Abstract: A performance enhancing break-in method for a proton exchange membrane (“PEM”) fuel cell (12) includes cycling potentials of an anode electrode (14) and a cathode electrode (16) from a first potential to a second potential and back to the first potential, and repeating the cycling for each electrode (14, 16) for at least two electrode cycles. The potential cycling may be achieved in a first embodiment by applying a direct current from a programmable direct current power source (80) to the electrodes. Alternatively the potential cycling may be achieved by varying reactants to which the anode and cathode electrodes (14, 16) are exposed.

Abstract: Methods of preparing a cathode/separator assembly for use in electrochemical cells in which a protective coating layer, such as a single ion conducting layer, is coated on a temporary carrier substrate, a microporous separator layer is then coated on the protective coating layer, and a cathode active layer is then coated on the separator layer, prior to removing the temporary carrier substrate from the protective coating layer. Additional layers, including an edge insulating layer, a cathode current collector layer, an electrode insulating layer, an anode current collector layer, an anode layer such as a lithium metal layer, and an anode protective layer, such as a single ion conducting layer, may be applied subsequent to the coating step of the microporous separator layer. Also, methods of preparing electrochemical cells utilizing cathode/separator assemblies prepared by such methods, and cathode/separator assemblies and electrochemical cells prepared by such methods.

Abstract: A nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery according to the invention comprises a positive electrode containing a positive electrode active material including lithium containing composite oxide having a layer crystal structure represented by a general formula of LixMnaCobMcO2 (0.9?X?1.1, 0.45?a?0.55, 0.45?b?0.55, 0<c?0.05 and 0.9<a+b+c?1.1 are set and M is at least one kind selected from Al, Mg, Sn, Ti and Zr), a negative electrode containing a negative electrode active material capable of intercalating and deintercalating lithium ion, a separator for separating the positive electrode from the negative electrode, and a nonacqueous electrolyte.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel cell, in particular a methanol fuel cell which has an anion-conductive membrane. The protons required for the formation of hydroxyl ions are supplied to the cathode chamber in the form of water. The water resulting from the reaction is produced at the anode. The method requires the use of alkaline media both in the anode chamber and in the cathode chamber.

Abstract: In a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery having: an electrode plate assembly including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode; a non-aqueous electrolyte including a lithium salt and a non-aqueous solvent; and a gas absorbing element that absorbs gas produced in the secondary battery, wetting of the gas absorbing element with the non-aqueous solvent is controlled.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for collecting condensate from combustible gas process streams in an integrated fuel cell system. In one aspect, a water management subsystem for a fuel cell system has a first conduit containing a first gas at a first pressure. A first water trap is provided that is configured to receive condensate from the first conduit. A second conduit is provided that contains a second gas at a second pressure. A second water trap is provided that is configured to receive condensate from the second conduit and the first water trap.

Abstract: The invention provides a layered design for a fuel cell flow field plate. A flow field plate is formed by mating at least two interlocking layers that form an internal fluid channel between them. The internal fluid channel is generally used to circulate a coolant through the fuel cell. Such plates can be manufactured from a variety of materials including carbon composites and metals, and can be used with a variety of fuel cell configurations, including PEM and other types of fuel cells.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack comprises membrane electrode assemblies (3) in which gas diffusion electrodes (2a,2b) are arranged on both sides of an ion exchange membrane (1) and a reactant gas supply separators (5) interposed between the membrane electrode assemblies (3). The reactant gas supply separators (5) each has a first surface having first reactant gas supply grooves (9a) for supplying first reactant gas, a second surface having second reactant gas supply grooves (9b) for supplying an second reactant gas, and water supply means for supplying water to the first reactant gas supply grooves (9a). The water supply means has a water supply grooves (15) for introducing water from a water supply manifold (14) disposed on the second surface, communication holes (16) for communication of the second surface with the first surface, and a buffer section (17) having a porous body (20) for uniformly distributing water from the water supply grooves (15) to the communication holes (16).

Abstract: The present invention is a method of generating electrical energy from chemically generated hydrogen and oxygen including the steps of establishing a first reaction compartment, generating hydrogen gas from a reaction of aluminum metal and aqueous alkali solution in the first reaction compartment, establishing a second reaction compartment, generating oxygen gas from a reaction of oxygenated salt, water and a catalyst in the second reaction compartment, fluidly coupling the first reaction compartment to a fuel cell anode, fluidly coupling the second reaction compartment to a fuel cell cathode, and feeding the hydrogen and oxygen gas to a fuel cell to generate electricity.

Abstract: The invention provides novel lithium-mixed metal materials which, upon electrochemical interaction, release lithium ions, and are capable of reversibly cycling lithium ions. The invention provides a rechargeable lithium battery which comprises an electrode formed from the novel lithium-mixed metal materials. Methods for making the novel lithium-mixed metal materials and methods for using such lithium-mixed metal materials in electrochemical cells are also provided. The lithium-mixed metal materials comprise lithium and at least one other metal besides lithium. Preferred materials are lithium-mixed metal phosphates which contain lithium and two other metals besides lithium.

Abstract: A negative active material is characterized by being prepared by adding a lignin having a unit structure represented by the formula (I) as the main structure to a lead oxide. Since the lignin of the formula (I) is added, the negative active material can be prevented from shrinkage due to charge/discharge. (wherein R1 is H, OH, COOH, SO3H, SH, C6H5, COO?, SO3?, R2C6H4, (R2)2C6H3, or (R2)3C6H2; and R2 is at least one member selected from among OH, COOR, SO3H, and CH2SO3H.

