Abstract: A fuel cell stack is formed by stacking a plurality of fuel cells in a stacking direction, and at both ends in the stacking direction of the fuel cells, a first end plate and a second plate are provided. An oxygen-containing gas supply connection pipe connected to an oxygen-containing gas supply passage is attached to the first end plate. In the oxygen-containing gas supply connection pipe, the opening cross sectional area of an intermediate pipe portion is larger than the opening cross sectional area of an oxygen-containing gas inlet and the opening cross sectional area of an oxygen-containing gas outlet.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack formed by stacking two or more fuel cell layers each constituted of one or more unit cell and a fuel cell system including the same are provided. Any two fuel cell layers adjacent to each other each have one or more gap region. At least a part of the gap region in one fuel cell layer of any two fuel cell layers adjacent to each other is in contact with a unit cell constituting the other fuel cell layer. The gap region in one fuel cell layer and the gap region in the other fuel cell layer communicate with each other. The fuel cell stack is excellent in fuel or oxidizing agent supply performance and it realizes high power density.

Abstract: A separator includes a first plate and a second plate. The separator has 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. A fuel gas supply passage extends through the first fuel gas supply unit and the second fuel gas supply unit in a stacking direction. The first sandwiching sections are connected to the first fuel gas supply unit through first bridges, and the second sandwiching sections are connected to a second fuel gas supply unit through first bridges. The first sandwiching sections and the second sandwiching sections sandwich electrolyte electrode assemblies. Each of the first sandwiching sections and the second sandwiching sections sandwich electrolyte electrode assemblies. Each of the first sandwiching sections has a fuel gas inlet and each of the second sandwiching sections has an oxygen-containing gas inlet.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack structure includes, for example, a plurality of unit cells each having an aperture formed therethrough. A first fuel cell stack is formed by stacking the plurality of unit cells in a stacking direction and has an internal manifold opening defined by the apertures. A fluid passage within the cell for flowing a fluid that flows within the internal manifold is configured and arranged to flow the fluid in a direction generally perpendicular to the stacking direction of the unit cell. The structure also includes an external manifold having an external passage for supplying the fluid to the internal manifold, wherein an external manifold surface facing a flow direction of the fluid creates a vortex in fluid flowing within the external passage proximal to the internal manifold.

Abstract: A fuel cell according to the present invention includes a power generation unit. The power generation unit is formed by stacking a first metal separator, a first membrane electrode assembly, a second metal separator, a second membrane electrode assembly, and a third metal separator. The number of flow grooves in a first oxygen-containing gas flow field is different from the number of flow grooves in a second oxygen-containing gas flow field. The first oxygen-containing gas flow field and the second oxygen-containing gas flow field have the same length, and the flow grooves in the first oxygen-containing gas flow field and the flow grooves in the second oxygen-containing gas flow field have the same depth.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an electrode structure capable of separately delivering gas and fluid which is applied to a passive fuel cell. The electrode structure includes an electrode portion and a water removal plate, and the electrode portion is adjacent to the water removal plate. The water removal plate includes a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, a plurality of gas passages passing from the first surface to the second surface, and a plurality of liquid passages disposed on the first surface. The surfaces of the gas passages are treated with hydrophobic treatment, and the surfaces of the liquid passages are treated with hydrophilic treatment.

Abstract: A fuel cell system is disclosed that employs an expander for recovering mechanical energy from a cathode exhaust fluid produced by the fuel cell system to generate torque. The expander is coupled to a shaft of a compressor with a freewheel mechanism, wherein the freewheel mechanism transfers the torque from the expander to the compressor when a rate of rotation of a driveshaft of the expander is greater than the rate of rotation of the shaft of the compressor, and selectively militates against the expander acting as a restrictor to the shaft of the compressor when a rate of rotation of the driveshaft of the expander is substantially equal to or less than a rate of rotation of the shaft of the compressor.

