Abstract: A fuel cell stack in accordance with the invention has a cell laminate obtained by stacking multiple plates with at least one of functions of a power generation assembly and a separator, and a pair of end plates located outside and on both ends of the cell laminate in a stacking direction. The fuel cell stack further includes a displacement preventing member extended along the stacking direction of the cell laminate and fastened to the pair of end plates, and a deformable intermediate material located between the cell laminate and the displacement preventing member over an area of two or more plates among the multiple plates. At least either one of the two or more plates and the displacement preventing member is designed to have a concavo-convex shape formed at least partially on a face in contact with the intermediate material.

Abstract: In an MEA member constituted by a polymer electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) and a frame and in a polymer electrolyte fuel cell including this MEA member, the MEA and the frame can be easily separated from each other without using any special tool. An MEA member 7 includes an MEA 5 and a plate-shaped resin frame 6, and a separating portion for separating the MEA 5 from the frame 6 is formed in the MEA member 7. The MEA 5 includes a polymer electrolyte membrane 2 and a pair of electrodes 3 and 4 respectively disposed on both main surfaces of the polymer electrolyte membrane 2. The frame 6 sandwiches and holds a peripheral portion of main surfaces of the MEA 5 such that the MEA 5 is located inside the frame. The separating portion is a broken-line cutoff line 50 formed on the frame 6 to divide the frame 6 into two or more parts or a partial sandwiching portion 55 located at an inner peripheral portion of the frame 6 to partially sandwich the peripheral portion of the MEA 5.

Abstract: According to an aspect, a mobile electronic device includes: a first housing; a second housing; a hinge portion for coupling the first housing and the second housing; and a fuel cell that is mounted to at least either one of the first housing and the second housing, and that uses liquid fuel. The hinge portion has formed thereon a fuel injection port from which the liquid fuel used in the fuel cell can be externally injected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a seal (10) inserted between two elements (4?, 6) having different coefficients of thermal expansion, said seal comprising: a first and a second metallic contact portion (16a, 16b) spaced along an axial stacking direction (8) orthogonal with respect to a radial direction (20); tight connection means (14) between the portions (16a, 16b), allowing a relative movement between same along a radial direction; and a first and a second sliding part (24a, 24b) respectively coupled in translation along the radial direction with the portions (16a, 16b), and stacked so as to be able to slide in relation to each other along the radial direction.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack, a fluid unit, and a load applying mechanism. The fluid unit includes a heat exchanger and a reformer provided on one side of the fuel cell stack, and the load applying mechanism is provided on the other side of the fuel cell stack. The load applying mechanism includes first and second tightening units for applying different loads to desired regions of the fuel cell stack in the stacking direction.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes a load receiver provided at an outer end of a fuel cell unit, a guide receiver provided in a box, and a pressure receiver provided in at least one corner in the box. The guide receiver abuts against the load receiver for receiving the external load. The pressure receiver protrudes toward the fuel cell unit. The pressure receiver abuts against a corner of the fuel cell unit for receiving the load. The pressure receiver has a resin receiver, and the resin receiver abuts against a curved portion of the fuel cell unit for supporting the fuel cell unit.

Abstract: A coolant inlet manifold for coolant supply passages is attached to an end plate of a fuel cell stack. Pillars are provided on at least one end of the coolant inlet manifold in a longitudinal direction thereof. The pillars are fitted into through holes formed in the end plate, and are connected to a manifold body and to a connector.

