Abstract: An on-site power plant (24) has a controller (40) that selectively controls operation of prime movers (26, 28, 30). In one example, the controller (40) changes the number of operating prime movers responsive to a transient in a load (22) requirement while continuing to operate at least one of the prime movers. One example includes prioritizing the prime movers (26, 28, 30) for operation based upon the needs of a cogeneration unit (32, 34, 36) associated with the prime movers for providing a temperature control function within a facility. Another example includes controlling operation of the prime movers based upon a capacity for fueling the prime movers.

Abstract: An on-site power plant (24) has a controller (40) that selectively controls operation of prime movers (26, 28, 30). In one example, the controller (40) changes the number of operating prime movers responsive to a transient in a load (22) requirement while continuing to operate at least one of the prime movers. One example includes prioritizing the prime movers (26, 28, 30) for operation based upon the needs of a cogeneration unit (32, 34, 36) associated with the prime movers for providing a temperature control function within a facility. Another example includes controlling operation of the prime movers based upon a capacity for fueling the prime movers.

Abstract: The invention is a fuel cell stack having an improved pressure plate and current collector. The fuel cell stack includes a plurality of fuel cell component plates stacked adjacent each other to form a reaction portion of the fuel cell stack. A current collector is secured adjacent a first end of the stack of fuel cell component plates and a pressure plate is secured adjacent to the current collector. The current collector is made from a non-porous, electrically conductive graphite material and includes at least one conductive stud secured to the collector. The pressure plate is made of an electrically non-conductive, non-metallic, fiber reinforced composite material, so that the current collector and pressure plate are light, compact and have a low thermal capacity.

Abstract: The invention is a fuel cell stack having an improved pressure plate and current collector. The fuel cell stack includes a plurality of fuel cell component plates stacked adjacent each other to form a reaction portion of the fuel cell stack. A current collector is secured adjacent a first end of the stack of fuel cell component plates and a pressure plate is secured adjacent to the current collector. The current collector is made from a non-porous, electrically conductive graphite material and includes at least one conductive stud secured to the collector. The pressure plate is made of an electrically non-conductive, non-metallic, fiber reinforced composite material, so that the current collector and pressure plate are light, compact and have a low thermal capacity.

Abstract: A reactant gas manifold (6), to be used with a fuel cell stack (17) having a flat seal surface (16), is provided with a convex seal surface (13) so that when the manifold (6) is distorted by being bolted (20) to the fuel cell stack, the distortion will provide substantially uniform seal pressure along the length of the seal between the surfaces (13, 16).

Abstract: A reactant gas manifold (6), to be used with a fuel cell stack (17) having a flat seal surface (16), is provided with a convex seal surface (13) so that when the manifold (6) is distorted by being bolted (20) to the fuel cell stack, the distortion will provide substantially uniform seal pressure along the length of the seal between the surfaces (13, 16).