Specified Supporting Layer Patents (Class 429/481)
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Patent number: 12100874Abstract: The compression apparatus includes an electrolyte membrane, an anode on a principal surface of the electrolyte membrane, a cathode on another principal surface of the electrolyte membrane, an anode separator on the anode, a cathode separator on the cathode, and a voltage applicator. Upon the voltage applicator applying the voltage between the anode and the cathode, protons are extracted from an anode fluid fed onto the anode to migrate onto the cathode through the electrolyte membrane and compressed hydrogen is produced. The cathode separator has a first manifold hole and a first O-ring groove surrounding the first manifold hole. The compression apparatus includes a first O-ring held by the first O-ring groove and a face seal disposed on an outer periphery of a region of an anode-side principal surface of the anode separator which faces the anode. The first O-ring is arranged to abut against the anode-side principal surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2021Date of Patent: September 24, 2024Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Takashi Kakuwa, Hiromi Kita, Osamu Sakai
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Patent number: 12051813Abstract: Disclosed are a gas diffusion layer and a method for preparing the same. In the preparation method, a conductive material is fed to a carbon fiber suspension slurry to obtain a carbon fiber substrate. The carbon fiber substrate is processed to obtain a conductive porous substrate. A hydrophobic layer is formed on the conductive porous substrate to obtain a hydrophobic-conductive porous substrate. Then a microporous layer is formed on the hydrophobic-conductive porous substrate to obtain the gas diffusion layer.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2021Date of Patent: July 30, 2024Assignee: General Hydrogen Corp., Ltd.Inventor: Keguang Yao
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Patent number: 12021246Abstract: Materials for electrochemical cells are provided. BaZr0.4Ce0.4M0.2O3 compounds, where M represents one or more rare earth elements, are provided for use as electrolytes. PrBa0.5Sr0.5Co2?xFexO5+? is provided for use as a cathode. Also provided are electrochemical cells, such as protonic ceramic fuel cells, incorporating the compounds as electrolytes and cathodes.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2022Date of Patent: June 25, 2024Assignees: Northwestern University, University of Maryland, College ParkInventors: Sossina M. Haile, Sihyuk Choi, Christopher James Kucharczyk, Yangang Liang, Xiaohang Zhang, Ichiro Takeuchi
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Patent number: 11824206Abstract: The invention relates to a composite multilayer carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction catalyst, comprising a catalyst layer comprising at least one metal compound, the catalyst layer having opposed first and second sides; a hydrophobic gas-diffusion layer provided on the first side of the catalyst layer; a current collection structure provided on the second side of the catalyst layer. The metal is preferably copper. The invention also relates to a method for electrochemical production of a hydrocarbon product, such as ethylene, using said catalyst.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2019Date of Patent: November 21, 2023Assignees: TOTAL SE, THE GOVERNING COUNCIL OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TORONTOInventors: Edward Sargent, Cao-Thang Dinh, Francisco Pelayo Garcia De Arquer, Alexander Ip
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Patent number: 11769879Abstract: A coaxially arranged energy storage device suitable for energy storage and structural support for a composite component is provided. The coaxially arranged energy storage device contains an anode core of a continuous carbon fiber;, an electrolyte coating coaxially arranged on the continuous carbon fiber core; and a cathode layer coating coaxially arranged to the continuous carbon fiber core on the electrolyte coating. The electrolyte coating comprises a gel or elastomer of a cross-linked polymer and a lithium salt and a Young's modulus of the gel or elastomer of a cross-linked polymer is from 0.1 MPa to 10 Mpa. The cathode layer comprises particles of a cathode active material embedded in a matrix of an electrically conductive polymer. Methods to prepare the coaxially arranged energy storage device are described and utilities described.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2021Date of Patent: September 26, 2023Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Jae Seung Lee, Paul Gilmore
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Patent number: 11482715Abstract: Provided is a manufacturing method of a fuel-cell single cell including a membrane-electrode assembly, an anode gas diffusion layer, a cathode gas diffusion layer, and a frame-shaped resin frame to which a peripheral edge portion of the membrane-electrode assembly is fixed. The method includes an adhesive application step of applying an adhesive by screen printing to a predetermined area of the resin frame while fixing the resin frame by suction, and a stacking step and a UV irradiation step of bonding together the resin frame to which the adhesive has been applied and the membrane-electrode assembly by the adhesive.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2020Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Makoto Adachi
