With Securing Means Patents (Class 429/470)
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Publication number: 20140170522Abstract: A fuel cell includes a pair of interconnectors (ICs); a cell main body provided between the ICs and including an electrolyte, a cathode and an anode formed on respective surfaces of the electrolyte; and a current collection member provided between at least one of the cathode and the anode and the IC for electrically connecting the cathode and/or the anode and the IC. The current collection member has a connector abutment portion which abuts the IC, a cell main body abutment portion abutting the cell main body, and a connection portion connecting the connector abutment portion and the cell main body abutment portion, the portions being continuously formed. Between the cell main body and the IC, a spacer is provided so as to separate the connector abutment portion and the cell main body abutment portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2012Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD.Inventors: Nobuyuki Hotta, Daisuke Komatsu, Naoto Matsui, Shinobu Okazaki, Hideki Uematsu, Hiroya Ishikawa
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Patent number: 8728673Abstract: A casing of a fuel cell system is divided into a fluid supply section, a module section, and an electrical equipment section. A detector, a fuel gas supply apparatus, an oxygen-containing gas supply apparatus, and a water supply apparatus are provided in the fluid supply section. A fuel cell module and a combustor are provided in the module section. A power converter and a control device are provided in the electrical equipment section. The module section is interposed between the fluid supply section and the electrical equipment section.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2009Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tetsuya Ogawa, Kimiko Fujisawa, Ayatoshi Yokokawa
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Patent number: 8728682Abstract: A fuel cell of the present invention includes: four fastening bolts which extend in a stack direction of a stack structure so as to penetrate through openings of end plates and nuts which are disposed at both ends of the fastening bolts and can adjust fastening forces applied by the fastening bolts to the stack structure sandwiched between the end plates. Each fastening bolt is disposed in the vicinity of an intermediate point of each side of the end plate. In an electrode facing region of the end plate, one or more springs are disposed on a first straight line passing through two fastening bolts one or more springs are disposed on a second straight line passing through two fastening bolts one or more springs are disposed on a third straight line passing through two fastening bolts and one or more springs are disposed on a fourth straight line passing through two fastening bolts.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2008Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Hiroki Kusakabe, Toshihiro Matsumoto, Norihiko Kawabata, Yoshiki Nagao
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Patent number: 8728684Abstract: Fuel cell stacks (20) include fuel cells (22) in which internal pressure on membranes (28), caused by adjacent cross points (19) or ribs (9, 17) of gas flow field plates (7, 33) is reduced by lowering the axial load holding the stack together, after an initial high axial load, that establishes minimal possible internal resistance, has been held for between a few hours and 20 hours. The need for robust axial load restraints is also reduced. Pressure of cross points (19) can also be spread by stiffening components or adding stiffeners.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2008Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Carl A. Reiser, Paravastu Badrinarayanan
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Patent number: 8722274Abstract: A subassembly for a fuel cell stack includes a fuel cell plate and a datum hole formed in the fuel cell plate for alignment of the fuel cell plate during assembly of the fuel cell stack. The subassembly also includes a datum insert disposed adjacent the datum hole of the fuel cell plate. The datum insert is configured to militate against a bending of the fuel cell plate at the datum hole during the assembly of the fuel cell stack.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2010Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Daniel P. Miller, Mark W. Keyser, Steven J. Spencer
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Patent number: 8709672Abstract: In a fuel cell stack constituting a fuel cell module, electrolyte/electrode assemblies and separators are alternately laminated. An electrolyte/electrode assembly and a terminal separator are arranged on one end of the fuel cell stack in the lamination direction in this order outwardly, and a dummy electrolyte/electrode assembly and a terminal separator are arranged on the other end of the fuel cell stack in the lamination direction in this order outwardly. The dummy electrolyte/electrode assembly is so formed as to have the same shape as the electrolyte/electrode assemblies, while having conductivity but not having a power generation function.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2010Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ayaka Nango, Tetsuya Ogawa, Tomoyoshi Kuroishi
