure no dew condensation for a wet reaction gas in the inlet area of gas channels in plates in a fuel cell stack. Gas channels and heat medium channels are disposed on one surface and the other surface of one plate, respectively. Gas channels are disposed on the other plate such that they face the gas channels in the plate. A gas inlet header is disposed at the upper part of the gas channel in the plate and a heat medium inlet header is disposed at the upper part of the heat medium channels such that they face the gas inlet header on the other side. Cooling water such as heat medium is supplied from the heat medium supply manifold hole to the heat medium inlet header, thereby warming up the same.

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 which is producible in high volume with electrolyte, positive electrode, and negative electrode components, which incorporate structure, external electrical connections, internal fuel feed passages, fuel distribution passages, oxidizer feed passages, oxidizer distribution passages, return passages, and exhaust passages to form a simple assembly which can be formed into a stack. The fuel cell can utilize either a rigid or flexible electrolyte.

Abstract: A fuel cell power plant (9) includes a stack (10) of fuel cells, each including anodes (11), cathodes (12), coolant channels (13) and either (a) a coolant accumulator (60) and a pump (61) or (b) a condenser and cooler fan. During shutdown, electricity generated in the fuel cell in response to boil-off hydrogen gas (18) powers a controller (20), an air pump (52), which may increase air utilization to prevent cell voltages over 0.85 during shutdown, and either (a) the coolant pump or (b) the cooler fan. Operation of the fuel cell keeps it warm; circulating the warm coolant prevents freezing of the coolant and plumbing. The effluent of the cathodes and/or anodes is provided to a catalytic burner (48) to consume all hydrogen before exhaust to ambient. An HVAC in a compartment of a vehicle may operate using electricity from the fuel cell during boil-off.

Abstract: Disclosed is an anode supported flat-tube solid oxide fuel cell including: a stack including a plurality of unit cells layered therein, each of the unit cells having an anode support, wherein within the anode support, a flow path allowing a fuel gas to flow is formed, and on a surface of the anode support, an electrolyte, a cathode, and an interconnect layer are provided, wherein the interconnect layer positioned between the unit cells constituting the stack is formed by a paste obtained by mixing an electrical conductive material with glass, and on the interconnect layer formed by the paste, a metallic mesh for drawing out a current collection wire is disposed.

Abstract: A fuel cell is provided. The fuel cell includes a power generator incorporated in a housing having air intake ports, an electrical terminal connected to a printed-wiring board, and connectors and a fuel passage for supplying fuel. The terminals are formed in such configurations as to be insertion-mounted on the printed-wiring board or to be surface mounted on the printed-wiring board. The fuel cell is directly mounted on the printed-wiring board. Thus, a cell housing part or a fixing mechanism, a connector, for example, do not need to be provided on an electric device on which the fuel cell is mounted and the structure of the device itself is simplified and miniaturized.

Abstract: A fuel cell module includes a first unit cell including a first electrode, an electrolyte layer and a second electrode; and a second unit cell assembly connected to the first unit cell and including at least a second unit cell. In the fuel cell module, the respective fuel reaction areas of the unit cells are different from one another.

Abstract: A stack (10) of fuel cells (11) is provided with barriers (32) to prevent migration of a liquid electrolyte (such as phosphoric acid) out of the cells (11). The barrier (32) is secured within a step (34) defined within a land region (28) of a separator plate assembly (18) and extends from an edge (30) of the separator plate assembly (18) all or a portion of a distance between the edge (30) and a flow channel (24) defined within the separator plate assembly (18). The barrier (32) also extends away from the edge (30) a distance of between 0.051 and 2.0 millimeters (2 and 80 mils). The barrier (32) includes a hydrophobic, polymeric film (36), a pressure sensitive adhesive (38), as an assembly aid, and a fluoroelastomer bonding agent (40).

