Abstract: A first separator and a second separator make up separator bodies having the same shape, which are oriented 180° opposite to each other. The first separator has first sandwiching sections sandwiching electrolyte electrode assemblies therebetween, along with fuel gas supply units. A fuel gas supply passage extends in a stacking direction through the fuel gas supply units. The second separator has second sandwiching sections and oxygen-containing gas supply units. An oxygen-containing gas supply passage extends in the stacking direction through the oxygen-containing gas supply units.

Abstract: A fuel cell apparatus includes a fuel cell stack in which an end plate is arranged at both ends of a cell stacked body, and a conduit that is bolted to the fuel cell stack and that supplies and discharges fluid to and from the fuel cell stack. An end plate internal manifold that extends at an angle inclined with respect to a direction in which a stacked body internal manifold extends is formed inside the end plate. A conduit internal flow path is formed inside the conduit. A direction in which a portion that includes an end plate-connecting portion of the conduit internal flow path extends is inclined in the same direction as the direction in which the end plate internal manifold is inclined, with respect to a direction perpendicular to a surface of the end plate.

Abstract: A fuel cell unit (1) according to the present invention comprises a fuel cell (6) having an inner electrode layer (16), an outer electrode layer (20) and a through passage (15); and inner and outer electrode terminals (24, 26) fixed at the opposite ends (6a, 6b) of the fuel cell (6). The fuel cell (6) has an inner electrode peripheral surface (21) electrically communicating with the inner electrode layer (16) and an outer electrode peripheral surface (22) electrically communicating with the outer electrode layer (20). The inner and outer electrode terminals are respectively disposed so that they cover over the inner and outer electrode peripheral surfaces (21, 22) and they are electrically connected thereto. The inner and outer electrode terminals have respective connecting passages which are communicated with the through passage (15).

Abstract: In a solid polymer electrolyte membrane type fuel cell of the invention, where a pair of electrodes are provided on opposite sides of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, and the outside thereof is clamped by a pair of separators, and nonconductive picture frame-shaped members 61 are arranged at the outer edge portions of the separators, for allowing increase and decrease of a space between separators, while sealing a gap between the separators.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack and method of manufacturing a fuel cell stack having a highly anti-corrosive property. The fuel cell stack includes a plurality of cells constructed by interposing an electrolyte membrane electrode assembly between the first and second separators. The first and second separators define gas passages on from both sides of the electrolyte membrane electrode assembly, and a gas manifold is in fluid communication with the gas flow passages through the plurality of stacked cells. Manifold openings for defining the gas manifold are formed in the first and second separators, and the opening areas of the manifold openings are differently sized. The manifold opening inner peripheral end of the first separator has a larger opening area, and is welded to the second separator to form a manifold welding portion.

Abstract: The module comprises a reinforced sealing device at the outlet of stacked cells (10). It essentially comprises a distribution box (20), a collection box (30) and a concentric stack of elementary cells (10) intercalated with interconnectors (12). An upper seal (50) is placed at the outlet of the cells (10) into which penetrate the walls (38) of the collection box (30). Inner (44) and outer (45) ferrules form tanks at the outlet of the chambers and themselves open into cavities (37) formed by the walls (38). The invention applies to SOFC type fuel cells and SOEC type electrolysers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel cell consisting of a stack of elementary cells and interconnectors (7) and comprising a single vertical seal (2) which is placed around the stack thus formed. The aforementioned assembly is preferably equipped with a containment tube (1) which is placed around the vertical seal (2). Supply channels (11 and 12) in the interconnectors and lateral inlet and outlet (13 and 14) holes can be used to supply distribution channels (9 and 10) which are positioned against the electrodes of each elementary cell. The invention is suitable for SOFC-type fuel cells.

Abstract: A first seal member is formed integrally on both surfaces of a first metal plate. The first seal member is integrally formed on a cooling surface of the first metal plate, except a region corresponding to a reaction surface facing an electrode reaction surface, and except regions of inlet buffers and outlet buffers. The first seal member has an expansion. The position of an end surface of the expansion substantially matches the position of a wall surface of the outermost groove of a coolant flow field to prevent the flow of a coolant around the electrode reaction surface.

