Abstract: A fuel cell end plate configured to transmit substantially constant compressive forces along a surface of a fuel cell is provided. The fuel cell end plate is configured such that the compressive force is substantially constant along the surface of the fuel cell even when the surface of the fuel cell is non-parallel. The fuel cell end plate is also configured such that the surfaces of the end plate remain substantially parallel when the fuel cell end plate is in contact with a non-parallel surface of a fuel cell or fuel cell stack. The fuel cell end plate is also configured to act as a distribution manifold for the distribution of reactants and coolants to the fuel cell stack. Fuel cell assemblies including the fuel cell end plate and methods of assembling the fuel cell end plate are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fuel cell is fitted with a current collector situated between a ribbed separator and an electrode. The current collector is comprised of a plurality of flat wires which span the peaks of the ribs of the separator. The flat wires are of sufficient thickness, width, and frequency to support the electrode against the compressive load of the fuel cell stack. The width and frequency are alterable to suppress or enhance reactant access to the electrode.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aqueous-based electrolyte slurry for molten carbonate fuel cells. The invention provides means to eliminate the potential for the preferential transport of potassium carbonate and subsequent irreversible alteration of the 62/38 molar ratio of the eutectic mixture of the lithium potassium carbonate electrolyte.

Abstract: An electrolyte delivery apparatus that includes an electrolyte reservoir, a heating device and a pressure generator is provided. The electrolyte delivery apparatus is configured to supply electrolyte to a fuel cell, such as a molten carbonate fuel cell, or fuel cell stack, and, in certain examples, to an operating fuel cell or fuel cell stack. A fuel cell assembly including the electrolyte delivery apparatus and methods of using the electrolyte delivery apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: A stretch-forming press for stamping continuously fed sheet metal includes a ram, a base member, and a feed mechanism configured to advance a strip of sheet metal through the stretch-forming press. A forming station has a die configured to form a desired pattern in the strip of sheet metal. A leveling station has a pair of opposed jaws slidably received in corresponding recesses of the stretch-forming press, with the jaws oriented at an angle with respect to a direction of travel for the strip of sheet metal as it passes through the leveling station.

Abstract: A stretch-forming press for stamping continuously fed sheet metal includes a ram, a base member, and a feed mechanism configured to advance a strip of sheet metal through the stretch-forming press. A forming station has a die configured to form a desired pattern in the strip of sheet metal. A leveling station has a pair of opposed jaws slidably received in corresponding recesses of the stretch-forming press, with the jaws oriented at an angle with respect to a direction of travel for the strip of sheet metal as it passes through the leveling station.

Abstract: A fuel cell bipolar plate includes first and second plates with ribs defining anode and cathode flow channels The plate are nested so as to define a plurality of center flow channels. First and second edge areas are formed at ends of the plates. A plurality of first internal fuel manifolds is formed in the first edge area and is in fluid communication with the center flow channels. A plurality of second internal fuel manifolds is formed in the first edge area and is in fluid communication with the anode flow channels. A turnaround plenum is formed in the second edge area and is in fluid communication with the center flow channels and the anode flow channels.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aqueous-based electrolyte slurry for molten carbonate fuel cells. The invention provides means to eliminate the potential for the preferential transport of potassium carbonate and subsequent irreversible alteration of the 62/38 molar ratio of the eutectic mixture of the lithium potassium carbonate electrolyte.

Abstract: A fuel cell bipolar separator plate at least partially coated with a coating that is stable when in contact with or in close proximity to a proton exchange membrane and that is stable within the environment of the anode and cathode environments of the fuel cell is provided. Also included are fuel cells comprising such a fuel cell bipolar separator plate and method of manufacturing the fuel cell bipolar separator plate and the fuel cell comprising the fuel cell bipolar separator plate.

Abstract: A fuel cell is fitted with a current collector situated between a ribbed separator and an electrode. The current collector is comprised of a plurality of flat wires which span the peaks of the ribs of the separator. The flat wires are of sufficient thickness, width, and frequency to support the electrode against the compressive load of the fuel cell stack The width and frequency are alterable to suppress or enhance reactant access to the electrode.

Abstract: A fuel cell is fitted with a current collector situated between a ribbed separator and an electrode. The current collector is comprised of a plurality of flat wires which span the peaks of the ribs of the separator. The flat wires are of sufficient thickness, width, and frequency to support the electrode against the compressive load of the fuel cell stack. The width and frequency are alterable to suppress or enhance reactant access to the electrode.