With Bonded Seal Patents (Class 429/510)
  • Patent number: 11791477
    Abstract: A method of making a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) includes the steps of providing a first SOFC layer laminate tape comprising a first SOFC layer composition attached to a flexible carrier film layer, providing a second SOFC laminate tape comprising a second SOFC layer composition attached to a flexible carrier film layer, and providing a third SOFC layer laminate tape comprising a third SOFC layer composition attached to a flexible carrier film layer. The first SOFC layer laminate tape, the second SOFC layer laminate tape, and the third SOFC layer laminate tape are assembled on rolls positioned along a roll-to-roll assembly line. The laminate tapes are sequentially laminated and calendered and the flexible carrier films removed to provide a composite SOFC precursor laminate that can be sintered and combined with a cathode to provide a completed SOFC. An assembly for making composite SOFC precursor laminates is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignees: UT-BATTELLE, LLC, REDOX POWER SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Jianlin Li, Dhrupadkumar P. Parikh, Thomas Langdo, Sean R. Bishop, Bryan M. Blackburn
  • Patent number: 11791478
    Abstract: A method of forming a spinel coating on a substrate is disclosed including the steps of coating at least a portion of the substrate with a precursor including an alloy powder, and sintering the precursor at a temperature of less than 1000 degrees Celsius to form the spinel coating. The alloy powder used for the precursor can include particles having a particle size of less than 10 micrometers. The method can be utilized to form spinel coatings as contact surfaces between electrodes and interconnects of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stacks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Tennessee Technological University
    Inventors: Jiahong Zhu, Yutian Yu, Brian Bates
  • Patent number: 11695129
    Abstract: The manufacturing method for the fuel cell unit includes a stacking step and a laser irradiation step. In the stacking step, a stacked portion including, stacked together, a resin frame member of a resin frame equipped membrane electrode assembly and an outer peripheral portion of a separator is placed on a metal spacer. The resin frame member at a joining target portion of the stacked portion is placed so as to face a recess of the metal spacer. In the laser irradiation step, the separator at the joining target portion in a state where the resin frame member faces the recess is irradiated with a laser beam to thereby form a welded portion where the resin frame member and the separator are welded to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yusuke Wada, Shintaro Sumi
  • Patent number: 11688862
    Abstract: An air-cooling fuel cell stack includes fuel cells, wherein each of the fuel cells includes an anode bipolar plate, a cathode bipolar plate, a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) between the anode and cathode bipolar plates, and an anode sealing member. The MEA includes an anode side structure, a cathode side structure, and an ion conductive membrane (ICM), and the ICM is sandwiched between the anode side structure and the cathode side structure. The anode sealing member is disposed at a periphery of the anode side structure and sandwiched by the anode bipolar plate and the ICM. The anode sealing member includes a first sealing material and a second sealing material, a Shore hardness of the first sealing material is different from that of the second sealing material, and an arrangement direction of the first and second sealing materials is perpendicular to a compression direction of the plurality of fuel cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Sung-Chun Chang, Chien-Ming Lai, Chiu-Ping Huang, Keng-Yang Chen, Li-Duan Tsai
  • Patent number: 11658317