Abstract: A plate for a membrane humidifier for a fuel cell system is disclosed, wherein the plate includes a top layer formed from a diffusion medium and a bottom layer formed from a diffusion medium with an array of substantially planar elongate ribbons disposed therebetween.

Abstract: A fixed oxide fuel cell includes: a plurality of separators each having first and second opening portions, the separators being stacked such that a membrane electrode assembly is interposed between the separators and that the first opening portions are aligned coaxially in communication with each other to constitute a fuel gas manifold while the second opening portions are aligned coaxially in communication with each other to constitute an oxidant gas manifold, fuel gas and oxidant gas being supplied to the membrane electrode assembly via the fuel gas and oxidant gas manifolds; and silver plate layers provided between the separators for sealing joints in the fuel gas and oxidant gas manifolds.

Abstract: An electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly of the present invention includes: an electrolyte membrane; an anode-side electrode including an anode-side catalyst layer disposed on one side of the electrolyte membrane and an anode-side gas diffusion layer formed on the anode-side catalyst layer beyond a surface-direction end of the anode-side catalyst layer; an anode-side adhesive layer disposed on at least a part of a periphery of the anode-side catalyst layer; and an anode-side gasket layer disposed in contact with the anode-side adhesive layer, wherein a surface-direction inner end of the anode-side adhesive lay is located inside beyond a surface-direction inner end of the anode-side gasket layer, and a part of the anode-side adhesive layer is located to overlap with a part of the anode-side gas diffusion layer with respect to a thickness direction. Further, on the other side of the electrolyte membrane, cathode-side respective layers having the same constructions as above are disposed.

Abstract: The durability of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell is very significantly improved by using a tightening pressure of about 2 to 4 kgf/cm2 of area of electrode; or a tightening pressure of about 4 to 8 kgf/cm2 of contact area between electrode and separator plate; or by selecting a value not exceeding about 1.5 mS/cm2 for the short-circuit conductivity attributed to the DC resistance component in each unit cell; or by selecting a value not exceeding about 3 mA/cm2 for the hydrogen leak current per area of electrode of each MEA. Further, in a method of manufacturing or an inspection method for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell stack, fuel cells having high durability can be efficiently manufactured by removing such MEAs or unit cells using such MEAs or such cell stacks having short-circuit conductivity values and/or hydrogen leak current values exceeding predetermined values, respectively.

Abstract: To provide a polymer electrolyte fuel cell in which a reaction gas can be utilized efficiently for an electrode reaction even when a gap is formed between an anode-side sealing member and the end face of an anode and between a cathode-side sealing member and the end face of a cathode, and sufficient power generation performance can be ensured with a simple constitution. At least one of the anode-side sealing member and the cathode-side sealing member of the fuel cell includes an annular body, and at least one deformable protruding portion provided on the inner surface of the annular body.

Abstract: (1) In a fuel cell stack structure wherein a stack is formed by stacking cells each of which is formed by sandwiching an MEA between two separators, an adhesive layer 33a is provided between the two separators sandwiching the MEA, without a constant thickness structure or pseudo constant thickness structure provided between the separators. (2) An adhesive layer 33b is provided between adjacent cells, without a bead gasket provided therebetween. (3) The adhesive layers 33a, 33b have a Young's modulus of 100 MPa or less.

