Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the deionization of a cooling medium in a fuel cell (11) circulating in a cooling circuit (20), in which the cooling medium is subjected to at least intermittent, but preferably continuous, electrochemical deionization. To this end, at least one electrode deionization cell (23) , through which a diluate stream (27) serving as cooling medium and a concentrate stream (28) flow, is arranged in the cooling circuit. The concentrate stream (28) may be part of a secondary cooling circuit.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell power plant is cooled evaporatively by a non-circulating pressurized water coolant system. The coolant system utilizes a hydrophobic porous plug for bleeding air from the coolant water while maintaining coolant back pressure in a coolant flow field of the system. Furthermore, there is a first method for identifying appropriate parameters of the hydrophobic porous plug for use with a known particular coolant system; and a second method for determining proper operating conditions for a fuel cell water coolant system which can operate with a hydrophobic porous plug closure having known physical parameters.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell power plant is cooled evaporatively by a non-circulating pressurized water coolant system. The coolant system utilizes a hydrophobic porous plug for bleeding air from the coolant water while maintaining coolant back pressure in a coolant flow field of the system. Furthermore, there is a first method for identifying appropriate parameters of the hydrophobic porous plug for use with a known particular coolant system; and a second method for determining proper operating conditions for a fuel cell water coolant system which can operate with a hydrophobic porous plug closure having known physical parameters.

Abstract: A system includes a radiator side flow path (9) for supplying a coolant which has cooled a fuel cell stack (1) to a radiator (5), a bypass flow path (7) for allowing the coolant which has cooled the fuel cell stack (1) to bypass the radiator (5), a thermostat valve (8) for increasing a flow rate of the coolant flowing through the radiator side flow path (9) in a case where the temperature of the coolant is high as compared to a case where the temperature of the coolant is low, and an electric heater (10) for warming up the coolant. The electric heater (10) is controlled based on an outside atmospheric pressure and on the temperature of the coolant such that the temperature of the coolant flowing into the fuel cell stack (1) is raised in a case where the outside atmospheric pressure is high as compared to a case where the outside atmospheric pressure is low.

Abstract: The present invention provides a separator for a fuel cell comprising a resin and a conductive material as constituting components, and sulfonic acid groups imparted to at least one portion at the surface of gas channels by a treatment using a sulfuric acid-containing gas, wherein the resin and the sulfonic acid groups, which are on the surface of the gas channels, are bonded, and a ratio of sulfur atoms in the sulfonic acid groups at the surface of the gas channels as determined by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy is in a range from 0.1 to 4.0 at %, and a method for producing the separator. The separator for a fuel cell of the present invention is excellent in the wettability to water, since sulfonic acid groups are imparted to the resin at the surface of gas channels in the sulfuric acid-containing gas.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coolant demineralizer for a fuel cell vehicle, which removes ions, released from a pipe, from coolant of a fuel cell stack. In preferred embodiments, the present invention provides a coolant demineralizer suitably configured to reduce the occurrence of differential pressure due to an ion resin layer such that coolant can smoothly flow through a filter member, thereby increasing the effect of filtering ions and improving the efficiency of use of ion resin.

Abstract: A fuel cell system comprises: a fuel container for storing fuel liquefied with pressure; a reformer for generating hydrogen from the fuel through a catalyst reaction based on heat energy; an electric generator for generating electricity by transforming energy of an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen into electric energy; a condenser for condensing water produced in the electric generator; and a heat exchanger passing through the condenser for cooling the condenser by latent heat of the fuel. With this configuration, cooling water cooled by latent heat of a fuel container is employed to cool the condenser without using a separate cooler. Furthermore, air is mixed with butane fuel without using a separate power unit, so that it is possible to achieve a more compact and highly efficient fuel cell.

Abstract: A cartridge-type ion removal filter 15 to remove ions from the cooling liquid in the cooling liquid circulation passage 20 is disposed in the middle of a cooling liquid circulation passage 20 to circulate the cooling liquid between a fuel cell stack 11 and a radiator 12. The ion removal filter 15 is disposed in the cooling liquid circulation passage so that an opening 26b of a vessel main body 26 is in a higher position than the highest level “H” of the cooling liquid in the reservoir tank 14.

Abstract: Liquid cooling apparatus for a fuel cell device, which is configured as an independent unit and by means of which the fuel cell device can be provided with cooling liquid and heated liquid can be removed from the fuel cell device, comprising an inlet connection for liquid, an outlet connection for liquid, a radiator, at least one fan, which is speed-controlled and directed at the radiator, and a temperature-controlled two-way valve, wherein a first path passes through the radiator and a second path by-passes the radiator and a mass flow distribution of the liquid into the first path and the second path can be adjusted by the two-way valve.