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of inspection for erroneous assembly of a fuel cell stack which allows for determination of whether the fuel cell stack has been properly assembled without depending on the appearance of the fuel cell stack. The erroneous assembly inspection method inspects for erroneous assembly of a fuel cell stack that is produced by stacking power generation cells and dummy cells in proper power generation positions and proper dummy positions. The erroneous assembly inspection method measures a pressure difference in anode gas passages and cathode gas passages when gas is supplied at different pressures respectively to an anode gas inlet and a cathode gas inlet of the workpiece to determine whether or not the workpiece is in a third erroneous assembly state including a first abnormal cell in which a dummy MEA and a power generation separator are assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi Kato, Toru Ikeda, Naohiro Kawakita, Keiichi Iio
  • Patent number: 11600831
    Abstract: Provided is a fuel-cell unit cell having a first gas diffusion layer that is laid on a first surface of a membrane-electrode assembly such that an outer peripheral edge portion thereof protrudes from the first surface of the membrane-electrode assembly. At a first part of the fuel-cell unit cell: the fuel-cell unit cell has a bonding layer; between the membrane-electrode assembly and a portion of the first gas diffusion layer on an inner side from the outer peripheral edge portion thereof, the bonding layer bonds the membrane-electrode assembly and the portion together; and between a support frame and the outer peripheral edge portion of the first gas diffusion layer, between the support frame and a first separator, and/or between the support frame and a second separator, the bonding layer bonds the support frame and the outer peripheral edge portion or the separator together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nobuaki Nonoyama, Hikaru Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 11557773
    Abstract: A first metal separator includes a seal bead protruding from a base plate. The seal bead includes a curved section having a curved shape in a plan view of the first metal separator. The combination of the radius of curvature and the angle of the curved section is set within a specific zone where variation in a seal surface pressure in a direction in which the seal bead extends is suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuro Okubo, Suguru Ohmori
  • Patent number: 11502313
    Abstract: A fuel cell capable of reducing the stress exerted upon an electrolyte membrane resulting from the swelling and contraction of the electrolyte membrane. The fuel cell includes at least an MEGA with catalyst layers joined to the opposite sides of the electrolyte membrane, and a pair of separators disposed so as to sandwich the MEGA. The MEGA generates power with a hydrogen gas fed to one side of the MEGA and with an oxidant gas fed to the other side. Separators each have a plurality of projections formed on the side of the MEGA so as to form a gas channel through which the hydrogen gas or oxidant gas flows between the projections. The electrolyte membrane has a plurality of through-holes formed at positions facing the projections along the direction in which the projections extend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yuta Ikehata
  • Patent number: 11489187
    Abstract: A cell stack device includes a fuel cell, a first separator and a first bonding member. The fuel cell includes a solid electrolyte and a cathode that is provided on one surface of the solid electrolyte. The first separator includes a protrusion that protrudes towards the cathode. The first bonding member bonds the cathode and the first protrusion. The thickness of a first bonding member that is positioned on an outer peripheral portion is greater than the thickness of a first bonding member that is positioned at a central portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: NGK INSULATORS, LTD.
    Inventor: Makoto Ohmori
  • Patent number: 11479664
    Abstract: The present application relates to a composition for encapsulating an organic electronic element and an organic electronic device comprising the same, and provides the composition which forms an encapsulating structure capable of effectively blocking water or oxygen introduced from the outside into the organic electronic device, thereby securing the lifetime of the organic electronic device and implementing endurance reliability of the encapsulating structure at high temperature and high humidity, and has high shape retention characteristics, and an organic electronic device comprising the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: LG CHEM, LTD.