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel cell (1) having a substrate (2) comprising an opening (10) and a layer stack (7) disposed on the substrate (2). Said stack comprises an electrode (3) designed as a self-supporting metal membrane covering the opening (10), said membrane being permeable to hydrogen atoms and blocking the passage of gaseous or liquid fuel, a counter electrode (6), and an electrolytelayer (4) adjoining a catalytic material and disposed between the electrode (3) and the counter electrotrode (6). In order to feed in a fuel comprising protons, the fuel cell (1) has a fuel supply device (14) connected to the electrode (3) by means of the opening (10). In order to feed in a reactant, a reactant supply device (15) is connected to the electrolyte layer (4) by means of the counter electrode (6). The reactant is suitable for reacting with the protons in order to generate electric current.

Abstract: A fuel cell, a method for operating a fuel cell and a fuel cell system, which ensure no dew condensation for a wet reaction gas in the inlet area of gas channels in plates in a fuel cell stack, are provided. Gas channels 2 and heat medium channels are disposed on one surface and the other surface of one plate 1, respectively. Gas channels are disposed on the other plate such that they face the gas channels 2 in the plate 1. A gas inlet header 3 is disposed at the upper part of the gas channel 2 in the plate 1 and a heat medium inlet header is disposed at the upper part of the heat medium channels such that they face the gas inlet header on the other side. Cooling water such as heat medium is supplied from the heat medium supply manifold hole 7 to the heat medium inlet header, thereby warming up the same. The water vapor in the reaction gas (wet fuel gas) is prevented from being condensed in the inlet area of the gas channels 2 by heating up the gas inlet header by the heat conduction.

Abstract: A method for filling a fuel cell anode supply manifold with hydrogen prior to a start-up operation to facilitate a substantially even hydrogen distribution across the fuel cell is disclosed. The anode supply manifold is in fluid communication with a source of hydrogen. A first valve in fluid communication with the anode supply manifold and a second valve in fluid communication with an anode exhaust manifold are initially in a closed position while hydrogen is supplied to the anode inlet conduit to pressurize the fuel cell stack. The first valve is then opened to purge at least a portion of a fluid from the anode supply manifold to facilitate a filling of the manifold with hydrogen.

Abstract: A fuel cell is provided with a separator that supports an electrolyte/electrode assembly sandwiched therebetween. The separator is provided with: first and second fuel gas supply parts in the center of which fuel gas supply holes are formed; first and second cross-link parts connected to the first and second fuel gas supply parts; and first and second surrounding support parts connected to the first and second cross-link parts. Each first surrounding support part is provided with a set of fuel gas exhaust passages that discharge fuel gas that has gone through a fuel gas passage and been used. The cross-sectional areas of the fuel gas exhaust passages are larger on the downstream sides than on the upstream sides, in terms of the direction of fuel gas flow.

Abstract: A fuel cell separator material, comprising an alloy layer 6 containing Au and a first component containing Al, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Mo, Sn or Bi, or an Au single layer 8 formed on a stainless steel base 2, and an intermediate layer 2a containing 20 mass % or more of the first component, and from 20 mass % or more to less than 50 mass % of arranged between the alloy layer and the base, wherein the alloy layer has a region having a thickness of 1 nm or more from the uppermost surface toward the lower layer and containing 40 mass % or more of Au, or a region having a thickness of 3 nm or more from the uppermost surface toward the lower layer and containing 10 mass % or more to less than 40 mass % of Au.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack made of a plurality of cell units stacked and operatively connected at one end thereof. Each of the units includes a holder having at least one cell, typically provided as an SOFC membrane, to produce an electric current when fuel and oxidant are present as the result of an electrochemical reaction.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for using regenerative braking power to start a fuel cell stack for system restart during a start/stop operation of a fuel cell hybrid vehicle. The method includes disconnecting the fuel cell stack from a high voltage bus for the start/stop operation and using regenerative braking power provided by an electric traction system to recharge a battery in the hybrid vehicle during the start/stop operation. The method also includes reconnecting the fuel cell stack to the high voltage bus and providing at least some of the regenerative braking power from the electric traction system to a compressor that provides cathode air to the fuel cell stack when the stack is reconnected to the high voltage bus at the end of the start/stop operation. A bi-directional DC converter selectively distributes the power to the compressor and the battery.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to electrochemical energy storage systems. In particular, the present disclosure relates to particular systems and methods for providing a compact framework in which to house an electrochemical energy storage system. Various embodiments of electrochemical energy storage systems are disclosed that include a flow manifold and a flow manifold cover. The flow manifold may provide a plurality of channels for distributing liquid reactant to an electrical cell stack. The flow manifold may be utilized in conjunction with a flow manifold cover. The flow manifold cover may be configured to support a variety of components of a liquid reactant distribution system. Such components may include liquid reactant pump motors, inlet and outlet ports, a reference cell, and a variety of sensors. The distribution of liquid reactants to the cell stack from the inlet and outlet ports may be accomplished by way of the flow manifold cover.

