Abstract: Flow field plates for fuel cells may include an interior region bounded by an interior boundary that contains openings which, when the flow field plates are stacked, form plural headers extending along a fuel cell stack. A flow field may surround the interior boundary. The headers may include headers for fuel, oxidant and coolant for example. The flow field may include elements that direct flow of a reactant in a radial direction and/or in a circumferential direction. A fuel cell stack may be enclosed in a housing that compresses the stack. In some embodiments plural fuel cells are combined in a power unit in which the fuel cell stacks are received within a fuel cell block equipped with a fluid manifolding stack interface that provides fluid interfaces to the headers of the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of fabricating a flow cell device. The device comprises: an exchange membrane, extending essentially in a plane; an adhesive, at a periphery of the membrane; and two half-cells, each on a respective side of said plane, the half-cells sandwiching the membrane. The membrane spans a smaller area than each of the areas of the half-cells, whereby a peripheral space is defined at the periphery of the membrane between two opposing faces of the half-cells. This space is at least partly filled with an adhesive, so as to secure the two half-cells to each other with the membrane encapsulated therein.

Abstract: A method of cooling an array of battery cells within a chamber in a housing, the battery cells being electrically connected via a busbar having at least one terminal tab for connection to an electrical terminal in the housing, the method comprising the steps of: supplying coolant through an opening in the housing into the chamber; and diverting at least a part of the coolant flow from its inlet flow path due to impingement of the flow upon part of the terminal tab.

Abstract: An assembly arrangement of solid oxide cells in a fuel cell system or in an electrolyzer cell system is disclosed which includes cells arranged at least to four angles and at least one cell stack formation. At least one substantially plain attachment side of each at least four angled stack formation includes at least one geometrically deviating attachment surface structure in the otherwise substantially plain side between at least two corners of the at least four angled stack formation. At least one flow restriction structure restricts air flows in the cell system to be mounted against the geometrically deviating attachment surface structure of each stack formation to attach at least one cell stack formation in the assembly arrangement. An electrical insulation is arranged to the attachment of the flow restriction structure and the stack formation.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and techniques for identifying a dendrite material within a battery. The method comprising receiving, by a battery management system, an output from sensing circuitry within the battery indicative of a first voltage level, detecting, by the battery management system, a change from the first voltage level to a second voltage level that is indicative of an internal short within a sensing sheet, determining by the battery management system, a resistance and a two-dimensional position of the internal short within the sensing sheet, and identifying, by the battery management system, a dendrite material based on the resistance of the internal short.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly, gas diffusion layers stacked on each side of the membrane electrode assembly, respectively, separators stacked on the gas diffusion layers, respectively, the separators including channels through which reactant gases move and lands in contact with a respective one of the gas diffusion layers, and a flow path forming part provided on a land surface of one of the lands in contact with the respective one of the gas diffusion layers, the flow path forming part providing a condensate flow path for moving condensate between the land surface and the one of the gas diffusion layers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a delivery unit (3) for an anode circuit (9) of a fuel cell system (1) for delivering a gaseous medium, in particular hydrogen, from an anode region (38) of a fuel cell (2), said delivery unit (3) comprising at least one recirculation fan (8) and being at least indirectly fluidically connected to the outlet of the anode region (38) by means of at least one connection line (23) and being fluidically connected to the inlet of the anode region (38) by means of an additional connection line (25). According to the invention, in addition to the recirculation fan (8), the delivery unit (3) comprises a jet pump (4), a metering valve (6) and a separator (10) as other components, and the flow contours of the components (4, 6, 8, 10) for the gaseous medium are at least almost entirely arranged in a common housing (7).