Abstract: A fuel cell system is provided which includes a mounting system for a manifold having a mounting plate. The fuel cell system also includes a fuel cell stack with a first end and a second end. The first end of the fuel cell stack includes at least one port in communication with the manifold. A clamping system is disposed on the second end of the fuel cell stack and is operable to engage the mounting plate of the manifold to couple the manifold to the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack, a fluid unit, a load applying mechanism, and a casing. The casing contains the fuel cell stack, the fluid unit, and the load applying mechanism. A heat insulating member is provided between the fuel cell stack and the load applying mechanism. The heat insulating member limits heat transmission from the fuel cell stack to the load applying mechanism. The load applying mechanism includes metal springs for applying a load to the fuel cell stack in a stacking direction of the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A fuel cell air exchanger is provided. The fuel cell air exchanger includes a platform having at least one throughput opening and at least one holding post, where the holding post fixedly holds a fuel cell offset from the platform and proximal to the opening, where the opening can have many shapes. The fuel cell air exchanger provides an unimpeded air exchange through the openings to the fuel cell and can be flexible, semi-flexible or rigid. The fuel cell air exchanger can hold an array of fuel cells and fuel cell electronics. A chimney feature provides enhanced airflow when the air exchanger is disposed in a vertical position.

Abstract: Solid oxide fuel cells each include a circular cell plate holding single cells as a solid oxide fuel cells and having a gas introducing opening and a gas exhausting opening in a central section. A circular separator plate has a gas introducing opening and a gas exhausting opening in a central section. Sealing members allow the gas intruding openings of the cell plate and the separator plate to airtightly communicate with each other and allow the gas exhausting openings of the cell plate and the separator plate to airtightly communicate with each other.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly and first and second metal plates sandwiching the membrane electrode assembly. The first metal plate has positioning ribs for positioning the outer region of the membrane electrode assembly. The first and second metal plates are positioned in alignment with each other by the first and second insulating bushings attached to first and second positioning holes of the first and second metal plates. Further, the first and second metal plates sandwiching the membrane electrode assembly are fastened together by a plurality of metal clip members.

Abstract: Provided is a visualization apparatus for a transparent PEMFC using a transparent window having conditions approximating a real PEMFC. More specifically, the present invention improves a fixing frame in consideration of the distribution of pressure applied by the fixing frame, such that the visualization apparatus for a transparent PEMFC has operating conditions approximating the real PEMFC.

Abstract: A laminating apparatus for laminating a separator, a membrane electrode structure member and another separator on top of each other includes a placement base which places the separator on the placement base, a first clamp which holds a portion of the upper surface of the separator placed on the placement base, first moving means which superimpose the membrane electrode structure member on the upper surface of the separator placed on the placement base, a second clamp which holds a portion of the upper surface of the thus superimposed membrane electrode structure member, second moving means which superimpose the separator on the upper surfaces of the membrane electrode structure member and second clamp, a pressing member which presses the separator in the central portion thereof to deform the separator elastically to thereby bring the separator into contact with the membrane electrode structure member, and pull-out means which pull out the second clamp from between the membrane electrode structure member and s

Abstract: A fuel cell, which employs power generation units that have an electrolyte membrane and electrodes respectively disposed to either side of the electrolyte membrane, comprises a stack that includes a stacked plurality of the power generation units, a clamping member, and a shear elastic member. The clamping member is used for clamping the stack in the stacking direction. The shear elastic member is interposed between the clamping member and an end face of the stack in the stacking direction, and elastically deform in a shearing direction which lies orthogonal to the stacking direction.

Abstract: The tightening clamps are multifunctional and ensure the transmission of the electric current generated by the fuel cell stack, the insulation of the different ducts and passage openings of the operation fluid of the fuel cell stack, and the tightening of the stack itself. Each clamp comprises a single part, the upper surface and the side surfaces of which, except for the conductors, are coated with an insulating material. Similarly, the supply and discharge openings (23) are also insulated. However, the tightening surface (29) is at least coated with a conductive deposit on a predetermined area corresponding to the conducting areas of the upper surface of the end of the stack. The invention can be used in PEM (“Proton Exchange Membrane”) fuel cells.

