Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel cell stack with a water drainage structure, which can effectively drain condensed water and prevent water from flowing into unit cells by combining an end anode plate (EAP) and an end cathode plate (ECP), which are formed by modifying an anode plate (AP) and cathode plate (CP) respectively. In doing so, the modified anode plate (AP) and cathode plate (CP) are converted into a dummy cell which is positioned at the end portions of the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell module for generating electrical energy by electrochemical reactions of a fuel gas and an oxygen-containing gas, and a condenser for condensing water vapor in an exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell module by heat exchange between the exhaust gas and a coolant to collect the condensed water and supplying the collected condensed water to the fuel cell module. The condenser includes an air cooling condensing mechanism using the oxygen-containing gas as the coolant, and a water cooling condensing mechanism using the hot water stored in the hot water storage unit as the coolant. The air cooling condensing mechanism includes a thermoelectric converter for performing thermoelectric conversion by a temperature difference between the exhaust gas and the oxygen-containing gas.

Abstract: A method of humidifying and cooling a fuel cell system is provided. The method of humidifying and cooling a fuel cell system includes: exhausting, by a fuel supply unit, a hydrogen gas to a reservoir in which condensed water of an anode is stored. Additionally, a hydrogen gas and condensed water are pumped and the hydrogen gas and the condensed water are exhausted to the humidifier. Additionally, compressed air of an air compressor is delivered to the humidifier heat is exchanged with compressed air in the humidifier. The hydrogen gas and compressed air in which a heat is exchanged in a humidified state is delivered to an anode and a cathode, respectively.

Abstract: A fuel cell system having protection from water vapor condensation is disclosed. The system includes a fuel cell having an input port configured to receive an input gas and a liquid water transient accumulation chamber coupled to the input port. The chamber is configured to accumulate condensed water vapor from the input gas. The chamber includes a water-capture element configured to retain liquid water therein. The system further includes a first thermal pathway coupled to the chamber and also coupled to the fuel cell, so that the chamber is heated by heat from the fuel cell, when the fuel cell is operating in a steady state, in a manner that causes the liquid water accumulated in the chamber to be evaporated by the heat.

Abstract: Coolant velocity greater than zero everywhere within the coolant channels (78, 85) of fuel cells (38) in a fuel cell stack (37) is assured by providing a flow of biphase fluid in the coolant channels, the flow being created by the outflow of a condenser (59). Positive pressure is applied to the coolant inlet (66) of the coolant channels. Biphase flow from an oxidant exhaust condenser, which may be a vehicle radiator (120), renders the coolant return flow more freeze tolerant. Using biphase flow within the coolant channels eliminates the need for a bubble-clearing liquid pump and reduces liquid inventory and other plumbing; this makes the fuel cell power plant more freeze tolerant.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack and a reactant temperature conditioner. The conditioner includes a fuel inlet for receiving fuel from a fuel source and an oxidant inlet for receiving oxidant from an oxidant source. The conditioner is configured to transfer heat energy from the oxidant to the fuel to arrive at a conditioned oxidant and a conditioned fuel. The conditioner has a fuel outlet coupled to the fuel cell stack to allow flow of the conditioned fuel to the fuel cell stack and an oxidant outlet to allow flow of the conditioned oxidant to the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A fuel cell (1) includes an electromotive unit (2) having a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) (12), a fuel storage unit (4) storing a liquid fuel, and a fuel supply mechanism (3) supplying the fuel from the fuel storage unit (4) to a fuel electrode (7) of the membrane electrode assembly (12). The membrane electrode assembly (12) has a gas vent hole (17) provided in a manner to penetrate through at least an electrolyte membrane (11) to let a gas component generated on a side of the fuel electrode (7) escape to a side of an air electrode (10).

Abstract: The system (10) controls at least one of a pressure of the reactant streams (16A, 16B) within at least one of an anode flow field (28) and a cathode flow field (36), a flow rate of the reactant streams (16A, 16B) flowing through the anode and/or cathode flow fields (26, 28), a temperature of a coolant fluid passing through a sealed coolant flow field (44), and a flow rate of the coolant fluid; so that water (14) moves from a water reservoir (18A, 18B) into the reactant stream (16A, 16B) whenever power generated by the fuel cell (20) is between about 80% and about 100% of a maximum fuel cell power output, and so that water (14) moves from the reactant stream (16A, 16B) into the water reservoir (18A, 18B) whenever fuel cell power is less than about 75% of the maximum power output.

