Abstract: A gas flow control assembly for use in a fuel cell system comprising an airflow control assembly for adjusting flow of air to a cathode side of the fuel cell system based on content variations in an exhaust gas leaving an anode side of the system and a fuel flow control assembly for controlling flow of fuel to the anode side based on adjustment to the airflow by the airflow control assembly.

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: A method of removing residual oxygen in a residential high temperature non-humidification fuel cell stack including at least one cathode. The method includes making the pressure in the cathode higher than that outside of the cathode and maintaining airtight sealing of the cathode of the fuel cell stack, removing the residual oxygen in the fuel cell stack, and stopping supplying of fuel to the fuel cell stack. The setting of the pressure includes blocking air flow out of the cathode, comparing the pressure in the cathode with a set pressure higher than the pressure outside the cathode, and supplying air to the cathode until the pressure in the cathode is the same as or is higher than the set pressure.

Abstract: A fuel cell system that employs end cell heaters in the end cells of a fuel cell stack in the fuel cell system that consistently maintain the temperature of the end cells above the operating temperature of the stack so as to reduce water in the end cells. In one embodiment, the temperature of the end cells is maintained within the range of 80° C.-85° C. across the entire output power range of the fuel cell stack. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the end cells are electrically coupled in series, and the control signal for controlling the end cells heaters is selected to heat the warmest end cell to the desired temperature.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to a fuel cell system that is fed fuel and provided information on the fed fuel. The system generates information about fuel utilization in the fuel cells and oxygen to carbon ratio (O/C ratio) in the fuel cell system process and includes features for controlling a loading of the fuel cells. The fuel cell system also includes a first closed loop controller for controlling the feeding of fuel by taking into account the fuel utilization information as process feedback information, and by implementing a constraint function taking control of O/C ratio by restricting output of the first controller when said O/C ratio deviates from an allowed range, and a second controller for controlling active fuel cell loading by implementing a constraint function taking control of fuel utilization restricting output of the second controller when said fuel utilization deviates from an allowed range.

Abstract: A fuel cell apparatus is capable of quickly heating a solid electrolyte to a proper temperature in order to perform effective electric power generation. The apparatus includes a fuel cell (1) for generating electric power by cell reacting a fuel gas on an anode-(3) side with oxygen on a cathode-(4) side. The fuel cell (1) includes a solid electrolyte (2) formed of a porous mass and uses a differential pressure to cause the fuel gas on the anode-(3) side to permeate through the solid electrolyte to the cathode-(4) side. The solid electrolyte (2) is heated by combustion reaction of the fuel gas permeated through the solid electrolyte (2) and mixed with the oxygen.

Abstract: A fuel cell arrangement is disclosed. The fuel cell arrangement includes a fuel cell stack and a housing wall element to form a housing surrounding the fuel cell stack. The housing wall element comprises a penetrating opening for an electric contacting of the fuel cell stack via a conductor. The conductor extends through the penetrating opening. A sheath is arranged between the penetrating opening wall and the conductor around an insulation layer arranged at the conductor. The sheath, together with the insulation layer, is pushed against the conductor in a gas-tight fashion, with the penetrating opening being sealed in a gas-tight fashion via a compensation element to compensate for longitudinal and lateral movements. The compensation element is lastingly fastened at the sheath element and the housing wall element in a gas-tight fashion.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell device, a fuel supply device, and a control device. The fuel cell device includes a fuel cell, a fuel-cell related auxiliary machine, and a fuel-cell related information sensor. The fuel supply device includes a fuel source for the fuel cell, a fuel-source related auxiliary machine, and a fuel-source related information sensor. The control device is configured to control the fuel cell device and the fuel supply device, and is configured to process information provided from the fuel-cell related information sensor and the fuel-source related information sensor. The control device includes a first controller provided in the fuel cell device, and a second controller provided in the fuel supply device.

