Manifold Patents (Class 429/458)
  • Patent number: 9017895
    Abstract: A fuel cell plate assembly includes a first plate having a feed region and an active region. A plurality of flow channels is formed in the first plate and connects the feed region and the active region. The first plate further includes a first step oriented transverse to the flow channels in the feed region and a second step oriented transverse to the flow channels in the active region. The second step is formed only in the flow channels of the first plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Rock, Gerald W. Fly, Steven J. Spencer
  • Patent number: 9005834
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuo Yoshimura, Hirokazu Honkawa, Kenji Arai
  • Patent number: 9005837
    Abstract: A gasket for a manifold seal for a fuel cell system includes a first layer of fibrous ceramic material having a first compressibility, a second layer of fibrous ceramic material having a second compressibility and a third layer of fibrous ceramic material having third compressibility. The third layer of fibrous ceramic material is positioned between and engaged with the first layer of fibrous ceramic material and the second layer of fibrous ceramic material. The third compressibility is less than the first compressibility and less than the second compressibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Fuelcell Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom X. Jian, Chao-Yi Yuh, Ling Chen, Daniela Nedu
  • Publication number: 20150099205
    Abstract: An assembly has a plurality of fuel cell stacks with at least one wall. At least one manifold portion is provided outwardly of the at least one wall of each of the fuel cell stacks. The at least one manifold portion for a pair of the plurality of fuel cell stacks is on facing surfaces with an intermediate wall between the at least one of the manifold portions on the pair of the plurality of fuel cell stacks. A method of forming an assembly of a plurality of fuel cell stacks is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan Daniel O'Neill, Guillaume Michael Kurczko Brousseau
  • Publication number: 20150093675
    Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes a stack including a plurality of unit cells, which is stacked on one another in a predetermined direction, first and second end plates disposed on opposing ends of the stack, and a supply line disposed on a first surface of the first end plate to supply fuel or air to the plurality of unit cells, where an insertion hole is defined in a second surface of the first end plate to be adjacent to the supply line, and the second surface of the first end plate is substantially perpendicular to the first surface of the first end plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tae-won SONG, Jin-ho KIM, Jeong-sik KO, Ji-rae KIM
  • Patent number: 8993189
    Abstract: A heat-resistant alloy capable of effectively suppressing diffusion of Cr, as well as an alloy member for a fuel cell, a fuel cell stack device, a fuel cell module and a fuel cell device are provided. A heat-resistant alloy includes a Cr-containing alloy, and a Cr-diffusion suppression layer located on at least a part of a surface of the Cr-containing alloy, the Cr-diffusion suppression layer being made by laminating a first layer that contains a Zn-containing oxide and a second layer that does not contain ZnO but contains an (La, Sr)MnO3-based perovskite oxide in that order, so that it is possible to effectively suppress diffusion of Cr. By using the heat-resistant alloy for an alloy member for a fuel cell, a fuel cell stack device, a fuel cell module and a fuel cell device each having improved reliability can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiko Higashi, Tetsurou Fujimoto, Norimitsu Fukami, Kenji Shimazu
  • Publication number: 20150086886
    Abstract: A fuel cell stack arrangement includes a fuel cells arranged between a first and a second end plate. At least one of the end plates is designed as a channel end plate with at least one channel. The channel has a stack opening, which is opened in the direction of the stack, and a second opening. The stack opening and the second opening are connected to each other via a channel section and are arranged at a distance to each other in a top view looking down on the channel end plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Felix Blank, Simon Hollnaicher, Martin Keuerleber, Jan Martinec, Cosimo Mazzotta, Uwe Pfister, Michael Procter, Pavel Sarkady, Wolfgang Schmid, Holger Stark
  • Publication number: 20150079489
    Abstract: A fuel cell system with an ejector is provided. In particular, the system includes a stack, fuel injection nozzle and a water injection nozzle. In particular, the stack produces electricity via an electrochemical reaction using fuel and air. The fuel injection nozzle injects fuel into the stack and the water injection nozzle injects water into the fuel injection nozzle. In particular, water is supplied from the water injection nozzle into the fuel injection nozzle due to a vacuum within the fuel injection nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Yong Gyu Noh, Sekwon Jung
  • Patent number: 8980498
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Ogawa, Kimiko Fujisawa, Ayatoshi Yokokawa
  • Publication number: 20150072258
    Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes a stack of fuel cells, a first end plate, a second end plate, a fluid manifold member, and a protrusion. In the stack of fuel cells, the fuel cells are stacked in a stacking direction. The first end plate is disposed on a first end of the stack of fuel cells in the stacking direction. The second end plate is disposed on a second end of the stack of fuel cells in the stacking direction. The fluid manifold member is disposed on at least one of the first and second end plates. The fluid manifold member allows a fluid to flow through the fuel cells. The protrusion is disposed around a joint region at which the fluid manifold member is joined to the at least one of the first and second end plates. The protrusion protrudes outward in the stacking direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hideharu NAITO
  • Patent number: 8974980
    Abstract: A fuel cell is provided with a membrane electrode assembly provided with a frame, both of which are sandwiched between two separators. The fuel cell is configured such that reactive gas is circulated between the frame and the separators. The frame and both separators each have manifold holes, the rims of the manifold holes of frame extend into the manifold holes in the separators, and protrusions cover the inner peripheral surfaces of the manifold holes in at least one of the separators. This structure makes possible the easy and accurate position and integration of the separators and the frame, and fuel cell miniaturization can be achieved because space to position the protrusions is not needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takanori Oku, Mitsutaka Abe, Shigetaka Uehara, Yasuhiro Numao
  • Publication number: 20150064595
    Abstract: A fluid tube includes: a first fluid tube; a second fluid tube connected to the first fluid tube; and a flow velocity equalizer in the second fluid tube, where the flow velocity equalizer increases a uniformity of fluid flow passed therethrough, the second fluid tube is wider than the first fluid tube, and the flow velocity equalizer includes a diverging tube and a converging tube. The fluid tube may further include a fluid divider between the flow velocity equalizer and the first fluid tube. The diverging tube of the flow velocity equalizer may have a width increasing in a fluid flow direction, and the converging tube of the flow velocity equalizer may include a plurality of converging tubes having widths decreasing in the fluid flow direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Jin-ho KIM, Tae-won SONG, Ji-rae KIM, Jeong-sik KO
  • Patent number: 8968944
    Abstract: A humidifier device for humidifying a fluid in a fuel cell system of a motor vehicle is provided. The humidifier device has a housing, in which is arranged at least one membrane, and a bypass channel for bypassing the at least one membrane. The bypass channel has a non-circular cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Bernd Altmueller, Harald Ehrentraut, Udo Eping, Simon Hollnaicher, Peter Wisshak
  • Patent number: 8962219
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Bloom Energy Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Couse, Daniel Darga, Harald Herchen, Chockkalingam Karuppaiah
  • Publication number: 20150044579
    Abstract: A fuel cell (100) includes a cation exchange membrane (110), a first anion exchange membrane (120) and a second anion exchange membrane (130). The cation exchange membrane (110) has a first side and an opposite second side. The first anion exchange membrane (120) has a first exterior surface and an opposite first interior surface disposed along at least a portion to the first side of the cation exchange membrane (110). A catalyst (140) is embedded along the first exterior surface. The second anion exchange membrane (130) has a second exterior surface and an opposite second interior surface disposed along at least a portion to the second side of the cation exchange membrane (110). A catalyst (142) is embedded along the second exterior surface. A stack of fuel cells (700) include a first fuel cell (710) with an acidic first anode (714) that is electrically coupled to an alkaline second cathode (722) of a second fuel cell (720).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: GEORGIA TECH RESEARCH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Murat Unlu, Paul Kohl, Hyea Kim, Junfeng Zhou, Irene Anestis-Richard
  • Publication number: 20150030956
    Abstract: [Object] To provide a cell stack device, the power generation efficiency of which is improved, and a fuel cell module and a fuel cell device that include the cell stack device. [Solution] A cell stack device 1 includes a cell stack 2 that includes a plurality of fuel cells 3 electrically connected to one another and arranged, the fuel cells 3 that each includes a gas channel through which a reactant gas flows. In the cell stack device 1, the fuel cells 3 of the cell stack 2 are provided in the form of fuel cell groups that each include an arbitrary number of the fuel cells 3. In the cell stack device 1, the fuel cell groups are arranged such that average pressure loss values of the fuel cells 3 of the fuel cell groups increase sequentially from a central portion to an end portion side in a fuel cell 3 arrangement direction. Thus, the power generation efficiency of the cell stack device 1 can be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Naruto Takahashi, Takashi Ono
  • Patent number: 8940457
