Abstract: A configuration and testing method and system for an FPGA chip using a bumping process are disclosed, the method includes creating configuration files for an FPGA chip under test and storing them in a memory; reading, by a master FPGA, a configuration code stream of corresponding configuration codes from the mass memory, configuring the FPGA chip under test via an external test interface, and determining whether the configuration is successful; if the configuration is successful, converting the configuration code stream into a test signal source file that is recognizable, executable and reusable by multiple pieces of test equipment by a developed algorithm and a conversion tool; and automatically loading the test signal source file onto the FPGA chip under test in real time by advanced test equipment.

Abstract: A configuration and testing method and system for an FPGA chip using a bumping process are disclosed, the method includes creating configuration files for an FPGA chip under test and storing them in a memory; reading, by a master FPGA, a configuration code stream of corresponding configuration codes from the mass memory, configuring the FPGA chip under test via an external test interface, and determining whether the configuration is successful; if the configuration is successful, converting the configuration code stream into a test signal source file that is recognizable, executable and reusable by multiple pieces of test equipment by a developed algorithm and a conversion tool; and automatically loading the test signal source file onto the FPGA chip under test in real time by advanced test equipment.

Abstract: A regenerative energy and/or mass exchange assembly has: an exchange media; a first flow path to pass a fluid stream through the exchange media; at least a second flow path to pass a further fluid stream through the exchange media; and at least one fluid stream diverter to divert the different flow paths to pass the respective fluid streams through different regions of the exchange media. A method for operating the regenerative assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A fuel cell system has: a fuel cell having a first reactant inlet, a first reactant outlet, a second reactant inlet, a second reactant outlet, and optionally a coolant inlet and coolant outlet. A first reactant supply subsystem supplies a first reactant incoming stream to the first reactant inlet of the fuel cell. A second reactant supply subsystem supplies a second reactant incoming stream to the second reactant inlet of the fuel cell. A first reactant recirculation subsystem recirculates at least a portion of the first reactant exhaust stream from the first reactant outlet to an enthalpy shifting subsystem in which one portion of the heat and moisture in first reactant exhaust stream is transferred to one of the first reactant incoming stream in the first reactant supply subsystem and the second reactant incoming stream in the second reactant supply subsystem. Another portion of the heat and moisture is transferred to the other stream.

Abstract: A liquid separator includes a housing, a separation chamber disposed within the housing and having a substantially cylindrical inner surface, wherein the inner surface of the separation chamber is aligned about a substantially vertical chamber axis, an inlet channel configured to communicate the fluid stream from a first inlet end to a second inlet end disposed within the housing and proximate an upper region of the separation chamber, and an outlet channel configured to communicate the fluid stream from a first outlet end positioned proximate the upper region of the separation chamber, to a second outlet end remote from the separation chamber. Proximate the second inlet end the inlet channel is aligned about an inlet axis. A deflector vane may also be provided which is substantially aligned about the chamber axis and intersecting the inlet axis. The inlet axis is preferably proximate to and substantially parallel with a tangent to the inner surface of the separation chamber.

Abstract: Moisture recovery and humidification in a fuel cell system involving (i) intermittently switching each dryer in a plurality of dryers into and out of one of a first mode of operation for recovering moisture from an outgoing oxidant stream and a second mode of operation for humidifying an incoming oxidant stream such that during use at least one dryer is in the first mode of operation and at least one dryer is in the second mode of operation; (ii) directing the outgoing oxidant stream from the cathode through at least one dryer in the first mode of operation to recover moisture from the outgoing oxidant stream; and (iii) directing the incoming oxidant stream through at least one dryer in the second mode of operation to humidify the incoming oxidant stream with moisture.

Abstract: A manifold for a fuel cell system, has a manifold body and a plurality of first ports in the manifold body, for connecting to fuel cell peripherals. A plurality of second ports in the manifold body provide connections to a fuel cell. A plurality of first fluid passages within the manifold provide communication between respective ones of the first ports and respective ones of the second ports, whereby, in use, the fluid passages communicate fluids between the fuel cell stack and fuel cell peripherals. The manifold provides a higher degree of system integration, considerably reduced piping, fittings and associated hardware and hence generally reduces the size and weight of the fuel cell system. Thermal-fluid related system losses are also minimized.

Abstract: A manifold for a fuel cell system comprises a plurality of first ports for connecting to fuel cell peripherals; a plurality of ports for connecting to a fuel cell stack; and a plurality of fluid passages within the manifold in communication with the said plurality of ports connecting to the fuel cell peripherals and with the first and second ports for providing, communication of fluids between the fuel cell stack and fuel cell peripherals. The manifold provides a higher degree of system integration, considerably reduced piping, fittings and associated hardware and hence generally reduces the size and weight of the fuel cell system. Thermal-fluid related system losses are also minimized.

Abstract: A back pressure valve, comprises: a first housing including a first chamber formed therein having an inlet and an outlet for a first fluid; a second housing including a second chamber formed; a flexible diaphragm having an outer peripheral edge portion abutting the second housing; and closing off the second chamber; a back pressure member moveably disposed in the first chamber of the first housing, wherein the first chamber is defined by the first housing and the back pressure member; wherein the flexible diaphragm is fixed onto and moveable together with the back pressure member, whereby pressure in the second chamber determines fluid pressure required to maintain the back pressure member in a steady position.

