Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel cell stack (10) and to a method for producing such a fuel cell stack (10). The fuel cell stack (10) comprises at least two fuel cell modules (58) with in each case at least two individual cells (5), each fuel cell module (58) having module end plates (70) on both cell stack outer sides (66), and fuel cell stack compression means (82), via which the fuel cell modules (58) stacked one on top of the other are braced to form a fuel cell stack (10).

Abstract: A combination of redox active compounds is useful in connection with a rechargeable battery and includes a first redox active compound having a first solubility, and a second redox active compound having a second solubility, wherein the combination has a third solubility that is greater than one or both of the first solubility and the second solubility.

Abstract: A roof cap assembly for a fuel cell system includes a housing, and a cover assembly disposed on the housing and configured to move between a first position and a second position. The cover assembly includes a cover including a first opening and a second opening, and a door connected to the cover and configured to selectively open and close the second opening. When the cover assembly is in the first position, the door closes the second opening, such that the reaction exhaust and the cabinet exhaust are directed through the first opening. When the cover assembly is in the second position, the door opens the second opening, such that the cabinet exhaust is directed through first opening and the reaction exhaust is directed through the second opening.

Abstract: A pad for a fuel cell system includes a base having an upper surface, a separator disposed on the upper surface of the base, frames disposed on the separator and configured to support modules of the fuel cell system, and plumbing disposed between the upper surface of the base and the frames, and connected to the fuel cell modules. The separator is configured to space apart the frames and the upper surface of the base. The base may include modular sections that may be arranged in a linear configuration, a rectangular configuration, an orthogonal configuration, or a stepped configuration.

Abstract: A method of operating a fuel cell system includes providing a fuel cell stack containing a plurality of fuel cells and interconnects, and first and second ceramic side baffles located on opposing sides of the fuel cell stack, and applying an electrical potential to an outer surface of at least one of the first and the second ceramic side baffles, such that the electrical potential is equal to or more negative than a lowest potential of any interconnect in the fuel cell stack or any electrically conductive fuel cell stack component.

Abstract: A stator including a stator core formed by stacking steel sheets each having a through hole penetrating in a thickness direction, a pair of housings arranged at positions sandwiching the stator core, each housing including a screw hole arranged at a position aligning with the through hole, and a tightening rod that penetrates the through hole of the stator core, and that includes male threads that are screwed into the screw holes of the housings. The male thread on one end is a right-hand thread and the male thread on another end is a left-hand thread. Further, an engaging portion that is engaged with a tool for turning the tightening rod is provided in at least one end surface of the tightening rod.

Abstract: Provided is a metal-air battery including a cathode having an air path. The metal-air battery includes a plurality of folded cells stacked in a direction, and each of the folded cells includes: an anode having a U-shape defined by first and second portions separated from and parallel to each other, and a side portion which connects the first and the second portions to each other; an anode protection film arranged on an inner surface of the anode; and a first cathode and a second cathode on the anode protection film, the first cathode and the second cathode arranged facing each other between the first portion and the second portion of the anode. The first cathode and the second cathode each includes a base which contacts the anode protection film, and a plurality of protrusion units extended from the base.

Abstract: An electrochemical device (such as a battery) includes at least one electrode having a fluid surface and one or more sensors configured to detect an operating condition of the device. Fluid-directing structures may modulate flow or retain fluid in response to the sensors. An electrolyte within the device may also include an ion-transport fluid, for example infiltrated into a porous solid support.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to module level redundancy for fuel cell systems. A monitoring component monitors a set of operational parameters for a fuel cell group. The fuel cell group includes a set of fuel cell units, each having a set of fuel cell stacks. The fuel cell stacks include a set of gas powered fuel cells that convert air and fuel into electricity using a chemical reaction. The monitoring component determines that the set of operational parameters do not satisfy a set of operational criteria, and, in response, a load balancing component adjusts the electrical output capacity of the set of fuel cell units included in the fuel cell group.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack module includes a plurality of fuel cell stacks, a base supporting the plurality of fuel cell stacks, and a metal shell located over the base and the fuel cell stacks. The metal shell contains an integrated heat exchanger.

Abstract: A method of forming a fuel cell stack, wherein the stack includes an anode electrode layer, an adhesive and anode gas diffusion layer coupled to the anode electrode layer, an ion exchange membrane coupled on a first side to the gas diffusion layer opposite the anode electrode layer, an adhesive and cathode gas diffusion layer coupled to a second side of the ion exchange membrane, and a cathode electrode layer coupled to the adhesive and cathode gas diffusion layer opposite the ion exchange membrane. The fuel cell stack may be flexible.

