Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel-cell power generation part containing a fuel electrode, a solid electrolyte and an air electrode, and a heat-exchange chamber configured to cool a gas emitted from the fuel-cell power generation part to thereby form water. A power generation reaction using a fuel yields electric power and water in the fuel-cell power generation part. The electric power is utilized as driving force typically for an electrical apparatus. A gas containing the water as vapor undergoes heat exchange and condensation to thereby form water in the heat-exchange chamber. The formed water remains inside the heat-exchange chamber without leaking out. The fuel cell system is free from deteriorated performance and uncomfortable feeling in use and can easily and reliably recover the water.

Abstract: In the operation of a fuel cell of a fuel cell system, water contained in the exhaust gas is stored in a water tank. The water tank has means for discharging the water in increments or portions. For example, the water can exit as droplets through the porous floor surface of the water tank, and be carried off by the driving wind while the vehicle is driving; or it can be collected at a wall of a water tank and fed into lines, returning it to the exhaust gas flow as droplets.

Abstract: Provided is a fuel cell system that include at least one fuel cell stack and at least one Venturi pump. The Venturi pump has a main inlet, a main outlet, and a secondary inlet. A main stream flows into the Venturi pump through the main inlet, and is mixed with a secondary stream, which flows into the Venturi pump through the secondary inlet. The fuel cell system of the present invention can include a carbon dioxide separator for separating water or fuel from exhaust outputted from the fuel cell stack, and a mixer for mixing fuel with water. In one embodiment, the Venturi pump can be installed between the carbon dioxide and the mixer. In another embodiment, the Venturi pump can be installed between the fuel cell stack and the carbon dioxide separator. In still another embodiment, the Venturi pump can be installed between the mixer and the fuel cell stack. More than one Venturi pump can be installed in the fuel cell system of the present invention.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack that generates electricity by an electrochemical reaction using a fuel gas; an insulating first passage member through which produced water that is produced by the electrochemical reaction in the fuel cell stack and off-gas that is discharged from the fuel cell stack pass; a conductive second passage member that is connected to the first passage member; and a produced water flow disrupting portion that is provided on the first passage member and breaks up or stops the flow of the produced water that is introduced from an inside wall of the first passage member to the second passage member.

Abstract: A fuel cell system is described that enables discharge of moisture generated by the fuel cell system based on pressure differences between components of the fuel cell system. The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell that discharges oxidant offgas via a cathode discharge pipe and discharges fuel offgas and moisture to an anode drain opening that in turn discharges the fuel offgas and the moisture to a gas-liquid separator via an anode drainpipe. A throttle valve establishes a pressure difference downstream within the anode drainpipe to enable movement of the fuel offgas and the moisture from the anode drain opening to a lower pressure area of the gas-liquid separator. In addition, the pressure difference enables the fuel offgas to flow from the gas-liquid separator to the cathode discharge pipe through the throttle valve.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack that receives a cathode feed gas and has an exhaust stream and a heat transfer stream flowing therefrom. A charge-air heat exchanger enables heat transfer between the heat transfer stream and the cathode feed gas. The charge-air heat exchanger also enables heat transfer between the heat transfer stream and the cathode feed gas to compensate for the adiabatic cooling effect. Furthermore, the charge-air heat exchanger vaporizes the liquid water to provide water vapor. The water vapor humidifies the cathode feed gas.

Abstract: To provide a fuel cell vehicle capable of reducing power consumption during a time of stopping of the vehicle. The fuel cell vehicle includes a scavenging execution determination unit 411 which determines whether or not to carry out scavenging; an ISU 40 including a microcomputer 41 installed on the scavenging execution determination unit 411. The fuel cell vehicle further includes an electrical supply circuit 43, in which, at a time of start-up by an alarm clock 46, the ISU 40 is booted, and in a case in which it is determined by the scavenging execution determination unit 411 that scavenging is to be carried out, the circuit 43 supplies electricity to the relay unit 36; and in a case in which it is determined by the scavenging execution determination unit 411 that scavenging is not to be carried out, it does not supply electricity to the relay unit 36.

