Grouping Of Fuel Cells Into Stack Or Module Patents (Class 429/452)
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Patent number: 8945795Abstract: An apparatus and method for substantially continuously manufacturing fuel cells are provided. Each cell generates electrical power from reactions of reactants therein. Each cell comprises component parts assembled and/or laminated together in a stacked configuration.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2007Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Powercell Sweden ABInventors: Martin Berggren, Lars Johansen, Börge Rygh Sivertsen
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Publication number: 20150030954Abstract: The present invention relates to a redox flow secondary battery. The redox flow secondary battery of the present invention comprises a unit cell including a pair of electrodes made of a porous metal, wherein the surface of the porous metal is coated with carbon. According to the present invention, a redox flow secondary battery using porous metal electrodes uniformly coated with carbon is provided, thus improving conductivity of the electrodes, and the electrodes have surfaces uniformly coated with a carbon layer having a wide specific surface area, thus improving reactivity. As a result, capacity of the redox flow secondary battery and energy efficiency can be improved and resistance of a cell can be effectively reduced. Further, the electrodes are uniformly coated with a carbon layer, thus also improving corrosion resistance.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2013Publication date: January 29, 2015Inventors: Youngjun Kim, Kijae Kim, Minsik Park, Jeahun Kim
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Patent number: 8940450Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell that secures a flow path of a separator while preventing generation of a pin-hole. The membrane electrode assembly includes an electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell, a microporous layer that is disposed at both surfaces of the electrolyte membrane, a backing layer that is disposed on the microporous layer, and a circumferential edge protective layer that is disposed at an circumferential edge of the electrolyte membrane. An end portion of the microporous layer is positioned further inside of the membrane electrode assembly than an end portion of the backing layer. The circumferential edge protective layer is inserted between the backing layer and the electrolyte membrane.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2010Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hee-Tak Kim, Sung-Yong Cho, Tae-Yoon Kim, Kah-Young Song, Sang-Il Han, Myoung-Ki Min, Geun-Seok Chai, Soon-Cheol Shin
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Patent number: 8936888Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell system includes a first fuel cell tube, a flame tip protection member and a current conduction member. The first fuel cell tube has a flame end. The flame end has exit opening. The fuel cell tube is configured to deliver combustible gas to the flame tip region generating a flame kernel. The flame protection member is configured to inhibit at least one of mass transfer and heat transfer between the fuel cell tube and the flame tip region. The current conduction member is disposed through the exit opening of the flame end of the first fuel cell tube.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2010Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: Adaptive Materials, Inc.Inventors: Aaron T. Crumm, Timothy LaBreche
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Publication number: 20150017563Abstract: The invention relates to fuel cell unit arranged in an underfloor space of a fuel cell vehicle. The fuel cell unit includes a fuel cell that has a plurality of cells stacked together; and a cell monitor that is arranged in a side region of the fuel cell, and that monitors a state of each of the cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2013Publication date: January 15, 2015Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tsutomu Shirakawa, Norishige Konno, Kazuya Mori
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Patent number: 8932738Abstract: A fuel cell assembly structure mainly comprises a housing in which there is an accommodating space; a plurality of unit cell stacks that are stacked in the same direction in the accommodating space of the housing and made by stacking in sequence a cathode layer, a power generation electrode, an anode layer and a connection disk; a connection disk connecting is series each unit cell stack, a sealing disk and a cover in sequence to cover the opening of the accommodating space of the housing. On the outer side of the cover there is a connection base, at least one surface of which has a plurality of conduits and the other end connects to a plurality of cell stack bypass manifolds that further connect to a plurality of side bypass manifolds.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2008Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: Institute of Nuclear Energy ResearchInventors: Dung-Di Yu, Yung-Neng Cheng, Ruey-Yi Lee, Chien-Hsiung Lee
