Abstract: An electrochemical system adapted to operate between a fuel cell mode, an electrolysis mode and a mode alternating between an electrolysis mode and a fuel cell mode, also referred to as an energy storage mode, operating on a fuel gas mixture and an oxygen-containing gas mixture, and having modified fuel diffusion layers and oxygen diffusion layers. The tapered fuel diffusion layers are progressively thicker from its outermost edge to its innermost edge. The tapered oxygen diffusion layer is progressively thicker from its innermost edge to its outermost edge.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to an electrochemical apparatus for oxidation or consumption of a fuel, and the generation of electricity, such as, a solid electrolyte fuel cell. The electrochemical apparatus (1) comprises at least one cell (2), wherein the cell (2) has a solid electrolyte (10) disposed between a unitary oxygen electrode (12) and a unitary fuel electrode (8), and at least one separator (6) contacting the surface of one of the electrodes (13) opposite of the electrolyte (10). At least one electrode (13) of the cell (2) defines a micro-channel pattern (26), wherein the micro-channel cross-section is preferably varied, such that reactant gas flowing through the micro channels achieves tailored local flow, pressure, and velocity distributions.

Abstract: A reversible electrochemical system adapted to operate between a fuel cell mode, an electrolysis mode, and an electrolysis and fuel cell alternating mode(energy storage mode), operating on a fuel gas mixture and an oxygen-containing gas mixture. In the fuel cell mode, a current of electrons is delivered to an oxygen electrode where their charge is transferred to a plurality of oxygen ions which are passed through an electrolyte to a fuel electrode where the charge is transferred back to the electrode. In the electrolysis mode, a current of electrons is sent to a fuel electrode where the charge is transferred to a plurality of oxygen ions formed by the decomposition of steam. The oxygen ions pass through an electrolyte to an oxygen electrode where the charge is transferred back to the electrons.

Abstract: An electrochemical system adapted to facilitate the direct injection of a variety of carbonaceous fuels or to perform steam electrolysis. The electrochemical system comprises either of three operating modes: a single stage fuel cell embodiment, a two stage fuel cell embodiment, and an electrolyzer embodiment. The system further includes a feed tube having appropriate seals introducing carbonaceous fuel or water directly into a fuel mixing chamber inside the electrochemical cell stack. One or more exit conduits allow the gas mixture to exit from the fuel mixing chamber.

Abstract: An electrochemical apparatus and method for cooling the same. The apparatus comprises a stack of at least two compact cells. The cells have a maximum thermal pathway of about 4 centimeters. The cell includes a solid electrode layer disposed between an oxygen electrode layer and a fuel electrode layer. A separator layer contacts the surface of opposing electrodes of adjacent cells. The cell defines internal passages, for providing reactant gases to the electrodes, and a rim portion of the cell is adapted to radiate heat generated within the cell to outside the cell. At least one layer of the cell is adapted to conduct the cell heat to the rim for transfer by radiative cooling. The method of cooling the above apparatus includes feeding oxygen-bearing gas to the oxygen electrode at a low flow rate, conducting the heat produced within the cell to the cell rim, and radiating the heat from the cell rim.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to an electrochemical apparatus for oxidation or consumption of a fuel, and the generation of electricity, such as, a solid electrolyte fuel cell. The electrochemical apparatus (1) comprises at least one cell (2), wherein the cell (2) has a solid electrolyte (10) disposed between a unitary oxygen electrode (12) and a unitary fuel electrode (8), and at least one separator (6) contacting the surface of one of the electrodes (13) opposite of the electrolyte (10). At least one electrode (13) of the cell (2) defines a micro-channel pattern (26), wherein the micro-channel cross-section is preferably varied, such that reactant gas flowing through the micro channels achieves tailored local flow, pressure, and velocity distributions.

Abstract: An electrochemical apparatus including a steam reformer (24) positioned on top of a vaporizer (22) and communicating with a mixing orifice (34), the steam reformer (24) having a conductive output end plate (48) defining a fuel orifice (42); a compact cell stack (12) defining at least one air passage (54) and a fuel passage (46), wherein the fuel passage communicates with the fuel orifice (42); a stack end plate (50), defining at least one air orifice (52) communicating with the air passage (52); an electrically insulated sealing ring (58) extending upwardly from the stack end plate (50) outside the air orifice (52); an annular cap (60) defining a hot air inlet (61), extending inwardly beyond a sealing ring (58); a can (62) extending downwardly defining an exhaust passage (32) and communicating with an exhaust vent (66) within a base (16); a porous thermal insulation (56) defining a hot air plenum (68), a pin hole sheet (72) surrounding the can (62) and spaced inwardly from the enclosure (14) to define a cold

Abstract: A process for the fabrication of a component or component feature for an electrochemical apparatus including providing a printing medium comprising a rapid curable polymer containing carrier and a powder of a component material precursor, printing one of a uniform layer or a pattern of such printing medium on a substrate, and rapidly curing the curable polymer to form a cured part; and the parts made by this process. A process for the fabrication or a multi-layer cell of an SOFC including providing a printing medium comprising a radiation curable polymer containing carrier and a powder of a component material precursor, printing one of a uniform layer or a pattern of such printing medium on a substrate, and radiation curing the curable polymer to form a cured part; and the parts made by this process. The process can use an ultraviolet light curable polymer binder and electrode material powder in an industrial printer to form a solid fuel cell electrode component.