Abstract: A proton exchange membrane fuel cell comprises a membrane formed from a fluorocarbon ionic polymer material capable of being bonded to an acrylic, preferably a polymethylmethacrylate polymer, and at least one desirably electrically conductive plate bonded to an area of a face of the membrane via an acrylic plastic material. The bond may be accomplished by positioning a layer of the acrylic plastic material between a surface of the plate and an area of a face of the membrane. Alternatively, the plate may be constructed of the acrylic plastic material and a surface thereof may be bonded directly to an area of a face of the membrane.

Abstract: A compression retention system for a fuel cell system is provided. The compression retention system includes a first end unit and a second end unit configured to hold a fuel cell stack therebetween. A spring configured to apply a compressive force to the fuel cell stack is disposed between a first spring plate and a second spring plate. The first spring plate has an aperture formed therein. The compression retention system further includes a pair of sheets coupled to the first spring plate and the first end unit, and a spring strut disposed through the aperture of the first spring plate and coupled to the second spring plate and to the second end unit. A fuel cell system and method for assembling the fuel cell system with the compression retention system are also provided.

Abstract: The durability of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell is very significantly improved by using a tightening pressure of about 2 to 4 kgf/cm2 of area of electrode; or a tightening pressure of about 4 to 8 kgf/cm2 of contact area between electrode and separator plate; or by selecting a value not exceeding about 1.5 mS/cm2 for the short-circuit conductivity attributed to the DC resistance component in each unit cell; or by selecting a value not exceeding about 3 mA/cm2 for the hydrogen leak current per area of electrode of each MEA. Further, in a method of manufacturing or an inspection method for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell stack, fuel cells having high durability can be efficiently manufactured by removing such MEAs or unit cells using such MEAs or such cell stacks having short-circuit conductivity values and/or hydrogen leak current values exceeding predetermined values, respectively.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack having an improved sealing structure of a cooling plate in which the cooling plates therein each have a coolant flow channel through which a coolant flows to remove heat from the fuel cell stack and a groove that surrounds the coolant flow channel, and a sealing member disposed in the groove to prevent coolant leakage. The sealing member has a compression rate of 18 to 30%, as the compression rate being ((a thickness of the sealing member?a height of the groove)/the thickness of the sealing member)×100. Such a fuel cell stack may maintain operation for a long time without the need of supplementing the coolant.

Abstract: A cell voltage measurer of a fuel cell stack and a fuel cell system using the same, the cell voltage measurer including a plurality of terminals electrically connected to a plurality of separators of the stack, respectively; and a plurality of wiring lines coupled to at least one of a plurality of fastening mechanisms and electrically connected to the plurality of terminals, respectively. With this configuration, at least one of the wiring lines is blocked or prevented from being short-circuited by heat generated in the fuel cell stack, and has a sample structure to ease an wiring operation. Since the cell voltage of the fuel cell stack is stably measured to thereby measure (or check) the deterioration of a certain cell (or cell unit), the fuel cell stack is blocked or prevented from being suddenly stopped due to excess deterioration of the certain cell (or cell unit).

Abstract: The present invention relates to and provides a fuel cell in which sealing can be reliably made for each unit cell, thereby, enabling thinning, facilitating maintenance, and enabling miniaturization and weight reduction, and enabling free shape design. A fuel cell of the present invention is characterized by comprising a sheet-like solid polymer electrolyte 1 and a pair of electrode plates 2, 3 arranged on both sides of the solid polymer electrolyte 1, and further comprising a pair of metallic plates 4, 5 arranged on both sides of the electrode plates 2, 3, and provided flow path grooves 9, and inlets 4c, 5c and outlets communicating with the flow path grooves, wherein the peripheral edges of the metallic plates 4, 5 are mechanically sealed with an insulation material 6 interposed between the metallic plates.

Abstract: A fuel cell system module (10) for use in an aircraft (32) comprises at least one fuel cell system component (12, 22, 24). The fuel cell system module (10) is connectable modularly to a fuselage section (30) of the aircraft (32). A housing element (16, 26) of the fuel cell system module (10) is designed to form a section of an outer skin (34) of the aircraft (32) when the fuel cell system module (10) is in the state connected to the fuselage section (30) of the aircraft (32).