Abstract: A bipolar conductive plate for a fuel cell structure, the plate having a network of fluid circulation channels in the form of a succession of undulations with narrowed portions preferably distributed regularly in order to reduce the stratification phenomena.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a cell stack including unit cells stacked in a first direction, first and second end plates at first and second ends of the cell stack, respectively, the first and second end plates each including a metal part and a resin part, an enclosure engaged with the first and second end plates to surround the cell stack, a first outer gasket between the resin part of the first end plate and the enclosure and a second outer gasket between the resin part of the second end plate and the enclosure, each of the resin parts including cutoff portions spaced apart from each other, and each of the cutoff portions extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction or in a third direction intersecting each of the first direction and the second direction to expose the metal parts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel cell plate (1) for supplying a reactant to an active region of a fuel cell, having at least one inlet (2) and at least one outlet (3) and also having a flow field (4) which is situated therebetween, is formed on a first surface (5) of the plate (1) and has a plurality of flow guides (6). In this case, at least some of the flow guides (6) are formed as deflection elements (7) in the form of guide vanes, guide panels or wings.

Abstract: A cell including: a body having a first end portion and a second end portion; a first electrode layer electrically connected to the body; a solid electrolyte layer located on the first electrode layer; and a second electrode layer located on the solid electrolyte layer, wherein the body includes a plurality of gas-flow passages passing through the body from the first end portion to the second end portion; and the plurality of gas-flow passages include: one or more center-shifted gas-flow passages that include: a central portion and a first end portion; wherein a center of the one or more center-shifted gas-flow passages at the central portion is laterally shifted from a center of the one or more center- shifted gas-flow passages at the first end portion and a diameter of the one or more center-shifted gas-flow passages gradually increases from the central portion to the first end portion.

Abstract: To provide a space-saving bipolar plate for a fuel cell comprising an anode plate and a cathode plate, anode gas channels and cathode gas channels lead from main gas ports on opposite sides into an active area and are distributed across the width of said area such that they are subsequently diverted towards an opposite distribution area, and the coolant channels branch in the distribution area and, after branching, are diverted towards the anode gas channels and towards the cathode gas channels and, in each region of overlap with the anode gas channels and the cathode gas channels, are diverted collectively such that the coolant channels lead, together with the anode gas channels and the cathode gas channels, into the active area with no overlap and alternatingly with said anode gas channels and cathode gas channels.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a cell stack including a plurality of unit cells stacked in a first direction; a first end plate including a guide through-hole formed therein, the first end plate being disposed on one end of two ends of the cell stack; a second end plate including a guide support hole formed therein, the guide support hole overlapping the guide through-hole in the first direction, the second end plate being disposed on an opposite end of the two ends of the cell stack; and an enclosure surrounding a side portion between the two ends of the cell stack together with the first end plate and the second end plate, the enclosure being formed as a unitary structure. The enclosure includes a body surrounding the side portion of the cell stack and first and second ends coupled to the first end plate and the second end plate, respectively.

Abstract: A first power output unit connected to a first terminal plate of a fuel cell system is electrically connected to a first external connector through a first joint part at a position above a cell stack body in an outer case. The first joint part includes a tightening member for tightening the first power output unit and the first external connector together by screw tightening, and a cover covering a screw tightening part of the tightening member from below.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a flow guide, a component for allowing a first fluid to flow from a first manifold to a second manifold and through a reactive zone, a peripheral seal disposed between the flow guide and the component, an intermediate seal disposed between the flow guide and the component, the intermediate seal being encircled by the peripheral seal and encircling the reactive zone, another component opposite the flow guide to allow a second fluid to flow from a third manifold to a fourth manifold and through another reactive zone, and a fluid flow circuit provided between the intermediate seal and the peripheral seal between fifth and sixth manifolds. One of the fifth and sixth manifolds is separated from the first to fourth manifolds by the intermediate seal.

Abstract: A dummy cell disposed at least at one end of a cell stack body in a fuel cell stack includes a dummy electrode assembly. The dummy electrode assembly includes a plate, and a pair of electrodes joined to both surfaces of the plate through adhesive layers, respectively. The adhesive layers are disposed only in a second area that lies outside a first area corresponding to a power generation area of a power generation cell in the dummy electrode assembly.

