With Solid Electrolyte Patents (Class 429/465)
  • Patent number: 8628892
    Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell supplied with a fuel gas and an oxidant gas, including a single cell 4 having a plate-like electrolyte 41, an cathode 42 formed on an upper surface of the electrolyte 41, and a anode 43 formed on a lower surface of the electrolyte 41; a conductive support substrate 2 supporting the single cell 4, and having through-holes 21 that form a supply path for the fuel gas or oxidant gas; and a gas-permeable welding layer 3 sandwiched between the single cell 4 and the support substrate 2, and welded to the single cell 4 and the support substrate 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kuniaki Yoshikata
  • Publication number: 20140004440
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of ultralow loading catalyst. Also disclosed are membrane electrode assemblies and fuel cells utilizing the ultralow loading catalyst. One embodiment of an ultralow loading catalyst includes support particles comprised of a non-precious metal catalyst material and precious metal particles supported on the support particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: TAEHEE HAN, ELLAZAR V. NIANGAR, NILESH DALE
  • Patent number: 8617760
    Abstract: A method including providing an ion conductive membrane and deactivating a selected region of the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Matthew M. Fay, Bebe T. Dobulis, Timothy J. Fuller
  • Publication number: 20130344412
    Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) includes a plurality of sub-cells. Each sub-cell includes a first electrode in fluid communication with a source of oxygen gas, a second electrode in fluid communication with a source of a fuel gas, and a solid electrolyte between the first electrode and the second electrode. The SOFC further includes an interconnect between the sub-cells. In one embodiment, the SOFC has a first surface in contact with the first electrode of each sub-cell and a second surface that is in contact with the second electrode of each sub-cell; and the interconnect consists essentially of a doped M-titanate based perovskite, wherein M is an alkaline earth metal. In another embodiment, the interconnect includes a first layer in contact with the first electrode of each sub-cell, and a second layer in contact with the second electrode of each sub-cell. The first layer includes an electrically conductive material selected from the group consisting of an metal, a metal alloy and a mixture thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventor: Yeshwanth Narendar
  • Patent number: 8614026
    Abstract: Fuel cell devices and fuel cell systems are provided. In certain embodiments, the fuel cell devices may include one or more active layers containing active cells that are connected electrically in series. In certain embodiments, the fuel cell devices include an elongate ceramic support structure the length of which is the greatest dimension such that the coefficient of thermal expansion has only one dominant axis coextensive with the length. In certain embodiments, a reaction zone is positioned along a first portion of the length for heating to a reaction temperature, and at least one cold zone is positioned along a second portion of the length for operating below the reaction temperature. There are one or more gas passages, each having an associated anode or cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Inventors: Alan Devoe, Lambert Devoe
  • Publication number: 20130337362
    Abstract: Producing a fuel cell including preparing a plurality of composite units each including an interconnector sandwiched between a first insulating layer and a second insulating layer, forming a groove extending substantially parallel to a direction in which the interconnector extends, in which the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer each have an upper surface and a lower surface and the groove is formed either in the upper surface of the first insulating layer or the lower surface of the second insulating layer or in both the upper surface of the first insulating layer and the lower surface of the second insulating layer. The method further includes spacing the plurality of composite units such that the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer of the composite units adjacent to each other face each other; forming an electrolyte membrane between two of the composite units adjacent to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shinichiro Imura
  • Publication number: 20130337361
    Abstract: Composite members, a fuel cell and manufacturing method, where the composite members are mounted on a base and comprise a first insulator and a second insulator layered on either side of an interconnector, exposed in a chamfered portion on opposite corners. Between a pair of the composite members is formed an electrolyte film. An anode is formed so as to cover the anode surface of the electrolyte film and an anode-side protrusion. The anode formed at the top of anode-side protrusion is stripped, forming a flat exposed surface on the top of the anode-side protrusion. A cathode is formed so as to cover the cathode surface of the electrolyte film and a cathode-side protrusion. The cathode formed on the top of the cathode-side protrusion is stripped using a spatula, a blade, etc., forming a flat exposed surface on the top of the cathode-side protrusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shinichiro Imura
