Abstract: According to one embodiment, an active material for batteries includes monoclinic ?-type titanium composite oxide containing at least one element selected from the group consisting of V, Nb, Ta, Al, Ga, and In, the at least one element being contained in an amount of 0.03 wt % or more and 3 wt % or less.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of readily manufacturing a lithium secondary battery including a solid electrolyte layer having space for accommodating deposited lithium. A lithium secondary battery includes a positive electrode element, a negative electrode element and a solid electrolyte layer placed between them. A method of manufacturing the battery includes a first step of stacking at least a first group of particles and a second group of particles to form the solid electrolyte layer, the second group of particles having an average particle diameter larger than that of the first group of particles, and a second step of stacking the positive and negative electrode elements on the solid electrolyte layer such that the negative electrode element is in contact with a surface of the second group of particles in the solid electrolyte layer.

Abstract: A control strategy results in a relative humidity profile that is substantially the same or constant regardless of the operational power level of the fuel cell stack. The strategy maintains the relative humidity profile within a range that enables high current density operation of the fuel cell stack. The profile is achieved by adjusting a coolant flow rate through the fuel cell stack to maintain a temperature change across the coolant flow path from inlet to outlet substantially constant regardless of the operational power level of the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel cell bipolar plate and a method for manufacturing the same, in which a carbon or metal fuel cell bipolar plate is surface-treated with a complex transition metal oxide, which is a main component of a variable resistance heating element having a negative temperature characteristic, so that the bipolar plate can ensure a sufficient amount of heat, required to prevent product water from freezing, by itself in a short time without any external energy, thus improving cold start performance of a fuel cell vehicle at a temperature below zero.

Abstract: A fuel cell system that employs end cell heaters in the end cells of a fuel cell stack in the fuel cell system that consistently maintain the temperature of the end cells above the operating temperature of the stack so as to reduce water in the end cells. In one embodiment, the temperature of the end cells is maintained within the range of 80° C.-85° C. across the entire output power range of the fuel cell stack. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the end cells are electrically coupled in series, and the control signal for controlling the end cells heaters is selected to heat the warmest end cell to the desired temperature.

Abstract: A proton-conducting structure that exhibits favorable proton conductivity in the temperature range of not lower than 100° C., and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. After a pyrophosphate salt containing Sn, Zr, Ti or Si is mixed with phosphoric acid, the mixture is maintained at a temperature of not less than 80° C. and not more than 150° C., and thereafter maintained at a temperature of not less than 200° C. and not more than 400° C. to manufacture a proton-conducting structure. The proton-conducting structure of the present invention has a core made of tin pyrophosphate, and a coating layer formed on the surface of the core, the coating layer containing Sn and O, and having a coordination number of O with respect to Sn of grater than 6.

Abstract: A positive active material including a compound expressed by a general formula LimMxM?yM?zO2 (here, M designates at least one kind of element selected from Co, Ni and Mn, M? designates at least one kind of element selected from Al, Cr, V, Fe, Cu, Zn, Sn, Ti, Mg, Sr, B, Ga, In, Si and Ge, and M? designates at least one kind of element selected from Mg, Ca, B and Ga. Further, x is designated by an expression of 0.9?x<1, y is indicated by an expression of 0.001?y?0.5, z is indicated by an expression of 0?z?0.5, and m is indicated by an expression of 0.5?m) and lithium manganese oxide expressed by a general formula LisMn2-tMatO4 (here, the value of s is expressed by 0.9?s, the value of t is located within a range expressed by 0.01?t?0.5, and Ma indicates one or a plurality of elements between Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Al, Sn, Cr, V, Ti, Mg, Ca, Sr, B, Ga, In, Si and Ge) are included, so that both a large capacity and the suppression of the rise of temperature of a battery upon overcharging operation are achieved.

Abstract: A partial flow cell may include a cathode chamber, an anode chamber, and a separator arrangement sandwiched between the cathode and anode chambers. The separator arrangement may be configured to permit ionic flow between electroactive materials disposed within the cathode and anode chambers. One of the cathode and anode chambers may be configured to permit an electroactive material to flow through the chamber during operation. The other of the cathode and anode chambers may be configured to hold an electroactive material fixed within the chamber during operation.

Abstract: A fuel cell assembly is disclosed, the fuel cell assembly including a pair of terminal plates, one terminal plate disposed at each end of the fuel cell assembly, a fuel cell disposed between a pair of end fuel cells and the terminal plates, and a thermally insulating, electrically conductive layer formed between the fuel cell and one of the terminal plates adapted to mitigate thermal losses from the end plate, and fluid condensation and ice formation in an end fuel cell. The end fuel cells of the fuel cell assembly have a membrane and/or a cathode having a thickness greater than an average thickness of a membrane and/or a cathode disposed in the fuel cell that may be used in conjunction with, or instead of, the insulating layer to further mitigate thermal losses from the end plate, and fluid condensation and ice formation in the end fuel cells.

