Abstract: A system and method for operating a fuel cell system in a stand-by mode. The method includes determining a power limit value based on fuel cell stack and battery power optimization, where if a system power request falls below the power limit value the system will enter the stand-by mode. The system first enters a dynamic stand-by mode where the fuel cell stack is turned off and a compressor providing cathode air to the cathode side of the stack is operated at an idle speed. The method accumulates a compressor power value identifying how much energy has been consumed by operating the compressor at the idle speed during the dynamic stand-by mode, and then switches to a static stand-by mode where the compressor is turned off when the accumulated compressor power value reaches a compressor restart energy value that identifies how much energy it takes to start the compressor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing a multilayer barrier structure in a solid oxide cell stack, comprising the steps of: —providing a metal interconnect; —applying a first metal oxide layer on said metal interconnect; —applying a second metal oxide layer on top of said first metal oxide layer; —applying a third metal oxide layer on top of said second metal oxide layer; —forming a solid oxide cell stack comprising said metal interconnect having said metal oxide layers thereon; and —reacting the metal oxide in said first metal oxide layer with the metal of said metal interconnect during the SOC-stack initialization, and a solid oxide stack comprising an anode contact layer and support structure, an anode layer, an electrolyte layer, a cathode layer, a cathode contact layer, a metallic interconnect, and a multilayer barrier structure which is obtainable by the above method and through an initialization step, which is carried out under controlled conditions for atmosphere composition and current

Abstract: A fuel-cell-system providing structure is provided which is capable of preventing a collision of a fuel cell with a related apparatus of the fuel cell while suppressing the increase in weight of a vehicle. A fuel cell system provided in a vehicle includes: a fuel cell unit in which a fuel cell is contained; and a related apparatus that is electrically connected to the fuel cell and that is located adjacent to the fuel cell unit. The related apparatus is arranged at a position closer to an outer surface of the vehicle than the fuel cell unit.

Abstract: A ceramic anode structure obtainable by a process comprising the steps of: (a) providing a slurry by dispersing a powder of an electronically conductive phase and by adding a binder to the dispersion, in which said powder is selected from the group consisting of niobium-doped strontium titanate, vanadium-doped strontium titanate, tantalum-doped strontium titanate, and mixtures thereof, (b) sintering the slurry of step (a), (c) providing a precursor solution of ceria, said solution containing a solvent and a surfactant, (d) impregnating the resulting sintered structure of step (b) with the precursor solution of step (c), (e) subjecting the resulting structure of step (d) to calcination, and (f) conducting steps (d)-(e) at least once.

Abstract: Disclosed are crew rests that may be powered by the outputs of a fuel cell system or other suitable power source. For example, but not limited to, a combination of the water, oxygen-depleted air, thermal energy and/or electrical energy generated by the fuel cell system may be used to supply the crew rest with its various power and water needs, helping to make the crew rest autonomous from the aircraft's main power systems.

Abstract: Mini-fuel cells for small devices.

Abstract: An oxygen/hydrogen fuel cell including a package having, on the side of the cell intended to be exposed to air, an enclosure provided with a mobile cap; an element made of a material which deforms according to the humidity ratio in the package; circuitry for controlling the opening and the closing of the mobile cap; and a switch which opens and closes according to the deformation of said material, said switch being associated with control means.

Abstract: Provided is a mounting structure of a fuel cell system capable of withstanding a collision from the side face of a fuel cell vehicle. The fuel cell system comprises a fuel cell unit for housing a fuel cell, and a protective structure having a mounting surface for mounting the fuel cell unit. The protective structure includes sloping frames provided obliquely relative to the mounting surface at a position opposing at least one side face of the fuel cell unit. Since the protective structure has the sloping frames as the structural objects to be subjected to the impact of the collision from the side face, the protection of the entire height of the fuel cell unit is realized by the lightest structural objects.