Abstract: In a method for operating a fuel cell system having recirculation blower arranged in a fuel cell circuit, fuel discharged from the anode exhaust is fed back to the inlet side of the fuel cell system via the recirculation blower. The direction of flow in the fuel return line is reversed in at least a portion of the return line, in an alternating manner.

Abstract: A system for bleeding the anode side of first and second split fuel cell stacks in a fuel cell system that employs anode flow-shifting, where each split stack includes a bleed valve. The system determines that one or both of the bleed valves is stuck in an open position if there is flow through an orifice and a bleed has not been commanded. A shut-off valve is then used to provide the bleed if the cathode exhaust gas is able to dilute the hydrogen in the bled anode exhaust gas. An outlet valve between the first and second split stacks is used to bleed the anode exhaust gas if the cathode exhaust gas is not significant enough to dilute the hydrogen in the anode exhaust gas. If the first or second bleed valve is stuck in the closed position, then the outlet valve is used to provide the bleed.

Abstract: At a start of a fuel cell, discharge of a generated water is ended at a proper timing. Supply of the reactive gas is started at a first flowrate. Then, in a case that the generated water retained by a reactive electrode is determined to outflow to an internal gas flow channel side among unit cells more than or equal to a preset determination cell number, the flowrate of the reactive gas is changed to a second flowrate that is smaller than the first flowrate.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell, an oxidant-gas supply passage, a compressor, a water injection device, a return passage, and a regulation valve. The fuel cell is to generate power utilizing an electrochemical reaction between oxidant gas and fuel gas. The oxidant gas flows toward the fuel cell through the oxidant-gas supply passage. The compressor is provided in the oxidant-gas supply passage. The compressor is capable of sucking and pressurizing the oxidant gas to discharge the oxidant gas toward the fuel cell. The water injection device is to inject water toward a suction port of the compressor. The return passage connects an upstream portion in the oxidant-gas supply passage upstream the compressor and a downstream portion in the oxidant-gas supply passage downstream the compressor to bypass the compressor. Opening of the regulation valve is adjustable. The regulation valve is provided in the return passage.

Abstract: An alkaline fuel cell having an electrolyte, and anode and cathode electrodes disposed on two sides of the electrolyte is provided. A fuel cell system has this fuel cell, a discharge passageway that is connected to a discharge opening of the fuel cell and that discharges from the fuel cell an exhaust fuel containing unreacted fuel, and a circulation passageway that is connected to an introduction opening for introducing the fuel into the fuel cell and that circulates and supplies the exhaust fuel to the fuel cell. The fuel cell system further includes fuel/water separation means linked to the discharge passageway and the circulation passageway and disposed between the discharge and circulation passageways. The means separates and removes water from the exhaust fuel flowing in from the discharge passageway, and then causes a concentrated fuel from which water has been separated and removed to flow into the circulation passageway.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes: a fuel cell stack for generating electrical energy by reacting oxidant and mixed fuel, and for discharging non-reacted fuel, oxidant, moisture, and carbon dioxide; a mixer for preparing the mixed fuel by mixing at least a portion of the non-reacted fuel, oxidant and moisture with concentrated fuel and for supplying the mixed fuel to the fuel cell stack; a fuel supply unit for supplying the concentrated fuel to the mixer; an oxidant supply unit for supplying the oxidant to the fuel cell stack; a first heat exchanger between an outlet of the fuel cell stack and the mixer; and a second heat exchanger between the mixer and an inlet of the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: An integrated apparatus includes: a gas-liquid separator that separates a gas and a liquid from a gas-liquid mixture fluid; a diluter disposed below the gas-liquid separator; and a communication pipe that communicates between the gas-liquid separator and the diluter, and that is disposed at a predetermined angle to a horizontal direction, and that introduces at least the liquid separated from the gas-liquid mixture fluid, into the diluter. The gas-liquid separator, the diluter, and the communication pipe are integrated.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes stacked unit fuel cells provided between end holding members, each unit fuel cell having a membrane electrode assembly including an anode and a cathode. A pair of separators respectively contact the anode and the cathode, and respectively form reaction gas passages between one separator and the anode, and between the other separator and the cathode. For each reaction gas passage, a gas supply passage and a gas discharge passage are formed through the unit fuel cells and one end holding member so that they communicate with the reaction gas passage of each unit fuel cell, and a drainage passage is also formed through the unit fuel cells and one end holding member. An end of the drainage passage and an end of the gas discharge passage on the side of the other end holding member are joined to each other.