Abstract: The single fuel cell of the present invention includes an MEA (membrane electrode assembly), GDLs (gas diffusion layers) and separators, a pair of catalyst layers being provided on both surfaces of a polymer electrolyte membrane in the MEA, a pair of the GDLs being disposed opposite the pair of catalyst layers of the MEA, the separators including gas flow channels of an air electrode and a fuel electrode, the MEA and the pair of the GDLs being interposed between the separators, and at least one of an area of the GDL of the air electrode and an area of the GDL of the fuel electrode being smaller than an effective area of the gas flow channel of the separator, which is an inner area specified by tracing and connecting outermost edge parts of a groove of the gas flow channel of the separator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel cell which is capable of improving electric power generation efficiency at a time of high-temperature operation. The fuel cell 10 comprising: a membrane electrode assembly 4; and a pair of gas separators 7, 8 sandwiching the membrane electrode assembly 4 therebetween, wherein at least one of the gas separator(s) 7 and/or 8 comprises a compact layer(s) 7c and/or 8c which is capable of preventing permeation of fluid and a porous layer (s) 7d and/or 8d which allows permeation of fluid, and the porous layer(s) 7d and/or 8d is impregnated with a water-soluble liquid having higher boiling point than that of water.

Abstract: A ceramic baffle is configured to place a load on a stack of electrochemical cells and direct a reactant feed flow stream to the stack.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly, and a first separator and a second separator sandwiching the membrane electrode assembly. The membrane electrode assembly has a resin frame member, and an inlet buffer is provided on the resin frame member adjacent to the fuel gas supply passage. The inlet buffer includes a first buffer area adjacent to the fuel gas supply passage and a second buffer area adjacent to a fuel gas flow field. The opening dimension of the first buffer area in a stacking direction is larger than the opening dimension of the second buffer area in the stacking direction.

Abstract: Described herein are solid oxide fuel cells and manufacturing methods thereof. In certain aspects, the solid oxide fuel cells described herein include a plurality of anodes and a plurality of cathodes in which the anodes and cathodes are alternately stacked on each other and have non-overlapping sections in which the anodes and cathodes do not overlap partially. In certain aspects, the plurality of anodes are electrically connected to a first electrode, and the plurality of cathodes are electrically connected to a second electrode. In certain aspects, a solid electrolyte can be included, for example, between the anode and the cathode. In certain aspects, partitioning sections are disposed between each of the cathodes and the first electrode and between each of the anodes and the second electrode.

Abstract: A micro-tubular solid oxide fuel cell arrangement includes two micro-tubular elements having a tubular inner electrode, covered on its outer surface with an electrolyte, the electrolyte being covered on its outer surface with a tubular outer electrode; and a connection element arranged between the micro-tubular elements for connecting one end of one micro-tubular element to one end of the other micro-tubular element, where the micro-tubular element has a first end portion with an inner cone arranged in the tubular inner electrode and a second end portion with an outer cone arranged in the tubular outer electrode, where the connection element comprises a metallic interconnector plate having a first side and an opposite second side, where the plate is provided with at least one hole); a first metallic connector on the first side and arranged around the hole and a second metallic connector on the second side and arranged around the hole.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack is provided that includes unit cells that include a manifold, an open end plate that is disposed at one side of the unit cells and that has a reaction gas inlet and outlet that are connected to the manifold, and a closed end plate that is disposed at the other side of the unit cells and that closes the manifold, In particular, the open end plate includes a first slanted surface that adjusts a flow of a reaction gas at a reaction gas inlet and a manifold interface. A first alignment protrusion forms the first slanted surface and that aligns the unit cells, and the closed end plate includes a second slanted surface that adjusts flow of a reaction gas at the manifold interface. Additionally, a second alignment protrusion forms the second slanted surface and aligns the unit cells accordingly.

Abstract: A method of insulating a base portion of a fuel cell system including pouring an insulation that can be poured to fill at least 30 volume % of a base portion cavity of the fuel cell system housing through an opening in a sidewall of the housing. The base portion cavity of the housing is located between a bottom wall of the housing and a stack support base plate located in the housing. The stack support base plate supports one or more columns of fuel cell stacks.

Abstract: A conduit assembly for a fuel cell system includes a dielectric tube comprising a first end and a second end, a first metal tube including a first lip coupled to the first end of the dielectric tube, a first dielectric ring coupled to the first lip of the first metal tube, a second metal tube including a second lip coupled to the second end of the dielectric tube, and a second dielectric ring coupled to the second lip of the second metal tube.