Abstract: A fuel cell unit is provided having at least one fuel cell to which is connected a coolant circuit associated with a storage unit for storing and providing liquid water coolant at the fuel cell both under normal operating conditions and under frost conditions. The storage unit is set to provide a smaller amount of liquid water coolant under frost conditions than under normal operating conditions.

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: A fuel cell stack comprising: a cell stack body having stacked single cells and a manifold for supplying or discharging a fluid to the stacked single cells, the single cell including a membrane electrode assembly and a separator sandwiching the membrane electrode assembly; an end plate stacked onto the cell stack body and having a through-hole along the stacking direction of the cell stack body; and a fluid tube body inserted detachably into the through-hole so as to pass through the end plate, the fluid tube body being connected to the manifold, wherein a part of the outer surface of the fluid tube body opposite to the inner surface of the through-hole is separated from the inner surface of the through-hole.

Abstract: A fuel cell is provided for improving the starting performance at low temperatures. The fuel cell includes a cell structure in which an anode and a cathode are provided on either side of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane. The fuel cell may include a first cooling liquid passage and a second cooling liquid passage independent of the first cooling liquid passage. Cooling liquid is heated by an external heating device and supplied to the second cooling liquid passage.

Abstract: Disclosed is a colorant treated ion exchange resin comprising at least 15% of exchangeable groups comprising at least one of an ion, a Lewis acid, or a Lewis base resulting from a colorant having a pKa or pKb of greater than 5 in an aqueous solution at 25° C., based on the total number of exchangeable groups. Also disclosed are heat transfer systems, assemblies, fuel cell systems and methods of maintaining a conductivity of less than 200 ?S/cm in a heat transfer fluid that employ the disclosed colorant treated ion exchange resins. Finally, a method of making the disclosed colorant treated ion exchange resins is provided.

Abstract: A PEM fuel cell power plant includes fuel cells, each of which has a cathode reactant flow field plate which is substantially impermeable to fluids, a coolant source, and a fluid permeable anode reactant flow field plate adjacent to said coolant source. The anode reactant flow field plates pass coolant from the coolant sources into the cells where the coolant is evaporated to cool the cells. The cathode flow field plates prevent reactant crossover between adjacent cells. By providing a single permeable plate for each cell in the power plant the amount of coolant present in the power plant at shut down is limited to a degree which does not require adjunct coolant purging components to remove coolant from the plates when the power plant is shut down during freezing ambient conditions. Thus the amount of residual frozen coolant in the power plant that forms in the plates during shut down in such freezing conditions will be limited.

Abstract: A multi-unit fuel cell system that includes a common-use reforming unit configured to supply hydrogen to multiple fuel cell units that are installed in multiple units, such as apartments within an apartment building. In one example embodiment, a fuel cell system including a common-use reforming unit and multiple fuel cell units is disclosed. The common-use reforming unit is configured to supply hydrogen to the plurality of fuel cell units. Each fuel cell unit includes a stack unit, an air supplying unit, an integral heat exchange unit, a hot-water supplying unit, an auxiliary heat supplying unit, and an electric output unit.

Abstract: This fuel cell system is equipped with a fuel cell having a reaction gas flow passage, generating power by the reaction gas being supplied to the reaction gas flow passage, having a refrigerant flow passage, and cooled by the refrigerant being supplied to the refrigerant flow passage; a reaction gas supply device for supplying the reaction gas to the reaction gas flow passage; a refrigerant supply device for supplying the refrigerant to the refrigerant flow passage; a refrigerant supply restriction device for restricting a refrigerant supply amount to the refrigerant flow passage; and a controller for controlling the refrigerant supply restriction device, wherein the reaction gas refrigerant supply devices have a drive device in common and are integrally driven, and wherein when warming up the fuel cell, the controller controls the refrigerant supply restriction device and reduces the refrigerant supply amount to the refrigerant flow passage.

Abstract: A fuel cell power plant (10) includes a fuel cell (12) having a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) (16), disposed between an anode support plate (14) and a cathode support plate (18), the anode and/or cathode support plates include a hydrophilic substrate layer (80, 82) having a predetermined pore size. The pressure of the reactant gas streams (22, 24) is greater than the pressure of the coolant stream (26), such that a greater percentage of the pores within the hydrophilic substrate layer contain reactant gas rather than water. Any water that forms on the cathode side of the MEA will migrate through the cathode support plate and away from the MEA. Controlling the pressure also ensures that the coolant water will continually migrate from the coolant stream toward the anode side of the MEA, thereby preventing the membrane from becoming dry. Proper pore size and a pressure differential between coolant and reactants improves the electrical efficiency of the fuel cell.

