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

Abstract: In some examples, a fuel cell comprising a cathode; an electrolyte; and an anode separated from the cathode by the electrolyte. The active, as-reduced anode includes Ni, La, Sr, Mn, and O, where the reduced anode includes a Ni phase constitution and a (La1-xSrx)n+1MnnO3n+1 compound having a Mn-based Ruddlesden-Popper (R-P) phase constitution, wherein n is greater than zero, and wherein the anode, cathode, and electrolyte are configured to form an electrochemical cell.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of manufacturing a fuel storage tank for a fuel cell system used for storing various pressurized fluids having separate permeation characteristics for reducing permeation leakage during various temperature and pressure cycles. The fuel storage tank comprises a formed liner to define an inner cavity, as well as a boss connected to the liner, a reinforcement structure formed around a portion of the boss and the liner, a permeation bag affixed to a first securing member and inserted into the inner cavity of the liner. The first securing member is coupled with the boss and a second securing member is assembled to the boss adjacent the first securing member to secure a fluid tight connection between the permeation bag, the liner and the boss.

Abstract: A membrane-electrode assembly a solid electrolyte type-structure including a first electrode, an electrolyte membrane, and a second electrode and is formed on one single face of a porous metal support. The electrolyte membrane is obtained by firing a first electrolyte film formed on the first electrode and a second electrolyte film, which has a higher degree of fluidity than the degree of fluidity of the first electrolyte film.

Abstract: Diffusion media for use in PEM fuel cells are provided with silicone coatings. The media are made of a porous electroconductive substrate, a first hydrophobic fluorocarbon polymer coating adhered to the substrate, and a second coating comprising a hydrophobic silicone polymer adhered to the substrate. The substrate is preferably a carbon fiber paper, the hydrophobic fluorocarbon polymer is PTFE or similar polymer, and the silicone is moisture curable.

Abstract: A composite separator plate for use in an electrochemical fuel cell as well as a method of forming same is disclosed. The plate may be formed of polymeric material and electrically conductive material having a non-conductive polymeric outer layer by compression molding, or alternately of a metallic material having an outer metal oxide layer. Contact regions of the plate surface are subsequently ablated with a laser to remove the outer layer of material from the plate. The removal of the outer layer reduces the contact resistance of the plate when used in an electrochemical fuel cell stack, while offering adequate strength and corrosion resistance for the fuel cell stack environment.

Abstract: An end-cooler assembly for a fuel cell includes a cooler having a coolant tube array. A composite material includes flake graphite and hydrophobic polymer. The composite material surrounds the coolant tube array and provides a first side. A flow field is formed in the first side. A thermal dam is embedded in and is entirely surrounded by the composite material. The thermal dam is arranged between the coolant tube array and the flow field. The coolant tube array, composite material, flow field and thermal dam comprise a unitary, monolithic structure bound together by the composite material.

Abstract: A fuel cell system is provided which includes a compression retention enclosure with upper and lower compression shells and side sheet components coupled by interlocking hem joints. Methods for manufacturing compression retention enclosures with hem joints such that the enclosure remains sealed upon operational swelling of the fuel stack are also provided. A compression shell may be formed from a light weight composite structure having a polymeric layer interposed between steel skins, and an extension of the top steel skin may form a hemmed edge or may form a side sheet having a hemmed edge. Side sheet panels may be coupled to the end plates by interlocking two opposing hemmed edges to form the hem joint, or by sliding an opposing C-linking element between two hemmed edges held under compression force in an interlocking position.

Abstract: Energy is probably one of the most important issues of the current century. New sources, approaches and systems have been studied in order to find suitable and more reliable power sources and energy harvesting devices. In addition, mobile Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) devices require micro power sources as well. So far, there has been vast research and investment on solar sources, fuel cells, etc. The present application is an attempt to develop a suitable fabrication method to realize a Photosynthetic Power Cell (?PSO) to harvest the energy from photosynthesis and produce electrical energy. The proposed ?PSO is a micro power generation device made from polymer material for generating power from algal photosynthesis. In particular, the present application presents a fabrication process for realising a ?PSO from polymer material.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, an electrochemical cell stack compression system may include an integral, hollow frame configured to contain a plurality of electrochemical cells arranged along an axis in a stack configuration. The frame may have a defined shape and may form a continuous border around a periphery of the electrochemical cell stack when inserted. The frame may be formed of a plurality of fibers.

Abstract: A cathode includes a carbon material having a surface, the surface having a first thin layer of an inert material and a first catalyst overlaying the first thin layer, the first catalyst including metal or metal oxide nanoparticles, wherein the cathode is configured for use as the cathode of a lithium-air battery.

