Abstract: Various hot box fuel cell system components are provided, such as heat exchangers, steam generator and other components.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel cell bipolar plate in which an air gap or a material layer having a heat transfer coefficient lower than that of the bipolar plate is provided so as to reduce total amount of liquid water generated in a fuel cell, thereby preventing the occurrence of flooding and reducing the time required for cold start, enhancing durability, decreasing parasitic purge requirements, and enhancing operational stability.

Abstract: A method and system for cooling a pressurized charge air in the fuel cell system of a vehicle, using first and second charge air coolers. The system further includes a gas-to-gas humidifier and a fuel cell stack. According to the method and system, cathode exhaust gas passes through the gas-to-gas humidifier and is also used as the coolant gas in the first charge-air cooler. Therefore, the fuel cell cathode exhaust is heated and reduced in water content, reducing the tendency of water in the exhaust to condense and pool underneath the vehicle. Also provided is a three-fluid heat exchanger which integrates the first and second charge air coolers.

Abstract: Fuel cell systems and methods for providing power to an energy-consuming device and cooling of the energy-consuming device utilizing the endothermic process of desorbing hydrogen gas from a hydride bed. Fuel cell systems include a fuel cell stack, a hydrogen storage device having a volume of a hydrogen storage material, and a heat exchange system operatively connected to the hydrogen storage device and configured to heat the hydrogen storage material to desorb hydrogen gas therefrom for delivery to the fuel cell stack. The heat exchange system is further configured to deliver a cooled fluid stream to the energy-consuming device for cooling thereof. The cooled fluid stream may be produced, or cooled, by the endothermic desorption of hydrogen gas from the hydrogen storage device. In some fuel cell systems, the heat exchange system utilizes heat from the energy-consuming device to heat the hydrogen storage material for desorption of hydrogen gas therefrom.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes: a fuel supply unit supplying a fuel; an air supply unit supplying air; a stack including a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) having an air path and a fuel path; a gas-liquid separator connected to an outlet of the fuel path and an outlet of the air path for separating gas-liquid into high-temperature liquid and moisture gas; a mixer mixing the high-temperature liquid separated by the gas-liquid separator and a fuel supplied from the fuel supply unit and connecting the gas-liquid separator and the MEA; a moisture absorbent connected to the gas-liquid separator to absorb condensed liquid in the high-temperature moisture gas; and a heat exchanger to vaporize the liquid absorbed by the moisture absorbent.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fuel cell system comprising: a fuel cell stack; a hydrogen-gas supply device configured to supply hydrogen gas filled in a hydrogen tank into the fuel cell stack along with pressure reduction of the hydrogen gas; an air supply duct configured to supply air into the fuel cell stack; and an air exhaust duct configured to exhaust surplus air from the fuel cell stack. The hydrogen-gas supply device is disposed inside a heat exchange chamber capable of communicating with the air supply duct and the air exhaust duct.

Abstract: An air-intake apparatus for an air-cooled fuel cell according to this invention is provided with outside air temperature-detecting means; an outside air flow passage; an outside air flow rate-regulating valve; inside air temperature-detecting means; an inside air flow passage; an inside air flow rate-regulating valve; an air-conditioning air passage; an air-conditioning air flow rate-regulating valve; and air-intake control means for driving and controlling the outside air flow rate-regulating valve, the inside air flow rate-regulating valve, and the air-conditioning air flow rate-regulating valve on the basis of respective temperatures detected by the outside air temperature-detecting means and the inside air temperature-detecting means, wherein this air-intake control means generates a gas having a temperature optimized by making the gas pass through one or more of these flow passages and regulating valves, and supplies this gas to the fuel cell main unit as an oxidizing gas.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack that includes: stacked cells that generate electricity; an exchange plate disposed at a first side of the stacked cells, having a channel in fluid communication with an injection flow path and a discharge flow path, which extend between the cells; and a pump that is disposed at an opposing second surface of the stacked cells, to force coolant (air) through the injection flow path, the exchange plate, and the discharge flow path.

Abstract: A cooling system for cooling a fuel-cell system on board an aircraft, in one example, includes a hydrogen accumulator, a connecting device coupling the hydrogen accumulator, with an external cooling system for dissipating heat arising upon charging of the hydrogen accumulator. The hydrogen accumulator cools down upon removal of hydrogen, because of which cooling of a condenser occurs. The cooling system need not utilize a secondary cooling loop for condenser cooling.