  • Publication number: 20130337360
    Abstract: An SOFC component includes a first electrode, an electrolyte overlying the first electrode, and a second electrode overlying the electrolyte. The second electrode includes a bulk layer portion and a functional layer portion, the functional layer portion being an interfacial layer extending between the electrolyte and the bulk layer portion of the second electrode, wherein the bulk layer portion has a bimodal pore size distribution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: F. Michael Mahoney, John D. Pietras
  • Patent number: 8609295
    Abstract: For an enhanced rigidity and suppressed occurrences of stress concentration, a solid-electrolyte fuel cell is configured with simplex cells, a metallic separator of a circular thin-sheet form having a gas introducing port and gas discharging ports in the central portion, and cell mounting parts for the simplex cells to be fixed thereto, another metallic separator of a circular thin-sheet form having a gas introducing port and gas discharging ports in the central portion, the separators defining a space in between, and a pair of flow channel members accommodated in the space and pressed to be brought into abutment, for communication of their channels with the gas introducing ports and the gas discharging ports to effect gas supply and gas discharge to and from the space, either flow channel member being joined, within the space, to one separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignees: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Saijo INX Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeo Ibuka, Keiko Kushibiki, Yasushi Nakajima, Saburo Suzuki, Tatsuya Suzuki, Katsunori Matsui, Koji Nakatani
  • Patent number: 8580459
    Abstract: A fuel cell includes plural single cells and first sidewalls disposed on the outer side of a cell stack including the plural single cells. In the first sidewalls, holes for supplying the reactive gas to the cell stack are formed. The single cells are disposed in a row shape along a jetting direction (lateral direction) of the reactive gas jetted from the holes. The holes are formed such that a part of the reactive gas jetted from the holes brushes against at least the single cells disposed in positions closest to the first sidewalls and the remaining part of the reactive gas does not brush against the single cells disposed in the closest positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Toto Ltd.
    Inventors: Yousuke Akagi, Naoki Watanabe, Shuichiro Saigan, Nobuo Isaka
  • Publication number: 20130273451
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid oxide fuel cell, which includes a plurality of unit cells and a connection layer between the plurality of unit cells, wherein each of the unit cells includes an anode, a cathode and a solid electrolyte between the anode and the cathode, and the connection layer includes i) a first layer containing La-ferrite including one or more selected from the group consisting of Sr, Ca and Ba; and ii) a second layer containing La-ferrite including one or more selected from the group consisting of Sr, Ca and Ba, and one or more cerias selected from the group consisting of GDC (Gd doped ceria), LDC (La-doped ceria) and SDC (Sm-doped ceria), wherein the first layer is in contact with the cathode of each of the unit cells and the second layer is in contact with the anode of each of the unit cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: KOREA INSTITUTE OF ENERGY RESEARCH
    Inventors: Ji-Haeng Yu, Hee-Lak Lee, In-Sub Han, Doo-Won Seo, Kee-Seog Hong, Se-Young Kim, Sang-Kuk Woo, Sun-Dong Kim
  • Publication number: 20130266885
    Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes a membrane electrode assembly, plates on the membrane electrode assembly, and gaskets between the plates, where the membrane electrode assembly includes an electrolyte membrane-electrode including an electrolyte membrane between first and second electrodes thereof, and gas diffusion layers in contact with the first and second electrodes, where the gaskets are in contact with the plates and surround the membrane electrode assembly, where a ratio of change in compressibility of the gaskets is in a range from 0.5 times to 1.5 times a ratio of change in compressibility of the gas diffusion layers at a same compressibility, where a compressibility is a ratio of a reduced thickness to an initial thickness, and where the ratio of change in compressibility is defined by Equation 1 below: <Equation 1> Ratio of change in compressibility=?P/?t, where ?P denotes a pressure change, and ?t denotes a thickness change.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
  • Patent number: 8551670
    Abstract: An electrochemical device and methods of using the same. In one embodiment, the electrochemical device may be used as a fuel cell and/or as an electrolyzer and includes a membrane electrode assembly (MEA), an anodic gas diffusion medium in contact with the anode of the MEA, a cathodic gas diffusion medium in contact with the cathode, a first bipolar plate in contact with the anodic gas diffusion medium, and a second bipolar plate in contact with the cathodic gas diffusion medium. Each of the bipolar plates includes an electrically-conductive, chemically-inert, non-porous, liquid-permeable, substantially gas-impermeable membrane in contact with its respective gas diffusion medium, as well as a fluid chamber and a non-porous an electrically-conductive plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Giner Electrochemical Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Cortney K. Mittelsteadt, William A. Braff