Abstract: A fuel cell installation includes a support structure and a cell stack assembly that is removably insertable into the support structure from an uninstalled position to an installed position during an installation procedure. The cell stack assembly includes a fitting. An interfacing structure is mounted on one of the support structure in the cell stack assembly. The interfacing structure carries a connector that is configured to receive the fitting in interconnected relationship. At least one of the fitting and the connector floats in a plane relative to the support structure during the installation procedure. In operation, the fitting engages the connector when the cell stack assembly is inserted into the support structure. The fitting is repositioned relative to the connector to ensure that the fitting and connector are aligned with one another and connected upon installation.

Abstract: A separator for a fuel cell is provided and may include a plurality of linearly extending protrusions and a plurality of flat walls alternately arranged with the plurality of linearly extending protrusions. Each protrusion is defined by a top wall and a pair of side walls and the linearly extending protrusions are parallel to each other. In addition, a gas passage forming groove is defined between each adjacent pair of linearly extending protrusions, a belt-like groove is provided on an inner surface of each flat wall that faces the corresponding gas passage forming groove, and an inclination angle is set with respect to each flat wall and corresponding side walls.

Abstract: Fuel-cell assemblies containing a membrane electrode assembly, methods for preparing the membrane electrode assembly, and methods for functionalizing catalytic surfaces of catalyst particles in the membrane electrode assembly of the fuel cell assembly have been described. The fuel-cell assemblies and their membrane electrode assemblies contain cathode catalyst materials having catalytic surfaces that are functionalized with cyano groups to improve catalyst activity. The cathode catalyst materials may include a catalytic metal such as platinum or a platinum alloy. The cyano groups may be derived from a cyanide source that is electro-oxidized onto the catalytic surfaces. Nonlimiting examples of cyanide sources include amino acids such as glycine, alanine, and serine.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a metal-air battery which can inhibit decrease of discharge capacity and increase of battery's internal resistance caused by the repeated charge and discharge. The metal-air battery comprises: a cathode; an electrolyte layer; and an anode, wherein the cathode, the electrolyte layer, and the anode are laminated in the order mentioned; the cathode comprises a plurality of cathode material layers arranged at intervals; and the direction for laminating the cathode, the electrolyte layer, and the anode intersect with the array direction of the plurality of cathode material layers.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) includes a cathode electrode, a solid oxide electrolyte, and an anode electrode having a first region located adjacent to a fuel inlet and a second region located adjacent to a fuel outlet. The anode electrode includes a cermet having a nickel containing phase and a ceramic phase. The first region of the anode electrode contains a lower ratio of the nickel containing phase to the ceramic phase than the second region of the anode electrode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite separator for a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) and a method for manufacturing the same. The inventive method involves allowing graphite foil layers to be brought into direct contact with each other when graphite foils are stacked on both sides of a carbon fiber reinforced composite material prepreg, thereby improving electrical conductivity in the thickness direction of the separator.

Abstract: A direct carbon fuel cell DCFC system (5), the system comprising an electrochemical cell, the electrochemical cell (10) comprising a cathode (30), a solid state first electrolyte (25) and an anode (20), wherein, the system further comprises an anode chamber containing a second electrolyte (125) and a fuel (120). The system, when using molten carbonate as second electrolyte, is preferably purged with CO2 via purge gas inlet (60).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a membrane electrode assembly comprising at least two electrochemically active electrodes separated by at least one polymer electrolyte membrane, the aforementioned polymer electrolyte membrane having fibrous reinforcing elements which at least partly penetrate the polymer electrolyte membrane, wherein at least some of the fibrous reinforcing elements have functional groups which have a covalent chemical bond between the fibers and the polymer of the polymer electrolyte membrane. The membrane electrode assembly is suitable for applications in fuel cells, especially in high-temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cells.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fuel cell separator is provided such that the corrosion resistance can be improved. A method of manufacturing a fuel cell separator that separates adjacent cells of a fuel cell includes subjecting a separator substrate composed of a metal material to gold strike plating, thereby forming a first gold plating layer with a thickness of 10 to 200 nm. Further, thick gold plating is performed on top of the first gold plating layer formed by gold strike plating, thereby forming a second gold plating layer. A fuel cell separator manufactured by the method and a fuel cell including the fuel cell separator are also provided.

Abstract: A metal/air electrochemical cell in one embodiment includes a negative electrode, a positive electrode, an oxygen supply, and a closed oxygen conducting membrane less than about 50 microns thick located between the oxygen supply and the positive electrode.