Abstract: The present Invention relates to a humidifier that has a housing defining a chamber having at least one open end. The housing is provided with a gas inlet connectable in fluid communication with a source of gas having a first moisture content, and a gas outlet connectable with a passageway for the withdrawal of a gas having a second moisture content greater than the first moisture content. The humidifier also has at least one fluid distributing portion disposed within the at least one open end of the housing to continuously distribute a fluid within the chamber, and at least one baffle disposed within the housing to define a flow path for the gas to be humidified. During operation, the gas absorbs at least a portion of the fluid as the fluid is being continuously distributed in the chamber thereby increasing the moisture content of the gas as it travels from the gas inlet towards the gas outlet.

Abstract: A fuel cell system has: a fuel cell having a first reactant inlet, a first reactant outlet, a second reactant inlet, a second reactant outlet, and optionally a coolant inlet and coolant outlet. A first reactant supply subsystem supplies a first reactant incoming stream to the first reactant inlet of the fuel cell. A second reactant supply subsystem supplies a second reactant incoming stream to the second reactant inlet of the fuel cell. A first reactant recirculation subsystem recirculates at least a portion of the first reactant exhaust stream from the first reactant outlet to a regenerative dryer subsystem in which one portion of the heat and moisture in first reactant exhaust stream is transferred to one of the first reactant incoming stream in the first reactant supply subsystem and the second reactant incoming stream in the second reactant supply subsystem. Another portion of the heat and moisture is transferred to the other stream.

Abstract: A manifold for a fuel cell system, has a manifold body and a plurality of first ports in the manifold body, for connecting to fuel cell peripherals. A plurality of second ports in the manifold body provide connections to a fuel cell. A plurality of first fluid passages within the manifold provide communication between respective ones of the first ports and respective ones of the second ports, whereby, in use, the fluid passages communicate fluids between the fuel cell stack and fuel cell peripherals. The manifold provides a higher degree of system integration, considerably reduced piping, fittings and associated hardware and hence generally reduces the size and weight of the fuel cell system. Thermal-fluid related system losses are also minimized.

Abstract: A fuel cell system has: a fuel cell having a first reactant inlet, a first reactant outlet, a second reactant inlet, a second reactant outlet, and optionally a coolant inlet and coolant outlet. A first reactant supply subsystem supplies a first reactant incoming stream to the first reactant inlet of the fuel cell. A second reactant supply subsystem supplies a second reactant incoming stream to the second reactant inlet of the fuel cell. A first reactant recirculation subsystem recirculates at least a portion of the first reactant exhaust stream from the first reactant outlet to an enthalpy shifting subsystem in which one portion of the heat and moisture in first reactant exhaust stream is transferred to one of the first reactant incoming stream in the first reactant supply subsystem and the second reactant incoming stream in the second reactant supply subsystem. Another portion of the heat and moisture is transferred to the other stream.

Abstract: A condenser, for cooling a gas flow containing a vapor to promote condensation of the vapor, has a generally cylindrical chamber. Gas is admitted at one end of the chamber and is given a swirl component of velocity. The gas then travels axially along the length of the chamber, and passes radially through poles into the bore of a separator. The swirl velocity of the gas flow tends to through water droplets radially outwards, where they can drain down the inside of a casing defining the chamber. The separator can include a skirt portion separating the main chamber from a water collection compartment. Cooling to cause condensation is provided by an external jacket, preferably having a coolant flowing through it in a helical fashion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a humidifier that comprises a housing, at least one water distributing portion having a plurality of water distributing ports, and at least one baffle disposed within the housing to define a flow path for the gas to be humidified. Packing material can be provided in the housing to further increase the contact area between the gas and the water, if desired.

Abstract: A back pressure valve, comprises: a first housing including a first chamber formed therein having an inlet and an outlet for a first fluid; a second housing including a second chamber formed; a flexible diaphragm having an outer peripheral edge portion abutting the second housing; and closing off the second chamber; a back pressure member moveably disposed in the first chamber of the first housing, wherein the first chamber is defined by the first housing and the back pressure member; wherein the flexible diaphragm is fixed onto and moveable together with the back pressure member, whereby pressure in the second chamber determines fluid pressure required to maintain the back pressure member in a steady position.

Abstract: A regenerative energy and/or mass exchange assembly is provided. The regenerative assembly comprises: an exchange media; a first flow path to pass a fluid stream through the exchange media; at least a second flow path to pass a further fluid stream through the exchange media; and at least one fluid stream diverter to divert the different flow paths to pass the respective fluid streams through different regions of the exchange media. A method for operating the regererative assembly is also provided.

Abstract: The invention regards a fuel cell system and method for recovering moisture from an outgoing oxidant stream and humidifying an incoming oxidant stream in a fuel cell. A plurality of dryers is used to recover moisture from an outgoing oxidant stream from the fuel cell and to humidify an incoming oxidant stream for the fuel cell. The fuel cell comprises an anode for receiving fuel and a cathode for receiving the incoming oxidant stream and discharging the outgoing oxidant stream, and an electrolyte between the anode and the cathode.

Abstract: A manifold for a fuel cell system comprises a plurality of first ports for connecting to fuel cell peripherals; a plurality of ports for connecting to a fuel cell stack; and a plurality of fluid passages within the manifold in communication with the said plurality of ports connecting to the fuel cell peripherals and with the first and second ports for providing, communication of fluids between the fuel cell stack and fuel cell peripherals. The manifold provides a higher degree of system integration, considerably reduced piping, fittings and associated hardware and hence generally reduces the size and weight of the fuel cell system. Thermal-fluid related system losses are also minimized.