Abstract: A fuel cell is provided with a separator that supports an electrolyte/electrode assembly sandwiched therebetween. The separator is provided with: first and second fuel gas supply parts in the center of which fuel gas supply holes are formed; first and second cross-link parts connected to the first and second fuel gas supply parts; and first and second surrounding support parts connected to the first and second cross-link parts. Each first surrounding support part is provided with a set of fuel gas exhaust passages that discharge fuel gas that has gone through a fuel gas passage and been used. The cross-sectional areas of the fuel gas exhaust passages are larger on the downstream sides than on the upstream sides, in terms of the direction of fuel gas flow.

Abstract: A catalyst slurry including a catalyst material, a polymer binder, a plurality of inorganic particles, wherein each particle includes an ionic group, a hydrophilic oligomer, and a solvent.

Abstract: A bipolar plate and regenerative fuel cell stacks including the bipolar plates and membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) alternately stacked. The bipolar plate comprises a plate main body formed of an electrically conductive material. The plate main body has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. Each surface has reaction flow channels through which fluids pass. The reaction flow channels on the first surface have a plurality of ribs therebetween forming an interdigitate flow field pattern. The reaction flow channels on the second surface have a plurality of ribs therebetween forming an interdigitate flow field pattern or a flow field pattern different from an interdigitate flow field pattern, e.g., a serpentine flow field pattern.

Abstract: An example method of forming a fuel cell sheet includes flattening a screen to form a sheet that has a plurality of apertures operative to communicate a fluid within a fuel cell.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte fuel cell comprises a plurality of stacked cells each having an ionic conductive electrolyte membrane, an anode placed on one side of the electrolyte membrane, a cathode placed on the other side of the electrolyte membrane, and a conductive separator on which a first refrigerant channel for flow of a refrigerant is formed in center part thereof. The separator comprises penetration holes constituting a manifold which extend in a direction of stacking of the plurality of cells and through which the refrigerant flows and second refrigerant channels for communication between the penetration holes and the first refrigerant channel. A plurality of protrusions that protrude into the penetration holes from parts of wall surfaces of the penetration holes that are located peripherally in connection parts between the penetration holes and the second refrigerant channels.

Abstract: This invention relates to a unit cell for a flat-tubular solid oxide fuel cell or solid oxide electrolyzer, and a flat-tubular solid oxide fuel cell and a flat-tubular solid oxide electrolyzer using the same, and more particularly to a unit cell for a flat-tubular solid oxide fuel cell or solid oxide electrolyzer, wherein the unit cell includes a connector including connection parts, thus decreasing the thickness of the unit cell and reducing the size of a cell stack, and to a flat-tubular solid oxide fuel cell and a flat-tubular solid oxide electrolyzer using the same.

Abstract: A compact of a support-member divided-member, which has a shape formed by dividing a support member into two in the thickness direction so as to divide the fuel channel into two in the thickness direction, is manufactured by a gel cast method in which slurry is filled in a molding die. A compact of a fuel-side electrode and a compact of an electrolyte are successively stacked on the upper surface of the compact of the support-member divided-member, whereby a compact of a cell divided member is obtained. The two compacts of the cell divided member are bonded and sintered, whereby an SOFC cell (sintered body) in which an oxygen-side electrode is not formed is formed. A compact of the oxygen-side electrode is formed respectively on the upper and lower surfaces of the sintered body, and then, the compact of the oxygen-side electrode is sintered, whereby the SOFC cell is completed.

Abstract: To provide a method for manufacturing a solid oxide fuel cell apparatus. The present invention is a method for manufacturing a fuel cell apparatus, including an adhesive application step for adhering ceramic adhesive to joining portions so as to constitute an airtight flow path for guiding fuel, and a drying and hardening step for drying and hardening ceramic adhesive, whereby the drying and hardening step has: a workable hardening step for drying the ceramic adhesive at a predetermined first temperature to a state whereby the next manufacturing step can be implemented, and a solvent elimination and hardening step further hardens ceramic adhesive hardened in each of the workable hardening steps by raising it to a second temperature higher than the first temperature and approximately equal to the temperature of the fuel cells during an electrical generation operation.

