Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a system (5) comprising a plurality of power converters (20-1 to 20-n) configured, via a processing device (30), to balance heat from a plurality of fuel cell stacks (10-1 to 10-n).

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a system (5) comprising a plurality of power converters (20-1 to 20-n) configured, via a processing device (30), to balance heat from a plurality of fuel cell stacks (10-1 to 10-n).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are aspects of an adaptive purge technique for purging fuel cells adjusts the time delay between subsequent purges based in part on one or more parameters of the fuel cells. A difference between two like parameters is measured before and after actuation of a valve used to permit entry of a purge gas. The degree of difference between the two parameters is used to determine a time delay, i.e., a time at which the valve should again be actuated to permit the next purge of the fuel cell. In additional to the time delay, the parameters may be used to determine a time interval, or duration, in which the valve is actuated to remain open during a purge event.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides fuel cell units formed from a plurality of flow plate assemblies disposed in a stack configuration, with adjacent flow plate assemblies in the stack configuration disposed at an offset angle relative to each other. Fuel cell stacks can be formed from a plurality of the fuel cell units placed into a stack aligned with each other with no offset. The present disclosure also provides for methods of forming the fuel cell units, fuel cell stacks, and fuel cell systems containing the former.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides fuel cell units formed from a plurality of flow plate assemblies disposed in a stack configuration, with adjacent flow plate assemblies in the stack configuration disposed at an offset angle relative to each other. Fuel cell stacks can be formed from a plurality of the fuel cell units placed into a stack aligned with each other with no offset. The present disclosure also provides for methods of forming the fuel cell units, fuel cell stacks, and fuel cell systems containing the former.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides fuel cell units formed from a plurality of flow plate assemblies disposed in a stack configuration, with adjacent flow plate assemblies in the stack configuration disposed at an offset angle relative to each other. Fuel cell stacks can be formed from a plurality of the fuel cell units placed into a stack aligned with each other with no offset. The present disclosure also provides for methods of forming the fuel cell units, fuel cell stacks, and fuel cell systems containing the former.

Abstract: A fuel cell exhaust processing unit for consuming fuel in the exhaust flow of a main fuel cell module comprising a fuel cell assembly configured to receive the exhaust flow from an anode flow path of the main fuel cell module, the fuel cell assembly electrically connected and configured to consume fuel remaining in the exhaust flow from the main fuel cell module to a predetermined level before the exhaust flow exits the unit.

Abstract: A fishing lure having planar sides is provided. The fishing lure having substantially planar sides such that the fishing lure can be made to dart and stop by a user while maintaining the lure's position in the water column. The fishing lure may also include chambers for weights and attractants or any combination thereof. The fishing lure may also include a user-flexible tail that allows a user to control motion within the fishing column.

Abstract: A method of shutting down operation of a fuel cell system is disclosed, comprising a fuel cell stack, the method comprising the sequential steps of: i) ceasing a supply of fuel to the fuel cell stack; ii) closing a shut-off valve on an exhaust line in fluid communication with a cathode system of the fuel cell system, the cathode system comprising a cathode fluid flow path passing through the fuel cell stack; iii) pressurizing the cathode system with an air compressor in fluid communication with a cathode air inlet port in the fuel cell stack; and iv) ejecting water from the cathode flow path.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack including a plurality of fuel cells, each end of the fuel cell stack having a heater plate disposed between a current collector plate and an end plate, each heater plate being thermally insulated from a respective end plate, wherein each heater plate comprises a heating element in the form of an electrically conductive track; and, wherein the heater plate comprises a pair of terminals extending from an edge of the heater plate, the terminals being separated by an air gap.