Abstract: A casing of a fuel cell system is divided into a fluid supply section, a module section, and an electrical equipment section. A detector, a fuel gas supply apparatus, an oxygen-containing gas supply apparatus, and a water supply apparatus are provided in the fluid supply section. A fuel cell module and a combustor are provided in the module section. A power converter and a control device are provided in the electrical equipment section. The module section is interposed between the fluid supply section and the electrical equipment section.

Abstract: In a fuel cell stack constituting a fuel cell module, electrolyte/electrode assemblies and separators are alternately laminated. An electrolyte/electrode assembly and a terminal separator are arranged on one end of the fuel cell stack in the lamination direction in this order outwardly, and a dummy electrolyte/electrode assembly and a terminal separator are arranged on the other end of the fuel cell stack in the lamination direction in this order outwardly. The dummy electrolyte/electrode assembly is so formed as to have the same shape as the electrolyte/electrode assemblies, while having conductivity but not having a power generation function.

Abstract: The fuel cell base module stacking structure has large compactness, very litte ohmic losses and ease as for implementing the seal of the assembly. It consists of a concentric stack of several fuel cell base cells each consisting on either side of an interconnector (24) sandwiching an anode (21), an electrolyte (22) and a cathode (23), each cell being thereby placed upon each other. The module is completed with two cases for distributing combustible gases. Application to gas fuel cells of the SOFC type.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments of redox flow battery systems having modular reactant storage capabilities. Accordingly to various embodiments, a redox flow battery system may include an anolyte storage module configured to interface with other anolyte storage modules, a catholyte storage module configured to interface with other catholyte storage modules, and a reactor cell having reactant compartments in fluid communication with the anolyte and catholyte storage modules. By utilizing modular storage modules to store anolyte and catholyte reactants, the redox flow battery system may be scalable without significantly altering existing system components.

Abstract: A fuel cell component includes a first fluid distribution layer, a second fluid distribution layer, a cap layer, a third fluid distribution layer, and a pair of fluid diffusion medium layers. The individual layers are polymeric, mechanically integrated, and formed from a radiation-sensitive material. The first fluid distribution layer, the second fluid distribution layer, the cap layer, the third fluid distribution layer, and the pair of fluid diffusion medium layers are coated with an electrically conductive material. A pair of the fuel cell components may be arranged in a stack with a membrane electrode assembly therebetween to form a fuel cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preventing liquid fuel that has penetrated from an anode from reaching a cathode and of effectively utilizing a cathode catalyst, which provides a membrane electrode assembly for fuel cell having high output density. In a membrane electrode assembly for fuel cell including an anode formed of a catalyst and a solid polymer electrolyte, a cathode formed of a catalyst and a solid polymer electrolyte, and a solid polymer electrolyte membrane formed between the anode and the cathode, an intermediate layer is formed between the cathode and the electrolyte membrane.

Abstract: A water electrolysis apparatus includes an anode separator having a water flow field held in fluid communication with a water supply passage and a discharge passage. The water flow field includes a plurality of water channels, an arcuate inlet buffer, and an arcuate outlet buffer. The water channels have respective ends connected to the arcuate inlet buffer through respective inlet joint channels. The inlet joint channels are oriented at an angle of 90 degrees or greater with respect to respective tangential lines at the ends of the inlet joint channels which are connected to the arcuate inlet buffer.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell stack with a uniform flow distribution structure and a metal sealing member is provided, in which fuel and air introduced into the solid oxide fuel cell stack are preheated to a predetermined temperature by heat exchangers provided therein and uniformly distributed over the entire anode and cathode reaction surfaces of unit cells to improve the use efficiency of a fuel cell and in which the sealing of the fuel cell stack is effectively maintained even under high temperature and high pressure conditions to ensure the safety of the fuel cell and increase its durability.