Abstract: A separator of planar shape includes a plurality of grooves which are formed in a first surface of the separator serving as one surface facing a membrane electrode assembly and which extend along a first direction parallel to the first surface. The separator includes a protrusion formed in the first surface and enclosing a first hole, a second hole, and the plurality of grooves. The separator includes a cutout part located between two third holes adjacent to each other and formed by the one outer edge part of the separator approaching the protrusion and the plurality of grooves in a second direction. A collecting electrode plate includes: a cutout part formed at a position corresponding to the cutout part of the separator; and a terminal part extending from the cutout part of the collecting electrode plate toward the second direction.

Abstract: A sub-assembly for an electrochemical stack, such as a PEM fuel cell stack, has a bipolar plate with sealing material extending from its upper face, around the edge of the bipolar plate, and onto its lower face. The bipolar plate is preferably a combination of an anode plate and a cathode plate defining an internal coolant flow field and bonded together by sealing material which also provides a seal around the coolant flow field. All of the sealing material in the sub-assembly may be one contiguous mass. To make the sub-assembly, anode and cathode plates are loaded into a mold. Liquid sealing material is injected into the mold and fills a gap between the edge of the plates, and portions of the outer faces of the plates, and the mold. In a stack, sub-assemblies are separated by MEAs which at least partially overlap the sealing material on their faces.

Abstract: A fuel cell assembly is disclosed comprising a fuel cell electrode component and a reactant gas flow component ink bonded thereto. In one aspect direct bonding of a gas diffusion layer with a flow field is achieved allowing a simplified structural configuration. In another aspect improved component printing techniques reduce corrosion effects. In a further aspect flow fields are described providing reactant channels extending in both the horizontal and vertical directions, i.e. providing three dimensional flow. In a further aspect an improved wicking material allows wicking away and reactant humidification. In a further aspect improved mechanical fastenings and connectors are provided. In a further aspect improved humidification approaches are described. Further improved aspects are additionally disclosed.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes a plurality of fuel cell cassettes each including a fuel cell with an anode and a cathode. Each fuel cell cassette also includes an electrode interconnect adjacent to the anode or the cathode for providing electrical communication between an adjacent fuel cell cassette and the anode or the cathode. The interconnect includes a plurality of electrode interconnect protrusions defining a flow passage along the anode or the cathode for communicating oxidant or fuel to the anode or the cathode. An electrically conductive material is disposed between at least one of the electrode interconnect protrusions and the anode or the cathode in order to provide a stable electrical contact between the electrode interconnect and the anode or cathode. An encapsulating arrangement segregates the electrically conductive material from the flow passage thereby, preventing volatilization of the electrically conductive material in use of the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A fuel cell interconnect includes a first side containing a first plurality of channels and a second side containing a second plurality of channels. The first and second sides are disposed on opposite sides of the interconnect. The first plurality of channels are configured to provide a serpentine fuel flow field while the second plurality of channels are configured to provide an approximately straight air flow field.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel cell stack that has a separator arranged between fuel cells, the separator including: a sandwiching section which sandwiches an electrolyte electrode assembly and includes a fuel gas channel and a separately provided oxygen-containing gas channel; a bridge which is connected to the sandwiching section and includes a reactant gas supply channel; a reactant gas supply section which is connected to the bridge and includes a reactant gas supply passage; and a connecting section that connects the sandwiching section to the bridge.

Abstract: A fuel cell is provided that includes a water transport plate separating an air flow field and a water flow field. The driving force for moving water across the water transport plate into the water flow field is produced by a differential pressure across a restriction. The restriction is arranged between an air outlet of the cathode water transport plate and a head of a reservoir that is in fluid communication with the water flow field.