  • Patent number: 8546041
    Abstract: There is provided a fuel cell element including a substrate and one or more fuel cells thereon, the one or more fuel cells not entirely covering the substrate. The one or more fuel cells each include a solid state, non-polymeric first electrode layer, a solid state, non-polymeric second electrode layer, and a solid state, non-polymeric electrolyte layer between the first and second electrode layers. The substrate includes one or more porous regions, or being entirely porous, the one or more fuel cells each being supported by one or more porous regions of the substrate. At least one, or part of one, of the porous regions of the substrate are not sealed by electrolyte. Arrays of fuel cell elements of the invention are also provided, as are stacks of fuel cell elements or arrays of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Omnagen Limited
    Inventor: Kenneth Edward Anthony Omersa
  • Patent number: 8535846
    Abstract: A fuel cell includes a stack structure composed of fuel cell units with current collectors between the fuel cell units, a casing housing the stack structure, and a gas flow-regulating member provided in a gap between the casing and the stack structure. The fuel cell unit includes: a cell plate which holds at least one cell and has a gas introduction hole for one of fuel gas and air; and a separator plate which has a gas introduction hole for the one of the fuel gas and the air. The casing introduces the other of the fuel gas and the air via a gas introduction portion and flows the other gas to a gas discharge portion. The gas flow-regulating member guides the other gas to the gas discharge portion through the current collectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiko Kushibiki, Tatsuya Yaguchi, Shigeo Ibuka, Hirokazu Komatsu, Yasushi Nakajima
  • Patent number: 8530112
    Abstract: An electricity generation device includes: a tubular fuel cell having an electrolyte layer sandwiched between inside and outside electrodes to which a fuel gas is supplied, the fuel cell having an interior formed as an inside channel for the fuel gas; a cover pipe arranged around the fuel cell with a gap provided between the outside electrode and the cover pipe; a connecting member connecting the fuel cell and the cover pipe to each other and permitting an outside channel for the fuel gas to be formed around the fuel cell by making use of the gap; and a fuel gas pipe connected to each of opposite ends of the cover pipe and forming a flow path for the fuel gas in cooperation with the cover pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Atsumitec
    Inventors: Naoki Uchiyama, Yasuyuki Uchiyama, Seigou Nakabayashi
  • Patent number: 8530110
    Abstract: A lithium-ion secondary battery separator has a porous structure formed by laminating a second polymer layer, a first polymer layer, and a second polymer layer in sequence. The second polymer layer has a melting point lower than that of the first polymer layer. The second polymer layer has a higher molecular part formed on a side in contact with the first polymer layer and a lower molecular part formed on a side farther from the first polymer layer than is the higher molecular part. The higher and lower molecular parts have a weight-average molecular weight ratio (higher molecular part/lower molecular part) of 4 to 19 therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventors: Katsuo Naoi, Kenji Nishizawa, Mitsuo Kougo, Yoshihiko Ohashi, Hidetake Itoh
  • Patent number: 8530108
    Abstract: A fuel cell includes membrane electrode assemblies disposed in a planar arrangement. Each membrane electrode assembly includes an electrolyte membrane, an anode catalyst layer, and a cathode catalyst layer disposed counter to the cathode catalyst via the electrolyte membrane. Interconnectors (conductive members) are provided on the lateral faces of the electrolyte membranes disposed counter to each another in the neighboring direction of the membrane electrode assemblies. Each interconnector includes a support portion protruding toward the central region of the electrolyte member on the cathode side of the electrolyte membrane. The support portion is in contact with the cathode-side surface of an edge of the electrolyte membrane, and the electrolyte membrane is held by the support portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Societe BIC
    Inventors: Hiroki Kabumoto, Takashi Yasuo, Gerard F McLean, Jeremy Schrooten
  • Publication number: 20130230788
    Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell includes a first cell, a second cell and an interconnector. The first cell and the second cell respectively include an anode containing NiO and CaZrO3, a cathode, and a solid electrolyte layer disposed between the anode and the cathode. The interconnector is connected to the anode of the first cell and the current collector of the second cell. The interconnector contains LaCaCrO3. The molar ratio of Ca to Zr in the anode is greater than 1.0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: NGK INSULATORS, LTD.