Abstract: A stack for a fuel cell system, including: a membrane electrode assembly, a separator that includes a fuel passage that supplies a fuel to an anode electrode of the membrane electrode assembly and an oxidant passage that supplies an oxidant to a cathode electrode of an adjacent membrane electrode assembly, a first manifold that is formed by connecting first penetration holes that penetrate the separator in a stacking direction and that is connected to the fuel passage, a second manifold that is formed by connecting second penetration holes that penetrate the separator in the stacking direction and that is connected to the oxidant passage and a baffle that is disposed in at least one of the first manifold and the second manifold. The baffle has a membrane structure to control the fluid flow inside of the at least one of the first manifold and the second manifold.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with improved fuel cell stack assemblies, and methods of operation of a fuel cell stack assembly, particularly with improved gas flow and thermal management.

Abstract: A fuel cell system including: a fuel cell stack including plural fuel cells sandwiched between two end plates; a fuel supply system supplying a stream of fuel gas to the fuel cell stack; an oxidizer supply system supplying a stream of oxidizer gas to the fuel cell stack; a closed loop coolant circulation system driving a cooling liquid through the fuel cell stack so that the cooling liquid enters the fuel cell stack, absorbs heat from the fuel cells, and exits the fuel cell stack. The coolant circulation system includes a circulation pump driving the cooling liquid, a heat exchanger removing heat from the cooling liquid and for at least partially transferring the heat to the stream of fuel gas and/or the stream of oxidizer gas.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack module includes a base, a cover dome removably positioned on the base, and a plurality of fuel cell stacks removably positioned on the base below the cover dome. A modular fuel cell system includes a plurality of the fuel cell stack modules, where each fuel cell stack module may be electrically disconnected, removed from the fuel cell system, repaired or serviced without stopping an operation of the other fuel cell stack modules in the fuel cell system.

Abstract: The water content estimation apparatus for a fuel cell includes an estimating unit for estimating a residual water content distribution in a reactant gas flow channel and a moisture content distribution in an electrolyte membrane in a cell plane of a single cell while taking into consideration water transfer that occurs between an anode electrode and a cathode electrode via the electrolyte membrane between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode. The fuel cell system performs control based on an estimation result by the estimating unit so that the fuel cell assumes a predetermined water condition.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack is comprised of a plurality of power generating units which are stacked along the horizontal direction. A corrugated passage groove having a shape corresponding to the shape of the underside surface of a corrugated passage groove of a first fuel gas passage is formed in a surface of a first metal separator. A corrugated passage groove having a shape corresponding to the shape of the underside surface of a corrugated passage groove of a second oxidant gas passage is formed in a surface of a third metal separator. The corrugated passage grooves overlap one another to define a refrigerant passage. An oxidant gas inlet port and a fuel gas inlet port are provided in the upper portion of the power generating unit, and an oxidant gas outlet port and a fuel gas outlet port are provided in the lower portion of the power generating unit. A refrigerant inlet port and a refrigerant outlet port are formed in each of the left and right portions of the power generating unit.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a first shut valve capable of shutting off a gas flow in a gas path where a fuel cell gas flows; and a second shut valve arranged more towards the downstream side of the gas flow than the first shut valve, and capable of shutting off the gas flow. In each of the first shut valve and the second shut valve, sealing is performed by intimate contact between a movable member and a seal member and a gas pressure supplied from the upstream applies a force to the movable member to bring it into intimate contact with the seal member. A deformation degree by an external force of the same intensity is set greater in the seal member of the second shut valve than in the seal member of the first shut valve.