Abstract: A fuel cell system including: a reformer to convert a fuel into hydrogen; a reformer chamber to contain air heated by the reformer; a fuel cell stack to convert the hydrogen into electricity; a first pump to supply an oxidant to the stack; and a second pump to supply the heated air to the stack, to preheat the stack. The system may also include a controller to control the operation of the system, such that the heated air is not supplied until it reaches a predetermined temperature, and the oxidant is not supplied and the stack is not operated, until the stack reaches a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a purge system for a fuel cell stack is provided. The system comprises a blower, a differential pressure sensor and a purge valve. The blower delivers a recirculated gas back to the stack at varying electrical power levels and blower speeds. The differential pressure sensor senses pressure of the recirculated gas across the blower. The purge valve purges the recirculated gas based on at least one of a blower power level, a blower speed, and the pressure of the recirculated gas.

Abstract: A method for determining a flow of a gas through an injector and a flow of a gas through a valve in a fuel cell system. The method includes determining an injector flow estimation for the gas flowing through the injector and determining a valve flow estimation for the gas flowing through the valve. The method also includes calculating an error that is a difference between the injector flow estimation and the valve flow estimation and adjusting the flow of the gas through the valve based on the error.

Abstract: A fuel cell system including, among other things, one or more of a fuel cell, a fuel reservoir, a current collecting circuit, a plenum, or a system cover. The fuel reservoir is configured to store fuel, and may include a regulator for controlling an output fuel pressure and a refueling port. A surface of the fuel reservoir may be positioned adjacent a first fuel cell portion. The current collecting circuit is configured to receive and distribute fuel cell power and may be positioned adjacent a second fuel cell portion. The plenum may be formed when the fuel reservoir and the first fuel cell portion are coupled or by one or more flexible fuel cell walls. The system cover allows air into the system and when combined when a fuel pressure in the plenum, may urge contact between the fuel cell and the current collecting circuit.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a portable fuel cell power source including an expandable enclosure, a first reactant contained within the enclosure, one or more fuel cells and a fluid port positioned in the expandable enclosure and adapted to be in fluidic communication with the one or more fuel cells. The enclosure may also include an opening to insert a second reactant. When the first reactant is contacted with the second reactant a fuel is generated for use with one or more of the fuel cells. The volume of the portable fuel cell power source in a collapsed state may be smaller than the volume of the amount of first reactant and second reactant needed to substantially consume the first reactant in a fuel generation reaction.

Abstract: A fuel cell assembly having a terminal plate that is isolated from fluid flows passing to the fuel cell stack through manifolds is provided. A corrosion resistant member is positioned between the fuel cell stack and the terminal plate and sealingly engages with the manifold. The sealing engagement between the manifold and the corrosion resistant member prevents fluid flowing through the manifold to the fuel cell stack from contacting the terminal plate. Thus, a fuel cell assembly according to the present invention can be operated while preventing a fluid flow through the manifold from contacting the terminal plate.

Abstract: A fuel cell system of the present invention comprises a fuel cell (1) configured to generate electric power using a fuel gas, a fuel gas generator (2) configured to generate a fuel gas containing hydrogen using a raw material, a combustion burner (2a) configured to heat the fuel gas generator, a combustion fan (2b) configured to supply air to a combustion burner (2a), and a controller (101). The raw material is filled inside the fuel cell (1) before the fuel gas is supplied to the fuel cell. The controller (101) controls on-off valves (8, 9) to cause the fuel gas to branch to flow to a second path (R2) and to a fourth path (R4) when the fuel gas generated in the fuel gas generator (2) starts to be supplied to the fuel cell (1).

Abstract: A wireless communication device (200) and method (300) adapted to prolong the useful life of an energy storage device is disclosed. In its simplest form, it can include: detecting (310) a first threshold of an energy conversion module comprising at least one of a temperature threshold, oxygen threshold, voltage, a current threshold, a power threshold and moisture threshold; sensing (320) a temperature in proximity to a thermal module comprising at least one of a fuel tank, an electronic computing module, and a housing; and generating (330) an air stream based on the detected first threshold (310) and the sensed temperature (320). The device (200) and method (300) can automatically and dynamically manage, for example, temperature, oxygen and/or moisture of an energy storage module, to maintain the energy storage module within desired specifications and tolerances. This can help to prolong the useful life of the energy storage module and its components and help to maintain a maximum recharging capacity.