    Inventors: So Young Kim, Seung Min Lee, Se Woo Yang
  • Patent number: 11433582
    Abstract: A base-material/gasket unit mold which can reduce molding failure occurrence is provided. The mold includes a first half mold including a base material holding portion arranged on a first parting surface to hold a base material, and a second half mold having a second parting surface and used together with the first half mold to close and open the mold. The second half mold includes a gasket cavity defined on the second parting surface side to form a gasket main body on a surface of the base material, an isolated rubber cavity forming an isolated rubber portion isolated from the gasket main body on the surface of the base material, and a mold-pressing portion arranged around the isolated rubber cavity to press the base material when the mold is closed and having a recessed part defined on a press surface side to reduce deformation of the base material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: NOK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hajime Yui, Kenichi Oba
  • Patent number: 11394039
    Abstract: An electrochemical reaction unit includes a unit cell including an electrolyte layer, and a cathode and an anode which face each other in a first direction with the electrolyte layer intervening therebetween, and one or a plurality of structural members. The electrochemical reaction unit further includes a glass seal member which contains glass and is in contact with two members facing each other in the first direction, the two members being selected from the unit cell and the one or the plurality of structural members. The glass seal member contains a plurality of crystal grains each having a ratio of a vertical dimension in the first direction to a horizontal dimension in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction of 1.5 or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: MORIMURA SOFC TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Sato, Ryoji Tanimura, Kenta Eguchi, Makoto Kuribayashi
  • Patent number: 11228044
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bipolar plate (15) for a fuel cell stack (10) comprising a first sealing section (157) on its side (151) as well as a second sealing section (158) on its second side. The sealing sections are designed to sealingly interact in a fuel cell stack (10) with an elastic seal element (16). It is provided that the first and second sealing sections of the bipolar plate (15) are designed asymmetrically in that at least one sealing projection (1571) is formed in the first sealing section (157), and the second sealing section (158) is formed without a sealing projection and/or is substantially flat. When such bipolar plates (15) alternatingly interact with seal elements (6) that are designed flat in a fuel-cell stack (10), an effective stack seal can be achieved with low required contact pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignees: Volkswagen AG, Audi AG
    Inventor: Adel Jilani
  • Patent number: 11108056
    Abstract: Provided is a method for producing a fuel cell that can reduce the amount of an adhesive applied to join a pair of sheet-like separators together while also avoiding failures in the conveyance of the separators. A separator, which has a bent portion on the peripheral edge thereof and has a recess and a projection formed on one surface and the other surface, respectively, of the separator by the bent portion, is used. The conveying step includes gripping the bent portion at opposite ends of each separator using grippers. The seal portion forming step includes disposing an adhesive in the recess formed by the bent portion of one of the separators, and fitting the projection formed by the bent portion of the other separator in the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kunihito Ona, Takahide Katagiri, Keisuke Miyanaga, Hiroshi Kinpara
  • Patent number: 11063267
    Abstract: A fuel cell separator (first and second separators) of a fuel cell stack is formed in a plate shape, and includes a passage bead (projection) configured to form a seal that prevents leakage of fluid. The passage bead is formed integrally with a surface of the separator in a manner so as to project from the surface, and when viewed in cross section, is formed in a multistage trapezoidal shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Satoshi Oyama, Yu Tomana
  • Patent number: 11056694
    Abstract: A fuel cell sub-assembly (100) comprising; a gasket (101) comprising a peripheral seal (102) for a fuel cell assembly, the peripheral seal defining a central aperture (103) of the gasket; a gas diffusion layer (104) for providing diffused gases to a proton exchange membrane (503) of a fuel cell, the gas diffusion layer (104) located within the central aperture; wherein at at least one convection point (105, 106), an inside facing surface (107) of the peripheral seal of the gasket is welded to a corresponding outward facing surface (108) of the gas diffusion layer (104).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Intelligent Energy Limited