Abstract: A method for controlling relative humidity (RH) of a cathode side of a fuel cell stack in a fuel cell system that includes an RH sensor on a cathode inlet line for providing an RH signal indicative of the RH of cathode inlet air. If the RH sensor is providing a valid RH signal, the RH signal is calculated as an RH average of the cathode inlet air. When the RH sensor is not providing a valid RH signal, the calculated RH average is utilized to control the cathode inlet air RH. If the RH sensor is not providing a valid signal during start-up, then the stack power is temporarily set at an optimum level for a known cathode inlet air RH.

Abstract: A mold for forming a porous article can include a first material having a first thermal conductivity and a second material having a second thermal conductivity different from the first thermal conductivity. The first material may be at least partially embedded within the second material and configured to create regions of different thermal conductivity in the body, such as configured to create distinct nucleation regions within a material formed within the mold. A method for forming a porous article can include providing a slurry within a mold and freeze-casting the slurry to form a porous article having a burst-like distribution of porosity. A porous article according to embodiments herein can include a burst-like distribution of porosity.

Abstract: A gas detection system is configured to detect a preset gas in a predetermined space. The gas detection system includes a gas concentration detector constructed to detect a gas concentration of the preset gas, a recording assembly, a notification module, and a decision module. When the gas concentration detected by the gas concentration detector is higher than a preset first reference value, the decision module controls the notification module to give notice. When the detected gas concentration is higher than a preset second reference value but is lower than the preset first reference value, on the other hand, the decision module controls the notification module to give no notice but record a specific piece of information into the recording assembly. This arrangement of the gas detection system enables the user to readily detect deterioration of a device utilizing a fuel, for example, fuel cells.

Abstract: A method of generating electrical power includes flowing hydrogen across an anode, splitting the hydrogen into protons and electrons using a catalyst attached to the anode, directing the electrons to a circuit to produce electrical power, flowing oxygen across a cathode, splitting the oxygen molecules into oxygen atoms using a cathode catalyst, passing the protons through an electrolyte to the cathode, and combining the protons with oxygen to form water. The cathode catalyst includes a plurality of nanoparticles having terraces formed of platinum, and corner regions and edge regions formed of a second metal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the water balance in a power unit by providing the exhaust gas from the cathode side of the fuel cell as a feed gas to the combustion system condensing at least a portion of water present in the effluent from the combustion system in a condenser, and then transferring water vapor from the uncondensed portion of the effluent from the condenser to the gas fed to the cathode side of the fuel cell. Water from the exhaust gas from the cathode side of the fuel cell is either captured in the condenser, or is reused in the feed gas of the cathode side of the fuel cell. By humidifying the air fed into system with the water vapor present in the exhaust gas, water is not lost from the system. Instead, the air is being fed into the system is humidified with this water, which in turn allows the humidifier to operated at higher temperatures and/or use smaller radiators and fans and/or draw less parasitic power, thereby increasing overall system efficiency.

Abstract: The valve control unit of a fuel leakage preventing structure of the present invention includes first and second electrodes. The first electrode is attached to a first member that is movable. When a pressing force is applied to the first member to move, the first and second electrodes are brought into contact with each other, to cause conduction. The first and second electrodes are connected to a control device, and the control device opens a control valve when the first and second electrodes are put into a conducting state. As the control valve is opened and closed by a pressing force in this manner, a fuel solution can be easily supplied.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards a method and a system for monitoring the performance of an electrochemical cell stack. Monitoring can be performed remotely by measuring the voltage across the stack, and comparing the measured values to predetermined reference values to determine the condition of the stack. Monitoring of the stack voltage enables detection of performance decay, which in turn enables preemptive repair of the stack prior to catastrophic failure.

Abstract: Organic/inorganic complex proton conductors are provided which display high proton conductivity over a wide temperature range. Electrodes for fuel cells which include the organic/inorganic complex proton conductors are also provided. The invention also advantageously provides electrolyte membranes for fuel cells including the organic/inorganic complex proton conductors, and fuel cells including the organic/inorganic complex proton conductors.