Abstract: A fuel cell power generation system 100 includes a mechanism for detachably holding an adsorptive desulfurization section 5 for adsorbing a sulfur component in a hydrocarbon-based raw material; a reformer for generating hydrogen-containing gas from the raw material which has passed the adsorptive desulfurization section 5; a fuel cell 8 for generating power using the hydrogen-containing gas as a fuel; a raw material supply section 4 for controlling a flow rate of the raw material to be supplied to the adsorptive desulfurization section 5; and an operating control section 16 for controlling a behavior of the raw material supply section 4 and a behavior of the fuel cell 8.

Abstract: A system is provided that combines an oxygen enrichment device (OBOGS) for generating oxygen-enriched air with a fuel cell system that includes, but is not limited to a fuel cell for using the oxygen-enriched air as a reaction gas within the fuel cell, as a result of which the output of the fuel cell is improved while the size and weight of the fuel cell remain the same.

Abstract: A fuel cell assembly has a housing defining an electricity generation/combustion chamber, and electricity generation/combustion means disposed within the housing. A fuel gas and an oxygen-containing gas are supplied to the electricity generation/combustion means, and a combustion gas formed within the electricity generation/combustion chamber is discharged from the electricity generation/combustion chamber. A heat exchanger having a first channel and a second channel is disposed on at least one surface of the housing, the combustion gas is discharged from the interior of the electricity generation/combustion chamber through the first channel of the heat exchanger, and one of the oxygen-containing gas and the fuel gas is supplied to the electricity generation/combustion means through the second channel of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A hydrogen generator (100) includes: a reformer (1) configured to generate a hydrogen-containing gas using a raw material and steam; a water evaporator (4) configured to supply the steam to the reformer (1); a sealing device (10) provided on a passage located downstream of the reformer (1) and configured to block a gas in the passage from flowing to the atmosphere; and a depressurizer (3) provided on a passage located upstream of the reformer (1) and configured to release to the atmosphere, pressure in the hydrogen generator (100) which pressure is increased by water evaporation in the water evaporator (4) after the sealing device (10) is closed.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to improve the accuracy of estimating residual water content in a fuel cell system adopting an intermittent operation mode and to accurately suppress cell voltage reduction due to water accumulation caused by the intermittent operation. The fuel cell system includes: a fuel cell having a cell laminate; an estimating unit for estimating a residual water content distribution in a reactant gas flow channel and a moisture content distribution in an electrolyte membrane in a cell plane of each single cell while taking into consideration water transfer that occurs between an anode electrode and a cathode electrode via the electrolyte membrane; and an operation control unit which changes the content of an intermittent operation when a residual water content in the reactant gas flow channel estimated by the estimating unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: In a method for preparing a hydrogen absorbing electrode, a hydrogen absorbing alloy which contains a rare earth element as an alloy constituent and a transition metal element is immersed in an aqueous alkaline solution so that the saturation mass susceptibility is 1.0 to 6.5 emu/g of the hydrogen absorbing alloy. The hydrogen absorbing alloy is mixed through the immersing step with an oxide or hydroxide of a rare earth element wherein the oxide or hydroxide has as a main component at least one element selected from the group consisting of Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu. Then, a mixture of the hydrogen absorbing alloy and the oxide or hydroxide of the rare earth element is applied to form a desired shape.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a fuel supply control system to control a fuel cell system to work in a predetermined temperature range by controlling a fuel supply rate. The fuel supply control system includes a fuel supply controller and a fuel supply device. The fuel supply controller calculates a temperature variation slope to generate a first fuel supply rate by increasing or decreasing the predetermined fuel supply rate according to the relationship of system temperature and predetermined working temperature, and controls a fuel delivering rate of the fuel supply device according to the first fuel supply rate.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fuel cell system in which a poisoned electrode catalyst can be recovered while meeting a demand for an output power. When a controller detects that an electrode catalyst is poisoned, the controller derives a target operation point adequate for recovering a function of the poisoned electrode catalyst to realize shift of an operation point so that the output power is kept constant. Specifically, a fuel cell voltage is controlled using a DC/DC converter, and an amount of an oxidizing gas to be fed from an oxidizing gas supply source is adjusted, thereby controlling a fuel cell current.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fuel cell system or the like capable of stably operating an auxiliary machine and the like, even when recovering a poisoned electrode catalyst and warming up a fuel cell. A controller derives a target operation point sufficient for recovering activity of the poisoned electrode catalyst, and realizes shift of an operation point to a target operation point in a state in which an output power is held to be constant. The operation is switched to a low-efficiency operation point, whereby an output voltage of the fuel cell lowers, but the voltage is raised to an allowable input voltage of a high-voltage auxiliary machine by a DC/DC converter.

