Abstract: A fuel cell system and method of forming the fuel cell system including a base portion, formed of a singular body, and having a major surface. At least one fuel cell membrane electrode assembly is formed on the major surface of the base portion. A fluid supply channel including a mixing chamber is defined in the base portion and communicating with the fuel cell membrane electrode assembly for supplying a fuel-bearing fluid to the membrane electrode assembly. A methanol concentration sensor is positioned to communicate with the fuel cell membrane electrode assembly and the fuel-supply channel for regulating the mixture of fuel to the electrode assembly. An exhaust channel including a water recovery and recirculation system is defined in the base portion and communicating with the membrane electrode assembly.

Abstract: An electrode material for a secondary cell comprising as its essential component a powder of graphite having a crystallinity of 90% or more obtained by graphitizing a highly heat resistant polymer compact in an anaerobic atmosphere and crushing into a powder, and a process for the production of an electrode material for a secondary cell comprising heating and graphitizing a composition in which 0-10 wt % of a boron compound is added to a highly heat-resistant polymer to produce a powder of graphite having crystallinity of 90% or more contained as its essential component. An electrode material for a secondary cell having excellent charge/discharge cycle life and discharge voltage performance is provided.

Abstract: A fuel cell device and method of forming the fuel cell device including a base portion, formed of a singular body, and having a major surface. At least one fuel cell membrane electrode assembly including a plurality of hydrophilic threads for the wicking of reaction water is formed on the major surface of the base portion. A fluid supply channel including a mixing chamber is defined in the base portion and communicating with the fuel cell membrane electrode assembly for supplying a fuel-bearing fluid to the membrane electrode assembly. An exhaust channel including a water recovery and recirculation channel is defined in the base portion and communicating with the membrane electrode assembly and the plurality of hydrophilic threads. The membrane electrode assembly and the cooperating fluid supply channel and cooperating exhaust channel forming a single fuel cell assembly.

Abstract: A low-temperature fuel cell having two porous electrodes is described. An electrolyte having a surface on a fuel gas side and a surface on a reaction gas side is disposed between the electrodes. A method for wetting at least one of the surfaces of the electrolyte in such a fuel cell is also described. To this end the fuel cell is positioned adjacent to at least one channel element containing a semi-permeable membrane through which a fluid guided in the channel element is able to pass towards the electrolyte and at least partly covers at least one of the surfaces of the electrolyte with a layer of water so that the reactions taking place at the electrolyte are enhanced. The invention is advantageous insofar as dosing can be carried out via an adjustment of the pressure or via the concentration of water in the fluid, in particular if the fluid also contains a carrier medium.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the field of methods and devices for battery (9) temperature regulation. Phase change material (7;7a,7b) having a phase change temperature within a preferred operating temperature range is employed in order to maintain the battery temperature within the preferred operating temperature range during extreme ambient temperature conditions. When the temperature of an ambient medium (21) so allows, a transfer of heat between the phase change material (7;7a,7b) and ambient medium (21) is effected for quickly restoring the capability of the phase change material (7;7a,7b) to maintain the battery temperature at the phase change temperature. Otherwise, thermal insulation between the phase change material (7;7a,7b) and the ambient medium (21) is provided.

Abstract: An electrical power generator includes a plastic cylindrical case that has an interior divided into a plurality of chambers. A copper electrode and a zinc electrode are disposed within each of the chambers. The copper electrodes have a positive electromotive force. The zinc electrodes have a negative electromotive force. The electrodes are in a circuit arrangement that has a negative terminal and a positive terminal. The negative output and a positive output terminals are respectively connected to the positive and negative outputs of the generator.

Abstract: A bipolar plate assembly for a PEM fuel cell having a serpentine flow field formed on one side and an interdigitated flow field formed on the opposite side such that a single plate member is usable as an anode current collector and a cathode current collector of adjacent fuel cells. The bipolar plate assembly further includes a staggered seal arrangement to direct gaseous reactant flow through the fuel cell such that the seal thickness is maximized while the repeat distance between adjacent fuel cells is minimized.

Abstract: The battery has an electrode assembly inserted into a cylindrical external case. A lead plate connected to the electrode assembly is weld attached to the inner surface of the external case by an energy beam applied from outside the external case. The external case has a projection jutting from its inner surface. The energy beam is applied to the projection from outside the external case and weld attaches the lead plate to the inner surface of the projection.

Abstract: A roll electrode assembly of a secondary battery includes a positive electrode rolled having a plurality of turns, a negative electrode rolled having a plurality of turns, and first and second separators each rolled to have a plurality of turns. Each turn of the first separator is disposed between each outer surface of the turns of the negative electrode and each inner surface of the turns of the positive electrode. Each turn of the second separator is disposed between each outer surface of the turns of the positive electrode and each inner surface of the turns of the negative electrode. The thickness of the second separator is thinner than that of the first separator.

Abstract: An air supply device for a fuel cell is disclosed which is provided with a displacement compressor (10) for supplying pressurized air as an air source to a cathode through an air supply line connected to the cathode inlet side of the fuel cell (I) so that a burned gas obtained by burning an anode exhaust gas (AG) discharged from an anode of the fuel cell may be conducted to the intake side of an exhaust gas turbine (8) for driving the displacement compressor, and so that air may be supplied to the cathode (2) by driving the displacement compressor (10) with the exhaust gas turbine that operates with the burned gas of the anode exhaust gas. A heat exchanger (22) vaporizes fuel fed to the anode of the fuel cell. The heat exchanger takes in exhaust gas from the turbine and outputs a high temperature exhaust gas, which is conducted to the intake of the turbine.

Abstract: The long side of a rectangular first separator plate of a fuel cell is divided into n equal area smaller rectangular parts so that the long sides of the rectangular parts are not larger than 2½ and not smaller than ½½ the length of the short sides. Through holes pass through a stack of plates substantially at centers of the smaller rectangles. Bolts having an annular elastic member at one end pass through the through holes, and the stack is clamped together.

Abstract: In an electric battery, an electronic clock is integrated in the battery container in order to monitor battery functions. The frequency of the electronic clock is varied as a function of at least one characteristic value of the battery. In one embodiment, the frequency of the electronic clock increases with increasing electrolyte temperature and increasing deviation of the terminal voltage from the open-circuit voltage of the battery. Specifically, the electronic clock may be connected to a measurement probe immersed in the electrolyte through which voltage is supplied to the electronic clock and the battery temperature and the electrolyte level are measured. The electronic clock signals its stopping as soon as a pre-assigned nominal running time is reached.