Abstract: A fuel cell includes membrane electrode assemblies disposed in a planar arrangement. Each membrane electrode assembly includes an electrolyte membrane, an anode catalyst layer, and a cathode catalyst layer disposed counter to the cathode catalyst via the electrolyte membrane. Interconnectors (conductive members) are provided on the lateral faces of the electrolyte membranes disposed counter to each another in the neighboring direction of the membrane electrode assemblies. Each interconnector includes a support portion protruding toward the central region of the electrolyte member on the cathode side of the electrolyte membrane. The support portion is in contact with the cathode-side surface of an edge of the electrolyte membrane, and the electrolyte membrane is held by the support portion.

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 (SOFC) includes a plurality of subassemblies. Each subassembly includes at least one subcell of a first electrode, a second electrode and an electrolyte between the first and second electrodes. A first bonding layer is at the second electrode and an interconnect layer is at the first bonding layer distal to the electrolyte. A second bonding layer that is compositionally distinct from the first bonding layer is at the interconnect layer, whereby the interconnect partitions the first and second bonding layers. A method of fabricating a fuel cell assembly includes co-firing at least two subassemblies using a third bonding layer that is microstructurally or compositionally distinct from the second bonding layer.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes a plurality of adjacently stacked fuel cell modules each of which includes a plurality of adjacently aligned fuel cells that are connected in electrical series. The current flow between adjacent fuel cells is achieved across diffusion media of said adjacent fuel cells. First and second reactant channels are formed in the reactant carrier plates for separately delivering two different reactants along each reactant carrier plate.

Abstract: A modular fuel cell system includes a base, at least four power modules arranged in a row on the base, and a fuel processing module and power conditioning module arranged on at least one end of the row on the base. Each power module includes a separate cabinet which contains at least one fuel cell stack located in a hot box. The power modules are electrically and fluidly connected to the at least one fuel processing and power conditioning modules through the base.

Abstract: A power generation systems with solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and heat recovery unit (HRU) and method are provided. In accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure, a power generation system includes a partial oxidation (POX) reactor, an array of one or more fuel cell stacks and an HRU. The POX reactor is operable to generate a hydrogen rich gas from a fuel. The array of one or more fuel cell stacks includes at least one SOFC and is coupled to the POX reactor. The fuel cell stacks are operable to generate electrical power and heat from an electro-chemical reaction of the hydrogen rich gas and oxygen from an oxygen source. The HRU is coupled to the array of fuel cell stacks and operable to generate electrical power from the heat.

Abstract: A metal halogen electrochemical energy cell system that generates an electrical potential. One embodiment of the system includes at least one cell including at least one positive electrode and at least one negative electrode, at least one electrolyte, a mixing venturi that mixes the electrolyte with a halogen reactant, and a circulation pump that conveys the electrolyte mixed with the halogen reactant through the positive electrode and across the metal electrode. Preferably, the positive electrode comprises porous carbonaceous material, the negative electrode comprises zinc, the metal comprises zinc, the halogen comprises chlorine, the electrolyte comprises an aqueous zinc-chloride electrolyte, and the halogen reactant comprises a chlorine reactant. Also, variations of the system and a method of operation for the systems.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell (“SOFC”) stack device is disclosed. The SOFC stack includes SOFC units that can easily be stacked and electrically connected to one another. Furthermore, each of the SOFC units can easily be removed from the others and replaced with a new one. The fuel cell stack includes a supporting mechanism and two conducting and pressing units. The supporting mechanism includes three parts. Each part of the supporting mechanism includes slots defined therein for receiving the SOFC units. Each of the conducting and pressing units is located between two adjacent ones of the parts of the supporting mechanism.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solid oxide fuel cell bundle, including a plurality of fuel cells each having a polygonal tubular support an outer surface of which has a plurality of planes, an outer connector formed on one plane among the plurality of planes of the tubular support, a plurality of unit cells respectively formed on two or more remaining planes of the tubular support except for the one plane, and inner connectors for connecting the unit cells and the outer connector in series, wherein the fuel cells is connected in series in such a manner that the outer connector of a fuel cell is bonded to the unit cell of an additional fuel cell, and the unit cells are connected in series, thus exhibiting excellent cell performance and high power density per unit volume, and maintaining high voltage upon collection of current to thereby reduce power loss due to electrical resistance.