Abstract: A discharge port is located at a lower portion of the case of a gas-liquid separator. A discharge valve is located at the discharge port. A water retaining portion is located at the bottom of the case. The water retaining portion is located at a position lower than the discharge valve. An upward inclination surface is formed on the bottom of the water retaining portion. The upward inclination surface is inclined upward toward the discharge valve. A downward inclination surface is formed on the bottom of the water retaining portion. The downward inclination surface is inclined downward toward the upward inclination surface. A cover portion is located in an upper portion of the water retaining portion. The cover portion defines a gas passage in an upper portion of the water retaining portion. The gas passage is open at a portion closer to the inlet and connected to the discharge valve.

Abstract: A fluid distribution insert adapted to be received within an inlet header of a fuel cell assembly is disclosed. The fluid distribution insert includes a hollow insert with a first end and a second end. An inlet is formed at the first end of the hollow insert in fluid communication with a source of a reactant gas and adapted to receive the reactant gas therein. A plurality of outlets is formed intermediate the first end and the second end. A plurality of flow channels is formed in the hollow insert providing fluid communication between the inlet and the outlets to deliver the fluid to a plurality of fuel cells of the fuel cell assembly, wherein a total flow volume and flow resistance of each of the flow channels is substantially the same to provide for a substantially simultaneous delivery of the reactant gas to the fuel cells.

Abstract: A water vapor transfer device for a fuel cell includes a pair of diffusion medium layers, a pair of edge strips, an array of elongate cords, and a pair of polymer membranes. One of the edge strips is disposed between the first edges of the diffusion medium layers. Another of the edge strips is disposed adjacent the second edge of each of the diffusion medium layers. The edge strips are bonded to each of the diffusion medium layers with a hot-melt adhesive. The elongate cords are disposed between the diffusion medium layers and intermediate the edge strips. The elongate cords are bonded to each of the diffusion medium layers with a hot-melt adhesive and define a plurality of flow channels between the diffusion medium layers. The polymer membranes are bonded to the diffusion medium layers adjacent the edge strips with the hot-melt adhesive from the edge strips.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel cell system which includes a fuel cell having an anode and a cathode and for producing electricity through reaction between the fuel gas and the oxidant gas, a fuel gas supply path through which the fuel gas passes, an oxidant gas supply path through which the oxidant gas passes, a voltage sensing device for detecting voltage produced by the fuel cell during power generation, and a decision device for determining whether or not cross leakage occurs between the anode and the cathode of the fuel cell, based on voltage information sent from the voltage sensing device. Moreover, the decision device determines that the cross leakage occurs between the anode and the cathode, if the voltage produced by the fuel cell is less than a predetermined value during the power generation.

Abstract: A fuel cell comprises an electrolyte electrode assembly which includes an anode electrode, a cathode electrode, and an electrolyte; a separator which includes a sandwiching portion; a fuel gas channel which is formed at a first surface of the sandwiching portion, and is covered by the anode electrode; fuel gas outlets which are formed around the fuel gas channel; an oxygen-containing gas channel which is formed at a second surface of the sandwiching portion, and is covered by the cathode electrode; and oxygen-containing gas outlets which are formed around the oxygen-containing gas channel, in which the oxygen-containing gas outlets are formed at phases different from phases of the fuel gas outlets in a thickness direction of the separator.

Abstract: A fluid flow plate of a fuel cell includes a main body and a supporting frame. The main body includes a plurality of fluid channels and an opening, wherein the fluid channels converge at the opening. The supporting frame, mounted on the periphery of the opening, is annular shaped and frames the fluid channels. The supporting frame includes a pair of supporting walls respectively disposed on two sides of the fluid channels.

Abstract: A fuel battery cell C includes a membrane electrode assembly 2 having a frame 1 in a periphery thereof; two separators 3A, 3B holding them therebetween; and gas seal members 11, 12 provided to peripheral portions of diffuser areas D1, D2 each formed between the frame 1 and one of the separators 3A, 3B. A diffuser-area-D1-side edge position of the gas seal member 11 in the diffuser area D1 on the cathode side and a diffuser-area-D2-side edge position of the gas seal member 12 in the diffuser area D2 on the anode side are offset from each other in an inside-outside direction of the diffuser areas D1, D2.

