Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell system includes a first fuel cell tube, a flame tip protection member and a current conduction member. The first fuel cell tube has a flame end. The flame end has exit opening. The fuel cell tube is configured to deliver combustible gas to the flame tip region generating a flame kernel. The flame protection member is configured to inhibit at least one of mass transfer and heat transfer between the fuel cell tube and the flame tip region. The current conduction member is disposed through the exit opening of the flame end of the first fuel cell tube.

Abstract: The present disclosure sets forth a power management system including a plurality of power management devices configured to transfer power among a plurality of external devices. The power management system includes a first power management device and a second power management device. The first power management device includes a first, second and third communication ports along with first, second and third power ports. The second power management device includes fourth, fifth and sixth communications port along with fourth, fifth and sixth power ports. The first power port of the first power management device is coupled to the fourth power port of the second power management device such that first and second power and the first communications port of the first power management device is coupled to the fourth communications port of the second power management device.

Abstract: A method for operating a fuel cell system includes monitoring a signal indicative of a water level within the fuel cell system. The method further includes determining an anode air flow rate based on the monitored signal indicative of water level. The method further includes controlling the anode air actuator based on the determined anode air flow rate.

Abstract: An aerial vehicle is configured to operate in a base fuel cell operating mode and a fuel cell boost operating mode. A method for controlling the aerial includes providing a base fuel cell upper power limit. The method further includes controlling the fuel cell power level below the base fuel cell upper power limit when the aerial vehicle is operating in the base fuel cell operating mode. The method further includes operating the fuel cell above the base upper fuel cell power limit when the aerial vehicle is operating in the fuel cell boost operating mode.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell includes a plurality of tubes, with each tube including an anode, a cathode and an electrolyte, A mechanically compliant anode current collector is associated with each tube. An interconnect portion may be attached to the anode current collector. A cathode current collector is also associated with each tube. The interconnect portion provides an oxygen barrier between the anode current collector and the cathode current collector.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack configured to input raw fuel from a fuel source to produce electrical energy includes a fuel cell comprising an anode, an electrolyte, and a cathode. The anode defines an anode chamber, and a hydrogen separation member is disposed within the anode chamber. The hydrogen separation member has a first side and a second side. The first side of the hydrogen separation member defines a raw fuel chamber. The hydrogen separation member transfer hydrogen between the first side and the second side to provide hydrogen fuel to the anode of the fuel cell, while inhibiting the transportation of gas molecules between the first side and the second side.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes an energy conversion module and a fuel module that is detachable from the energy conversion module. The fuel module includes a fuel tank, a fuel module identification member including fuel module data and a fuel filter member. The control module is configured to access the fuel module data from the fuel module identification member. The fuel cell stack is configured to utilize the refined fuel to generate electrical energy.

Abstract: A power management apparatus includes a first electrical lead and a second electrical lead. The first electrical lead routes electrical current at a first electrical lead electrical potential level and the second electrical lead route electrical current at a second current port electrical potential level. The power management apparatus further includes a first electrical parameter sensor configured to measure a first electrical lead electrical parameter and a second electrical parameter sensor configured to measure a second electrical lead electrical parameter. The power management apparatus further comprises a buck boost converter electrically coupled to both the first electrical lead and the second electrical lead. The buck boost converter is configured to convert electrical current between the first electrical lead electric potential level and the second electrical lead electric potential level at a controlled potential conversion level.

Abstract: In one aspect, there is disclosed a high temperature composite insulation assembly for a fuel cell that includes a core portion having inner and outer surfaces. A temperature stable sealant is disposed on the outer surface of the core portion forming a gas retaining mechanically robust insulation assembly. In another aspect, there is disclosed a high temperature composite insulation assembly for a fuel cell that includes a core portion having inner and outer surfaces, and a reinforcing material disposed on the outer surface of the core portion. A temperature stable sealant is disposed on the outer surface of the core portion forming a gas retaining mechanically robust insulation assembly. In another aspect, there is disclosed a high temperature composite insulation assembly for a fuel cell that includes a core portion having inner and outer surfaces and a high temperature refractory material disposed on the inner surface of the core portion.

Abstract: A current collector for a fuel cell that includes at least one wire having an inner core of high conductivity metal and an outer cladding of an environmentally isolating material. The current collector may be utilized in both an oxidizing and reducing environment.

Abstract: In one aspect, there is disclosed a power management device that includes a housing, at least one input port, and at least one output port. Also included is a CPU and a user interface. Electrical circuitry connects the ports, CPU and user interface. The CPU includes a real-time operating system and programs actively controlling a power usage.

Abstract: In one aspect there is disclosed a solid oxide fuel cell including an insulating housing. A plurality of interconnected cells defining a stack are disposed within the housing. Each of the fuel cells includes an anode and a cathode. A bypass circuit is positioned outside of the housing and is coupled between the anode and the cathode of at least a portion of the plurality of cells allowing modification of an interconnection between the cells.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell comprises a plurality of tubes, each having an anode, electrolyte and cathode. Anode and cathode current collectors are mounted on the tubes. The anode current collector electrically connects to the anode and can have a contact with the anode. The cathode current collector electrically connects to the cathode and can have a contact with the cathode. An electrically conductive sealant may be positioned between the anode of one tube and the cathode current collector of another tube.

Abstract: An integrated fuel and air delivery system for a fuel cell that includes a pump and an air inlet member connected to the pump. Additionally, an air outlet member is connected to the pump. Desired quantities of fuel and air are mixed in the air outlet member and resonance of the fuel and air are removed prior to introduction into the fuel cell.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell comprises a tube forming an anode, electrolyte and cathode, and a catalytic substrate is positioned within the tube. Such solid oxide fuel cells are highly compact and lightweight, and can be used in portable applications.

Abstract: A reaction product control system for a fuel cell that includes a controller and a fuel mass flow sensor linked with the controller. An oxidant mass flow sensor is also linked with the controller. Fuel and oxidant control devices are linked with the controller. A fuel and oxidant react to form a reaction product. The fuel mass flow sensor is calibrated for a fuel at an oxidant flow rate and the controller then automatically adjusts the fuel control device when the fuel changes composition to produce the desired reaction product.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell comprises a tube forming an anode, electrolyte and cathode, and a catalytic substrate is positioned within the tube. Such solid oxide fuel cells are highly compact and lightweight, and can be used in portable applications.

Abstract: An integrated fuel and air delivery system for a fuel cell that includes a pump and an air inlet member connected to the pump. Additionally, an air outlet member is connected to the pump. Desired quantities of fuel and air are mixed in the air outlet member and resonance of the fuel and air are removed prior to introduction into the fuel cell.

Abstract: A method for preparation of a solid state electrochemical device having a cathode, and anode and an electrolyte positioned between the cathode and the anode is disclosed, comprising the steps of forming a controlled geometry feedrod having a cross sectional area, having at least a first extrusion compound and a second extrusion compound, and co-extruding the controlled geometry feedrod through a reduction die at least once to achieve a desired reduction in cross sectional area. Such microfabrication by thermoplastic co-extrusion enhances production of complex and multiphase electrodes and electrolytes.