Abstract: A repeat unit for a fuel cell stack, the repeat unit having: a conductive interconnect plate; an electrolyte-supported fuel cell, wherein a dense sealing perimeter extends around the entire perimeter of the fuel cell; a cathode gasket adjacent the cathode side of the fuel cell; and an anode gasket adjacent the anode side of the fuel cell. First and second air manifolding ports, and first and second fuel manifolding ports are provided in each of the interconnect plate, dense sealing perimeter of the fuel cell, cathode gasket and anode gasket. An SOFC stack having an aligned stack of a plurality of repeat units is also provided, as well as an SOFC stack configured for cascade fuel flow.

Abstract: A reduction process is performed to each fuel electrode layer by supplying a reduction gas into each fuel channel 22 in the state in which a perimetric portion of a sheet body 11 is held to be sealed by perimetric portions of an upper support member 122 and a lower support member 121. In the case of a small-sized fuel cell in which the thickness of the sheet body 11 is 20˜500 ?m, the fuel electrode layer is greater in thickness than the solid electrolyte layer and the air electrode layer, and the area of the orthogonal projection of the plane portion 12a of each support member 12 is 1˜100 cm2, a ratio of a warpage of not more than 0.05 cm?1 on the sheet body with respect to the area of the orthogonal projection can be achieved at room temperature after the reduction process.

Abstract: An interconnect for a fuel cell stack includes a first plurality of ribs extending from a first major surface of the interconnect and defining a first plurality of gas flow channels between the ribs, the ribs extending between a first rib end and a second rib end and having a tapered profile in a vertical dimension, perpendicular to the first major surface of the interconnect, proximate at least one of the first rib end and the second rib end, wherein the ribs comprise a flat upper surface and rounded edges between the flat upper surface and the adjacent gas flow channels, the rounded edges having a first radius of curvature, and wherein the gas flow channels comprise a rounded surface having a second radius of curvature, different from the first radius of curvature.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell stack system may include a plurality of cell stacks fluidly connected by a plurality of first conduits to form a loop of cell stacks. At least one first valve may be located on each first conduit and may be capable of a closed configuration and an open configuration. Each of the cell stacks may have an input end for receiving a first fluid and an output end for discharging a second fluid. The system may deliver the first fluid from the fluid source to the input end of a first cell stack of the plurality of cell stacks via a first input line of a plurality of input lines and may receive the second fluid from the output end of a second cell stack of the plurality of cell stacks via a first output line of a plurality of output lines.

Abstract: A metal halogen electrochemical energy cell system that generates an electrical potential. One embodiment of the system includes at least one cell including at least one positive electrode and at least one negative electrode, at least one electrolyte, a mixing venturi that mixes the electrolyte with a halogen reactant, and a circulation pump that conveys the electrolyte mixed with the halogen reactant through the positive electrode and across the metal electrode. Preferably, the positive electrode comprises porous carbonaceous material, the negative electrode comprises zinc, the metal comprises zinc, the halogen comprises halogen, the electrolyte comprises an aqueous zinc-halide electrolyte, and the halogen reactant comprises a halogen reactant. Also, variations of the system and a method of operation for the systems.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite separator for a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) and a method for manufacturing the same, in which a graphite foil prepared by compressing expanded graphite is stacked on a carbon fiber-reinforced composite prepreg or a mixed solution prepared by mixing graphite flake and powder with a resin solvent is applied to the cured composite prepreg such that a graphite layer is integrally molded on the outermost end of the separator.