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Patent number: 11444308Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes a first power output unit connected to a first terminal plate, the first power output unit including a first conductor, and a second conductor extending from the first conductor to the outside of an outer peripheral end of a first inner insulator in the state where the second conductor is placed between the first inner insulator and a first end plate. The second conductor is positioned inside of the first end plate in a stacking direction of a cell stack body.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2020Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Yuta Ikeda, Naoki Inoue
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Patent number: 11233249Abstract: An improved or advanced electrically conductive selectively gas permeable anode flow field (SGPFF) design, allowing for efficient removal of CO2 perpendicular to the active area near the location where it is formed in the catalyst layer. The anode plate design includes two mating flow fields (an anode gaseous flow field, and an anode liquid flow field) separated by a semi-permeable separator. The separator comprises a hydrophobic semi-permeable separator for CO2 diffusive gas transport from the liquid side (with formic acid, water, and CO2) to the gaseous side (allowing for CO2 removal to the atmosphere).Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2018Date of Patent: January 25, 2022Assignee: Tennessee Technological UniversityInventors: Cynthia Rice, Shadi A. Saeed, Michael Renfro, Antonio Pistono
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Patent number: 11165053Abstract: An electrode film with a high tensile strength and a low electrical resistance is fabricated by using conductive flakes to strengthen polymer stabilized particle electrode. The new compositions and low energy methods are disclosed in this invention. The method includes mixing and blending the particulate materials and fibrilltable polymers with conductive flakes into a paste, fibrillating the polymers, and extruding and rolling the paste into self-supported electrode films.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2017Date of Patent: November 2, 2021Assignee: ADVEN INDUSTRIES INC.Inventors: Xiaotian Zhang, Xinwei Cui, Bin Xie, Weixing Chen, Xiaojing Liu
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Patent number: 11152626Abstract: An illustrative fuel cell component includes a body that has a plurality of first pores. The first pores have a first pore size. A fluorinated carbon coating is on at least some of the body. The coating establishes a plurality of second pores in a coated portion of the body. The second pores have a second pore size that is smaller than the first pore size.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2014Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignee: Audi AGInventor: Siddique Ali Khateeb Razack
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Patent number: 11108055Abstract: A fuel cell includes: an electrolyte membrane; a cathode positioned on a first surface of the electrolyte membrane; an anode positioned on a second surface of the electrolyte membrane; a cathode-side sealant positioned on a surface of the cathode different from the electrolyte membrane side of the cathode; an anode-side sealant positioned on a surface of the anode different from the electrolyte membrane side of the anode; a cathode-side separator positioned on a surface of the cathode-side sealant different from the cathode side of the cathode-side sealant; and an anode-side separator positioned on a surface of the anode-side sealant different from the anode side of the anode-side sealant. The anode-side separator has a projection on a surface stacked on the anode-side sealant, or the cathode-side separator has a projection on a surface stacked on the cathode-side sealant.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2018Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Yoko Kasai, Yoshifumi Taguchi, Tsutomu Kawashima, Tsutomu Fujii, Shinichiro Imura, Toshihiro Otsuka, Miyuki Yoshimoto, Kozue Kuniyoshi
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Patent number: 11094947Abstract: A resin frame equipped membrane electrode assembly includes an MEA having different sizes of components, and a resin frame member. A resin melt portion is provided for the resin frame member. The inside of a first gas diffusion layer is impregnated with resin as a part of the resin melt portion. A thin portion is provided at an outermost peripheral portion of the resin frame member through a step at an outermost peripheral portion of the resin melt portion, and the thin portion is thinner in a thickness direction than the resin melt portion.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2020Date of Patent: August 17, 2021Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Suguru Ohmori, Yukihito Tanaka, Yoshihito Kimura, Ryugo Fujitsuka, Shintaro Tanaka, Masaki Tani
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Patent number: 11056703Abstract: A manufacturing method of a unit cell of a fuel cell, includes: preparing a membrane-electrode-gas diffusion layer assembly; preparing a frame member; bringing an inner peripheral edge of the frame member into contact with a first gas diffusion layer by pushing a convex surface and by deforming a curved portion, in a state where a surface of the frame member is in contact with a peripheral region through an adhesive bond; and joining the frame member and the membrane-electrode-gas diffusion layer assembly with the adhesive bond, in a state where the inner peripheral edge of the frame member is in contact with the first gas diffusion layer.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2018Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kazunori Shibata