Abstract: In order to provide a fuel cell device which can be produced simply and cost-effectively, it is proposed that the fuel cell device comprises the following: a plurality of fuel cell elements which are stacked one on top of another along a stacking direction and form a fuel cell stack; a clamping device for securing the fuel cell elements; a fluid guide unit for supplying fuel and/or oxidizer and/or coolant to the fuel cell elements and/or for removing fuel and/or oxidizer and/or exhaust gas and/or coolant from the fuel cell elements, wherein the clamping device comprises two or more crossmembers which extend at least approximately perpendicularly to the stacking direction, wherein in each case at least one crossmember is arranged at each end of the fuel cell stack, wherein the crossmembers can be drawn towards one another by means of clamping elements and the fuel cell stack can thereby be clamped between the crossmembers.

Abstract: A basic structural body for constructing heat dissipation device and a heat dissipation device are disclosed. The heat dissipation device includes a first basic structural body having a wick structure formed on one side surface thereof; and the first basic structural body and the wick structure are structural bodies formed layer by layer. Two pieces of first basic structural bodies can be correspondingly closed together to construct a heat dissipation device internally defining an airtight chamber. In this manner, the heat dissipation device can be designed in a more flexible manner.

Abstract: A method for producing a bipolar plate for a fuel cell stack includes the following steps: providing two half-plates made of sheet metal, which form the bipolar plate when arranged on top of one another, wherein the half-plates are profiled via deformation of the sheet metal, and wherein, as a result of the profiling, the two half-plates arranged on top of one another contact at at least one contact region and do not contact at at least one non-contact region; carrying out at least one first cut in the non-contact region of at least one half-plate, before the half-plates are arranged on top of one another; Arranging the two half-plates on top of one another and connecting same; and carrying out at least a second cut in the contact region through both half-plates after they have been arranged on top of one another and connected.

Abstract: A conveying device for a fuel cell system for conveying and/or recirculating a gaseous medium, in particular hydrogen, includes a recirculation fan, a jet pump that is driven by a motive stream of a gaseous medium that is under pressure, and a metering valve. The gaseous medium is supplied to the jet pump by the metering valve. The conveying device further includes an inlet fluidically connected to an anode outlet of the fuel cell and an outlet fluidically connected to an anode inlet of the fuel cell. The jet pump and the metering valve form a combined valve/jet-pump assembly. The components of the conveying device are positioned on a planar carrier element such that flow lines between and/or within the components extend only parallel to the planar carrier element. The planar carrier element is arranged between the fuel cell and the conveying device.

Abstract: In a fuel cell separator member of a fuel cell stack, a first metal bead and first ribs are formed integrally with and protruded from a surface of the first metal separator. Each of the first ribs includes a first rib body and two first retracted portions. The protruding height of each of the two first retracted portions is smaller than the protruding height of the first rib body.

Abstract: An electrochemical heat transfer device utilizes an electrochemical hydrogen compressor to pump hydrogen into and out of a reservoir having a metal hydride forming alloy therein. The absorption of hydrogen by the metal hydride forming alloy is exothermic, produces heat, and the desorption of the hydrogen from the metal hydride forming alloy is endothermic and draws heat in. An electrochemical hydrogen compressor may be configured between to reservoirs and pump hydrogen back and forth to form a heat transfer device. A heat exchange device may be coupled with the reservoir or may comprise the outer surface of the reservoir to transfer heat to an object or to the surroundings. A closed loop may be configured having two reservoirs and one or two electrochemical hydrogen compressors to pump the hydrogen in a loop around the system.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing a catalyst layer of a membrane-electrode assembly may include preparing a solution including an ionomer and a solvent, forming a catalyst slurry composition by adding a carbon powder catalyst to the solution, forming a catalyst layer by applying the catalyst slurry composition onto a base material, and then drying the catalyst slurry composition.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a separator assembly for fuel cell includes a separator assembly forming step in which a separator assembly including a first metal separator and a second metal separator each having a protruding bead portion is formed by joining together the surfaces of the first and second metal separators opposite from their respective bead portions protruding, and a preload applying step in which a pair of platens apply a preload in a thickness direction of the separator assembly to a bead seal section formed of one pair of the bead portions, and thereby the bead seal section is plastically deformed. In the preload applying step, the preload applied to a linear portion of the bead seal section is set to be smaller than the preload applied to a curve portion of the bead seal section.

