Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out a method for scheduling at least one activity to achieve a time-varying energy balance of a power system. A mission plan for a mission is received. The mission plan includes at least one activity and at least one route. Each route of the at least one route includes at least one time and at least one location. A plurality of power load identifications is received for at least one time-varying power load for use in the mission plan. A plurality of energy storage device identifications is received for at least one energy storage device. Based on the plurality of power load identifications, a power requirement required to complete the mission plan is determined using the at least one power load. Based at least in part on the mission plan and the plurality of energy storage device identifications, an available power for the mission is determined.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system comprising: a hydrogen fuel cell; a fuel storage tank; a regulator coupled to the storage tank and the fuel cell; an electronic auto pilot; a rechargeable battery; a power electronics module for delivering power from the fuel cell to the autopilot and the battery; and a heat exchanger coupled to the fuel cell. The fuel cell is characterized by: a minimum continuous power output of no more than 25 W; a maximum continuous power output of no less than 5000 W; a specific power of at least 200 W/kg based on the mass of the fuel cell and any control electronics, cooling components, air delivery components, and water management components; an ability to operate at least 2 psig of hydrogen at an inlet; and an ability to operate at temperatures up to 90° C.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out a method for scheduling at least one activity to achieve a time-varying energy balance of a power system. A mission plan for a mission is received. The mission plan includes at least one activity and at least one route. Each route of the at least one route includes at least one time and at least one location. A plurality of power load identifications is received for at least one time-varying power load for use in the mission plan. A plurality of energy storage device identifications is received for at least one energy storage device. Based on the plurality of power load identifications, a power requirement required to complete the mission plan is determined using the at least one power load. Based at least in part on the mission plan and the plurality of energy storage device identifications, an available power for the mission is determined.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes a computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by at least one computer, cause the at least computer to carry out a method for estimating a time-varying energy balance of a power system. A mission plan for a mission is received. The mission plan includes at least one activity and at least one route. Each route of the at least one route includes at least one time and at least one location. A plurality of power load identifications is received for at least one time-varying power load for use in the mission plan. A time-varying power requirement to complete the mission plan is determined. A baseline plurality of energy storage devices required to satisfy the time-varying power requirement is determined by the energy analysis code. The baseline plurality of energy storage devices includes a baseline number and type of energy storage devices.

Abstract: A bipolar plate for a fuel cell is provided. The bipolar plate includes a main body with a first end and a second end spaced from the first end along a longitudinal axis of the main body. At least one inlet is disposed at the first end of the main body. At least one outlet corresponding to the at least one inlet is disposed at the second end of the main body. At least one continuous flow path extends from the at least one inlet to the at least one outlet. The main body comprises a single, contiguous piece.

Abstract: Shock and/or impact-resistant pressure vessels having elastomeric coatings are provided. The pressure vessels of the invention are significantly lighter than conventional air tanks having the same capacity, while enhancing safety in military and undersea environments. Methods for protecting pressure vessels from ballistic, blast wave, and mechanical impacts, while also providing corrosion protection, are also provided.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes a computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by at least one computer, cause the at least computer to carry out a method for estimating a time-varying energy balance of a power system. A mission plan for a mission is received. The mission plan includes at least one activity and at least one route. Each route of the at least one route includes at least one time and at least one location. A plurality of power load identifications is received for at least one time-varying power load for use in the mission plan. A time-varying power requirement to complete the mission plan is determined. A baseline plurality of energy storage devices required to satisfy the time-varying power requirement is determined by the energy analysis code. The baseline plurality of energy storage devices includes a baseline number and type of energy storage devices.

Abstract: A method of improving the electrical performance of an operating fuel cell catalyst-containing cathode in a fuel cell connected to an electrical load by: reducing the flow of air to the cathode; disconnecting the load from the fuel cell; connecting a potentiostat to the fuel cell; cycling an applied voltage, current, or power to the fuel cell one or more times; disconnecting the potentiostat from the fuel cell; reconnecting the load to the fuel cell; and resuming the flow of air to the cathode.

Abstract: A method of improving the electrical performance of an operating fuel cell catalyst-containing cathode in a fuel cell connected to an electrical load by: reducing the flow of air to the cathode; disconnecting the load from the fuel cell; connecting a potentiostat to the fuel cell; cycling an applied voltage, current, or power to the fuel cell one or more times; disconnecting the potentiostat from the fuel cell; reconnecting the load to the fuel cell; and resuming the flow of air to the cathode.

