Abstract: A PEM fuel cell having a current collector comprising a polymer composite and a diffusion media engaging said polymer composite. The polymer composite has a hyperconductive surface layer engaging the diffusion media to reduce the contact resistance therebetween. The hyperconductive surface layer is formed by depositing or smearing an electrically-conductive material on the surface of the polymer composite.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fuel cell dielectric coolant and evaporative cooling process using same. The coolant comprises an emulsion that defines a polar internal phase and a hydrocarbon external phase. The polar internal phase comprises an azeotropic mixture that includes one or more polar compounds selected from water, alcohol, or combinations thereof. The fuel cell is configured to react fuel with oxygen to generate an electric current and at least one reaction product, and comprises an electrochemical catalytic reaction cell configured to include a fuel flowpath, an oxygen flowpath, and a coolant flowpath fluidly decoupled from the fuel and oxygen flowpaths, and which defines a coolant isolation manifold including the fluid dielectric coolant described above. The method of cooling a fuel cell comprises, inter alia, evaporating the polar internal phase of the fluid dielectric coolant emulsion in the coolant isolation manifold.

Abstract: A PEM fuel cell having a current collector comprising a polymer composite and a diffusion media engaging said polymer composite. The polymer composite has a hyperconductive surface layer engaging the diffusion media to reduce the contact resistance therebetween. The hyperconductive surface layer is formed by depositing or smearing an electrically-conductive material on the surface of the polymer composite.

Abstract: A PEM fuel cell having a current collector comprising a polymer composite and a diffusion media engaging said polymer composite. The polymer composite has a hyperconductive surface layer engaging the diffusion media to reduce the contact resistance therebetween. The hyperconductive surface layer is formed by depositing or smearing an electrically-conductive material on the surface of the polymer composite.

Abstract: A PEM fuel cell having a current collector comprising a polymer composite and a diffusion media engaging said polymer composite. The polymer composite has a hyperconductive surface layer engaging the diffusion media to reduce the contact resistance therebetween. The hyperconductive surface layer is formed by depositing or smearing an electrically-conductive material on the surface of the polymer composite.

Abstract: A PEM fuel cell having a current collector comprising a polymer composite and a diffusion media engaging said polymer composite. The polymer composite has a hyperconductive surface layer engaging the diffusion media to reduce the contact resistance therebetween. The hyperconductive surface layer is formed by depositing or smearing an electrically-conductive material on the surface of the polymer composite.

Abstract: An environmentally friendly and inexpensive dielectric coolant for fuel cell stacks. The present invention is directed to a fuel cell, a system, and a method of cooling a fuel cell. The fuel cell is configured to react fuel with oxygen to generate an electric current and at least one reaction product and comprises an electrochemical catalytic reaction cell configured to include a fuel flowpath, an oxygen flowpath, and a coolant flowpath fluidly decoupled from the fuel flowpath and the oxygen flowpath. The coolant flowpath defines a coolant isolation manifold that includes a fluid dielectric coolant comprising a vegetable oil-based dielectric fluid. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b).

Abstract: An inexpensive dielectric coolant for fuel cell stacks. The present invention is directed to a fuel cell, a fuel cell system, and methods for cooling a fuel cell and fuel cell system. The fuel cell is configured to react fuel with oxygen to generate an electric current and at least one reaction product and comprises an anode, an anode flowpath, a cathode, a cathode flowpath, and a membrane disposed between the anode and the cathode. At least one coolant flowpath is fluidly decoupled from the anode and cathode flowpaths and d fines a coolant isolation manifold. The coolant isolation manifold includes a fluid dielectric coolant that comprises a kerosenic hydrocarbon, which can be kerosene or an emulsion of water in kerosene. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure.

Abstract: A composite separator plate for use in a fuel cell stack and method of manufacture is provided. The composite separator plate is polymeric and includes expanded graphite dispersed throughout the polymeric material. The expanded graphite provides an electrically conductive pathway through the separator plate. The method includes the step of dispersing by mixing or sprinkling the expanded graphite in the polymeric material and compressing the expanded graphite while compression molding the separator plate.

Abstract: An inexpensive dielectric coolant for fuel cell stacks. The present invention is directed to a fuel cell, a fuel cell system, and methods for cooling a fuel cell and fuel cell system. The fuel cell is configured to react fuel with oxygen to generate an electric current and at least one reaction product and comprises an anode, an anode flowpath, a cathode, a cathode flowpath, and a membrane disposed between the anode and the cathode. At least one coolant flowpath is fluidly decoupled from the anode and cathode flowpaths and defines a coolant isolation manifold. The coolant isolation manifold includes a fluid dielectric coolant that comprises a kerosenic hydrocarbon, which can be kerosene or an emulsion of water in kerosene. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure.

Abstract: A PEM fuel cell having a current collector comprising a polymer composite and a diffusion media engaging said polymer composite. The polymer composite has a hyperconductive surface layer engaging the diffusion media to reduce the contact resistance therebetween. The hyperconductive surface layer is formed by depositing or smearing an electrically-conductive material on the surface of the polymer composite.

Abstract: A sensor for hydrogen is disclosed comprising an electrically insulating substrate carrying a thin amorphous film of co-deposited nickel and zirconium and an overlying film of palladium wherein during the operation of the sensor, hydrogen in a sample gas is dissociated on the palladium film and diffuses into the nickel-zirconium film to change its electrical resistance in proportion to the amount of hydrogen in the sample to be analyzed.