Abstract: A PEM fuel cell power plant includes fuel cells, each of which has a cathode reactant flow field plate which is substantially impermeable to fluids, a coolant source, and a fluid permeable anode reactant flow field plate adjacent to said coolant source. The anode reactant flow field plates pass coolant from the coolant sources into the cells where the coolant is evaporated to cool the cells. The cathode flow field plates prevent reactant crossover between adjacent cells. By providing a single permeable plate for each cell in the power plant the amount of coolant present in the power plant at shut down is limited to a degree which does not require adjunct coolant purging components to remove coolant from the plates when the power plant is shut down during freezing ambient conditions. Thus the amount of residual frozen coolant in the power plant that forms in the plates during shut down in such freezing conditions will be limited.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly comprised of a membrane sandwiched between anode and cathode catalyst structures. An anode separator plate and a cathode separator plate are arranged adjacent to the membrane electrode assembly opposite from one another. The anode and cathode separator plates include opposing sides in which one of the opposing sides of the anode and cathode respectively have fuel and oxidant flow fields in communication with the membrane. The anode separator plate is a structure having a first water permeability and is configured to permit passage of water between its opposing sides and with its flow field, and the cathode separator plate comprises a structure having a second water permeability less than the first water permeability of the anode separator plate. In one example, the anode is provided by a porous separator plate, and the cathode is provided by a non-porous, or solid, plate.

Abstract: A system and method for determining whether a fuel cell stack is overheating. The system measures the temperature of end cells in the stack using end cell temperature sensors, and calculates an average end cell temperature based on the end cell temperature measurements. The system also measures the temperature of a cooling fluid being output from the fuel cell stack. The system determines if any of the measured end cell temperatures are outlying by comparing each end cell temperature measurement to the average. The system determines that the cooling fluid outlet temperature sensor has possibly failed if the cooling fluid outlet temperature is greater than the average end cell temperature and the cooling fluid outlet temperature minus the average end cell temperature is greater than a predetermined temperature value.

Abstract: A fuel cell system that employs a technique for safely removing hydrogen gas that accumulates within a cooling fluid reservoir. The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack and a compressor for providing airflow to the cathode side of the fuel cell stack. The system also includes an air filter box having an air filter that is in fluid communication with an air pocket in the reservoir. The air intake to the compressor flows through the air filter box, and sucks the gas from the reservoir, which is then sent to the cathode side of the fuel cell stack to be converted to water by the electro-chemical reaction therein.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cooling a fuel cell stack. The cooling system uses vaporization cooling of the fuel stack and supersonic vapor compression of the vaporized coolant to significantly increase the temperature and pressure of the liquid coolant flowing through a heat exchanger. By increasing the heat rejection temperature of the coolant delivered to the heat exchanger, the heat transfer area of the heat exchanger can be reduced and the mass flow rate of coolant can also be reduced. The increased fluid pressure is used to circulate the coolant through the cooling system, thereby eliminating the circulation pump associated with conventional systems.

Abstract: An organic rankine cycle system is combined with a fuel system so as to use the waste heat from the fuel cell to both preheat and evaporate the working fluid in the organic rankine cycle system to thereby provide improved efficiencies in the system.

Abstract: The heat from various portions of a fuel cell power plant (110) are redistributed in a manner allowing desired modification of/to the heat removal means (152,156), e.g., radiator (152), included in the coolant loop for the fuel cell stack assembly (CSA) (12). A humidifier (70) added in the coolant loop (114) and the inlet oxidant (air) stream (134?) serves to relatively increase the humidification of the inlet air while removing heat from the coolant prior to entering the CSA (12). The combined effects are to relatively increase the temperature of the coolant exiting the CSA without similarly increasing the temperature of the coolant entering the CSA, and to relatively increase the temperature differential (“pinch”) between the coolant entering the heat removal means and the cooling air of the heat removal means (152, 156). This latter effect permits a relative reduction in the size/capacity of the heat removal means (152, 156).