    Inventors: Taku OKAMOTO, Hiroshi HAYASHI, Takashi RYU, Toshihiro YOSHIDA, Yuto YAMADA
  • Patent number: 8524417
    Abstract: An electricity generation device (1) using a fuel cell (2) having a fuel electrode (5) and an air electrode (6) to which a fuel gas and air are supplied, respectively, includes: a fuel gas conduit (3) through which the fuel gas flows; a cover (9) configured to cover an outside of the fuel gas conduit (3) and cooperating with a peripheral wall (8a) of the fuel gas conduit (3) to form an air passage (4) therebetween, the air passage extending along the fuel gas conduit (3); an air inlet hole (10) formed through the cover (9) to allow air to flow into the air passage (4); and an air outlet hole (11) provided downstream of the air electrode exposed to the air passage (4), to cause the fuel gas conduit (3) and the air passage (4) to communicate with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Atsumitec
    Inventors: Naoki Uchiyama, Yasuyuki Uchiyama, Seigou Nakabayashi
  • Publication number: 20130216925
    Abstract: The present invention includes an integrated planar, series connected fuel cell system having electrochemical cells electrically connected via interconnects, wherein the anodes of the electrochemical cells are protected against Ni loss and migration via an engineered porous anode barrier layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: LG FUEL CELL SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventor: LG FUEL CELL SYSTEMS INC.
  • Publication number: 20130216930
    Abstract: An interconnecting-type solid oxide fuel cell is disclosed. The fuel cell includes a unit cell, a first current collecting member, a first insulating member, and a second current collecting member. The unit cell has a first electrode layer, an electrolyte layer, and a second electrode layer sequentially formed from an inside thereof, and has an interconnector configured for electrical connection to the first electrode layer and exposed to an outside thereof in a state in which the interconnector is insulated from the second electrode layer. The first current collecting member is formed on an outside of the interconnector and configured to collect current. The first insulating member is formed on an outside of the first current collecting member. The second current collecting member is wound around an outer circumferential surface of the second electrode layer and an outside of the first insulating member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG SDI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Duk-Hyoung YOON, Sang-Jun KONG, Tae-Ho KWON, Kwang-Jin PARK, Gyu-Jong BAE, Hyun SOH, Young-Sun KWON
  • Publication number: 20130202983
    Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes fuel cells stacked in a stacking direction, a first end plate a second end plate, and first tightening members and second tightening members. The first tightening members couple long sides of the first end plate and long sides of the second end plate, and extend in the stacking direction. The second tightening members couple short sides of the first end plate and short sides of the second end plate, and extend in the stacking direction. Extensions are formed on both of long sides of the fuel cell, and the first tightening members have recessed portions engaged with the extensions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
  • Publication number: 20130196244
    Abstract: A base as a support in a fuel cell is provided with a plurality of through holes. An electrolyte membrane covers the entirety of the base facing the anode and is partly embedded in the plurality of through holes. A cathode is embedded in the through holes such that each block is in an isolated area bounded by the base and the electrolyte membrane. A current collector is provided on the blocks of the cathode and on the base partitioning the cathode. The current collector is secured to the base by a securing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
  • Patent number: 8492048
    Abstract: A redox fuel cell comprising an anode and a cathode separated by an ion selective polymer electrolyte membrane; means for supplying a fuel to the anode region of the cell; means for supplying an oxidant to the cathode region of the cell; means for providing an electrical circuit between the anode and the cathode; a catholyte solution comprising a modified ferrocene species being at least partially reduced at the cathode in operation of the cell, and at least partially re-generated by reaction with the oxidant after such reduction at the cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Acal Energy Limited
    Inventors: Kathryn Knuckey, Andrew Creeth
  • Publication number: 20130183602
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel proton-conducting polymer membrane based on polyazole polymers which, owing to their outstanding chemical and thermal properties, can be used widely and are suitable in particular as polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) for producing membrane electrode assemblies or so-called PEM fuel cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: BASF SE