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Publication number: 20150010845Abstract: A liquid fuel battery is described, having a vented case, an internal fuel chamber, and a plurality of substantially planar vertically stacked battery elements having separated fuel-sides and air sides. Such sides are separated by a series of anodic and cathodic seals. In one embodiment, a cathode contains doped carbon nanofibers and may be treated with polytetrafluoroethylene or another hydrophobic material. An anode current collector and/or cathode current collector may contain perforated metal, including metal mesh. Battery elements may be U-shaped to maximize the efficiency of the air-fuel interaction. The cathode is active for oxygen reduction and inactive for fuel oxidation.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2014Publication date: January 8, 2015Inventors: Paul H. Matter, Christopher T. Holt, Michael G. Beachy
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Publication number: 20150010841Abstract: A fuel cell vehicle includes a fuel cell stack, a front side panel, and a fuel gas device. The fuel cell stack includes a plurality of fuel cells, one end and another end, a first end plate, and a second end plate. The first end plate is disposed at the one end. The second end plate is disposed at the another end. The front side panel is connected to side surfaces of the first and second end plates. The side surfaces face forward in a vehicle driving direction. The front side panel includes a first protruding end portion that protrudes from the first end plate outward in a vehicle width direction. The fuel gas device is disposed on the first end plate so as to be covered by the first protruding end portion when seen from a front side in the vehicle driving direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2014Publication date: January 8, 2015Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Hideharu NAITO
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Patent number: 8921006Abstract: The fuel cell assembly of the present invention comprises a first fuel cell, a second fuel cell disposed adjacent to the first fuel cell, and a current collector for electrically connecting the first fuel cell and the second fuel cell. The first fuel cell and the second fuel cell are respectively furnished with an electrical generating portion for generating electricity, each of the electrical generation portion having a first electrode through the interior of which a first gas flows, a second electrode of a polarity different from the first electrode, on the exterior of which a second gas flows, and an electrolyte disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The current collector distributes and sources the current generated in the first fuel cell generating portion from two different locations on the first electrode on the first fuel cell to the second electrode of the second fuel cell.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2010Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Toto Ltd.Inventors: Naoki Watanabe, Yousuke Akagi, Shuichiro Saigan, Nobuo Isaka
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Patent number: 8921009Abstract: An improved approach toward manufacture of a sealed fuel cell stack configuration including electrostatic deposition of materials onto substrate surfaces of the fuel cell stack.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2012Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Zephyros, Inc.Inventors: Michael Czaplicki, Karsten Scholz
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Patent number: 8916308Abstract: A fuel cell includes separators sandwiching electrolyte electrode assemblies. The separators each include first and second fuel gas supply sections through which a fuel gas supply passage extends centrally, first and second bridges extending radially outwardly from the first and second fuel gas supply sections, and first and second sandwiching sections connected to the first and second bridges. A fuel gas channel and an oxygen-containing gas channel are provided in the first and second sandwiching sections. Each of the first sandwiching sections has pairs of fuel gas outlets and a fuel gas consumed in the fuel gas channel is discharged through the fuel gas outlets.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2009Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Koji Dan, Yukihiko Kiyohiro
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Publication number: 20140354290Abstract: A measurement device for measuring voltages along a linear array of voltage sources, such as a fuel cell stack, includes at least one movable voltage probe that measures voltage transitions along an array element. The measured voltage is used to determine a distance of travel of the at least one voltage probe along the fuel cell stack from the speed of the probe and the timing of the transitions.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2013Publication date: December 4, 2014Inventors: John Matthew Fisher, David Higdon, Peter Andersen, Kevin Cheung
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Publication number: 20140342262Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrogen, methanol, or ethanol fuel cell comprising an anode electrocatalyst comprising palladium and iridium, and relates to a fuel cell stack comprising said fuel cell. The invention also relates to a method of making a fuel cell. The invention also relates to the use of the anode electrocatalyst in a hydrogen, methanol or ethanol fuel cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2012Publication date: November 20, 2014Applicant: UCL BUSINESS PLCInventors: Daniel Brett, Christopher Gibbs, Rhodri Jervis, Noramalina Mansor