Abstract: There are provided a solid oxide fuel cell capable of firmly sealing an anode while simultaneously securing rigidity of an anode support structure, and a manufacturing method thereof. The solid oxide fuel cell includes an electrolyte layer, a cathode provided on one surface of the electrolyte layer, an anode provided on the other surface of the electrolyte layer, and at least one reinforcing member disposed within the anode to reinforce rigidity thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to the presence of slightly or non-porous zones in the electrode layer around gas inlets, in order to improve the leak tightness between the different individual cells making up a fuel cell with a plane geometry. The fuel cell comprises a first electrode layer having a non-porous zone forming a passage therethrough for gas flow and an electrolyte layer having a protuberance which extends into the first electrode layer for forming the non-porous zone with the non-porous zone representing a gas tight passage. Nested contact between the bipolar plate and the ceramic triple layer making up the basic cell is also described and is another possible means of avoiding mixes of gasses.

Abstract: The invention relates to separator plates (108) for fuel cells, and in particular to separator plates having particular geometries for improved edge sealing properties. Exemplary embodiments of the invention include a fuel cell separator plate (308) having first and second opposing faces (304, 305), the separator plate having a series of corrugations (301) extending, and providing air flow paths (302), between first and second opposing edges of the plate, wherein crests of corrugations along the first face (304) proximate the first edge (303) of the plate are depressed to be coplanar with adjacent crests of corrugations along the second face such that a greater contact surface on the second face (305) is provided compared with the first face (304).

Abstract: A method of transferring a nanostructured thin catalytic layer from its carrying substrate to a porous transfer substrate and further processing and restructuring the nanostructured thin catalytic layer on the porous transfer substrate is provided. The method includes transferring the nanostructured catalytic layer from its carrying substrate to a transfer substrate. The nanostructured catalytic layer then is processed and reconstructed, including removing the residual materials and adding additional components or layers to the nanostructured catalytic layer, on the transfer substrate. Methods of fabricating catalyst coated membranes with the reconstructed electrode including the nanostructured thin catalytic layer, reconstructed electrode decals, and catalyst coated proton exchange membranes are also described.

Abstract: A system for fabricating a fuel cell component in which a deposition mechanism deposits loading material particles onto the fuel cell component and an actuation mechanism actuates the deposition mechanism. A unit provides a tape fixing agent to the fuel cell component and loaded material particles so as to retain the particles on the fuel cell component. Other fuel components are retained to the fuel cell component also using a tape fixing agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a graded multilayer structure, comprising a support layer (1) and at least 10 layers (2, 3) forming a graded layer, wherein each of the at least 10 layers (2, 3) is at least partially in contact with the support layer (1), wherein the at least 10 layers (2, 3) differ from each other in at least one property selected from layer composition, porosity and conductivity, and wherein the at least 10 layers (2, 3) are arranged such that the layer composition, porosity and/or conductivity horizontally to the support layer (1) forms a gradient over the total layer area.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a composite separator for a fuel cell, which can reduce the electrical contact resistance by performing an additional post-treatment to remove residual resin remaining on the surface of the composite separator by plasma etching. In certain preferred embodiments, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a composite separator for a fuel cell, in which a liquid phase resin for gasket is applied to the surface of the composite separator along a predetermined gasket pattern, or a semi-cured resin for gasket in the form of a film with a predetermined gasket pattern is stacked on the surface of the composite separator, and then plasma etching is performed to remove the residual resin and, at the same time, cure the resin for gasket, thus reducing the overall processing time to improve the productivity and preventing a composite material of the separator from being damaged.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide methods for testing a fuel cell interconnect including the steps of providing a fuel cell interconnect and performing a non-destructive test on the fuel cell interconnect comprising at least one of detecting a magnetic response of the interconnect, calculating a volume by optically illuminating the interconnect, detecting an acoustic response of the interconnect, and detecting a thermal response of the interconnect.

Abstract: The invention relates to fuel cell assemblies, and in particular to improvements relating to sealing of such assemblies, embodiments of which include a fuel cell assembly (200) comprising a membrane electrode assembly (104), a cathode separator plate (208) having a series of corrugations extending, and providing air flow paths, between first and second opposing edges of the plate, a gasket (105) providing a fluid seal around a peripheral edge of the membrane electrode assembly (104) between the separator plate (208) and the membrane electrode assembly (104) and a metal shim (107) disposed between the gasket (105) and the separator plate (208) over the peripheral edge of the membrane electrode assembly (104).

