Abstract: In order to prevent decrease of power generation due to a narrow MEA reaction region, an MEA (2) arranged between a pair of separators (5), a rubber sheet (6) arranged on its planar extension at the outer circumferential side of the MEA (2), and a gasket-like lip line (7) formed at the opposite sides of the rubber sheet (6) integrally therewith to closely contact with the separators (5) are provided, a rubber impregnated portion (8) for integrating the rubber sheet (6) with the MEA (2) by impregnation of a part of rubber composing the rubber sheet (6) into the GDL (4) constituting the MEA (2) is provided at the circumferential edge of the MEA (2), and a GDL constricted portion (9) for regulating the rubber impregnated portion is provided at the immediately inner circumferential side of the rubber impregnated portion (8) in the plane of the MEA (2).

Abstract: In a solid polymer electrolyte membrane [film] type fuel cell of the invention, where a pair of electrodes are provided on opposite sides of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane [film], 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 solid oxide fuel cell supplied with a fuel gas and an oxidant gas, including a single cell 4 having a plate-like electrolyte 41, an cathode 42 formed on an upper surface of the electrolyte 41, and a anode 43 formed on a lower surface of the electrolyte 41; a conductive support substrate 2 supporting the single cell 4, and having through-holes 21 that form a supply path for the fuel gas or oxidant gas; and a gas-permeable welding layer 3 sandwiched between the single cell 4 and the support substrate 2, and welded to the single cell 4 and the support substrate 2.

Abstract: A system and method for electrically interconnecting a plurality of fuel cells to provide dense packing of the fuel cells. Each one of a plurality of fuel cells has a plurality of discrete electrical connection points along an outer surface. Electrical connections are made directly between the discrete electrical connection points of adjacent fuel cells so that the fuel cells can be packed more densely. Fuel cells have at least one outer electrode and at least one discrete interconnection to an inner electrode, wherein the outer electrode is one of a cathode and an anode and wherein the inner electrode is the other of the cathode and the anode. In tubular solid oxide fuel cells the discrete electrical connection points are spaced along the length of the fuel cell.

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 fuel cell stack includes a plurality of fuel cells, a plurality of interconnects, and a plurality of seal members, wherein the plurality of seal members comprises one or more first seal members and one or more additional seal members, where the one or more first seal members form a protective barrier between the reducing environment contained with the fuel cell stack and the remaining seal members.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fuel cell arrangement having at least one fuel cell stack which has a first end plate, a second end plate and numerous fuel cells which each comprise an anode, a cathode and an electrolyte arranged between the anode and the cathode, wherein the fuel cells are arranged along a longitudinal axis of the fuel cell stack between the first and the second end plates, a supporting structure in which the fuel cell stack is arranged, wherein the first end plate of the fuel cell stack is, if appropriate, permanently connected to the supporting structure. The fuel cell arrangement according to the invention is characterized in that at least one bearing means which is different from the first end plate which is, if appropriate, permanently connected to the supporting structure is provided for absorbing transverse forces acting on the fuel cell stack in the transverse direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the stack.

Abstract: An exemplary fuel cell component includes a plate comprising an electrically conductive material. An electrical connector includes a first portion embedded in the plate. A second portion of the electrical connector extends from the plate. The second portion is configured to make an electrically conductive connection with another device.

Abstract: A fuel cell seal structure includes a GDL which is formed by a porous body and a gasket which is integrally formed with a peripheral edge of a GDL. The GDL includes a rubber impregnation portion and an impregnation stopping portion. The gasket is integrally formed with a gasket body portion having a thickness dimension larger than a thickness dimension of the GDL and an overlap portion overlapping with the GDL in a plane other than a portion impregnated by the GDL. The rubber impregnation portion of the GDL includes an inner portion which is provided between the impregnation stopping portion and an outer portion overlapping with the overlap portion of the gasket in a plane so as not to overlap with the gasket in a plane.

Abstract: In a fuel cell, perimetric portions of each sheet body, an upper support member, and a lower support member are sealed against one another by a seal that includes first and second seal portions. The first seal portion is of glass having a softening point lower than a working temperature of the reactor and seals against the upper surface of the perimetric portion of the sheet body and the lower surface of the perimetric portion of the upper support member as well as against the lower surface of the perimetric portion of the sheet body and the upper surface of the perimetric portion of the lower support member. The second seal portion is of glass having a softening point higher than the working temperature and seals against the lower side end and upper side end of the perimetric portions of the upper and lower support members, respectively.

