Abstract: A method of operating a fuel cell system (100) comprising a fuel cell stack (110) and a closed loop water cooling circuit for direct injection of cooling water into the stack (110), the method comprising: measuring an operational parameter of the fuel cell system (100) over a time period; adding an amount of water to the closed loop cooling circuit from the total amount of water generated during operation of the fuel cell stack (110) over the time period; and removing the amount of water from the closed loop cooling circuit generated during operation of the fuel cell stack (110) over the time period is automatically determined by the fuel cell system (100) as a function of the operational parameter.

Abstract: A fluid flow plate for an electrochemical fuel cell assembly comprises a first plurality of fluid flow channels extending across an area of the flow plate to define a flow field of the fluid flow plate. An array of first fluid transfer points is disposed along an edge of the flow field for communicating fluid into or out of the fluid flow channels. A gallery has a first peripheral edge portion bounded by the array of first fluid transfer points and at least two second peripheral edge portions each bounded by an array of second fluid transfer points disposed along fluid access edges of the fluid flow plate. The at least two second peripheral edge portions are disposed at oblique angles to the first peripheral edge portion such that the total length of the any of second fluid transfer points is at least as long as, and preferably longer than, the length of the array of first fluid transfer points.

Abstract: Aspects of duct systems for use with fuel cells and methods of using the same are disclosed. According to an aspect of the disclosure, a duct system (10) for cooling fuel cells (12) via a coolant fluid includes a housing (100); a cooling chamber (112); an inlet port (120) configured to receive the coolant into the system; an exhaust port (130) configured to expel the coolant from the system; and a means for moving the coolant into, through, and out of the system.

Abstract: A coolant storage tank (1) for storing coolant in a fuel cell system (2), the coolant storage tank comprising a plurality of individually controllable heater elements (7, 8a, 8b). A coolant storage tank comprising a first heater element (7) located at a base of the coolant storage tank and a second heater element (8a) is also disclosed. A coolant storage tank comprising a first coolant storage compartment (50) in fluid communication with a second coolant storage compartment (51), the first coolant storage compartment including at least a first heater element (54) and wherein the second coolant storage compartment is unheated is also disclosed. A method of melting frozen coolant in a coolant storage tank is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to bipolar plates for electrochemical fuel cell assemblies, and in particular to configurations of bipolar plates allowing for multiple fluid flow channels for the passage of anode, cathode and coolant fluids.

Abstract: A fluid flow plate having first and second fluid flow channels on a fluid flow plate with an active area of fluid flow fields having one or more arrays of fluid transfer points (301, 302, 303) disposed along an edge of the flow field for communicating fluid into or out of flow channels. A first and second distribution gallery (15, 16, 21) with peripheral edge portions bounded by the arrays including at least one pair of inlets in external edges of the fluid flow plate and wherein the first fluid distribution gallery is shaped such that the combined lengths of the first-gallery second peripheral edge portions are longer than the first-gallery first peripheral edge portion, and wherein the internal edges of the flow plate comprise edges of a hole, aperture, or port passing through the flow plate, and the external edges of the flow plate comprise an outer peripheral edge of the plate. The edges each may comprise a castellated structure (31, 32, 34).

Abstract: A coolant storage tank (1) for storing coolant in a fuel cell system (2), the coolant storage tank comprising a plurality of individually controllable heater elements (7, 8a, 8b). A coolant storage tank comprising a first heater element (7) located at a base of the coolant storage tank and a second heater element (8a) is also disclosed. A coolant storage tank comprising a first coolant storage compartment (50) in fluid communication with a second coolant storage compartment (51), the first coolant storage compartment including at least a first heater element (54) and wherein the second coolant storage compartment is unheated is also disclosed. A method of melting frozen coolant in a coolant storage tank is also disclosed.

Abstract: A coolant storage tank (1) for storing coolant in a fuel cell system (2), the coolant storage tank comprising a plurality of individually controllable heater elements (7, 8a, 8b). A coolant storage tank comprising a first heater element (7) located at a base of the coolant storage tank and a second heater element (8a) is also disclosed. A coolant storage tank comprising a first coolant storage compartment (50) in fluid communication with a second coolant storage compartment (51), the first coolant storage compartment including at least a first heater element (54) and wherein the second coolant storage compartment is unheated is also disclosed. A method of melting frozen coolant in a coolant storage tank is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fluid flow plate for an electrochemical fuel cell assembly comprises a first plurality of fluid flow channels extending across an area of the flow plate to define a flow field of the fluid flow plate. An array of first fluid transfer points is disposed along an edge of the flow field for communicating fluid into or out of the fluid flow channels. A gallery has a first peripheral edge portion bounded by the array of first fluid transfer points and at least two second peripheral edge portions each bounded by an array of second fluid transfer points disposed along fluid access edges of the fluid flow plate. The at least two second peripheral edge portions are disposed at oblique angles to the first peripheral edge portion such that the total length of the any of second fluid transfer points is at least as long as, and preferably longer than, the length of the array of first fluid transfer points.

Abstract: A fluid flow plate for an electrochemical fuel cell assembly comprises a first plurality of fluid flow channels extending across an area of the flow plate to define a flow field of the fluid flow plate. An array of first fluid transfer points is disposed along an edge of the flow field for communicating fluid into or out of the fluid flow channels. A gallery has a first peripheral edge portion bounded by the array of first fluid transfer points and at least two second peripheral edge portions each bounded by an array of second fluid transfer points disposed along fluid access edges of the fluid flow plate. The at least two second peripheral edge portions are disposed at oblique angles to the first peripheral edge portion such that the total length of the any of second fluid transfer points is at least as long as, and preferably longer than, the length of the array of first fluid transfer points.