    Inventor: Antony Richard Wilson
  • Patent number: 10971739
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a common flow field type fuel cell separator, a fuel cell separator assembly, and a fuel cell stack, including a flow field connected to a manifold in which an inlet and an outlet for each of hydrogen, air, and cooling water are formed, and configured such that flows of the hydrogen, the air, and the cooling water are free from interfering with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignees: Sejong IND. CO., LTD, Korea Automotive Technology Institute
    Inventors: Hyung-Chul Noh, Ho-Cheol Suh, Young-Mo Goo, Myong-Hwan Kim
  • Patent number: 10847826
    Abstract: A fuel cell includes: an electrolyte membrane; a fuel-side catalyst layer placed on one surface of the electrolyte membrane; an oxidant-side catalyst layer placed on another surface of the electrolyte membrane; a fuel-side gas-diffusion layer placed on a main surface of the fuel-side catalyst layer; an oxidant-side gas-diffusion layer placed on a main surface of the oxidant-side catalyst layer; a pair of separators that hold the fuel-side gas-diffusion layer and the oxidant-side gas-diffusion layer therebetween; a frame that surrounds outer peripheries of the fuel-side gas-diffusion layer and the oxidant-side gas diffusion layer; a fuel-side seal member placed on a main surface of the fuel-side gas-diffusion layer; and an oxidant-side seal member placed on a main surface of the oxidant-side gas-diffusion layer. In the fuel cell, no spaces are provided between the fuel-side gas-diffusion layer and the fuel-side catalyst layer and between the oxidant-side gas-diffusion layer and the oxidant-side catalyst layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Panasonic Intelletual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoko Kasai, Tsutomu Kawashima, Miyuki Yoshimoto, Yoshifumi Taguchi, Hiroaki Suzuki, Shinichiro Imura
  • Patent number: 10777837
    Abstract: A fuel cell stack may include stacking multiple cell units, each of which has a metal first separator plate and a second separator plate positioned opposite to the first separator plate with a membrane electrode assembly interposed therebetween, wherein the first and second separator plates of adjacent cell units are disposed to face each other and bonded to each other by an adhesive, the adhesive having an adhesive property varying according to a temperature change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Seong Il Heo, Yoo Chang Yang, Byeong-Heon Jeong
  • Patent number: 10763530
    Abstract: A manufacturing method for a fuel cell includes: preparing a membrane electrode gas diffusion layer assembly; preparing a support frame having an electrical insulating property and an ultraviolet permeability; preparing a separator; bonding the membrane electrode gas diffusion layer assembly and the support frame to each other via a first ultraviolet curable adhesive; and, after the membrane electrode gas diffusion layer assembly and the support frame are bonded to each other, bonding the support frame and the separator to each other via a second ultraviolet curable adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiroki Okabe
  • Patent number: 10707497
    Abstract: A fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly constituted of an electrolyte membrane and an electrode layer, a frame portion disposed along an outer periphery of the membrane electrode assembly, and separators that include gas flow passages to supply the membrane electrode assembly with fuel gas, wherein the membrane electrode assembly is interposed by a pair of the separators, and the separators include adhesion regions bonded to the frame portion via an adhesive, and reduced portions where distances between the separators and the frame portion are shorter than distances between the separators and the frame portion at other adhesion regions in the adhesion regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shigemasa Kuwata, Takanori Oku, Mitsutaka Abe
  • Patent number: 10665883
    Abstract: A separator for a fuel cell and a unit cell of a fuel cell are disclosed. The separator for the fuel cell includes a separation plate having a coupling protrusion that protrudes from an edge thereof, and a porous body having a coupling hole into which the coupling protrusion is fixedly inserted, so that the porous body is coupled to a plane of the separation plate. The porous body defining a path in which reactive gases flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Sang Mun Jin, Kyung Min Kim
  • Patent number: 10615420
    Abstract: The present specification relates to an electrode slurry of a solid oxide fuel cell, a green sheet for an electrode of a solid oxide fuel cell, an electrode of a solid oxide fuel cell, a solid oxide fuel cell, and a method for manufacturing an electrode of a solid oxide fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: LG CHEM, LTD.