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid electrolyte for batteries, which has excellent ion conductivity, a method for producing the liquid electrolyte and a battery including the liquid electrolyte. Disclosed is a liquid electrolyte for batteries, comprising a mesoionic compound represented by the following general formula (1): wherein R1 and R2 are each independently an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes a plurality of fuel cells arranged in a stack configuration extending along a z-axis, wherein each fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly interposed between a pair of bipolar plates, and each membrane electrode assembly has a total active area measured in an x-y plane that is generally perpendicular to the z-axis. Each bipolar plate includes a plurality of common passages extending generally parallel to the z-axis. The total active area of each membrane electrode assembly includes a plurality of base active areas arranged co-planar in the x-y plane along an x-axis.

Abstract: A rubber composition comprising (A) an alkenyl-containing organopolysiloxane, (B) a silicone resinous copolymer, (C) an organohydrogenpolysiloxane, (D) fumed silica having a BET specific surface area of 50-400 m2/g, (E) carbon powder having a BET specific surface area of 30-150 m2/g, and (F) an addition reaction catalyst cures into a product which is useful as a separator seal in PEFCs. The rubber has a reduced compression set even in an acidic atmosphere or in contact with LLC, and the rubber itself has strength and good adhesion to separator substrates. The separator provides excellent seal performance over a long term.

Abstract: An alignment system and method for assembling a fuel cell stack. Components of the fuel cell stack have internal alignment features and are aligned to a predetermined orientation during assembly. The system and method allow fuel cell stacks to be assembled within high tolerance levels while improving access to each component during assembly. Additionally, the system and method can provide additional rigidity to a fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A manifold for use with fuel cell and fuel cell stacks is provided. In certain examples, the manifold may be constructed and arranged to provide air to all cathodes in a first fuel cell stack fluidically coupled to the manifold and configured to provide fuel to all anodes in the first fuel cell stack. In some examples, the manifold may be constructed and arranged to provide air to all cathodes in a first fuel cell stack and a second fuel cell stack and to provide fuel to all anodes in the first fuel cell stack and the second fuel cell stack.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a fuel electrode doubling as a support of a solid oxide fuel cell, whose conductivity and strength hardly lower through repetitive exposure to a reducing atmosphere/oxidazing atmosphere. Specifically, a fuel electrode 30 doubling as a solid oxide fuel cell according to the present invention includes: a three-dimensional network structure 10 formed by oxide coarse particles 12 connected to one another via an aggregate 14; electrode particles 20 dispersed in gaps 16 of the three-dimensional network structure and having a function as an electrode catalyst; and an aggregate 22 of second oxide fine particles for connecting the electrode particles 20 to a surface in the gap of the three-dimensional network structure, wherein the oxide coarse particles 12 are connected to one another without the electrode particles 20.

Abstract: In fuel cell separator, the periphery of manifold through which fuel gas, reaction water, etc., pass and the seal line being a site of bonding with an adjacent separator are provided with a resin layer. Within the surface of the separator, the resin application site on which the resin layer is formed undergoes subbing treatment in advance to thereby increase the capability of bonding with the resin. When the resin layer consists of a resin having an NH group, as the subbing treatment, hydroxide deposition treatment is carried out on the surface of the separator.

Abstract: A method of producing a reversible solid oxide cell. The method includes the steps of tape casting an anode support layer on a support (1); tape casting an anode layer on a support (2); tape casting an electrolyte layer on a support (3); and either laminating said anode layer on top of said anode support layer; removing said support (2) from said anode layer; laminating said electrolyte layer on top of said anode layer; and sintering the multilayer structure; or laminating said anode layer on top of said electrolyte layer; removing said support (2) from said anode layer; laminating said anode support layer on top of said anode layer; and sintering the multilayer structure.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for an electrode catalyst layer includes: containing a conductive carrier on which a catalyst is supported, a substrate, an electrolyte resin and a supercritical fluid inside a closed container (S102 to S106); and cooling the substrate to form an electrode catalyst layer, having the conductive carrier on which the catalyst is supported and the electrolyte resin, on the substrate (S 108).

Abstract: A current collection apparatus and its method of processing for a solid oxide fuel cell, which mainly includes using screen printing process to print conductive adhesive onto the surface of the electrode of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), forming a current collection layer with drying process, using an appropriate amount of conductive adhesive to paste a conductive wire onto the current collection layer, forming an adhesion layer through drying, fixing the conductive wire on the electrode surface with an appropriate amount of ceramic adhesive, and forming a fixing layer after baking. A good connection is hence made between metal conductive wire and electrode through current collection layer, not only the interface impedance between electrode and current collection layer can be reduced effectively, but also the output power density of the SOFC unit cell can be enhanced, and stable as well as long term power output can be provided.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a fuel cell with a storage unit (4) for storing hydrogen (Hx), with a proton conductive layer, which covers a surface of the storage unit (4), and with a cathode (7) on a side of the proton conductive layer, which side is located opposite, wherein the storage unit (4) is directly coupled with an anode and/or the storage unit (4) is incorporated in a substrate (1) of a semiconductor. The storage unit (4) is preferably connected to the substrate (1) at least via a stress compensation layer (3).