Abstract: A technique for reducing the amount of water that accumulates in an anode exhaust gas bleed line in a fuel cell system. The system includes a fuel cell stack, a cathode exhaust line and an anode exhaust line. The anode exhaust gas line is coupled to an anode bleed valve. An anode bleed line is coupled to the bleed valve and the cathode exhaust gas line so the hydrogen in the bled anode exhaust gas is diluted by the cathode exhaust gas. The anode bleed line is coupled to the cathode exhaust gas line so that a stand-off portion of the bleed line extends through a wall of the cathode exhaust gas line and into the cathode exhaust flow therein so as to prevent water and water vapor clinging to the inside surface of the cathode exhaust gas line from draining into the anode bleed line.

Abstract: A fuel cell system comprises a fuel cell stack, a cell voltage monitor, a hydrogen tank, a hydrogen supply channel, an ejector, a hydrogen off-gas channel, a purge valve, a compressor, an air supply channel, a pressure control unit for controlling air pressure, a pilot pressure input channel branching off from the air supply channel and inputting the air pressure to the ejector as pilot pressure, and a control unit for controlling the purge valve and the pressure control unit. The ejector includes a pressure control mechanism which increases the ejector's secondary-side pressure by increasing the area of the nozzle's ejecting hole when the pilot pressure input from the pilot pressure input channel rises. When electricity generation status of the fuel cell stack is judged to be poor, the control unit opens the purge valve after raising the air pressure and the pilot pressure by using the pressure control unit.

Abstract: An open type fuel cell system is provided including a recirculating unit that recirculates hydrogen discharged from a main fuel cell into the main fuel cell and a reproducing unit that removes water and impurities produced in operation of the main fuel cell. The open type fuel cell system is adapted so that it does not discharge hydrogen supplied to a main fuel cell into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A gas reclaiming system is disclosed. The gas reclaiming system includes a getter device adapted to receive mixed gases and separate the mixed gases into at least one gas of interest and constituent gases. A recirculation loop is disposed in fluid communication with the getter device and adapted to receive the at least one gas of interest from the getter device. A gas reclaiming method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having two or more diffusion bonded layers, which demonstrates a high degree of ruggedness, reliability, efficiency and attitude insensitiveness, is provided. The novel cell structure simplifies construction and operation of these cells. Also provided is a method for passive water removal from these cells. The inventive cell, as well as stacks made using these cells, is suitable for use in applications such as commercial space power systems, long endurance aircraft, undersea power systems, remote backup power systems, and regenerative fuel cells.

Abstract: A method of managing humidification for a fuel cell power system comprising, supplying air to a cathode inlet stream of a fuel cell. Detecting a fuel cell parameter associated with the humidity of the cathode inlet stream. Selectively operating the fuel cell in either an active humidification mode or a deactive humidification mode based on the fuel cell parameter, wherein the active humidification mode includes adding water to the cathode inlet stream and the deactive humidification mode includes adding no water to the cathode inlet stream.

Abstract: Fuel cell systems aboard means of transport can be used for generating energy and for producing water. In order to reduce the overall weight of the system, the fuel cell is controlled or regulated in dependence on a current fill level or a limit level of the water tank, as well as a predicted future water consumption. In this way, it may be possible to minimize the water quantity to be stored in the water tank.

Abstract: A flat fuel cell assembly including a membrane electrode assembly, a cathode porous current collector, an anode porous current collector and a gas barrier material layer is provided. The membrane electrode assembly includes a proton conducting membrane, an anode catalyst layer and a cathode catalyst layer disposed respectively on two sides of the proton conducting membrane, and an anode gas diffusion layer and a cathode gas diffusion layer disposed respectively on the anode catalyst layer and the cathode catalyst layer. The cathode porous current collector is disposed on one side of the cathode gas diffusion layer. The anode porous current collector is disposed on one side of the anode gas diffusion layer. The gas barrier material layer having at least an opening exposing the surface of the cathode gas diffusion layer is disposed on the cathode gas diffusion layer.