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Patent number: 10996084Abstract: In a resin decorative part, a clear decoration has a body transmitting light and includes a carbon-toned surface provided on the opposite side to the viewer side of the body and having a carbon-toned pattern. The carbon color layer is colored in a carbon color, is laminated on the carbon-toned surface, and has a reflective surface reflecting light transmitted through the clear decoration. The carbon-toned pattern is formed with a plurality of pseudo carbon fiber bundles presenting carbon fiber bundles formed by bundling carbon fibers in a pseudo manner. The pseudo carbon fiber bundle has a plurality of linear grooves that constitute pseudo carbon fibers presenting carbon fibers in a pseudo manner. The carbon-toned surface includes a pseudo carbon fiber bundle in which the length in the extending direction of each linear groove and the depth of the linear groove vary in a predetermined range.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2019Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATIONInventors: Tatsuya Hattori, Teruomi Sano
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Patent number: 10930954Abstract: In an inspection method for inspecting occurrence of a deformation in a fuel cell, a change amount between a pressure loss parameter value before an impact and a pressure loss parameter value after the impact is found, and when the change amount is a reference value determined in advance or more, it is determined that the deformation occurs inside the fuel cell. It is determined that the deformation occurs inside the fuel cell due to the impact, in at least either of a case where the change amount of a first pressure loss parameter value that is a pressure loss parameter value in a gas passage is a first reference value or more and a case where the change amount of a second pressure loss parameter value that is a pressure loss parameter value in a refrigerant passage is a second reference value or more.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2019Date of Patent: February 23, 2021Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kei Enomoto, Toshiyuki Tonuma, Shinya Sano, Kento Ida
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Patent number: 10804542Abstract: A gas diffusion electrode substrate has an electrically conductive porous substrate and a microporous layer-1 on one side of the electrically conductive porous substrate. The microporous layer-1 includes a dense portion A and a dense portion B. The dense portion A is a region containing a fluorine resin and a carbonaceous powder having a primary particle size of 20 nm to 39 nm. The dense portion A has a thickness of 30% to 100% with respect to the thickness of the microporous layer-1 as 100% and a width of 10 ?m to 200 ?m. The dense portion B is a region containing a fluorine resin and a carbonaceous powder having a primary particle size of 40 nm to 70 nm.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2017Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignee: TORAY INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: Masamichi Utsunomiya, Yasuaki Tanimura, Toshiya Kamae, Junichi Urai
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Patent number: 10720650Abstract: A fuel cell includes a catalyst layer containing a polymer electrolyte and catalyst-carrying carbon. A value of an initial weight ratio of the polymer electrolyte to the catalyst-carrying carbon in the catalyst layer is set to a value that is smaller by 0.1 to 0.2 than a value of a weight ratio of the polymer electrolyte to the catalyst-carrying carbon in the catalyst layer which maximizes a maximum output of the fuel cell in a state where the polymer electrolyte is not swollen.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2019Date of Patent: July 21, 2020Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Go Tejima
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Patent number: 10700373Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) including directly depositing a liquid suspension containing a platinum precursor onto an ionically conductive membrane (e.g., proton-exchange membrane) that, when the platinum precursor deposit layer is reduced, provides a layer that will scavenge hydrogen that has diffused back through the membrane due to cell stack pressure differential.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2017Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: PROTON ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Christopher Bryce Capuano, Morgan Elizabeth Pertoso, Nemanja Danilovic