Abstract: An electrical connection system for cell voltage monitoring in a fuel cell stack. A fuel cell stack assembly comprises a plurality of fuel cells disposed in a stacked configuration, each cell substantially parallel to an x-y plane and including an electrical tab extending laterally from an edge of a plate in the cell in the x-direction to form an array of tabs extending along a side face of the fuel cell stack in a z-direction orthogonal to the x-y plane. A connector device comprises a planar member having a plurality of spaced-apart slits formed in an edge of the planar member, each slit having an electrically conductive material on an inside face of the slit. The slits are spaced along the edge of the planar member and configured to receive the tabs by sliding engagement in the y-direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to bipolar plates for electrochemical fuel cell assemblies, and in particular to configurations of bipolar plates allowing for multiple fluid flow channels for the passage of anode, cathode and coolant fluids.

Abstract: The invention relates to bipolar plates for electrochemical fuel cell assemblies, and in particular to configurations of bipolar plates allowing for multiple fluid flow channels for the passage of anode, cathode and coolant fluids.

Abstract: A coolant storage tank (1) for storing coolant in a fuel cell system (2), the coolant storage tank comprising a plurality of individually controllable heater elements (7, 8a, 8b). A coolant storage tank comprising a first heater element (7) located at a base of the coolant storage tank and a second heater element (8a) is also disclosed. A coolant storage tank comprising a first coolant storage compartment (50) in fluid communication with a second coolant storage compartment (51), the first coolant storage compartment including at least a first heater element (54) and wherein the second coolant storage compartment is unheated is also disclosed. A method of melting frozen coolant in a coolant storage tank is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fluid flow plate having first and second fluid flow channels on a fluid flow plate with an active area of fluid flow fields having one or more arrays of fluid transfer points (301, 302, 303) disposed along an edge of the flow field for communicating fluid into or out of flow channels. A first and second distribution gallery (15, 16, 21)with peripheral edge portions bounded by the arrays including at least one pair of inlets in external edges of the fluid flow plate and wherein the first fluid distribution gallery is shaped such that the combined lengths of the first-gallery second peripheral edge portions are longer than the first-gallery first peripheral edge portion, and wherein the internal edges of the flow plate comprise edges of a hole, aperture, or port passing through the flow plate, and the external edges of the flow plate comprise an outer peripheral edge of the plate. The edges each may comprise a castellated structure (31, 32, 34).

Abstract: A coolant storage tank (1) for storing coolant in a fuel cell system (2), the coolant storage tank comprising a plurality of individually controllable heater elements (7, 8a, 8b). A coolant storage tank comprising a first heater element (7) located at a base of the coolant storage tank and a second heater element (8a) is also disclosed. A coolant storage tank comprising a first coolant storage compartment (50) in fluid communication with a second coolant storage compartment (51), the first coolant storage compartment including at least a first heater element (54) and wherein the second coolant storage compartment is unheated is also disclosed. A method of melting frozen coolant in a coolant storage tank is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fluid flow plate for an electrochemical assembly has a plurality of first fluid flow channels extending across an active area of the flow plate to define a first fluid flow field of the fluid flow plate and a plurality of second fluid flow channels extending across the active area of the flow plate to define a second fluid flow field of the fluid flow plate. An array of first fluid transfer points is disposed along an edge of the first fluid flow field for communicating fluid into or out of the first fluid flow channels. An array of second fluid transfer points is disposed along an edge of the second fluid flow field for communicating fluid into or out of the second fluid flow channels. A first fluid gallery a first peripheral edge portion bounded by the array of first fluid transfer points and has a second peripheral edge portion forming a first fluid communication edge of the fluid flow plate.

Abstract: A fluid flow plate for an electrochemical fuel cell assembly comprises a first plurality of fluid flow channels extending across an area of the flow plate to define a flow field of the fluid flow plate. An array of first fluid transfer points is disposed along an edge of the flow field for communicating fluid into or out of the fluid flow channels. A gallery has a first peripheral edge portion bounded by the array of first fluid transfer points and at least two second peripheral edge portions each bounded by an array of second fluid transfer points disposed along fluid access edges of the fluid flow plate. The at least two second peripheral edge portions are disposed at oblique angles to the first peripheral edge portion such that the total length of the any of second fluid transfer points is at least as long as, and preferably longer than, the length of the array of first fluid transfer points.

Abstract: A bipolar fluid flow plate for an electrochemical assembly comprises a plurality of first fluid flow channels extending across a face of the flow plate to define a first fluid flow field of the fluid flow plate and a plurality of second fluid flow channels extending across a face of the flow plate to define a second fluid flow field of the fluid flow plate. The pluralities of first fluid flow channels and second fluid flow channels both occupying a common channel plane. An array of first fluid transfer points is disposed along an edge of the first fluid flow field for communicating fluid into or out of the first fluid flow channels. An array of second fluid transfer points is disposed along an edge of the second fluid flow field for communicating fluid into or out of the second fluid flow channels.

Abstract: A fluid flow plate for an electrochemical fuel cell assembly comprises a first plurality of fluid flow channels extending across an area of the flow plate to define a flow field of the fluid flow plate. An array of first fluid transfer points is disposed along an edge of the flow field for communicating fluid into to or out of the fluid flow channels. A gallery has a first peripheral edge portion bounded by the array of first fluid transfer points and at least two second peripheral edge portions each bounded by an array of second fluid transfer points disposed along fluid access edges of the fluid flow plate. The at least two second peripheral edge portions are disposed at oblique angles to the first peripheral edge portion such that the total length of the array of second fluid transfer points is at least as long as, and preferably longer than, the length of the array of first fluid transfer points.