    Inventors: Kiyoul Yoon, Hyosook Joo, Kwangwook Choi, Hyeon Choi, Dong Oh Shin, Bu Won Son
  • Patent number: 10347945
    Abstract: A passively impact resistant composite electrolyte composition includes an aprotic electrolyte solvent, from 0.5 to 6M of an electrolyte salt, and shear thickening particles having a polydispersity index of no greater than 0.1, an average particle size in a range of 50 nm to 1 um, and an absolute zeta potential of greater than ±40 mV. The shear thickening particles have thereon an electrochemical double layer. The composition further includes a stabilizing surfactant. The stabilizing surfactant includes a first portion for adsorbing to the particles, and a second portion that is absorbed in the solvent. The length of the surfactant from the first portion to the second portion is greater than twice the thickness of the electrochemical double layer. Batteries and electrochemical devices incorporating the electrolyte composition are disclosed. Methods of making the electrolyte composition and of operating a battery are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: UT-BATTELLE, LLC
    Inventors: Gabriel M. Veith, Beth L. Armstrong, Katie L. Browning, Hsin Wang, Sergiy Kalnaus
  • Patent number: 10205179
    Abstract: A sandwiched gasket is used for an SOC stack system to provide flexible, yet electrically insulation properties to the sealing between mounting interfaces of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Haldor Topsoe A/S
    Inventors: Lars Kiilstofte Hansen, Cliver Søren Klitholm, Thomas Heiredal-Clausen, Niels Erikstrup, Martin Refslund Nielsen
  • Patent number: 10056619
    Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly with protective film includes a MEA and protective films. The MEA includes a cathode, an anode, and a solid polymer electrolyte membrane interposed between the cathode and the anode. The protective films are joined on the outer end of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane. The membrane electrode assembly has a power generation area and an edge-vicinity area. Recesses for receiving the edge-vicinity area including outer ends of the cathode and the anode are formed in outer portions of a cathode-side separator and an anode-side separator which contact the MEA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiji Sugiura, Hiroshi Shinkai, Kenichi Tanaka, Mihoko Kawaharada, Kenta Urata, Yukihito Tanaka, Takashi Kato
  • Patent number: 9960434
    Abstract: A fuel cell includes a separator plate including manifold holes formed in opposite sides thereof, a plurality of flow-path lands protruding between the manifold holes, a plurality of flow-path channels between the flow-path lands, and a plurality of communication holes formed between ends of the flow-path channels and the manifold holes, and a gasket coupled to the separator plate, and a plurality of separating portions protruding from the blocking portion into gaps between the neighboring communication holes so as to separate the communication holes from one another, wherein ends of the flow-path lands that do not face the separating portions extend toward the communication holes farther than do ends of the flow-path lands that face the separating portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sang Mun Jin, Yoo Chang Yang
  • Patent number: 9812728
    Abstract: A fuel-cell single cell has a membrane electrode assembly sandwiched between a pair of separators, and a sealing member that seals a gas channel formed between the membrane electrode assembly and the separators. An uneven portion is formed in a part of the membrane electrode assembly where the sealing member is disposed. A sealing member sump to trap the sealing member is provided at a side exposed to reactant gas pressure and a holder part for the sealing member are provided within a part of the separators where the sealing member is disposed. The uneven portion is opposed to the holder part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Kageyama
  • Patent number: 9806342
    Abstract: A negative electrode active material of lithium secondary battery includes: at least one of a petroleum-derived green coke and a coal-derived green coke; and at least one of a petroleum-derived calcined coke and a coal-derived calcined coke within a mass ratio range of 90:10 to 10:90 which are fired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: NIPPON STEEL & SUMIKIN CHEMICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Taisa Ikeda, Kazuki Tagawa, Yoichi Kawano
  • Patent number: 8993195
    Abstract: A fuel cell includes a unit cell, a cell fixing member and a welding portion. The unit cell includes a first electrode layer, an electrolyte layer surrounding the first electrode layer, a second electrode layer surrounding the electrolyte layer while exposing an end portion of the electrolyte layer, and a coating layer formed by coating a mixture of ceramic and metal on the exposed end portion of the electrolyte layer. The cell fixing member includes a flow tube inserted into the unit cell, a fixing tube provided to an outside of the flow tube, and a connecting portion connecting the fixing tube and the flow tube to each other and to restrict an insertion depth of the electrolyte layer and the first electrode layer. The welding portion fixes and seals the coating layer and the inner circumferential surface of the fixing tube to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun-Won Suh, Ho-Jin Kweon