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Patent number: 10622658Abstract: A release layer of a release film for producing a membrane electrode assembly of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell comprises a cyclic olefin polymer comprising an olefin unit having a C3-10alkyl group as a side chain thereof. The release layer may have a glass transition temperature of about 210 to 350° C. The release layer may have a transition point of a dynamic storage modulus E? in a range from ?50 to 100° C. An ion exchange layer comprising an ion exchange polymer may be laminated on the release layer of the release film by a roll-to-roll processing to produce a laminate. The release film may be separated from the laminate to give the membrane electrode assembly. The release film achieves improved production of a membrane electrode assembly (an electrolyte membrane and/or an electrode membrane) of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2014Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignees: DAICEL CORPORATION, DAICEL VALUE COATING LTD.Inventors: Hiroshi Onomichi, Katsuhiko Sumita, Yoshimichi Okano, Kanae Nishimura, Kazuyuki Okada, Takayuki Yaegashi, Ken Suzuki
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Patent number: 10593966Abstract: The present specification relates to a solid oxide fuel cell and a method for manufacturing the same.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2018Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: LG CHEM, LTD.Inventors: Jong Woo Kim, Kwangwook Choi, Dong Oh Shin, Changseok Ryoo, Gyunjoong Kim
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Patent number: 10522851Abstract: A relation of X×?T×CTEt<L×t is satisfied, where X represents a distance between a circumferentially innermost position of a bonded portion of a resin frame bonded to first projections of separators and a circumferentially inner end of the resin frame; L represents a distance between the circumferentially inner end of the resin frame and a circumferentially outermost position of a held portion of a membrane electrode gas-diffusion-layer assembly that is interposed and held between second projections of the separators: ?T represents a temperature difference from a low temperature T1 of ?40° C. to a high temperature T2 of 100° C. CTEf represents an average coefficient of linear expansion of the resin frame within a range of the low temperature T1 to the high temperature T2; t represents a breaking elongation of the electrolyte membrane at the low temperature T1; and the distances X, L represents dimensions at the high temperature T2.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2017Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Fumishige Shizuku, Sachio Okada, Takashi Kajiwara
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Patent number: 10516171Abstract: A catalyst for a fuel cell includes an active metal catalyst and a composite supporter supporting the active metal catalyst. The composite supporter includes a spherical-shaped supporter and a fibrous supporter, wherein the fibrous supporter is included in an amount of about 5 wt % to about 40 wt % based on the total amount of the composite supporter. In addition, an electrode for a fuel cell using the same, a membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell including the electrode, and a fuel cell system including the membrane-electrode assembly are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2014Date of Patent: December 24, 2019Assignee: Kolon Industries, Inc.Inventors: Hee-Tak Kim, Sung-Yong Cho, Kah-Young Song
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Patent number: 10516182Abstract: Disclosed are a polymer ion exchange membrane having a self-hydration capability at a high temperature under low humidity, a method of preparing the polymer ion exchange membrane, and a polymer electrolyte fuel cell system including the polymer ion exchange membrane. The polymer electrolyte membrane includes a hydrocarbon-based proton conductive polymercoating layer, and has a nano-crack on the hydrophobic surface and thus may secure ion conductivity and self-hydration capability under low humidity and remarkably improve electrochemical performance of an electrolyte.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2014Date of Patent: December 24, 2019Assignee: IUCF-HYU (INDUSTRY-UNIVERSITY COOPERATION FOUNDATION HANYANG UNIVERSITY)Inventors: Young Moo Lee, Chi Hoon Park, Doo Sung Hwang, So Young Lee, Dong Won Shin
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Patent number: 10483560Abstract: A single cell of a fuel cell has: a membrane-electrode assembly; and first and second separators holding the membrane-electrode assembly therebetween. The first separator has plural first straight or wavy groove channels that are arranged in parallel to each other in a first in-plane direction. A cross section along the first in-plane direction of each of the plural first groove channels has a first uneven shape. The first uneven shape has a first pitch P1 along the first in-plane direction. The second separator has plural second wavy groove channels that are aligned along the first in-plane direction. A second uneven shape of the plural second groove channels has a second pitch P2 along the first in-plane direction. The first pitch P1 and the second pitch P2 differ from each other, and neither a value of P1/P2 nor a value of P2/P1 is an integer.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2017Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Nobuaki Nonoyama, Masaya Kobayashi