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignees: Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin, Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: Antonio Delfino, David Olsommer, Felix Buchi
  • Patent number: 8932779
    Abstract: A device for a solid oxide fuel cell or a solid oxide electrolysis cell includes an integral one-piece construction of a current collector and a manifold. The device eliminates the need for a brazing or thermal bonding process for joining the manifold with the current collector, and thus makes it possible to prevent breakdown of the junction formed between the manifold and the current collector, which can lead to gas leakage through the junction, and thus can be used for a long period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Energy Research
    Inventors: Sun-Dong Kim, Doo-Won Seo, In-Sub Han, Ji-Haeng Yu, Se-Young Kim, Sang-Kuk Woo
  • Patent number: 8932738
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Institute of Nuclear Energy Research
    Inventors: Dung-Di Yu, Yung-Neng Cheng, Ruey-Yi Lee, Chien-Hsiung Lee
  • Patent number: 8932778
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Dan, Yukihiko Kiyohiro
  • Patent number: 8927172
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Energy Research
    Inventors: Sun-Dong Kim, Ji-Haeng Yu, In-Sub Han, Doo-Won Seo, Kee-Seog Hong, Se-Young Kim, Sang-Kuk Woo
  • Publication number: 20150004517
    Abstract: To provide a solid oxide fuel cell system in which fuel cells within a fuel cell module are connected in an airtight manner using ceramic adhesive. the invention is a solid oxide fuel cell system for generating electricity by reacting fuel and oxidant gas, including: a fuel cell module containing multiple fuel cells, and a fuel gas dispersion chamber for distributing and supplying fuel to each of the fuel cells, whereby each of the fuel cells is affixed in an airtight manner using ceramic adhesive to an affixing member forming the fuel gas dispersion chamber, and a gas leak suppression portion for suppressing the occurrence of cracks caused by shrinkage when a ceramic adhesive hardens is formed by the ceramic adhesive layer around the fuel cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Naoki WATANABE, Nobuo ISAKA, Shuhei TANAKA, Takuya HOSHIKO, Masaki SATO, Osamu OKAMOTO, Shigeru ANDO, Seiki FURUYA, Yutaka MOMIYAMA, Kiyoshi HAYAMA
  • Publication number: 20150004518
    Abstract: The present invention is a method for manufacturing a solid oxide fuel cell apparatus for generating electricity by supplying fuel and oxidant gas to fuel cells housed in a fuel cell module, comprising: an adhesive application step for applying ceramic adhesive to the joint portions of constituent members so that the flow path carrying fuel or oxidant gas inside the fuel cell module are formed in an airtight manner; a workable hardening step for hardening the applied ceramic adhesive to a state capable of implementing the next manufacturing process; and a solvent elimination and hardening step wherein, after multiple repetitions of the adhesive application step and the workable hardening step, ceramic adhesive hardened in the workable hardening steps is dried to a state capable of withstanding temperatures during electrical generation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Nobuo ISAKA, Naoki WATANABE, Shuhei TANAKA, Takuya HOSHIKO, Masaki SATO, Osamu OKAMOTO, Shigeru ANDO, Seiki FURUYA, Yutaka MOMIYAMA, Kiyoshi HAYAMA
  • Patent number: 8921001
    Abstract: A conduit assembly for a fuel cell system includes a dielectric tube comprising a first end and a second end, a first metal tube including a first lip coupled to the first end of the dielectric tube, a first dielectric ring coupled to the first lip of the first metal tube, a second metal tube including a second lip coupled to the second end of the dielectric tube, and a second dielectric ring coupled to the second lip of the second metal tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Bloom Energy Corporation
    Inventors: James Huynh, Michael Petrucha
  • Publication number: 20140370402
    Abstract: An exemplary method of providing an electrolyte for a fuel cell comprises including a electrolyte precursor within a fuel cell. An electrolyte is generated within the fuel cell from the precursor. An exemplary fuel cell system includes a cell stack assembly. A manifold is associated with the cell stack assembly. An electrolyte precursor is within at least one of the cell stack assembly or manifold for generating an electrolyte within a fuel cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: CLEAREDGE POWER, LLC
    Inventors: Sitaram Ramaswamy, Michael E. Gorman
  • Patent number: 8906570
    Abstract: A fuel cell system including a fuel cell stack having a plurality of fuel cells, the fuel cell stack including an anode supply manifold and an anode exhaust manifold, a first valve in fluid communication with at least one of the anode supply manifold and the anode exhaust manifold, wherein the first valve includes an inlet for receiving a fluid flow and an outlet for exhausting a fluid, a sensor for measuring at least a fluid pressure at the inlet and the outlet of the first valve, wherein the sensor generates a sensor signal representing the pressure measurement, and a processor for receiving the sensor signal, analyzing the sensor signal, and determining a composition of a fluid in the fuel cell system based upon the analysis of the sensor signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Patrick Frost, Daniel I Harris, Manish Sinha, Gary M. Robb