Abstract: There is provided a fuel cell cathode electrode, comprising a porous skeletal medium, the surface of which medium is modified or otherwise arranged or constructed to induce enhanced activated behaviour, wherein the enhanced activated behaviour is induced by means of increasing the surface area for a given volume of the electrode and/or by increasing the number and/or availability of reactive sites on the electrode. A fuel cell having such a cathode electrode, a method of manufacturing such a cathode electrode, and use of such a cathode electrode in a fuel cell is also disclosed.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell comprises a porous anode electrode, a dense non-porous electrolyte and a porous cathode electrode. The anode electrode comprises a first member and a plurality of parallel plate members extending from the first member. The cathode electrode comprises a second member and a plurality of parallel plate members extending from the second member. The plate members of the cathode electrode inter-digitate with the plate members of the anode electrode and the electrolyte fills the spaces between the first and second members and the parallel plate members of the anode electrode and the cathode electrode.

Abstract: A fuel cell system including, among other things, one or more of a fuel cell, a fuel reservoir, a current collecting circuit, a plenum, or a system cover. The fuel reservoir is configured to store fuel, and may include a regulator for controlling an output fuel pressure and a refueling port. A surface of the fuel reservoir may be positioned adjacent a first fuel cell portion. The current collecting circuit is configured to receive and distribute fuel cell power and may be positioned adjacent a second fuel cell portion. The plenum may be formed when the fuel reservoir and the first fuel cell portion are coupled or by one or more flexible fuel cell walls. The system cover allows air into the system and when combined when a fuel pressure in the plenum, may urge contact between the fuel cell and the current collecting circuit.

Abstract: A cathode for use in a direct oxidation fuel cell (DOFC) comprises a gas diffusion medium (GDM) including a backing layer and a microporous layer comprising a fluoropolymer and an electrically conductive material, wherein loading of the fluoropolymer in the microporous layer is in the range from about 10 to about 60 wt. %. In use, a concentrated solution of a liquid fuel is supplied to an anode and an oxidant to the cathode of the fuel cell, and the fuel cell may be operated at a low oxidant stoichiometry ?c not greater than about 2.5.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling hydrogen gas flow to an anode side of a fuel cell stack using a pressure regulator in the event that an injector that normally injects the hydrogen gas into the fuel cell stack has failed in a stuck open position. During normal operation, the control of the injector is determined based on the pressure of an anode sub-system and the position of the pressure regulator is determined based on a supply pressure between the pressure regulator and the injector. If it is determined that the injector is stuck in an open position, then the position of the pressure regulator is controlled to the anode pressure instead of the supply pressure. If the pressure regulator is an electrical pressure regulator, then it is pulsed to mimic normal system operation. Alternately, another valve, such as a shut-off valve, can be employed to provide the flow pulsing.

Abstract: Compositions containing modified fullerenes and their use, for example, as films for membranes in electrode assemblies for electrochemical cells and fuel cells such as fuel cells are described.

Abstract: A method including providing a substrate; treating the substrate to form a passive layer, wherein the passive layer has a thickness of at least 3 nm; and depositing an electrically conductive coating over the substrate, wherein the coating has a thickness of about 0.1 nm to about 50 nm.

Abstract: Methods of making an integrated subgasket assembly, a unitized electrode assembly, an integrated fuel cell assembly, and products thereof. The methods include forming the subgasket by providing a base sheet having an initial thickness, stretching a first region of the base sheet a first distance, and forming an active area window in the base sheet.

Abstract: A bipolar plate used in a fuel cell and a method of making a bipolar plate. The sheet is made from a ferritic or austenitic stainless steel, and defines an undulated surface pattern such that the patterned sheet may be formed into the bipolar plate. In one configuration, a stamping or related metal forming tool operation will further deform the patterned sheet into the bipolar plate shape such that the wall thickness is substantially uniform throughout the surface. In this way, there is a substantial reduction in stretching/thinning/necking at an intersection between bends and side walls that define the undulations of the pattern. In one form, the pattern defines a repeating serpentine shape. In a particular embodiment, the bends may include surface modifications to reduce the effects of sheet-to-tool misalignment.