Abstract: The present invention provides a metallic separator for fuel cells capable of suppressing dropping out of conductive inclusions due to gaps formed at the interface of a base material and the conductive inclusions due to press-forming, thereby decreasing the contact resistance and enhancing the power generation performance, and also provides a method for producing the same.

Abstract: A fuel cell assembly and method is disclosed for the mixing and heating of hydrogen and air in the fuel cell assembly and introducing the heated hydrogen and air to the fuel cell assembly during a starting operation to heat the fuel cell assembly to militate against vapor condensation and ice formation in the fuel cell assembly.

Abstract: A fuel cell bipolar plate assembly is disclosed which includes a reinforcement positioned between the anode and cathode plates to strengthen the assembly.

Abstract: A method and device for processing organic waste in an environmentally friendly manner. The waste flow is processed in a bipolar biofuel cell. The waste is introduced into a space having a pair of electrodes, which includes at least one anode and at least one cathode, while in a bipolar cell the anode and cathode are separated spatially and/or by a porous, electronically non-conductive, non-ion-selective wall, while an oxidizer is introduced in the space around the cathode, and where a potential difference is formed across the pair of electrodes such that at the anode CO2 is produced and electricity is produced. The method can be carried out with waste flows including animal manure, waste water, waste water purification sludge, kitchen and garden waste (KGW), roadside grass, residual flows from industrial processes (such as molasses, whey, draff) and/or dredgings.

Abstract: A separator plate for use in a fuel cell stack in a fuel cell device includes a porous core with a metal layer on either side of the porous core. The metal layer has through holes formed therein such as by perforation. The metal layers are contoured to provide flow field channels, and the porous layer may have channels formed therein that are parallel to the metal layers that can be used for cooling water. A monopolar fuel stack includes twin cell units that include a center separator plate, a pair of membrane electrode assemblies, one on each side of the center separator plate, and a pair of outer plates which may have through holes formed therein, one on each side of the membrane electrode assemblies opposite the center separator plate. The outer plates cover substantially an entire electrode to which they are adjacent.

Abstract: A power generation cell of a fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly, and a first separator and a second separator sandwiching the membrane electrode assembly. First supply holes, first discharge holes, second supply holes and second discharge holes extend through the membrane electrode assembly in a stacking direction. The first supply holes connect a fuel gas supply passage and a fuel gas flow field. The first discharge holes connect a fuel gas discharge passage and the fuel gas flow field. The second supply holes connect an oxygen-containing gas supply passage and an oxygen-containing gas flow field. The second discharge holes connect an oxygen-containing gas discharge passage and the oxygen-containing gas flow field.

Abstract: In a fuel cell stack that is made by stacking unit cells in alternation with separators, lower edges of collector members that are in contact with oxygen electrodes of the unit cells project downward, providing projecting portions that project below lower edges of frames. Water-repellent regions are provided on lower edges of the projecting portions, facilitating shedding of water from the projecting portions.

Abstract: A fuel cell bipolar plate has a front surface and a rear surface opposite to each other, and flash and a receding portion. The flash is provided on the front surface at an outer peripheral portion of the bipolar plate and projects in a direction crossing the front surface. The receding portion is provided on the rear surface at an outer peripheral portion of the bipolar plate in a geometry capable of accommodating flash.

Abstract: A unitized plate such as a bipolar plate for a fuel cell assembly is provided. The unitized plate includes a plurality of active regions electrically insulated from one another, and a plurality of inlet and outlet apertures formed in the plate. Each of the active regions is in fluid communication with a dedicated inlet aperture adapted to selectively deliver gaseous reactants thereto. A fuel cell assembly having a plurality of independently operable fuel cell stack units, and a method for operating the fuel cell assembly, is also provided.

Abstract: To provide a fuel cell and an oxidant distributing plate for the fuel cell. A water created in the fuel cell is used to humidify an oxidant gas and/or a fuel flowing in an opposite passage opposite to a MEA. The fuel cell includes a MEA 1, an oxidant distributing plate 3 disposed facing to an oxidant pole for supplying an oxidant gas thereto, and a fuel distributing plate 4 disposed facing to an fuel pole for supplying the fuel thereto. At least one of the oxidant distributing plate 3 and the fuel distributing plate 4 is provided with an opposite passage 31, 41 formed on an opposite surface opposite to the MEA, and a reaction passage 32, 42 formed on a facing surface facing to the MEA, and communicated with the opposite passage 31, 41.