  • Publication number: 20150079494
    Abstract: A bonding layer, disposed between an interconnect layer and an electrode layer of a solid oxide fuel cell article, may be formed from a yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) powder having a monomodal particle size distribution (PSD) with a d50 that is greater than about 1 ?m and a d90 that is greater than about 2 ?m.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Guangyong Lin, Yeshwanth Narendar, John D. Pietras, Qiang Zhao, Robert J. Sliwoski, Caroline Levy, Samuel S. Marlin, Aravind Mohanram
  • Patent number: 8927174
    Abstract: A sealing structure of a fuel cell has a first gasket made of an elastomer and provided integrally on a separator, and a second gasket made of an elastomer and provided integrally on other separator. A membrane-electrode assembly is sandwiched or pinched by the first and second gaskets. The first gasket has a main lip in which a top portion brought into close contact with the membrane-electrode assembly is formed flat. The second gasket has a flat seal portion and a sub lip protruding from this flat seal portion at a position opposing the main lip. The flat seal portion and the sub lip are brought into close contact with the membrane-electrode assembly. The width of the top portion of the main lip is narrower than the width of the flat seal portion, and larger than the width of the sub lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: NOK Corporation
    Inventors: Shinichiro Taguchi, Shigeru Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8921007
    Abstract: A bonding layer, disposed between an interconnect layer and an electrode layer of a solid oxide fuel cell article, may be formed from a yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) powder having a monomodal particle size distribution (PSD) with a d50 that is greater than about 1 ?m and a d90 that is greater than about 2 ?m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Ceramics & Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Guangyong Lin, Yeshwanth Narendar, John D. Pietras, Qiang Zhao, Robert J. Sliwoski, Caroline Levy, Samuel S. Marlin, Aravind Mohanram
  • Patent number: 8916312
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments include a product and a method of a bipolar plate assembly for a fuel cell stack. The bipolar plate assembly includes a first plate with a first border, and a second plate with a second border. A thermoplastic sealant is melted between the first and second borders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Xinran Xiao
  • Patent number: 8911918
    Abstract: A method for creating a formed-in-place seal on a fuel cell plate is disclosed. The method includes first dispensing a flowable seal material along a first sealing area of a fuel cell plate requiring the seal material. Next, a preformed template is located adjacent to at least a portion of the fuel cell plate, the template including predetermined apertures corresponding with a second sealing area of the plate, such that the apertures are coextensive with at least a portion of the first sealing area. Flowable seal material is applied into the apertures, and is then cured to a non-flowable state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Mark W. Keyser
  • Patent number: 8911916
    Abstract: A fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly, a first separator, and a second separator. The membrane electrode assembly includes a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, a first electrode, a second electrode, and a resin frame member. The membrane electrode assembly includes a power generation section and a stepped section. The power generation section is located in an interior space of the resin frame member. The solid polymer electrolyte membrane is provided between the first electrode and the second electrode in the power generation section. The stepped section is located on an outer side of the first electrode. The solid polymer electrolyte membrane is provided between the second electrode and the resin frame member in the stepped section. A magnitude of an interference in the stepped section is set to be smaller than a magnitude of an interference in the power generation section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiji Sugiura, Hiroshi Shinkai, Kenichi Tanaka, Mihoko Kawaharada, Kenta Urata, Yukihito Tanaka, Takashi Kato
  • Publication number: 20140308599
    Abstract: Provided is a gasket device for a fuel cell stack in which gaskets of different materials are integrally molded in an anode separator (or an anode gas diffusion layer) and a cathode separator (or a cathode gas diffusion layer) to provide sealing stability at low temperatures and long-term stability at high temperatures in a fuel cell integrated with a conventional single material and evenly securing the required physical properties of the fuel cell stack gasket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Byeong-Heon Jeong, Bo-Ki Hong
  • Patent number: 8846267
    Abstract: A flexible MEA comprises an integral assembly of electrode, catalyst and ionomeric membrane material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: ITM Power (Research) Ltd.
