Abstract: A method for detecting leakage of a reducing fluid throughout an electrolyte membrane of an electrochemical cell is provided. The method includes the following consecutive steps: supplying the cell with anode and cathode streams; brisk and controlled variation of at least one of the following parameters: the pressure of the anode stream in the anode channel, the pressure of the cathode stream in the cathode channel, the flow rate of the anode stream into the anode channel, the flow rate of the cathode stream into the cathode channel, and the strength of the current exchanged between the two sides of the membrane; measurement of a first reducing fluid concentration in a first stream, including the cathode stream leaving the cathode channel; and deducing the presence or absence of leakage on the basis of the variation in the first measured concentration of reducing fluid over time. A corresponding fuel cell system is also provided.

Abstract: A power-generating system is provided including a fluid-tight chamber and an electricity-generating assembly arranged in the chamber, the electricity-generating assembly comprising a fuel cell for generating power by means of an oxidation-reduction reaction between an oxidizer and a fuel, and a supply system for supplying oxidizer and fuel to the fuel cell, the power-generating system also including a heat-control system including a cold source and a hot source, and a heat-transport fluid circuit that is configured to control the temperature of the electricity-generating assembly by exchanging heat with the cold source and the hot source.

Abstract: A method for detecting leakage of a reducing fluid throughout an electrolyte membrane of an electrochemical cell is provided. The method includes the following consecutive steps: supplying the cell with anode and cathode streams; abrupt and controlled variation of at least one of the following parameters: the pressure of the anode stream in the anode channel, the pressure of the cathode stream in the cathode channel, the flow rate of the anode stream into the anode channel, the flow rate of the cathode stream into the cathode channel, and the strength of the current exchanged between the two sides of the membrane; measurement of a first reducing fluid concentration in a first stream, including the cathode stream leaving the cathode channel; and deducing the presence or absence of leakage on the basis of the variation in the first measured concentration of reducing fluid over time. A corresponding fuel cell system is also provided.

Abstract: A power-generating system is provided including a fluid-tight chamber and an electricity-generating assembly arranged in the chamber, the electricity-generating assembly comprising a fuel cell for generating power by means of an oxidation-reduction reaction between an oxidizer and a fuel, and a supply system for supplying oxidizer and fuel to the fuel cell, the power-generating system also including a heat-control system including a cold source and a hot source, and a heat-transport fluid circuit that is configured to control the temperature of the electricity-generating assembly by exchanging heat with the cold source and the hot source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (10) for storing and restoring electrical energy comprising a chamber (100) in which water electrolysis means (110), a fuel cell (120), and monitoring/control means (130) for monitoring the operation of said device (10) in the fuel cell mode or the electrolyzer mode are arranged. Connection means (141) enable said chamber (110) to be connected to storage means (210) for storing dihydrogen (H2), which are outside of said chamber (110).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (10) for storing and restoring electrical energy comprising a chamber (100) in which water electrolysis means (110), a fuel cell (120), and monitoring/control means (130) for monitoring the operation of said device (10) in the fuel cell mode or the electrolyzer mode are arranged. Connection means (141) enable said chamber (110) to be connected to storage means (210) for storing dihydrogen (H2), which are outside of said chamber (110).

Abstract: The tightening clamps are multifunctional and ensure the transmission of the electric current generated by the fuel cell stack, the insulation of the different ducts and passage openings of the operation fluid of the fuel cell stack, and the tightening of the stack itself. Each clamp comprises a single part, the upper surface and the side surfaces of which, except for the conductors, are coated with an insulating material. Similarly, the supply and discharge openings (23) are also insulated. However, the tightening surface (29) is at least coated with a conductive deposit on a predetermined area corresponding to the conducting areas of the upper surface of the end of the stack. The invention can be used in PEM (“Proton Exchange Membrane”) fuel cells.

Abstract: The invention makes it possible to provide a seal at the level of the contact between each membrane-electrode element (1) with the supply plates (10). Sealing means produced either by means of a densification layer (20) or by means of a microporous material for forming the diffusion layers (3B, 4B), are arranged in the diffusion layers (3B, 4B) of the anode (3) and the cathode (4), respectively, opposite the open surface of the cooling channel (15) of each supply plate (10). Application in PEM fuel cells.