Abstract: The present development relates to a housing (11) for a motor vehicle battery (12), comprising: —a housing body (40) for forming a cavity (60) for receiving the motor vehicle battery (12), —wherein the housing body (40) has a bottom side (13), by means of which the housing body (40) can be fixed to the floor (8) of a motor vehicle (1), and —wherein the housing body (40) has an upper side (15) which has a plurality of fastening points (57) for one or more motor vehicle seats (5, 6).

Abstract: A method for starting a cold or frozen fuel cell stack as efficiently and quickly as possible in a vehicle application is based upon a state of charge of a first power source such as a high voltage battery. Power flow between the first power source and fuel cell system is coordinated in conjunction with a specific load schedule and parallel control algorithms to minimize the start time required and optimize system warm-up.

Abstract: A method for starting a cold or frozen fuel cell stack as efficiently and quickly as possible in a vehicle application is based upon a state of charge of a first power source such as a high voltage battery. Power flow between the first power source and fuel cell system is coordinated in conjunction with a specific load schedule and parallel control algorithms to minimize the start time required and optimize system warm-up.

Abstract: A method for starting a cold or frozen fuel cell stack as efficiently and quickly as possible in a vehicle application is based upon a state of charge of a first power source such as a high voltage battery. Power flow between the first power source and fuel cell system is coordinated in conjunction with a specific load schedule and parallel control algorithms to minimize the start time required and optimize system warm-up.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a product comprising a fuel cell stack comprising at least one coolant header, and at least one heater at least partially disposed in the at least one coolant header.

Abstract: A product comprising a fuel cell stack comprising a cathode outlet, a first conduit connected to the cathode outlet and to a first housing, a water-retaining material provided in said first housing, a bypass conduit connected to the cathode outlet of the fuel cell system, and a first valve for opening and closing at least one of said first conduit and said bypass conduit.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a cooling fluid pump and cooling fluid heater in a vehicle when the vehicle is not being used so that the temperature of the cooling fluid does not drop to low in a cold environment. The system includes an AC connector for plugging the system into an AC power outlet. The system also includes AC/DC converter that converts the AC power to a DC signal suitable to operate the pump. The system also includes a temperature switch that closes if the ambient temperature falls below a predetermined temperature, which electrically connects the AC connector to the AC/DC converter. When the AC/DC converter is powered, a switch is closed to connect the pump to a pulse width modulation (PWM) generator to operate the pump. Further, when the temperature switch is closed, power is provided to the heater.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a cooling tank reservoir with a pressure release valve and a cooling fluid conduit wrapped around the pressure release valve.

Abstract: A pressure sensor for use in a fuel cell is disclosed having a first end and a second end. A cavity is provided at a second end of the sensor and a membrane is disposed on the second end of the sensor enclosing a fluid within the cavity. The membrane and the fluid cooperate to transfer a pressure from the fuel cell to a means for transforming the pressure into a signal. The pressure sensor adapted to militate against a false pressure reading.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a product comprising a fuel cell stack comprising at least one coolant header, and at least one heater at least partially disposed in the at least one coolant header.

Abstract: A product comprising a fuel cell stack comprising a cathode outlet, a first conduit connected to the cathode outlet and to a first housing, a water-retaining material provided in said first housing, a bypass conduit connected to the cathode outlet of the fuel cell system, and a first valve for opening and closing at least one of said first conduit and said bypass conduit.

Abstract: A method for starting a cold or frozen fuel cell stack as efficiently and quickly as possible in a vehicle application is based upon a state of charge of a first power source such as a high voltage battery. Power flow between the first power source and fuel cell system is coordinated in conjunction with a specific load schedule and parallel control algorithms to minimize the start time required and optimize system warm-up.

Abstract: A product including a control valve. The control valve includes a body having a passage therethrough defined by an inner surface. A movable part is provided for closing the passage. At least one of the inner surface or the movable part includes a hydrophobically enhanced surface.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a cooling fluid pump and cooling fluid heater in a vehicle when the vehicle is not being used so that the temperature of the cooling fluid does not drop to low in a cold environment. The system includes an AC connector for plugging the system into an AC power outlet. The system also includes AC/DC converter that converts the AC power to a DC signal suitable to operate the pump. The system also includes a temperature switch that closes if the ambient temperature falls below a predetermined temperature, which electrically connects the AC connector to the AC/DC converter. When the AC/DC converter is powered, a switch is closed to connect the pump to a pulse width modulation (PWM) generator to operate the pump. Further, when the temperature switch is closed, power is provided to the heater.

Abstract: A heating system for a pipe or hose in a fuel cell system that include heaters and conductors to prevent water in the pipe or hose from freezing. A heater wire is provided in contact with the pipe, and a conductor is wrapped around the heater wire and the pipe, and a protective layer is wrapped around the conductor, where the conductor provides thermal isolation. For a plastic or rubber hose, an inner conductor is wrapped around the house and an outer conductor is wrapped around the inner conductor. Heater wire is positioned between the inner conductor and the outer conductor. A protective layer is then wrapped around the outer conductor.

Abstract: System for thermally conditioning, humidifying and filtering reactant feed gases supplied to a stack of fuel cells using an evaporative element, a water spray mechanism and a heat exchanger. The evaporation element also functions as a filter. The evaporative element may take the form of a removable packing (filter media). Use of a controller to manage the rate of nebulized water addition to the feed gas stream is also described. Benefits in filter efficiency and extended filter service life along with volume, weight, and cost reduction in a fuel cell system are realized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process fluid handling device in an electrochemical cell system having a fluid barrier between a process fluid compartment and a drive compartment of the fluid handling device. The fluid barrier comprises an interconnection compartment, filled with barrier gas. The pressure of the interconnection compartment is maintained above the process fluid and drive compartments, by fluid communication with barrier gas stored in a storage device. The barrier gas is preferably a non-reactive and dehumidified gas. The present invention also contemplates methods of isolating the hydrogen-containing process fluid in the process fluid compartment from the drive compartment, which is preferably in fluid communication with the ambient.

Abstract: A feed gas supply unit for a fuel cell system uses a feed gas supply and/or cooling fluid passages to cool the control unit, bearings, and motor of the feed gas supply device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing or at least reducing condensation in a cathode exhaust conduit of a fuel cell is disclosed. The method includes introducing air into the fuel cell through an air intake conduit, removing an exhaust stream from the fuel cell through the cathode exhaust conduit and introducing excess air into the cathode exhaust conduit to prevent or reduce condensation of the exhaust stream in the cathode exhaust conduit. The apparatus includes an air intake conduit for introducing air into the fuel cell, a cathode exhaust conduit for distributing the exhaust stream from the fuel cell and an excess air diversion conduit providing fluid communication between the air intake conduit and the cathode exhaust conduit for diverting air from the air intake conduit and the cathode exhaust conduit.

Abstract: A heating element for a fuel cell system comprising a body constructed of a thermally conductive material. The interior of the body has a plurality of fluid flow channels formed therein. A hydrogen absorption material capable of absorbing hydrogen in an exothermic reaction to form a metal hydride in a reversible reaction is disposed within the channels. A conduit provides fluid communication to and from the channels and the exterior of the body which is in the form of a storage vessel. Hydrogen is supplied via the conduit to the flow channels and is absorbed by the hydrogen absorption material which generates heat that is transferred through the thermally conductive material to regions surrounding the storage vessel. Methods of heating a fuel cell with a device storing material capable of an exothermic reaction that generates heat are also provided.