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Patent number: 8697312Abstract: A cell stack of a fuel cell comprises a cell stack body including a cell stack structure including plural cells stacked together; an elastic member disposed at an end of the cell stack structure in a direction in which the plural cells are stacked, and a pair of end plates sandwiching the cell stack structure and the elastic member, and a fastener band extending to surround the cell stack body and to cover a pair of end surfaces and a pair of opposing side surfaces of the cell stack body, the fastener band including a first band engagement portion and a second band engagement portion at both end portions thereof, respectively, and the cell stack body is fastened by the fastener band by direct or indirect engagement between the first band engagement portion and the second band engagement portion.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2010Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Soichi Shibata, Hiroki Kusakabe, Shigeyuki Unoki, Yoshiki Nagao, Norihiko Kawabata, Yusuke Ikeshima
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Patent number: 8673516Abstract: The present invention provides a surface pressure controlling device for a fuel cell stack, in which an inflator capable of being expanded by pneumatic or hydraulic pressure is mounted in an end plate so as to control the surface pressure required for the assembly of the fuel cell stack to be maintained above a predetermined level.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2010Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Sae Hoon Kim, Duck Whan Kim, Jung Do Suh, Haeng Jin Ko
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Patent number: 8663864Abstract: In a fuel cell stack having a plurality of fuel cell units, which are arranged consecutively in a stacking direction, wherein each of the fuel cell units comprises a housing with at least one housing part made of a metallic material, which has an adequate electrical insulation effect and an adequate mechanical strength at a high operating temperature of the fuel cell stack, a sealing assembly is provided and comprises at least one intermediate element made of a metallic material, wherein the intermediate element is soldered to a housing part of a first fuel cell unit at at least one location by a metal solder and is secured to a housing part of a second fuel cell unit at at least another location, wherein the intermediate element and/or the housing part of the first fuel cell unit is provided with a coating made of a ceramic material.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2010Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: ElringKlinger AGInventors: Hans-Rainer Zerfass, Armin Diez, Peter Schenk, Wolfgang Fritz, Peter Lamp, Manfred Wier, Joachim Tachtler
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Patent number: 8663865Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fuel cell includes the steps of: (a) providing an extendable stacking reference member structured to extend and contract in a stacking direction; (b) arranging the stacking reference member in an extended setting via a first opening, such that one end of the stacking reference member is located inside a casing body and the other end of the stacking reference member is located outside the casing body; (c) after the step (b), mounting a plurality of cells of a cell laminate on the stacking reference member in a direction from inside to outside of the casing body; (d) contracting the stacking reference member and compressing the mounted cell laminate in the stacking direction, so as to locate the stacking reference member and the cell laminate inside the casing body of the fuel cell; and (e) after the step (d), attaching an end wall member to a first wall member to close the first opening and maintaining the cell laminate under a load in the stacking direction.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2010Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kazuhiro Watanabe, Takuji Nagano
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Patent number: 8658328Abstract: A stack structure for a solid oxide fuel cell includes a plurality of stacked single cells, each having a fuel electrode layer including a fuel electrode and an air electrode layer including an air electrode, the fuel electrode layer and the air electrode layer being arranged opposite each other on either side of a solid electrolyte, separators arranged between the stacked single cells to separate the single cells, and non-porous seal parts located within the fuel electrode layer and the air electrode layer, are equivalent to either the separators or the solid electrolyte at least in terms of thermal expansion and contraction characteristics, and are integrated with an edge of the fuel electrode or an edge of the air electrode, and also with the adjacent separator and the adjacent solid electrolyte.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2009Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignees: Japan Fine Ceramics Center, FCO Power, Inc.Inventors: Seiichi Suda, Kaori Jono, Fumio Hashimoto, Takayuki Hashimoto