Abstract: An energy management system controls the temperature of a fuel cell system while a vehicle is not running. The energy management system includes a fuel cell stack, a blower that provides air to the fuel cell stack, a water supply, and a hydrogen supply. A hydrogen supply valve is connected between the hydrogen supply and the fuel cell stack. A heater is connected to an output of the fuel cell stack. A controller controls the hydrogen supply valve and the blower to power the heater to warm the fuel cell stack and the water supply. The controller starts the blower and opens the hydrogen supply valve if heating is necessary and if a tank level signal exceeds a first tank level value. The controller activates a purge, drains water from the water supply, and inhibits vehicle startup if the tank level signal does not exceed a first tank level value.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes at least one electricity generating unit for generating electric energy through an electrochemical reaction between oxygen and hydrogen, a reformer for reforming fuel to generate hydrogen gas to be supplied to the electricity generating unit, a fuel supply apparatus for absorbing a liquid fuel stored in a fuel reservoir and supplying the fuel to the reformer and an oxygen supply source for supplying oxygen to the electricity generating unit. The fuel supply apparatus employs an absorber with capillary channels in which osmotic pressure is produced due to a concentration differential caused by thermal energy. The osmotic pressure allows the fuel to flow.

Abstract: Fuel cell systems and methods for controlling the operation of fuel cell assemblies included therein. In some embodiments, the fuel cell assemblies include a fuel processor and a fuel cell stack, and the fuel cell system includes a control system that controls the operation thereof based upon at least one variable associated therewith. In some embodiments, the variable is associated with the hydrogen (or other product) stream from the fuel processor. In some embodiments, the variable is the pressure of this stream. In some embodiments, the control system controls the operation of the fuel cell system to maintain the pressure of the hydrogen stream within one or more threshold values. In some embodiments, the control system controls the operation of the fuel cell system to maintain the pressure of the hydrogen stream within selected threshold values and to maintain the fuel cell stack's output voltage above a selected threshold.

Abstract: A fuel cell system for a vehicle, controlling a power generation amount of a fuel cell. A required power generation amount of the fuel cell and a target operational state corresponding to required power generation amount are calculated. An operational state of the fuel cell is detected. A correction power generation amount used for correcting the required power generation amount and an allowable power generation amount that the fuel cell can stably generate based on the operational state of the fuel cell are also calculated. Further, an output power generation amount of the fuel cell is determined based on a relation between the allowable power generation amount and the power generation amount obtained by correcting the required power generation amount by the correction power generation amount.

Abstract: The invention is a hydrogen passivation shut down system for a fuel cell power plant (10, 200). During shut down of the plant (10, 200), hydrogen fuel is permitted to transfer between an anode flow path (24, 24?) and a cathode flow path (38, 38?). A passive hydrogen bleed line (202) permits passage of a smallest amount of hydrogen into the fuel cell (12?) necessary to maintain the fuel cell (12?) in a passive state. A diffusion media (204) may be secured in fluid communication with the bleed line (202) to maintain a constant, slow rate of diffusion of the hydrogen into the fuel cell (12?) despite varying pressure differentials between the shutdown fuel cell (12?) and ambient atmosphere adjacent the cell (12?).

