Abstract: Disclosed herein is a portable electronic device including a fuel cell power system, including: a fuel storage tank for supplying fuel; a flat stack for generating electric energy using the fuel supplied from the fuel storage tank; a pressure control unit for controlling the pressure of the fuel supplied to the flat stack; a converter for converting the voltage of the electric energy generated from the flat stack; and a connector for transferring the electric energy converted through the converter to power terminals of the portable electronic device. The portable electronic device has optimal efficiency and is compatible with conventional portable electronic devices.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having two or more diffusion bonded layers, which demonstrates a high degree of ruggedness, reliability, efficiency and attitude insensitiveness, is provided. The novel cell structure simplifies construction and operation of these cells. Also provided is a method for passive water removal from these cells. The inventive cell, as well as stacks made using these cells, is suitable for use in applications such as commercial space power systems, long endurance aircraft, undersea power systems, remote backup power systems, and regenerative fuel cells.

Abstract: In the fuel cell including a membrane electrode assembly, the diffusion layer of the membrane electrode assembly includes an electrode part having one surface in contact with the electrode catalytic layer and the other surface facing the separator and a non-electric-power generating part around the electrode part having one surface in contact with the solid polymer electrolytic membrane and the other surface facing the separator. The non-electric-power generating part includes a hydrophilic part near an outlet of the fluid passage of the reaction gas, and a hydrophobic layer formed on the hydrophilic part and exposed to the fluid passage to discharge water generated in generating an electric power.

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: Elastic members that are integrally joined to a frame member are placed between an outer edge of an electrode unit and an inner edge of the frame member, and in the assembled state of the single cell module, the elastic members are elastically deformed in the thickness direction of a membrane-electrode-frame assembly so that the gap between the membrane-electrode-frame assembly and the separator is sealed in a tight contact state.

Abstract: A unitized plate such as a bipolar plate for a fuel cell assembly is provided. The unitized plate includes a plurality of active regions electrically insulated from one another, and a plurality of inlet and outlet apertures formed in the plate. Each of the active regions is in fluid communication with a dedicated inlet aperture adapted to selectively deliver gaseous reactants thereto. A fuel cell assembly having a plurality of independently operable fuel cell stack units, and a method for operating the fuel cell assembly, is also provided.

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 fuel cell comprises: a cell plate (11; 110; 110A, 110B); an electroconductive gas separator (13; 130; 130A; 130B) which cooperates with the cell plate, to form a gas passage; and a holder member (15; 150; 150A; 150B) which holds a part of the cell plate. The cell plate includes a supporting body (37; 370; 370A; 370B), and a cell (39; 390; 390A; 390B) formed on the supporting body. The cell includes a solid electrolyte (43), a cathode substance layer (45) formed on one surface of the solid electrolyte, and an anode substance layer (41) formed on the other surface of the solid electrolyte.

Abstract: An end plate of an air breathing fuel cell stack and an air breathing fuel cell stack including the same. The air breathing fuel cell stack includes a membrane electrode assembly, including an anode electrode, a cathode electrode, and an electrolyte positioned between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode; and an end plate contacting the membrane electrode assembly. The end plate includes a first surface contacting the membrane electrode assembly, an opposing second surface; and a collector positioned at the first surface and contacting the cathode electrode.

Abstract: A stress reducing mounting for an electrolyte sheet assembly in a solid electrolyte fuel cell is provided that includes a support frame or manifold having an inner edge portion that supports a peripheral portion of the sheet assembly, a seal that affixes an edge of the peripheral portion to the frame or manifold, and a stress reducer disposed around the peripheral portion of the electrolyte sheet and the frame or manifold that reduces tensile stress in the peripheral portion of the electrolyte sheet when the peripheral portion is bent by pressure differentials or thermal differential expansion. The stress reducer is at least one of a convex curved surface on the inner edge portion of the frame or manifold that makes area contact with the peripheral portion when it bends in response to a pressure differential or thermal differential expansion, and a stiffening structure on the sheet peripheral portion that renders the ceramic sheet material forming the peripheral portion more resistant to bending.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell device assembly comprising: (i) at least one solid oxide fuel cell device including one electrolyte sheet sandwiched between at least one pair of electrodes; and (ii) a non-steel frame fixedly attached to said at least one fuel cell device without a seal located therebetween.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes a stack body formed by stacking a plurality of unit cells in a horizontal direction. The stack body is held in a casing including end plates. Further, the casing includes a plurality of side plates provided on sides of the stack body. The end plates and the side plates are coupled by coupling pins. Each of the side plates has a plurality of separate second coupling portions, and the coupling pins are inserted into the coupling portions.