Abstract: A fuel cell module for a vehicle, which accommodates a stacked-cell body which is provided with electric output terminals for taking electric power from stacked power generating cells in a metallic casing which has an insulation layer on its inner surface, is disposed in a vehicle front room such that the stacked direction of the power generating cells is a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and the electric output terminals face the front of the vehicle. An insulating cover made of insulating rubber which is thicker than an insulation layer of a cover is disposed on the exterior surface of the electric output terminals to prevent short circuiting of the electric output terminals.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes electrolyte electrode assembly and separators. An annular member and a ring foil are provided between the separators. The annular member is provided around an outer circumferential portion of the electrolyte electrode assembly, and includes grooves for discharging a first exhaust gas FGoff which has been consumed at an anode to the outside of the electrolyte electrode assembly. The ring foil is provided adjacent to a cathode, and extends from a position between an outer end of the electrolyte electrode assembly to a position between the annular member and the separator.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes a load receiver provided at an outer end of a fuel cell unit, a guide receiver provided in a box, and a pressure receiver provided in at least one corner in the box. The guide receiver abuts against the load receiver for receiving the external load. The pressure receiver protrudes toward the fuel cell unit. The pressure receiver abuts against a corner of the fuel cell unit for receiving the load. The pressure receiver has a resin receiver, and the resin receiver abuts against a curved portion of the fuel cell unit for supporting the fuel cell unit.

Abstract: A flow shifting fuel cell with water separator. The water separator is used to control the amount of moisture that passes through the anode flowpath of one or more fuel cells in one or more fuel cell stacks. The water separator is made up of a housing to direct the flow of a moisture-bearing fluid as well as act as a collection and container for separated moisture. Fluid that is cyclically passing through the fuel cell stack as part of its flow shifting mode of operation oscillates back and forth across a separation chamber formed within the water separator, thereby allowing bidirectional control of the moisture content within the fluid. A drain is formed in the separation chamber to allow removal of condensed water.

Abstract: A fuel cell system that employs a technique for nitrogen bleeding. The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack having a first sub-stack and a second sub-stack, where the hydrogen gas flow is flow-shifted between the sub-stacks. A first nitrogen bleed valve is provided in an anode gas input line coupled to the first sub-stack and a second nitrogen bleed valve is provided in an anode gas input line coupled to the second sub-stack. When the first sub-stack is receiving the anode gas, and a nitrogen bleed is requested, the first bleed valve is closed and the second bleed valve is opened to provide the nitrogen bleeding. When the second sub-stack is receiving the anode gas, and a nitrogen bleed is requested, the second bleed valve is closed and the first bleed valve is opened to provide the nitrogen bleed.

Abstract: A modular fuel cell system includes a base, at least four power modules arranged in a row on the base, and a fuel processing module and power conditioning module arranged on at least one end of the row on the base. Each power module includes a separate cabinet which contains at least one fuel cell stack located in a hot box. The power modules are electrically and fluidly connected to the at least one fuel processing and power conditioning modules through the base.

Abstract: Voltage rising detection unit detects a voltage rising condition of a fuel cell stack after the supply of reactant gas to the fuel cell stack is started. A control unit determines an internal state of the fuel cell stack on the basis of the detected voltage rising condition of the fuel cell stack, and then decides a subsequent operation of the fuel cell stack in accordance with the determination. This makes it possible to minimize deterioration of the fuel cell stack which is caused by generating power continuously in an unsuitable state.

Abstract: A fuel cell is mounted in a mobile unit. The fuel cell may include a stacked assembly composed of a plurality of stacked power generation elements held between a first rigid plate and a second rigid plate. The plurality of stacked power generation elements may be stacked adjacent to one another in a stacked direction and along a central stack axis. The central stack axis may extend through a center of gravity of the fuel cell. A first mount, a second mount, and a third mount may be used to mount the fuel cell to the mobile unit. Each of the first mount, the second mount, and the third mount may be an insulating elastic element that suppresses vibration transferred from the mobile unit to the fuel cell.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack is provided with a plurality of fuel cell cassettes where each fuel cell cassette has a fuel cell with an anode and cathode. The fuel cell stack includes an anode supply chimney for supplying fuel to the anode of each fuel cell cassette, an anode return chimney for removing anode exhaust from the anode of each fuel cell cassette, a cathode supply chimney for supplying oxidant to the cathode of each fuel cell cassette, and a cathode return chimney for removing cathode exhaust from the cathode of each fuel cell cassette. A first fuel cell cassette includes a flow control member disposed between the anode supply chimney and the anode return chimney or between the cathode supply chimney and the cathode return chimney such that the flow control member provides a flow restriction different from at least one other fuel cell cassettes.