Abstract: A bipolar battery including a first electrochemical cell and a second electrochemical cell is provided.

Abstract: An electrochemical reaction cell stack including a plurality of unit cells and flat plate-shaped electrically conductive members arranged in a first direction. The electrically conductive members include: a first member having a first surface including a first flat portion and a protruding portion and a second member both located on the first side of the first member in the first direction, the second member having a second surface facing the first surface and including a second flat portion and a recessed portion facing the protruding portion. The thickness of the second member is larger than the thickness of the first member in the first direction. The depth of the recessed portion of the second member from the second flat portion is larger than the protruding length of the protruding portion of the first member from the first flat portion in the first direction.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a separator that can effectively prevent warpage is provided. A method for manufacturing a separator according to an embodiment includes disposing a separator material including a flow path forming region between a first upper die and a first lower die, and pressing the separator material using the first upper die and the first lower die to thereby form a first recessed and projected shape in the flow path forming region and form a second recessed and projected shape outside the flow path forming region.

Abstract: A fuel cell module includes a plurality of power generation cells. The plurality of power generation cells are stacked together in a circle, and a tightening load is applied to the plurality of power generation cells in a circumferential direction. Each of the plurality of power generation cells includes a V-shaped electrically conductive base plate. A first reactant gas flow field is provided between power generation cells that are adjacent to each other. A ridge protruding outward is provided in the base plate to provide the first reactant gas flow field by the ridge, and insulating material is provided on the ridge.

Abstract: A fuel cell having an ion-selective separator, a gas diffusion layer and a separator plate, is provided. The separator plate forms, together with the gas diffusion layer, at least one gas-conducting flow field. At least one convergent duct section and at least one divergent duct section are formed in the flow field, wherein the convergent duct section lies adjacent to the divergent duct section. A barrier is provided between the convergent duct section and the divergent duct section such that the gas flows at least partially through the gas diffusion layer in order to pass directly from the convergent duct section into the divergent duct section. At least one additional convergent duct section, at least one additional divergent duct section and at least one additional barrier are provided downstream of the convergent duct section and/or downstream of the divergent duct section.

Abstract: A fuel cell separator having high electrical conductivity is provided. A fuel cell separator including, on a substrate, an antimony-doped tin oxide film, in which the antimony-doped tin oxide film contains a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/polyethylene glycol (PEDOT/PEG) copolymer in a content of 15% by volume or more but 25% by volume or less is provided.

Abstract: A fuel cell separator having high corrosion resistance and electrical conductivity is provided. This fuel cell separator includes, on a substrate, a composite film containing an antimony-doped tin oxide and a tin-doped indium oxide, in which an element ratio of tin to indium (Sn/In) in the composite film is 1.4 or smaller.

Abstract: Oxygen-containing gas discharge passages are provided in a first metal separator of a fuel cell of a fuel cell stack. The oxygen-containing gas discharge passages include an upper oxygen-containing gas discharge passages and a lower oxygen-containing gas discharge passage. In the first metal separator, a central position at the center between the upper oxygen-containing gas discharge passage and the lower oxygen-containing gas discharge passage is positioned below the center of an oxygen-containing gas flow field in the gravity direction.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes a stack body of power generation cells stacked in a horizontal direction. An oxygen-containing gas flow field is formed in the fuel cell stack, for allowing an oxygen-containing gas to flow along an electrode surface of a membrane electrode assembly. A plurality of oxygen-containing gas discharge passages for discharging the oxygen-containing gas as a reactant gas pass through the fuel cell stack in a stacking direction of the power generation cells. Each of the oxygen-containing gas discharge passages is connected to an outlet. The plurality of oxygen-containing gas discharge passages are connected together by a first connection channel at an end opposite to the outlet.

Abstract: A method for producing a resin frame equipped membrane electrode assembly includes: a first conveyance step of supporting a sheet-shaped member having a cathode and an electrolyte membrane by a resin frame member to which the sheet-shaped member is joined and linearly conveying the supported sheet-shaped member to a pressure bonding device; a second conveyance step of conveying an anode to the pressure bonding device by way of a rotary table; and a pressure bonding step of heating and pressing the cathode and the anode from above and below by the pressure bonding device to thereby integrate the cathode and the anode together.

