Abstract: Notches 23e are filled with part of an elastic material that is injection-molded in a region containing the notches 23e, so that a plate member 23b is taken in by the notches 23e through the repulsive force of the elastic material. Thus, the plate member 23b is secured. Further, the elastic material filling the notches 23e enlarges the joined portion between the plate member 23b and the gasket 24b. Accordingly, the gasket 24b is firmly joined to the surface of the plate member 23b, and can be prevented from being lifted up from the plate member 23b. Thus, the plate member 23b is firmly secured to the separator main body 25.

Abstract: Even when a reaction gas flows into a gap formed between a gasket and a membrane electrode assembly, the flowing of the reaction gas to the outside without flowing through an electrode is prevented and thus a decrease in power generation efficiency is prevented. In order to allow the water vapor contained in the reaction gas that flows into an anode-side gap 10a formed between an anode-side gasket 9a and a membrane electrode assembly 5 to condense in at least a part of the gap 10a, and to allow the condensed water to fill the gap 10a, the upstream portion of a cooling fluid channel 8a of an anode-side separator 6a is formed such that it includes a region corresponding to the gap 10a, and the upstream portion is formed such that it includes a region corresponding to a middle stream portion and subsequent portion of a fuel gas channel 7a.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes: a cell pack including an anode layer, a cathode layer, and an electrolyte; a fuel tank separated from the cell pack, and having a hole; a fuel mixture unit connected to the cell pack; a fuel storage medium included in the fuel tank, and a part of which is exposed through the hole; and a fuel supplying path having a first end connected to the fuel mixture unit, and a second end connected to the fuel storage medium only when the fuel cell system operates. A mobile communication device includes the fuel cell system.

Abstract: A fuel cell component includes a first fluid distribution layer, a second fluid distribution layer, a cap layer, a third fluid distribution layer, and a pair of fluid diffusion medium layers. The individual layers are polymeric, mechanically integrated, and formed from a radiation-sensitive material. The first fluid distribution layer, the second fluid distribution layer, the cap layer, the third fluid distribution layer, and the pair of fluid diffusion medium layers are coated with an electrically conductive material. A pair of the fuel cell components may be arranged in a stack with a membrane electrode assembly therebetween to form a fuel cell.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell includes: a first electrode having a first side and a second side substantially parallel to the first side; a plurality of walls partitioning an interior of the first electrode into a plurality of flow channels extending through the first electrode, wherein a first wall of the walls extends from the first side to a center portion of the second side and a second wall of the walls extends from the first side to the center portion of the second side; a current collector adjacent a center portion of the first side or the center portion of the second side; a second electrode partially surrounding the first electrode; and an electrolyte between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a fluid tank used as a water controller system for fuel cells, wherein the fluid tank includes a housing defining an inner space for receiving a liquid-phase component and a gas-phase component, discharging carbon dioxide and air of the gas-phase component, and supplying the liquid-phase component into a fuel cell stack, and wherein the housing is constructed in a dual structure in which a hermetically-sealed type inner case is disposed inside a hermetically-sealed type outer case such that a space defined between the hermetically-sealed type cases is filled with water, the housing is provided on the outer case and the inner case at one side surface thereof with one or more gas and liquid separation membranes, respectively, and the housing is provided on the outer case and the inner case at the other side surface thereof with one or more gas and liquid separation membranes, respectively, whereby the gas-phase component passes through the water filled in the space defined between the inner

Abstract: Flow guides forming an inlet channel are formed on a surface of a metal separator of a fuel cell. The flow guides overlap a section of an outer seal provided on the other surface of the metal separator. When a load is applied to the flow guides and the overlapping section in a stacking direction of the fuel cell, the flow guides and the overlapping section are deformed substantially equally in the stacking direction to the same extent. The line pressure of the flow guides and the line pressure of the overlapping section are substantially the same. The seal length L1 of the flow guides and the seal length L2 of the overlapping section are substantially the same.

Abstract: A fuel cell with which deterioration of an anode electrode is able to be inhibited by an inexpensive means while generated carbon dioxide is removed, a fuel cell system including the same, and an electronic device including the same are provided. The fuel cell includes: a power generation section having an electrolyte between a cathode electrode and an anode electrode; an anode side platy member provided on the anode electrode side of the power generation section; a fuel vaporization chamber; a through hole that is formed in the anode platy member and gives passage between the anode electrode and the fuel vaporization chamber; a carbon dioxide exhaust section that guides carbon dioxide generated in the power generation section to each side face of the anode platy member or the fuel vaporization chamber; and a valve provided in the carbon dioxide exhaust section.