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

Abstract: A fuel cell stack and a compression system for providing compressive force to a fuel cell stack having first and second ends is provided. The compression system includes asymmetric leaf springs operatively connected to first and second ends of the fuel cell stack. Each leaf spring includes a slot having first and second connector positions. The compression system also includes tension members connected to the leaf springs. The tension members compress the leaf springs to provide a compressive load to the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A solid polymer fuel cell that utilizes liquid fuel such as methanol should prevent generated water from residing in a ventilation port close to an anode, to thereby suppress degradation of a MEA. The fuel cell includes an anode, an anode-side collecting electrode, a sealing material located along a perimeter of a solid polymer electrolytic membrane and interleaved between the electrolytic membrane and the anode-side collecting electrode, and a discharging device that discharges a product generated through electric reaction on the anode. The sealing material is provided in a frame-shape around the anode. The discharging device is a ventilation port formed on the sealing material, and a water repellent material is provided at least one of inside the ventilation port and between the ventilation port and the anode.

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: There is provided a fuel cell element including a substrate and one or more fuel cells thereon, the one or more fuel cells not entirely covering the substrate. The one or more fuel cells each include a solid state, non-polymeric first electrode layer, a solid state, non-polymeric second electrode layer, and a solid state, non-polymeric electrolyte layer between the first and second electrode layers. The substrate includes one or more porous regions, or being entirely porous, the one or more fuel cells each being supported by one or more porous regions of the substrate. At least one, or part of one, of the porous regions of the substrate are not sealed by electrolyte. Arrays of fuel cell elements of the invention are also provided, as are stacks of fuel cell elements or arrays of the invention.

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

Abstract: An example method of sealing a laminate assembly includes preloading a laminate assembly having a plurality of laminations, pressurizing the laminate assembly, and pressurizing an enclosed volume disposed adjacent an end portion of the laminate assembly to hold the laminations in sealed positions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sintering and conditioning fuel cell stacks utilizing channel guides, baffles, and internal compression systems are provided. Sintering and conditioning may be performed utilizing a fuel cell column cartridge assembly and fuel cell stacks may be sintered and conditioned at the system level during the same annealing cycle on the same support.

Abstract: An anode (11a) and a cathode (11b) are provided on either side of an electrolyte membrane (11). A first separator (2) is disposed so as to face the anode (11a), and a second separator (3) is disposed so as to face the cathode (11b). A first sealing member (12) is disposed between the electrolyte membrane (11) and the first separator (2), and a second sealing member (13) is disposed between the electrolyte membrane (11) and the second separator (3). The cross-sectional shape or rubber hardness of the sealing members (12, 13) is varied according to a deformation amount generated in the electrolyte membrane (11) by a sealing reactive force. More specifically, in a site where the deformation amount of the electrolyte membrane (11) is large, either the contact area between the sealing member (12) and the electrolyte membrane (11) is increased, or the rubber hardness of the sealing member (12) is reduced.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell stack obtainable by a process comprising the use of a glass sealant with composition 50-70 wt % SiO2, 0-20 wt % Al2O3, 10-50 wt % CaO, 0-10 wt % MgO, 0-6 wt % (Na2O+K2O), 0-10 wt % B2O3, and 0-5 wt % of functional elements selected from TiO2, ZrO2, F, P2O5, MoO3, Fe2O3, MnO2, La. Sr—Mn—O perovskite (LSM) and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes a stack body formed by stacking a plurality of solid oxide fuel cells. The fuel cell stack includes a lower end plate, a load plate, and a fuel cell support member. The lower end plate is positioned at one end of the stack body in the stacking direction for placing the stack body on the lower end plate. The load plate is provided at the other end of the stack body for applying a load to the stack body in the stacking direction. The fuel cell support member is provided between the load plate and the stack body, and includes a composite layer made of alumina fiber and vermiculite.