Abstract: A separator plate for an electrochemical system has two metal individual plates. The plates have passage openings for operating media and possibly coolant, and distribution structures. The distribution structures are formed in the metal individual plates and which each communicate with at least two of the passage openings. A peripherally extending sealing structure is formed in each of the metal individual plates at least peripherally around the electrochemically active region and at a distance therefrom and/or peripherally around at least one of the passage openings and at a distance from the edge thereof. The cross-section of the sealing structure has a bead roof, two bead flanks, and at least in some segments, two bead feet. At least in the region of the bead roof of the sealing structure at least in some segments, the sealing structure extends sinuously with at least two wave periods having convex and concave segments.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack 11 includes a cell laminate 21 composed of a plurality of stacked cells 20, and air is introduced from an anode end part 21a of the cell laminate 21. The cell laminate 21 has two end cells 24 installed adjacently to a cathode end part 21b side, thereby providing the cathode end part 21b with high thermal insulation properties.

Abstract: A collapsible power generator (e.g., a fuel cell) isolating envelope for managing airflow in and out of a fuel cell, while providing thermal and electrical insulation between said fuel cell and the interior of a power plant enclosure. In a preferred embodiment, the collapsible fuel cell isolator is formed from a flat material into a parallelogram, allowing easy installation into the interior of said enclosure. Once the collapsible fuel cell isolating envelope is inside the enclosure, the collapsible fuel cell isolator may be opened up to a final rectangular form, and mounted in place such that a fuel cell may then be placed into the interior of the collapsible fuel cell isolating envelope. The collapsible nature of the fuel cell isolator allows the isolator to maximize the interior volume of the enclosure.

Abstract: A fluid passage for supplying or discharging fluid extends through a metal separator in a separator thickness direction, and a bead seal configured to prevent leakage of the fluid protrudes from the metal separator. A folded portion is formed in an outer marginal portion of the metal separator or in an inner marginal portion of the fluid passage, and the folded portion is bent or curved in a direction opposite to the protruding direction of the bead seal.

Abstract: A fuel cell assembly for a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell stack may employ a construction in which a plastic film frame is used to frame a catalyst coated membrane within. In one advantageous embodiment, the plastic film frame is adhesive coated on one side and laminated at its inner edge to one surface of the catalyst coated membrane and at its outer edge to the flow field plate on the opposite side. In another advantageous embodiment, the plastic film frame is laminated to sealing features incorporated in a transition region in the flow field plate.

Abstract: An illustrative example fuel cell device includes a cell stack assembly of a plurality of fuel cells that each include an anode and a cathode. A pressure plate is situated near one end of the cell stack assembly. A spacer between the end of the cell stack assembly and the pressure plate has a length, a width, and a height. The height of the spacer defines a spacing between the pressure plate and the end of the cell stack assembly. The spacer has a plurality of ribs that define at least two fluid reservoirs. At least one of the ribs separates the fluid reservoirs so that fluid in one of the reservoirs is isolated from fluid in the other.

Abstract: Flexible air-breathing microscale fuel cells are produced using ion exchange polymer membranes without silicon substrates or other rigid components. The microscale fuel cells provide long-life energy supply sources in portable electronics due to reduced volume, high energy density, and low cost. More particularly, the microscale fuel cell has a direct hydrogen flow-through porous anode electrode with a pair of air-breathing cathodes.

Abstract: An electric component connection mechanism of a fuel cell stack includes a fuel cell stack body, terminal plates, end plates, and a housing. A plurality of fuel cells that generate electricity by electrochemical reaction of a fuel gas and an oxidant gas are stacked in the fuel cell stack body. The terminal plates are disposed on both ends of the fuel cell stack body in a stacking direction of the fuel cells. The end plates are stacked on the terminal plates on the sides opposite to the fuel cell stack body. The terminal plates include terminals that penetrate through and protrude out of the end plates. The terminals are connected to high-voltage cables. Moving mechanisms that support the terminal plates while allowing the terminal plates to advance and retreat in the stacking direction with respect to the end plates are provided.