Abstract: In at least one of flow distribution areas 35 provided on a separator 15, plurality of first projections 46 formed in a region corresponding to a first section (parted regions 32a and 32c) of a center area (including parted regions 32a through 32c) having a relatively high flow rate of a first fluid (refrigerant) are designed to have a larger diameter of a cross section than plurality of first projections 46 formed in a region corresponding to a second section (parted region 32b) of the center area having a relatively low flow rate of the first fluid. This arrangement effectively attains a substantially uniform flow rate distribution of a fluid in a fluid flow path formed on a separator, which is configured to have concavo-convex structures formed in a mutually reversed relation on two opposed sides thereof.

Abstract: A temperature sensor detects the temperature of a coolant circulating in a coolant supply system of a fuel cell. A control unit monitors the temperature detected by the temperature sensor. When the temperature of the coolant is higher than a target temperature, the control section switches a rotary valve to a radiator-side flow path so that a radiator cools the coolant, and when the temperature of the coolant is lower than the target temperature, the control section switches the rotary valve to a bypass-side flow path to raise the temperature of the coolant through FC generation so that the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is equal to the target temperature. During the process above, in a low temperature environment, the target temperature is raised to a temperature that is higher than a target temperature during a normal operation, while a heater heats the coolant.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gasket for reducing stress concentration in a fuel cell stack, which prevents damage or deformation of a separator and further prevents a position shift of the gasket by reducing stress concentration formed at a specific region by deformation of the gasket due to a compression force. In particular, the gasket includes a T-shaped or cross-shaped gasket joint to form hydrogen, air and coolant manifolds, and the gasket joint has a structure in which two joint branches forming an angle of 180° in the opposite direction to each other are joined at one point with a particular angles which reduce stress concentration formed due to compression force by deformation of the gasket.

Abstract: Fluid control valves, such as a humidifying module bypass valve, an inlet shutoff valve, an outlet shutoff valve are opened and closed by the pressure of air flowing in a fluid flow path. The pressure of air flowing in the fluid flow path is regulated, based on a drive demand pressure emitted to drive the flow control valves, by the flow rate of air discharged from an air compressor, the degree of opening of a fuel cell bypass valve, the degree of opening of an air pressure regulation valve, etc. The drive demand pressure for driving a shutoff valve is set such that, for example, the greater the absolute value of the negative pressure inside the fuel cell stack, the higher the drive demand pressure, and the air pressure is controlled to be the drive demand pressure.

Abstract: According to the invention, a fuel cell system features a fuel cell (14) having a solid polymer electrolyte membrane (4), and an antioxidant residing in or contacting the solid polymer electrolyte membrane (4), for inactivating active oxygen.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a power generation portion. The power generation portion at least has a fuel electrode, an oxygen electrode, a solid polymer electrolyte membrane interposed therebetween, and a first opening member including an opening on the fuel electrode side. The fuel cell includes a fuel storage portion storing fuel and including a second opening member that includes an opening. The fuel cell includes a container portion provided on the power generation portion containing the fuel storage portion. The container portion is designed to contain the fuel storage portion such that the fuel storage portion is attachable to and detachable from the power generation portion, while the opening of the first opening member and the opening of the second opening member are positioned so as to be communicable with each other.

Abstract: Disclosed is a laminate for use in a fuel cell. The laminate includes at least two field plates and a bonding layer. Each of the flow field plates includes a plate and channels defined therein. The bonding layer is made in the form of an annular strip and sandwiched between the flow field plates, around the channels.

Abstract: Separators (5A, 5B, 6) and membrane-electrode assemblies (2) of a fuel cell stack (1) are alternately stacked in a guide box (40). The separators (5A, 5B, 6) each have groove-like gas paths (10A, 10B). Powder of an adhesive agent (7) is adhered in advance to the surfaces of the separators (5A, 5B, 6), except the gas paths (10A, 10B), through photosensitive drums (31A, 31B) to which the powder is adsorbed in a given pattern. The separators (5A, 5B, 6) and the membrane-electrode assemblies (2), stacked in the guide box (40), are heated and compressed by a press (43) and heaters (40C) to obtain a unitized fuel cell stack (1).

