Abstract: A regenerative fuel cell system is provided having at least one hydrogen storage container fluidly coupled to at least one hydrogen generator and at least one power generator. Each power generator further includes a fuel cell fluidly coupled to the hydrogen storage container, an electric energy storage device, and an unregulated dc bus electrically connected to said fuel cell and said electric storage device. The system further provides for a health monitoring system for determining the occurrence of critical events which may necessitate the disabling of the system.

Abstract: A gas/liquid phase separator includes a fluid inlet, a vapor outlet, a liquid outlet, and first and second valves disposed in fluid communication with the liquid outlet. Both valves are controllable in response to a fluid level in the gas/liquid phase separator. Both valves are further disposed in parallel fluid communication with each other. A method of controlling a liquid level in the phase separator includes sensing an amount of liquid in the phase separator, sensing a system pressure, and selectively opening a valve disposed in fluid communication with the phase separator to drain the liquid.

Abstract: A gas regulation system includes a manifold, a plurality of control modules in fluid communication with the manifold, and a power source. Each control module includes an actuatable valve that is in fluid communication with an associated gas storage device and in electrical communication with the power source. The power source is adapted to prevent more than one of the actuatable valves from simultaneously having an actuated state.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for monitoring and reporting the controlled and uncontrolled emissions of hydrogen gas from an end use application such as a hydrogen cooled electrical generator. The system first determines a quantity hydrogen produced by a hydrogen conversion device from a first operating parameter. The quantity of hydrogen released in a controlled manner is determined from a second operating parameter. The amount of uncontrolled hydrogen emissions may then be calculated from the produced hydrogen and controlled release values. A report detailing the type and amounts of hydrogen emissions may then be created.

Abstract: A compression member for an electrochemical cell stack is provided. The compression member includes a first surface including a plurality of raised portions, a second surface including a substantially flat surface, and an edge defined by the first surface and the second surface. The plurality of raised portions is aligned to define a plurality of receiving areas. The plurality of raised portions and the plurality of receiving areas are configured such application of an axial compressive force spreads the plurality of raised portions into the plurality of receiving areas. The edge includes a portion configured to receive an electrochemical cell terminal therethrough. The compression member is formed of electrically non-conductive materials.

Abstract: A power system comprising: a primary power source in electrical communication with a electrolysis cell, wherein the electrolysis cell is in electrical communication with a bus; a secondary power source in electrical communication with the bus, wherein the secondary power source comprises an electrochemical system including a fuel cell. The system further includes: a controller electrically disposed between and in operable communication with the bus and the electrolysis cell, and electrically disposed between and in communication with the bus and the secondary power source. The controller monitors the primary power source, initiates powering by the bridge power source when the primary power source exhibits selected characteristics, initiates the secondary power source when the electrolysis cell is depleted exceeding a first selected threshold, and initiates interruption of powering by the secondary power source.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a regenerative electrochemical cell system, comprises: a fuel cell module, an electrolysis module, a heat exchange, and an inverted hydrogen storage device. The fuel cell module can comprise a fuel cell hydrogen inlet in fluid communication a hydrogen storage system, and a fuel cell oxygen inlet in fluid communication with a surrounding atmosphere and in fluid communication with a gaseous portion of an oxygen/water phase separation device. The electrolysis module can comprise an electrolysis water inlet in fluid communication with the water storage device via the fuel cell module, and an electrolysis water outlet in fluid communication with a second water storage device. The inverted hydrogen storage device can comprise a fluid inlet in fluid communication with an electrolysis hydrogen outlet, and a gas outlet in fluid communication with a fuel cell hydrogen inlet.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are mobile hydrogen gas dispensing apparatus, and methods for dispensing hydrogen gas. In one embodiment, the mobile hydrogen gas dispensing apparatus comprises a first outlet and a second outlet. The first outlet comprises a first valve, a first hydrogen gas output port, a first nozzle, a first display panel in operable communication with the first hydrogen gas output port, and a first hose forming fluid communication between the first hydrogen output port and the first nozzle. The apparatus further comprises: an electrochemical cell disposed in fluid communication with the first outlet, and a mobile platform, wherein the first outlet and the electrochemical cell are mechanically connected to the mobile platform.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell apparatus and a heat storage device. The heat storage device is in fluid communication with and responsive to the fuel cell apparatus and is adapted to receive and store heat from and deliver heat to the fuel cell apparatus.