Abstract: A waterless power generator, particularly a waterless electrical power generator and a passively controlled process for producing electricity with a fuel cell using stoichiometric amounts of a solid hydrogen fuel and byproduct water vapor produced by the fuel cell to generate hydrogen gas. A fuel cell reaction of hydrogen and oxygen produces electrical energy as well as by-product water which diffuses back into the power generator as water vapor to react with the hydrogen fuel, producing more hydrogen gas. This generated hydrogen gas is then used as a fuel which allows the fuel cell to generate additional electrical power and additional water. The process runs without any attached water source or water supply other than the water which is produced by the fuel cells themselves.

Abstract: A power generator has a hydrogen flow path through which moisture is induced to flow to a hydrogen-containing fuel that reacts with the moisture to produce hydrogen. The moisture passes to the hydrogen flow path through a water exchange membrane from a water vapor flow path. A fuel cell between the hydrogen flow path and the water vapor flow path reacts with the hydrogen in the hydrogen flow path to produce electricity, and to also principally produce the moisture in the water vapor flow path.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell includes an anode, a cathode including a gas diffusion electrode and having first and second surfaces, an inlet for gaseous oxidant that is in contact with the first surface of the cathode, and a liquid electrolyte. Water generated at the cathode may be transported by osmosis into the liquid electrolyte. The fuel cell may produce a current density of 200 mA/cm2 without cathode flooding.

Abstract: An oxygen-containing gas flow field is formed on a surface of a first metal separator. The oxygen-containing gas flow field is connected between an oxygen-containing gas supply passage and an oxygen-containing gas discharge passage. The oxygen-containing gas flow field comprises oxygen-containing gas flow grooves, and ends of the oxygen-containing gas flow grooves are extended outwardly beyond ends of electrode catalyst layer of a membrane electrode assembly, and connected to an inlet buffer and an outlet buffer. When the purging process is performed at the time of stopping operation of the fuel cell, the purging air supplied to the oxygen-containing gas flow field discharges water retained in the electrode catalyst layers from the ends to the outlet buffer.

Abstract: A fuel cell system including a gas recycling and re-pressurizing assembly. In one embodiment, the fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack, the stack having an oxygen outlet and an oxygen inlet. The fuel cell system additionally includes two gas/water separator tanks, each of the tanks containing a quantity of water and a quantity of oxygen gas. Both tanks are capable of being fluidly connected to either the oxygen inlet or the oxygen outlet of the fuel cell stack. In addition, the two tanks are connected to one another so that water may be transferred back and forth between the two tanks. The system also includes a pump for transferring water back and forth between the tanks.

Abstract: By providing a coloring agent, which is brought in contact with the liquid fuel leaked from an outer peripheral portion of the liquid fuel holding section that is configured to hold the liquid fuel and by which the contact portion is changed in color, in at least part of the outer peripheral portion, the leakage of the liquid fuel from the liquid fuel holding section can be visually detected swiftly and easily without providing any special detection device.

Abstract: A power generating system for operating below a surface of a body of water includes a fuel cell stack configured to react hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity. An oxygen source is configured to provide oxygen to the fuel cell stack. A hydrogen source is configured to provide hydrogen to the fuel cell stack. The hydrogen source is at least partially submerged in water and incorporates a non-hydride metal alloy that reacts with water to produce hydrogen from the water.

Abstract: A flow field plate for use in a fuel cell includes a porous, wettable plate body. A plurality of flow channels are arranged on the body such that an inlet portion of a first flow channel is adjacent an outlet portion of a second flow channel. Moisture from a fluid in the outlet portion of the second flow channel can move through the body of the porous, wettable plate from the outlet portion of the second flow channel toward the adjacent inlet portion of the first flow channel.