Abstract: A fuel cell air exchanger is provided. The fuel cell air exchanger includes a platform having at least one throughput opening and at least one holding post, where the holding post fixedly holds a fuel cell offset from the platform and proximal to the opening, where the opening can have many shapes. The fuel cell air exchanger provides an unimpeded air exchange through the openings to the fuel cell and can be flexible, semi-flexible or rigid. The fuel cell air exchanger can hold an array of fuel cells and fuel cell electronics. A chimney feature provides enhanced airflow when the air exchanger is disposed in a vertical position.

Abstract: A casing of a fuel cell system is divided into a module area, a first fluid supply area, a second fluid supply area, and an electric parts area. The first fluid supply area is provided on a first side surface of the module area, and an electric parts area is provided on a second side surface of the module area. The second fluid supply area is provided under a bottom surface of the module area. A fuel cell module and a combustor are provided in the module area.

Abstract: A stackable unitized fuel cell system includes a cooling capability. A unitized fuel cell system includes a unitized fuel cell assembly having a first flow field plate, a second flow field plate, and a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) provided between the first and second flow field plates. In one configuration, a cooling structure is separable with respect to the unitized fuel cell assembly. In another configuration, the cooling structure is integral to the unitized fuel cell assembly. A retention arrangement is provided on one or both of the unitized fuel cell assembly and cooling structure. The retention arrangement is configured to facilitate mating engagement between the unitized fuel cell assembly, the cooling structure, and adjacent unitized fuel cell systems of a fuel cell stack.

Abstract: Apart from electrical energy, nowadays the main engines also supply pneumatic and hydraulic energy to the aircraft, using corresponding media. Apart from mechanical disadvantages this results in reduced engine efficiency in relation to thrust, fuel consumption and weight. According to an embodiment of the present invention an energy supply system for aircraft is provided, comprising a fuel cell arrangement and an electrical energy distribution device. In this way it is possible to replace all the energy generating systems of the engines, which provide energy for the aircraft systems, except for the starter generator, as a result of which the efficiency of the individual engines is improved. Furthermore, the efficiency of onboard energy generation is improved, which in the final analysis results in reduced fuel consumption.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a fluid distribution system. The system may include one or more electrochemical cell layers, a bulk distribution manifold having an inlet, a cell layer feeding manifold in direct fluidic contact with the electrochemical cell layer and a separation layer that separates the bulk distribution manifold from the cell feeding manifold, providing at least two independent paths for fluid to flow from the bulk distribution manifold to the cell feeding manifold.

Abstract: The number of assembling steps of a fuel cell module is reduced. Moreover, permeating of moisture from the outside is suppressed. To realize this, a fuel cell module of the present invention includes a fuel cell having a structure in which both ends of a cell laminate in a laminating direction of cells are held by end plates, a fuel cell case in which the fuel cell is received, and a plurality of holding portions which hold the fuel cell via the end plates. Each holding portion includes a first fastening member having a part thereof bonded to the end plate, a mount member interposed between the first fastening member and the fuel cell case, and a second fastening member which fastens the mount member and the fuel cell case, and the fuel cell case is provided with a protrusion part having such a shape as to cover the part of the first fastening member while avoiding interference with the part.

Abstract: The solid oxide fuel cell of the present invention has a substrate (1); an electrolyte (3) that is disposed on one surface of the substrate (1); and at least one electrode element E having an anode (5) and a cathode (7) disposed on the same surface of the electrolyte (3) with a predetermined space therebetween.

Abstract: A modular, regenerative fuel cell system that includes a plurality of dedicated or reversible electrochemical cell stack modules, where each such module is devoid of major fluid systems, is provided. The inventive system allows a user to specifically and effectively tailor the system to the demands of a particular application. If additional electrolysis capability and/or additional power are needed, only electrolysis cell stack modules and/or fuel cell stack modules are added to the system. The use of unnecessary or duplicative support equipment is avoided thereby rendering this system more cost effective and efficient.

Abstract: A fuel cell system comprises a first fuel cell stack having a first end plate, wherein the first end plate has a first opening, and a fuel cell component having a second opening. An adapter connects the first opening in the first end plate and the second opening in the fuel cell component. The adapter comprises a hollow tube. At least one of the first and second openings is located in a first groove. At least a first portion of the adapter is located in the first groove such that there is a passage from the first opening to the second opening through an interior of the hollow tube.

Abstract: There is described a fuel cell power system including a fuel processor subsystem, a fuel cell subsystem, and a power conditioning subsystem. The fuel processor subsystem comprises a main module for producing hydrogen rich streams from a hydrocarbon fuel, a balance of plant module for auxiliary components, and a control and electronic module for monitoring and controlling the fuel processor subsystem. The fuel cell subsystem comprises a main module for generation of electric power and thermal energy from hydrogen rich streams produced by the fuel processor module and air, a balance of plant module for auxiliary components, and a control and electronic module for monitoring and controlling the fuel cell subsystem. Each module has individual components attached thereto, the modules being designed and manufactured separately and assembled together to form the respective subsystems.

