Abstract: A fuel cell comprises a reformer interposed between a fuel electrode and an oxidant electrode and having a preheating zone and a reforming zone in which a reforming catalyst is laid. Fuel gas introduced into the fuel is at first introduced into the preheating zone where it is preheated by heat generated during power generation.

Abstract: A vehicle using hydrogen absorbing alloys includes: a plurality of hydrogen absorbing alloy storing vessels for independently storing a plurality of hydrogen absorbing alloys with a different hydrogen equilibrium decomposition pressure; a connecting section for passing hydrogen to and fro among the plurality of hydrogen absorbing alloy storing vessels; and a heating section for heating a low pressure hydrogen absorbing alloy which has the lowest hydrogen equilibrium decomposition pressure among the plurality of hydrogen absorbing alloys, using the combustion heat from fuel of an internal combustion engine or an external combustion engine of the vehicle as a heat source. Heat of reaction generated by absorption or desorption of hydrogen is utilized for heating or cooling the air in a passenger compartment or a component of the vehicle. The connecting section includes a hydrogen gas storing vessel.

Abstract: A hydrogen absorbing alloy comprising Laves phases with a C14-type crystal structure is provided. The alloy can absorb or release different hydrogen isotopes one after another in accordance with changes In pressure, by utilizing the differences in equilibrium absorption or desorption pressures of the respective hydrogen isotopes. This alloy can be used to effectively separate hydrogen isotopes by utilizing the differences in equilibrium absorption or desorption pressures between the respective hydrogen isotopes, or by utilizing the differences in desorption rates between the hydrogen isotopes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mixing ion conductive material for use in an electrochemical device such as a fuel cell or a sensor and more particularly to the super ion conductive material based on protons or oxide cations and also to a synthesizing method of the mixing ion conductive material.A mixing ion conductive oxide which has a proton conductivity and/or oxide cation conductivity and has a composition comprising 1 mol of barium oxide, 1-x mol of cerium oxide and x mol of gadolinium oxide; wherein 1>x>0.1. When x=0.2, the mixing ion conductive material shows a conductivity shown in FIG. 2. The oxide sintered body mentioned above has a density higher than 96.5% of the theoretical density and a grain size of 0.1 to 10 micron. The synthesizing method of the oxide sintered body is characterized by that the powders for use in the final heat treatment is crushed into a particle size less than 3 micron and is subjected to a vacuum drying process.

Abstract: A molten carbonate fuel cell includes unit cells and separator plates stacked alternately, with each unit cell having an anode of porous nickel-base alloy, a cathode of porous nickel-oxide doped with lithium, and an electrolyte plate including a eutectic mixture of a carbonate of alkaline metals disposed between the anode and cathode. The separator plate is a heat-resistant metal plate. The anode of porous nickel-base alloy contains 1 to 10 weight % of at least one of molybdenum and tungsten, resulting in less deterioration after a long operation.

Abstract: There is provided an internal reforming type molten carbonate fuel cell comprising unit cells, bipolar plates and plate-like reformer each having the same peripheral shape and being stacked to form a cell stack which is penetrated by an inside manifold for supplying the raw fuel, exhausting the reacted gas, etc., wherein the plate-like reformer is provided with props and reforming catalyst so arranged that uniform temperature distribution in the cell, reduced IR loss in operation, and long life were obtained.

Abstract: This invention provides a solid electrolyte fuel cell operable with high efficiency even in the temperature range of about 850.degree. to 650.degree. C., The invention is characterized by the use of a novel perovskite double oxide of the composition A.sub.X B.sub.Y O.sub.3-.alpha.. The fabrication of the electrolyte, air electrode and fuel electrode layers by tape casting has contributed to marked improvement in processability and productivity.

Abstract: A solid electrolyte fuel cell having a multi-layer structure of flat unit cells composed of a solid electrolyte, a first electrode and a second electrode with metal bipolar plates as gas barriers and collectors preferably made of foam metal or a foam alloy interposed between the adjacent unit cells. A fuel gas and an oxidizing gas are supplied to the fuel cell so that they flow in the directions crossing each other with the solid electrolyte interposed therebetween. The metal bipolar plate is preferably provided with grooves so that the fuel gas and the oxidizing gas can be uniformly distributed over the plate.

Abstract: This invention provides a solid electrolyte fuel cell operable with high efficiency even in the temperature range of about 850.degree. to 650.degree. C., The invention is characterized by the use of a novel perovskite double oxide of the composition A.sub.X B.sub.Y O.sub.3-.alpha.. The fabrication of the electrolyte, air electrode and fuel electrode layers by tape casting has contributed to marked improvement in processability and productivity.

Abstract: An anode for high temperature fuel cell containing metal hydrides or hydrogen absorbing alloys at least in part of the anode material of high temperature fuel cell operating while consuming a gas containing hydrogen, or a gas substantially containing hydrogen, as the fuel. In particular, at least in part of the anode for molten carbonate fuel cell, either metal hydrides or hydrogen absorbing alloys is used, and the performance of the anode is enhanced, and it contributes to extension of the life of the anode.

Abstract: A polyethylene terephthalate packing band is provided which is made of a polyethylene terephthalate resin having an intrinsic viscosity of 0.90 to 1.20 and has been longitudinally stretched to an overall draft of 3 to 6 times. There is also provided a packing band of the above construction in which the longitudinal orientation of the resin molecules has been randomized by embossing. There is further provided a method by which the above-mentioned packing band is efficiently manufactured.