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Patent number: 10424801Abstract: A cell structure includes a cathode, an anode, and a protonically conductive solid electrolyte layer between the cathode and the anode. The solid electrolyte layer contains a compound having a perovskite structure and containing zirconium, cerium, and a rare-earth element other than cerium. If the solid electrolyte layer has a thickness of T, the elemental ratio of zirconium to cerium at a position 0.25 T from a surface of the solid electrolyte layer opposite the cathode, ZrC/CeC, and the elemental ratio of zirconium to cerium at a position 0.25 T from a surface of the solid electrolyte layer opposite the anode, ZrA/CeA, satisfy ZrC/CeC>ZrA/CeA, and ZrC/CeC>1.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2015Date of Patent: September 24, 2019Assignee: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Takahiro Higashino, Yohei Noda, Chihiro Hiraiwa, Naho Mizuhara, Hiromasa Tawarayama, Hisao Takeuchi, Masatoshi Majima
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Patent number: 10249898Abstract: In one embodiment, a membrane electrode assembly comprises a catalyst layer being porous and containing a catalyst material, the catalyst layer comprising a plurality of catalyst units each having a porous body structure or a laminated structure containing a void layer, and an electrolyte membrane adjacent to the porous catalyst layer. The catalyst unit bites into the electrolyte membrane, and an average biting ratio is not less than 10%, and not more than 80% of a thickness of the catalyst layer.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2016Date of Patent: April 2, 2019Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Wu Mei, Taishi Fukazawa, Tianyi Yang
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Patent number: 10196721Abstract: An iron-chromium-aluminum alloy with improved heat resistance, low chromium vaporization rate and good processability, comprising (in % by mass), 2.0 to 4.5% Al, 12 to 25% Cr, 1.0 to 4% W, 0.25 to 2.0% Nb, 0.05 to 1.2% Si, 0.001 to 0.70% Mn, 0.001 to 0.030% C, 0.0001 to 0.05% Mg, 0.0001 to 0.03% Ca, 0.001 to 0.030% P, max. 0.03% N, max. 0.01% S, remainder iron and the usual melting-related impurities.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2012Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: VDM Metals International GmbHInventors: Heike Hattendorf, Bernd Kuhn, Thomas Eckardt, Tilmann Beck, Willem Quadakkers, Werner Theisen, Nilofar Nabiran
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Patent number: 10170769Abstract: A method of treating a carbon substrate, includes the successive steps of impregnating the carbon substrate with an aqueous solution containing an amorphous fluorinated copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and of perfluoromethoxy dioxole, drying the carbon substrate at a pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure, and obtaining a carbon substrate impregnated with a fluorinated copolymer. Such a carbon substrate may be used as a gas diffusion layer in a fuel cell.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2017Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVESInventors: Yohann Thomas, Marie Heitzmann, Joël Pauchet, Maxime Schroder
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Patent number: 10170787Abstract: An example separator includes: a flat plate-shaped first plate member; a flat plate-shaped second plate member joined with the first plate member; an oxidation gas flow channel wall, which forms a flow channel of oxidation gas; a fuel gas flow channel wall, which forms a flow channel of fuel gas; a cooling medium flow channel wall, which forms a flow channel of a cooling medium; a first through hole, which penetrates the first plate member and the second plate member; a second through hole, which penetrates the first plate member and the second plate member; a first cooling medium passage part; a second cooling medium passage part; one projection, which is formed on at least one of the first cooling medium passage part and the second cooling medium passage part; and another projection, which is formed at a position corresponding to the one projection.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2016Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Atsuki Ikoma
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Patent number: 10003091Abstract: According to an example embodiment, a method of making a phosphoric acid fuel cell component includes situating at least one polymer film layer against a permeable component layer. The polymer film layer comprises a polymer that is chemically resistant to phosphoric acid. The polymer film layer is melted. The permeable component layer is impregnated with the melted polymer to thereby establish a region on the component layer that is impermeable to phosphoric acid. The impregnated region also provides a seal against reactant leakage from the component.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2013Date of Patent: June 19, 2018Assignee: DOOSAN FUEL CELL AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Nicholas Edward Osepowicz, Manish Khandelwal
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Patent number: 10003090Abstract: According to an example embodiment, a method of making a fuel cell component includes permeating at least a portion of a component layer with a polymer. The portion of the component layer is adjacent an edge of the component layer. Some of the polymer is allowed to extend beyond the edge to thereby establish a flap beyond the edge of the component layer. A fuel cell component includes a component layer having a portion adjacent an edge of the layer that is impregnated with a polymer material and a flap of the polymer material extending beyond the edge.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2013Date of Patent: June 19, 2018Assignee: DOOSAN FUEL CELL AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Nicholas Edward Osepowicz, Manish Khandelwal, Sridhar V. Kanuri