Abstract: A power generation cell includes an anode side seal member and a cathode side seal member. The anode side seal member is provided outside an anode of a membrane electrode assembly, and directly contacts a solid polymer electrolyte membrane. The cathode side seal member is provided outside the membrane electrode assembly. A space is formed between the anode side seal member and the cathode side seal member. First ribs are formed integrally with the anode side seal member. The first ribs protrude toward the space. Further, second ribs are formed integrally with the cathode side seal member. The second ribs protrude toward the space. The first ribs and the second ribs are arranged alternately.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack that includes straight cathode flow channels and straight anode flow channels through a seal area between bipolar plates in the stack. The fuel cell stack includes a seal that extends around the active area of the stack and between the stack headers and the active area. At the locations where the cathode flow channels extend through a seal area to the cathode input header and the cathode outlet header, and the anode flow channels extend through a seal area to the anode input header and the anode output header, the diffusion media layer on one side of the membrane is extended to provide the seal load. Alternately, shims can be used to carry the seal load.

Abstract: A gas distributor device for a fuel cell arrangement is provided. The device has a number of fuel cells with a gas distributor combined to form a fuel cell stack. The stack features a inner side and an outer side, a supporting structure or supporting device and a sealing device. The sealing device is on the inner side of the gas distributor and the supporting device is on the outer side of the gas distributor. An elastic element is between the outer side of the gas distributor and the supporting device. The elastic element executes a horizontal force to the supporting device in the direction of the sealing device, as well as corresponding fuel cell arrangement.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a stacked electrochemical conversion assembly is provided with an electrically and thermally insulating plate within one or both of the end unit assemblies of the stack. For example, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the electrochemical conversion assembly includes at least one end unit assembly comprising an electrically conductive terminal plate and an electrically insulating plate interposed between the terminal plate and an end unit plate of the end unit assembly. The electrically insulating plate comprises an array of thermally insulating regions defined therein.

Abstract: The solid oxide fuel cell module includes a manifold, a plate, a cathode electrode, a fuel cell and an anode electrode. The manifold includes an air or oxygen inlet in communication with divergent passages above the periphery of the cell which combine to flow the air or oxygen radially or inwardly for reception in the center of the cathode flow field. The latter has interconnects providing circuitous cooling passages in a generally radial outward direction cooling the fuel cell and which interconnects are formed of different thermal conductivity materials for a preferential cooling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fuel cells and components used within a fuel cell. Heat transfer appendages are described that improve fuel cell thermal management. Each heat transfer appendage is arranged on an external portion of a bi-polar plate and permits conductive heat transfer between inner portions of the bi-polar plate and outer portions of the bi-polar plate proximate to the appendage. The heat transfer appendage may be used for heating or cooling inner portions of a fuel cell stack. Improved thermal management provided by cooling the heat transfer appendages also permits new channel field designs that distribute the reactant gases to a membrane electrode assembly. Flow buffers are described that improve delivery of reactant gases and removal of reaction products. Single plate bi-polar plates may also include staggered channel designs that reduce the thickness of the single plate.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes a plurality of fuel cells, a plurality of interconnects and a multi-material seal comprising a first seal material and a second seal material, where the second seal material first forms an effective seal at a higher temperature than the first seal material.

Abstract: A metal separator defines a fluid passage. The fluid passage defines a reactant gas passage formed at a first, MEA-opposing surface of the metal separator, a coolant passage formed at a second, opposite surface of the metal separator, a reactant gas manifold fluidly connected to the reactant gas passage and a coolant manifold fluidly connected to the coolant passage. The metal separator includes a rib formed thereon so as to surround a portion of the metal separator where the fluid passage is formed. The rib is adapted to contact a metal separator of an adjacent fuel cell to construct a seal for a fluid passage surrounded by the rib. A plurality of seal lines where each seal line includes each rib may be provided. By virtue of the presence of the rib, a gasket provided in a fuel cell of comparison does not need to be provided.

Abstract: A fuel cell assembly in which at least one heat exchanger for conditioning either the anode or cathode reactant gas is integrated with the fuel cell stack and located at the end of the fuel cell stack, to isolate the fuel cell stack from contact with the end plates of the stack. The heat exchanger may preferably be comprised of a stack of plates which may preferably be the same as the plates as the fuel cell stack, with outer and inner end plates to direct the flow of reactant gases, waste gases and coolant to and from the fuel cell stack. The assembly is preferably configured to include reactant conditioning heat exchangers at both ends of the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A sealing member for a fuel cell includes a pair of belts that include non-gas transmitting layers formed of aromatic polyimide or aluminum and thermoplastic resin layers. The belts are disposed such that the thermoplastic resin layers of the belts face each other, and the thermoplastic resin layers in outer edge portions of the belts are thermally bonded to each other. In a fuel cell, an inner portion of the belts engage the electrolyte membrane.