Abstract: A direct liquid feed fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) including an anode electrode and a cathode electrode respectively disposed on either side of an electrolyte membrane. A conductive anode plate and a conductive cathode plate which respectively face the anode electrode and the cathode electrode, and have flow channels therein. Stripe-shaped hydrophilic members are formed on the cathode electrode, cross the flow channels of the conductive cathode plate, and transfer water from the flow channels to the conductive cathode plate. The conductive cathode plate is hydrophilic.

Abstract: A fuel cell apparatus includes a fuel cell stack of a plurality of fuel cells electrically connected in series with each other and a controller configured to control the fuel cell stack by using a part of electric power generated by the fuel cell stack. The controller is electrically connected in parallel with at least one of the fuel cells constituting the fuel cell stack, and short-circuit current of the at least one of the fuel cells is larger than that of at least one of the fuel cells constituting the fuel cell stack and not being electrically connected in parallel with the control means. With such a structure, a large electromotive force can be obtained by connecting the fuel cells in series and, simultaneously, the power generation characteristics of each fuel cell can be sufficiently utilized. Thus, the fuel cell apparatus having high power generation density can be provided.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a bipolar plate having a flow field formed therein. The flow field is partially defined by at least two adjacent channel portions separated by a wall portion. The wall portion includes a surface at least partially defining a passageway between the channel portions. The passageway may be sized so as to create a pressure difference between the channel portions. The pressure difference may draw at least a portion of a liquid droplet obstructing one of the channel portions toward and into the passageway.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell comprises a porous anode electrode, a dense non-porous electrolyte and a porous cathode electrode. The anode electrode comprises a plurality of parallel plate members and the cathode electrode comprises a plurality of parallel plate members. The plate members of the cathode electrode inter-digitate with the plate members of the anode electrode. The electrolyte comprises at least one electrolyte member, which fills at least one space between the parallel plate members of the anode electrode and the parallel plate members of the cathode electrode. At least one non-ionically conducting member fills at least one space between the parallel plate members of the anode electrode and the parallel plate members of the cathode electrode and the at least one electrolyte member and the at least one non-ionically conducting member are arranged alternately.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable electrical energy generator, its components, and manufacture of the components and generator. The generator includes a bi-polar plate stack, which is well suited for use in a fuel cell. The stack may include at least one spacer that limits compression of a membrane electrode assembly in the fuel cell. The stack may also include a polymer binder that holds the stack together and/or maintains a compression force on the membrane electrode assembly. An open cathode manifold may also provided to ease oxygen movement. High throughput and low cost manufacture of bi-polar plates is also described herein.

Abstract: A fuel cell assembly and method is disclosed for the mixing and heating of hydrogen and air in the fuel cell assembly and introducing the heated hydrogen and air to the fuel cell assembly during a starting operation to heat the fuel cell assembly to militate against vapor condensation and ice formation in the fuel cell assembly.

Abstract: An example fuel cell repeater includes a separator plate and a frame establishing at least a portion of a flow path that is operative to communicate fuel to or from at least one fuel cell held by the frame relative to the separator plate. The flow path has a perimeter and any fuel within the perimeter flow across the at least one fuel cell in a first direction. The separator plate, the frame, or both establish at least one conduit positioned outside the flow path perimeter. The conduit is outside of the flow path perimeter and is configured to direct flow in a second, different direction. The conduit is fluidly coupled with the flow path.

Abstract: A fuel cell assembly comprises a separating structure configured for separating a first reactant and a second reactant wherein the separating structure has an opening therein. The fuel cell assembly further comprises a fuel cell comprising a first electrode, a second electrode, and an electrolyte interposed between the first and second electrodes, and a passage configured to introduce the second reactant to the second electrode. The electrolyte is bonded to the separating structure with the first electrode being situated within the opening, and the second electrode being situated within the passage.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack that includes an actuating device or devices for selectively providing interdigitated reactant gas flow and straight reactant gas flow through reactant gas flow channels to reduce water accumulation in the diffusing media layers of the stack. In one embodiment, the fuel cell stack employs internal actuators that selectively close the inlet end of every other flow channel and the outlet end of every other opposite flow channel to provide the interdigitated flow. In another embodiment, the interdigitated flow is provided by external actuation where two inlet manifolds and two outlet manifolds are provided. One input manifold is closed to close the input ends of every other flow channel and one outlet manifold is closed to close the output ends of every other opposite flow channel.

Abstract: An electrolyte membrane/electrode web member includes an elongated solid polymer electrolyte membrane. A plurality of anodes and a plurality of cathodes are provided on one surface, and on the other surface of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane, respectively. First and second gas diffusion current collector members are inserted into the electrolyte membrane/electrode web member from both sides. Each of the first and second gas diffusion current collector members is formed by folding a single electrically conductive plate into a substantially U-shape. Electrical insulation is provided by interposing the insulating member between the first and second gas diffusion current collector members.

