Abstract: A CO2 separator for a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) includes a single-layered membrane or a multi-layered membrane. In addition, (i) the membrane has a plurality of diffusion channels extending from an inside of the membrane to an outside of the membrane facing the inside, and mean diameters of the diffusion channels on the outside of the membrane are at least three-times greater than mean diameters of the diffusion channels on the inside of the membrane; and (ii) the inside and the outside of the membrane, and inner surfaces of the diffusion channels are hydrophobic.

Abstract: A separator for separating a gas/liquid mixture for a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) comprises a closed channel with at least one channel section whose wall completely or partially consists of a hydrophobic, gas-permeable membrane, in which the cross-sectional area of the channel decreases continuously or in steps from an inlet opening to an outlet opening and sections of the channel wall not constituted of the membrane are defined by a one-piece machined body.

Abstract: Provided is a fuel cell system that include at least one fuel cell stack and at least one Venturi pump. The Venturi pump has a main inlet, a main outlet, and a secondary inlet. A main stream flows into the Venturi pump through the main inlet, and is mixed with a secondary stream, which flows into the Venturi pump through the secondary inlet. The fuel cell system of the present invention can include a carbon dioxide separator for separating water or fuel from exhaust outputted from the fuel cell stack, and a mixer for mixing fuel with water. In one embodiment, the Venturi pump can be installed between the carbon dioxide and the mixer. In another embodiment, the Venturi pump can be installed between the fuel cell stack and the carbon dioxide separator. In still another embodiment, the Venturi pump can be installed between the mixer and the fuel cell stack. More than one Venturi pump can be installed in the fuel cell system of the present invention.

Abstract: A modular direct methanol fuel cell system includes a housing having a pump for supplying fuel from a fuel tank to a fuel cell stack and a system controller for electronically controlling the modular direct methanol fuel cell system. An integrated processor is contained in the housing, the integrated processor integrating a water condenser and a gas/liquid stream separator. A first fluid connection unit is between the fuel cell stack and the integrated processor for feeding air and fuel exiting from the fuel cell stack to the integrated processor. A second fluid connection unit is between the fuel cell stack and the integrated processor for feeding a fuel mixture from the integrated processor to the fuel cell stack. The direct methanol fuel cell system also includes a third fluid connection unit for feeding pure fuel from the fuel tank to the integrated processor.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide separation system for a fuel cell system having a small volume and weight of a separation device and of a membrane, at simultaneous increase of the separated volume of carbon dioxide, comprises a separation device for containing a fluid phase, a carbon dioxide phase, and a two phase fluid including fluid and carbon dioxide. The separation device comprises a two phase fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a carbon dioxide outlet, a carbon dioxide separation membrane, and a flow restrictor creating a backpressure which presses separated carbon dioxide through the carbon dioxide separation membrane. The flow restrictor comprises at least one narrow aperture, and is mounted downstream of the separation device. The carbon dioxide separation membrane is positioned in the separation device in such a manner that at least a part of the total membrane area is arranged above a two phase fluid level and is in touch with carbon dioxide contained in the separation device above the two phase fluid level.

Abstract: A separator for separating a gas/liquid mixture for a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) comprises a closed channel with at least one channel section whose wall completely or partially consists of a hydrophobic, gas-permeable membrane, in which the cross-sectional area of the channel decreases continuously or in steps from an inlet opening to an outlet opening and sections of the channel wall not constituted of the membrane are defined by a one-piece machined body.

Abstract: A CO2 separator for a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) includes a single-layered membrane or a multi-layered membrane. In addition, (i) the membrane has a plurality of diffusion channels extending from an inside of the membrane to an outside of the membrane facing the inside, and mean diameters of the diffusion channels on the outside of the membrane are at least three-times greater than mean diameters of the diffusion channels on the inside of the membrane; and (ii) the inside and the outside of the membrane, and inner surfaces of the diffusion channels are hydrophobic.

Abstract: A modular direct methanol fuel cell system includes a housing having a pump for supplying fuel from a fuel tank to a fuel cell stack and a system controller for electronically controlling the modular direct methanol fuel cell system. An integrated processor is contained in the housing, the integrated processor integrating a water condenser and a gas/liquid stream separator. A first fluid connection unit is between the fuel cell stack and the integrated processor for feeding air and fuel exiting from the fuel cell stack to the integrated processor. A second fluid connection unit is between the fuel cell stack and the integrated processor for feeding a fuel mixture from the integrated processor to the fuel cell stack. The direct methanol fuel cell system also includes a third fluid connection unit for feeding pure fuel from the fuel tank to the integrated processor.