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Patent number: 8889313Abstract: An electrolyte plate for an electrochemical system including a first face and a second face, being opposite each other, of largest surface area, the first face including linear parallel ribs and the second face including linear parallel ribs. The plate thus exhibits an increased rigidity without substantially increasing the thickness thereof.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2009Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternativesInventors: Stephane Di Iorio, Thibaud Delahaye
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Patent number: 8877405Abstract: A fuel cell includes: a membrane electrode assembly containing an anode and a cathode which are disposed opposite to one another via an electrolytic membrane; an anode channel plate adjacent to the anode and supplying a prescribed fuel to the anode; and a cathode channel plate adjacent to the cathode, supplying air to the cathode and containing a platy member which is elongated in a direction different from a supplying direction of the air to the cathode.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2008Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Yuusuke Sato, Kei Matsuoka
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Patent number: 8871405Abstract: When assembly is carried out by clamping a stacked product made up of a plurality of unit cell modules, paired end plates respectively disposed on both the sides thereof and the like by a plurality of fastening members, first coupling portions of one end portion of each of such plurality of fastening members and second coupling portions of the other end portions are combined to each other, and coupled with one pin member. Thus, a plurality of such fastening members are coupled.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2010Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventor: Yoko Yamamoto
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Patent number: 8859159Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for generating a virtual sound source for monitoring the operating state of a fuel cell stack, which monitors in real time the deviation and deterioration of a plurality of cells in a fuel cell stack during operation, and expresses the results as a chord or different sounds, thus allowing a driver to easily recognize the operating state of the fuel cell stack.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2014Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Sae Hoon Kim, Sang Mun Chin, Kwi Seong Jeong
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Patent number: 8859162Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fuel cell module. The fuel cell module according to preferred embodiments of the present invention includes: a first support part including a first body part surrounding one side of an outer peripheral surface of a fuel cell and a first connection part formed on one side of the first body part in a longitudinal direction; a second support part including a second body part surrounding the other side of the outer peripheral surface of the fuel cell and the second connection part formed on one side of the second body part in a longitudinal direction; and a fixing part passing through the first connection part and the second connection part to connect and fix the first connection part and the second connection part to each other.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2012Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jai Hyoung Gil, Kyong Bok Min, Jong Ho Chung, Jong Sik Yoon, Eon Soo Lee
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Publication number: 20140295311Abstract: An electrolyte system for a flow battery has an anolyte including [Fe(CN)6]3? and [Fe(CN)6]4? and a catholyte including Fe2+ and Fe3+.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2012Publication date: October 2, 2014Applicant: University of Kentucky Research FoundationInventors: Stephen M. Lipka, Christopher R. Swartz
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Patent number: 8846263Abstract: The present invention relates to a housing assembly for at least two fuel cells, comprising: a hollow profile-like body (12) extending in an axial direction (z) and being adapted to laterally encompass at least two fuel cells stacked on one another in axial direction (z), and a fastening mechanism to interconnect the body (12) with at least one end plate (18, 28) adapted to support the at least two fuel cells.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2012Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Belenos Clean Power Holding AGInventor: Uwe Hannesen