Abstract: A temperature sensor mounting arrangement for a battery frame assembly in which a plurality of rechargeable battery packs are supported and interconnected. The arrangement includes an elongated support member secured to a battery frame member and extending into an interior region of the frame member. At least one electrical interface connector is secured to a first end of the support member and an electronic temperature sensor is secured to a face of the support member in a target position proximate to a battery pack outer surface. A plurality of electrical conductors interconnects between the electrical connectors and the temperature sensor. The temperature sensor mounting arrangement is modularized and designed to enable high speed assembly during manufacturing and ensure repeatable frame to frame sensor positioning and accuracy of temperature readings.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes at least one fuel cell and at least one air conveyor that conveys a process air flow to the fuel cell. At least one heat exchanger is also provided, through which the process air flow flows after the air conveyor and through which a cooling medium flow flows. A region with catalytically active material is arranged in the flow direction of the process air flow before or in the region of the heat exchanger. In addition a fuel can be fed to the region with the catalytically active material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system with which fuel cell stacks can be tested automatically or manually so that production of pollutants and consumption of electricity are little. The system runs various analyses and tests on the fuel cell stacks and provides operative conditions such as temperatures and fluid flows needed in the tests.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a first regenerator core and a second regenerator core and a four-way valve coupled to a cold section of the first regenerator core and to a cold section of the second regenerator core. The four-way valve directs input air to the first regenerator core or to the second regenerator core. A high-temperature passive check valve is coupled to a hot section of the first regenerator core and to a hot section of the second regenerator core. The high-temperature passive check valve comprises an inlet header coupled to the hot section of the first regenerator core or the second regenerator core, a valve poppet coupled to a valve stem and a valve seat located on a surface parallel to a surface of the valve poppet. Air entering the inlet header moves the valve poppet away from the valve seat, creating an opening through which air passes.

Abstract: A fuel cell system is provided with an air compressor for supplying a fuel cell stack with air; a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of air in the gas downstream from an intercooler, at the middle of an oxidation gas supplying channel; and a control section. The control section is provided with a cooling section abnormality determining unit for determining presence or absence of an abnormality of a first cooling water pump, and an air compressor operation controlling unit for controlling the rotational speed of the air compressor in accordance with the air temperature detected by the temperature sensor when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred.

Abstract: A direct oxidation fuel cell system includes a fuel cell and a cooling device. An anode-side separator of the fuel cell has a fuel flow channel in the face in contact with the anode. The direction of a flow of air supplied by the cooling device is set so that the upstream-side portion in the average flow direction of fuel in the fuel flow channel is selectively cooled. This allows the upstream-side portion of the polymer electrolyte membrane having large MCO to be cooled, thereby reducing the amount of MCO. Also, the downstream-side portion where the fuel concentration in the fuel flow channel is low has a relatively high temperature, thereby making it possible to improve the energy conversion efficiency.

Abstract: A proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack and novel proton exchange membrane fuel cell module are disclosed and wherein the proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack includes a plurality of repeating, serially electrically coupled fuel cell stack modules, and which are sealably mounted together by a compressive force of less than about 60 pounds per square inch.

Abstract: A PEM fuel system includes a fuel cell stack comprising one or more PEM fuel cells and fan configured to provide process air to supply oxidizer to and cool the fuel cell stack. The system has an air duct coupled to the fan and the fuel cell stack, and an electrical service load coupled to the fuel cell stack for receiving electrical power generated from reactions within the fuel cell stack. The system further includes as auxiliary electrical load coupled to the fuel cell stack and located within the air duct to reduce potentials across the fuel cell stack. The air duct is configured to direct the flow of air to the fuel cell stack and auxiliary electrical load to provide cooling air to the fuel cell stack and auxiliary electrical load.

Abstract: A cooling system of the invention mounted on a motor vehicle has a damper configured to switch over an air blow mode between an inside air intake mode of taking in the air from a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle via operation of a battery blower fan and directly blowing the intake air to a battery and an A/C intake mode of taking in the air cooled down by an air conditioner (evaporator) via operation of the battery blower fan and blowing the cooled intake air to the battery. In response to a switchover demand of the air blow mode, when a vehicle speed is not lower than a preset reference speed, a switchover of the damper is immediately performed to switch over the air blow mode. When the vehicle speed is lower than the preset reference speed, the switchover of the damper is prohibited to keep the air blow mode unchanged. At the higher vehicle speed, the drive-related noise (background noise) sufficiently masks the wind noise occurring in the course of the switchover of the damper.