Abstract: A membrane humidifier for a fuel cell system is disclosed wherein the membrane humidifier includes a plurality of membrane layers, a first pair of spaced apart sealing bars disposed between a first membrane layer and a second membrane layer adjacent to perimeter edges thereof to form a first flow channel, a second pair of spaced apart sealing bars disposed between the second membrane layer and a third membrane layer adjacent to perimeter edges thereof to form a second flow channel, and a plurality of supports, wherein a first support is disposed adjacent the second planar layer and extending between the second pair of spaced apart sealing bars, and a second support is disposed adjacent the third planar layer and extending between the second pair of spaced apart sealing bars.

Abstract: A heat insulating member is sandwiched by a first separator and a second separator. The heat insulating member functions as a heat insulating layer to prevent the temperature decrease of electricity generating cells. A first impurity removal flow path is formed in the space enclosed by the grooves on the surface of the second separator and a partition plate. A second impurity removal flow path is formed in the space enclosed by the grooves on the surface of a third separator and the partition plate. The impurity removal flow paths function as filters to remove the impurities contained in the reaction gases. A terminal functions as a current collecting layer to collect the electricity generated in the electricity generating cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a contact device which is arranged in a terminal compartment of a fuel cell stack and is used to electrically contact the fuel cell stack. According to the invention, the surface of said contact device is at least partially provided with a hydrophobic surface layer, facilitating the removal of water, e.g., condensation water, from the terminal compartment and thus from the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A fuel cell generator including a housing defining a plurality of chambers including a generator chamber having first and second generator sections. A plurality of elongated fuel cells extend through the first and second generator sections. An oxidant supply supplies oxidant to at least one of the chambers within the housing in order to provide oxidant to one end of each of the fuel cells. A fuel distribution plenum extends transversely to the elongated fuel cells and is located between the first and second generator sections. The fuel distribution plenum distributes fuel to the first and second generator sections in opposing directions within the generator chamber.

Abstract: An integrated fuel cell stack and catalytic combustor apparatus includes a fuel cell stack assembly having multiple fuel cell stacks between which is defined a cavity, each of said fuel cell stacks including a plurality of individual fuel cells; and a catalytic combustor disposed at least partially within the cavity, the catalytic combustor having a catalytic bed and a catalytic igniter. Also disclosed are a method of producing electricity including catalytically combusting surplus reactants of the reaction of an oxidant and a fuel across fuel cell stacks within a catalytic combustor disposed between the stacks to normalize the temperature profile along the fuel cell stacks, and a fuel cell system including means for normalizing a temperature profile along a length of a means for conducting an electrochemical reaction using an opposite heat generation temperature profile.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for power generation systems are described. In particular, embodiments of the invention relate to the architecture of power conditioning systems for use with fuel cells and methods used therein. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and systems usable to reduce ripple currents in fuel cells.

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

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a system that provides a power source. The power source includes a set of fuel cells arranged in a fuel cell stack. The power source also includes a power bus configured to connect the fuel cells in a parallel configuration.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack with a plurality of fuel cell elements which are layered on one another with separating plates located between the fuel cell elements. Inside channels are formed to supply a combustion gas and discharge the exhaust gas. The fuel cell stack is characterized in that, on a first side of the fuel cell elements, several parallel lengthwise channels are formed for routing of the combustion gas, and on the ends of the channels, a distributor zone is formed which connects the supply channel to the respectively first ends of the lengthwise channels, and a collecting zone is formed which connects the discharge channel to the second ends of the lengthwise channels, and that there is an oxidizer guide on the second side of the fuel cell elements, the oxidizer guide running in the direction of the lengthwise channels.

Abstract: Each of the fuel cell units making up a fuel cell stack includes a first separator, a second separator, and a third separator. A predetermined number of load receivers are provided integrally on outer ends of the first separator, the second separator, and the third separator. The load receivers of the second separator protrude toward the casing beyond the other load receivers. Resin clips are inserted into the load receivers, such that the first separator, the second separator, and the third separator are fixed together by the resin clips.