Abstract: In a fuel cell stack assembly, a mechanism for securing the fuel cell stack in its compressed, assembled state includes a spring bar loading a disc spring at an inner diameter of the disc spring and a compression band which circumscribes the fuel cell stack assembly.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell module contains a plurality of integral bundle assemblies, the module containing a top portion with an inlet fuel plenum and a bottom portion receiving air inlet feed and containing a base support, the base supports dense, ceramic exhaust manifolds which are below and connect to air feed tubes located in a recuperator zone, the air feed tubes passing into the center of inverted, tubular, elongated, hollow electrically connected solid oxide fuel cells having an open end above a combustion zone into which the air feed tubes pass and a closed end near the inlet fuel plenum, where the fuel cells comprise a fuel cell stack bundle all surrounded within an outer module enclosure having top power leads to provide electrical output from the stack bundle, where the fuel cells operate in the fuel cell mode and where the base support and bottom ceramic air exhaust manifolds carry from 85% to all 100% of the weight of the stack, and each bundle assembly has its own control for vertical and horizont

Abstract: A structure for mounting a fuel cell on an object is provided. This structure is equipped with a fuel cell stack, a motor, and a drive shaft. The fuel cell stack has first and second end plates and at both ends. The motor is driven by the power generated by the fuel cell stack and is fixed to the fuel cell stack. The drive shaft is connected to the output shaft of the motor and extends to both sides of the motor. The fuel cell stack is equipped with a support portion for supporting the drive shaft at the first end plate. The drive shaft is supported by the support portion and the motor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing device for a fuel cell arrangement having a plurality of fuel cells combined to form a fuel cell stack (10), said fuel cells being permeable by the gas flows converted in the fuel cells transversely to the longitudinal direction of the fuel cell stack (10), and a gas distributor (20) provided on the longitudinal side of the fuel cell stack (10) for the supply and removal of the gas flows converted in the fuel cells, wherein the sealing device comprises a sealing frame (31) having a number of longitudinal sealing elements (32, 33, 34) disposed between the longitudinal edge of the gas distributor (20) and the fuel cell stack (10) and composed of a dielectric material, said sealing elements being disposed in a longitudinally movable fashion for the compensation of particularly thermally caused relative movements between the fuel cell stack (10) and the gas distributor (20).

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel cell which is capable to improve heat exchange efficiency with a plurality of tubular cells. The fuel cell of the present invention comprises: a plurality of tubular cells; heat exchangers arranged at the outside of the tubular cells, wherein at least a part of the outer circumferential surface of said tubular cells and the peripheral surface of said heat exchangers have face contact with each other.

Abstract: This disclosure related to polymer electrolyte member fuel cells and components thereof.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack providing a connection between a current collector and a plurality of unit cells. The fuel cell stack includes a plurality of unit cells deposed to extend in parallel along a first direction and to be electrically connected to each other; a support arranged to extend along a second direction crossing the first direction; and a current collector connected to the support via a fastener, the fastener comprising a metal layer and a metal oxide layer. Here, the metal oxide layer is formed to have a set or predetermined thickness on the surface of a metal layer of the fastener to provide an improved connection of the unit cells and the current collector.

Abstract: Several members make up a joint in a high-temperature electrochemical device, wherein the various members perform different functions. The joint is useful for joining multiple cells (generally tubular modules) of an electrochemical device to produce a multi-cell segment-in-series stack for a solid oxide fuel cell, for instance. The joint includes sections that bond the joining members to each other; one or more seal sections that provide gas-tightness, and sections providing electrical connection and/or electrical insulation between the various joining members. A suitable joint configuration for an electrochemical device has a metal joint housing, a first porous electrode, a second porous electrode, separated from the first porous electrode by a solid electrolyte, and an insulating member disposed between the metal joint housing and the electrolyte and second electrode.

Abstract: A sealed assembly is made using sealant including a deformable spacer to control thickness without adversely impacting elasticity and sealing force. Deformable spacers (e.g., elastomer, polyolefin, etc.) are mixed with an elastomeric precursor material and dispensed onto an assembly component, such as a fuel cell bipolar plate, and the remaining component(s) are assembled by pressing against the deformable spacer to ensure a defined seal thickness. The precursor is cured to form a seal that is further compressed to provide an effective sealing force. The deformable spacers control the thickness of a sealed area and allow use of form-in-place sealing processes.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell that is resistant to seal delamination is disclosed. The solid oxide fuel cell comprises, either individually or in combination, a solid electrically non -conductive frame, a seal structure comprising a material capable of preventing a transfer of charge across the seal during fuel cell operation, and a seal comprising a glass frit that is substantially free of oxides of lithium, sodium, or both lithium and sodium. Methods for manufacturing a solid oxide fuel cell are also disclosed.