Abstract: To an internal vessel that houses cells of a solid oxide fuel cell, an external vessel is further disposed. In the internal vessel, a plurality of planar cells is disposed vertically with a gap between the cells, a mixed gas of a fuel and air is descended from top down through the gap having a predetermined width between the cells, and, at a bottom portion of the housing space, the mixed gas is burned to generate electricity.

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

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a plurality of fuel cell stacks, and one or more devices which in operation of the system provide an azimuthal direction to one or more anode or cathode feed or exhaust fluid flows in the system.

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

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

Abstract: A fuel cell includes separators-sandwiching electrolyte electrode assemblies. The separators each include first and second fuel gas supply sections through which a fuel gas supply passage extends centrally, first and second bridges extending radially outwardly from the first and second fuel gas supply sections and first and second sandwiching sections connected to the first and second bridges. A fuel gas channel and an oxygen-containing gas channel are provided in the first and second sandwiching sections. Each of the first sandwiching sections has pairs of fuel gas outlets, and a fuel gas consumed in the fuel gas channel is discharged through the fuel gas outlets.

Abstract: A liquid fuel battery is described, having a vented case, an internal fuel chamber, and a plurality of substantially planar vertically stacked battery elements having separated fuel-sides and air sides. Such sides are separated by a series of anodic and cathodic seals. In one embodiment, a cathode contains doped carbon nanofibers and may be treated with polytetrafluoroethylene or another hydrophobic material. An anode current collector and/or cathode current collector may contain perforated metal, including metal mesh. Battery elements may be U-shaped to maximize the efficiency of the air-fuel interaction. The cathode is active for oxygen reduction and inactive for fuel oxidation.

Abstract: A modular fuel cell system includes a base, at least four power modules arranged in a row on the base, and a fuel processing module and power conditioning module arranged on at least one end of the row on the base. Each power module includes a separate cabinet which contains at least one fuel cell stack located in a hot box. The power modules are electrically and fluidly connected to the at least one fuel processing and power conditioning modules through the base.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell module, a combustor, a fuel gas supply apparatus, an oxygen-containing gas supply apparatus, a water supply apparatus, a power converter, a control device, and a casing containing the fuel cell module, the combustor, the fuel gas supply apparatus, the oxygen-containing gas supply apparatus, the water supply apparatus, the power converter, and the control device. The casing includes a casing body having an opening in the front face and a slide door that is installed onto the casing body. When the slide door slides horizontally, the opening is opened/closed. The power converter and the control device are attached onto the slide door at upper and lower positions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fuel cell module. The fuel cell module according to preferred embodiments of the present invention includes: a first support part including a first body part surrounding one side of an outer peripheral surface of a fuel cell and a first connection part formed on one side of the first body part in a longitudinal direction; a second support part including a second body part surrounding the other side of the outer peripheral surface of the fuel cell and the second connection part formed on one side of the second body part in a longitudinal direction; and a fixing part passing through the first connection part and the second connection part to connect and fix the first connection part and the second connection part to each other.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell module, a combustor, a fuel gas supply apparatus, an oxygen-containing gas supply apparatus, a water supply apparatus, a power converter, a control device, and a casing containing the fuel cell module, the combustor, the fuel gas supply apparatus, the oxygen-containing gas supply apparatus, the water supply apparatus, the power converter, and the control device. The casing includes a casing body and an open/close door that opens/closes the casing body by rotation about a vertical axis through hinges. The power converter and the control device are attached onto the open/close door at upper and lower positions.

Abstract: System and methods relating to a configuration for a fuel cell system having lower coolant path isolation resistances are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the fuel cell system may include a first fuel cell substack comprising a first plurality of cells. The fuel cell system may further include a second fuel cell substack comprising a second plurality of cells. The first and second fuel cell substacks may share at least one terminal and/or share a common wet end. A coolant system may be coupled to the first fuel cell substack and the second fuel cell substack and be configured to remove heat generated by the first fuel cell substack and the second fuel cell stack during operation of the fuel cell system using a coolant.

Abstract: A method for operating a passive, air-breathing fuel cell system is described. In one embodiment, the system comprises one or more fuel cells, and a closed fuel plenum connected to a fuel supply. In some embodiments of the method, the fuel cell cathodes are exposed to ambient air, and the fuel is supplied to the anodes via the fuel plenum at a pressure greater than that of the ambient air.