Abstract: Flow guides forming an inlet channel are formed on a surface of a metal separator of a fuel cell. The flow guides overlap a section of an outer seal provided on the other surface of the metal separator. When a load is applied to the flow guides and the overlapping section in a stacking direction of the fuel cell, the flow guides and the overlapping section are deformed substantially equally in the stacking direction to the same extent. The line pressure of the flow guides and the line pressure of the overlapping section are substantially the same. The seal length L1 of the flow guides and the seal length L2 of the overlapping section are substantially the same.

Abstract: Embodiment of a system for generating electric power with micro fuel cells comprising at least one first micro cell and at least one second micro cell, each micro cell having an anode and a cathode with a membrane being sandwich-wise interposed, the system comprising a spacer element having an annular element that surrounds a cavity, said spacer element being associated with said anode of said first micro cell and with said anode of said second micro cell to realize a common diffusion chamber for the fuel of said first micro cell a of said second micro cell.

Abstract: A fuel cell separator material, comprising an alloy layer 6 containing Au and a first component containing Al, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Mo, Sn or Bi, or an Au single layer 8 formed on a Ti base 2; an intermediate layer 2a containing Ti, O, the first component, and less than 20 mass % of Au arranged between the alloy layer or the Au single layer and the Ti base; wherein the alloy layer or the Au single layer has a region having a thickness of 1 nm or more from the uppermost to the lower layer and containing 50 mass % or more of Au, or a region having a thickness of 3 nm or more from the uppermost to the lower layer and containing Au in the range from 10-50 mass %, or the thickness of the Au single layer is 1 nm or more.

Abstract: A stack (10) of fuel cells (11) is to be tested for tightness of the fuel cell membranes. For this purpose, a tracer gas is introduced into the fuel feed channel (15) of the stack (10). The fuel discharge channel (16) is either open or it is closed. A carrier gas is fed to the feed air channel. (17) and led through the exhaust air channel (18) to a gas sensor (28) where a determination is made whether the carrier gas contains amounts of tracer gas. A defective fuel cell (11) can be located by introducing a lance comprising a sniffing probe into the corresponding channel (18) and determining the position of the probe.

Abstract: An electrochemical apparatus having a plurality of ceramic electrochemical cells, a plurality of gas feed members and a plurality of gas discharge members. The electrochemical cell has a first electrode contacting with a first gas, a solid electrolyte layer and a second electrode contacting with a second gas. A gas flow channel for flowing the first gas therethrough, a first through hole and a second through hole are provided in the electrochemical cell. The gas feed member is inserted into the first through hole, the gas discharge member is inserted into the second through hole. The adjacent gas feed members are airtightly coupled to each other thereby forming a gas feed channel, and the adjacent gas discharge members are airtightly coupled to each other thereby forming a gas discharge channel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a connecting structure of a liquid sending apparatus, including: an electroosmotic flow pump having first and second electrodes upstream and downstream of an electroosmosis material; a flow-path structure which defines with flow-paths for liquid upstream and downstream of the electroosmotic flow pump, which is provided upstream of the electroosmotic flow pump with a ventilation hole communicating with inside and outside of the flow-path, and which is provided with a hydrophobic film which covers the hole and is permeable to bubbles; and a liquid-absorbing body absorbs liquid, which is provided in the flow-path upstream of the electroosmotic flow pump, which comes into abutment against a surface of the electroosmosis material on which the first electrode is provided, and which is formed with a bubble removing passage which passes through the liquid-absorbing body from a hydrophobic film side thereof to the abutment surface against the electrode.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a fuel cell system capable of improving accuracy of water content estimation during a standstill. A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell having a plurality of single cells laminated together and an estimating unit for estimating residual water content distributions in a fuel gas flow channel and an oxidation gas flow channel and a moisture content distribution in an electrolyte membrane in a cell plane of each single cell while taking into consideration water transfer that occurs between an anode electrode and a cathode electrode via the electrolyte membrane. The estimating unit estimates a residual water content of the fuel gas flow channel during a standstill from a shutdown to a restart of the fuel cell system based on temperature information on each single cell acquired during the standstill.