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Patent number: 8652702Abstract: Fuel cell systems (10) and related methods for limiting fuel cell slippage are provided. A stacked plurality of adjacent fuel cells (14) collectively forming a fuel cell stack (12). The fuel cells each include a pair of first and second plates (30, 30?, 30?; 32, 32?, 32?) at respective opposite ends thereof. A first fuel cell has a first plate (30, 30?, 30?) in engagement with a second plate (32, 32?, 32?) of a second fuel cell adjacent to the first fuel cell. A slip mitigation arrangement (50, 50?, 50?) between at least one of the pairs of the first and second fuel cells comprises first and second seats (62, 62?, 62?; 64, 64?, 64?) recessed in the engagement surfaces of the first and second conductive plates respectively, and a key member (60, 60?, 60?) having opposite ends seated in the first and the second recessed seats such that relative movement between the first and the second fuel cells is limited.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2009Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: David A. Niezelski, Jeffery G. Lake, Robert A. Love, Jason Bennett Blydenburgh
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Patent number: 8647792Abstract: A fuel-cell stack includes a laminate having a plurality of unit cells laminated and accommodated in a box-like casing. The casing includes pairs of side plates arranged at the sides of the laminate and formed of a metal plate having a first thickness, and a plurality of hinge plates spot-welded to both ends of the side plates and formed of a metal plate having a second thickness greater than the first thickness. Of spot-welding electrodes, the spot-welding electrode has an end face formed with a concave. With the spot-welding electrode being arranged on the side of the hinge plate and with the hinge plate and the side plate being in press contact by the spot-welding electrodes, energization is carried out for welding.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2006Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Koji Ueda
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Patent number: 8628892Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 26, 2008Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kuniaki Yoshikata
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Patent number: 8623565Abstract: A current producing cell has anode flow plates 22 and cathode flow plates 20. Each of the flow plates 20, 22 defines a membrane face 26, a collector face 24, and a center axis C perpendicular to the membrane face 26 and the collector face 24. Each of the collector faces 24 define a plurality of cooling channels 74, 76, 78 and a plurality of transport channels 62, 64. The cooling channels 74, 76, 78 of the cathode flow plates 20 extend radially relative to the center axis C thereof to overlap the transport channels 62, 64 of the anode flow plates 22.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2010Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Inventors: Susanta K. Das, Jayesh Kavathe, K. Joel Berry
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Publication number: 20130337364Abstract: The present invention relates to fuel cell arrangement having at least one fuel cell stack which has a first end plate, a second end plate and numerous fuel cells which each comprise an anode, a cathode and an electrolyte arranged between the anode and the cathode, wherein the fuel cells are arranged along a longitudinal axis of the fuel cell stack between the first and the second end plates, a supporting structure in which the fuel cell stack is arranged, wherein the first end plate of the fuel cell stack is, if appropriate, permanently connected to the supporting structure. The fuel cell arrangement according to the invention is characterized in that at least one bearing means which is different from the first end plate which is, if appropriate, permanently connected to the supporting structure is provided for absorbing transverse forces acting on the fuel cell stack in the transverse direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the stack.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2011Publication date: December 19, 2013Applicant: FRAUNHOFER-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNGInventors: Uwe Burmeister, Jahann Huber, Anton Trenkler, Wolfgang Wagner
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Patent number: 8597852Abstract: A fuel cell stack having a plurality of connected modules. Each module includes an elongate hollow member and at least one passage extending through the hollow member. Each hollow member has a first flat surface and a second flat surface arranged parallel to the first flat surface. A first module includes a plurality of fuel cells arranged on at least one of the first and second flat surfaces. A first end of each module has an integral spacer.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2008Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: LG Fuel Cell Systems Inc.Inventors: Gary Wright, Nigel T Hart, Gerard D Agnew, Christopher Burrows
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Publication number: 20130260275Abstract: There is a problem with a conventional fuel cell stack in that the parts count is increased in order to obtain a structure with which vibration of the laminate is controlled.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2011Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Keiji Ichihara, Yasuhiro Numao, Sigetaka Uehara