Abstract: A seal is provided for use in a solid oxide fuel cell, wherein the seal is formed of alternating adjacent layers of a fiber tow material and a foil material. A solid oxide fuel cell stack is also disclosed and is formed of repeating cell units, each cell unit having a plurality of fuel cell stack components defining opposed component surfaces, and the seal as described above positioned between the opposed component surfaces. A process is also provided for manufacturing a composite seal for a solid oxide fuel cell, and the process including the steps of: (a) feeding a quantity of spooled fiber tow material through an inert bonding agent to form a coated fiber tow material; (b) winding the coated fiber tow material about a mandrel to form a wound layer of fiber tow material; (c) feeding a quantity of spooled foil material about the wound layer of fiber tow material to form a wound layer of foil material; and (d) repeating steps (a) through (c) until forming a composite seal having desired thickness and width.

Abstract: A device including a metal substrate and a ceramic substrate including a back-tapered groove separated from each other by a sealed flexible link. The link includes: a metal element including an end connected to the metal substrate and at another end housed in the groove of the ceramic substrate, the metal element being elastically deformable both in the groove along a direction radial to the groove and, in the separation space between the metal substrate and the ceramic substrate along the separation direction, and a joint-forming mass with a greater thermal expansion coefficient than that of the ceramic substrate and adhesively bonded to the end of the metal element housed in the back-tapered groove, the joint fitting with direct contact a portion of the height of convergent sidewalls of the groove.

Abstract: A fuel cell or electrolysis cell stack has force distributors (102, 103) comprising at least a partially flexible layer (102) and protruding contact areas (103), whereby the stack compression force is evenly transferred to the stack (104) in spite of potential dimension tolerance differences.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a plurality of unit cells, each having a membrane electrode assembly and a separator stacked with an intervening first sealing member and the unit cells being stacked on one another with an intervening second sealing member. The first sealing member is spread on and along a surface of the separator where at least a part of the first sealing member overlaps with the second sealing member in a direction in which the unit cells are stacked, and the thickness of the first sealing member is smaller in a region where it overlaps with the second sealing member than in a region where it does not overlap with the second sealing member.

Abstract: A fuel cell arrangement is disclosed. The fuel cell arrangement includes a fuel cell stack and a housing wall element to form a housing surrounding the fuel cell stack. The housing wall element comprises a penetrating opening for an electric contacting of the fuel cell stack via a conductor. The conductor extends through the penetrating opening. A sheath is arranged between the penetrating opening wall and the conductor around an insulation layer arranged at the conductor. The sheath, together with the insulation layer, is pushed against the conductor in a gas-tight fashion, with the penetrating opening being sealed in a gas-tight fashion via a compensation element to compensate for longitudinal and lateral movements. The compensation element is lastingly fastened at the sheath element and the housing wall element in a gas-tight fashion.

Abstract: A gasket for sealing internal surfaces of a fuel cell and formed of compressible material, the gasket comprising a first sealing surface and a second sealing surface for providing a fluid seal against opposing faces of a first fluid flow field plate and a second fluid flow field plate respectively, the gasket further comprising a third sealing surface for sealing against an outer perimeter region of a first surface of a membrane electrode assembly, the third sealing surface being entirely enclosed within a boundary defined by an inner perimeter of the second sealing surface.

Abstract: A casing of a fuel cell stack has stack deformation prevention structure for limiting the change of an interval between end plates on the lower side in a direction of gravity, due to swelling of the lower side of the stack body in the direction of gravity. The stack deformation prevention structure is configured such that elastic modulus of a side plate provided on a lower side of the stack body in the direction of gravity is higher than elastic modulus of a side plate provided on an upper side of the stack body in the direction of gravity.

Abstract: Fabricating roll-good fuel cell material involves laminating first and second bonding material webs having spaced apart windows to first and second surfaces of a fuel cell membrane web. First and second active regions of the membrane web are positioned within the respective bonding material windows. Third and fourth gasket material webs having spaced apart windows are respectively laminated to the bonding material on the first and second membrane web surfaces. The bonding material windows align with the respective gasket material windows so that at least some of the bonding material extends within the respective gasket material windows. Fluid transport layer (FTL) material portions cut from fifth and sixth FTL material webs are laminated to the respective first and second active regions. The FTL material portions are positioned within respective gasket material windows and contact the bonding material extending within the respective gasket material windows.