Abstract: Various hot box fuel cell system components are provided, such as heat exchangers, steam generator and other components.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel cell system using evaporative cooling that generates electricity by reacting hydrogen as a fuel and air as an oxidant. The system includes a fuel cell stack including a cooling channel provided on a bipolar plate separately from an air channel and a hydrogen channel, an air inlet line connected to an inlet side of the cooling channel of the fuel cell stack, a water injection means provided at the inlet side of the cooling channel to inject water into air introduced to the cooling channel through the air inlet line, and an air compression means provided at the rear of the fuel cell stack and connected to a discharge line coupled to an outlet side of the cooling channel to provide a suction force to the cooling channel and to compress a mixture of air and water vapor sucked from the cooling channel. The present system provides advantages in that the configuration of the fuel cell system is simplified, lightweight, and downsized, and the manufacturing cost is reduced.

Abstract: A fuel cell air exchanger is provided. The fuel cell air exchanger includes a platform having at least one throughput opening and at least one holding post, where the holding post fixedly holds a fuel cell offset from the platform and proximal to the opening, where the opening can have many shapes. The fuel cell air exchanger provides an unimpeded air exchange through the openings to the fuel cell and can be flexible, semi-flexible or rigid. The fuel cell air exchanger can hold an array of fuel cells and fuel cell electronics. A chimney feature provides enhanced airflow when the air exchanger is disposed in a vertical position.

Abstract: A temperature adjustment member is arranged to control temperature of a reformer independently of temperature of a fuel cell module. The reformer is structured as a three-fluid heat exchanger into which a fluid is introducible whose temperature is higher or lower than exhaust-gas temperature of the fuel cell module. Then, the temperature of the reformer is controlled independently of operation temperature of the fuel cell by introducing the higher-temperature or lower-temperature fluid into the reformer. Also, a high-temperature or low-temperature gas is mixed with the module's exhaust gas, thereby adjusting temperature of the exhaust gas itself. This also controls the temperature of the reformer independently of the operation temperature of the fuel cell.

Abstract: The air-cooled thermal management of a fuel cell stack is disclosed. One disclosed embodiment comprises a cooling plate apparatus for an air-cooled fuel cell stack, where the cooling plate comprises a body configured to receive heat from one or more fuel cells in thermal communication with the body, and airflow channels formed in the body and configured to allow a flow of a cooling air to pass across the body. An insulating structure is disposed in the airflow channels, wherein the insulating structure has decreasing thickness from a cooling air inlet toward a cooling air outlet.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell body to generate electrical energy using a reaction of hydrogen and oxygen; a reformer to generate a reformed gas containing hydrogen by reforming fuel and to supply the reformed gas to the fuel cell body; a fuel tank to store the fuel in a partially liquefied state and to supply the fuel to the reformer; a case to encase the fuel cell body and the reformer; and a refrigeration unit attached to the case to store ambient air of the fuel tank, the ambient air of the fuel tank being cooled by latent heat of vaporization of the fuel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel cell system capable of restraining a temperature change in a fuel cell caused by a refrigerant. The fuel cell system has a refrigerant circulating system for circulating the refrigerant from the fuel cell to the fuel cell. The refrigerant circulating system has flow control means for restraining the inflow of the refrigerant, which has a predetermined difference in temperature from that of the fuel cell, into the fuel cell.

Abstract: A cooling device for a fuel cell system includes at least one cooling circuit, through which a fuel cell can be cooled. The fuel cell system also includes a component with at least an electric drive area and a gas delivery area. A gas can be delivered to the fuel cell through the gas delivery area and the component is actively cooled. The cooling of the component takes place together with the cooling of the fuel cell in a cooling circuit.

Abstract: A fuel cell and an electronic apparatus with same mounted thereon are provided. The fuel cell includes a power generation unit provided with a conduit for an oxidant gas containing at least oxygen, a heat radiation unit connected to the power generation unit so as to radiate heat from the power generation unit, a gas flow means for causing the oxidant gas to flow in the conduit, and a cooling means driven independently from the gas flow means so as to cool the heat radiation unit. By independently controlling the driving of the gas flow means and the cooling means, the fuel cell can be driven in such a manner that the temperature of the power generation unit and the amount of water remaining in the power generation unit are regulated into preferable conditions. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a fuel cell and an electronic apparatus with the same mounted thereon in which power generation can be performed stably and various apparatuses are contained therein in a compact form.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to the design of a portable and cost-effective fuel cell system for a portable computing device. This fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack which converts fuel into electrical power. It also includes a fuel source for the fuel cell stack and a controller which controls operation of the fuel cell system. The fuel system also includes an interface to the portable computing device, wherein the interface comprises a power link that provides power to the portable computing device, and a bidirectional communication link that provides bidirectional communication between the portable computing device and the controller for the fuel cell system.