  • Publication number: 20140349209
    Abstract: A fuel cell stack has a first block having a first number of cells, a first fuel supply channel for supplying fuel gas to the first block, a collecting channel for collecting fuel gas which has passed through the first block, a second block having a second number of cells, the second number being smaller than the first number, a second fuel supply channel for supplying the second block with fuel gas which has been collected into the collecting channel, and a discharge channel for discharging fuel gas which has passed through the second block. A throttling section smaller in channel diameter than first and second fuel gas trunk channels, first and second branch channels, the collecting channel, and the discharge channel is provided downstream of the collecting channel and upstream of the second fuel supply channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yusuke Todo, Yosuke Ito, Masahiro Shibata
  • Patent number: 8883365
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Todd D. Bogumil, Glenn W. Skala, Matthew J. Beutel
  • Patent number: 8877405
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yuusuke Sato, Kei Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 8871404
    Abstract: A manifold seal for a fuel cell system includes a sealing area defined by a peripheral portion of a fuel cell stack of the fuel cell system and a portion of an end plate positioned on the fuel cell stack. The manifold seal includes a manifold frame defining a mating surface which sealingly engages the sealing area. The mating surface has a slot formed therein which opens towards the sealing area. The manifold seal includes a bracket defining a base portion and having a lip projecting from an edge thereof. The base portion is moveably secured to a face of the end plate so that the edge is positioned on the sealing area. The base portion is positioned inwardly from the sealing area and the manifold frame. The lip is moveably engaged in and cooperates with the slot to seal a gap between the mating surface and the sealing area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: FuelCell Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn DiCostanzo, Dana Kelley, Louis Ernst, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8859163
    Abstract: A fuel cell assembly is provided that includes a fluid collection member disposed in a fluid inlet for a reactant, wherein the fluid collection member militates against liquid water on an inner surface of the fluid inlet from being received by a fuel cell of the fuel cell assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jon P. Owejan, Steven G. Goebel, James M. Keogan, Thomas A. Trabold
  • Patent number: 8852822
    Abstract: When terminating power generation by a fuel cell 3 in a fuel cell system 1, an amount of a raw fuel material introduced to a reforming catalyst 2a of a reformer 2 is reduced. Here, before the temperature of the reforming catalyst 2a is lowered to the un-reformed gas generation temperature, an amount of water supplied to the reforming catalyst 2a is controlled to increase the temperature of the reforming catalyst 2a. Thus, upon termination of power generation in the fuel cell 3, no un-reformed gas is generated and the reformed gas is supplied to the fuel cell 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Nippon Oil Corporation
    Inventor: Tomotaka Ishida
  • Patent number: 8846264
    Abstract: A cell unit of a fuel cell includes a first membrane electrode assembly, a first metal separator, a second membrane electrode assembly, and a second metal separator. Resin frame members are provided at the outer ends of the first and second membrane electrode assemblies. Coolant connection channels including a plurality of grooves is formed in each of the resin frame members. The grooves of the coolant connection channels of the cell unit and grooves of coolant connection channels of a cell unit that is adjacent to the cell unit in the stacking direction are offset from each other, and are not overlapped with each other in the stacking direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kentaro Ishida, Shuhei Goto, Narutoshi Sugita, Tetsuya Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20140287334
    Abstract: A fuel cell system includes an air manifold through which air is supplied or exhausted, a fuel gas manifold through which fuel gas is supplied or exhausted, a stack portion that generates electricity by using air and fuel that are supplied by the air manifold and the fuel gas manifold, and an injection array that is disposed along an inside of the air manifold or the fuel gas manifold to inject air or fuel gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Yong Gyu Noh, Dong Jo Oh, Bu Kil Kwon
  • Publication number: 20140287335
    Abstract: Systems and methods for shunt current and mechanical loss mitigation in electrochemical systems include a conduit providing at least a portion of an electrically conductive pathway between the first and second electrochemical cells, wherein the conduit includes at least one shunt current suppression device configured as a loop, and/or a connector assembly for maintaining first and second connecting portions in adjacent positioning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: UniEnergy Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bradley Kell, Jon Horner, Rick Winter