Abstract: Provided is a compressor fixation structure that can reduce the occurrence of condensation. In a fixation structure for a compressor that has an electric motor and a compression mechanism provided adjacently to the electric motor and driven by the electric motor, when forming a motor housing for the electric motor and a compression mechanism housing for the compression mechanism separately from each other, a fixation part to be fixed to an object to which the compressor is to be attached is provided in the compression mechanism housing. Consequently, the compression mechanism housing is integrated with the object, and the heat capacity of the compression mechanism including the compression mechanism housing can be assumed to be a larger capacity which includes the heat capacity of the object.

Abstract: A fuel cell system which is capable of reducing deterioration of fuel cells includes a cell stack, a CPU, a voltage detection circuit, a current detection circuit, an external air temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a concentration sensor and sonars. The CPU obtains a volume of a garage, an amount of temperature change, an amount of humidity change and an amount of methanol concentration change in external air, as well as an amount of output change in the cell stack based on detection results from the voltage detection circuit, the current detection circuit, the external air temperature sensor, the humidity sensor, the concentration sensor and the sonars. The CPU sets first through fifth duration times based on the volume of the garage and the various amounts of changes, selects the shortest duration time, and stops power generation in the cell stack when the selected duration time has passed.

Abstract: A catalyst including: a plurality of porous clusters of silver particles, each cluster of the clusters including: (a) a plurality of primary particles of silver, and (b) crystalline particles of zirconium oxide (ZrO2), wherein at least a portion of the crystalline particles of ZrO2 is located in pores formed by a surface of the plurality of primary particles of silver.

Abstract: Tube electrochemical reactor bundle or stack, having a structure, in which a plurality of tube fuel cells, formed of a dense ion conductor (electrolyte) and cathode (air electrode) laminated to an anode (fuel electrode) material having a tube structure, are electrically connected by a thin metallic wire, and an electrochemical reactor system using them are provided.

Abstract: A cassette less SOFC assembly and a method for creating such an assembly. The SOFC stack is characterized by an electrically isolated stack current path which allows welded interconnection between frame portions of the stack. In one embodiment electrically isolating a current path comprises the step of sealing a interconnect plate to a interconnect plate frame with an insulating seal. This enables the current path portion to be isolated from the structural frame an enables the cell frame to be welded together.

Abstract: A process for producing the porous catalyst body for decomposing hydrocarbons, the body containing at least magnesium, aluminum and nickel, and has a pore volume of 0.01 to 0.5 cm3/g, an average pore diameter of not more than 3006 ? and an average crushing strength of not less than 3 kgf. The process includes molding hydrotalcite containing at least magnesium, aluminum and nickel, and calcining the resulting molded product at a temperature of 700 to 1500° C.

Abstract: In one example embodiment, a core-shell type platinum-containing catalyst is allowed to reduce the amount of used platinum and has high catalytic activity and stability. In one example embodiment, the core-shell type platinum-containing catalyst includes a core particle (with an average particle diameter R1) made of a non-platinum element and a platinum shell layer (with an average thickness ts) satisfying 1.4 nm?R1?3.5 nm and 0.25 nm?ts?0.9 nm. The core particle includes an element satisfying Eout?3.0 eV, where average binding energy relative to the Fermi level of 5d orbital electrons of platinum present on an outermost surface of the shell layer is Eout. In a fuel cell including a platinum-containing catalyst which contains a Ru particle as a core particle, the output density at a current density of 300 mA/cm2 is 70 mW/cm2 or over, and an output retention ratio is approximately 90% or over.