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Patent number: 9954242Abstract: A membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell, the membrane-electrode assembly including an electrolyte membrane; an edge protective layer located at generally an edge of the electrolyte membrane; and a catalytic layer including a plate portion contacting the electrolyte membrane and a protruding portion protruding from the plate portion and contacting the edge protective layer.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2011Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: Kolon Industries, Inc.Inventors: Hee-Tak Kim, Sung-Yong Cho, Tae-Yoon Kim, Kah-Young Song, Sang-Il Han, Geun-Seok Chai, Myoung-Ki Min
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Patent number: 9793550Abstract: A gas diffusion layer (30) for a fuel cell includes: a gas diffusion layer substrate (31); and a microporous layer (32) containing a granular carbon material and scale-like graphite and formed on the gas diffusion layer substrate (31). The microporous layer (32) includes a concentrated region (32a) of the scale-like graphite that is formed into a belt-like shape extending in a direction approximately parallel to a junction surface (31a) between the microporous layer (32) and the gas diffusion layer substrate (31). Accordingly, both resistance to dry-out and resistance to flooding, which are generally in a trade-off relationship, in the gas diffusion layer can be ensured so as to contribute to an increase in performance of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2012Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Yozo Okuyama, Shigemasa Kuwata, Kazufumi Kodama
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Patent number: 9786923Abstract: Provided is a porous electrode substrate having excellent thickness precision, gas permeability and conductivity, handling efficiency, low production costs and a high carbonization rate during carbonization. Also provided are a method for manufacturing such a substrate, a precursor sheet and fibrillar fiber used for forming such a substrate, along with a membrane electrode assembly and a polymer electrolyte fuel cell that contain such a substrate. The method for manufacturing a porous electrode substrate includes step (1) for manufacturing a precursor sheet in which short carbon fibers (A) and carbon fiber precursor (b) are dispersed, and step (2) for carbonizing the precursor sheet, and the volume contraction rate of carbon fiber precursor (b) in step (2) is 83% or lower.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2016Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: Mitsubishi Chemical CorporationInventors: Kazuhiro Sumioka, Shigeru Tanoue, Yoshihiro Sako
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Patent number: 9786929Abstract: A fuel cell of the present disclosure includes an electrolyte-layer-electrode assembly, a first separator, a second separator, and one or more gas permeation suppressing sections, the inner surface of the first separator and the inner surface of the second separator have a first region and a second region, the gas permeation suppressing section is provided at least one of a first reactant gas channel and a second reactant gas channel so as to overlap with the first region when viewed in a thickness direction of the first separator, and the gas permeation suppressing section is provided at least one of the first reactant gas channel and the second reactant gas channel so as to overlap with the second region when viewed in the thickness direction of the first separator.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2009Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Miho Gemba, Yoichiro Tsuji
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Patent number: 9685646Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a lead-acid battery having a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator positioned between the electrodes to electrically insulate the electrodes. Battery includes a nonwoven fiber mat positioned adjacent an electrode. Mat includes a mixture of first glass fibers having diameters between 8 ?m to 13 ?m and second glass fibers having diameters of at least 6 ?m and a silane sizing. An acid resistant binder bonds the glass fibers to form mat. A wetting component is applied to increase the wettability such that mat exhibits an average water wick height of at least 1.0 cm after exposure to water for 10 minutes. A conductive material is disposed on a surface of mat such that when mat is adjacent an electrode, the conductive material contacts the electrode. An electrical resistance of less than 100,000 ohms per square enables electron flow about mat.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2014Date of Patent: June 20, 2017Assignee: Johns ManvilleInventors: Michael Ketzer, Gerold Albert, Zhihua Guo, Souvik Nandi, Jawed Asrar, Albert G. Dietz, III
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Patent number: 9543590Abstract: A catalyst layer composition for a fuel cell includes an ionomer cluster, a catalyst, and a solvent including water and polyhydric alcohol; and an electrode for a fuel cell includes a catalyst layer comprising an ionomer cluster having a three-dimensional reticular structure, and a catalyst, a method of preparing a electrode for a fuel cell includes a catalyst layer comprising an ionomer cluster having a three-dimensional reticular structure, and a catalyst, and a membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell including the electrode and a fuel cell system including the membrane-electrode assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2012Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: Kolon Industries Inc.Inventors: Tae-Yoon Kim, Sang-Il Han, Sung-Yong Cho, Hee-Tak Kim, Kah-Young Song, Myoung-Ki Min, Geun-Seok Chai