  • Patent number: 8841042
    Abstract: A large, scalable SOFC system based on modules, which may be connected in series on the cathode gas side. The fuel cell stacks are aligned side by side and assembled into a stack module with cathode inlets on one face of the module and the cathode outlets on the other face of the module. The stack modules are serially connected in a simple manner by placing the stack modules one after the other, so that the outlet face of the first module faces the inlet face of the second module and so on. In the chamber between two stack modules, the air is cooled for example by addition of cold quench air or by a heat exchanger. This offers compactness, simple stack/system interface and improved system performance. The modules are designed for manufacturability, well-balanced heat management and high fuel utilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Topsoe Fuel Cell A/S
    Inventors: Niels Erikstrup, Harald Usterud, Sune Danø
  • Patent number: 8835071
    Abstract: An end plate is joined to a fuel cell stack. A first piping unit and a second piping unit are attached to the end plate. The first piping unit has a first attachment base, to which a fuel gas supply pipe, a first oxidation off-gas discharge pipe, and a coolant discharge pipe are coupled. The second piping unit has a second attachment base, to which an oxidation gas supply pipe, a coolant supply pipe, and a discharge pipe are coupled. The discharge pipe is joined to a discharge cylinder coupled to the first oxidation off-gas discharge pipe. The oxidation gas supply pipe and the coolant supply pipe are integrated with each other. Also, the first oxidation off-gas discharge pipe and the coolant discharge pipe are integrated with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Imamura, Hiroshi Koide, Yasunari Arai
  • Publication number: 20140255815
    Abstract: A cell frame in which the structure of a positive electrode electrolyte flow path and the structure of a negative electrode electrolyte flow path are different from each other, a cell stack in which the structure of at least one of the positive electrode electrolyte flow path and the negative electrode electrolyte flow path differs between the cell frame positioned at the center and the cell frame positioned at an end, the cell stack being configured such that electrical resistance in at least one of the positive electrode electrolyte flow path and the negative electrode electrolyte flow path increases from the cell frame positioned at the center toward the cell frame positioned at the end, and a redox flow battery utilizing them.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventors: Keiji Yano, Toshikazu Shibata, Takahiro Kumamoto
  • Patent number: 8822098
    Abstract: A fuel distributor assembly for a fuel cell stack that includes an inner shell positioned within an outer shell. The outer shell is curved to define a central longitudinal chamber, a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge. The outer shell also has an inner wall surface and an outer wall surface. The first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge in combination define a longitudinal slot. The first longitudinal edge is bent inwardly towards the longitudinal chamber to form a longitudinal lip. The inner shell includes a plurality of ribs extending outwardly and contacting the inner wall surface of the outer shell. The inner shell, the outer shell, the lip, and the ribs define a plurality of flow channels. The inner shell has a length along which a plurality of apertures are positioned in a partial helical pattern. A method of forming the fuel distributor is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Matthew T. Pernot, Roger M. Brisbane, Courtney E. Reich, Edward D. Groninger
  • Patent number: 8815464
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidetada Kojima, Masaaki Sakano, Yasuhiro Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20140234746
    Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes a stacked body, a first terminal plate, a first insulator, a first end plate, a second terminal plate, a second insulator, a second end plate, a fluid manifold, a fluid channel, a fluid hole, a first connection passage, and a second connection passage. The stacked body includes a plurality of separators and a membrane electrode assembly. The plurality of separators and the membrane electrode assembly are stacked in a stacking direction. The membrane electrode assembly includes an electrolyte membrane and a pair of electrodes sandwiching the electrolyte membrane therebetween. The stacked body has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end in the stacking direction. The first terminal plate, the first insulator, and the first end plate are disposed at the first end of the stacked body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Eri TERADA, Kentaro ISHIDA
  • Publication number: 20140234744
    Abstract: A solid oxide fuel or solid oxide electrolysis cell Stack assembly (203) has an improved, simple, cost reducing and robust compression System, housing and Single sided System interface with a flexible-interface-fixture (204) which is rigid enough to fix the at least one cell Stack in the housing when not in Operation, but flexible enough to allow for transfer of the compression force from the flexible compression mat (211) in the top closed end of the housing (201), through the at least one cell Stack and further towards the interface counterpart of the System when in Operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Topsoe Fuel Cell A/S
