Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for fuel cell utilizing hydrogen from reforming propane fuel include a propane fuel reformer, controlling operating parameters of O2/C ratio, pressure, and catalyst temperature, and a high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell (HT-PEMFC) controlling operating parameters of pressure and temperature. For mobile application, the system includes a 3D printed reformer for generation of hydrogen rich gas.

Abstract: A method of depositing a conductive material is described. The method includes: providing a plate selected from anode plates, cathode plates, bipolar plates, or combinations thereof, wherein the plate includes gas flow channels; providing a diffusion media in contact with the gas flow channel side of the plate to form an assembly; introducing a gaseous precursor of the conductive material into the assembly using a chemical vapor infiltration process; infiltrating the gaseous precursor into the diffusion media and gas flow channels of the plates; and depositing a coating of the conductive material on the diffusion media, the gas flow channels of the plate, or both. An assembly having a CVI conductive coating and a fuel cell incorporating the diffusion media having the CVI conductive coating are also described.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for fuel cell utilizing hydrogen from reforming propane fuel include a propane fuel reformer, controlling operating parameters of O2/C ratio, pressure, and catalyst temperature, and a high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell (HT-PEMFC) controlling operating parameters of pressure and temperature. For mobile application, the system includes a 3D printed reformer for generation of hydrogen rich gas.

Abstract: Fuel cell bipolar plates are made by depositing a pinhole free corrosion resistant and/or a conductive layer on a metal plate using an atomic layer deposition method. In one embodiment, a conductive layer is deposited on an anodized metal plate using atomic layer deposition method. In another embodiment, at least one corrosion resistant metal oxide layer and at least one conductive layer are deposited on a metal plate individually using atomic layer deposition method. In yet another embodiment, a corrosion resistant and conductive metal oxynitride layer is deposited on a metal plate using an atomic layer deposition method.

Abstract: A wind energy recovery apparatus and related methods are disclosed. The apparatus is comprised of a first wind receiving member displaceable by a wind having a variable velocity, a first elastic member coupled to the first wind receiving member, and an electrical generator operatively connected to the first wind receiving member and configured to convert mechanical energy of the first wind receiving member to electrical energy. An energy storage device may be provided in communication with the electrical generator. A self-powered signal communications system including the apparatus is also disclosed. A method of identifying a site for recovering variational wind energy is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fuel cell plate having a first plate having an inlet aperture and a second plate disposed against the first forming a conduit. The conduit has a continuous seam formed between the first plate and the second plate to facilitate a transport of water to the outlet aperture. The plates can include various indentations and protuberances that form portions of the conduit. The fuel cell plate is well suited for use in a vehicle fuel cell stack for reducing water retention in a fuel cell without increasing the number of required components and fabrication cost of the fuel cell plate.

Abstract: Fuel cell bipolar plates are made by depositing a pinhole free corrosion resistant and/or a conductive layer on a metal plate using an atomic layer deposition method. In one embodiment, a conductive layer is deposited on an anodized metal plate using atomic layer deposition method. In another embodiment, at least one corrosion resistant metal oxide layer and at least one conductive layer are deposited on a metal plate individually using atomic layer deposition method. In yet another embodiment, a corrosion resistant and conductive metal oxynitride layer is deposited on a metal plate using an atomic layer deposition method.

Abstract: One embodiment disclosed includes a product comprising: a fuel cell component comprising a substrate and a first coating overlying the substrate, the coating comprising a compound comprising at least one Si—O group, at least one polar group and at least one group including a saturated or unsaturated carbon chain.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack assembly is disclosed that includes a porous member disposed within a flow path for a reactant. A fluid collection member is provided within the flow path adjacent to and in fluid communication with the porous member. The porous member and the fluid collection member cooperate to collect liquid water from the reactant flowing in the flow path, wherein the collected liquid water may be drained from the fluid collection member.

Abstract: A flow field plate for fuel cell applications includes a metal with a non-crystalline carbon layer disposed over at least a portion of the metal plate. The non-crystalline carbon layer includes an activated surface which is hydrophilic. Moreover, the flow field plate is included in a fuel cell with a minimal increase in contact resistance. Methods for forming the flow field plates are also provided.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack assembly is disclosed that includes a porous member disposed within a flow path for a reactant. A fluid collection member is provided within the flow path adjacent to and in fluid communication with the porous member. The porous member and the fluid collection member cooperate to collect liquid water from the reactant flowing in the flow path, wherein the collected liquid water may be drained from the fluid collection member.

Abstract: A fuel cell assembly is provided that includes a fluid collection member disposed in a fluid inlet for a reactant, wherein the fluid collection member militates against liquid water on an inner surface of the fluid inlet from being received by a fuel cell of the fuel cell assembly.

Abstract: A flow field plate for fuel cell applications includes a metal with a graphene-containing layer disposed over at least a portion of the metal plate. The graphene-containing layer includes an activated surface which is hydrophilic. Moreover, the flow field plate is included in a fuel cell with a minimal increase in contact resistance. Methods for forming the flow field plates are also provided.

Abstract: A product comprising a fuel cell component comprising a substrate and a coating overlying the substrate, the coating comprising nanoparticles having sizes ranging from 2 to 100 nanometers.

Abstract: A product comprising a fuel cell component comprising a substrate and a coating overlying the substrate, the coating comprising nanoparticles having sizes ranging from 2 to 100 nanometers.

Abstract: A flow field plate for fuel cell applications includes a metal with a non-crystalline carbon layer disposed over at least a portion of the metal plate. The non-crystalline carbon layer includes an activated surface which is hydrophilic. Moreover, the flow field plate is included in a fuel cell with a minimal increase in contact resistance. Methods for forming the flow field plates are also provided.

Abstract: A fuel cell assembly is disclosed that utilizes a water transport structure extending from fuel cell plates of the assembly into fuel cell assembly manifolds, wherein the water transport structure facilitates the transport of liquid water from the fuel cell plates thereby minimizing the accumulation of liquid water and ice in the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A flow field plate for fuel cell applications includes a metal with a non-crystalline carbon layer disposed over at least a portion of the metal plate. The non-crystalline carbon layer includes an activated surface which is hydrophilic. Moreover, the flow field plate is included in a fuel cell with a minimal increase in contact resistance. Methods for forming the flow field plates are also provided.

Abstract: A flow field plate or bipolar plate for a fuel cell that includes a carbide coating that makes the bipolar plate conductive, hydrophilic and stable in the fuel cell environment. Suitable carbides include, but are not limited to, chromium carbide, titanium carbide, tantalum carbide, niobium carbide and zirconium carbide. The carbide coating is then polished or textured by a suitable process, such as laser or chemical etching, to provide a surface morphology that makes the coating more hydrophilic, and further reduces the contact resistance on its surface.

Abstract: A fuel cell assembly is disclosed that utilizes a water transport structure extending from fuel cell plates of the assembly into fuel cell assembly manifolds, wherein the water transport structure facilitates the transport of liquid water from the fuel cell plates thereby minimizing the accumulation of liquid water and ice in the fuel cell stack.