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Patent number: 9496563Abstract: A slip sheet for a fuel cell stack that includes a plurality of spaced fluid channel support protrusions protruding from a main body, at portions which face fluid channel protrusions of a separator plate in such a manner that the spaced fluid channel support protrusions come into contact with the fluid channel protrusions of the separator plate.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Seong Il Heo, Yoo Chang Yang, Jun Ho Jang, Chi Seung Lee
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Patent number: 9478818Abstract: Membrane electrode assembly is provided that includes an electrolyte membrane; an electrode catalytic layer including nanostructured elements having acicular micro structured support whiskers bearing acicular nanoscopic catalyst particles; and a gas diffusion layer including a nitrogen-containing compound that includes an anionic ion-exchange group. A method of regenerating the membrane electrode assembly is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2013Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventor: Kazuki Noda
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Patent number: 9437883Abstract: A manufacturing method of a fuel cell module includes: forming an outer divided body having a frame shape and formed from an uncrosslinked item of solid rubber having adhesiveness in a seal member arrangement portion of a separator to produce an outer temporary assembly, and forming an inner divided body having a frame shape and formed from an uncrosslinked item of solid rubber in a peripheral edge portion of an electrode member to produce an inner temporary assembly; fitting the inner temporary assembly into a frame of the outer temporary assembly to produce a cell assembly temporary assembly; arranging a cell assembly stack, in which a plurality of the cell assembly temporary assemblies are stacked, in a forming die; and pressurizing and heating the forming die to crosslink the uncrosslinked itemType: GrantFiled: September 15, 2015Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignees: SUMITOMO RIKO COMPANY LIMITED, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hideaki Tanahashi, Shinichi Haga, Hideya Kadono, Yutaka Ishioka, Kenji Sato, Fumishige Shizuku, Hiroo Yoshikawa
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Patent number: 9293772Abstract: A cathode for a metal air battery includes a cathode structure having pores. The cathode structure has a metal side and an air side. The porosity decreases from the air side to the metal side. A metal air battery and a method of making a cathode for a metal air battery are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: UT-BATTELLE, LLCInventors: Nancy J. Dudney, James W. Klett, Jagjit Nanda, Chaitanya Kumar Narula, Sreekanth Pannala
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Patent number: 9246184Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) that includes an anode electrode, a cathode electrode and a solid oxide electrolyte having a fuel inlet riser opening and a fuel outlet riser opening. The electrolyte is located between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode. The SOFC also includes a ceramic support layer on the electrolyte. The ceramic support is layer located around the at least one of a periphery of the electrolyte or at least partially around perimeters of the fuel inlet and fuel outlet riser openings. The ceramic support layer comprises a multi-component material comprising yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) and alpha alumina.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2012Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: BLOOM ENERGY CORPORATIONInventors: Emad El Batawi, Eric Petersen, Richard Stephenson
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Patent number: 9243335Abstract: The present invention discloses a fuel cell, oxygen generator or high temperature electrolyzer comprising a metallic substrate comprising: (i) at least one porous region comprising a plurality of pores in said metallic substrate, where the porosity varies in at least one direction substantially coincident with the path or paths of a reactant stream to be passed over the substrate when in use and/or in areas of in-use poor gas flow; and (ii) at least one non-porous region bounding the at least one porous region, and having mounted on said metallic substrate an electrode of said fuel cell, oxygen generator or high temperature electrolyzer. Also disclosed are fuel cell stack layers and fuel cell stacks comprising same.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2007Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: CERES INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY COMPANY LIMITEDInventor: Ahmet Selcuk