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Patent number: 8846260Abstract: Coolant supply passages and coolant discharge passages, for example, two respectively thereof, are disposed on upper and lower side portions of a first end plate of a fuel cell stack. Grooves are formed on a surface of the first end plate for establishing communication between each of the coolant supply passages and the coolant discharge passages. Air, which is introduced upwardly of the coolant discharge passages, is discharged to the coolant supply passages.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2010Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hideharu Naito, Norihisa Kobayashi, Ryoichi Yoshitomi, Masaaki Sakano, Keisuke Suda, Yasuhiro Watanabe
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Publication number: 20140287336Abstract: A nanoconverter or nanosensor is disclosed capable of directly generating electricity through physisorption interactions with molecules that are dipole containing organic species in a molecule interaction zone. High surface-to-volume ratio semiconductor nanowires or nanotubes (such as ZnO, silicon, carbon, etc.) are grown either aligned or randomly-aligned on a substrate. Epoxy or other nonconductive polymers are used to seal portions of the nanowires or nanotubes to create molecule noninteraction zones. By correlating certain molecule species to voltages generated, a nanosensor may quickly identify which species is detected. Nanoconverters in a series parallel arrangement may be constructed in planar, stacked, or rolled arrays to supply power to nano- and micro-devices without use of external batteries. In some cases breath, from human or other life forms, contain sufficient molecules to power a nanoconverter.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2014Publication date: September 25, 2014Applicant: LAWRENCE LIVERMORE NATIONAL SECURITY, LLCInventors: Yinmin Wang, Xianying Wang, Alex V. Hamza
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Patent number: 8841036Abstract: Disclosed herein is a flexible fuel cell including, one or a plurality of cell sections, and a sealing sheet covering the cell section or sections, wherein the cell section has, at least, a pair of electrode sheets which form an anode and a cathode and at least one of which is accompanied by an oxidoreductase present at a surface thereof, a separator which is disposed between the electrode sheets and which has a proton-permeable membrane, a pair of current collectors which are electrically conductively connected respectively to the electrode sheets with a conductive adhesive, and a fuel reservoir section which is provided at such a position as to make contact with the anode at least and in which a fuel solution containing a fuel component is reserved.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2011Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Shuji Fujita, Takaaki Nakagawa, Ryuhei Matsumoto, Hideyuki Kumita, Daisuke Yamaguchi
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Publication number: 20140272660Abstract: In some examples, a fuel cell comprising a first electrochemical cell including a first anode and a first cathode; a second electrochemical cell including a second anode and a second cathode; and an interconnect configured to conduct a flow of electrons from the first anode to the second cathode, wherein the interconnect comprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is closer to the anode than the second portion, and the second portion is closer to the cathode than the first portion, wherein the first portion comprises one or more of doped ceria, doped lanthanum chromite, and doped yttrium chromite, and wherein the second portion comprises one or more of a Co—Mn spinel and a ABO3 perovskite.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: LG Fuel Cell Systems, Inc.Inventors: Zhien Liu, Richard W. Goettler, Hwa-Young Jung, Minjae Jung
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Patent number: 8835024Abstract: A method for operating a passive, air-breathing fuel cell system is described. In one embodiment, the system comprises one or more fuel cells, and a closed fuel plenum connected to a fuel supply. In some embodiments of the method, the fuel cell cathodes are exposed to ambient air, and the fuel is supplied to the anodes via the fuel plenum at a pressure greater than that of the ambient air.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2013Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Societe BICInventors: Joy Roberts, Joerg Zimmermann, Jeremy Schrooten
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Publication number: 20140255814Abstract: A combined water and anode knock-out purge line for a fuel cell including an inlet portion having an inlet portion lower surface, an outlet portion having an outlet portion lower surface, a middle portion having a lower surface and extending between the inlet portion and the outlet portion. Each lower surface of the inlet portion and outlet portion is raised relative to the lower surface of the middle portion in a generally longitudinal direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2013Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Craig Michael Mathie, William F. Sanderson, Virgo Edwards, Kurt David Osborne
