Abstract: Electrochemical cells and methods of making electrochemical cells are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a multi-layer sheet for encasing an electrode material for an electrochemical cell. The multi-layer sheet including an outer layer, an intermediate layer that includes a conductive substrate, and an inner layer disposed on a portion of the conductive substrate. The intermediate layer is disposed between the outer layer and the inner layer. The inner layer defines an opening through which a conductive region of the intermediate layer is exposed such that the electrode material can be electrically connected to the conductive region. Thus, the intermediate layer can serve as a current collector for the electrochemical cell.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to semi-solid suspensions, and more particularly to systems and methods for preparing semi-solid suspensions for use as electrodes in electrochemical devices such as, for example batteries. In some embodiments, a method for preparing a semi-solid electrode includes combining a quantity of an active material with a quantity of an electrolyte to form an intermediate material. The intermediate material is then combined with a conductive additive to form an electrode material. The electrode material is mixed to form a suspension having a mixing index of at least about 0.80 and is then formed into a semi-solid electrode.

Abstract: Electrochemical cells and methods of making electrochemical cells are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a multi-layer sheet for encasing an electrode material for an electrochemical cell. The multi-layer sheet including an outer layer, an intermediate layer that includes a conductive substrate, and an inner layer disposed on a portion of the conductive substrate. The intermediate layer is disposed between the outer layer and the inner layer. The inner layer defines an opening through which a conductive region of the intermediate layer is exposed such that the electrode material can be electrically connected to the conductive region. Thus, the intermediate layer can serve as a current collector for the electrochemical cell.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electrochemical cell includes transferring an anode semi-solid suspension to an anode compartment defined at least in part by an anode current collector and an separator spaced apart from the anode collector. The method also includes transferring a cathode semi-solid suspension to a cathode compartment defined at least in part by a cathode current collector and the separator spaced apart from the cathode collector. The transferring of the anode semi-solid suspension to the anode compartment and the cathode semi-solid to the cathode compartment is such that a difference between a minimum distance and a maximum distance between the anode current collector and the separator is maintained within a predetermined tolerance. The method includes sealing the anode compartment and the cathode compartment.

Abstract: High-protein crisp products and methods of making these products are provided. The products are made from a mixture of ingredients, including a hydrolyzed soy protein isolate and a source of a Group I or Group II metal (e.g., CaCO3). The mixture preferably further comprises a filler (e.g., a starch) and water. The blended dry ingredients are preferably first introduced into a preconditioner, after which they are passed through an extruder barrel to yield an extrudate that expands upon exiting the extruder outlet to form the crisp rice-like product.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electrochemical cell includes transferring an anode semi-solid suspension to an anode compartment defined at least in part by an anode current collector and an separator spaced apart from the anode collector. The method also includes transferring a cathode semi-solid suspension to a cathode compartment defined at least in part by a cathode current collector and the separator spaced apart from the cathode collector. The transferring of the anode semi-solid suspension to the anode compartment and the cathode semi-solid to the cathode compartment is such that a difference between a minimum distance and a maximum distance between the anode current collector and the separator is maintained within a predetermined tolerance. The method includes sealing the anode compartment and the cathode compartment.

Abstract: Electrochemical cells and methods of making electrochemical cells are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a multi-layer sheet for encasing an electrode material for an electrochemical cell. The multi-layer sheet including an outer layer, an intermediate layer that includes a conductive substrate, and an inner layer disposed on a portion of the conductive substrate. The intermediate layer is disposed between the outer layer and the inner layer. The inner layer defines an opening through which a conductive region of the intermediate layer is exposed such that the electrode material can be electrically connected to the conductive region. Thus, the intermediate layer can serve as a current collector for the electrochemical cell.

Abstract: New coated food products are provided. The products comprise a center food piece such as a nutmeat or cereal piece, and a coating surrounding the center food piece. The coating can be flavored with flavorings such as cheese, chocolate, or fruit. The coating comprises a substantially homogeneous mixture of a fat-based composition and a particulate material, which results in a stable coating that can tolerate higher temperatures when compared to prior art products while also having 50% or less of the fat content of prior art coatings.

Abstract: Electrochemical cells and methods of making electrochemical cells are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a multi-layer sheet for encasing an electrode material for an electrochemical cell. The multi-layer sheet including an outer layer, an intermediate layer that includes a conductive substrate, and an inner layer disposed on a portion of the conductive substrate. The intermediate layer is disposed between the outer layer and the inner layer. The inner layer defines an opening through which a conductive region of the intermediate layer is exposed such that the electrode material can be electrically connected to the conductive region. Thus, the intermediate layer can serve as a current collector for the electrochemical cell.