    Inventors: Donald James Highgate, Jonathan Anthony Lloyd, Simon Bourne, Rachel Louise Smith
  • Publication number: 20140287340
    Abstract: A rubber composition which does not foul molds, requires low production costs and is excellent in mass productivity, and has high adhesion reliability, can be used in an adhesive layer for bonding a constituting member for a fuel cell and a rubber member for sealing and/or two rubber members together, is any one of (?) a liquid rubber composition containing (B) and (C) together with the following (A1), and (?) a solvent-based rubber composition containing a solvent together with the following (A2), (B) and (C). (A1) is a rubber component containing at least liquid rubber. (A2) is at least one selected from the group consisting of EPM, EPDM, NBR and H-NBR. (B) is a crosslinking agent composed of an organic peroxide. (C) is at least one selected from the group consisting of a resorcinol-based compound, a melamine-based compound, an aluminate-based coupling agent and a silane coupling agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: TOKAI RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Kenji Yamamoto, Hirokazu Hayashi, Shinji Kita
  • Patent number: 8828620
    Abstract: Fabricating roll-good fuel cell material involves laminating first and second bonding material webs having spaced apart windows to first and second surfaces of a fuel cell membrane web. First and second active regions of the membrane web are positioned within the respective bonding material windows. Third and fourth gasket material webs having spaced apart windows are respectively laminated to the bonding material on the first and second membrane web surfaces. The bonding material windows align with the respective gasket material windows so that at least some of the bonding material extends within the respective gasket material windows. Fluid transport layer (FTL) material portions cut from fifth and sixth FTL material webs are laminated to the respective first and second active regions. The FTL material portions are positioned within respective gasket material windows and contact the bonding material extending within the respective gasket material windows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: David Robert Mekala, Donald George Peterson, Dennis Earl Ferguson, Duane Douglas Fansler
  • Publication number: 20140234754
    Abstract: In a fuel cell separator comprising a separator substrate, a first primer layer, a second primer layer, and an elastomeric seal layer, the first primer layer is formed by firing an organometallic compound, the second primer layer is formed by firing an organosilicon compound having a Si—H group, and the elastomeric seal layer is formed by curing a liquid addition-curable silicone rubber composition comprising an alkenyl-containing base polymer and an Si—H group-containing crosslinker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicants: Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Satoru TERADA, Daisuke OKONOGI, Masakatsu HOTTA
  • Patent number: 8802332
    Abstract: A system for fabricating a fuel cell component in which a deposition mechanism deposits loading material particles onto the fuel cell component and an actuation mechanism actuates the deposition mechanism. A unit provides a tape fixing agent to the fuel cell component and loaded material particles so as to retain the particles on the fuel cell component. Other fuel components are retained to the fuel cell component also using a tape fixing agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: FuelCell Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Salvador E. Correa, Thomas M. Lucas, Lawrence J. Novacco
  • Patent number: 8795920
    Abstract: A rubber composition comprising (A) an alkenyl-containing organopolysiloxane, (B) a silicone resinous copolymer, (C) an organohydrogenpolysiloxane, (D) fumed silica having a BET specific surface area of 50-400 m2/g, (E) carbon powder having a BET specific surface area of 30-150 m2/g, and (F) an addition reaction catalyst cures into a product which is useful as a separator seal in PEFCs. The rubber has a reduced compression set even in an acidic atmosphere or in contact with LLC, and the rubber itself has strength and good adhesion to separator substrates. The separator provides excellent seal performance over a long term.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daisuke Okonogi, Satoru Terada, Noriyuki Meguriya, Osamu Hayashida
  • Patent number: 8691470
    Abstract: A seal composition includes a first alkaline earth metal oxide, a second alkaline earth metal oxide which is different from the first alkaline earth metal oxide, aluminum oxide, and silica in an amount such that molar percent of silica in the composition is at least five molar percent greater than two times a combined molar percent of the first alkaline earth metal oxide and the second alkaline earth metal oxide. The composition is substantially free of boron oxide and phosphorus oxide. The seal composition forms a glass ceramic seal which includes silica containing glass cores located in a crystalline matrix comprising barium aluminosilicate, and calcium aluminosilicate crystals located in the glass cores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Bloom Energy Corporation