Abstract: A bipolar plate for electro-chemical applications is proposed, comprising a first cover layer of a metallic material, a second cover layer of a metallic material, and a supporting layer of a metallic material which is arranged between the first cover layer and the second cover layer and is connected to the first cover layer and the second cover layer, wherein the supporting layer comprises at least one row of contact areas for the first cover layer and/or the second cover layer and free spaces are formed between neighboring contact areas, wherein at least one passage opening is provided for conveying fuel and/or oxidizer, and wherein an insert element by means of which point forces are introducible over an area is arranged between the first cover layer and the second cover layer in the region of the at least one passage opening.

Abstract: A spring module is mounted to a fuel cell stack. The spring module includes a first member and a second member capable of inclining relative to each other and moving in a direction toward and away from each other, and a plurality of springs independent of each other and disposed in parallel with each other between the first and second members. The spring module is disposed between an end plate and the pile of fuel cells. The first member includes a first casing, and the second member includes a second casing, whereby the sparing module includes a casing assembly housing the springs. The bottom surface of the casings is deformable to be wavy. The spring module may include a shock absorber. The plurality of springs may include a coil spring and a sponge of a low-resilience type.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable electrical energy generator, its components, and manufacture of the components and generator. The generator includes a bi-polar plate stack, which is well suited for use in a fuel cell. The stack may include at least one spacer that limits compression of a membrane electrode assembly in the fuel cell. The stack may also include a polymer binder that holds the stack together and/or maintains a compression force on the membrane electrode assembly. An open cathode manifold may also provided to ease oxygen movement. High throughput and low cost manufacture of bi-polar plates is also described herein.

Abstract: A fuel cell system is provided including a fuel cell stack having a first end and second end; an upper end unit adjacent the first end of the fuel cell stack; a lower end unit adjacent the second end of the fuel cell stack; and a compression retention system disposed external to the fuel cell stack. The compression retention system includes at least one restraining member extending from the upper end unit to the lower end unit, fastening means disposed at opposite ends of the at least one restraining member, and compressive means interposed between at least one of the fastening means and the end units; wherein the fastening means and the compressive means urge the upper end unit toward the lower end unit, thereby applying compressive force to the fuel cell stack. Also provided is a method for assembling the fuel cell system.

Abstract: Multi-layer seals are provided that find advantageous use for reducing leakage of gases between adjacent components of electrochemical devices. Multi-layer seals of the invention include a gasket body defining first and second opposing surfaces and a compliant interlayer positioned adjacent each of the first and second surfaces. Also provided are methods for making and using the multi-layer seals, and electrochemical devices including said seals.

Abstract: A clamping device includes an oblique device and a unidirectional load control plate disposed on the outside of the fuel cell stack, not on the inside of the fuel cell stack. The device can automatically compensating the surface pressure in the fuel cell stack to be maintained constant, and provide a large clamping load with a small force using the load of the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: The inventive end plate comprises pressure shield (21) and a supporting plate (30), whereby the forces, which serve to compress the stack (1) of fuel cells (2) and which are introduced via the force introduction locations (24), are introduced into the stack in the form of a compressive load in a defined and uniform manner.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes a stack body formed by stacking a plurality of unit cells in a horizontal direction. The stack body is held in a casing including end plates. Further, the casing includes a plurality of side plates provided on sides of the stack body. The end plates and the side plates are coupled by coupling pins. Each of the side plates has a plurality of separate second coupling portions, and the coupling pins are inserted into the coupling portions.

Abstract: A housing case that houses a fuel cell is provided with mounts for fixing two ends of a lower surface of an end plate that retains stacked unit cells of the fuel cell, and a mount for fixing a central portion of a lower surface of another end plate. Using these three mounts, the fuel cell is fixed to the housing case.