Abstract: A regenerative fuel cell is provided by the present invention. In the methods and systems described herein, a source of fuel is partially oxidized to release protons and electrons, without total oxidation to carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide. The partially oxidized fuel can be regenerated, by reduction, when the fuel cell is reversed. Other variations of the invention provide a convenient system for hydrogen storage, including steps for both release and recapture of hydrogen.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a hydrogen path for supplying odorant-added hydrogen to the fuel cell, an estimating unit to estimate the depositing of the odorant in the fuel cell, and control unit to heat the fuel cell up to a temperature at which at least part of the odorant deposited in the fuel cell evaporates when the depositing of the odorant is estimated.

Abstract: A hybrid fuel cell system comprising a high temperature fuel cell having an anode section and a cathode section, a gas turbine comprising a compressor cycle for compressing a supply gas and an expansion cycle for expanding one of heated compressed supply gas and a second gas derived from the compressed supply gas to provide mechanical energy to an induction machine, and an induction machine for converting mechanical energy to electrical energy and adapted to output an electrical output.

Abstract: An air compressor as a fluid compressor includes: a suction port and a delivery port provided at upper and lower portions, respectively, of a pump chamber; a suction passage in communication with the inside of the pump chamber via the suction port; a delivery passage in communication with the inside of the pump chamber via the delivery port; and a driving rotor and a driven rotor provided in the pump chamber. At least a part of the suction passage is located below the suction port.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to the use of gas clathrates. More particularly, this disclosure relates to systems, methods, and apparatuses related to the use of gas clathrates as a fuel source for automobiles. The gas clathrates may first be dissociated into at least one gas and the at least one gas delivered to the prime mover of a vehicle or the gas clathrates may be directly utilized by the prime mover as a fuel source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel proton-conducting polymer membrane based on polyazoles which can, owing to its excellent chemical and thermal properties, be used for a variety of purposes and is particularly suitable as a polymer-electrolyte membrane (PEM) for the production of membrane electrode units for so-called PEM fuel cells.

Abstract: Ingestible event marker systems that include an ingestible event marker (i.e., an IEM) and a personal signal receiver are provided. Embodiments of the IEM include an identifier, which may or may not be present in a physiologically acceptable carrier. The identifier is characterized by being activated upon contact with a target internal physiological site of a body, such as digestive tract internal target site. The personal signal receiver is configured to be associated with a physiological location, e.g., inside of or on the body, and to receive a signal the IEM. During use, the IEM broadcasts a signal which is received by the personal signal receiver.

Abstract: A fuel cell system for generating a hydrogen test pulse includes a fuel cell stack having an anode inlet in fluid communication with a hydrogen source via a fuel spending line, a cathode inlet in fluid communication with an oxidant source, and an anode outlet and a cathode outlet in fluid communication with an exhaust line. An electric pressure regulator is in fluid communication with the fuel spending line. An overpressure valve is in fluid communication with an overpressure line, which is in fluid communication with the fuel spending line between the electric pressure regulator and the fuel cell stack. A hydrogen sensor is in communication with the exhaust line, and is configured to measure the hydrogen test pulse.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed at a method and apparatus for controlling fuel cell operating characteristics. In certain situations, the operating efficiency of fuel cells is degraded to external conditions. Providing a method and apparatus to control operating conditions for the fuel cell assists in improving the operating efficiency. This can be achieved by controlling certain environmental conditions, such as temperature and relatively humidity, in the area surrounding the fuel cell.