Abstract: A single cell for a solid oxide fuel cell, in which a solid electrolyte layer is sandwiched by an upper electrode layer and a lower electrode layer. This single cell includes a substrate having openings and an insulating and stress absorbing layer stacked on an upper surface of this substrate. The solid electrolyte layer is formed on an upper surface of the insulating and stress absorbing layer so as to cover the openings, the upper electrode layer is stacked on an upper surface of the solid electrolyte layer, and the lower electrode layer is coated on a lower surface of the solid electrolyte layer via the openings from a lower surface of the substrate. A cell plate, in which these single cells are disposed two-dimensionally on a common substrate. Furthermore, a solid oxide fuel cell, in which these cell plates and plate-shaped separators including gas passages on both surfaces thereof are alternately stacked.

Abstract: A unit cell of a fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly and an anode side metal separator and a cathode side metal separator sandwiching the membrane electrode assembly. A plurality of first supply holes and a plurality of second supply holes extend through a channel unit of the anode side metal separator, and the channel unit connects a fuel gas supply passage and a fuel gas flow field. A fuel gas from the fuel gas supply passage flows into the first supply holes, and flows through an inlet connection channel. The fuel gas flows into the second supply holes connected to an end of the inlet connection channel. The fuel gas flows toward the side of the membrane electrode assembly, and then, the fuel gas is supplied to an anode.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a separator having a circular disk. On one surface of the circular disk, a fuel gas channel for supplying a fuel gas to an anode is provided, and on the other surface of the circular disk, an oxygen-containing gas channel for supplying air to a cathode is provided. The fuel gas channel has an end point disposed at the outer circumferential end of the anode. A fuel gas discharge channel is connected to the end point of the fuel gas channel, such that the consumed fuel gas is emitted from a position spaced outwardly from an outer circumferential portion of the electrolyte electrode assembly.

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

Abstract: The fuel cell of this invention includes at least one unit cell that includes: a membrane-electrode assembly including an electrolyte membrane sandwiched between an anode and a cathode; an anode-side separator in contact with the anode and having a fuel flow path for supplying a fuel to the anode; and a cathode-side separator in contact with the cathode and having an oxidant flow path for supplying an oxidant to the cathode. The fuel flow path has a first flow channel and a second flow channel, and each of the first flow channel and the second flow channel has a fuel inlet and a fuel outlet. The first flow channel and the second flow channel are adjacent to each other, and the direction of the flow of fuel through the first flow channel is opposite to the direction of the flow of fuel through the second flow channel.

Abstract: A bipolar plate for use in a fuel cell stack includes a first plate having a first coolant face with a first set of coolant channels formed therein. A second plate has a second coolant face with a second set of coolant channels formed therein. The first and second coolant faces are adjacent to one another to intermittently cross-link the first and second sets of coolant channels over a region of the first and second coolant faces.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack utilizes flow shifting of the anode reactant within the individual fuel cells of the fuel cell stack. The anode side of the fuel cells are separated into two or more flow fields. Anode reactant is supplied in varying quantities to the two flow fields so that anode reactant flowing through one of the flow fields is allowed to back flow into the other flow field and vice versa. The back flowing of anode reactant between the flow fields distributes nitrogen more evenly between the multiple flow fields in each of the fuel cells.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes separators sandwiching electrolyte electrode assemblies. Each of the separators includes a fuel gas supply passage, four first bridges extending radially outwardly from the fuel gas supply section, and sandwiching sections connected to the first bridges. A fuel gas supply passage extends through the fuel gas supply section. Each of the sandwiching sections has a fuel gas channel and an oxygen-containing gas channel. The four electrolyte electrode assemblies are arranged concentrically around the fuel gas supply section. A fuel cell stack includes such fuel cells.

Abstract: An example fuel cell repeater includes a separator plate and a frame establishing at least a portion of a flow path that is operative to communicate fuel to or from at least one fuel cell held by the frame relative to the separator plate. The flow path has a perimeter and any fuel within the perimeter flow across the at least one fuel cell in a first direction. The separator plate, the frame, or both establish at least one conduit positioned outside the flow path perimeter. The conduit is outside of the flow path perimeter and is configured to direct flow in a second, different direction. The conduit is fluidly coupled with the flow path.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a fuel cell stack purge to remove excess water during system shut-down. A compressor is operated at a shut-down speed to force water out of the cathode flow channels and draw water through the membrane from the anode flow channels so that a desired amount of water is removed from the fuel cell stack without over drying the membrane. The cathode shut-down purge flow can be introduced in the forward or reverse direction. Further, the flow of hydrogen fuel can be directed so that it flows through the anode flow channels in an opposite direction to push water out of an anode outlet manifold into the anode flow channels so that it will also be drawn through the membrane by the cathode airflow. Finally, a brief rehydration step is added after the shut-down purge to achieve the desired water content in the cells.