Abstract: A separator for a fuel cell according to the present invention includes: a base 1 containing 70 mass % or more of Al; an underlying layer 2 being formed on the base and containing Ti; an intermediate layer 3 being formed on the underlying layer and containing TiNx or TiOy; and a conductive metal layer 4 being formed on the intermediate layer and containing Au or Pt. The separator for a fuel cell according to the present invention has an excellent anticorrosiveness although a base containing aluminum as a main component is used.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack in accordance with the invention has a cell laminate obtained by stacking multiple plates with at least one of functions of a power generation assembly and a separator, and a pair of end plates located outside and on both ends of the cell laminate in a stacking direction. The fuel cell stack further includes a displacement preventing member extended along the stacking direction of the cell laminate and fastened to the pair of end plates, and a deformable intermediate material located between the cell laminate and the displacement preventing member over an area of two or more plates among the multiple plates. At least either one of the two or more plates and the displacement preventing member is designed to have a concavo-convex shape formed at least partially on a face in contact with the intermediate material.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes: two end plates that sandwich a cell stack from both ends thereof in a stacking direction; a side member that defines a distance between the two end plates; a connecting bolt that connects the end plates and the side member by a bolt axial force acting substantially in the stacking direction; and a stopper portion that is provided in at least one of the end plates, and that contacts a surface of the side member that extends in the stacking direction and that is located substantially opposite from the cell stack.

Abstract: A tubular fuel cell comprises a cylindrical internal electrode having electrical conductivity, a lamination of a first catalytic layer, an electrolytic layer, and a second catalytic layer laminated in that order on an outer circumferential surface of the internal electrode, and an electrically conductive exterior coil wound around an outer circumferential surface of the second catalytic layer. The tubular fuel cell further comprises an electrically conductive spacer which has an outside diameter greater than that of the exterior coil.

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: A fuel cell includes a plurality of fuel cell units, each fuel cell unit including an electrode assembly formed by disposing electrodes on both sides of an electrolyte, a pair of separators that sandwich the electrode assembly, and gas sealing members that are disposed at an outer peripheral portion of the electrode assembly, and that seal respective reaction gas flow passages that are formed between each separator and the electrode assembly. In one of the separators of each of the fuel cell units, a through path is formed that penetrates the separator in the thickness direction thereof, and the through path formed in one of the separators of one of the fuel cell units and the through path formed in one of the separators of adjacent one of the fuel cell units are offset with each other as viewed in the thickness direction of the separators.

Abstract: First reinforcing members, having a low modulus of elasticity, are disposed between an electrolyte membrane and second reinforcing members having a high modulus of elasticity, so as not to allow the electrolyte membrane to readily rub against the first reinforcing members as the electrolyte membrane expands and shrinks and to ultimately prevent degradation of the electrolyte membrane.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack, a fluid unit, and a load applying mechanism. The fluid unit includes a heat exchanger and a reformer provided on one side of the fuel cell stack, and the load applying mechanism is provided on the other side of the fuel cell stack. The load applying mechanism includes first and second tightening units for applying different loads to desired regions of the fuel cell stack in the stacking direction.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell structure is provided which includes an anode, a cathode spaced apart from said anode, an electrolyte in ionic communication with each of said anode and said cathode and a nonconductive frame. The nonconductive frame includes at least two components that support each of said anode, said cathode and said electrolyte and define at least one flowpath for working fluids and for products of electrochemical reaction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel cell stack with improved corrosion resistance, in which the outer edge of the fuel cell stack including an outer cut portion of each metallic bipolar plate can be effectively prevented from being corroded. For this purpose, the present invention provides a fuel cell stack including a waterproof member which is formed at an outer edge of a metallic bipolar plate to seal a gap between joined surfaces of the metallic bipolar plate, a membrane-electrode assembly, a gas diffusion layer, and a gasket from the outside thereof such that water vapor and moisture from the fuel cell stack are prevented from being brought into contact with an outer cut portion of each metallic bipolar plate by the waterproof member.

Abstract: An electric insulator for a fuel cell stack with a plurality of fuel cell plates is provided. The electric insulator includes an insulation layer having a water management feature adapted to militate against liquid water contacting the fuel cell plates. Fuel cell stacks having the water management feature are also described.