Abstract: A method of improving the electrical performance of an operating fuel cell catalyst-containing cathode in a fuel cell connected to an electrical load by: reducing the flow of air to the cathode; disconnecting the load from the fuel cell; connecting a potentiostat to the fuel cell; cycling an applied voltage, current, or power to the fuel cell one or more times; disconnecting the potentiostat from the fuel cell; reconnecting the load to the fuel cell; and resuming the flow of air to the cathode.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring the health of a battery is provided. A precision frequency can be determined for the battery by applying one of an AC current or voltage perturbation across a frequency sweep with impedance spectroscopy equipment to obtain an impedance response; collecting data related to the impedance response at a plurality of various states of charge within a recommended voltage window of the battery; plotting the collected data on one or more impedance curves; and analyzing the one or more impedance curves at the various states of charge to determine the precision frequency. Next, one of an AC current or voltage perturbation can be applied at the precision frequency resulting in an impedance response. The value of the impedance response can be recorded, and a determination can be made of a battery classification zone that the impedance value falls within.

Abstract: A bipolar plate for a fuel cell is provided. The bipolar plate includes a main body with a first end and a second end spaced from the first end along a longitudinal axis of the main body. At least one inlet is disposed at the first end of the main body. At least one outlet corresponding to the at least one inlet is disposed at the second end of the main body. At least one continuous flow path extends from the at least one inlet to the at least one outlet. The main body comprises a single, contiguous piece.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring the health of a battery is provided. A precision frequency can be determined for the battery by applying one of an AC current or voltage perturbation across a frequency sweep with impedance spectroscopy equipment to obtain an impedance response; collecting data related to the impedance response at a plurality of various states of charge within a recommended voltage window of the battery; plotting the collected data on one or more impedance curves; and analyzing the one or more impedance curves at the various states of charge to determine the precision frequency. Next, one of an AC current or voltage perturbation can be applied at the precision frequency resulting in an impedance response. The value of the impedance response can be recorded, and a determination can be made of a battery classification zone that the impedance value falls within.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate methods of preparing metal carbides, for example some embodiments relate to methods of preparing metal carbides that do not contain the formation of an intermediate oxide compound. Some embodiments relate to methods that do not employ hydrocarbons in the reaction. Some embodiments relate to a method of preparing metal carbides that involves citrate gel precursors and a non-hydrocarbon gas but does not use a hydrocarbon gas, does not form an oxide intermediate species and does not produce carbon monoxide. In some embodiments, the metal carbides are transition metal carbides.

Abstract: A device having a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and an ion-conducting electrolyte in contact with both electrodes. Each electrode has a metal, a metal oxide, a hydrous metal oxide, alloy thereof, or mixture thereof, however, the electrodes are different such materials. The positive electrode is capable of storing and donating ions and electrons and reducing oxygen. The negative electrode is capable of storing and donating ions and electrons and oxidizing hydrogen. The electrolyte permits transport of oxygen and hydrogen. The device can charge using ambient hydrogen and oxygen. It can be discharged as an electrochemical capacitor or be operated in a fuel cell mode.

Abstract: A method of improving the electrical performance of an operating fuel cell catalyst-containing cathode in a fuel cell connected to an electrical load by: reducing the flow of air to the cathode; disconnecting the load from the fuel cell; connecting a potentiostat to the fuel cell; cycling an applied voltage, current, or power to the fuel cell one or more times; disconnecting the potentiostat from the fuel cell; reconnecting the load to the fuel cell; and resuming the flow of air to the cathode.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate methods of preparing metal carbides, for example some embodiments relate to methods of preparing metal carbides that do not contain the formation of an intermediate oxide compound. Some embodiments relate to methods that do not employ hydrocarbons in the reaction. Some embodiments relate to a method of preparing metal carbides that involves citrate gel precursors and a non-hydrocarbon gas but does not use a hydrocarbon gas, does not form an oxide intermediate species and does not produce carbon monoxide. In some embodiments, the metal carbides are transition metal carbides.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a nanocomposite catalyst material for electrochemical devices such as fuel cells, comprising metal nanoparticles impregnated on a conductive support that is coated with a transition metal compound. The metal nanoparticles may comprise platinum; the metal phosphate may comprise tantalum oxyphosphate, niobium oxyphosphate, tantalum oxide, niobium oxide, or any combination thereof; and the conductive support may comprise carbon. In addition, the present invention provides for a method of making the catalyst material.

Abstract: A device having a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and an ion-conducting electrolyte in contact with both electrodes. Each electrode has a metal, a metal oxide, a hydrous metal oxide, alloy thereof, or mixture thereof, however, the electrodes are different such materials. The positive electrode is capable of storing and donating ions and electrons and reducing oxygen. The negative electrode is capable of storing and donating ions and electrons and oxidizing hydrogen. The electrolyte permits transport of oxygen and hydrogen. The device can charge using ambient hydrogen and oxygen. It can be discharged as an electrochemical capacitor or be operated in a fuel cell mode.

Abstract: Increased lithium capacity of defective oxide materials and methods for preparation are described herein. Point defects may be introduced into a metal oxide to increase its lithium ion capacity. Defective metal oxides can be prepared by heating the metal oxide under O2/H2O at elevated temperatures. These increased lithium capacity metal oxides may be suitable for use as high specific energy cathodes in lithium metal and lithium ion batteries.