    Inventor: BASF SE
  • Publication number: 20130183603
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel proton-conducting polymer membrane based on polyazole polymers which, owing to their outstanding chemical and thermal properties, can be used widely and are suitable in particular as polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) for producing membrane electrode assemblies or so-called PEM fuel cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventor: BASF SE
  • Patent number: 8486579
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer blend proton exchange membrane comprising a soluble polymer and a sulfonated polymer, wherein the soluble polymer is at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of polysulfone, polyethersulfone and polyvinylidene fluoride, the sulfonated polymer is at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of sulfonated poly(ether-ether-ketone), sulfonated poly(ether-ketone-ether-ketone-ketone), sulfonated poly(phthalazinone ether ketone), sulfonated phenolphthalein poly (ether sulfone), sulfonated polyimides, sulfonated polyphosphazene and sulfonated polybenzimidazole, and wherein the degree of sulfonation of the sulfonated polymer is in the range of 96% to 118%. The present invention further relates to a method for manufacturing the polymer blend proton exchange membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Prudent Energy Inc.
    Inventors: Mianyan Huang, Yanling Zhao, Linlin Li
  • Patent number: 8470493
    Abstract: Fuel cell devices and systems are provided. In certain embodiments, the devices include a ceramic support structure having a length, a width, and a thickness with the length direction being the dominant direction of thermal expansion. A reaction zone having at least one active layer therein is spaced from the first end and includes first and second opposing electrodes, associated active first and second gas passages, and electrolyte. The active first gas passage includes sub-passages extending in the y direction and spaced apart in the x direction. An artery flow passage extends from the first end along the length and into the reaction zone and is fluidicly coupled to the sub-passages of the active first gas passage. The thickness of the artery flow passage is greater than the thickness of the sub-passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventors: Alan Devoe, Lambert Devoe
  • Patent number: 8459467
    Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell includes an anode layer, an electrolyte layer over a surface of the anode layer, and a cathode layer over a surface of the electrolyte layer. The cathode layer includes a cathode bulk layer, a porous cathode functional layer at an electrolyte, an intermediate cathode layer partitioning the cathode bulk layer and the porous cathode functional layer, the porous intermediate cathode layer having a porosity greater than that of the cathode bulk layer. The solid oxide fuel cells can be combined to form subassemblies that are bonded together to form solid oxide fuel cell assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Ceramics & Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Reilly, Guangyong Lin, Yeshwanth Narendar
  • Publication number: 20130143139
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrochemical device. The device features an anode constructed of materials such that the device can be chemically recharged. In addition, the device is capable of switching between operating as a fuel cell or as a battery. The switch can occur without cessation of electrical output. In certain aspects of the invention, the device is capable of operating at a temperature of less than 1000° C. Other aspects feature a liquid anode which allows higher output, dispersion of fuel and minimal stresses in an interface comprising the anode. Preferably the anode is a liquid at a temperature of less than 1000° C. The invention also relates to methods for energy conversion in which a continual electrical output can be produced in both the presence of fuel without anode consumption or the absence of fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: SOFC Holdings LLC
    Inventor: SOFC Holdings LLC
  • Patent number: 8455149
    Abstract: A voltage detecting connecting structure and fuel cell has connectors which are in contact with terminals connected to the fuel cell. An embodiment of the fuel cell includes first cells which have the terminals at an anode and a cathode respectively, and second cells which have terminals in neither an anode plate nor a cathode, stacked alternately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Ariyoshi, Jun Kondo
  • Publication number: 20130136954