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Patent number: 8546040Abstract: In forming a fuel cell stack by stacking a plurality of fuel cell units, in order to provide a fuel cell in which the fuel cell stack can be stably bound, the supply of fuel and conduction of respective cells can be surely performed, and stable power generation is possible, the fuel cell includes a fuel cell stack 2 formed by stacking a plurality of fuel cell units 3 having a fuel electrode 33 and an oxidizer electrode 43. The oxidizer electrode has, in a plane orthogonal to a stacking direction of the fuel cell units, an elastic member (an oxidizer electrode diffusion layer) 41 that is arranged in parallel to a rigid supporting member 14 and has electrical conductivity.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2007Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Akiyoshi Yokoi
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Publication number: 20130230789Abstract: An exemplary fuel cell assembly includes a cell stack having a plurality of cells. The cell stack has an outermost plate at each of two opposite ends of the cell stack. An end plate is adjacent the outermost plate at each of the opposite ends. A plurality of anti-rotation members at each of the opposite ends prevent relative movement between the outermost plates and the end plates. The anti-rotation members at each end are at least partially received into the end plate at the corresponding end. The anti-rotation members at each end are only partially received into the outermost plate at the corresponding end without extending through the outermost plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2010Publication date: September 5, 2013Applicant: UTC POWER CORPORATIONInventors: Christopher John Carnevale, Jeffrey G. Lake, Michael D. Harrington
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Patent number: 8524028Abstract: An example method of sealing a laminate assembly includes preloading a laminate assembly having a plurality of laminations, pressurizing the laminate assembly, and pressurizing an enclosed volume disposed adjacent an end portion of the laminate assembly to hold the laminations in sealed positions.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2009Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrnad Space Systems International, Inc.Inventors: Robert G. Barnett, Jorge E. Hidalgo
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Patent number: 8512903Abstract: A polymer electrolyte fuel cell of the present invention includes: plate-shaped cells (10) each having a pair of plate-shaped separators (6a) and (6b) and a membrane-electrode assembly (5) disposed between the separators (6a) and (6b); a cell stack (50) configured by stacking and fastening the cells (10); and a covering member (60) covering a peripheral surface of the cell stack (50), and voltage measuring terminal insertion holes (61) used to measure the voltages of the cells (10) are formed on the covering member (60) so as to be located at positions corresponding to the separators (6a) and (6b) of the cells (10).Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2008Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Soichi Shibata, Hiroki Kusakabe
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Patent number: 8497047Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell stack obtainable by a process comprising the use of a glass sealant with composition 50-70 wt % SiO2, 0-20 wt % Al2O3, 10-50 wt % CaO, 0-10 wt % MgO, 0-6 wt % (Na2O+K2O), 0-10 wt % B2O3, and 0-5 wt % of functional elements selected from TiO2, ZrO2, F, P2O5, MoO3, Fe2O3, MnO2, La. Sr—Mn—O perovskite (LSM) and combinations thereof.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2010Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Topsoe Fuel Cell A/SInventors: Jørgen Gutzon Larsen, Christian Olsen, Marie Drejer Jensen
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Patent number: 8465881Abstract: In a fuel cell stack assembly, a mechanism for securing the fuel cell stack in its compressed, assembled state includes a spring bar loading a disc spring at an inner diameter of the disc spring and a compression band which circumscribes the fuel cell stack assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2008Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: Daimler AGInventor: Kemal Ozgur
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Patent number: 8459385Abstract: A structure for mounting a fuel cell on an object is provided. This structure is equipped with a fuel cell stack, a motor, and a drive shaft. The fuel cell stack has first and second end plates and at both ends. The motor is driven by the power generated by the fuel cell stack and is fixed to the fuel cell stack. The drive shaft is connected to the output shaft of the motor and extends to both sides of the motor. The fuel cell stack is equipped with a support portion for supporting the drive shaft at the first end plate. The drive shaft is supported by the support portion and the motor.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2010Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Koji Katano
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Patent number: 8460837Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing device for a fuel cell arrangement having a plurality of fuel cells combined to form a fuel cell stack (10), said fuel cells being permeable by the gas flows converted in the fuel cells transversely to the longitudinal direction of the fuel cell stack (10), and a gas distributor (20) provided on the longitudinal side of the fuel cell stack (10) for the supply and removal of the gas flows converted in the fuel cells, wherein the sealing device comprises a sealing frame (31) having a number of longitudinal sealing elements (32, 33, 34) disposed between the longitudinal edge of the gas distributor (20) and the fuel cell stack (10) and composed of a dielectric material, said sealing elements being disposed in a longitudinally movable fashion for the compensation of particularly thermally caused relative movements between the fuel cell stack (10) and the gas distributor (20).Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2008Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Inventors: Uwe Burmeister, Wolfgang Wagner