Abstract: A fuel cell may be used to supplement power sources for aircraft equipment. A fuel cell to provide electrical power in an aircraft may include a replaceable fuel source, an information output, and a power output to output power to a line replaceable unit of the aircraft. A method of supplementing electrical power in an aircraft may include providing a fuel cell in the aircraft, the fuel cell comprising a replaceable fuel cartridge and a replaceable by-product cartridge, and supplementing an electrical power system of the aircraft with power generated by the fuel cell by outputting power.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus of reacting reaction components. The method comprises electro-chemically reacting reaction components on opposite sides of at least one membrane with at least one catalyst encompassing a respective volume. In another embodiment, the method includes conducting electrolysis, such as electrolysis of water. The apparatus includes at least one membrane with first and second sides encompassing a respective volume. The apparatus further includes at least one catalyst coupled to the first and second sides to electro-chemically react reaction components on the first and second sides in gaseous communication with the at least one catalyst, and a cover coupled to the at least one membrane to separate flow paths on the first and second sides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel proton-conducting polymer membrane based on polyazoles which can, owing to its excellent chemical and thermal properties, be used for a variety of purposes and is particularly suitable as a polymer-electrolyte membrane (PEM) for the production of membrane electrode units for so-called PEM fuel cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a production method for a support type ceramic membrane using tape casting, wherein, when producing a multifunctional membrane comprising a membrane structure such as a general electrochemical device or electrolysis cell or fuel cell, a dense-structure coating membrane or porous functional (separation) membrane is produced on one or more surfaces of a porous support.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide methods for testing a fuel cell interconnect including the steps of providing a fuel cell interconnect and performing a non-destructive test on the fuel cell interconnect comprising at least one of detecting a magnetic response of the interconnect, calculating a volume by optically illuminating the interconnect, detecting an acoustic response of the interconnect, and detecting a thermal response of the interconnect.

Abstract: A process for the production of dihydrogen from hydrogenated silicon by bringing the hydrogenated silicon into contact with an alkaline solution. Devices of the fuel cell type using this hydrogen production method are also described.

Abstract: A fuel cell system including a fuel cell that receives a supply of an anode gas and a cathode gas and generates power is provided. The fuel cell system includes a water content calculation unit configured to calculate a water content of the fuel cell, an internal impedance calculation unit configured to calculate an internal impedance of the fuel cell, and a starting temperature calculation unit configured to calculate a fuel cell temperature at a start of the system, based on the water content of the fuel cell as of a last time the system was stopped, and the internal impedance of the fuel cell at the start of the system.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to substrates for making polymers and methods for making polymers. The present invention also relates generally to polymers and devices comprising the same.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present methods may be used to produce energy in the form of an electrical current from water without the use of fossil fuel. Silicon hydride is very easy to make. This procedure in conjunction with an enzyme to produce hydrogen gas for fuel cells and other small devices. In fuel cells the production of protons may be bypassed, and an oxidant such as permanganate or oxygen from air may be used to drive the fuel cells. In such an embodiment, an intermediate reaction may not be needed to produce protons. In one embodiment, membrane-less laminar flow fuel cells with an external grid for oxygen supply from the air may be used.

Abstract: A fuel cell system has an oxidizer gas flow rate adjuster that adjusts a flow rate of oxidizer gas of the fuel cell stack and a controller that determines a humidity state in the fuel cell stack. The controller has an average cell voltage calculator that calculates an average cell voltage, a minimum cell voltage calculator that calculates a minimum cell value, a voltage difference calculator that calculates a voltage difference between the average cell voltage and the minimum cell voltage, and a voltage comparator that compares the absolute voltage difference with a preset value. The flow rate of the oxidizer gas is changed based on a comparison between the absolute voltage difference and the preset value, and then the humidity state in the fuel cell stack is determined based on a change in the absolute voltage difference.

Abstract: A cell for a fuel cell, having an electric power generation region in which an assembly 12 and first and second gas diffusion layers 14 are laminated to enable electric power generation, and a manifold region which is formed at the periphery of the electric power generation region and in which manifold openings 18 are formed to allow the passage of a gas or the like, wherein one of the first and second gas diffusion layers 14 extends to the manifold region, and a peripheral edge portion 14c is hermetically sealed by impregnation with a liquid resin that is used for forming a gasket 16 around the periphery of the manifold opening 18. The porosity of a boundary portion 14b of the first and second gas diffusion layers 14 is smaller than the porosity of the electric power generation region 14a and the peripheral edge portion 14c.

