Abstract: A method for revising a reference polarization curve of a fuel cell stack that identifies the relationship between the voltage and the current of the stack over time. When the stack is operating at a low load where kinetic voltage losses of the stack dominate, a first adaptation value is revised as the difference between the actual stack voltage and the stack voltage of the reference polarization curve. When the stack is operating at higher loads where ohmic voltage losses of the stack dominate, a second adaptation value is revised as the difference between the actual stack voltage and the stack voltage of the reference polarization curve.

Abstract: The present invention provides a separator for a fuel cell that comprises a metal substrate that contains at least one metal element M and a surface layer formed on a surface of the metal substrate and that contains at least one conductive oxide represented by LaMxO3 (wherein x=0 to 1). Also, the present invention provides a method for anti-corrosion treatment of a metallic separator for a fuel cell. The method involves first forming an La layer on a surface of a metal substrate having a desired dimension and a desired flow field formed therein. Next, the metal substrate having the La layer on its surface is heated such that at least one metal component contained in the metal substrate is diffused into the La layer and an La component in the La layer is diffused into the metal substrate to form a mixed layer composed of La and the at least one metal component on the surface of the metal substrate.

Abstract: A power source for an unmanned undersea vehicle with increased energy density is described that employs a self-contained fuel system to address carbon dioxide evolution. A solid oxide fuel cell serves as the power source in the self-contained fuel system. In combination with the solid oxide fuel cell, the system comprises a chemical composite that is combined with water to create both a hydrocarbon fuel for the solid oxide fuel cell and a water-soluble byproduct. The byproduct is then combined with the carbon dioxide gas generated by the fuel cell to create a storable solid precipitate.

Abstract: This invention relates to a non-aqueous electrolyte including: a first solute; a second solute; and an organic solvent dissolving the first solute and the second solute. The first solute is a salt having at least one fluorine atom in an anion moiety thereof, and the second solute is an inorganic borate having at least one boron atom and at least one oxygen atom in an anion moiety thereof. The inclusion of the second solute in the non-aqueous electrolyte makes it possible to reduce the amount of gas produced even if an electrochemical device including the non-aqueous electrolyte is stored at high temperatures. It is also possible to improve the high-rate discharge characteristics and discharge cycle characteristics.

Abstract: A module for a battery system supporting batteries during seismic stress comprising a pair of side panels, each panel formed of material such as steel shaped to define a generally rectangular face and top and bottom flanges extending generally perpendicularly to the face along top and bottom edges thereof and side flanges formed integrally with the face and top and bottom flanges, a base plate having means for mounting the module to a support surface having a generally U-shaped channel formed integrally along the front and rear edges of the base plate, a rear panel extending between and nested in the side panels and secured thereto and the base plate, at least one pair of front and rear support channels extending between the side panels, a shelf for batteries supported on the base plate and support channels, a support channel extending vertically between the top and bottom flanges, and means for securing modules stacked one on top of another along the top and bottom flanges.

Abstract: Improvements in startup time for an electrochemical fuel cell system from freezing and sub-freezing temperatures are obtained by utilizing an insulated fuel cell stack in combination with an thermal control subsystem. Temperature of the insulated electrochemical fuel cell stack, as well as temperature of the ambient environment, are monitored and a heating fluid is heated by thermal transfer with the environment under appropriate thermal conditions. The heated fluid is then passed to the insulated fuel cell in order to increase the temperature of the same, typically to a temperature at or near the temperature of the ambient environment. In this manner, ambient heat from the environment is utilized to increase the temperature of the insulated fuel cell stack, thus improving conditions for subsequent cold start of the insulated fuel cell stack.