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Publication number: 20130130148Abstract: A fuel cell stack assembly includes a fuel cell stack wherein a plurality of fuel cell cassettes is coupled together by a joining material. A spring strap is coupled to the fuel cell stack in a manner effective to apply a first compressive force to the fuel cell stack. A first load distribution plate is located intermediate the fuel cell stack and the spring strap. The first load distribution plate is configured to distribute the first compressive force over the fuel cell stack in a manner effective to normalize the first compressive force on the joining material. A diaphragm is configured to define a cavity and is configured to apply a second compressive force to the fuel cell stack dependent on a cavity pressure of oxidant within the cavity. The cavity pressure is dependent upon an oxidant pressure of oxidant provided to the fuel cell stack.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2011Publication date: May 23, 2013Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: KARL Jacob HALTINER, JR., CHARLES Joseph BADURA
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Patent number: 8445159Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 28, 2005Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: The Regents of The University of CaliforniaInventors: Michael C. Tucker, Craig P. Jacobson, Lutgard C. De Jonghe, Steven J. Visco
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Patent number: 8424878Abstract: A device including a metal substrate and a ceramic substrate including a back-tapered groove separated from each other by a sealed flexible link. The link includes: a metal element including an end connected to the metal substrate and at another end housed in the groove of the ceramic substrate, the metal element being elastically deformable both in the groove along a direction radial to the groove and, in the separation space between the metal substrate and the ceramic substrate along the separation direction, and a joint-forming mass with a greater thermal expansion coefficient than that of the ceramic substrate and adhesively bonded to the end of the metal element housed in the back-tapered groove, the joint fitting with direct contact a portion of the height of convergent sidewalls of the groove.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2008Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Commissariat a l'energie atomique et aux energies alternativesInventors: Magali Reytier, Philippe Bucci
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Patent number: 8404397Abstract: The present invention features a fuel cell stack that preferably includes an electricity generating assembly having a plurality of unit cells that are suitably disposed one after another; a pair of end plates pressedly disposed respectively at upper and lower ends of the electricity generating assembly; and a joining device suitably engaging the end plates by a rope, where pressure is applied to the electricity generating assembly by means of tension of the rope, and the length and tension of the rope is suitably controlled.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2010Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and TechnologyInventors: Haeng Jin Ko, Young Bum Kum, Young Woo Noh, Sae Hoon Kim, Sang Hyun Cho, Jung Do Suh, Kwi Seong Jeong, Junghan Yu, Byung Ki Ahn, Duck Whan Kim, Sung Keun Lee, Dai Gil Lee, Ha Na Yu
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Patent number: 8399143Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell (“SOFC”) stack device is disclosed. The SOFC stack includes SOFC units that can easily be stacked and electrically connected to one another. Furthermore, each of the SOFC units can easily be removed from the others and replaced with a new one. The fuel cell stack includes a supporting mechanism and two conducting and pressing units. The supporting mechanism includes three parts. Each part of the supporting mechanism includes slots defined therein for receiving the SOFC units. Each of the conducting and pressing units is located between two adjacent ones of the parts of the supporting mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2011Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Atomic Energy Council—Institute of Nuclear Energy ResearchInventors: Hung-Hsiang Lin, Ruey-Yi Lee, Yung-Neng Cheng
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Patent number: 8377604Abstract: A fuel cell stack structure is basically provided with a stack entity and at least one tie rod. The stack entity includes a plurality of solid electrolyte fuel cell units stacked together in a stacking direction. The tie rod extends through the stack entity to fasten the solid electrolyte fuel cell units so that the solid electrolyte fuel cell units are pressed against each other in the stacking direction. The tie rod has an outer cylinder, an inner shaft fitting into the outer cylinder, and a joining material disposed between the outer cylinder and the inner shaft. The joining material fastens the outer cylinder and the inner shaft together in an axial direction of the tie rod and is configured and arranged to maintain a cured state at an operating temperature.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2012Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasushi Nakajima, Tatsuya Yaguchi, Hiroki Sakamoto, Yu Owada, Hiroshi Sakurai, Yoshiteru Yasuda