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Patent number: 9160007Abstract: Disclosed are an electrode for a fuel cell that includes an electrode substrate and a surface-treatment layer disposed on the electrode substrate and including a hydrophilic layer and a hydrophobic layer partially disposed on the hydrophilic layer. Also disclosed are a method of fabricating an electrode for a fuel cell, a membrane-electrode assembly, and a fuel cell system including the membrane-electrode assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2012Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: SAMSUNG SDI CO., LTD.Inventors: Jun-Young Kim, Myoung-Ki Min, Hee-Tak Kim
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Patent number: 9099693Abstract: In a fuel cell having a separator in which main cooling water channels are formed, a separator for another unit cell stacked on the cooling water channel formation surface side of the separator, and a second sealing member interposed between the separators and to seal a cooling medium flowing in the main cooling water channels, an outer peripheral rib for regulating the flow of cooling water to the second sealing member side is provided inside relative to the second sealing member in the separator surface direction in order to improve the efficiency of cooling with the cooling medium.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2006Date of Patent: August 4, 2015Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hiroya Nakaji, Tsutomu Ochi, Chisato Kato, Tsunemasa Nishida, Manabu Takahashi, Yasuyuki Asai
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Publication number: 20150147675Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a laminate having food adhesion between a support and a conductive layer. The laminate of the present invention comprises a conductive layer A formed on a support, the conductive layer A containing a conductive carbon material and a polymer, the polymer in the conductive layer A being dense at the surface in contact with the support.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2013Publication date: May 28, 2015Applicant: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kasumi Oi, Naoya Takeuchi, Hiroshi Kishimoto, Hitoshi Ohtani
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Publication number: 20150140470Abstract: A microporous layer for use in a fuel cell includes a first carbon black having carboxyl groups at a concentration less than 0.1 mmol per gram of carbon, a hydrophobic additive and a hydrophilic additive. A method for producing a membrane electrode assembly includes preparing a microporous layer ink, applying the microporous layer ink to a first side of a gas diffusion substrate, sintering the gas diffusion substrate to form a gas diffusion layer having a first side with a microporous layer, and thermally bonding the first side of the gas diffusion layer to an electrode layer. The microporous layer ink includes a suspension medium, a first carbon black having carboxyl groups at a concentration less than 0.1 mmol per gram of carbon, a hydrophobic additive and a hydrophilic additive.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2012Publication date: May 21, 2015Applicant: Ballard Power Systems Inc.Inventors: Siddique Ali Khateeb Razack, Robert Mason Darling
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Publication number: 20150118595Abstract: A gas diffusion layer with flowpaths in which electroconductive wires form flow channels disposed upon an electroconductive substrate, the flow channels formed by the electroconductive wires having a height of 300 ?m or less, and flow channels formed by adjacent electroconductive wires having an equivalent diameter of 300 ?m or less.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2013Publication date: April 30, 2015Inventors: Takuya Hasegawa, Hisao Terasaki
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Publication number: 20150118596Abstract: A gas diffusion electrode medium is for a fuel cell, has a low in-plane gas permeability and favorable water drainage characteristics in addition to high conductivity, and is able to exhibit high cell performance across a wide temperature range from low temperatures to high temperatures. The gas diffusion electrode medium is characterized by a microporous region being disposed at least at one surface of an electrode substrate, and the microporous region containing flake graphite having an aspect ratio of 50-5000.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2013Publication date: April 30, 2015Inventors: Masamichi Utsunomiya, Toshiya Kamae
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Patent number: 9012105Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly and a resin frame member. The membrane electrode assembly includes a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, a first electrode, and a second electrode. The first electrode includes a first catalyst layer and a first gas diffusion layer. The second electrode includes a second catalyst layer and a second gas diffusion layer. The resin frame member includes an outer peripheral portion and an inner peripheral projection. A first space includes a gap between an outer peripheral end face of the second gas diffusion layer and an inner-side end face of the inner peripheral projection. A second space includes a gap between an outer peripheral end face of the first gas diffusion layer and an inner-side wall face of the outer peripheral portion. The first space has a dimension different from a dimension of the second space.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2013Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Naoki Mitsuta, Hiroshi Sohma, Yukihito Tanaka, Yusuke Okabe, Yu Tomana