Abstract: A method of starting operation of a fuel cell system which includes at least a fuel cell stack the method includes opening an anode inlet valve to allow fuel to enter an anode volume of the fuel cell stack; then operating an air compressor in fluid communication with a cathode air inlet of the fuel cell stack to allow air to enter a cathode volume of the fuel cell stack monitoring the temperature of the cathode inlet and/or outlet operating a water injection system to inject water into the cathode volume once the temperature of fluid passing through the cathode inlet and/or outlet exceeds a preset level, wherein a current drawn from the fuel cell stack is limited to prevent a voltage measured across one or more cells in the fuel cell stack from falling below a first voltage threshold.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a fuel cell system comprising a fuel cell stack and an electrical control unit configured to adjust operating parameters of the fuel cell stack to optimize operation of the fuel cell system based on a standard deviation of voltage outputs from a plurality of cells in the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A method of starting operation of a fuel cell system which includes at least a fuel cell stack the method includes opening an anode inlet valve to allow fuel to enter an anode volume of the fuel cell stack; then operating an air compressor in fluid communication with a cathode air inlet of the fuel cell stack to allow air to enter a cathode volume of the fuel cell stack monitoring the temperature of the cathode inlet and/or outlet operating a water injection system to inject water into the cathode volume once the temperature of fluid passing through the cathode inlet and/or outlet exceeds a preset level, wherein a current drawn from the fuel cell stack is limited to prevent a voltage measured across one or more cells in the fuel cell stack from falling below a first voltage threshold.

Abstract: A method of shutting down operation of a fuel cell system is disclosed, comprising a fuel cell stack, the method comprising the sequential steps of: i) ceasing a supply of fuel to the fuel cell stack; ii) closing a shut-off valve on an exhaust line in fluid communication with a cathode system of the fuel cell system, the cathode system comprising a cathode fluid flow path passing through the fuel cell stack; iii) pressurizing the cathode system with an air compressor in fluid communication with a cathode air net port in the fuel cell stack; and iv) ejecting water from the cathode flow path.

Abstract: An electrochemical fuel cell having an anode, an ion transfer membrane and a cathode has liquid water delivered to the fluid flow channels within the cathode so as to maintain a relative humidity of 100% throughout the fluid flow channels. A calibration method and apparatus is described for determining an optimum quantity or range of quantities of liquid water to be delivered to the cathode fluid flow channels under varying operating conditions. An operating method and apparatus is described that ensures an optimum quantity of liquid water is delivered to the cathode fluid flow channels under varying operating conditions.

Abstract: A method of shutting down operation of a fuel cell system comprising a fuel cell stack, the method comprising the sequential steps of: i) ceasing a supply of fuel to the fuel cell stack; ii) closing a shut-off valve on an exhaust line in fluid communication with a cathode system of the fuel cell system, the cathode system comprising a cathode fluid flow path passing through the fuel cell stack; iii) pressurising the cathode system with an air compressor in fluid communication with a cathode air inlet port in the fuel cell stack; and iv) ejecting water from the cathode flow path.

Abstract: A fuel cell assembly provides for the delivery of fluid into a channel of a fluid flow field plate in alternating flow directions through the channel for delivery of the fluid to a membrane-electrode assembly. The fuel cell includes a fluid flow field plate having a channel for delivery of fluid to a membrane-electrode assembly, the channel having a first inlet/outlet port communicating therewith and a second inlet/outlet port communicating therewith; and a fluid delivery system connected to the fluid flow field plate adapted for bi-directional delivery of fluid into the channel of the fluid flow field plate.

Abstract: An electrochemical fuel cell having an anode, an ion transfer membrane and a cathode has liquid water delivered to the fluid flow channels within the cathode so as to maintain a relative humidity of 100% throughout the fluid flow channels. A calibration method and apparatus is described for determining an optimum quantity or range of quantities of liquid water to be delivered to the cathode fluid flow channels under varying operating conditions. An operating method and apparatus is described that ensures an optimum quantity of liquid water is delivered to the cathode fluid flow channels under varying operating conditions.

Abstract: An electrochemical fuel cell having an anode, an ion transfer membrane and a cathode has liquid water delivered to the fluid flow channels within the cathode so as to maintain a relative humidity of 100% throughout the fluid flow channels. A calibration method and apparatus is described for determining an optimum quantity or range of quantities of liquid water to be delivered to the cathode fluid flow channels under varying operating conditions. An operating method and apparatus is described that ensures an optimum quantity of liquid water is delivered to the cathode fluid flow channels under varying operating conditions.

Abstract: A method of shutting down operation of a fuel cell system comprising a fuel cell stack, the method comprising the sequential steps of: i) ceasing a supply of fuel to the fuel cell stack; ii) closing a shut-off valve on an exhaust line in fluid communication with a cathode system of the fuel cell system, the cathode system comprising a cathode fluid flow path passing through the fuel cell stack; iii) pressurising the cathode system with an air compressor in fluid communication with a cathode air inlet port in the fuel cell stack; and iv) ejecting water from the cathode flow path.