Abstract: A method for fabricating MEAs employing such gas diffusion layers and or gas diffusion electrodes that address the problems attendant to conventional methods. Due to the mechanically unstable nature of the electrolyte membrane material, it is advantageous to attach or bond the electrolyte membrane material to a supportive substrate before being sized for incorporation into a fuel cell. The GDL or GDE is used as the supportive substrate for the electrolyte membrane material.

Abstract: The present invention concerns improvements in fuel cell fabrication. It concerns an improved, integrated and modular BSP/MEA/Manifolds, which facilitates single cell (module) leak and performance testing prior to assembly in a fuel cell stack as well as facilitating manufacturing and cost reduction.

Abstract: A laminar electrical contact for fuel cells is disclosed. By optimizing the contact area and pressure between a separator plate and a membrane electrode assembly, the lamina of the present invention improves fuel cell efficiency and performance. The lamina may rest upon compliant members or springs that push the lamina into the adjoining membrane electrode assembly, thereby assuring continuous and robust electrical contact between the separator plate and the membrane electrode assembly.

Abstract: A power management and protection system is provided for a hybrid fuel cell system. The hybridization includes a fuel cell stack and an energy storage device (ESD) having either batteries, ultracapacitors, or both, in parallel with the fuel cell for delivering power to an electrical load. Voltage and current protection is provided to the stack, ESD, and load by use of a two stage control system. The first stage limits the current drawn from the stack and the charging rate of the ESD and provides for the voltage output to be within an adjustable predetermined range to prevent an over-voltage condition on the ESD and the load and an under-voltage condition in the stack. The second stage limits the current delivered to the load to an adjustable predetermined level, prevents an under-voltage condition on the load, and prevents rapid discharge of the ESD in the case of a short circuit.

Abstract: A method for fabricating MEAs employing such gas diffusion layers and or gas diffusion electrodes that address the problems attendant to conventional methods. Due to the mechanically unstable nature of the electrolyte membrane material, it is advantageous to attach or bond the electrolyte membrane material to a supportive substrate before being sized for incorporation into a fuel cell. The GDL or GDE is used as the supportive substrate for the electrolyte membrane material.

Abstract: The present invention is a fuel cell power system, with a fuel cell stack, a multi-function mounting plate, at least two fuel supply units, a distribution manifold, a gas pressure regulator, and a cover. The distribution manifold and gas pressure regulator may be integrated into the mounting plate. The mounting plate also serves as an end plate for the fuel cell stack. The system allows for continuous, uninterrupted use, since at least one fuel supply unit is removable, and the system can operate from another supply unit while the removable unit is being replaced.

Abstract: The present invention is a fuel cell power system, with a fuel cell stack, a multi-function mounting plate, at least two fuel supply units, a distribution manifold, a gas pressure regulator, and a cover. The distribution manifold and gas pressure regulator may be integrated into the mounting plate. The mounting plate also serves as an end plate for the fuel cell stack. The system allows for continuous, uninterrupted use, since at least one fuel supply unit is removable, and the system can operate from another supply unit while the removable unit is being replaced.

Abstract: This invention provides arrays of independently acting compliant electrical contacts within a fuel cell. These contacts maintain electrical contact between a plate and the adjacent membrane electrode assembly, and provide substantially uniform internal pressure distribution and substantially uniform electrical contact. In one embodiment, the electrical contacts are springs, which can take a variety of forms.

Abstract: The present invention concerns improvements in fuel cell fabrication. Arrays of independent acting compliant electrical contacts are incorporated within a fuel cell which improve fuel cell operation by creating uniform and intimate electrical contact with the adjacent membrane electrode assembly (MEA). These compliant electrical contacts provide substantial uniform internal pressure distribution and substantially uniform electrical contact. In one embodiment, the array of compliant electrical contacts are in the form of a plurality of metal springs of various configurations which are electrically and mechanical contacted to a conducting base plate. In another embodiment the array of compliant electrical contacts are in the form of a plurality of small metal pins or rods which are electrically and mechanically contacted to a conducting base plate.

Abstract: The present invention is a fuel cell power system, with a fuel cell stack, a multi-function mounting plate, at least two fuel supply units, a distribution manifold, a gas pressure regulator, and a cover. The distribution manifold and gas pressure regulator may be integrated into the mounting plate. The mounting plate also serves as an end plate for the fuel cell stack. The system allows for continuous, uninterrupted use, since at least one fuel supply unit is removable, and the system can operate from another supply unit while the removable unit is being replaced.

Abstract: This invention provides arrays of independently acting compliant electrical contacts within a fuel cell. These contacts maintain electrical contact between a plate and the adjacent membrane electrode assembly, and provide substantially uniform internal pressure distribution and substantially uniform electrical contact. In one embodiment, the electrical contacts are springs, which can take a variety of forms.

Abstract: This invention concerns improvements in fuel cell fabrication. Arrays of independent acting compliant electrical contacts are incorporated within a fuel cell which improve fuel cell Bi Polar Separator Plate (bipolar separator plate) which improve fuel cell operation by creating uniform and intimate electrical contact with the adjacent membrane electrode assembly (Membrane electrode assembly). These compliant electrical contacts provide substantial uniform internal pressure distribution and substantially uniform electrical contact. In one embodiment, the array of compliant electrical contacts are in the form of a plurality of metal springs of various configurations which are electrically and mechanical contacted to a conducting base plate. In another embodiment the array of compliant electrical contacts are in the form of a plurality of small metal pins or rods which are electrically and mechanically contacted to a conducting base plate.

Abstract: The present invention concerns improvements in fuel cell fabrication. It concerns an improved, integrated and modular BSP/MEA/Manifolds, which facilitates single cell (module) leak and performance testing prior to assembly in a fuel cell stack as well as facilitating manufacturing and cost reduction.

Abstract: Improved fuel cell stacks constructed from a plurality of cells, each comprising a series of interrelated mono and bipolar collector plates (BSPs), which in turn are built up by lamination of a core of related non-conductiveplastic orceramic platelets sandwiched between conductive microscreen platelets of metal or conductive ceramic or plastic, with an electrode membrane (EMA) between adjacent BSPs. The platelets, both metal and plastic of the composite BSPs, are produced from sheet material with through and depth features formed by etching, pressing, stamping, casting, embossing and the like. Adjacent plates, each with correspondingly relieved features form serpentine channels within the resultant monolithic platelet/cell stack for integrated fluid and thermal management. The plastic platelets are particularly useful for PEM fuel cells employing H.sub.2 and Air/O.sub.2 as fuel. The platelets are easily made by printing (embossing) processes, and dies made by photolithographic etching for rapid redesign.

Abstract: A combustor liner (2) for convectively cooling a combustor chamber (16) in a gas turbine (4) comprises a chamber wall (30) with an array of coolant channels (60) formed therein. Supply manifolds (50) are coupled to the coolant channel inlets for directing bypass air through the channels, where the bypass air removes heat from the chamber wall, and discharge manifolds (52) are coupled to the coolant channel outlets for discharging the heated bypass air to the turbine (10). The coolant channels are spaced and distributed throughout the combustor liner so that the coolant flows through a substantial portion of the liner. The coolant channels are minute channels with relatively short flow paths to minimize both the pressure drop and the quantity of bypass air required to cool the wall. In addition, the channels are completely enclosed within the chamber wall to significantly improve the heat transfer characteristics of the combustor liner.