Abstract: A fluid flow plate for a fuel cell includes a first face and a fluid manifold opening for receiving a fluid and at least one flow channel defined within the first face for distributing a reactant in the fuel cell. A dive through hole is defined in and extends through the fluid flow plate. The dive through hole is fluidly connected to the fluid manifold opening by an inlet channel, defined within an opposite face of the plate. The dive through hole and the inlet channel facilitate transmission of a portion of the fluid to the flow channel. A groove, adapted to receive a sealing member, is also defined within the first face and/or the opposite face. The sealing member may comprise a gasket which seals the respective fluid manifolds, thereby preventing leaking of fluid.

Abstract: A system includes a generator and a circuit. The generator is coupled to provide power to a power grid. The circuit is coupled to the generator and is adapted to use a scheme to detect a shut down of the power grid and prevent the generator from providing power to the power grid in response to the detection of the shut down of the power grid. The circuit is also adapted to receive an indication to modify the scheme and modify the scheme based on the indication.

Abstract: A fuel cell system having one or more desiccants is disclosed. The desiccant is capable of sorbing water vapor present in the fuel cell system to reduce the amount of water that sorbs to a liquid water-sensitive electrolyte.

Abstract: A cogeneration fuel cell system and associated methods of operation are provided that accommodate a demand for heat as well as a demand for electric power. The system is operated among various modes to balance heat and power demand signals. In general, a fuel cell system is coupled to a power sink and a heat sink, and a controller is adapted to respond to data signals from the power sink and the heat sink. As examples, such data signals from the heat sink may include a temperature indication or a heat demand signal (such as from a thermostat), and such data signals from the power sink may include a voltage or current measurement, an electrical power demand signal, or an electrical load.

Abstract: The invention provides a fuel cell system utilizing a shift reaction catalyst disposed within the fuel cell to reduce carbon monoxide present in the fuel stream.

Abstract: A cogeneration fuel cell system and associated methods of operation are provided that accommodate a demand for heat as well as a demand for electric power. The system is operated among various modes to balance heat and power demand signals. In general, a fuel cell system is coupled to a power sink and a heat sink, and a controller is adapted to respond to data signals from the power sink and the heat sink. As examples, such data signals from the heat sink may include a temperature indication or a heat demand signal (such as from a thermostat), and such data signals from the power sink may include a voltage or current measurement, an electrical power demand signal, or an electrical load.

Abstract: A control algorithm for operating an integrated fuel cell system includes the following steps: determining whether a power output of a fuel cell is within a first predetermined range of an electrical load coupled to the fuel cell; lowering a reactant flow to the fuel cell when the power output is within the first predetermined range; detecting an increase of the electrical load; determining whether the increase exceeds a second predetermined range; and increasing a reactant flow to the fuel cell when the increase exceeds the second predetermined range.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to controlling the temperature and relative humidity of an incoming fuel cell reactant stream. In one aspect, a fuel cell system is provided that includes a fuel cell having an anode inlet adapted to receive a flow of anode gas from an anode inlet conduit, and a cathode inlet adapted to receive a flow of cathode gas from a cathode inlet conduit. A first heat exchange surface is adapted to contact the flow of anode gas within the anode inlet conduit, and a second heat exchange surface adapted to contact the flow of cathode gas within the cathode inlet conduit. A coolant system is adapted to circulate a coolant through a coolant conduit. The coolant system is adapted to transfer heat from each of the first and second heat exchange surfaces to the coolant.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack, a fuel processor, a heater and a controller. The fuel cell stack provides an output power that includes a first power that is consumed by a first load. The fuel processor furnishes a fuel flow to the fuel cell stack, and the heater furnishes heat to the fuel processor when enabled. The controller is coupled to the fuel cell stack to monitor the output power and is coupled to the heater to selectively enable the heater to provide heat to the fuel processor when the first power decreases below a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A fuel cell system is specially adapted to provide enhanced air purification for stationary and mobile applications. An air purification subsystem may be installed along a cathode flow path to enhance air purification by utilization of fuel cell operating conditions. Synergistic automotive, residential, commercial and agricultural applications are thus provided. Air purification subsystems may include, for example, a multi-purpose platinum-based catalyst configuration adapted to convert carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide and ozone into diatomic oxygen.