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Patent number: 8828614Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel cell hybrid system having a multi-stack structure, which maintains the voltage of a fuel cell at a level lower than that of an electricity storage means (supercapacitor) during regenerative braking so that the fuel cell does not unnecessarily charge the electricity storage means, thereby increasing the amount of recovered energy and improving fuel efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2009Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Hyundai Motor CorporationInventors: Nam Woo Lee, Sang Uk Kwon, Seong Pil Ryu, Jae Won Jung, Sun Soon Park
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Patent number: 8815464Abstract: A fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly and a metal separator. The metal separator is stacked with the membrane electrode assembly. A reactant gas passage is provided between the membrane electrode assembly and the metal separator to supply a reactant gas along an electrode surface. The metal separator includes a reactant gas communication hole to communicate with the reactant gas passage. The metal separator further includes a plurality of groove groups each having a plurality of grooves press-formed to allow the reactant gas communication hole to communicate with the reactant gas passage. The grooves adjacent to each other are spaced apart by a first distance. The groove groups adjacent to each other are spaced apart by a second distance larger than the first distance.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2012Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hidetada Kojima, Masaaki Sakano, Yasuhiro Watanabe
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Patent number: 8808939Abstract: A fuel cell cogeneration system of the present invention includes: a cell (10); a fuel gas discharging manifold (122) which is formed to extend in a thickness direction of the cell (10) and through which an anode off gas unconsumed in an anode (2A) flows; an oxidizing gas discharging manifold (124) which is formed to extend in the thickness direction of the cell (10) and through which a cathode off gas unconsumed in a cathode (2B) flows; and a cooling medium discharging manifold (126) which is formed to extend in the thickness direction of the cell (10) and through which an off cooling medium having recovered heat from the cell (10) flows, and the fuel gas discharging manifold (122) and/or the oxidizing gas discharging manifold (124) are formed between the cooling medium discharging manifold (126) and a separator end closest to the cooling medium discharging manifold (126).Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2010Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Yasushi Sugawara, Takahiro Umeda, Soichi Shibata
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Patent number: 8802312Abstract: A fuel cell according to the present invention includes a power generation unit. The power generation unit is formed by stacking a first metal separator, a first membrane electrode assembly, a second metal separator, a second membrane electrode assembly, and a third metal separator. The number of flow grooves in a first oxygen-containing gas flow field is different from the number of flow grooves in a second oxygen-containing gas flow field. The first oxygen-containing gas flow field and the second oxygen-containing gas flow field have the same length, and the flow grooves in the first oxygen-containing gas flow field and the flow grooves in the second oxygen-containing gas flow field have the same depth.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2008Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Narutoshi Sugita, Masaru Oda, Masaaki Sakano, Norimasa Kawagoe, Takashi Kosaka
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Patent number: 8795918Abstract: The single fuel cell of the present invention includes an MEA (membrane electrode assembly), GDLs (gas diffusion layers) and separators, a pair of catalyst layers being provided on both surfaces of a polymer electrolyte membrane in the MEA, a pair of the GDLs being disposed opposite the pair of catalyst layers of the MEA, the separators including gas flow channels of an air electrode and a fuel electrode, the MEA and the pair of the GDLs being interposed between the separators, and at least one of an area of the GDL of the air electrode and an area of the GDL of the fuel electrode being smaller than an effective area of the gas flow channel of the separator, which is an inner area specified by tracing and connecting outermost edge parts of a groove of the gas flow channel of the separator.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2010Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Keita Shimomura
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Patent number: 8785075Abstract: A separator of a fuel cell includes sandwiching sections for sandwiching electrolyte electrode assemblies, first bridges each having a fuel gas supply channel, and a fuel gas supply unit. A fuel gas supply passage extends through the fuel gas supply unit in a stacking direction. Each of the sandwiching sections has a fuel gas inlet for supplying a fuel gas to a fuel gas channel, a fuel gas discharge channel for discharging the fuel gas consumed in the fuel gas channel, and a circular arc wall contacting an anode, and prevents the fuel gas from flowing straight from the fuel gas inlet to the fuel gas discharge channel.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2007Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yukihiko Kiyohiro
