Abstract: A silver-containing alkaline electrochemical cell and methods for producing the cell, wherein the cell includes a negative electrode, a positive electrode, a separator disposed between the electrodes, and an alkaline electrolyte, wherein the positive electrode is formed as a multi-layer composite including a silver-containing oxide layer and a barrier layer, initially free of silver-containing material, disposed between the silver-containing oxide layer and the separator for substantially reducing migration of silver ions to the separator and negative electrode.

Abstract: As a negative electrode active material, carbon materials such as natural graphite, artificial graphite, non-graphitized carbon, and cork (charcoal) can be used. Further, a negative electrode comprises an active material layer including a group of particulate negative electrode active materials, and nickel is carried on a surface of the active material layer. Examples of a method of carrying nickel on a negative electrode surface include a method by coating, an evaporation method, and a method of bringing nickel ions into existence in a non-aqueous electrolyte to deposit nickel on a negative electrode surface. The amount of nickel added to the non-aqueous electrolyte is not less than 0.0008 mol/1 nor more than 0.007 mol/1.

Abstract: A fuel cell of the invention has a hydrogen permeable metal layer, which is formed on a plane of an electrolyte layer that has proton conductivity and includes a hydrogen permeable metal. The fuel cell includes a higher temperature zone and a lower temperature zone that has a lower temperature than the higher temperature zone. The hydrogen permeable metal layer includes a lower temperature area A corresponding to the lower temperature zone and a higher temperature area B corresponding to the higher temperature zone. The lower temperature area A and the higher temperature area B have different settings of composition and/or layout of components. This arrangement effectively prevents potential deterioration of cell performance due to an uneven distribution of internal temperature of the fuel cell including the hydrogen permeable metal layer.

Abstract: A system and method for providing dynamic cathode stoichiometry control in a fuel cell during stack load transients to minimize relative humidity excursions. Particularly, changes in the cathode stoichiometry is controlled as a function of time in response to a decrease or increase in stack current density. Thus, if the stack current density drops to a predetermined current density, the dynamic stoichiometry logic will monitor the low power condition and determine if the condition is sustained, i.e., for an extended period of time. If the low power condition is not sustained, then the cathode stoichiometry does not change, but if it is sustained, then the cathode stoichiometry is increased. The same delay in changing the cathode stoichiometry can be provided for a transition from a low power condition to a high power condition.

Abstract: A battery assembly for a vehicle. The battery assembly includes a plurality of voltage modules and a connection device having conductive and nonconductive portions. The conductive portion contacts the terminals of at least two voltage modules when disposed in a first position. The nonconductive portion may contact at least one terminal of the at least two voltage modules when disposed in a second position.

Abstract: A control algorithm for a by-pass valve in a thermal sub-system of a fuel cell system, where the by-pass valve includes a wax element that is heated by a heating element. A stack power loss is applied to a PDT1 controller that associates a PDT dynamic function to the loss. The difference between the desired temperature of the stack and the actual temperature of the stack is applied to a PI controller that provides an error value of the difference. The actual temperature of the stack is applied to a look-up table that provides a value based on how close the actual temperature is to the opening temperature of the wax element. The values from the PDT1 controller, the PI controller and the look-up table are added to provide an output signal to control the current applied to the heater element, and thus, the heat applied to the wax element.

Abstract: An organic electrolytic solution includes a lithium salt; an organic solvent including a high dielectric constant solvent and a low boiling point solvent; and an additive of a hetero ring compound including a cyano group and an alkenyl group as substituents. The organic electrolytic solution and the lithium battery employing the organic electrolytic solution suppress the reduction decomposition of a polar solvent to improve the capacity retention ratio of the battery. Thus, the charge/discharge efficiency and lifespan of the battery can be improved.