Abstract: A water vapor transfer unit having fluid flow conduits which distribute wet or dry fluid throughout the water vapor transfer unit, which are created by forming apertures in each wet and dry plate so that when the plates are stacked, fluid flow inlet and outlet headers are integrated into the flow stack. These integrated headers negate the need for traditional wet and dry fluid inlet and outlet manifolds external to the water vapor transfer unit stack. Because the plates are stacked and sealed so that the fluid flows cannot co-mingle, the fluids are introduced directly into the stack, flow across the flow fields, and exit the stack without leakage or flow contamination. The integrated header design allows for sealing the stack on no more than a single plane defined by the stack or on no more than two parallel opposing planes and allows for accommodation of stack expansion and contraction.

Abstract: In a method for operating a humidifier for a fuel cell wherein the humidifier comprises a moisture exchanger with at least one water-permeable or water vapor-permeable membrane and a moisture reservoir, the moisture exchanger is flushed with flushing air and the flushing air is subsequently passed through the moisture reservoir.

Abstract: A first rectangular pipe is connected along a path of an oxidation gas supply pipe that supplies an oxidation gas from a pump to an oxidant pole of a fuel cell. A second rectangular pipe is connected to an oxidation off-gas pipe connected to an outlet of the oxidant pole. A lower surface of the first rectangular pipe is contacted with an upper surface of the second rectangular pipe. A connecting path is provided to the contact surface, and a vapor permeable membrane is disposed at the connecting path. An upper surface of a third rectangular pipe is provided in surface contact with a lower surface of the second rectangular pipe, the third rectangular pipe being provided to a coolant out-pipe connected to a cooling jacket of the fuel cell. Generated water in the second pipe is heated and evaporated by a coolant heated in the third rectangular pipe. The water vapor then permeates the vapor permeable membrane, and is directed inside the first rectangular pipe so as to humidify the oxidation gas.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for controlling the amount of air supplied to a fuel cell, which can prevent flooding and membrane dry-out in a fuel cell stack and, at the same time, ensure optimal performance of the fuel cell stack and a humidifier by supplying an optimal amount of air to the fuel cell stack at each operation condition. For this purpose, the present invention provides a method for controlling the amount of air supplied to a fuel cell, the method including measuring the temperature and pressure of humidifier outlet (stack inlet) air, the temperature and pressure of stack outlet air, and the relative humidity of the humidifier outlet (stack inlet) air, and determining the stoichiometric ratio of air or the amount of air supplied to the stack based on the measurement results so as to adjust the relative humidity of the stack outlet air reach a target value.

Abstract: A method includes an in-stop-mode power generating process of, if an instruction to stop an operation of a fuel cell is detected, stopping supply of a fuel gas, and supplying an oxide gas to the fuel cell to generate power from an oxide-gas supply apparatus, and then stopping power generation of the fuel cell, and a gas replacing process of, after the power generation of the fuel cell is stopped, activating the gas replacement apparatus at a predetermined timing to supply a replacement gas to the anode side of the fuel cell to replace the fuel gas on the anode side with the replacement gas.

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: The present invention relates to an electrically conductive membrane that can be configured to be used in fuel cell systems to act as a hydrophilic water separator internal to the fuel cell, or as a water separator used with water vapor fed electrolysis cells, or as a water separator used with water vapor fed electrolysis cells, or as a capillary structure in a thin head pipe evaporator, or as a hydrophobic gas diffusion layer covering the fuel cell electrode surface in a fuel cell.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell module and a condenser apparatus. The condenser apparatus includes a first condenser using an oxygen-containing as a coolant, and a second condenser using hot water stored in a hot water tank as the coolant. Further, the fuel cell system includes a control device for controlling at least one of a flow rate of the exhaust gas supplied to the first condenser and a flow rate of the exhaust gas supplied to the second condenser based on at least any of a water level of the hot water in the hot water tank, a temperature of the hot water in the hot water tank, and a water level of the condensed water in the condenser apparatus.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for variable flow rate fuel ejection are disclosed. A variable flow rate ejector comprises primary and secondary inlets, primary and secondary nozzles, and a needle. The primary nozzle is connected to receive a first fluid from the first inlet chamber and transmit the first fluid through a primary nozzle opening. The needle is disposed within the primary nozzle opening and is axially movable to vary an area of primary nozzle opening. The primary nozzle opening and the needle are sized to make the flow of the first fluid have a supersonic speed. The secondary inlet opens into a second inlet chamber positioned outside the primary nozzle to opening. A portion of the second fluid is entrained in the flow of the first fluid from the primary nozzle. The secondary nozzle opening is sized to make the flow of the first and second fluids have a subsonic speed.