Abstract: An integrated charge air heat exchanger for use in a vehicle fuel cell system is provided. The integrated charge air heat exchanger includes a plurality of coolant conduits adapted for a coolant fluid to flow therethrough. The integrated charge air heat exchanger further includes a plurality of heating elements and a plurality of fin elements. One heating element is disposed on a first surface of each of the coolant conduits, and one of the fin elements is disposed on a second surface of each of the coolant conduits. A method for heating the coolant fluid in a first operational mode and cooling a charge air stream in a second operational mode is also provided.

Abstract: A fuel cell system that employs a heat exchanger and a charge air cooler for reducing the temperature of the cathode inlet air to a fuel cell stack during certain system operating conditions so that the cathode inlet air is able to absorb more moisture in a water vapor transfer unit. The system can include a valve that selectively by-passes the heat exchanger if the cathode inlet air does not need to be cooled to meet the inlet humidity requirements. Alternately, the charge air cooler can be cooled by an ambient airflow.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a cooling tank reservoir with a pressure release valve and a cooling fluid conduit wrapped around the pressure release valve.

Abstract: A fuel cell assembly (100) comprising: an enclosure (120) for mounting a fuel cell stack (110) therein, the enclosure comprising an air flow path (160) extending between an air inlet (180) and an air outlet (190); and a fuel cell stack (110) having a plurality of cathode air coolant paths extending between a first face (111) and an opposing second face (112) of the stack, wherein the fuel cell stack is mounted within the enclosure to provide a first tapering air volume (140) between the first face of the stack and a first side wall (121) of the enclosure and a second tapering air volume (150) between the second face of the stack and a second opposing side wall (122) of the enclosure.

Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, a method of operating a solid oxide fuel cell system including a fuel cell stack. The method can include the acts of combining an exhaust flow from an anode side of the fuel cell stack and an exhaust flow from a cathode side of the fuel cell stack, transferring heat from the combined exhaust flow to a first air flow, and combining a second air flow and the heated first air flow upstream from the fuel cell stack to control a temperature of the combined air flow entering the cathode side of the solid oxide fuel cell.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus having a fuel cell which sufficiently supplies air to the fuel cell without a separate air pump or fan. In the electronic apparatus, a cooling fan cools heat-generating parts of an external device having the fuel cell mounted thereon. A guide bracket guides wind of the cooling fan, upon having cooled the heat-generating parts, toward a fuel cell.

Abstract: A fuel cell apparatus including a fuel cell module, a heat exchanging assembly, and an airflow producing element is provided. The fuel cell module is used to perform chemical reactions of a fuel cell. The heat exchanging assembly includes a first heat exchanging part, a second heat exchanging part, and a connection part. The connection part connects the first heat exchanging part and the second heat exchanging part respectively. The airflow producing element is adapted to produce an airflow, and the airflow flows through the first heat exchanging part, the fuel cell module, and the second heat exchanging part sequentially.

Abstract: A passive cooling system for a fuel cell stack is provided. The passive cooling system includes a plurality of cooling plates, each installed between every few unit cells, each having flow channels for flowing a primary coolant on at least one surface, and each comprising an inlet hole through which the primary coolant enters and an outlet hole through which the primary coolant that has passed the flow channels leaves; and a heat exchanger installed on a primary coolant flow line connected from the outlet holes to the inlet holes of the cooling plates to change a vapor state primary coolant to a liquid state primary coolant by cooling the primary coolant, wherein a path through which the primary coolant passes is a closed circuit, and the flow of the primary coolant is achieved by natural convection caused by vaporization of the primary coolant.

Abstract: A heat exchanger that can mechanically automatically control a level of cooling water according to heat generation of the fuel cell. The heat exchanger includes a housing having a cooling water inlet and an outlet connected to a fuel cell stack, a moving plate which moves reciprocally in the housing and discharges cooling water filled in the housing to the stack when it moves in a one direction and when it receives a steam pressure from the stack it moves in an opposite direction, and an elastic member that applies a force to the moving plate in the one direction. The heat exchanger can automatically maintain the level of cooling water despite a difference in heat generated between a full and a partial load operation of the fuel cell obviating complicated electronics such as a thermo-sensor, a valve, or a controller. Also, under a partial load, the exposure of flow channels to superheated steam is avoided, thereby extending the lifetime of the fuel cell.