Abstract: A fuel cell system 1 has at least one fuel cell stack 2, which comprises a plurality of plate-shaped fuel cells 10. A retaining device 3 is provided for installing the fuel cell stack in a vehicle 6. When the fuel cell stack 2 is installed in the vehicle 6, the plate-shaped fuel cells 10 are arranged inclined relative to the vertical 9.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack system having multiple sub-stacks that are replaceable online is disclosed. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the fuel cell stack system includes multiple fuel cell sub-stacks electrically coupled to one another, the multiple fuel cell sub-stacks include multiple fuel cells electrically coupled to one another enclosed in a sub-stack vessel. Each of the multiple fuel cells can include a composite cathode element and an anode chamber coupled to the composite cathode element. In one embodiment, each of the multiple fuel cell sub-stacks is replaceable online.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack system having multiple sub-stacks that are replaceable online is disclosed. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the fuel cell stack system includes multiple fuel cell sub-stacks electrically coupled to one another, the multiple fuel cell sub-stacks include multiple fuel cells electrically coupled to one another enclosed in a sub-stack vessel. Each of the multiple fuel cells can include a composite cathode element and an anode chamber coupled to the composite cathode element. In one embodiment, each of the multiple fuel cell sub-stacks is replaceable online.

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: In a fuel cell which includes a plurality of stacks in which a plurality of cells, which cause reaction gases to undergo electrochemical reaction and generate electricity, are stacked in layers; and an electrically conductive member which electrically connects together end portions of the stacks, so that the stacks constitute a series circuit, there is also provided a first relay which electrically connects together some cell other than one at an end portion of a stack, and a cell of another stack. This first relay can create a bypass for cutting out a cell whose cell voltage value has become less than or equal to a predetermined value from the series circuit of the fuel cell.

Abstract: A sensor cell (1010) for control purposes usable in an assembly (1000) of fuel cells of the type having a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) interposed between an anode gas diffusion layer and a cathode gas diffusion layer, and first and second current collectors coupled to the anode and cathode gas diffusion layers (GDL), respectively. The sensor cell (1010) is preferably coupled so that it shares the negative current collector (1050) with last fuel cell in the in-plane fuel cell assembly (1000), and is short-circuited by a resistor (1070) to provide a voltage signal, indicative of the status of the assembly in operation.

Abstract: A power generation system is provided. The power generation system includes a fuel cell controller, at least one fuel cell cluster operably connected to the fuel cell controller and a data server operably connected to the fuel cell cluster. The data server is configured to obtain operational data from the fuel cell cluster. In addition, a model server operably connected to the data server. The model server is configured to model the operational characteristics of the fuel cell cluster during the actual operation of the fuel cell cluster and modify the operation of the fuel cell cluster in real-time, based on the operational data obtained by the data server.

Abstract: A cathodic gas diffusion electrode for the electrochemical production of aqueous hydrogen peroxide solutions. The cathodic gas diffusion electrode comprises an electrically conductive gas diffusion substrate and a cathodic electrocatalyst layer supported on the gas diffusion substrate. A novel cathodic electrocatalyst layer comprises a cathodic electrocatalyst, a substantially water-insoluble quaternary ammonium compound, a fluorocarbon polymer hydrophobic agent and binder, and a perfluoronated sulphonic acid polymer. An electrochemical cell using the novel cathodic electrocatalyst layer has been shown to produce an aqueous solution having between 8 and 14 weight percent hydrogen peroxide. Furthermore, such electrochemical cells have shown stable production of hydrogen peroxide solutions over 1000 hours of operation including numerous system shutdowns.

Abstract: A system and method for humidifying a fuel cell stack system is provided. The system includes a slave stack, a master stack and at least one valve. The slave stack generates power to drive a load in response to at least one fluid stream and discharges at least one recirculated fluid stream having water content therein. The master stack receives the at least recirculated fluid stream to humidify the master stack with the water content. The valve delivers the at least one recirculated fluid stream from the slave stack to the master stack based on a power request amount by the load.

Abstract: In order to easily transport a fuel cell stack, without increasing costs, the fuel cell stack according to the present invention includes a stack body 5 in which end plates 8, 8 are arranged at both ends in a cell lamination direction, and suspension hangers 10 provided on the end plates 8, 8. The suspension hangers 10 project outward from a case 6 in which the stack body 5 is stored. With this arrangement, the fuel cell stack can be suspended from outside the case 6, and transported. Also using the suspension hangers 10, this fuel cell stack can be secured in a predetermined installation location.

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 spring module is mounted to a fuel cell stack. The spring module includes a first member and a second member capable of inclining relative to each other and moving in a direction toward and away from each other, and a plurality of springs independent of each other and disposed in parallel with each other between the first and second members. The spring module is disposed between an end plate and the pile of fuel cells. The first member includes a first casing, and the second member includes a second casing, whereby the sparing module includes a casing assembly housing the springs. The bottom surface of the casings is deformable to be wavy. The spring module may include a shock absorber. The plurality of springs may include a coil spring and a sponge of a low-resilience type.