Abstract: A fuel cell system is provided which can accurately detect an insulation resistance even during a high-potential prevention control. The fuel cell system includes: a fuel cell that generates electric power through an electrochemical reaction between a fuel gas and an oxidant gas; an insulation resistance measurement unit that measures an insulation resistance between the fuel cell and an outer conductor; and a control unit that controls a power generation state of the fuel cell, and the control unit carries out a high-potential prevention control that avoids a voltage of the fuel cell becoming equal to or higher than a predetermined high-potential prevention voltage threshold lower than an open circuit voltage of the fuel cell, and changes the high-potential prevention voltage threshold during an insulation resistance detection performed by the insulation resistance measurement unit.

Abstract: A fuel cartridge has a pair of flat faces in which holes are formed. A net is stretched within the holes, and solid methanol is packed inside the fuel cartridge. A fuel cell unit, shaped as a flat box, comprises a pair of flat wall portions, a pair of long-side wall portions, and a pair of short-side wall portions. Each flat wall portion is provided with two MEAs-4, as fuel cells that are arranged so that the fuel electrodes (not shown) face inward. One of the long-side wall portions has an opening provided with, on the edge thereof, an elastic packing serving as a sealing member. An opening and closing lid is pivotably provided to the opening by a pivot as a pivot member. The resulting reduced size methanol fuel cell system has sufficient air-tightness and good power generation efficiency, and is simple in structure.

Abstract: A pressure regulating valve has a first pressure deformation portion which receives a pressure on a fuel demand side, a second pressure deformation portion opposed to the first pressure deformation portion and which receives a predetermined pressure, first and second flow passages, and a communication passage communicating the first and second flow passages with each other. A valve member connects the first and second pressure deformation portions together and has a valve element that closes the communication passage when moved toward the second pressure deformation portion. When the pressure on the fuel demand side is lower than a predetermined value, the valve element does not close the communication passage, but when the pressure on the fuel demand side is equal to or higher than the predetermined value, the valve element closes the communication passage.

Abstract: An interconnect for a fuel cell stack includes a first set of gas flow channels in a first portion of the interconnect, and a second set of gas flow channels in second portion of the interconnect. The channels of the first set have a larger cross sectional area than the channels of the second set.

Abstract: A fuel cell with which deterioration of an anode electrode is able to be inhibited by an inexpensive means while generated carbon dioxide is removed, a fuel cell system including the same, and an electronic device including the same are provided. The fuel cell includes: a power generation section having an electrolyte between a cathode electrode and an anode electrode; an anode side platy member provided on the anode electrode side of the power generation section; a fuel vaporization chamber; a through hole that is formed in the anode platy member and gives passage between the anode electrode and the fuel vaporization chamber; a carbon dioxide exhaust section that guides carbon dioxide generated in the power generation section to each side face of the anode platy member or the fuel vaporization chamber; and a valve provided in the carbon dioxide exhaust section.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to in-situ, line-of-sight measurements of partial pressure and temperature associated with at least one flow channel of a fuel cell. Tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) is employed for measurements for which water transition states sensitive to temperature and partial pressure are utilized. Measurements are achievable for a fuel cell operating under both steady-state and time-varying load conditions. For steady-state operation, the water partial pressure increases with increasing current density on a cathode side of the fuel cell due to production of water by electrochemical reaction. Temperature in a gas phase remains relatively constant since the fuel cell housing temperature is controlled externally. For non-steady-state operation of the fuel cell through a time-varying current profile, the water partial pressure responds to the load changes rapidly and follows a current profile.