Abstract: A fuel cell cartridge includes a fuel reservoir configured to supply a fuel to a fuel-cell power generation part and has a water-absorber configured to absorb water formed in the fuel-cell power generation part, at least on part of its outer surface. When the cartridge is attached to a fuel cell system, the fuel in the fuel reservoir is supplied to the fuel cell system. A power generation reaction in the fuel-cell power generation part yields electric power and water. The water is easily and reliably absorbed by the water-absorber without leakage to outside of the fuel cell system. The fuel cell cartridge has a simple structure, is easily handled, can easily and reliably recover water formed in the fuel cell, allows the recovered water to be easily disposed of upon recharge of the fuel and exhibits good recyclability.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack including a bypass is provided. The fuel cell stack includes a plurality of electricity generating cells in the known manner. A bypass is included for reducing the water entering the electricity generating cells of the fuel cell stack. The bypass may comprise at least one bypass cell disposed adjacent the first electricity generating cell in the stack. The bypass cell comprises a pair of separator plates defining an anode side and a cathode side. The bypass cell includes a conductive spacer comprising gas diffusion media disposed between the pair of separator plates. The bypass cell preferably blocks the cathode port on the separator plate. In this manner, the cell is inactive and does not produce electricity. The anode port of the cell remains open and an anode feed flows through the bypass to reduce water provided to the first electricity-generating cell. Alternatively or additionally, the cathode port remains open. Further the bypass may be placed before the cell stack itself.

Abstract: A fuel cell system having internal pushback of water, with a compact, thermally integrated enthalpy exchanger enabling effective hydration control in a small fuel cell system is provided. The enthalpy exchanger provides for the moisture in the fuel cell effluent to be used to humidify the incoming air stream to allow the fuel cell to be operated at higher temperatures while avoiding dry out. The enthalpy exchanger includes a moisture permeable membrane which collects moisture from the exhaust flow and makes this moisture available to an incoming air stream, thus humidifying the incoming air stream. In addition, the waste heat from the fuel cell reactions is transferred to the incoming air stream. The exhaust stream from the anode can also be used to provide additional moisture and heat to the enthalpy exchanger to be added to the incoming air stream. A water separator is also provided in one embodiment.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell having a cathode and an anode. A water flow field is in communication with the cathode for producing moist air. A cooling system for an evaporatively cooled fuel cell includes a condenser arranged to receive the moist air and produce condensed water. A separator may be arranged to receive the condensed water. A return line fluidly connects the separator and the water flow field. A reservoir has additional water that is in fluid communication with the return line for selectively providing the additional water to the water flow field in an out-of-balance hot fuel cell condition. The reservoir is connected in and to the cooling system in a manner that does not block water flow if the reservoir freezes.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack is provided having a plurality of unit cells stacked in a horizontal direction. Each unit cell includes an electrolyte membrane having two surfaces and a peripheral edge, electrodes provided on both surfaces of the electrolyte membrane, frame-shaped members provided on both surfaces of the electrolyte membrane adjacent to the respective electrodes and adjacent the peripheral edge of the electrolyte membrane, separators provided on the electrodes and the frame-shaped members and having a reactant gas passage for supplying a reactant gas to each of the electrodes, and a manifold formed in the stacking direction in fluid communication with the reactant gas passage. The manifold includes a horizontal edge portion in fluid communication with the reactant gas passage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a humidification system for a fuel cell, in which a plurality of membrane humidifiers employing hollow fiber membranes of different kinds having different diameters and pore sizes, or having different numbers of hollow fiber membranes is selectively used according to the amount of current generated from a fuel cell stack or a vehicle output, thus adjusting the humidification amount for dry air to be supplied to a fuel cell stack, and preventing the flooding phenomenon caused at a cathode and the starvation phenomenon in which the air supply is insufficient at the cathode.