Abstract: A ventilation system for a fuel cell power module is provided. The ventilation system includes a ventilation enclosure for evacuating fluids from the fuel cell power module, the ventilation enclosure having an air inlet for providing ingress of air to the enclosure. The ventilation system further concludes a ventilation shaft in fluid communication with the ventilation enclosure and an evacuation pump arranged to exhaust fluid from the ventilation enclosure to a desired location.

Abstract: A hydrogen-air fuel cell having a mobile element capable of, in closed position, covering the cell cathode in substantially tight fashion.

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: A water transfer assembly for use in a fuel cell system having an anode and a cathode, the anode being adapted to receive fuel and to output anode exhaust and the cathode being adapted to receive oxidant gas and to output cathode exhaust, the water transfer assembly comprising a first cooling assembly adapted to receive the cathode exhaust and to quench cool the cathode exhaust to recover a first portion of water including non-volatile contaminants from the cathode exhaust and to output cleansed cathode exhaust and the first water portion, and a second cooling assembly adapted to receive the cleansed cathode exhaust and to recover a second water portion from the cleansed cathode exhaust, the second water portion being suitable for humidifying the fuel supplied to the anode.

Abstract: A fuel cell system is disclosed that includes a heat exchanger having first and second heat exchanger portions arranged in a fluid flow passage. The second heat exchanger portion is arranged downstream from the first heat exchanger portion. The first and second heat exchanger portions include a coolant flow passage and are configured to transfer heat between the fluid flow and coolant flow passages. The first heat exchanger portion includes a first corrosion-resistant material and the second heat exchanger portion includes a second corrosion-resistant material that is less corrosion-resistant than the first corrosion-resistant material. A collector, which includes a tray and/or a mist trap, is configured to collect acid in the first heat exchanger portion from a gas stream in the fluid flow passage. Collected acid can be sprayed into a gas stream upstream from a flow field of the fuel cell.

Abstract: A device to produce electricity by a chemical reaction without the addition of liquid electrolyte comprises an anode electrode, a polymer membrane electrolyte fabricated to conduct hydroxyl (OH—) ions, the membrane being in physical contact with the anode electrode on a first side of the membrane, and a cathode electrode in physical contact with a second side of the membrane. The anode electrode and cathode electrode contain catalysts, and the catalysts are constructed substantially entirely from non-precious metal catalysts. Water may be transferred to the cathode side of the membrane from an external source of water.

Abstract: A fuel battery includes an oxidant gas flow passage having a downstream section, in which a gas diffusion porous body is arranged. The fuel battery includes a fuel gas flow passage having a downstream section, in which a gas diffusion porous body is arranged. A cooling medium flow passage is formed between a first separator of each unit cell of the fuel battery and a second separator of a unit cell adjacent to the unit cell. The flowing direction of a cooling medium in the cooling medium flow passage is the same as that of oxidant gas in the oxidant gas flow passage. An upstream section of the cooling medium flow passage is located closer to a surface of a membrane-electrode assembly that faces the oxidant gas flow passage adjacent to the cooling medium flow passage as compared with a downstream section of the cooling medium flow passage.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell; a circulating system that circulates and supplies fuel off-gas discharged from the fuel cell to the fuel cell; a pump that pumps a fluid in the circulating system; a discharge valve through which the fluid in the circulating system is discharged to the outside; and a control device that controls the pump and the discharge valve. If operation of the fuel cell is started in a cold environment, the control device executes a control to start power generation in the fuel cell for a first period before activating the pump and executes a control to drive the pump while the discharge valve is closed for a second period.

Abstract: A method of shutting down operation of a fuel cell system is disclosed, comprising a fuel cell stack, the method comprising the sequential steps of: i) ceasing a supply of fuel to the fuel cell stack; ii) closing a shut-off valve on an exhaust line in fluid communication with a cathode system of the fuel cell system, the cathode system comprising a cathode fluid flow path passing through the fuel cell stack; iii) pressurizing the cathode system with an air compressor in fluid communication with a cathode air net port in the fuel cell stack; and iv) ejecting water from the cathode flow path.