Abstract: An air-cooled fuel cell structure with an air-guiding element is provided. The air-cooled fuel cell structure includes a fuel cell module, a fan cover, an electric fan, and the air-guiding element. The fan cover has a first opening and a second opening. The first opening of the fan cover is hermetically coupled to a first end portion of the gas flow channels of the fuel cell module. The electronic fan is disposed above the second opening of the fan cover. The air-guiding element is disposed in the fan cover. The air-guiding element guides gas flow in the fan cover to ensure uniform distribution of the gas flow in the gas flow channels of the fuel cell module. Thus, the temperature difference inside the fuel cell module can be reduced and the efficacy of the fuel cell module can be raised.

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 catalytic combustion unit for a fuel cell system is provided. The catalytic combustion unit includes a reactor having a porous medium with a catalyst deposited thereon. The reactor is disposed adjacent a heat exchanger and adapted to receive an air stream and a hydrogen stream. The reactor is further adapted to promote an exothermic reaction and modulate a temperature of a fuel cell stack. A fuel cell system and method employing the catalytic combustion unit are also provided.

Abstract: In a fuel cell stack, a cell stack is formed by laminating membrane electrode assemblies and a separator, and sandwiching them with a pair of end plates from the both sides in the laminating direction, and the cell stack is tightened and fastened in a laminating direction by a first plate spring. The first plate spring includes two arm sections for pressing the end plates and a connecting section connecting the arm sections so as to have a C-shaped cross-section. Space between the connecting section of the first plate spring, and membrane electrode assembly and the end plates functions as a first cooling air flow passage.

Abstract: An energy system, in at least one embodiment, includes an energy production device for production of energy for the energy system with the aid of an working medium, a superconductor for low-loss conduction of electrical energy in the energy system, and a cooling device for cooling of the superconductor with the aid of a liquid phase of a cooling medium. The liquid phase of the cooling medium is, according to at least one embodiment of the invention, produced in the cooling device by condensation of a gaseous phase of the cooling medium, with the condensation of the gaseous phase of the cooling medium taking place by heat transfer from the gaseous phase of the cooling medium to the working medium. The overall efficiency of the energy system can improved by the heat transfer step.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes: a fuel supply unit supplying a fuel; an air supply unit supplying air; a stack including a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) having an air path and a fuel path; a gas-liquid separator connected to an outlet of the fuel path and an outlet of the air path for separating gas-liquid into high-temperature liquid and moisture gas; a mixer mixing the high-temperature liquid separated by the gas-liquid separator and a fuel supplied from the fuel supply unit and connecting the gas-liquid separator and the MEA; a moisture absorbent connected to the gas-liquid separator to absorb condensed liquid in the high-temperature moisture gas; and a heat exchanger to vaporize the liquid absorbed by the moisture absorbent.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack that includes: stacked cells that generate electricity; an exchange plate disposed at a first side of the stacked cells, having a channel in fluid communication with an injection flow path and a discharge flow path, which extend between the cells; and a pump that is disposed at an opposing second surface of the stacked cells, to force coolant (air) through the injection flow path, the exchange plate, and the discharge flow path.

Abstract: A method of operating an electrochemical conversion assembly is provided where a shut down sequence is introduced where a substantially dry gas is driven through the cathode flow field. The dry gas is supplied for an amount of time sufficient to reduce the water content of the proton exchange membrane to a level sufficient to suppress corrosion and catalyst dissolution in the membrane electrode assembly. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a catalyst layer, a corrugated plate forming a plurality of channels that define a flow field in fluid communication with the catalyst layer, and a coating on at least one of the channels. The plate and coating are configured such that, if a gas flows through the channels, an obstruction blocking the at least one of the channels causes a pressure gradient between the channels that drives convection of the gas through the coating and around the obstruction.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a plate having a plurality of channels formed therein that define a flow field. The plate is configured such that, if a gas flows through the channels, an obstruction blocking a particular channel causes a pressure gradient between the channels that drives convection of the gas through the plate and between at least some of the channels. The fuel cell also includes a catalyst layer in fluid communication with the flow field.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack (32) includes a plurality of fuel cells in which each fuel cell is formed between a pair of conductive, porous, substantially hydrophilic plates (17) having oxidant reactant gas flow field channels (12-15) on a first surface and fuel reactant gas flow field channels (19, 19a) on a second surface opposite to the first surface, each ˜f the plates being separated from a plate adjacent thereto by a unitized electrode assembly (20) including a cathode electrode (22), having a gas diffusion layer (GDL) an anode electrode (23) having a GDL with catalyst between each GDL and a membrane (21) disposed therebetween. Above the stack is a condenser (33} having tubes (34) that receive coolant air (39, 40} to condense water vapor out of oxidant exhaust in a chamber (43). Inter-cell wicking strips (26) receive condensate and conduct it along the length of the stack to all cells.

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.