Abstract: A barrier film for a fuel cell is provided, including a polymeric membrane having a plurality of support features. The support features are adapted to militate against a deflection of the membrane under a pressure differential across the membrane. A fuel cell employing the barrier film has a first plate with a port formed therein, and a second plate disposed adjacent the first plate. The barrier film is disposed between the first plate and the second plate. The support features of the barrier film militate against an intrusion of the membrane into the port. A fuel cell stack formed from a plurality of the fuel cells is also provided.

Abstract: A first metal separator of a fuel cell comprises a metal plate, and a first seal member is formed integrally on both surfaces of an outer edge of the metal plate. A first rib having a frame shape is provided around an oxygen-containing gas supply passage or the like of the metal plate. The first rib has a rib surface spaced away from an inner end surface of the metal plate around the oxygen-containing gas supply passage or the like, toward the oxygen-containing gas supply passage or the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly with a reinforced sealing structure for its use in fuel cells and electrolyzers, comprising a membrane electrode assembly (23) and a sealing structure (S) surrounding said membrane electrode assembly (23), said sealing structure (S) comprising a gasket (G), a reinforcing material (4) integrated in said gasket and reagent gas and coolant fluid openings (10) for the passage of reactant gases and coolant fluid.

Abstract: A fuel cell module includes an anode flow board, a cathode board, an intermediate adhesive layer, a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) including a membrane edge, and a leak-proof adhesive layer mounted on the membrane edge, thereby preventing contact between the intermediate adhesive layer and the membrane edge. The adhesive ability of the leak-proof adhesive layer to the membrane edge is higher than that of the intermediate adhesive layer to the membrane edge. Therefore, the methanol leakage from the membrane can be avoided.

Abstract: The invention provides an MEA-gasket assembly (1) comprising: an MEA (5) having a polymer electrolyte membrane (5A), catalyst layers and gas diffusing layers (5C); a plate-like frame (6) which is joined to a portion of the polymer electrolyte membrane (5A) so as to enclose the MEA (5), the portion being located in a peripheral region of the MEA (5) and which has a plurality of fluid manifold holes (12, 13, 14); and an annular gasket (7) formed on both faces of the frame (6), wherein an annular gap formed between the inner peripheral edge of the annular gasket (7) and the outer peripheral edges of the gas diffusing layers (5C) is at least partially closed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flow-field plate and fuel cell stack using the same. The flow-field plate of the present invention comprises a center hole (5) formed at the center of the flow-field plate, a inlet (6) and a outlet (7) formed on two positions near the outer edge of the flow-field plate, and flow grooves extending radially from the center hole (5) on one side of the flow-field plate. Since the flow-field plate according to the present invention may comprise flow grooves extending radially and having short flow path, which is benefit for reactants diffusion, there is no “dead-end” on the flow-field plate and reactants may distribute uniformly to each part of flow-field plate. Furthermore, resultants generated from reaction, such as water, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, etc., may be discharged in time and not accumulate on flow-field plate. Therefore, the reactant utilization ratio, the fuel cell performances and its service life may be improved.