    Inventors: Ananda H. Kumar, Dien Nguyen, Martin Janousek, Tad Armstrong
  • Patent number: 8679702
    Abstract: A fuel cell module includes: an electrode member having a membrane electrode assembly, which is formed from an electrolyte membrane and a pair of electrode catalyst layers that is disposed on both sides of the electrolyte membrane in the thickness direction, and having a pair of porous layers disposed on both sides of the membrane electrode assembly in the thickness direction; a separator disposed layered on the electrode member so as to contact at least one of the porous layers; and an adhesive rubber member sealing a peripheral edge portion of the electrode member, wherein the electrode member and the separator are integrated by the adhesive rubber member, and a tensile product of the adhesive rubber member is 1,500 MPa·% or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignees: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideaki Tanahashi, Yutaka Ishioka, Shinichi Haga, Hideya Kadono, Kenji Sato, Fumishige Shizuku
  • Patent number: 8673519
    Abstract: A double-sided adhesive metal-based tape for use as contacting aid for SOFC fuel cells is provided. The double-sided metal-based adhesive tape is suitable for simplifying the construction of cell bundles. The double-sided metal-based adhesive tape is used for electrical contacting of the cell connector with the anode and for electrical contacting of the interconnector of the fuel cells with the cell connector. A method for producing the double-sided adhesive metal-base tape is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ines Becker, Cora Schillig
  • Publication number: 20140065509
    Abstract: Fuel cell subgaskets made of extrusion based, microcellular polymeric foam; fuel cell stacks comprising the provided subgaskets; methods of sealing between plates of a fuel cell stack using the provided subgaskets; and methods of manufacturing such subgaskets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Glenn W. Skala
  • Patent number: 8663870
    Abstract: An electrochemical device capable of improving arrangement efficiency of bonded bodies and securing favorable sealing characteristics is provided. An electrolyte membrane 11 has a reaction region 11A sandwiched between a fuel electrode 12 and an oxygen electrode 13 and a peripheral region 11B exposed from between the fuel electrode 12 and the oxygen electrode 13. A connection member 20 has a bent section 23 between two flat sections 21 and 22. Since an adhesive layer 14 is provided in the peripheral section 11B of the electrolyte membrane 11, and the bent section 23 of the connection member 20 is bonded to the adhesive layer 14, arrangement efficiency of a bonded body 10 is improved, and favorable sealing characteristics are secured. The adhesive layer 14 has a structure in which a first contact layer having high adhesion to the electrolyte membrane 11, a barrier layer, a strength retention layer, and a second contact layer having high adhesion to the connection member 20 are sequentially laminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuaki Fukushima, Shuji Goto, Sayaka Nanjo, Tetsuro Kusamoto
  • Patent number: 8658327
    Abstract: Various aspects of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology are described. One specific application includes a seal for connecting an outer surface of a fuel cell to a cell manifold that supports the fuel cell and delivers a fuel mixture to an inside portion of the fuel cell. The seal also separates the fuel mixture from the outer surface at the seal. And the seal is electrically conductive to allow flow of electric current between the outer surface and the cell manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Acumentrics Corporation
    Inventors: Gary A. Mook, Kevin H. Negrotti, Hugh L. Smith, Norman F. Bessette, Kenneth Shown, Timothy Near, Raymond England
  • Patent number: 8658330
    Abstract: A composite seal having a multilayer elastomeric construction and method for constructing the same is provided. More specifically, the present invention provides a composite seal comprised of a low-durometer elastomer compliant layer coated with, or alternatively encapsulated by, a thin protective layer for securely sealing a bipolar plate and a membrane electrode assembly of a fuel cell. The elastomer compliant layer is preferably a silicone constituent and the thin coat protective layer is preferably a fluoroelastomer or fluoropolymer constituent suitable for bonding to the elastomer compliant layer. The foregoing layers constructing the composite seal are preferably deposited directly onto the aforementioned fuel cell components along a predetermined periphery. The resulting composite seal is thin in construction, resistive to undesired chemical and thermal reactions and provides the necessary compressive compliance without undue stress on the fuel cell assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Ames Rubber Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald W. Brush, John C. Basta, Crisanto F. del Rosario