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a housing partially above and below the ground containing a fuel cell beneath ground level and a fuel tank disposed above the fuel cell.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell power plant is cooled evaporatively by a non-circulating pressurized water coolant system. The coolant system utilizes a hydrophobic porous plug for bleeding air from from the coolant water while maintaining coolant back pressure in a coolant flow field of the system. Furthermore, there is a first method for identifying appropriate parameters of the hydrophobic porous plug for use with a known particular coolant system; and a second method for determining proper operating conditions for a fuel cell water coolant system which can operate with a hydrophobic porous plug closure having known physical parameters.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell power plant is cooled evaporatively by a non-circulating pressurized water coolant system. The coolant system utilizes a hydrophobic porous plug for bleeding air from the coolant water while maintaining coolant back pressure in a coolant flow field of the system. Furthermore, there is a first method for identifying appropriate parameters of the hydrophobic porous plug for use with a known particular coolant system; and a second method for determining proper operating conditions for a fuel cell water coolant system which can operate with a hydrophobic porous plug closure having known physical parameters.

Abstract: A MEA-frame assembly is arranged in a mold for injection molding to form a first flow passage arranged so as to extend along the outer periphery of an electrode between the outer periphery of the electrode and the inner periphery of a frame, a second flow passage arranged so as to extend along an inner elastic member between the inner periphery and outer periphery of the frame and a plurality of connecting flow passages which communicate the first flow passage with the second flow passage. An elastic resin is injected into the first flow passage to fill the first flow passage with the elastic resin and to fill the second flow passage with the elastic resin through each of the communicating flow passages, thereby an elastic member which hermetically seals the space between the MEA-frame assembly and the separator is integrally formed.

Abstract: A standard phosphoric acid fuel cell power plant (11) has its heat exchanger (29) removed such that a higher temperature coolant flow can be directed from the system to the generator (37) of an absorption chiller (34). In one embodiment, the higher temperature coolant may flow directly from the fuel cell stack (14) to the generator and after passing therethrough, it is routed back to the high temperature coolant loop (27). In another embodiment, the higher temperature coolant is made to transfer some of its heat to a lower temperature coolant and the lower temperature coolant is then made to flow directly to the generator and back to the lower temperature coolant loop (22). In the first embodiment, either a double effect absorption chiller or a single effect absorption chiller is used, while in the second embodiment a single effect absorption chiller is used.

Abstract: A MEA-frame assembly is arranged in a mold for injection molding to form a first flow passage arranged so as to extend along the outer periphery of an electrode between the outer periphery of the electrode and the inner periphery of a frame, a second flow passage arranged so as to extend along an inner elastic member between the inner periphery and outer periphery of the frame and a plurality of connecting flow passages which communicate the first flow passage with the second flow passage. An elastic resin is injected into the first flow passage to fill the first flow passage with the elastic resin and to fill the second flow passage with the elastic resin through each of the communicating flow passages, thereby an elastic member which hermetically seals the space between the MEA-frame assembly and the separator is integrally formed.

Abstract: Systems of checking thermal-induced circulation of a coolant in a fuel cell stack are disclosed. The system includes coolant inlet and outlet lines extending from a fuel cell stack. A pump and a radiator are confluently connected to the coolant inlet and coolant outlet lines. In one embodiment, a valve (either check type or automatic type) is provided in the coolant outlet line at the bottom of the fuel cell stack to prevent the flow of cold coolant from the coolant outlet line into the fuel cell stack upon start-up of the fuel cell stack. In another embodiment, a valve (either one-way flow control type or automatic type) is provided in the coolant inlet line at the top of the fuel cell stack. A method of checking thermal-induced circulation of a coolant in a fuel cell stack is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electro-conductive plate assembly for a fuel cell has a pair of stamped plates joined together to define a coolant volume therein. Each of the pair of stamped plates has a flow field on a major outer surface arranged to maximize the contact area between major inner surfaces of the plates while allowing coolant to distribute and flow readily within the coolant volume. The flow fields formed on the major outer surfaces provide corresponding sets of lands on the major inner surfaces that contact to form a third flow field of the coolant volume. The third flow field formed by the lands includes a plurality of longitudinal channels and an array of flow disruptors. The bipolar plate assembly further includes a seal arrangement and integral manifolds to direct reactant gas and coolant flow through the fuel cell.

Abstract: A fuel cell using metal separators in which reactive gas leakage is reliably suppressed without requiring excessive fastening force, while employing a simple structure. The present invention is a solid polymer unit fuel cell having a frame holding an MEA and metal separators, in which 1) the central part of a separator faces an electrode and has linear a channel formed therein, and the peripheral part of a separator is a flat structure having a manifold hole; 2) the frame holding an MEA has a sealant that is provided around the respective electrodes, is in contact with a rib at the boundary of the central part and peripheral part of a separator, and regulates the flow of reactive gas; and 3) contact surfaces of the sealant provided around an electrode and ribs at the boundary between the central part and peripheral part of a separator, are respectively inclined with respect to the stacking direction from the frame toward the separator.