    Inventors: Martin Refslund Nielsen, Jacob Breiner, Niels Erikstrup
  • Publication number: 20140234745
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and articles relating to enhanced bonding of layers in a planar fuel cell. A planar fuel cell having a composite layer is bonded to an outer layer (e.g., a fuel or fluid manifold) using intrusions that extend through an electrolyte layer and into an underlying layer (e.g., a substrate component or a current-collector component).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventors: Paul Sobejko, Shinichiro Imura, David Lo, Goro Fujita, Takashi Yasuo, Alexey Demykin, Robert J. Porter
  • Publication number: 20140234747
    Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes a stacked body which includes separators and a membrane electrode assembly. A first terminal plate, a first insulator, and a first end plate are disposed at a first end of the stacked body. A second terminal plate, a second insulator, and a second end plate are disposed at a second end of the stacked body. Each of the first terminal plate and the second terminal plate is provided in a first recessed portion formed in each of the first insulator and the second insulator. Each of the first and second insulators includes an outer peripheral part and a protrusion and recess portion in the outer peripheral part which is in contact with each of the separators that is disposed at the first and second ends. The protrusion and recess portion has a shape corresponding to a protrusion and recess shape of the separator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Eri TERADA, Kentaro ISHIDA
  • Patent number: 8808939
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Yasushi Sugawara, Takahiro Umeda, Soichi Shibata
  • Patent number: 8808940
    Abstract: This invention relates to the presence of slightly or non-porous zones in the electrode layer around gas inlets, in order to improve the leak tightness between the different individual cells making up a fuel cell with a plane geometry. The fuel cell comprises a first electrode layer having a non-porous zone forming a passage therethrough for gas flow and an electrolyte layer having a protuberance which extends into the first electrode layer for forming the non-porous zone with the non-porous zone representing a gas tight passage. Nested contact between the bipolar plate and the ceramic triple layer making up the basic cell is also described and is another possible means of avoiding mixes of gasses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energy Atomique
    Inventors: Frédérique Cordelle, Laure Desmazes
  • Patent number: 8802311
    Abstract: A fuel cell stack structure includes, for example, a plurality of unit cells each having an aperture formed therethrough. A first fuel cell stack is formed by stacking the plurality of unit cells in a stacking direction and has an internal manifold opening defined by the apertures. A fluid passage within the cell for flowing a fluid that flows within the internal manifold is configured and arranged to flow the fluid in a direction generally perpendicular to the stacking direction of the unit cell. The structure also includes an external manifold having an external passage for supplying the fluid to the internal manifold, wherein an external manifold surface facing a flow direction of the fluid creates a vortex in fluid flowing within the external passage proximal to the internal manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keita Iritsuki, Yasushi Ichikawa, Yuichiro Tabuchi
  • Patent number: 8802312
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Narutoshi Sugita, Masaru Oda, Masaaki Sakano, Norimasa Kawagoe, Takashi Kosaka
  • Publication number: 20140212704
    Abstract: A manifold for use with fuel cell and fuel cell stacks is provided. In certain examples, the manifold may be constructed and arranged to provide air to all cathodes in a first fuel cell stack fluidically coupled to the manifold and configured to provide fuel to all anodes in the first fuel cell stack. In some examples, the manifold may be constructed and arranged to provide air to all cathodes in a first fuel cell stack and a second fuel cell stack and to provide fuel to all anodes in the first fuel cell stack and the second fuel cell stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kristian Silberbauer, Klaus Moth
  • Publication number: 20140212783
    Abstract: A fuel cell stack comprises a thin process-gas-connection-endplate with a temperature expansion coefficient which is substantially the same as the temperature expansion coefficient of the plurality of fuel cells and interconnects forming the fuel cell stack, the length and width of the thin process-gas-connection-endplate is matching the length and width of the fuel cells and interconnects and the process-gas-connection-endplate is sealed to the stack of cells and interconnects so the process-gas-connection-endplate, cells and interconnects form one integrated unit, wherein process gas distribution tubes are fixed connected, e.g. welded or brazed to the process-gas-connection-endplate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Topsøe Fuel Cell A/S
    Inventor: Niels Erikstrup