Abstract: The present application describes methods of reducing caking in and improving the flowability of a powdered material. The methods generally involve adding a naturally-derived additive to the powdered material that is capable of reducing caking within the powdered material, while also improving the flowability of the powdered material. For example, following treatment with the naturally-derived additive, the treated powdered materials generally demonstrate reduced overall caking and crust thickness. In some of the methods described herein, the naturally-derived additive belongs to the saponin class of chemicals. In other of the methods described herein, the naturally-derived additive is potassium cocoate. The present application also describes food additive formulations that include a saponin or potassium cocoate and demonstrate reduced caking and improved flowability of a granulated foodstuff.

Abstract: The invention relates to thermal management systems for devices that generate heat, including electronic devices such as portable electronics, for example, cell phones, electronic components, and/or battery systems. A multilayer phase change material composite structure may include multiple layers having different properties. For example, a PCM material composite layer may include a supporting structure having pores and a phase change material. Further, a layer of fire retardant material may be used in the multilayer phase change material. In some embodiments, additional layers such as coatings, thermal interface materials, and/or high thermal conductivity material may be present. A matrix formed from a porous supporting structure and a phase change material may be used to control and/or dissipate heat in a thermal management system. Support elements may provide stability.

Abstract: A microporous layer for use in a fuel cell includes a first carbon black having carboxyl groups at a concentration less than 0.1 mmol per gram of carbon, a hydrophobic additive and a hydrophilic additive. A method for producing a membrane electrode assembly includes preparing a microporous layer ink, applying the microporous layer ink to a first side of a gas diffusion substrate, sintering the gas diffusion substrate to form a gas diffusion layer having a first side with a microporous layer, and thermally bonding the first side of the gas diffusion layer to an electrode layer. The microporous layer ink includes a suspension medium, a first carbon black having carboxyl groups at a concentration less than 0.1 mmol per gram of carbon, a hydrophobic additive and a hydrophilic additive.

Abstract: An illustrative fuel cell component includes a body that has a plurality of first pores. The first pores have a first pore size. A fluorinated carbon coating is on at least some of the body. The coating establishes a plurality of second pores in a coated portion of the body. The second pores have a second pore size that is smaller than the first pore size.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining and/or monitoring a thermal state of charge or melt fraction of phase change material in a battery system. The battery system includes a plurality of electrochemical cell elements, a supply of a phase change material in thermal contact with the plurality of electrochemical cell elements, and a battery management system that monitors a thermal storage capacity of the phase change material and automatically controls a power of the plurality of electrochemical cell elements as a function of the thermal storage capacity of the phase change material. The battery management system automatically adjusts a power output of the plurality of electrochemical cell elements as a function of the thermal storage capacity of the phase change material to provide a heat output within a predetermined safe temperature limit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining and/or monitoring a thermal state of charge or melt fraction of phase change material in a battery system. The battery system includes a plurality of electrochemical cell elements, a supply of a phase change material in thermal contact with the plurality of electrochemical cell elements, and a battery management system that monitors a thermal storage capacity of the phase change material and automatically controls a power of the plurality of electrochemical cell elements as a function of the thermal storage capacity of the phase change material. The battery management system automatically adjusts a power output of the plurality of electrochemical cell elements as a function of the thermal storage capacity of the phase change material to provide a heat output within a predetermined safe temperature limit.

Abstract: A thermal management composite, comprising a phase change material within a carbon or graphite matrix. The matrix is coated with a polymer coating to improve flexibility. The matrix can be a molded carbon or graphite material or a carbon or graphite cloth.

Abstract: An illustrative example fuel cell component assembly includes a gas diffusion layer having a gas diffusion layer surface on one side. A microporous layer adjacent the gas diffusion layer includes a first portion having a first density and a second portion having a second density that is lower than the first density. The first portion and the second portion are arranged in a preselected pattern along the microporous layer. The first portion contacts a first section of the gas diffusion layer surface and the second portion contacts a second section of the gas diffusion layer surface.

Abstract: A thermal management composite, comprising a phase change material within a carbon or graphite matrix. The matrix is coated with a polymer coating to improve flexibility. The matrix can be a molded carbon or graphite material or a carbon or graphite cloth.

Abstract: A system and method of using the system is provided for cooling a building space through the use of thermal storage and release of energy by charging and discharging a phase change material comprising low temperature wax.

Abstract: A thermal management composite, comprising a phase change material within a carbon or graphite matrix. The matrix is coated with a polymer coating to improve flexibility. The matrix can be a molded carbon or graphite material or a carbon or graphite cloth.

Abstract: An exemplary fuel cell component comprises a porous plate. A vapor permeable layer is provided on at least one portion of the porous plate. The vapor permeable layer is configured to permit vapor to pass through the layer while resisting liquid passage through the layer.

Abstract: An illustrative example fuel cell component assembly includes a gas diffusion layer having a gas diffusion layer surface on one side. A microporous layer adjacent the gas diffusion layer includes a first portion having a first density and a second portion having a second density that is lower than the first density. The first portion and the second portion are arranged in a preselected pattern along the microporous layer. The first portion contacts a first section of the gas diffusion layer surface and the second portion contacts a second section of the gas diffusion layer surface.

Abstract: An illustrative fuel cell component includes a body that has a plurality of first pores. The first pores have a first pore size. A fluorinated carbon coating is on at least some of the body. The coating establishes a plurality of second pores in a coated portion of the body. The second pores have a second pore size that is smaller than the first pore size.

Abstract: A thermal management composite, comprising a phase change material within a carbon or graphite matrix. The matrix is coated with a polymer coating to improve flexibility. The matrix can be a molded carbon or graphite material or a carbon or graphite cloth.

Abstract: A microporous layer for use in a fuel cell includes a first carbon black having carboxyl groups at a concentration less than 0.1 mmol per gram of carbon, a hydrophobic additive and a hydrophilic additive. A method for producing a membrane electrode assembly includes preparing a microporous layer ink, applying the microporous layer ink to a first side of a gas diffusion substrate, sintering the gas diffusion substrate to form a gas diffusion layer having a first side with a microporous layer, and thermally bonding the first side of the gas diffusion layer to an electrode layer. The microporous layer ink includes a suspension medium, a first carbon black having carboxyl groups at a concentration less than 0.1 mmol per gram of carbon, a hydrophobic additive and a hydrophilic additive.

Abstract: An exemplary fuel cell component comprises a porous plate. A vapor permeable layer is provided on at least one portion of the porous plate. The vapor permeable layer is configured to permit vapor to pass through the layer while resisting liquid passage through the layer.