Abstract: The condenser heat exchanger includes a housing that provides a gaseous stream flowpath and a bottom wall. A gaseous stream contains acid. The housing has a fluid inlet configured to introduce a liquid, such as water. A coolant tube is disposed within the housing in the gaseous stream flowpath and provides a coolant path. Acid condenses on and falls from the coolant tube into a collection area that is provided at the bottom wall near the coolant tube. The collection area is configured to maintain storage of a predetermined amount of fluid that includes the liquid, which dilutes the condensed acid.

Abstract: A fuel cell system comprises at least one fuel cell having an air inlet and an exhaust gas outlet, an air supply device connectable to the air inlet and an exhaust gas extracting device connectable to the exhaust gas outlet. Further, a water extraction device has at least two drying units, wherein the water extraction device is adapted for selectively providing a fluid connection from the air supply device to the air inlet of the fuel cell be means of one of the at least two drying units and from the exhaust gas extracting device to the exhaust gas outlet by means of another one of the at least two drying units. Thereby, an optimal drying process is conducted that does not influence a dynamic power generation.

Abstract: A water control sheet having superior drainage and gas diffusion properties and superior handling characteristics, and a gas diffusion sheet, a membrane-electrode assembly and a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, which utilize the water control sheet, are provided. The water control sheet is independent and located for use adjacent to a catalyst layer of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, and is formed of a nonwoven fabric containing conductive fibers containing conductive particles at least inside a hydrophobic organic resin. The gas diffusion sheet, the membrane-electrode assembly and the polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present invention have the above water control sheet.

Abstract: Recycling loop for a gas circuit of a fuel cell stack, forming a connecting line beginning at the outlet of one of the two anode or cathode circuits and terminating in one of the two supply circuits, either in the fuel gas supply channel, or in the oxidant gas supply channel, providing the recycling of the gas contained in the anode or cathode circuits of the fuel cell stack, and comprising a pump that provides the recycling of the gas contained in the anode or cathode circuits of the fuel cell stack, a multi-way valve dividing said recycling loop into a first section and a second section, said multi-way valve having a first stable usage position providing the continuity between the first and second sections of said recycling loop and having a second stable usage position simultaneously providing the interruption of said continuity between the first and second sections of said recycling loop and a bringing of said recycling loop into contact with the atmosphere carried out by manoeuvring said multi-way valve.

Abstract: The fuel cell includes an anode chamber having a hydrogen inlet emerging into it. A wall separating the inside of the anode chamber from the outside thereof includes a main region having a first thermal conduction resistance between the outside and the inside of the anode chamber, and a region for promoting the condensation of water having a second thermal conduction resistance between the outside and the inside of the anode chamber strictly smaller than the first thermal conduction resistance so as to delimit a water condensation surface within the anode chamber. A channel for removing the condensed water connects the condensation area to the outside of the anode chamber.

Abstract: An energy system includes an solar hydrogen producing unit (101) that produces hydrogen through decomposition of water by a photocatalytic effect, a fuel cell (103) that generates electricity by a reaction between the hydrogen produced by the solar hydrogen producing unit (101) and an oxidizing gas and discharges water as a reaction product, and a water distribution mechanism (104) that returns the water serving as the reaction product discharged from the fuel cell (103) to the solar hydrogen producing unit (101). With the configuration, an energy system that suppresses an amount of external water supply to a low level to achieve good water balance can be provided.

Abstract: A closed loop energy storage system configured with a hydrogen tank, an oxygen tank, a fuel cell stack and an electrolyzer. A heat exchanger freeze-dries the hydrogen and oxygen prior to their storage in their respective tanks. The heat exchanger also uses excess fuel cell heat to preheat streams of hydrogen and oxygen coming from the tanks. Phase separators serve both to separate water from hydrogen and oxygen, and to store the water. A thermal management system encloses all the system components except the tanks. An airfoil-shaped shell covers the system, and the larger of the two tanks extends substantially across the shell at its point of greatest camber thickness. The tanks are composed of polymer liners integral with composite shells.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having two or more diffusion bonded layers, which demonstrates a high degree of ruggedness, reliability, efficiency and attitude insensitiveness, is provided. The novel cell structure simplifies construction and operation of these cells. Also provided is a method for passive water removal from these cells. The inventive cell, as well as stacks made using these cells, is suitable for use in applications such as commercial space power systems, long endurance aircraft, undersea power systems, remote backup power systems, and regenerative fuel cells.