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Patent number: 8354197Abstract: A fuel cell stack (30) includes an integrated end plate assembly having a current collector (40) secured adjacent and end cell (36) of the stack, a pressure plate (42) secured adjacent the current collector (40), and a backbone (60) secured within a backbone-support plane (44) defined within the plate (42). Tie rod ends (62, 64, 66, 68) of the backbone (60) extend over a gap (84) defined between the backbone-support plane (44) and a deflection plane (50) defined within the pressure plate (42) so that the tie rod ends deflect within the gap (84) upon tightening of tie rods (78, 80). Deflection of the backbone enables the backbone (60) to permit limited expansion of the fuel cell stack (30) during operation, and the backbone (60) has adequate flexural strength to prohibit expansion of the stack (30) beyond operating dynamic limits of the stack (30).Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2006Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: UTC Fuel Cells, LLCInventors: Jeffrey G. Lake, Leonard A. Bach, Pedro Inigo, Evan C. Rege, Chris Vargas, Stephen P Victor
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Patent number: 8343683Abstract: A fuel cell stack including a plurality of fuel cells each formed by stacking separators and an electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly. The electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly includes an electrolyte membrane provided with a pair of electrodes on the opposite sides thereof. A stacked body formed by stacking the fuel cells is provided with a pair of end plates at the opposite ends thereof in a stacking direction. The end plates are integrally fixed by fastening members with the distance between the end plates maintained. A load measurement mechanism including a plurality of load sensors integrally connected to a connector member is provided between one of the end plates and the stacked body. The one of the end plates is provided with a pressure mechanism. The pressure mechanism presses the load measurement mechanism toward the stacked body to thereby apply a tightening load to the stacked body via the load sensors.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2010Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Go Morimoto, Tadashi Nishiyama, Hiroyuki Tanaka
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Patent number: 8329350Abstract: An electric power generator is particularly suitable for providing back-up power to sites with multiple power requirements. This generator comprises a rack having multiple module bays; at least one power conversion module is mounted in one of the bays and is electrically coupled to a fuel cell stack also mounted in the rack or located remote from the rack. The power conversion module converts the voltage level and/or current type of some of the electricity produced by the stack such that the generator can simultaneously output electricity at multiple voltage levels and/or current types. The rack can be a standardized nineteen relay rack, making the generator relatively compact and compatible with sites configured accept such racks.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2012Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: British Columbia Hydro and Power AuthorityInventor: Alex Lam
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Patent number: 8318372Abstract: A fuel cell stack in accordance with the invention has a cell laminate obtained by stacking multiple plates with at least one of functions of a power generation assembly and a separator, and a pair of end plates located outside and on both ends of the cell laminate in a stacking direction. The fuel cell stack further includes a displacement preventing member extended along the stacking direction of the cell laminate and fastened to the pair of end plates, and a deformable intermediate material located between the cell laminate and the displacement preventing member over an area of two or more plates among the multiple plates. At least either one of the two or more plates and the displacement preventing member is designed to have a concavo-convex shape formed at least partially on a face in contact with the intermediate material.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2008Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Norihiko Saito
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Patent number: 8313872Abstract: A fuel cell includes: two end plates that sandwich a cell stack from both ends thereof in a stacking direction; a side member that defines a distance between the two end plates; a connecting bolt that connects the end plates and the side member by a bolt axial force acting substantially in the stacking direction; and a stopper portion that is provided in at least one of the end plates, and that contacts a surface of the side member that extends in the stacking direction and that is located substantially opposite from the cell stack.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2008Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroki Okabe, Yutaka Hotta