Abstract: A simplified PEM fuel cell system is integrated with a fuel processor and an exhaust gas oxidizer to ensure clean emissions. The fuel cell has an operating temperature of 100-200° C., and utilizes reformate fuel having a carbon monoxide level greater than 1000 parts per million.

Abstract: A simplified PEM fuel cell system is integrated with a fuel processor and an exhaust gas oxidizer to ensure clean emissions. The fuel cell can have an operating temperature of 120-200° C. Cathode exhaust of a PEM fuel cell is used to provide steam and oxygen to a fuel processing reactor to convert a hydrocarbon fuel to hydrogen, wherein the hydrogen is provided to a fuel cell.

Abstract: In general, the invention provides methods and associated apparatuses for removing odorant and sulfur compounds from a gas stream such as natural gas. As an example, such systems are typically required by fuel processor systems adapted to convert natural gas into reformate for use in fuel cell systems, where the odorant and sulfur compounds might otherwise poison the fuel processor and fuel cell catalysts Systems under the present invention are based on the use of at least two filtration stages such that the odorant removal function is segregated from the general removal of H2S.

Abstract: A system and method for enthalpy transfer in a fuel cell includes flowing a gas and liquid water through a thermally conductive conduit, flowing a relatively hot gas containing water vapor across an external portion of the conduit, and transferring enough heat from the hot gas to cool the hot gas below its dew point and to cause a portion of the liquid water in the conduit to evaporate.

Abstract: A fuel cell system having one or more sensors is disclosed. The sensor(s) can detect the difference in the content of a gas (e.g., hydrogen) in an inlet stream and an outlet stream of the fuel cell system. The sensors can provide a signal to a controller that regulates the flow of the detected gas in the inlet stream.

Abstract: An automated reactant flow control subsystem is provided for a fuel cell system. The subsystem is achieved with a minimum of parts for decreased cost and increased reliability. The subsystem includes a fail-safe solenoid-actuated three-way valve in the fuel line that achieves very low pressure drop and very low parasitic load requirements. The subsystem also includes a fuel bypass system such as a flare, and a controller to automatically interlock the fuel and oxidant streams of the fuel cell.

Abstract: A connector includes an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve. The outer sleeve has an inner wall and a pair of juxtaposed slots. The inner sleeve has an outer surface with a first groove and a second groove defined therein. A sealing member is located in the first groove of the inner sleeve. The sealing member provides a continuous seal between the inner wall of the outer sleeve and the outer surface of the inner sleeve when the inner sleeve is mated within the outer sleeve. A retaining member is configured to engage the pair of juxtaposed slots, of the outer sleeve, and the second groove, of the inner sleeve, when the inner sleeve is mated with the outer sleeve. The retaining member restricts the longitudinal movement of the inner and outer sleeves in relation to one another.

Abstract: A method includes establishing a fuel flow through a fuel cell stack to produce a current. The voltages of the fuel cell stack are scanned to determine the minimum cell voltage. A maximum limit on the current is set based at least in part on the minimum cell voltage.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes a stack of flow plates, a first gasket that is compatible with a coolant and a second gasket that is incompatible with the coolant. The stack of flow plates includes openings to form a coolant passageway that communicates the coolant and a reactant manifold passageway. The second gasket forms a seal around the reactant manifold passageway between an adjacent pair of the plates. The first gasket forms a seal around the coolant manifold passageway between the adjacent pair of plates. At least one region of a particular plate may be associated with a reactant flow, and this plate may include internal passageways that extend between manifold passageways to communicate a coolant. A seal that is substantially permanent isolates the internal passageways from the region(s) of the fuel cell plate that may be associated with reactant flow(s).

Abstract: An assembly includes a fuel cell stack, a circuit board, an elastomeric connector and a frame. The elastomeric connector contacts the stack to provide cell voltages of the stack to the circuit board. The frame holds the circuit board, positions the elastomeric connector between the fuel cell stack and the circuit board and provides the appropriate compression of the connector.