Abstract: In a power generation unit incorporated in a fuel cell system, a mixture fuel with a certain concentration is supplied to an anode, power is generated by electrochemical reaction between the anode and a cathode exposed to air, and a discharge liquid containing an unreacted mixture fuel is discharged from the anode. The power generation unit is connected to a fuel circulation path for circulating the discharge liquid to the anode. If a mixture fuel is low in pressure, a fuel supply unit supplies fuel to the fuel circulation path. The temperature of the power generation unit is controlled in accordance with the concentration or volume of the mixture fuel supplied to the anode.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell which has an anode. A fuel supplying device circulates a supply of aqueous methanol solution to the anode in the fuel cell. The fuel supplying device includes an aqueous solution tank for storing the aqueous methanol solution. By moving aqueous methanol solution from the aqueous solution tank to a water tank, the amount of aqueous methanol solution which is in circulation at the time of start-up is made smaller than the amount for normal operation. The fuel cell system and a control method therefore are capable of shortening a time that is necessary for heating aqueous fuel solution to be supplied to the fuel cell to a predetermined temperature without reducing fuel utilization efficiency.

Abstract: A control device 7 obtains a reformed carbon quantity C supplied to a reform reaction flow channel 21 from a supplied fuel quantity Qf and also obtains a reformed water quantity S supplied to the reform reaction flow channel 21 from a generated power quantity W. Further, it obtains a oxygen consumed quantity consumed through power generation in a fuel cell 3 from the generated power quantity W, a supplied oxygen quantity to be supplied to a cathode flow channel 33 from a supplied cathode gas quantity Qc, and a reformed oxygen quantity O to be supplied to the reform reaction flow channel 21 based on a difference between the supplied oxygen quantity and the consumed oxygen quantity. By correcting a reformed carbon quantity C (delivery of a fuel pump 51) in accordance with the reformed oxygen quantity O, each of O/C and S/C is kept in a target value range.

Abstract: To improve a response performance in a fuel cell system in which an on/off valve such as an injector is disposed in a fuel supply passage, by decreasing a pressure adjusting error occurring when the drive cycle of the on/off valve fluctuates. A fuel cell system comprises a fuel cell, a fuel supply passage for supplying to the fuel cell a fuel gas supplied from a fuel supply source, an on/off valve for adjusting a gas state on the upstream side of the fuel supply passage to supply the gas to the downstream side thereof, and control means for driving and controlling the on/off valve. The control means calculates a feed-forward correction flow rate based on the drive cycle of the on/off valve, corrects the command value of the gas injection flow rate of the on/off valve by use of the feed-forward correction flow rate, and drives and controls the on/off valve based on the command value.

Abstract: The fuel cell power generation system includes a fuel cell, a reformer, a carbon monoxide decreasing unit, a first raw material supply source, a first valve which is provided to a first raw material flow passage, a second valve which is provided downstream of the carbon monoxide decreasing unit, a second raw material supply source which supplies a raw material to the inside of a flow passage which is closed by the first valve and the second valve from downstream of the carbon monoxide decreasing unit, and a control unit which controls the first valve and the second valve, wherein the control unit, after the first valve and the second valve are closed, supplies the raw material fed from the second raw material supply source to the inside of the flow passage closed by the first valve and the second valve at the time of stopping the system.

Abstract: A first detection line is set in a lower temperature range than a limit line representing an upper limit temperature of a motor allowed by an inverter and represents a reference motor temperature at a required output for fuel cells as a temperature criterion where a controller changes over the means for achieving the sufficient hydrogen stoichiometric ratio from recycling hydrogen with a circulation pump to increasing the hydrogen concentration. When the motor temperature reaches or exceeds the first detection line at the required output for the fuel cells, the controller prevents an increase in rotation speed of the motor and regulates the openings of a shutoff valve and a regulator to increase the concentration of hydrogen supplied from a hydrogen tank to the fuel cells and thereby increase the hydrogen supply pressure. This arrangement effectively prevents an increase of the motor temperature, while achieving the sufficient hydrogen stoichiometric ratio.

Abstract: Fluid control valves, such as a humidifying module bypass valve, an inlet shutoff valve, an outlet shutoff valve are opened and closed by the pressure of air flowing in a fluid flow path. The pressure of air flowing in the fluid flow path is regulated, based on a drive demand pressure emitted to drive the flow control valves, by the flow rate of air discharged from an air compressor, the degree of opening of a fuel cell bypass valve, the degree of opening of an air pressure regulation valve, etc. The drive demand pressure for driving a shutoff valve is set such that, for example, the greater the absolute value of the negative pressure inside the fuel cell stack, the higher the drive demand pressure, and the air pressure is controlled to be the drive demand pressure.