Abstract: A fuel cell system including a fuel cell stack having stacked cells for generating electricity by an electrochemical reaction between a fuel gas and an oxidizing gas and held between a pair of end plates arranged at both ends in the stacking direction of the cells, and also including a gas-liquid separator for separating a gas and a liquid of an off-gas discharged from the fuel cell stack, wherein the gas-liquid separator is fixed to the end plate. Exhaust heat of the fuel cell stack is effectively used to heat the gas-liquid separator.

Abstract: A power generation cell includes a membrane electrode assembly, and a cathode side metal separator and an anode side metal separator sandwiching the membrane electrode assembly. A seal member covers inner surfaces of inlet through holes. The seal member includes a plurality of flow grooves and a plurality of receivers. The flow grooves guide a fuel gas from the inlet through holes to a fuel gas flow field through an inlet buffer. The receivers directly contact an anode.

Abstract: A fuel cell separator having excellent corrosion resistance, electric conductivity and durability comprising a substrate made of austenitic stainless steel, and a nitride layer formed on a surface of the substrate in contact with an oxygen electrode or a current collector on the oxygen electrode side, the nitride layer comprising a solid solution compound phase composed of an Fe4N crystal, in which part of Fe is substituted by at least Cr and Ni.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel cell arrangement, containing at least one bipolar plate layer (1) and an bonding partner—preferably an membrane electrode assembly (MEA) (5), wherein the bonding partner is bonded onto the bipolar plate layer (1) with a pressure-sensitive adhesive or a physically bonding adhesive, which are located on a three-dimensional sealing structure of the bipolar plate layer and/or edge region of the bipolar plate layer adjacent thereon.

Abstract: To provide a fuel cell module structure including a heat exchanger capable of preventing leakage of oxygen containing gas in a flow path and reducing the cost. The fuel cell module, which includes: a power-generating chamber that receives fuel cells; and a casing having a generally rectangular shape enclosing the power-generating chamber, wherein right and left side walls and an upper wall of the casing are hollow walls constituted of an outer shell member and an inner shell member disposed parallel to each other with a predetermined distance therebetween to form a reaction gas circulation space, each of the outer shell member and the inner shell member is formed in a U-like shape in cross section, a reaction gas introduction member vertically extending downward from the inner shell member of the upper wall into the power-generating chamber and being communicated with the reaction gas circulation space to introduce a reaction gas into the power-generating chamber.

Abstract: To prevent the flooding phenomenon at the cathode in a unit cell where the temperature is relatively low or the supply of air is small, a fuel cell stack includes at least three flat unit cells stacked with separators interposed therebetween, the unit cells comprising an anode, a cathode and an electrolyte membrane sandwiched therebetween, and having an oxidant channel formed on the surface of the separator adjacent to the cathode, and the anode and the cathode comprising a catalyst layer attached to the electrolyte membrane and a diffusion layer, wherein the cross-sectional area of the inlet side of the oxidant channel, the area of the cathode catalyst layer, the thickness of the electrolyte membrane or the amount of a water repellent contained in the combination of the cathode and the oxidant channel is the largest in at least one of the unit cells at the ends of the stack.

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

Abstract: An assembly having fuel cell plate structure adapted for use in a fuel cell in which gas flow channels are arranged to carry process gas adjacent the active and wet seal areas of the fuel cell, the plate structure having one or more baffles arranged such that when the plate structure is in the fuel cell the baffles of the plate structure cause the process gas flowing adjacent the wet seal areas to be directed away from the wet seal areas and toward the active areas of the cell.

Abstract: A bipolar plate (1) in combination with a sealant (50, 70) for a PEM fuel cell, wherein the bipolar plate (1) has an anode side with first flow channels (20) for transport of a proton-donating fuel or a cathode side with second flow channels (12) for transport of proton-accepting fluid, or both, wherein a sealant (50, 70) is provided parallel with the bipolar plate (1) for sealing the bipolar plate against an adjacent electrolytic membrane (40). The sealant (50, 70) has fluid channels (54a, 54b, 74a, 74b) across the sealant (50, 70) for transport of proton-donating fuel or proton-accepting fluid, respectively, across the sealant and along the bipolar plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to an oxidation inhibitor coating for high-melting metals selected from the group of molybdenum, tungsten, tantalum and niobium and/or alloys thereof. The oxidation inhibitor coating comprises 1 to 14% by weight boron, 0.1 to 4% by weight carbon and the balance silicon.