Abstract: A fluid pump assembly for a fuel cell system is disclosed, the fluid pump assembly including a mounting structure having a receiving element formed thereon and a fluid pump having at least one locking element formed thereon, wherein the mounting structure is a lower end unit of the fuel cell system, and wherein the receiving element captures the locking elements of the fluid pump to militate against lateral, axial, and rotational movement of the fluid pump.

Abstract: An end unit for a fuel cell stack is provided. The end unit includes a main body having a cavity and a substantially impermeable barrier disposed thereon to militate against heat transfer within the end unit and minimize a cost of insulating the end unit. A fuel cell system and a method of fabricating the end unit for use in a fuel cell system are also provided.

Abstract: A lower end unit of a fuel cell system defines a volute of a pump. The volute may have a reinforcement that is disposed on a working area of the volute.

Abstract: A three-way diverter assembly with a movable member is provided. The three-way diverter assembly includes a housing having a first inlet, a second inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The first inlet and the second inlet are adapted to receive a fluid. The movable member, disposed in the housing adjacent the first inlet, is rotatable about an axis from a first positional limit to a second positional limit, and selectively positional therebetween. Fuel cell systems having the three-way diverter assembly for regulating temperature and humidity of a fuel cell stack are also provided.

Abstract: An integrated charge air heat exchanger for use in a vehicle fuel cell system is provided. The integrated charge air heat exchanger includes a plurality of coolant conduits adapted for a coolant fluid to flow therethrough. The integrated charge air heat exchanger further includes a plurality of heating elements and a plurality of fin elements. One heating element is disposed on a first surface of each of the coolant conduits, and one of the fin elements is disposed on a second surface of each of the coolant conduits. A method for heating the coolant fluid in a first operational mode and cooling a charge air stream in a second operational mode is also provided.

Abstract: A three-way diverter assembly with a contoured valve is provided. The three-way diverter assembly includes a housing having a first inlet, a second inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The first inlet and the second inlet are adapted to receive a fluid. The contoured valve is disposed in the housing adjacent the first inlet. The contoured valve is rotatable about an axis from a first positional limit to a second positional limit, and to a plurality of positions therebetween. Fuel cell systems having the three-way diverter assembly for regulating temperature and humidity of a fuel cell stack are also provided.

Abstract: A fluid injection/ejection system for a fuel cell stack is disclosed, wherein the system includes an array of injectors and ejectors that support hydrogen recirculation and maximize a use of the hydrogen and an efficiency of the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A fuel cell system is provided including a fuel cell stack having a plurality of fuel cells disposed between a first end unit and a second end unit. The fuel cell system includes a compression retention system comprising a first sheet coupled to the first end unit and a second sheet coupled to the second end unit. A plurality of springs is disposed between the first sheet and the second sheet and is adapted to apply a compressive force to the fuel cell stack. The claimed invention includes methods for assembling the fuel cell system.

Abstract: A fuel cell system is provided including a fuel cell stack having a first end and second end. The fuel cell stack includes at least one fuel cell having a membrane-electrode assembly disposed between adjacent gas diffusion layers. The fuel cell system further includes a compression retention system having a plurality of compliant straps adapted to apply a compressive force to the fuel cell stack. The plurality of compliant straps are further adapted to accommodate an expansion of the fuel cell stack during an operation thereof and maintain the compressive force within a desired range.

Abstract: A water vapor transfer unit assembly is disclosed, the water vapor transfer unit assembly including a plurality of water vapor transfer units having a fluid permeable membrane and a plurality of supports disposed within a sealing frame adjacent an end plate of a fuel cell stack, wherein the sealing frame is adapted to provide support to the end plate and a fuel cell stack of the fuel cell stack system.

Abstract: At least one positive temperature coefficient element is used to efficiently control fuel cell voltage at startup and shutdown making the fuel cell more efficient and protecting the electro catalyst layer.

Abstract: A fuel cell system is provided including a fuel cell stack having a first end and second end; an upper end unit adjacent the first end of the fuel cell stack; a lower end unit adjacent the second end of the fuel cell stack; and a compression retention system disposed external to the fuel cell stack. The compression retention system includes at least one restraining member extending from the upper end unit to the lower end unit, fastening means disposed at opposite ends of the at least one restraining member, and compressive means interposed between at least one of the fastening means and the end units; wherein the fastening means and the compressive means urge the upper end unit toward the lower end unit, thereby applying compressive force to the fuel cell stack. Also provided is a method for assembling the fuel cell system.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve for a fuel cell stack assembly is disclosed, wherein the valve is disposed in an insulation end plate to militate against an over pressurization of the fuel cell stack assembly.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack that includes a non-permeable shim plate positioned between a composite unipolar plate and a terminal plate at both ends of the stack, where the shim plate is made of a non-corrosive material, such as stainless steel, titanium or sealed graphite. Because the shim plate is non-permeable, it prevents cooling fluid that diffuses through the unipolar plate from contacting the terminal plate, which would otherwise corrode the terminal plate. The shim plate can be coated with a conductive material, such as gold, platinum, ruthenium oxide or mixtures thereof, to reduce its contact resistance.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a stacked electrochemical conversion assembly is provided with an electrically and thermally insulating plate within one or both of the end unit assemblies of the stack. For example, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the electrochemical conversion assembly includes at least one end unit assembly comprising an electrically conductive terminal plate and an electrically insulating plate interposed between the terminal plate and an end unit plate of the end unit assembly. The electrically insulating plate comprises an array of thermally insulating regions defined therein.

Abstract: A housing that retains a fuel cell stack includes a casing that defines a cavity. A first plate is retained within the cavity at a first end of the casing. A second plate is partially received into the cavity at a second end of the casing and is secured to the casing. The fuel cell stack is disposed between the first and second plates. The first and second plates exert a compressive force on the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A fuel cell system having an integral electrical conduction system is provided for the transmission of electrical energy created from a fuel cell stack. The electrical conduction system conducts electricity to a positive and a negative pole, each disposed at a common end of the fuel cell stack for reducing the amount of external wiring needed for connecting multiple fuel cell stacks together. The fuel cell stack and electrical system are both disposed in a housing.

Abstract: An integrated cell voltage unit for monitoring the voltage of each fuel cell in a fuel cell stack that is easily and reliably electrically coupled to the bipolar plates of the fuel cell stack. The bipolar plates of the fuel cell stack are equipped with a specialized tab connector that engages with a corresponding electrical connector on the cell voltage unit. Either the tab connectors on the bipolar plates or the corresponding connectors on the cell voltage unit include flexible members to provide a suitable electrical friction engagement. The cell voltage unit is attached to the bipolar plates and does not require its own separate housing. In one embodiment, the housing of the fuel cell stack includes a recessed portion in which the cell voltage unit is positioned.

Abstract: A fuel cell system having an integral electrical conduction system is provided for the transmission of electrical energy created from a fuel cell stack. The electrical conduction system conducts electricity to a positive and a negative pole, each disposed at a common end of the fuel cell stack for reducing the amount of external wiring needed for connecting multiple fuel cell stacks together. The fuel cell stack and electrical system are both disposed in a housing.

Abstract: An alignment system and method for assembling a fuel cell stack. Components of the fuel cell stack have internal alignment features and are aligned to a predetermined orientation during assembly. The system and method allow fuel cell stacks to be assembled within high tolerance levels while improving access to each component during assembly. Additionally, the system and method can provide additional rigidity to a fuel cell stack.