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Patent number: 8778564Abstract: Disclosed is a unit cell of a honeycomb-type solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) having a plurality of channels. The channels include cathode channels and anode channels. The cathode channels and anode channels are set up alternately in the unit cell. A collector is installed inside each of the cathode channels and the anode channels, and a packing material is packed into the channels having the collector. Disclosed also is a stack including the unit cells and methods for manufacturing the unit cell and the stack.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2009Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Korean Institute of Science and TechnologyInventors: Sung Pil Yoon, Tae Hoon Lim, Seong Ahn Hong, In Hwan Oh, Suk-Woo Nam, Jonghee Han, Jong Pil Jeong, Kwang Soo Lee, Yeong Cheon Kim, Hyoung-Juhn Kim, Eun Ae Cho, Soo-Kil Kim, Sang Yeop Lee
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Publication number: 20140186737Abstract: The present invention involves an electrically-conductive fuel cell electrode connector, the connector including an opening and a slot, the slot connecting an interrupted external edge of the connector to the opening to delimit a first flap and a second flap of the connector. A method of using the connector comprising a step of deforming the connector to be able to insert a module of unit cells into the connector opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2013Publication date: July 3, 2014Applicant: PaxitechInventors: Renaut MOSDALE, Séverine ANDRADA
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Patent number: 8765326Abstract: The present invention features a fuel cell stack that preferably includes an electricity generating assembly having a plurality of unit cells that are suitably disposed one after another; a pair of end plates pressedly disposed respectively at upper and lower ends of the electricity generating assembly; and a joining device suitably engaging the end plates by a rope, where pressure is applied to the electricity generating assembly by means of tension of the rope, and the length and tension of the rope is suitably controlled.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2013Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and TechnologyInventors: Haeng Jin Ko, Young Bum Kum, Young Woo Noh, Sae Hoon Kim, Sang Hyun Cho, Jung Do Suh, Kwi Seong Jeong, Junghan Yu, Byung Ki Ahn, Duck Whan Kim, Sung Keun Lee, Dai Gil Lee, Ha Na Yu
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Patent number: 8765317Abstract: A fuel cell system has a fuel cell stack and a controller. The fuel cell stack is formed by stacking cells. The controller executes first cell voltage recovery processing when the cell voltage of a first cell group, placed at each end of the fuel cell stack, is below a first lower limit voltage threshold and executes second cell voltage recovery processing, which is different from the first cell voltage recovery processing, when the cell voltage of a second cell group, placed at substantially the center of the fuel cell stack, is below a second lower limit voltage threshold.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2007Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yasuhiro Nonobe
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Publication number: 20140162162Abstract: A method of insulating a base portion of a fuel cell system including pouring an insulation that can be poured to fill at least 30 volume % of a base portion cavity of the fuel cell system housing through an opening in a sidewall of the housing. The base portion cavity of the housing is located between a bottom wall of the housing and a stack support base plate located in the housing. The stack support base plate supports one or more columns of fuel cell stacks.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2013Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: Bloom Energy CorporationInventors: Vlad Kalika, David Edmonston, Michael Petrucha, John Matthew Fisher, Martin Perry, Virpaul Bains, James Szweda
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Publication number: 20140162161Abstract: An electrical connection system for cell voltage monitoring in a fuel cell stack. A fuel cell stack assembly comprises a plurality of fuel cells disposed in a stacked configuration, each cell substantially parallel to an x-y plane and including an electrical tab extending laterally from an edge of a plate in the cell in the x-direction to form an array of tabs extending along a side face of the fuel cell stack in a z-direction orthogonal to the x-y plane. A connector device comprises a planar member having a plurality of spaced-apart slits formed in an edge of the planar member, each slit having an electrically conductive material on an inside face of the slit. The slits are spaced along the edge of the planar member and configured to receive the tabs by sliding engagement in the y-direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2011Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: Intelligent Energy Ltd.Inventor: Peter David Hood