Abstract: The heat from various portions of a fuel cell power plant (110) are redistributed in a manner allowing desired modification of/to the heat removal means (152,156), e. g., radiator (152), included in the coolant loop for the fuel cell stack assembly (CSA) (12). A humidifier (70) added in the coolant loop (114) and the inlet oxidant (air) stream (134?) serves to relatively increase the humidification of the inlet air while removing heat from the coolant prior to entering the CSA (12). The combined effects are to relatively increase the temperature of the coolant exiting the CSA without similarly increasing the temperature of the coolant entering the CSA, and to relatively increase the temperature differential (“pinch”) between the coolant entering the heat removal means and the cooling air of the heat removal means (152, 156). This latter effect permits a relative reduction in the size/capacity of the heat removal means (152, 156).

Abstract: A method for mounting a seal in a fuel cell comprising: a membrane electrode assembly formed by holding an electrolyte membrane between a first electrode and a second electrode and having a seal mounting portion; a separator plate layered on both surfaces of the membrane electrode assembly so as to form gas passage; and a frame-shaped separator plate held between the membrane electrode assembly and the separator plate so as to seal the gas passage in air tight. The method comprises: preforming the seal into a predetermined shape; setting the seal at the mounting portion of the membrane electrode assembly; and integrally forming the seal with the membrane electrode assembly.

Abstract: A method of operating a fuel cell includes the step of selectively connecting and disconnecting the fuel cell to at least one electrical load dependent at least in part upon at least one of a fuel cell voltage, a fuel cell current and a fuel cell temperature.

Abstract: The invention is a hydrogen passivation shut down system for a fuel cell power plant (10). An anode flow path (24) is in fluid communication with an anode catalyst (14) for directing hydrogen fuel to flow adjacent to the anode catalyst (14), and a cathode flow path (38) is in fluid communication with a cathode catalyst (16) for directing an oxidant to flow adjacent to the cathode catalyst (16) of a fuel cell (12). Hydrogen fuel is permitted to transfer between the anode flow path (24) and the cathode flow path (38). A hydrogen reservoir (66) is secured in fluid communication with the anode flow path (24) for receiving and storing hydrogen during fuel cell (12) operation, and for releasing the hydrogen into fuel cell (12) whenever the fuel cell (12) is shut down.

Abstract: The invention provides a reactant delivery system for a dead-headed PEM fuel cell system, comprising a fuel cell, a fuel supply, a purge valve, an inlet orifice, an outlet orifice, and a controller. A first fuel flow circuit is provided, wherein fuel is flowed from the fuel supply to the inlet orifice, through the fuel cell from the inlet orifice, and through the outlet orifice from the fuel cell to the purge valve. A second fuel flow circuit is also provided, wherein fuel is flowed from the fuel supply to the outlet orifice, through the fuel cell from the outlet orifice, and through the inlet orifice from the fuel cell to the purge valve. A valve means is coupled to the controller and adapted to transfer fuel flow between the first flow circuit and the second flow circuit.

Abstract: A mixed hydrogen-oxygen fuel generator system uses an electrolytic solution to generate gaseous hydrogen-oxygen fuel through the electrolysis of water. This generator system includes: at least one electrolytic cell with multiple metallic plates used as an internal isolation system in which two of the plates separately connect to both the positive and negative terminal of a DC circuit. These plates are used for the electrolysis of the electrolytic solution in the cell(s) to produce, under pressure, mixed hydrogen-oxygen fuel. The apparatus also includes a cooling system containing a water cooling tank in which there are two zones: one is the electrolytic solution circulation coil and the another is a water circulation zone.

Abstract: A workpiece, in which a lead is laid on top of a three-dimensional porous metal body, is placed between an ultrasonic horn and an anvil with a lead portion facing the ultrasonic horn. A support is raised so that the lead portion of the workpiece is pressed between the ultrasonic horn and the anvil. While being rotated around a central shaft with a motor, the ultrasonic horn vibrates at a frequency of 20 kHz in the shaft direction. Thus, the workpiece is advanced continuously, so that the lead is bonded ultrasonically to the three-dimensional porous metal body (i.e., metal-to-metal bonding is established). It is possible to provide a battery electrode that can be produced continuously at a lower running cost, reduce the faulty welding with a current collecting plate, and prevent short-circuits.

Abstract: Proton conductive fullerene materials are incorporated in minor amounts into various polymeric materials to enhance the low relative humidity proton conductivity properties of the polymeric material. The resulting proton conductors may be used as polymer electrolyte membranes in fuel cells operative over a wide range of relative humidity conditions and over a wide range of temperatures from below room temperature to above the boiling point of water.

Abstract: A battery pack includes a plurality of cells (2) stacked on top of one another in tiers; a heat collecting plate (4, 7) made of a wave-like metal sheet and interposed between tiers of the cells so as to make contact with outer peripheral surfaces of upper and lower tiers of the cells alternately; a heat pipe (10) having its heating portion (10a) fitted into a fitting groove (8, 9) formed in the heat collecting plate; a pack case (1) for accommodating the cells, the heat collecting plate, and the heat pipe; and a heat dissipating member (3) attached to the pack case so as to close an opening of the pack case and having on its inner-surface side a concavely-formed receiving groove (11) into which a heat dissipating portion (10b) of the heat pipe is fitted.