Abstract: A method to control the heat balance of fuel cell stacks in a fuel cell system, the fuel cell system including at least one fuel cell unit including fuel cell stacks, whose fuel cells include an anode side and a cathode side, as well as an electrolyte interposed therebetween, and a recuperator unit for heat exchange for preheating a supply flow of the cathode side. In the method, a desired portion is separated from the fuel exhaust flow coming from the anode side and adapted to be mixed with the cathode side exit flow before said recuperator unit. Also provided is a fuel cell system implementing the method.

Abstract: A current producing cell has anode flow plates 22 and cathode flow plates 20. Each of the flow plates 20, 22 defines a membrane face 26, a collector face 24, and a center axis C perpendicular to the membrane face 26 and the collector face 24. Each of the collector faces 24 define a plurality of cooling channels 74, 76, 78 and a plurality of transport channels 62, 64. The cooling channels 74, 76, 78 of the cathode flow plates 20 extend radially relative to the center axis C thereof to overlap the transport channels 62, 64 of the anode flow plates 22.

Abstract: A Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) system having a hot zone with a center cathode air feed tube for improved reactant distribution, a CPOX reactor attached at the anode feed end of the hot zone with a tail gas combustor at the opposing end for more uniform heat distribution, and a counter-flow heat exchanger for efficient heat retention.

Abstract: The invention provides a fuel cell separator wherein a first reaction gas channel 131 has a first portion 41 and a second portion 51 located upstream of the first portion 41, the first portion 41 lying closest to the upstream end of the first reaction gas channel 131 among portions located between the second portion 51 and the downstream end of the first reaction gas channel 131, the second portion 51 lying closest to the downstream end among portions located between the upstream end and the first portion 41 of the first reaction gas channel 131. Second reaction gas channels 132, 133 do not exist between the first portion 41 and the upstream end but exist between the second portion 51 and the downstream end. The first reaction gas channel 131 is communicated with at least one (hereinafter referred to as the “specific channel”) of the second reaction gas channels 132, 133 in a portion (hereinafter referred to as the “specific portion”) between the first portion 41 and the downstream end.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fuel cell system or the like capable of sufficiently reducing an exhaust hydrogen concentration even in a case where a fuel cell is operated in a state of a low power generation efficiency. A bypass valve is arranged between an oxidation gas supply path and a cathode-off gas channel. In a state in which supply of an oxidation gas to a cathode falls short, pumping hydrogen is included in a cathode-off gas. Therefore, a valve open degree of the bypass valve is regulated, and a flow rate of bypass air is regulated to control the exhaust hydrogen concentration.

Abstract: A fuel cell apparatus (A1) includes a stack structure (B) including a plurality of solid electrolyte cell units (10) stacked with interspaces separating one another, and a case (20) enclosing the stack structure (B). The fuel cell apparatus (A1) further includes an inlet port (30) to introduce a reactant gas into the case (20), an outlet port (40) to discharge the reactant gas from the case (20), and a gas guide extending from the inlet port (30) along an outer periphery of the stack structure (B). The gas guide may include at least one guide member (50), and a heat transfer section.

Abstract: An example fuel cell repeater includes a separator plate and a frame establishing at least a portion of a flow path that is operative to communicate fuel to or from at least one fuel cell held by the frame relative to the separator plate. The flow path has a perimeter and any fuel within the perimeter flow across the at least one fuel cell in a first direction. The separator plate, the frame, or both establish at least one conduit positioned outside the flow path perimeter. The conduit is outside of the flow path perimeter and is configured to direct flow in a second, different direction. The conduit is fluidly coupled with the flow path.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack including membrane-electrode assemblies and separators formed between each of the membrane-electrode assemblies is disclosed. The membrane-electrode assemblies may each include an electrolyte membrane, an anode formed on a first surface of the electrolyte membrane, and a cathode formed on a second surface of the electrolyte membrane. Each of the separators may include an anode separator facing the anode and a cathode separator facing the cathode. Each of the separators may include at least two manifolds, a channel separated from the manifolds and facing either the anode or the cathode, and a connection channel fluidly connecting the manifold and the channel. The separator may also include a buffer protrusion system in the connection channel configured to disperse the flow of the fuel or the oxidant.