Abstract: Provided is a fuel cell system that include at least one fuel cell stack and at least one Venturi pump. The Venturi pump has a main inlet, a main outlet, and a secondary inlet. A main stream flows into the Venturi pump through the main inlet, and is mixed with a secondary stream, which flows into the Venturi pump through the secondary inlet. The fuel cell system of the present invention can include a carbon dioxide separator for separating water or fuel from exhaust outputted from the fuel cell stack, and a mixer for mixing fuel with water. In one embodiment, the Venturi pump can be installed between the carbon dioxide and the mixer. In another embodiment, the Venturi pump can be installed between the fuel cell stack and the carbon dioxide separator. In still another embodiment, the Venturi pump can be installed between the mixer and the fuel cell stack. More than one Venturi pump can be installed in the fuel cell system of the present invention.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide separation system for a fuel cell system having a small volume and weight of a separation device and of a membrane, at simultaneous increase of the separated volume of carbon dioxide, comprises a separation device for containing a fluid phase, a carbon dioxide phase, and a two phase fluid including fluid and carbon dioxide. The separation device comprises a two phase fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a carbon dioxide outlet, a carbon dioxide separation membrane, and a flow restrictor creating a backpressure which presses separated carbon dioxide through the carbon dioxide separation membrane. The flow restrictor comprises at least one narrow aperture, and is mounted downstream of the separation device. The carbon dioxide separation membrane is positioned in the separation device in such a manner that at least a part of the total membrane area is arranged above a two phase fluid level and is in touch with carbon dioxide contained in the separation device above the two phase fluid level.

Abstract: Provided are a heat exchanger assembly and a method of cooling the outlet stream of a fuel cell using the heat exchanger assembly, which increase the efficiency of heat exchange in fuel cell systems. The heat exchanging assembly for fuel cell systems comprising a heat exchanger and a ventilation unit for cooling the heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanger comprises: an inlet manifold with an inlet opening, an outlet manifold with an outlet opening, and a plurality of heat exchanging elements disposed between the inlet opening of the inlet manifold and the outlet opening of the outlet manifold and connecting the inlet manifold and the outlet manifold, wherein cooling air generated by the ventilation unit flows in the opposite direction to the flow of a medium within the heat exchanging elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a membrane electrode unit for fuel cells. The inventive membrane electrode unit comprises a reinforcing frame that is situated on the periphery and in the area of openings which are placed in the active portion of the membrane electrode unit and provided for guiding material or for installation. Said reinforcing frame is formed by a hot-melt-type adhesive layer that is applied on both sides and is formed by at least one rigid plate. The hot-melt-type adhesive layers which protrude over the outer edge of the membrane electrode unit enter into an intimate bond, due to the effect of pressure and heat, with the rigid plates and with the membrane electrode unit as well as with one another in the projecting area. The hot-melt-type adhesive comprises ionic or strong polar groups which interact with the ionic groups of the polymer electrolyte membrane and which ensure a high degree of adherence between the hot-melt-type adhesive and the membrane electrode unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a membrane electrode unit which is provided for a fuel cell or the like and which comprises a polymer electrolyte membrane that is coated on both sides with electrodes. The sealing edge which is configured on the outer periphery is comprised of a hot-melt-type adhesive whose hydrocarbon skeleton carries, at regular intervals, ionic or strong polar groups which enter into a surface interaction with the ionic groups of the membrane material and thus provide for a good adhesive effect of the hot-melt-type adhesive to the polymer electrolyte membrane. A portion of the sealing edge that protrudes over the outer edge of the membrane electrode unit forms a one-piece homogeneous edge area which is provided with openings for installation and for guiding media, which further improves the sealing effect of the membrane electrode unit, and which contributes to the stability thereof.

Abstract: In an electrolysis appliance or a reversible fuel cell which can be operated optionally as a fuel cell or as an electrolysis appliance, a gas reservoir is in the form of a one-piece or two-piece, tubular hollow body. The gas reservoir is open at the top and is split into a reservoir area and an expansion area by a separating plug having an immersion tube which passes through it and points downward. In a region of the reservoir area, the gas reservoirs are each fitted directly to the end plates, or are formed integrally with them. Each of the half-cells are connected to a respective reservoir area and to the electrolyte located in it via channels in the end plate and openings in the respective gas reservoir. The electrolysis appliances or fuel cells which are configured to have an integrated gas reservoir formed in such a way are strong and sturdy, are configured to save space, are easy to handle and can be produced at low cost.

Abstract: An experimental apparatus for determining characteristics, including the power, of fuel cells. The apparatus contains at least three and a maximum of 15 resistors, whose resistance correspond to a profile of the characteristic to be expected. In addition, an ammeter and a voltmeter with a maximum of two measurement ranges which are typical of the power range corresponding to one or more fuel cells is provided. This makes it considerably easier to carry out experiments, particularly by trainees with little prior training.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack including bipolar plates disposed between membrane-electrode units. The stack has two end-position monopolar plates. Two current collectors and two end plates enclose the stack on opposite sides said current collectors have at least one collector passage hole with a port end face. The stack includes at least one connection port and substantially annular sealing elements. The two end plates have at least one end plate passage hole communicating with the at least one connection port and the at least one collector passage hole. The sealing elements each have an opening. A single sealing element completely seals the transporting of media between the end face of a connection port and the end-position media-carrying plate by being disposed in the passage holes in the end plate and the current collector for transporting the reaction and cooling media to and from the opening in the adjoining end-position plate.