Abstract: Methods for designing one or a pair of half plates of a fuel cell include providing a first half plate defining a first half plate metal bead, wherein the first half plate metal bead protrudes from the first half plate forming a convex side, providing a second half plate defining a second plate metal bead, wherein the second half plate metal bead protrudes from the second half plate forming a convex side, determining a pressure profile between the convex sides of the first half plate metal bead and the second half plate metal bead in a compressed state, and adjusting a height of the first half plate metal bead and/or the second half plate metal bead in one or more locations to increase the uniformity of the pressure profile. Increasing the uniformity of the pressure profile can include reducing a range of the plurality of pressure measurements.

Abstract: A plate member for a cell stack, a cell stack assembly, a method of forming a plate member for a cell stack and a method of assembling a cell stack may be provided, and the plate member comprises a channel sheet comprising at least one peak and one trough for forming fluid flow channels; two alignment parts, each alignment part comprising a main body and one or more alignment members, the main body having a through hole provided within the main body; and wherein the alignment part is capable of aligning the channel sheet parallel to a plane of the main body and the alignment member is capable of aligning the alignment member to another corresponding alignment member along an axis passing through the alignment member; and further wherein the channel sheet is disposed between the two alignment parts.

Abstract: A device comprising a first solid oxide fuel cell and a second solid oxide fuel cell. The first solid oxide fuel cell comprises a first anode, a first cathode and a first electrolyte, wherein the first electrolyte is positioned between and connected to the first anode and the first cathode. The second solid oxide fuel cell comprises a second anode, a second cathode and a second electrolyte, wherein the second electrolyte is positioned between and connected to the second anode and the second cathode. In this device the cathode distance between the first cathode and the second cathode is less than the anode distance between the first anode and the second anode.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes multiple power generating units and a dummy unit, and respectively providing openings providing reactant-gas supply manifolds. Each power generating unit includes one or more first supply passages extending from the opening to a central region thereof. The dummy unit includes one or more second supply passages extending from the opening to a central region thereof, and a second supply passage port at the highest position in the vertical direction among the second supply passage ports where the second supply passages are connected to the opening is located at a lower position in the vertical direction than a first supply passage port at the highest position in the vertical direction among the first supply passage ports where the first supply passages are connected to the opening.

Abstract: A manufacturing method includes providing a cell stack including fuel cells and has a first end and a second end. A first end plate is provided at the first end of the cell stack. The first end plate has a first end plate through hole. A second end plate is provided at the second end of the cell stack. A connecting member is provided to connect the first end plate and the second end plate. A first knock is inserted into the first end plate through hole and into a first connecting member installing hole. A first seal is located between the first knock and the first end plate in the first end plate through hole. The first end plate is moved in the stacking direction to contact the connecting member. A fastening member is inserted into the first knock.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes: a cell stacked body in which fuel cells are stacked in multiple layers; an end plate by which the fuel cells are fastened; and a dummy cell interposed between the cell stacked body and the end plate, wherein the end plate includes a gas inlet for introducing a reactant gas from an outside, and a gas outlet for discharging the reactant gas to the outside, and the dummy cell includes a gas supply manifold delivering the reactant gas having passed through the gas inlet to the cell stacked body, a gas exhaust manifold delivering the reactant gas having passed through the cell stacked body to the gas outlet, and a bypass channel connecting the gas supply manifold to the gas exhaust manifold and being partially curved to allow the condensed water to be collected.

Abstract: A battery system includes at least one apparatus configured to increase safety when using at least one component of the battery system. The at least one apparatus is configured to degas the at least one component. The at least one component has a degassing opening. The at least one apparatus is configured to be attached to the at least one component by joining, and the at least one apparatus is configured to cover the degassing opening.

Abstract: A separator for a fuel cell includes a plurality of channels formed in a reaction surface in the direction of gravity in order to permit reaction gas and generated water to flow therethrough. The fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and a gas diffusion layer (GDL). The channels have a wave shape in the reaction surface, and each of the channels includes curved portions and straight portions that are arranged alternately.