Abstract: A module-type fuel cell system including a power module includes a generator installed inside and a power housing having a plurality of connection holes formed sideward, wherein the generator generates electricity through an oxidation-reduction reaction of an oxidizing agent with a hydrogen-containing fuel; a fuel supply module including a fuel supply unit installed inside and a power housing having a plurality of connection holes formed sideward, wherein the fuel supply unit supplies a hydrogen-containing fuel to the generator; an oxidizing agent supply module including an oxidizing agent supply unit installed inside and an oxidizing agent supply housing having connection holes formed sideward, wherein the oxidizing agent supply unit supplies an oxidizing agent to the generator; and a recovery module including a storage space formed therein and a recovery housing having a plurality of connection holes formed sideward, wherein the storage space recovers an unreacted fuel generated in the generator, wherein th

Abstract: A novel electrochemical cell which may be a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is disclosed where the cathodes (144, 140) may be exposed to the air and open to the ambient atmosphere without further housing. Current collector (145) extends through a first cathode on one side of a unit and over the unit through the cathode on the other side of the unit and is in electrical contact via lead (146) with housing unit (122 and 124). Electrical insulator (170) prevents electrical contact between two units. Fuel inlet manifold (134) allows fuel to communicate with internal space (138) between the anodes (154 and 156). Electrically insulating members (164 and 166) prevent the current collector from being in electrical contact with the anode.

Abstract: A plate type fuel cell system includes: an electric generator including a membrane-electrode assembly having a plurality of anode electrodes and a plurality of cathode electrodes arranged on opposite surfaces of a proton-exchange membrane and spaced apart from each other; an anode separator facing the plurality of anode electrodes and having a fluid channel adapted to receive a hydrogen containing fuel; a cathode separator facing the plurality of cathode electrodes and having an air ventilating hole; a fuel distributor having an accommodating part defined by a rib to accommodate the anode separator and adapted to distribute the hydrogen containing fuel to each of the plurality of anode electrodes, the rib being partially cut out to define a rib cutting part; and a sealing member contained within the rib cutting part.

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

Abstract: A unit cell of a fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly and an anode side metal separator and a cathode side metal separator sandwiching the membrane electrode assembly. A plurality of first supply holes and a plurality of second supply holes extend through a channel unit of the anode side metal separator, and the channel unit connects a fuel gas supply passage and a fuel gas flow field. A fuel gas from the fuel gas supply passage flows into the first supply holes, and flows through an inlet connection channel. The fuel gas flows into the second supply holes connected to an end of the inlet connection channel. The fuel gas flows toward the side of the membrane electrode assembly, and then, the fuel gas is supplied to an anode.

Abstract: An SOFC stack module including an integral individual stack manifold containing all of the gas pathways necessary for supply and exhaust of fuel gas and cathode air to and from the stack chimneys. The stack is mounted and hermetically joined directly to the manifold without an intermediate base plate. Flanges at the inlet and outlet ports couple to system distributary manifolds via high temperature sealing joints. The manifold preferably is fabricated of a ferritic stainless steel, and may be formed in a one-piece casting, a combination of multiple castings and stamped plates metallurgically joined (brazed or welded together), or stamped from sheet metal stock. Preferably, the manifold includes fin structures extending into adjacent fuel gas and cathode air chambers to enhance balancing of temperatures by heat exchange therebetween. Heat exchange may be further improved by configuring the manifold to have a plurality of interleaved anode and cathode gas supply chambers.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell apparatus is disclosed. The electrochemical cell apparatus includes a membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) having a membrane with a first side and a second side opposite the first side, a first electrode in contact with the first side, and a second electrode in contact with the second side. The apparatus further includes a flow field member and a protector member having a boundary partially defined by a first surface facing toward a center of the MEA. The second electrode has a boundary partially defined by a second surface facing away from the center of the MEA. A first distance from the center of the MEA to the first surface is greater than a correspondingly oriented second distance from the center of the MEA to the second surface, thereby defining a gap between the first surface and the second surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel cell arrangement, containing at least one bipolar plate layer (1) and an bonding partner—preferably an membrane electrode assembly (MEA) (5), wherein the bonding partner is bonded onto the bipolar plate layer (1) with a pressure-sensitive adhesive or a physically bonding adhesive, which are located on a three-dimensional sealing structure of the bipolar plate layer and/or edge region of the bipolar plate layer adjacent thereon.