Abstract: This disclosure related to polymer electrolyte member fuel cells and components thereof.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to semi-solid suspensions, and more particularly to systems and methods for preparing semi-solid suspensions for use as electrodes in electrochemical devices such as, for example batteries. In some embodiments, a method for preparing a semi-solid electrode includes combining a quantity of an active material with a quantity of an electrolyte to form an intermediate material. The intermediate material is then combined with a conductive additive to form an electrode material. The electrode material is mixed to form a suspension having a mixing index of at least about 0.80 and is then formed into a semi-solid electrode.

Abstract: Electrochemical cells and methods of making electrochemical cells are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a multi-layer sheet for encasing an electrode material for an electrochemical cell. The multi-layer sheet including an outer layer, an intermediate layer that includes a conductive substrate, and an inner layer disposed on a portion of the conductive substrate. The intermediate layer is disposed between the outer layer and the inner layer. The inner layer defines an opening through which a conductive region of the intermediate layer is exposed such that the electrode material can be electrically connected to the conductive region. Thus, the intermediate layer can serve as a current collector for the electrochemical cell.

Abstract: New coated food products are provided. The products comprise a center food piece such as a nutmeat or cereal piece, and a coating surrounding the center food piece. The coating can be flavored with flavorings such as cheese, chocolate, or fruit. The coating comprises a substantially homogeneous mixture of a fat-based composition and a particulate material, which results in a stable coating that can tolerate higher temperatures when compared to prior art products while also having 50% or less of the fat content of prior art coatings.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell includes an anode, a semi-solid cathode, and a separator disposed therebetween. The semi-solid cathode includes a porous current collector and a suspension of an active material and a conductive material disposed in a non-aqueous liquid electrolyte. The porous current collector is at least partially disposed within the suspension such that the suspension substantially encapsulates the porous current collector.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electrochemical cell includes transferring an anode semi-solid suspension to an anode compartment defined at least in part by an anode current collector and an separator spaced apart from the anode collector. The method also includes transferring a cathode semi-solid suspension to a cathode compartment defined at least in part by a cathode current collector and the separator spaced apart from the cathode collector. The transferring of the anode semi-solid suspension to the anode compartment and the cathode semi-solid to the cathode compartment is such that a difference between a minimum distance and a maximum distance between the anode current collector and the separator is maintained within a predetermined tolerance. The method includes sealing the anode compartment and the cathode compartment.

Abstract: Provided is a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell stack, comprising a first bipolar plate, a second bipolar plate, an electrochemical package comprising a cathode, an anode, and a polymer membrane interposed between the cathode and the anode, an anode compartment disposed between the first bipolar plate and the anode, the anode compartment comprising at least one inlet and at least one outlet, a cathode compartment disposed between the second bipolar plate and the cathode, the cathode compartment comprising at least one inlet and at least one outlet, and wherein the geometric area of the anode compartment is larger than the geometric area of the anode.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining and administering a refueling schedule for a fleet of one or more hydrogen-consuming vehicles, and managing hydrogen production rates and inventory levels servicing such vehicles. In certain embodiments, the disclosed systems and methods relate to determining when a vehicle may use a refueling station. The disclosed systems and methods also relate to controlling the rate and schedule according to which hydrogen is produced by one or more hydrogen generation plants available to the vehicle fleet, based upon the fuel inventories, consumption rates and/or refueling patterns of the fleet.

Abstract: Provided is a steam reformer, comprising a burner zone comprising a hot combustion exhaust gas and a heat flux control element, a reforming zone comprising a gas flow of steam reforming reactants and a reformate gas, and a heat exchange boundary segregating the burner zone and the reforming zone.

Abstract: This disclosure related to polymer electrolyte member fuel cells and components thereof.

Abstract: Methods and related systems for determining an efficient operating state for an integrated fuel cell/fuel reformer power system have been developed. Such a method forms the basis of a control strategy for an integrated system. The method describes optimization of the efficiency of operation of a power system comprising a fuel processor and a fuel cell operating in an integrated way. Maps of the operating properties of the system components are determined by experiment. For any desired power level, a unique vector of control setpoints can be calculated from these known properties of the subcomponents and the system, which vector of values can be used to set the values of system controls to a state that optimizes the system efficiency at the specified power output.