Abstract: A separator of a fuel cell includes sandwiching sections that sandwich electrolyte electrode assemblies therebetween, bridge sections, and a reactant gas supply section. The electrolyte electrode assemblies are sandwiched between the sandwiching sections. A fuel gas channel and an oxygen-containing gas channel are formed in each of the sandwiching sections. A fuel gas supply channel, a fuel gas return channel, and an oxygen-containing gas supply channel are formed in each of the bridge sections. A fuel gas supply passage, a fuel gas discharge passage, and an oxygen-containing gas supply passage extend through the reactant gas supply section.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack and a fuel cell system, the fuel cell stack including a plurality of membrane electrode assemblies, the membrane electrode assemblies being configured to generate electrical energy by an electrochemical reaction of a fuel and an oxidizer; and a plurality of bipolar plates positioned adjacent to the membrane electrode assemblies and between the membrane electrode assemblies, the bipolar plates including a fuel channel at one side thereof and an oxidizer channel at a second, opposite side thereof, wherein the bipolar plates include a plurality of cooling channels penetrating therethrough, the cooling channels having a curvature along a length thereof.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly, a frame arranged on an outer periphery portion of the membrane electrode assembly, and a separator defining a gas flow channel between the separator and the membrane electrode assembly and between the separator and the frame. A diffuser portion which is a part of the gas flow channel, is formed between the separator and the frame. An electrode layer includes a metal porous body which is an electrode surface layer and has gas permeability. The metal porous body has at an end portion thereof, an extension part covering a region corresponding to the diffuser portion of the frame.

Abstract: Fluid distribution plate (1) for a fuel cell assembly, comprising a first plate (11) made of an electrically conductive material impermeable to all the fluids used in a fuel cell assembly, said distribution plate having a useful section (S) which is the surface over which the gases used by the electrochemical reaction are distributed, said useful section (S) being bordered all around by a peripheral section (P), said first plate having a given thickness e1 in the peripheral section and a smaller thickness e2 in the useful section so as to form a recess from the side facing the outer face and so as to have a flat inner surface, a flexible graphite foil (11C) being applied against said first plate (11) over the entire surface of the recess, the visible face of the flexible graphite foil having a distribution channel (111) for one of the fluids, said network being formed completely in the graphite foil.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a unit cell for a solid-oxide fuel cell and to a solid-oxide fuel cell using same, and, more specifically, relates to: a unit cell for a solid-oxide fuel cell, wherein a fuel charging-and-discharging part and an air charging-and-discharging part are provided perpendicularly to a cathode comprised in the solid-oxide fuel cell; and a solid-oxide fuel cell using same.

Abstract: Membrane, cell and device suitable for reverse electrodialysis for the purpose of generating electricity, and methods therefor, the membrane comprising a number of channels arranged on at least a first side of the membrane, wherein the channels are suitable for throughfeed of a fluid, wherein the dimensions of the channels are aimed at obtaining a laminar flow of the fluid in the channels.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a plate-like cell, a separator on one side of the plate-like cell, and a separator on the other side of the plate-like cell. The plate-like cell includes a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, an anode, and a cathode. The anode has a stacked body composed of a catalyst layer and a gas diffusion layer. The cathode has a stacked body composed of a catalyst layer and a gas diffusion layer. The catalyst layer contains a porous carbon material formed with micro pores, which functions as an electric double layer, and an ion-exchange resin. At least part of the porous carbon material supports a catalytic metal such as platinum. The porous carbon material to be used is preferably a carbide-derived carbon. The carbide-derived carbon preferably has micro pores of 1 nm or less.

Abstract: Collector plates made of bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys, the bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys providing ruggedness, lightweight structure, excellent resistance to chemical and environmental effects, and low-cost manufacturing, and methods of making such collector plates from such bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a flat-tubular solid oxide cell stack. The cell stack includes a plurality of unit cells which are stacked one on top of another. Each unit cell includes a flat-tubular electrode support made of a porous conductive material. A first-gas flow channel is formed in the electrode support in a longitudinal direction thereof. First gas flows along the first-gas flow channel. A second-gas flow channel is formed on the outer surface of the electrode support. Second-gas flows along the second-gas flow channel. A connection hole is formed on each of opposite ends of the first-gas flow channel of each of the unit cells and communicates with the first-gas flow channel of the adjacent unit cell so that the first gas flows along the unit cells in a zigzag manner in the longitudinal directions of the unit cells.