Abstract: In the fuel cell including a membrane electrode assembly, the diffusion layer of the membrane electrode assembly includes an electrode part having one surface in contact with the electrode catalytic layer and the other surface facing the separator and a non-electric-power generating part around the electrode part having one surface in contact with the solid polymer electrolytic membrane and the other surface facing the separator. The non-electric-power generating part includes a hydrophilic part near an outlet of the fluid passage of the reaction gas, and a hydrophobic layer formed on the hydrophilic part and exposed to the fluid passage to discharge water generated in generating an electric power.

Abstract: An exemplary device for managing moisture content within a fuel cell includes a reactant distribution plate having a plurality of members that establish reactant flow channels that are open on at least one side of the plate. A wicking layer is against the one side of the plate. The wicking layer includes a first portion that is uninterrupted and covers over at least some of the channels. A second portion of the wicking layer extends along ends of at least some of the members such that sections of the channels coextensive with the second portion are open toward the one side.

Abstract: A strategy of controlling a state of hydration of a fuel cell(s) and actively managing operation of the fuel cell(s) to achieve a desired state of hydration. The control strategy monitors the state of hydration and a rate of change of the state of hydration which are used to control the operation of the fuel cell(s). A supervisory control strategy is implemented that alters the operating parameters of the fuel cell(s) based upon the state of hydration, the rate of change of the state of hydration, and a desired operational range for the state of hydration.

Abstract: A bipolar plate for a fuel cell is disclosed including a first unipolar plate having an active surface with a plurality of flowfield channels formed therein. The first unipolar plate further includes an inlet header disposed at a first end of the unipolar plate that is in communication with the active surface, and an outlet header disposed at a second end of the unipolar plate having an exhaust opening formed therethrough. A peripheral edge of the exhaust opening is chamfered and is also in communication with the active surface. The chamfered exhaust opening forms a water removal channel in the bipolar plate. A fuel cell stack including the bipolar plate is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fuel cell system has a fuel cell stack, a controller, and a cooling water channel. The controller executes the control for the temperature of cooling water flowing through the cooling water channel in the fuel cell stack. When judging the necessity to increase an oxygen concentration of air at an area near an air outlet of the air channel, the controller instructs to change a temperature of the cooling water to a condense available temperature at which water vapor involved in the air at the area near the air outlet can be condensed in order to increase the oxygen concentration in the air at the area near the air outlet. As a result, the magnitude of the electric power generated by the fuel cell stack is increased efficiently.

Abstract: A device and method to regulate humidification in a cascaded fuel cell stack. The cascaded fuel cell stack includes individual fuel cells placed together in multiple groups. A recirculation loop is fluidly coupled to an anode flowpath to permit the recirculation of hydrogen or a related fuel. A controller and one or more sensors and flow manipulation devices cooperate with one another to selectively increase or decrease the flow of reactant in the recirculation loop in order to manage water levels in one or more of the anode, cathode or electrolyte layer disposed between the anode and cathode.

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 method and device for fuel cell heat and water management is provided. A thermally and electrically conductive hydrophilic heat and mass transport element is provided to the fuel cell spanning from inside to outside the cell. The transport element is deposited between current collector and gas diffusion layers, where heat is transported along the transport element from an interior portion of the element inside the cell to an exterior portion of the element outside the cell. Liquid water is transported along the element into or out of the cell, and heat is removed from the exterior portion by any combination of radiation, free convection and forced convection, and where the liquid water is removed from the exterior portion by any combination of convection driven evaporation and advection. The water is added to the cell from the exterior to the interior by any combination of advection and capillary wicking.