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 flow path member includes an orifice section, a pressure regulating section, a filter section, and a distribution section joined together integrally, and these components are detachably provided between insulating seals. In the orifice section, orifice holes are formed around a fuel gas supply passage. In the pressure regulating section, a substantially ring shaped pressure regulating chamber is formed. In the filter section, a plurality of filter holes are formed. The orifice holes and the filter holes are connected through the pressure regulating chamber. In the distribution section, a plurality of distribution grooves for distributing the fuel gas flowing through the fuel gas supply passage in a stacking direction to flow along a separator surface, and a circular groove for supplying the fuel gas to the filter section are formed.

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 stack including a first end plate, a second end plate, at least a fuel cell, a first current collector and a second current collector is provided. The first end plate includes a first end plate structure component, which is combined with a first end plate manifold component. The second end plate includes a second end plate structure component, which is combined with a second end plate manifold component. The first and the second end plate manifold components are placed between the first and the second end plate structure components, while the fuel cell is disposed between the first and the second end plate manifold components. The first current collector is disposed between the first end plate manifold component and the fuel cell. The second current collector is disposed between the second end plate manifold component and the fuel cell.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a flat-tubular solid oxide cell stack in which the pathway of chemical reactions is long and the temperature and flow rate of feed gas are maintained at uniform levels, thus the efficiency of electrical energy generation is increased when the cell stack is used as a fuel cell, and the purity of generated gas (hydrogen) is increased when the cell stack is used as a high-temperature electrolyzer.

Abstract: In forming a fuel cell stack by stacking a plurality of fuel cell units, in order to provide a fuel cell in which the fuel cell stack can be stably bound, the supply of fuel and conduction of respective cells can be surely performed, and stable power generation is possible, the fuel cell includes a fuel cell stack 2 formed by stacking a plurality of fuel cell units 3 having a fuel electrode 33 and an oxidizer electrode 43. The oxidizer electrode has, in a plane orthogonal to a stacking direction of the fuel cell units, an elastic member (an oxidizer electrode diffusion layer) 41 that is arranged in parallel to a rigid supporting member 14 and has electrical conductivity.

Abstract: A fluid distribution insert adapted to be received within an inlet header of a fuel cell assembly is disclosed. The fluid distribution insert includes a wedge section having a first end and a second end. The wedge section forms a fluid flow path between a surface forming the inlet header and the wedge section, wherein the fluid flow path receives a fluid therein and delivers the fluid to a plurality of fuel cells of the fuel cell assembly. The wedge section minimizes a cross-sectional area of the fluid flow path adjacent the second end of the wedge section to maintain a substantially constant fluid velocity along a length of the inlet header.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes a first separator including a sandwiching section for sandwiching an electrolyte electrode assembly, a fuel gas supply section, and a first load absorbing mechanism for absorbing a load applied in a stacking direction. A fuel gas supply passage extends through the fuel gas supply section in the stacking direction, and the first load absorbing mechanism is provided in the fuel gas supply section. The first load absorbing mechanism includes coupling members and seal members. The coupling members couple fuel gas supply sections of a pair of the first separators together, and have spring property for absorbing the load in the stacking direction. The seal members prevent leakage of the fuel gas from the fuel gas supply section.

Abstract: Combustion heaters having internal combustion chambers are located adjacent the end cells of a stack of fuel cells to directly, conductively heat the end cells during cold start-up of the stack. Similar heater(s) may also be located within the stack when cold starting under extremely cold conditions. A method of combustion thawing a fuel cell stack is described.

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 fuel cell module structure including a heat exchanger capable of preventing leakage of oxygen containing gas in a flow path and reducing the cost. The module including a power-generating chamber that receives fuel cells and a casing having a generally rectangular shape enclosing the power-generating chamber. Additionally, the right and left side walls and an upper wall of the casing are hollow walls constituted of an outer shell member and an inner shell member disposed parallel to each other with a distance therebetween forming a reaction gas circulation space, the outer and inner shell members are each formed in a U-like cross-sectional shape, and a reaction gas introduction member extends vertically downward from the inner shell member of the upper wall into the power-generating chamber and being communicated with the reaction gas circulation space to introduce a reaction gas into the power-generating chamber.