    Abstract: MEAs are formed in regions corresponding to openings provided in a substrate. Each MEA includes an electrolyte membrane, an anode catalyst layer, and a cathode catalyst layer. The substrate has a first gas-impermeable region and a second gas-impermeable region between adjacent MEAs. A third gas-impermeable region is provided between the first gas-impermeable region and the second gas-impermeable region. The third gas-impermeable region having conductive property constitutes a part of interconnector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicants: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD., ANGSTROM POWER INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Goro Fujita, Erin Cooney, James Alexander Sawada
  • Patent number: 8445159
    Abstract: Several members make up a joint in a high-temperature electrochemical device, wherein the various members perform different functions. The joint is useful for joining multiple cells (generally tubular modules) of an electrochemical device to produce a multi-cell segment-in-series stack for a solid oxide fuel cell, for instance. The joint includes sections that bond the joining members to each other; one or more seal sections that provide gas-tightness, and sections providing electrical connection and/or electrical insulation between the various joining members. A suitable joint configuration for an electrochemical device has a metal joint housing, a first porous electrode, a second porous electrode, separated from the first porous electrode by a solid electrolyte, and an insulating member disposed between the metal joint housing and the electrolyte and second electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: The Regents of The University of California
    Inventors: Michael C. Tucker, Craig P. Jacobson, Lutgard C. De Jonghe, Steven J. Visco
  • Publication number: 20130122391
    Abstract: The disclosed electrode for use in a fuel cell comprises a flexible carbon-fiber nonwoven fabric and a fuel-cell catalyst, such as a metal catalyst or a carbon-alloy catalyst, supported on the surfaces of the carbon fibers constituting the flexible carbon-fiber nonwoven fabric. Said flexible carbon-fiber nonwoven fabric is formed by carbonizing a nonwoven fabric obtained by electrospinning a composition containing: an electrospinnable macromolecular substance; an organic compound that is different from said macromolecular substance; and a transition metal. This structure allows the provision of an electrode, for use in a fuel cell, which uses a flexible carbon-fiber nonwoven fabric as a substrate and combines the functions of a gas-diffusion layer and an electrocatalyst layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicants: NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATION GUNMA UNIVERSITY, NISSHINBO HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventors: Naokazu Sasaki, Katsuyuki Matsubayashi, Kyosuke Iida, Yasuo Imashiro, Jun-ichi Ozaki
  • Publication number: 20130122390
    Abstract: A sealed assembly is made using sealant including a deformable spacer to control thickness without adversely impacting elasticity and sealing force. Deformable spacers (e.g., elastomer, polyolefin, etc.) are mixed with an elastomeric precursor material and dispensed onto an assembly component, such as a fuel cell bipolar plate, and the remaining component(s) are assembled by pressing against the deformable spacer to ensure a defined seal thickness. The precursor is cured to form a seal that is further compressed to provide an effective sealing force. The deformable spacers control the thickness of a sealed area and allow use of form-in-place sealing processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Richard H. Blunk, Andrew P. Nowak
  • Publication number: 20130122392
    Abstract: Adjacent elementary cells are connected in series by connecting elements, each of which is arranged in an interconnection area. The connecting elements are separated from the respective electrolytic membranes of the two adjacent cells to be connected thereby. In this way, they are never in contact with these electrolytic membranes. For one of the two cells, the connecting element is separated from the electrolytic membrane by an empty space, whereas for the other cell, it is separated from the electrolytic membrane by a thin barrier layer designed to act as buffer area for variations in volume of said membrane when the cell is in operation. The thin barrier layer is formed by a polymer material having a lower water absorption capacity than that of the polymer material constituting the electrolytic membrane of the cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Jessica Thery, Delphine Boutry, Vincent Faucheux
  • Patent number: 8440367
    Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell that is resistant to seal delamination is disclosed. The solid oxide fuel cell comprises, either individually or in combination, a solid electrically non -conductive frame, a seal structure comprising a material capable of preventing a transfer of charge across the seal during fuel cell operation, and a seal comprising a glass frit that is substantially free of oxides of lithium, sodium, or both lithium and sodium. Methods for manufacturing a solid oxide fuel cell are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael Edward Badding, Sasha Marjanovic