Abstract: A fuel cell, of the type constituted by at least one pair of bipolar plates whose outer surfaces are provided with contoured grooves for conveying the reagents, between which respective membranes which contain the surfaces of the electrodes are interposed. The plates delimit, with their internal surfaces provided with channels, a path for flows of cooling fluid.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes: a fuel cell (1) configured to generate electric power by a reaction between fuel and an oxidizing agent; a cooling passage (3) through which a first heat medium for cooling down the fuel cell (1) flows; a heat exchanger (5) disposed on the cooling passage (3); and an exhaust heat recovery passage (7) through which a second heat medium which exchanges heat with the first heat medium by the heat exchanger (5) flows, wherein a deceleration portion (7c) configured to reduce a flow velocity of the second heat medium and a bubble release portion (7d) configured to discharge bubbles in the deceleration portion (7c) to an outside of the exhaust heat recovery passage (7) are disposed on the exhaust heat recovery passage (7).

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the flow of a cooling fluid through a fuel cell stack during cold system start-up. A pump pumps the cooling fluid through the stack. At cold start-up, the pump is selectively turned on and off in a pulsed manner based on the temperature, cooling fluid volume, stack output power and other factors so that a minimal amount of the cold cooling fluid is introduced into the stack. By selectively controlling the duty cycle and the frequency of the pump pulsing, the reaction temperature will heat the cooling fluid, but the influence of the cold cooling fluid on the stack output power will be minimized. In an alternate embodiment, an electric heater is positioned in the inlet manifold, so that the cooling fluid is heated in the inlet manifold during the times that the pump is off.

Abstract: An ion exchanger comprises an ion exchange cartridge, and an ion exchanger bracket for connecting the ion exchange cartridge to a cooling water path to thereby hold the ion exchange cartridge so as to be freely removed. The ion exchanger bracket is provided at a position closer to the front end portion of the fuel cell vehicle, the position being on the side surface of the sub-frame. The cooling water path, connected to the ion exchanger bracket, is arranged so as to reach the motor room, penetrating the sub-frame. Also, because the ion exchanger is mounted in a space surrounded by the rear side of the bumper and an inner fender covering the rear side of the fender and a tire house, the ion exchange cartridge becomes available to be taken out when a part on the front side of the inner fender is removed.

Abstract: A separator comprises a first and second metal plates laid over each other. A cooling medium flow passage is integrally provided between the first and second metal plates. The cooling medium flow passage has inlet buffer portions communicating with a cooling medium inlet communication hole, outlet buffer portions communicating with a cooling medium outlet communication hole, and linear flow passage grooves linearly extending in the direction of arrow B and that of arrow C.

Abstract: A bipolar plate for a fuel cell is provided. The bipolar plate having flow channels for oxidant gas; said flow channels for oxidant gas comprising one or more grooves each representing a serpentine path; wherein each said serpentine path independently comprises N consecutive legs L1, L2, . . . LN; connected to each other by N?1 consecutive turn sections, T1, T2, . . . TN?1; wherein each leg L1, L2, . . . LN?1 being lengthwise separated from its consecutive leg L2, L3, . . . LN by a wall section, W1, W2, . . . WN?1; wherein each turn section representing a 180° change of flow direction of oxidant gas; wherein N is an odd integer of 3 or more; and wherein one or more of the wall sections W1, W2, . . . WN?1 independently comprise one or more by-pass channels for allowing oxidant gas to flow via a short cut from one leg Lx to its consecutive leg Lx+1; 1?x?N?1; thereby by passing a part of the leg Lx and a part of the leg Lx+1. Furthermore, a cooling plate having a similar design is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel cell bipolar plate (22) comprising at least one ridge (47, 23a, 33a, 40a, 27a, 35a, 41a, 23a) on at least one of the faces (51) thereof, such as seal at least one fluid circuit in the cell from among the oxidant, fuel and coolant inlet circuits and the oxidant, fuel and coolant outlet circuits, said circuits being formed by stacking openings which are provided in the plate (22) and which form an inlet and an outlet for the oxidant and the fuel (33, 40, 35, 41) respectively and openings which form an inlet and an outlet for the coolant (23, 27) respectively during the assembly of the constituent cells (1) of the fuel cell.