Abstract: Treated porous flow field members are used to support membranes in electrochemical cells and to enhance fluid flow to and from the membrane. The treated porous includes a support material having at least a portion thereof treated with a quantity of hydrophobic polymer, a quantity of hydrophilic polymer, or a quantity of a mixture of a hydrophobic polymer and a hydrophilic polymer. Depending on the type of treatment and the placement of the polymer-treated porous support, various fluid flow enhancements are attained.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for monitoring the levels of combustible gas in a gas stream. The system includes means for controlling the relative humidity of the the gas stream to maintain a humidity level in the performance range of combustible gas sensors. A number techniques are illustrated for achieving the humidity control, including, secondary phase separations, mixing the gas with dry air and adjusting of the gas stream temperature.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the electrochemical system comprises an electrochemical cell and hydrogen storage in fluid communication with the hydrogen electrode, the hydrogen storage comprising at least one of carbon nanotubes and carbon nanofibers. In one embodiment, the method for operating an electrochemical cell system, comprises introducing water to an oxygen electrode and electrolyzing the water to form oxygen, hydrogen ions and electrons, wherein the hydrogen ions migrate to a hydrogen electrode. The hydrogen ions can then be reacted with the electrons to form hydrogen gas that is stored in at least one of carbon nanotubes and carbon nanofibers.

Abstract: A method of making an electrode decal, comprises forming a catalyst ink comprising a catalyst compound, a perfluorinated sulfonyl fluoride polymer, and an ester; disposing the catalyst ink on a decal; and drying the catalyst ink to form an electrode layer on the decal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an electrochemical system, a hydrogen gas fueling system, a cascade system, and methods for using the same. The hydrogen gas fueling system comprises a multiple-stage compressor disposed in fluid communication with a hydrogen gas source, the compressor configured to cool hydrogen gas received at a stage of the compressor, a cascade section comprising at least two hydrogen gas storage zones disposed in fluid communication with the compressor at the outlet of the compressor, and a hydrogen gas dispensing section disposed in fluid communication with the cascade section.

Abstract: A system is provided for monitoring the levels of combustible gas in a gas stream. The system includes means for controlling the relative humidity of the gas stream and maintain a humidity level in the performance range of combustible gas sensors. A number of methods are illustrated for achieving the humidity control including secondary phase separations and the adjusting of the gas stream temperature.

Abstract: A modular power system having separately removable electrolysis and power modules, each with separate sets of connection ports, is disclosed. The connection port set of the electrolysis module is adapted for operable communication with a water supply, a hydrogen storage device, and the power module, and the connection port set of the power module is adapted for operable communication with the water supply, the hydrogen storage device, and the electrolysis module.

Abstract: A system is provided for monitoring the levels of combustible gas in a gas stream. The system includes means for controlling the relative humidity of the gas stream and maintain a humidity level in the performance range of combustible gas sensors. A number of methods are illustrated for achieving the humidity control including secondary phase separations and the adjusting of the gas stream temperature.

Abstract: A power system, comprising: a primary power source in electrical communication with a bus and a bridging power source, wherein the bridging power source comprises at least one of a capacitor, a battery, and an electrolysis cell, and the bridging power source is in electrical communication with the bus; and a secondary power source in electrical communication with the bus. A method for operating a power system, comprising: monitoring a primary power source; if the primary power source exhibits selected characteristics, directing power from a bridging power source to a bus and initiating a secondary power source, and the bridging power source comprises at least one of a capacitor, a battery, and an electrolysis cell; and unless the secondary power source exhibits the selected characteristics, powering the bus with the secondary power source and ceasing the directing power from the bridging power source.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the operation of a gas sensor is disclosed. A system signal is provided in response to sensing first or second system conditions, and a gas concentration signal is provided in response to sensing first or second gas concentration levels of a gas. In response to the system and gas concentration signals, a signal indicating the operating condition of the gas sensor is provided.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a proton exchange membrane disposed between and in intimate contact with the electrodes. The proton exchange membrane is configured to be integral with a frame structure and includes a substrate disposed in contiguous contact with the frame structure and a proton exchange material disposed at the substrate.