Abstract: A fuel cell unit includes a plurality of angularly spaced fuel cell stacks arranged to form a ring-shaped structure about a central axis, each of the fuel cell stacks having a stacking direction extending parallel to the central axis. The fuel cell unit also includes an annular cathode feed manifold surrounding the fuel cell stacks to deliver a cathode feed flow thereto, a plurality of baffles extending parallel to the central axis, each of the baffles located between an adjacent pair of the fuel cell stacks to direct a cathode feed flow from the annular cathode feed manifold and radially inwardly through the adjacent pair, and an annular cathode exhaust manifold surrounded by the fuel cell stacks to receive a cathode exhaust flow therefrom.

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: A fuel cell stack system is configured to uniformly supply a fuel or an electrolytic solution to each of fuel cell elements, and an electronic device using the fuel cell stack system are provided. An electrolytic solution channel allowing an electrolytic solution to flow therethrough is arranged between a fuel electrode and an oxygen electrode, and a fuel channel allowing a fuel to flow therethrough is arranged outside of the fuel electrode. The electrolytic solution channels and the fuel channels of all fuel cell elements are connected in series to one another. That is, the fuel or the electrolytic solution emitted from an outlet of the fuel channel or the electrolytic solution channel of one fuel cell element enters into an inlet of the fuel channel or the electrolytic solution channel of the next fuel cell element through a connection channel.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus comprising a plurality of planar fuel cell assemblies is disclosed. Each planar fuel cell assembly comprises two fuel cell members, a channel-forming member interposed between the two fuel cell members and defining a first channel for flowing a fluid fuel along with the two fuel cell members, and a coupling member to be coupled with an adjacent planar fuel cell assembly to define a second channel for flowing an ambient air, wherein the coupling member has a plurality of openings for flowing the ambient air therethrough.

Abstract: A gas control and operation method of a fuel cell system for improved water and gas distribution is disclosed. The present invention provides for a mechanization of a fuel cell system that allows control of the anode reactant and anode effluent through the anode portions of the fuel cell system to improve water and gas distribution on the anode side of the fuel cells that increases the voltage stability of the fuel cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel cell arrangement which comprises at least two single fuel cells, the single fuel cells being disposed non-parallel to each other, i.e. being disposed offset or in a shingle construction relative to each other.

Abstract: Provided are an ion conductive resin fiber, an ion conductive hybrid membrane, a membrane electrode assembly and a fuel cell. The ion conductive resin fiber comprises an inner layer including an ion conductive resin; and an outer layer including an ion conductive resin having larger EW than the ion conductive resin of the inner layer, and surrounding the inner layer. The ion conductive resin fiber and the ion conductive hybrid membrane are excellent in ion conductivity, polar solvent stability and dimensional stability under low humidity conditions. The fuel cell manufactured using the same has advantages of stable operation and management of a system at ease, removal or reduction of components related to water management, and even in case of low relative humidity, operation at high temperature of 80° C. or higher.