Abstract: A system includes utilizes optical sensors arranged within or on portions of an electrochemical energy device (e.g., a rechargeable Li-ion battery, supercapacitor or fuel cell) to measure operating parameters (e.g., mechanical strain and/or temperature) of the electrochemical energy device during charge/recharge cycling. The measured parameter data is transmitted by way of light signals along optical fibers to a controller, which converts the light signals to electrical data signal using a light source/analyzer. A processor then extracts temperature and strain data features from the data signals, and utilizes a model-based process to detect intercalation stage changes (i.e., characteristic crystalline structure changes caused by certain concentrations of guest species, such as Li-ions, within the electrode material of the electrochemical energy device) indicated by the data features. The detected intercalation stage changes are used to generate highly accurate operating state information (e.g.

Abstract: A cathode for use in a direct oxidation fuel cell (DOFC) comprises a gas diffusion medium (GDM) including a backing layer and a microporous layer comprising a fluoropolymer and an electrically conductive material, wherein loading of the fluoropolymer in the microporous layer is in the range from about 10 to about 60 wt. %. In use, a concentrated solution of a liquid fuel is supplied to an anode and an oxidant to the cathode of the fuel cell, and the fuel cell may be operated at a low oxidant stoichiometry ?c not greater than about 2.5.

Abstract: An interconnector material having a high degree of densification, a unit cell for a solid oxide fuel cell that has a high degree of gas tightness at the contact interface between the electrolyte and the interconnector, and a solid oxide fuel cell having superior reliability are provided in an inexpensive manner. A material for a solid oxide fuel cell interconnector, comprising (SrxE1-x)TiO3 (wherein x satisfies 0.01?x?0.5, and E represents one or more elements selected from the group consisting of La, Pr, Nd, Sm and Gd) and Al2O3, wherein the Al2O3 content relative to the (SrxE1-x)TiO3 is not less than 2 mol % and not more than 10 mol %.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for boosting overall performance of a fuel cell while simultaneously separating a nearly pure stream of CO2 for sequestration or for use in generating electrical power to further increase overall efficiency of the process. The system and method employ a heat exchanger system configured to generate a stream of fuel that is returned to the inlet of the fuel cell anode with a higher molar concentration of carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H2) fuel than was initially present in the fuel cell anode outlet.

Abstract: A method of fuelling an intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cell comprises providing a fuel rich in carbon monoxide to an anode region, after the fuel has contacted a water gas shift reaction catalyst in the region of the anode, so that the water gas shift reaction occurs due to the presence of residual water in the fuel, and/or steam produced at the anode. A fuel cell assembly comprises a gas impermeable electrolyte between an anode and a cathode, first means for the supply of oxidant to the cathode, and second means for the supply of fuel to the anode that comprises a water gas shift reaction catalyst to catalyse the water gas shift reaction between carbon monoxide in the fuel and water/steam occurring as a residual in the fuel or from the reaction at the anode. A method also applies a catalyst to a metal substrate by ink-jet printing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel proton-conducting polymer membrane based on polyazoles which can, owing to its excellent chemical and thermal properties, be used for a variety of purposes and is particularly suitable as a polymer-electrolyte membrane (PEM) for the production of membrane electrode units for so-called PEM fuel cells.

Abstract: A solid catalyst having a close-packed structure has basic structural units present in the surface of the solid catalyst, the basic structural units including (i) a triangular lattice constituted of atoms of platinum, ruthenium, and at least one additional element which are disposed at the vertexes in the triangular lattice so that each atom of one of the elements adjoins atoms of the other elements or (ii) a rhombic lattice constituted of atoms of platinum, ruthenium, and at least one additional element which are disposed at the vertexes in the rhombic lattice in an atomic ratio of 1:2:1 so that each ruthenium atom directly adjoins a platinum atom and an atom of the additional element; and a fuel cell includes either of the solid catalyst as an anode-side electrode catalyst.