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Publication number: 20120264033Abstract: The manufacture and calibration of an interconnect for a fuel cell ensures contact in all contact points between the interconnect and the adjacent electrodes.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2010Publication date: October 18, 2012Inventors: Casper Buchholtz Frederiksen, Cliver Klitholm
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Patent number: 8273492Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack, a fluid unit, and a load applying mechanism. The fluid unit includes a heat exchanger and a reformer provided on one side of the fuel cell stack, and the load applying mechanism is provided on the other side of the fuel cell stack. The load applying mechanism includes first and second tightening units for applying different loads to desired regions of the fuel cell stack in the stacking direction.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2005Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hiroki Homma
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Patent number: 8268505Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes a stack body formed by stacking a plurality of power generation cells. At opposite ends of the stack body in a stacking direction, end plates are provided. A second power collecting terminal protrudes outwardly from the end plate. One end of a bus bar is electrically connected to the second power collecting terminal such that the bus bar extends along an end plate surface intersecting the second power collecting terminal. A high voltage cable is connected to the other end of the bus bar. The high voltage cable is drawn toward the end plate.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2008Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kimiharu Mizusaki, Toshiaki Takeshita
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Patent number: 8257879Abstract: A fuel cell system is provided including a fuel cell stack having a first end and second end. The fuel cell stack includes at least one fuel cell having a membrane-electrode assembly disposed between adjacent gas diffusion layers. The fuel cell system further includes a compression retention system having a plurality of compliant straps adapted to apply a compressive force to the fuel cell stack. The plurality of compliant straps are further adapted to accommodate an expansion of the fuel cell stack during an operation thereof and maintain the compressive force within a desired range.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2011Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Benno Andreas-Schott, Anthony Chinnici, Yeh-Hung Lai, Gerald W. Fly
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Patent number: 8247131Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes a load receiver provided at an outer end of a fuel cell unit, a guide receiver provided in a box, and a pressure receiver provided in at least one corner in the box. The guide receiver abuts against the load receiver for receiving the external load. The pressure receiver protrudes toward the fuel cell unit. The pressure receiver abuts against a corner of the fuel cell unit for receiving the load. The pressure receiver has a resin receiver, and the resin receiver abuts against a curved portion of the fuel cell unit for supporting the fuel cell unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2008Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ken Takahashi, Ryoichi Yoshitomi, Daisuke Wachi, Keisuke Andou, Ayumu Ishizuka, Tadashi Nishiyama
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Patent number: 8232022Abstract: A clamping structure for a planar solid oxide fuel cell stack comprising a flexible sheet and a rigid, thermally insulating end block, the flexible sheet being capable of bending into a primarily convex shape, the rigid, thermally insulating end block shaped as a rectangular base with a planar surface and an opposing surface that is primarily convex in shape, the flexible sheet being placed adjacent to the opposing surface of the rigid, thermally insulating end block, the flexible sheet thereby bending to obtain a shape that is primarily convex. The invention also relates to a solid oxide fuel cell stack and a process for the compression of the stack.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2010Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Topsoe Fuel Cell A/SInventor: Niels Erikstrup
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Patent number: 8221935Abstract: A coolant inlet manifold for coolant supply passages is attached to an end plate of a fuel cell stack. Pillars are provided on at least one end of the coolant inlet manifold in a longitudinal direction thereof. The pillars are fitted into through holes formed in the end plate, and are connected to a manifold body and to a connector.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2009Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masaharu Suzuki, Go Morimoto, Katsuhiko Kohyama, Ayumu Ishizuka