Abstract: A line device (1) for a fuel cell (10), having at least one feed section (2) with a feed opening (4), and a removal section (3) with a removal opening (5), wherein the feed section (2) is designed for supplying a fluid to a first side (12) of an active surface (11) of the fuel cell (10) and the removal section (3) is designed for removing the fluid from a second side (13) of the active surface (11) of the fuel cell (10), and the fluid can flow along at least two flow paths (20, 21, 22) from the feed opening (4) through the active surface (11) to the removal opening (5) for the fluid, wherein the feed section (2).

Abstract: The fuel flow channels (20a) of the end fuel cell (9a) at the anode end (34) of a fuel cell stack are significantly deeper than the fuel flow field channels (20) of the remaining fuel cells (9) in the stack, whereby fuel starvation caused by ice in the fuel flow channels is avoided during cold startup. The fuel flow field channels of the end cell (9) at the anode end of the stack is between about 0.15 mm and about 1.5 mm deeper than the fuel flow field channels in the remaining fuel cells of the stack, or between about 35% and about 65% deeper than the fuel flow field channels in the remaining fuel cells of the stack.

Abstract: A lamellar structure graphite foil is used as a material for a separator for a fuel cell, and a hydrophobic layer is formed by impregnation on flow-field channels of the graphite foil. Such a separator is manufactured by forming the flow field channel by etching the graphite foil formed with the mask pattern thereon and forming a hydrophobic layer by impregnation. According to such a separator, performance of a fuel cell stack is enhanced and the manufacturing process of a separator is simplified.

Abstract: An anode separator of a fuel cell forms: a plurality of gas flow channels arranged in parallel to let a fuel gas flow to an MEA; a supply passage configured to supply the plurality of gas flow channels with the fuel gas; and a recovery passage configured to recover the fuel gas from the plurality of gas flow channels. The plurality of gas flow channels include: a gas flow channel connects the supply passage and the recovery passage; and a gas flow channel having the supply passage side blocked.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack including a plurality of SOFCs and a plurality of interconnects. Each interconnect is located between two adjacent SOFCs, and each interconnect contains a Mn or Co containing, electrically conductive metal oxide layer on an air side of the interconnect. The SOFC stack also includes a barrier layer located between the electrically conductive metal oxide layer and an adjacent SOFC. The barrier layer is configured to prevent Mn or Co diffusion from the electrically conductive metal oxide layer to the adjacent SOFC.

Abstract: In a proton exchange membrane fuel cell power plant (9) in which each of the fuel cells (11) employ reactant gas flow field channels (51) extending inwardly from a first surface of a conductive, water permeable reactant gas flow field plate (50), for at least one of the reactants of the fuel cell, a region (63) of the reactant gas flow field channels is substantially shallower than the remaining portion (60) of the flow field channels (51) thereby decreasing resistance to gas phase mass transfer from the wetted walls of the flow field plate to the gas in the region (63), the resulting increase in thickness of the web (58) adjacent the region (63) reduces the resistance to liquid water transport from the first coolant channel (52) to the inlet edge (55) of the plate (50) so that the plate supports a higher evaporation rate into the reactant gas in the shallow region (63).

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments include a product and a method of a bipolar plate assembly for a fuel cell stack. The bipolar plate assembly includes a first plate with a first border, and a second plate with a second border. A thermoplastic sealant is melted between the first and second borders.

Abstract: A stainless steel separator for fuel cells and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The method includes preparing a stainless steel sheet as a matrix, performing surface modification on a surface of the stainless steel sheet to form a Cr-rich passive film having a comparatively increased amount of Cr in a superficial layer of the stainless steel sheet by decreasing an amount of Fe in the superficial layer of the stainless steel sheet, and forming a coating layer on the surface of the surface-modified stainless steel sheet. The coating layer is one selected from a metal nitride layer (MNx), a metal/metal nitride layer (M/MNx), a metal carbide layer (MCy), and a metal boride layer (MBz) (where 0.5?x?1, 0.42?y?1, 0.5?z?2).