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Patent number: 8741500Abstract: A fuel cell stack formed by stacking two or more fuel cell layers each constituted of one or more unit cell and a fuel cell system including the same are provided. Any two fuel cell layers adjacent to each other each have one or more gap region. At least a part of the gap region in one fuel cell layer of any two fuel cell layers adjacent to each other is in contact with a unit cell constituting the other fuel cell layer. The gap region in one fuel cell layer and the gap region in the other fuel cell layer communicate with each other. The fuel cell stack is excellent in fuel or oxidizing agent supply performance and it realizes high power density.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2008Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Toshiyuki Fujita, Hironori Kambara, Masashi Muraoka, Tomohisa Yoshie
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Patent number: 8741494Abstract: A method for operating a fuel cell power plant to provide end-use electricity, end-use heat and end-use reformate includes the steps of providing a fuel cell power plant that consumes reformate to provide electricity and heat, said fuel cell power plant having a nominal reformate flow rate and including a fuel processor system for generating reformate from a hydrocarbon fuel; operating the fuel processor system so as to provide a reformate flow at a rate greater than the nominal reformate flow rate; operating the fuel cell power plant using a first portion of the reformate flow to generate the electricity and the heat, the first portion being less than or equal to the nominal reformate flow rate; and providing a second portion of the reformate flow as the end-use reformate.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2008Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: UTC Fuel Cells, LLCInventors: Paul R. Margiott, Carl Rohrbach, Jr., Michael E. Gorman
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Patent number: 8735008Abstract: A fuel cell system includes: a fuel cell stack for generating electrical energy by reacting oxidant and mixed fuel, and for discharging non-reacted fuel, oxidant, moisture, and carbon dioxide; a mixer for preparing the mixed fuel by mixing at least a portion of the non-reacted fuel, oxidant and moisture with concentrated fuel and for supplying the mixed fuel to the fuel cell stack; a fuel supply unit for supplying the concentrated fuel to the mixer; an oxidant supply unit for supplying the oxidant to the fuel cell stack; a first heat exchanger between an outlet of the fuel cell stack and the mixer; and a second heat exchanger between the mixer and an inlet of the fuel cell stack.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2009Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Seong-Kee Yoon, Young-Soo Joung, Jung-Kurn Park, Hye-Jung Cho, In-Seob Song
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Patent number: 8728682Abstract: A fuel cell of the present invention includes: four fastening bolts which extend in a stack direction of a stack structure so as to penetrate through openings of end plates and nuts which are disposed at both ends of the fastening bolts and can adjust fastening forces applied by the fastening bolts to the stack structure sandwiched between the end plates. Each fastening bolt is disposed in the vicinity of an intermediate point of each side of the end plate. In an electrode facing region of the end plate, one or more springs are disposed on a first straight line passing through two fastening bolts one or more springs are disposed on a second straight line passing through two fastening bolts one or more springs are disposed on a third straight line passing through two fastening bolts and one or more springs are disposed on a fourth straight line passing through two fastening bolts.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2008Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Hiroki Kusakabe, Toshihiro Matsumoto, Norihiko Kawabata, Yoshiki Nagao
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Patent number: 8728673Abstract: A casing of a fuel cell system is divided into a fluid supply section, a module section, and an electrical equipment section. A detector, a fuel gas supply apparatus, an oxygen-containing gas supply apparatus, and a water supply apparatus are provided in the fluid supply section. A fuel cell module and a combustor are provided in the module section. A power converter and a control device are provided in the electrical equipment section. The module section is interposed between the fluid supply section and the electrical equipment section.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2009Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tetsuya Ogawa, Kimiko Fujisawa, Ayatoshi Yokokawa
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Publication number: 20140132238Abstract: A method is provided for mitigating hydrogen evolution within a flow battery system that includes a plurality of flow battery cells, a power converter and an electrochemical cell. The method includes providing hydrogen generated by the hydrogen evolution within the flow battery system to the electrochemical cell. A first electrical current generated by an electrochemical reaction between the hydrogen and a reactant is sensed, and the sensed current is used to control an exchange of electrical power between the flow battery cells and the power converter.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2014Publication date: May 15, 2014Applicant: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Rachid Zaffou, Arun Pandy, Michael L. Perry