Abstract: A fuel cell installation includes a support structure and a cell stack assembly that is removably insertable into the support structure from an uninstalled position to an installed position during an installation procedure. The cell stack assembly includes a fitting. An interfacing structure is mounted on one of the support structure in the cell stack assembly. The interfacing structure carries a connector that is configured to receive the fitting in interconnected relationship. At least one of the fitting and the connector floats in a plane relative to the support structure during the installation procedure. In operation, the fitting engages the connector when the cell stack assembly is inserted into the support structure. The fitting is repositioned relative to the connector to ensure that the fitting and connector are aligned with one another and connected upon installation.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a fuel cell includes a fuel tank that stores a liquid fuel, a power generation section including an anode and a cathode, a first fuel supply section that supplies the liquid fuel from the fuel tank to the anode, an oxygen supply section that supplies oxygen to the cathode, and a second fuel supply section that supplies the liquid fuel from the fuel tank to the cathode. The power generation section generates power by a chemical reaction of the liquid fuel and the oxygen.

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 system includes a fuel cell stack and a mounting section. The fuel cell stack is mounted on the mounting section with inclination. The fuel cell stack is formed by stacking a plurality of fuel cells in a vertical direction. An oxygen-containing gas in an oxygen-containing gas flow field and a fuel gas in a fuel gas flow field flow in a counterflow manner. In a front box of a vehicle, an inlet side of the fuel gas flow field is positioned above an outlet side of the fuel gas flow field with respect to a horizontal direction. In this state, the fuel cell stack is mounted on the mounting section. The fuel cell stack is inclined downward from the horizontal direction toward the back of the vehicle in a vehicle length direction.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a reformer for generating hydrogen gas from fuel containing hydrogen using a chemical catalytic reaction and thermal energy. At least one electricity generator generates electrical energy by an electrochemical reaction of the hydrogen gas and oxygen. A fuel supply assembly supplies fuel to the reformer, and an oxygen supply assembly supplies oxygen to the at least one electricity generator. A heat exchanger is connected to the reformer and to the at least one electricity generator. The heat exchanger supplies thermal energy of the reformer, during initial operation of the system, to the at least one electricity generator so as to pre-heat the at least one electricity generator.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack formed by laminating thin end plates, separators, and the like, includes a first side surface and a second side surface parallel to the laminating direction. An anode side end plate has a plane portion on a first side surface. The dimension in the laminating direction of the plane portion is larger than a thickness of one of the end plates in a portion where the end plates sandwich a membrane electrode assembly. The plane portion is provided with a fuel inlet port for taking in fuel from the outside.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel cell having a membrane electrode assembly, anode-side and cathode-side electrodes, current collector structures and distribution structures for fuel and oxidant. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for the production of such fuel cells and also to a stack comprising a plurality of such fuel cells.

Abstract: A flat plate laminated type high-temperature fuel cell, with internal manifold structure, has a laminated body constructed by alternately laminating power generation cells (5) and separators (8), and by applying a load to the laminated body in the laminating direction to compress elements of the laminated body. Each separator (8) has a connecting section (8b) for connecting a manifold section (8a) of the separator (8) and a section (8c) at which the power generation cell (5) is located, and the connecting section (8b) has flexibility to the load. Thus, it is possible to improve adhesiveness in the power generating section of the fuel cell stack and gas seal performance in the manifold section. Further, each of separators (108) has through-holes (122) extending in the laminating direction, and a fixing rod (123) is inserted into each of the through-holes (122) for restricting movements of the separators (108) in a plane direction due to thermal strain in operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bipolar plate for a fuel cell, of the type that comprises anode and cathode bipolar half plates (1, 1?) which are placed next to one another. The central part of each bipolar half plate comprises an active zone (2), while the periphery thereof comprises a plurality of cut-outs (4, 4?, 5, 5?, 6) which are intended to form at least two oxidant tanks, two fuel tanks and two coolant tanks. Moreover, at least one bipolar half plate comprises at least one connecting rib (8, 8?, 10, 12) between a peripheral cut-out and the active zone. Projecting out from the outer face, each coolant tank cut-out is surrounded by a sealing rib (7, 7?) and the periphery of each bipolar half plate comprises a rib (15, 15?) for sealing the active zone, which connects the coolant tank sealing ribs and which surrounds the oxidant and fuel tanks. Furthermore, each channel formed by a rib segment (15, 15?) between two coolant tanks is blocked by a blocking means (17, 17?).