Abstract: A reversible electrochemical system adapted to operate between a fuel cell mode, an electrolysis mode, and a mode alternating between electrolysis mode and fuel cell mode, also referred to as an energy storage mode, operating on a fuel gas mixture and an oxygen-containing gas mixture. While in the fuel cell mode, a current of electrons are delivered to an oxygen electrode where their charge is transferred to a plurality of oxygen ions and the oxygen ions are passed through an electrolyte to a fuel electrode where the charge is transferred back to the electrode. While in the electrolysis mode, a current of electrons are sent to a fuel electrode where the charge is transferred to a plurality of oxygen ions that are formed by the decomposition of steam, and the oxygen ions are passed through an electrolyte to an oxygen electrode where the charge is transferred back to the electrons. While in the energy storage mode, the system alternates between the electrolysis mode and the fuel cell mode.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to an electrochemical apparatus for oxidation or consumption of a fuel, and the generation of electricity, such as, a solid electrolyte fuel cell. The electrochemical apparatus (1) comprises at least one cell (2), wherein the cell (2) has a solid electrolyte (10) disposed between an oxygen electrode (8) and a fuel electrode (12), and at least one separator (6) contacting the surface of one of the electrodes (13) opposite of the electrolyte (10). At least one electrode (13) of the cell (2) defines a micro-channel pattern (26), wherein the micro-channel cross-section is preferably varied, such that reactant gas flowing through the micro channels achieves tailored local flow, pressure, and velocity distributions.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for steam reforming of hydrocarbons, using a sulfur-tolerant catalyst comprising an active phase and a support phase, and optionally a promoter, which provides substantially complete conversion of the hydrocarbon to a mixture of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. The process comprises introducing steam and a hydrocarbon feed containing at least about 2 ppm sulfur species into the apparatus, and reacting said steam and hydrocarbon feed in the catalyst bed.

Abstract: An article for the separation, storage and delivery of substantially pure oxygen, comprises a closed walled, hollow container wherein at least a portion of at least one wall of the container is an oxygen separation material, providing a sole means for transporting substantially all oxygen into the container. An apparatus for the delivery of oxygen comprises means for transferring oxygen from a fluid containing oxygen to at least one such container at elevated temperature and pressure. The apparatus can provide means for transporting said the substantially pure oxygen-bearing container, means for storing said the container, and means for extracting oxygen from the container. A process includes filling the article with substantially pure oxygen, and, storing the substantially pure oxygen within the container for a selected period of time. The process may include releasing the oxygen from the container.

Abstract: An article for the separation, storage and delivery of substantially pure oxygen, comprises a closed walled, hollow container wherein at least a portion of at least one wall of the container is an oxygen separation material, providing a sole means for transporting substantially all oxygen into the container.An apparatus for the delivery of oxygen comprises means for transferring oxygen from a fluid containing oxygen to at least one such container at elevated temperature and pressure. The apparatus can provide means for transporting said the substantially pure oxygen-bearing container, means for storing said the container, and means for extracting oxygen from the container.A process includes filling the article with substantially pure oxygen, and, storing the substantially pure oxygen within the container for a selected period of time. The process may include releasing the oxygen from the container.

Abstract: The electrical performance of an electrochemical apparatus such as a fuel cell and the durability of the fuel cell elements can be significantly enhanced and extended by the addition of an element between at least one electrode (the oxygen electrode and/or the fuel electrode) and the electrolyte. Performance can be additionally enhanced by the design of at least one electrode to alter its flow characteristics. An integrated separator element can additionally function as at least one electrode of the fuel cell. The electrochemical apparatus is tolerant of the utilization of sulfur bearing fuels.

Abstract: The electrical performance of an electrochemical apparatus such as a fuel cell and the durability of the fuel cell elements can be significantly enhanced and extended by the addition of an element between at least one electrode (the oxygen electrode and/or the fuel electrode) and the electrolyte. Performance can be additionally enhanced by the design of at least one electrode to alter its flow characteristics. An integrated separator element can additionally function as at least one electrode of the fuel cell.

Abstract: A switch for connecting a selected one of a plurality of multi-terminal connectors to a common connector comprises a pivotable printed circuit board having a planar array of parallel conductors on at least one side of the board extending to the edge of the board, and fixed female connectors having elastically deformable contacts selectably engageable with the planar edge contact arrays by pivoting the printed circuit board to the selected female connector position, the compressive spring force of the elastically deformable contacts upon the planar contacts holding the pivotable printed circuit board in engagement with the selected female connector.