Abstract: A modular fuel cell system includes a base, at least four power modules arranged in a row on the base, and a fuel processing module and power conditioning module arranged on at least one end of the row on the base. Each power module includes a separate cabinet which contains at least one fuel cell stack located in a hot box. The power modules are electrically and fluidly connected to the at least one fuel processing and power conditioning modules through the base.

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.

Abstract: A fuel cell installation includes a support structure and a cell stack assembly that is removably insertable into the support structure from an uninstalled position to an installed position during an installation procedure. The cell stack assembly includes a fitting. An interfacing structure is mounted on one of the support structure in the cell stack assembly. The interfacing structure carries a connector that is configured to receive the fitting in interconnected relationship. At least one of the fitting and the connector floats in a plane relative to the support structure during the installation procedure. In operation, the fitting engages the connector when the cell stack assembly is inserted into the support structure. The fitting is repositioned relative to the connector to ensure that the fitting and connector are aligned with one another and connected upon installation.

Abstract: The solid oxide fuel cell of the present invention has a substrate (1); an electrolyte (3) that is disposed on one surface of the substrate (1); and at least one electrode element E having an anode (5) and a cathode (7) disposed on the same surface of the electrolyte (3) with a predetermined space therebetween.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A system and method for determining whether valves in a fuel cell system bleed manifold unit (BMU) are blocked with ice or have otherwise failed. The system opens a first bleed valve, closes a second bleed valve and opens an exhaust valve, and then reads a pressure signal to determine whether there is flow through a flow restriction to determine whether the first bleed valve or the exhaust valve is blocked. The system then closes the exhaust valve, leaves the first bleed valve open, and again reads the pressure signal to determine the pressure drop across the flow restriction, which will indicate whether the flow restriction the pressure sensor lines are blocked. The system then closes the first bleed valve and opens the second bleed valve to determine whether the pressure signal indicates a flow through the second bleed valve.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to single chamber fuel cells and systems and methods associated with the same. Architectures and materials that allow for high performance, enhanced fuel utilization, mechanical robustness, and mechanical flexibility are described. In some embodiments, multiple fuel cell units are arranged in a single chamber and may be, in some cases, connected to each other (e.g., connected in series, connected in parallel, etc.). Each fuel cell unit can be defined as one or more anode(s), one or more cathode(s), and an electrolyte able to maintain electrical separation between the anode(s) and cathode(s). The multiple fuel cell units are arranged in stacks in some cases. In one set of embodiments, the stacks of fuel cell units can be shaped and/or arranged to enhance the mixing of fuel and oxidant, thus improving distribution of reactants in the reaction zone. For example, the stacks of fuel cells may be arranged as fins within the fuel cell chamber.

Abstract: A method of operating a high temperature fuel cell system containing a plurality of fuel cell stacks includes operating one or more of the plurality of fuel cell stacks at a first output power while operating another one or more of the plurality of the fuel cell stacks at a second output power different from the first output power.

Abstract: Embodiment methods for bypassing a fuel cell in a fuel cell stack include identifying a fuel cell to bypass and connecting a conductive bypass to the fuel cell stack such that the bypass electrically connects a first interconnect in the fuel cell stack and a second interconnect in the fuel cell stack and electrically bypasses the identified fuel cell. Further embodiment methods include applying a conductive sealing material to the fuel cell stack such that the conductive sealing material seals a cathode inlet or outlet of the identified fuel cell and such that the conductive sealing material electrically bypasses the identified fuel cell.

Abstract: A casing of a fuel cell system is divided into a first fluid supply section, a second fluid supply section, a module section, and an electrical equipment section. A water supply apparatus, a fuel gas supply apparatus, and a detector are provided in the first fluid supply section. An oxygen-containing gas supply apparatus is provided in the second 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 first fluid supply section and the electrical equipment section. The second fluid supply section is disposed on the lower surface of the module section.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to module level redundancy for fuel cell systems. A monitoring component monitors a set of operational parameters for a fuel cell group. The fuel cell group includes a set of fuel cell units, each having a set of fuel cell stacks. The fuel cell stacks include a set of gas powered fuel cells that convert air and fuel into electricity using a chemical reaction. The monitoring component determines that the set of operational parameters do not satisfy a set of operational criteria, and, in response, a load balancing component adjusts the electrical output capacity of the set of fuel cell units included in the fuel cell group.