Abstract: A fuel cell power generation system which adjusts the amount of fuel, in a fuel cell power generation apparatus, into a predefined range is provided. A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell power generation apparatus, a control means which has the fuel cell power generation apparatus output a preset electric power value, and a power supply unit which charges and supplies an electric power to an external. The control means changes the electric power value outputted from the fuel cell power generation apparatus, based on the status of liquid fuel detected by a fuel state detecting means.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electroconductive element within an electrochemical cell that improves water management. The electroconductive element comprises an impermeable electrically conductive element and a porous liquid distribution media disposed along a major surface of the conductive element. Preferably, the liquid distribution media is in direct contact and fluid communication with a fluid distribution layer disposed between the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and the liquid distribution media, so that liquids are drawn from the MEA through the fluid distribution layer to and through the liquid distribution media. The liquid distribution media transports liquids away from the MEA in the fuel cell. Methods of fabricating and operating fuel cells and electroconductive elements according to the present invention are also contemplated.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack is disclosed that utilizes a porous material internally disposed in the fuel cell outlet manifolds, wherein the porous material facilitates the transport of liquid water from the plate outlets thereby minimizing the accumulation of liquid water in the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A humidifier of the present invention includes a humidifier main body for humidifying a second fluid, using a humidified first fluid discharged from a fuel cell; a head portion of which one end is connected to an end of the humidifier main body and the other end is connected to the fuel cell or a supply passage extending from the fuel cell, and which supplies the second fluid after humidification to the fuel cell; and a chamber for communicating a bottom portion of a humidified gas flow passage formed within the head portion.

Abstract: Water disposal systems, apparatuses and methods that employ same, and methods for disposing water produced during power generation are provided. A separator of a fuel cell has an air supply groove formed therein for supplying air as an oxidizer gas to a cathode. The separator is also provided with water-absorbing cloths on the midway portion of the air supply groove. More specifically, the water-absorbing cloth is provided on the separator (110), as a water absorbing member for absorbing the water, so as to cover at least a part of the surface on which the air supply grooves is formed and the water-absorbing clothes is provided along the sidewall of the air supply grooves. Water generated during power generation by the power generator of the present invention is disposed in efficient and reliable manners, under a simple configuration.

Abstract: A fuel cell structure having combined polar plates and the combined polar plate thereof are disclosed. The fuel cell structure includes a membrane electrode assembly, the combined polar plate, and a charge collection plate. The combined polar plate and the charge collection plate are arranged on outer surfaces of the membrane electrode assembly. The combined polar plate includes a non-porous plate and a porous plate. The non-porous plate has a base plate and a frame which together define a recess. A portion of the base plate free of the frame has at least one flow channel. The porous plate is received in the recess and sandwiched between the membrane electrode assembly and the base plate. Pores of the porous plate increase flow rate of fuel, and the flow channel drains water, a product of electrochemical reaction, from the fuel cell structure quickly to enhance performance of power generation.

Abstract: An anode reactant recycling system for a fuel cell is disclosed, the system including a hollow main body, a bleed conduit, an injector, a water separator, and a hydrophilic porous media. The anode reactant recycling system for a fuel cell is adapted to minimize a required number of components, eliminate the need for the anode heat exchanger, use a single valve for removal of condensate and reactant byproducts from the anode reactant recycling system, and provide an upstream volume for startup pressurization.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods and devices for humidifying the proton exchange membranes of fuel cells with water obtained from the exhaust of the fuel cells. Humidifying methods include the following steps: cooling the hot and humid exhaust of the fuel cell to condense the water in the exhaust with the intake gas for the fuel cell; separating the water from the rest of the exhaust, and, delivering the water to the intake gas of the fuel cell. Humidifying devices include an outer shell containing a rotating inner shell. The inside of the inner shell forms a chamber where the exhaust is collected and cooled, and water is condensed and separated by the rotation of the inner shell. Openings on the inner shell allow the condensed water to pass through to one or more chambers containing the intake gas. The chambers are formed by the inside of the outer shell and the outside of the inner shell.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte fuel cell system is disclosed, comprising a fuel cell having a predetermined power generation portion configured to operate at a predetermined temperature to generate an electric power using a fuel gas and an oxidizing gas supplied to said fuel cell, and a humidifier configured to humidify the fuel gas and the oxidizing gas, wherein the humidifier is configured to humidify the fuel gas and the oxidizing gas to allow the fuel gas and the oxidizing gas to have dew points higher than the predetermined temperature, the humidified fuel gas and oxidizing gas having the dew points higher than the operating temperature being supplied to the fuel cell.