  • Publication number: 20130089804
    Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell stack is disclosed. The solid oxide fuel cell stack may include a cell array, a pair of planar current collecting members, first and second terminal portions, and a pair of electric insulating members. A plurality of interconnector-type unit cells may be electrically connected in parallel to form a bundle, and a plurality of bundles may be electrically connected in series. The pair of the planar current collecting members may be electrically connected electrically to the plurality of bundles and configured to collect current. The first and second terminal portions contact the current collecting members. The pair of insulating members has first through-holes through which the first and second terminal portions pass, and to the insulating members are formed outside the pair of the current collecting members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG SDI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kwang-Jin PARK, Jun-Won SUH, Sang-Jun KONG
  • Patent number: 8409763
    Abstract: A single cell for a solid oxide fuel cell having wave-like architecture and a stack composed of such single cells is described. The cell design provides high durability. The stack design provides uniform distribution of reagents along the surface of the electrodes and between the individual cells. In addition the stack design is non material intensive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Solid Cell, Inc.
    Inventor: Anatoly Demin
  • Publication number: 20130071769
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel cell provided with a membrane electrode structure having a frame, two separators that sandwich the membrane electrode structure therebetween, and gas seals between the end portion of the frame and the end portions of respective separators, and diffuser sections for distributing a reacting gas to between the frame and respective separators. In the diffuser section on the cathode side, the frame is provided with a protruding section in contact with the separator, and in the diffuser section on the anode side, the frame and the separator are disposed by being spaced apart from each other, thereby excellently maintaining contact surface pressure between the membrane electrode structure and the separators, and preventing contact resistance from being increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Keigo Ikezoe, Mitsutaka Abe, Takanori Oku, Yasuhiro Numao
  • Publication number: 20130071768
    Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly including an electrolyte membrane; a catalyst layer on the electrolyte membrane; a gas diffusion layer attached to the catalyst layer; and an adhesive layer between the electrolyte membrane and the gas diffusion layer around an outer edge of the catalyst layer, and a fuel cell stack including a plurality of unit cells, each including one of the membrane electrode assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: Kah-Young Song, Sung-Yong Cho, Hee-Tak Kim, Tae-Yoon Kim, Myoung-Ki Min, Jun-Young Kim
  • Publication number: 20130065154
    Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrocarbon composite electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell, which is formed of an inexpensive hydrocarbon electrolyte membrane to ensure mechanical and thermochemical stability. The present invention provides a hydrocarbon composite electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell, the hydrocarbon composite electrolyte membrane including at least one composite electrolyte membrane layer having a structure in which graphene nanostructures are impregnated into a hydrocarbon electrolyte membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicants: Kia Motors Corporation, Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Hoon Hui Lee
  • Publication number: 20130059225
    Abstract: A fuel cell is provided with an individual cell having first and second electrodes and a membrane formed by a polymer electrolyte including an ionically conducting part. The polymer electrolyte includes at least an ionically non-conducting part forming a first inactive area localized on a first uncovered part not covered by the first electrode and/or a second inactive area localized on a second uncovered part not covered by the second electrode. A cover encloses the cell and is provided with an inner wall mechanically fixed onto at least the first or second inactive area by adhesion means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Vincent Faucheux, Antoine Latour, Jean-Yves Laurent, Audrey Martinent
  • Publication number: 20130059219