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Publication number: 20140134513Abstract: An electrical connection material for solid oxide fuel cells, which is capable of preferred electrical connections. The electrical connection material includes a burn-out material-containing ceramic layer and a burn-out material-free ceramic layer stacked on the burn-out material-containing ceramic layer. The burn-out material-containing ceramic layer contains a conductive ceramic and a burn-out material.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2014Publication date: May 15, 2014Applicant: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Kenji Nakamura, Tomoaki Hirai
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Patent number: 8722267Abstract: A front terminal plate (31) that is joined to a fuel cell unit (40) at the front end of a fuel cell stack has a metal-plating layer (31b) formed on the side to be joined to the fuel cell unit (40). The metal-plating layer (31b) is formed so as to cover the surface of a plate (31a), and the surface of the metal-plating layer (31b) is flat. The thickness of the metal-plating layer (31b) in an electrode-facing region (31c) that faces an electrode region of the fuel cell unit (40) is different from the thickness of the metal-plating layer (31b) in a peripheral region (31d) that surrounds the electrode-facing region (31c), and the thickness of the metal-plating layer (31b) in the peripheral region (31d) is larger than the thickness of the metal-plating layer (31b) in the electrode-facing region (31c).Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2008Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kazuhisa Kunitake
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Patent number: 8722218Abstract: A system and method for determining whether valves in a fuel cell system bleed manifold unit (BMU) are blocked with ice or have otherwise failed. The system opens a first bleed valve, closes a second bleed valve and opens an exhaust valve, and then reads a pressure signal to determine whether there is flow through a flow restriction to determine whether the first bleed valve or the exhaust valve is blocked. The system then closes the exhaust valve, leaves the first bleed valve open, and again reads the pressure signal to determine the pressure drop across the flow restriction, which will indicate whether the flow restriction the pressure sensor lines are blocked. The system then closes the first bleed valve and opens the second bleed valve to determine whether the pressure signal indicates a flow through the second bleed valve.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2008Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Patrick Frost, Bruce J. Clingerman
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Patent number: 8715883Abstract: There is provided a fuel cell power generation system in which power loss in a power line electrically connecting a stack and a power conversion circuit, thereby attaining high power generation efficiency. A reformer and the stack are disposed in a main body package. Stack output terminals 31 are provided in both ends in a stacking direction of the stack. A power conversion circuit is disposed in the main body package and arranged in the proximity to the stack. Power conversion circuit input terminals are provided on the power conversion circuit and arrayed in a direction parallel to the stacking direction of the stack. Stack output lines electrically connect the stack output terminals and the power conversion circuit input terminals.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2012Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventor: Hideo Yamamoto
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Patent number: 8703357Abstract: A fuel cell stack is disclosed. In one embodiment, the fuel cell stack includes a main body that is constructed with an assembly of a plurality of generators, and at least one heat pipe that is disposed in the main body to provide heat to the generators corresponding to heat-generating temperature differences according to positions of the generators.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2007Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventor: Min-Jung Oh
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Patent number: 8703350Abstract: The present invention provides a heat-resistant alloy member which hardly causes external diffusion of Cr, an alloy member for a fuel cell, a collector member for a fuel cell, a cell stack, and a fuel cell apparatus. The surface of a collector base material 201 containing Cr is coated with a Cr diffusion preventing layer 203 made of an oxide containing Zn and Mn and a coating layer 202 made of an oxide containing Zn is formed on the surface of the Cr diffusion preventing layer 203. The coating layer 202 preferably contains at least one kind of Al and Fe as a trivalent or higher valent positive metal element.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2013Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Kyocera CorporationInventors: Masahiko Higashi, Tetsuro Fujimoto