Abstract: A cell unit of a fuel cell includes a second separator. A first oxygen-containing gas flow field is formed on a surface of the second separator. An inlet buffer is connected to an inlet of the oxygen-containing gas flow field, and an outlet buffer is connected to an outlet of the first oxygen-containing gas flow field. The inlet buffer includes a first inlet buffer area having a deep groove and a second inlet buffer area, and the outlet buffer includes a first outlet buffer area having a deep groove and a second outlet buffer area. The first inlet buffer area and the first outlet buffer area have different surface areas.

Abstract: A bipolar plate to reduce electrical contact resistance between the plate and a diffusion layer used in a fuel cell. The opposing surfaces of the plate define flow channels with upstanding lands interspersed between them. The lands of the plate form an electrically-conductive contact with a diffusion layer in the fuel cell. At least a portion of the electrically-conductive contact is made up of a nickel-based alloy that reduces the contact resistance between the plate and the diffusion layer as a way to achieve improved electric current density. In one form, the alloy can be used as the primary material in the plate, while in another, it can be used as a coating deposited onto a conventional stainless steel plate.

Abstract: A fuel cell, having a first electrode, a second electrode, and a membrane element, in which the membrane element is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. At least one of the electrodes has a flow field plate and at least one flow conduit, through which a reactant can be conducted, extends in at least one outer surface of the flow field plate. The flow field plate has at least one microreaction chamber, and the microreaction chamber is disposed in the outer surface and on the flow conduit. A catalyst is disposed on at least a part of the microreaction chamber in such a way that the catalyst has contact simultaneously with the membrane element and the inflowing reactant.

Abstract: Provided is a fuel cell separator having a coating layer on a metal substrate. The coating layer is provided with an amorphous carbon layer and a conductive section. The conductive section is composed of graphite particles, which are preferably dispersed in the manner of islands each of which has at least a part exposed from the surface of the amorphous carbon layer.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a fuel cell component for use with or as part of a fuel cell in a fuel cell stack, the method comprising: providing a fuel cell component, providing a deposition assembly for depositing loading material particles onto the fuel cell component, and actuating the deposition assembly to cause the deposition assembly to deposit said loading material particles onto said fuel cell component.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a process including providing an electrically conductive fuel cell component having a first face, and depositing a graphitic/conductive carbon film on the first face of the electrically conductive fuel cell component comprising sputtering a graphite target using a closed field unbalanced magnetron field.

Abstract: Bipolar plate assemblies are disclosed in which the transition fuel channels are offset from the transition oxidant channels in the transition regions on the active sides of the plates. This configuration allows for a reduced pressure drop in the coolant flow in the transition regions on the inactive, coolant side of the plates and thereby improves coolant flow sharing. The assemblies are suitable for use in high power density solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell stacks.

Abstract: A bipolar plate for a fuel cell is provided that includes a pair of unipolar plates having a separator plate disposed therebetween. One of the unipolar plates is produced from a porous material to minimize cathode transport resistance at high current density. A fuel cell stack including a fuel cell and the bipolar plate is also provided.

Abstract: A fuel cell system comprises a main body including a first partial header and a fastening point. The main body is adapted to be coupled to a plurality of plates forming a fuel cell stack, allowing a single plate design to be used for multiple fuel cell stack lengths having a large differential of energy requirements, affording a durable alignment mechanism for the fuel cell stack, and providing integration flexibility for components and configurations of the fuel cell system.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel cell stack which can reduce variation in temperature distribution of whole cells by a simple change in the structure of a coolant inlet manifold and a coolant outlet manifold in the fuel cell stack without the use of a conventional insulator, which increases the thickness of the fuel cell stack, a heater, which requires a power supply and its control logic, or a cover for forming an air layer for thermal insulation, which disadvantageously prevents the heat generated in the electrode from being transferred to the end plate.