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Patent number: 8222571Abstract: An apparatus for curing an electrolyte membrane of a fuel cell is disclosed, by which curing can be performed by preventing a surface of an electrolyte layer from swelling. The present invention includes an oven body, a vacuum sucking plate entering the oven body while the electrolyte membrane having an electro-catalyst liquid sprayed thereon is attached to an upper surface of the vacuum sucking plate, a magazine provided within the oven body to sequentially load a plurality of vacuum sucking plates to enter the oven body in a horizontal state, and an air-sucking terminal provided to a rear side of the magazine to sustain a vacuum state of the vacuum sucking plate by being connected to the vacuum sucking plate loaded in the magazine.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2006Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignees: Nordson Sangsan Ltd.Inventor: Byung Kook Yoon
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Patent number: 8216732Abstract: An electric power generator is particularly suitable for providing back-up power to sites with multiple power requirements. This generator comprises a rack having multiple module bays; at least one power conversion module is mounted in one of the bays and is electrically coupled to a fuel cell stack also mounted in the rack or located remote from the rack. The power conversion module converts the voltage level and/or current type of some of the electricity produced by the stack such that the generator can simultaneously output electricity at multiple voltage levels and/or current types. The rack can be a standardized nineteen relay rack, making the generator relatively compact and compatible with sites configured accept such racks.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2005Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: British Columbia Hydro and Power AuthorityInventor: Alex Lam
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Patent number: 8206870Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly comprising two electrode separated by a polymer electrolyte membrane wherein the surfaces of the membrane are in contact with the electrodes so that the first electrode partially or totally covers the front of the membrane and the second electrode partially or totally covers the back of the membrane; two gasket layers wherein the first gasket layer partially covers the front of the membrane and/or the first electrode and the second gasket layer partially covers the back of the membrane and/or the second electrode the assembly also comprises a second gasket material on the front of the first gasket layer and on the back of the second gasket layer; each of the gasket layers comprises at least one recess; the second gasket material on the front of the first gasket layer is in contact with the second gasket material on the back of the second gasket layer.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2005Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: BASF Fuel Cell GmbHInventors: Glen Hoppes, Raymond Puffer
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Patent number: 8197980Abstract: A fuel cell is mounted in a mobile unit. The fuel cell may include a stacked assembly composed of a plurality of stacked power generation elements held between a first rigid plate and a second rigid plate. The plurality of stacked power generation elements may be stacked adjacent to one another in a stacked direction and along a central stack axis. The central stack axis may extend through a center of gravity of the fuel cell. A first mount, a second mount, and a third mount may be used to mount the fuel cell to the mobile unit. Each of the first mount, the second mount, and the third mount may be an insulating elastic element that suppresses vibration transferred from the mobile unit to the fuel cell.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2008Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yasunobu Jufuku
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Patent number: 8192890Abstract: A fuel cell air exchanger is provided. The fuel cell air exchanger includes a platform having at least one throughput opening and at least one holding post, where the holding post fixedly holds a fuel cell offset from the platform and proximal to the opening, where the opening can have many shapes. The fuel cell air exchanger provides an unimpeded air exchange through the openings to the fuel cell and can be flexible, semi-flexible or rigid. The fuel cell air exchanger can hold an array of fuel cells and fuel cell electronics. A chimney feature provides enhanced airflow when the air exchanger is disposed in a vertical position.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2009Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: Ardica Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Tobin J. Fisher, Tibor Fabian
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Patent number: 8168347Abstract: A textured surface is formed on at least one of a fuel cell mounting plate or fuel cell subassembly to define a joint spacing between these two components. In a preferred embodiment, the textured surface comprises a plurality of dimples coined or otherwise formed in the metal mounting plate. The joint spacing improves the manufacturing and assembly process of the fuel cell cassettes through precise application and control of the brazing process which improves the braze joint strength while reducing material cost.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2005Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Delphi Technologies Inc.Inventors: Gary F. Reisdorf, Karl J. Haltiner, Jr.