Abstract: Carbon dioxide recirculating apparatus (20, 120) is disclosed for use in an arrangement having combination means (115) and a path for the flow of a gas through the combustion means (115). The apparatus (20, 120) comprises extraction means (221) for extracting carbon dioxide from a first region of the path downstream of the combustion means (115). It further includes condensing means (26, 30) for condensing the extracted carbon dioxide, and feed means (36, 136) for feeding the condensed carbon dioxide to a second region of the path upstream of the combustion means.

Abstract: A fuel cell system has a fuel cell generating power using a fuel gas and an oxidizing agent gas serving as materials of the system and a material supply section supplying the materials to the fuel cell. The power generated by the fuel cell is extracted to a load. A device for controlling the fuel cell system has: a material flow calculation section calculating a material flow supplied to the fuel cell so as to cause the fuel cell to generate the power of a required power generation amount; a material reduction limit detection section calculating a limit for reducing the material flow, based on a power generation state of the fuel cell; and a material flow change section controlling the material supply section so as to change the material flow calculated by the material flow calculation section to the limit calculated by the material reduction limit detection section.

Abstract: A method of controlling pressure of a fuel gas in a fuel cell stack is disclosed. The method includes establishing a specification for a fuel gas/oxidant gas delta pressure vs. time value, operating the fuel cell stack, monitoring the fuel gas/oxidant gas delta pressure vs. time value and reducing stress resulting from excessive pressure of the fuel gas by implementing at least one of the following: (1) inducing the fuel cell stack to convert excess fuel gas into electrical current; (2) shutting off supply of the fuel gas to the fuel cell stack; and (3) and raising an operating pressure of the fuel cell stack when the fuel gas/oxidant gas delta pressure vs. time value strays beyond the specification.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes an energy conversion module and a fuel module that is detachable from the energy conversion module. The fuel module includes a fuel tank, a fuel module identification member including fuel module data and a fuel filter member. The control module is configured to access the fuel module data from the fuel module identification member. The fuel cell stack is configured to utilize the refined fuel to generate electrical energy.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes: a polymer electrolyte fuel cell; a resistance sensor that detects the internal resistance of the fuel cell; a dew point sensor that detects the dew point of anode off gas from the fuel cell; and a controller that executes an electrolyte membrane hydration control according to the relationship between the internal resistance and the dew point. According to this configuration, it is possible to define, based on the relationship between the internal resistance and the dew point, the conditions under which the decreased power generation performance of the cell may be quickly recovered.

Abstract: A fuel cell arrangement comprises at least one fuel cell module, each fuel cell module comprises a plurality of fuel cells. Each fuel cell module is hollow and defines a chamber. Each fuel cell module is arranged within an inner vessel and the inner vessel is arranged within an outer pressure vessel. Means to supply oxidant is arranged to supply oxidant to the space within the inner vessel so as to supply oxidant to the cathode electrodes. Means to supply fuel is arranged to supply fuel to the chamber in each fuel cell module so to supply fuel to the anode electrodes. The outer pressure vessel is protected from the high temperature environment of the fuel cells by the inner vessel. The outer pressure vessel forms the main pressure containment of the arrangement and operates at a lower temperature and operates with a greater safety margin than a single pressure vessel arrangement.

Abstract: A system includes power modules received within a frame of a ventilation enclosure. Each of the power modules has a fuel cell stack. A ventilation shaft is arranged along a rear side of the ventilation enclosure and sealingly receives the power modules so that exhaust outlets of the power modules discharge into the ventilation shaft. Each of the power modules is removably attachable to the ventilation shaft through the front side of the ventilation enclosure. A fuel supply pipe in the ventilation shaft supplies fuel to fuel inlets of the power modules. An exhaust pump draws exhaust fluid out of the ventilation shaft.