Abstract: A system (10) for supplying a liquid electrolyte to cell stacks (32) arranged at a plurality of different heights comprises a plurality of constant head supply tanks (12) for containing liquid electrolyte, one for each of the different heights. Each such supply tank (12) is adapted to ensure that the surface of the liquid electrolyte is at atmospheric pressure, and to feed electrolyte to a cell stack, and incorporates an overflow duct (18) to keep the electrolyte at a constant level. For each supply tank (12) except the lowest, the overflow duct (18) supplies overflowing electrolyte to a supply tank at a lower height. The system also includes an electrolyte storage tank (20), and means (24, 26) to supply electrolyte from the storage tank (20) to the highest supply tank (12).

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel cell in which an electrolyte electrode assembly having an electrolyte sandwiched between an anode and a cathode is provided between separators, each of the separators including: a sandwiching section which sandwiches an electrolyte electrode assembly and includes a fuel gas channel and a separately provided oxygen-containing gas channel; a bridge which is connected to the sandwiching section and includes a reactant gas supply channel; a reactant gas supply section which is connected to the bridge and includes a reactant gas supply passage; and a connecting section that connects the sandwiching section to the bridge.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Provided is a visualization apparatus for a PEMFC using a transparent window. More particularly, provided is a visualization apparatus for a large are PEMFC including: a plurality of visualization apparatuses for region cells including current collector plates each provided on both sides of a membrane electrode assembly of a PEMFC and formed with channels through which reaction gas and products flow and a transparent provided on the outer surface of the current collector plate. Further, provided is a visualization apparatus for a large area PEMFC electrically connecting the current collector plates of the visualization apparatus for region cells to each other in parallel.

Abstract: Provided are a solid oxide fuel cell and a method of manufacturing the same. The solid oxide fuel cell in which at least one or more unit modules are stacked and integrated with each other includes first and second solid electrolyte layers in which each of the unit modules includes a plurality of fuel electrodes spaced a predetermined distance from each other and each having a strip shape and first and second supports each including a plurality of slits each having the same strip shape as that of each of the fuel electrodes. The first and second solid electrolyte layers overlap with each other on lower and upper sides of the first support so that the fuel electrodes face each other within the slits of the first support, and the second support overlaps with a lower side of the first or second solid electrolyte layer overlapping with the lower side of the first support so that the slits of the second support are disposed perpendicular to the slits of the first support.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell including a main cell and an auxiliary cell sharing a common electrolyte and having at least one separate electrode, circuitry for measuring the humidity ratio of the electrolyte, and control and switching circuitry for operating the main and auxiliary cells in parallel on a same load or separately on two different loads.

Abstract: A method for operating a passive, air-breathing fuel cell system is described. In one embodiment, the system comprises one or more fuel cells, and a closed fuel plenum connected to a fuel supply. In some embodiments of the method, the fuel cell cathodes are exposed to ambient air, and the fuel is supplied to the anodes via the fuel plenum at a pressure greater than that of the ambient air.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A modular fuel cell system includes a base, at least four power modules arranged in a row on the base, and a fuel processing module and power conditioning module arranged on at least one end of the row on the base. Each power module includes a separate cabinet which contains at least one fuel cell stack located in a hot box. The power modules are electrically and fluidly connected to the at least one fuel processing and power conditioning modules through the base.

Abstract: A fuel cell comprises: multiple unit cells stacked upright in a vertical direction or stacked in a vertically inclined orientation; an insulating plate arranged on a vertically upper-side end of the stacked multiple unit cells; a cooling medium supply manifold arranged to distribute a supply flow of a cooling medium into the multiple unit cells and a cooling medium discharge manifold arranged to join together discharged flows of the cooling medium from the multiple unit cells; and a de-airing passage formed to release a gas accumulated in either the cooling medium supply manifold or the cooling medium discharge manifold, wherein the cooling medium supply discharge manifold and the cooling medium discharge manifold are respectively connected to a cooling medium supply piping and a cooling medium discharge piping on a vertically lower-side end of the fuel cell, and the de-airing passage is formed such that a portion of the de-airing passage is made in the insulating plate wherein the portion of the de-airing pa

Abstract: A fuel cell module for a vehicle, which accommodates a stacked-cell body which is provided with electric output terminals for taking electric power from stacked power generating cells in a metallic casing which has an insulation layer on its inner surface, is disposed in a vehicle front room such that the stacked direction of the power generating cells is a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and the electric output terminals face the front of the vehicle. An insulating cover made of insulating rubber which is thicker than an insulation layer of a cover is disposed on the exterior surface of the electric output terminals to prevent short circuiting of the electric output terminals.

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.