Abstract: A battery assembly includes a first cell and a second cell adjacent the first cell. A first insulator and a second insulator extend over and encapsulate first electrode and second electrode. A shell extends over the first and second insulators thereby encapsulating the first and second insulators. A mechanical connection is defined between the first insulator of the fist cell and the second insulator of the second cell.

Abstract: A model uses various operating characteristics of a fuel cell to predict the relative humidity profile that is occurring within the fuel cell as a function of the reaction progress. The model is used to predict the relative humidity profile that will occur in response to changes to one or more of the operating characteristics of the fuel cell. A high frequency resistance of the fuel cell can also be used as a measure that is indicative of the humidity within the fuel cell. The model and/or the high frequency resistance can be used in a closed-loop feedback system to control the operation of the fuel cell to maintain the humidification of the MEA and fuel cells within a desired range to achieve a desired fuel cell performance.

Abstract: A method for refilling a hydrogen reservoir comprising a first hydrogen-storing material comprises establishing a fluid connection between the hydrogen reservoir and a cartridge containing a second hydrogen-storing material. The second hydrogen-storing material releases hydrogen at a pressure sufficient to charge the first hydrogen-storing material. Some embodiments involve heating the second hydrogen-storing material and/or allowing heat to flow between the first and second hydrogen-storing materials.

Abstract: A membrane humidifier for a fuel cell with a wet side plate having a plurality of flow channels formed therein and a dry side plate having a plurality of flow channels formed therein, the flow channels of the wet side plate adapted to facilitate a flow of a wet gas therethrough and the flow channels of said dry side plate adapted to facilitate a flow of a dry gas therethrough, wherein a pressure drop in the humidifier is minimized and a humidification of a proton exchange membrane in the fuel cell is optimized.

Abstract: Apart from electrical energy, nowadays the main engines also supply pneumatic and hydraulic energy to the aircraft, using corresponding media. Apart from mechanical disadvantages this results in reduced engine efficiency in relation to thrust, fuel consumption and weight. According to an embodiment of the present invention an energy supply system for aircraft is provided, comprising a fuel cell arrangement and an electrical energy distribution device. In this way it is possible to replace all the energy generating systems of the engines, which provide energy for the aircraft systems, except for the starter generator, as a result of which the efficiency of the individual engines is improved. Furthermore, the efficiency of onboard energy generation is improved, which in the final analysis results in reduced fuel consumption.

Abstract: An electrochemical battery cell comprising a cell housing defining an inner space, a first terminal and a second terminal; and at least one pre-formed pellet disposed within the inner space of the cell housing. The pellet includes an outer electrode portion formed from a material to geometrically define the pellet in a solid form. The outer electrode portion is in electrical communication with the first terminal of the cell housing. The pellet also includes an inner electrode encapsulated by a separator and embedded within the material of the outer electrode portion. The inner electrode is in electrical communication with the second terminal of the cell housing and electrically insulated from the outer electrode material. In a preferred embodiment, the inner electrode comprises an anode and the outer electrode portion comprises a cathode portion.

Abstract: A battery pack assembly comprising a plurality of battery packs each including a plurality of cells and at least one metering plate for metering the quantity of air flowing respectively through each of the air paths of the battery packs. An inlet metering plate is disposed upstream of the battery packs to meter the uneven flow of cooling air generated by the inlet manifold. The inlet metering plate utilizes a plurality of apertures, which can vary in size and shape, to produce equal streams of cooling air to cool all the battery packs to a substantially uniform temperature. An outlet metering plate can be disposed downstream of the battery packs to meter the flow of outgoing cooling air through the channels of the upper cylindrical sections to produce equal air flow around all of the cells in a stack to cool all of the cells to a substantially uniform temperature.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes an electrolyte electrode assembly and a pair of separators sandwiching the electrolyte electrode assembly. The separator includes first to third plates. A fuel gas channel is formed between the first and third plates. The fuel gas channel forms a fuel gas pressure chamber over an electrode surface of an anode. The fuel gas pressure chamber is divided into an inner pressure chamber and an outer pressure chamber an arc-shaped wall. Reforming catalyst is provided in the outer pressure chamber.

Abstract: Primary and secondary Li-ion and lithium-metal based electrochemical cell systems. The suppression of gas generation is achieved through the addition of an additive or additives to the electrolyte system of respective cell, or to the cell itself whether it be a liquid, a solid- or plasticized polymer electrolyte system. The gas suppression additives are primarily based on unsaturated hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Anode active materials, methods of producing the same and lithium batteries using the same are provided. More particularly, an anode active material having high capacity and excellent capacity retention, a method of producing the same and a lithium battery having a long lifespan using the same are provided. The anode active material comprises complex material particles comprising silicon and graphite, a carbon layer covering the surface of the complex material particles, and a silicon-metal alloy formed between the complex material particles and the amorphous carbon layer.

Abstract: There is provided a simple and easy method of preparation of a positive electrode active material for a non-aqueous secondary battery which comprises a compound comprising lithium, nickel and manganese and having a layered structure. Said method comprises firing a mixture of (1) at least one member selected from the group consisting of dinickel trioxide and boron compounds and (2) one or more metal compounds comprising lithium, nickel and manganese as their metal elements.