    Abstract: A fuel cell system which prevents a reduction in catalyst activity, wherein at least one of the anode catalyst layer and the cathode catalyst layer includes a core-shell type catalyst particle having a core portion including a core metallic material and a shell portion covering the core portion and including a shell metallic material; and wherein the fuel cell system has: a means for storing an initial value of a ratio of the core metallic material to a surface area of the core-shell type catalyst particle, and a means for determining whether or not the ratio of the core metallic material to the surface area of the core-shell type catalyst particle is increased at a predetermined stage, compared to the initial value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroko Kimura, Atsuo Iio, Naoki Takehiro, Tatsuya Arai, Koshi Sekizawa
  • Publication number: 20130052559
    Abstract: A fuel cell capable of suppressing deformation resulting from reduction treatment, a fuel cell device, a fuel cell module, and a fuel cell apparatus are provided, A fuel cell includes a solid electrolyte layer, a fuel electrode layer disposed on the solid electrolyte layer, and an interconnector and an adjustment layer which are disposed on the fuel electrode layer, the interconnector expanding in a reduction atmosphere and the adjustment layer shrinking in a reduction atmosphere, or the interconnector shrinking in a reduction atmosphere and the adjustment layer expanding in a reduction atmosphere. Accordingly, a fuel cell capable of suppressing deformation resulting from reduction treatment can be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: KYOCERA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuuichi Hori, Tetsurou Fujimoto, Masashi Kawakami
  • Patent number: 8383286
    Abstract: A metal oxide thin film structure for a solid oxide fuel cell, prepared by a method comprising dispersing a metal oxide nanopowder in a metal oxide salt solution and subsequent coating of the resulting metal oxide powder dispersed sol and the metal oxide salt solution on a porous substrate, has excellent gas impermeability, excellent phase stability, and is devoid of cracks or pinholes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Hae-Weon Lee, Jong Ho Lee, Eun Oak Oh, Ji-Won Son, Hae-Ryoung Kim, Hyoungchul Kim, Kyung-ryul Lee
  • Patent number: 8383284
    Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a fuel cell comprising: an electrolyte layer defining first and second faces and with said first face mounted on and in electrochemical contact with a first electrode and with said second face mounted on and in electrochemical contact with a second electrode, and an electrically conductive current collector joined to or mounted on or in said second electrode and in electrical contact with said second electrode, said electrically conductive current collector having an at least one extension extending outwards of a perimeter defined by said first and second electrodes and said electrolyte, fuel cell stack assemblies comprising same and methods of manufacture of same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Ceres Intellectual Property Company Limited
    Inventors: Ahmet Selcuk, Neill Maynard, Matthew Harrington, Karim El Koury, Andrew Baker, Bruce Girvan
  • Publication number: 20130045434
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a subgasket for a fuel cell stack having a pair of plates disposed in a stack includes the step of positioning a membrane between the plates. The membrane includes an inboard portion and a tortuous form portion. The inboard portion abuts a proton exchange membrane of the fuel cell, and the tortuous form portion abuts each of the plates. The tortuous form portion defines at least one cavity between one of the plates and the membrane. A viscous sealant is injected into the cavity. The sealant is cured to form a compliant bead seal on the membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Glenn W. Skala, Vinod Kumar
  • Publication number: 20130025292
    Abstract: A reversible SOFC monolithic stack is provided which comprises: 1) a first component which comprises at least one porous metal containing layer (1) with a combined electrolyte and sealing layer on the porous metal containing layer (1); wherein the at least one porous metal containing layer (1) hosts an electrode; 2) a second component comprising at least one porous metal containing layer (1) with a combined interconnect and sealing layer on the porous metal containing layer; wherein the at least one porous metal containing layers hosts an electrode. Further provided is a method for preparing a reversible solid oxide fuel cell stack. The obtained solid oxide fuel cell stack has improved mechanical stability and high electrical performance, while the process for obtaining same is cost effective.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF DENMARK
    Inventors: Peter Halvor Larsen, Anders Smith, Mogens Mogensen, Soeren Linderoth, Peter Vang Hendriksen