Abstract: In a fuel cell system, a humidifier is attached to an end plate. A pipe connector of a fluid pipe provided at the end plate such as an oxygen-containing gas inlet manifold and a pipe connector of a fluid pipe of the humidifier such as a humidified air supply pipe are connected through a substantially ring-shaped intermediate pipe. O-rings are attached to annular grooves in the outer circumferential portions of the intermediate pipe. One of the O-rings tightly contacts the inner circumferential surface of the pipe connector of the oxygen-containing gas inlet manifold, and the other of the O-rings tightly contacts the inner circumferential surface of the pipe connector of the humidified air supply pipe.

Abstract: A diffusion medium for use in a PEM fuel cell contains hydrophobic and hydrophilic areas for improved water management. A hydrophobic polymer such as a fluororesin is deposited on the paper to define the hydrophobic areas, and an electroconductive polymer such as polyaniline or polypyrrole is deposited on the papers defining the hydrophilic areas. In various embodiments, a matrix of hydrophobic and hydrophilic areas on the carbon fiber based diffusion media is created by electropolymerization of a hydrophilic polymer onto a diffusion medium which has been previously coated with a hydrophobic polymer such as a fluorocarbon polymer. When an aqueous solution containing monomers for electropolymerization is contacted with a fluorocarbon coated diffusion medium, the hydrophilic polymer will be preferentially deposited on areas of the carbon fiber based diffusion medium that are not covered by the fluorocarbons.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell system is configured to utilize an ionically conductive medium flowing through a plurality of electrochemical cells. One or more disperser chambers are provided to disrupt or minimize electrical current flowing between the electrochemical cells, such as between the cathode of one cell and the anode of a subsequent cell by dispersing the ionically conductive medium. Air is introduced into the disperser chamber to prevent the formation of foamed ionically conductive medium, which may reconnect the dispersed ionically conductive medium, allowing the current to again flow therethrough.

Abstract: A gasket formed of compressible material and having a first sealing surface and a second sealing surface for providing a fluid seal between a first component and a second component, a plurality of cavities provided within the gasket proximate the first and/or second sealing surfaces and extending over at least a first portion of the gasket to provide increased compressibility of the gasket in the first portion.

Abstract: To mitigate bubble blockage in water passageways (78, 85), in or near reactant gas flow field plates (74, 81) of fuel cells (38), passageways are configured with (a) intersecting polygons, obtuse angles including triangles, trapezoids, or (b) hydrophobic surfaces (111), or (c) differing adjacent channels (127, 128), or (d) water permeable layers (93, 115, 116, 119) adjacent to water channels or hydrophobic/hydrophilic layers (114, 120).

Abstract: A fuel cell including a power generating body including an electrolyte layer and electrode layers, diffusion layers disposed on opposite major surfaces of the power generating body, separators disposed on major surfaces of the diffusion layers opposite to those facing the power generating body, a first seal formed around the periphery of the power generating body and including an effective seal portion that suppresses leakage of the gas to the outside of the fuel cell between the separators, and a second seal formed integrally with at least one of the diffusion layers to extend along an end face of the diffusion layer. The second seal is in intimate contact with a surface of the power generating body on which the diffusion layer is laminated and a surface of a corresponding one of the separators that is laminated on the diffusion layer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transporting accumulated water in a fuel cell system are disclosed. Briefly described, in one aspect, a system comprises a fuel cell flow field plate with at least one channel disposed on a surface of the fuel cell flow field plate, and at least one water management fin residing on a wall of the channel such that when the accumulated water is transported along the channel the water management fin guides the accumulated water.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fuel cell system with various features for optimal operations of an electronic device, a battery charger or a fuel refilling device. The fuel cell system includes an information storage device associated with the fuel supply, pump and/or refitting device. The information storage device can be any electronic storage device including, but not limited to, an EEPROM or a PLA. The information storage device can include encrypted information. The information storage device can include software code for confirming the identification of the cartridge before operation of the electronic device and/or refilling device. The information storage device can include instructions for a hot swap operation to shut down property when the fuel supply is ejected while the electronic device is in operation. The present invention is also directed to system architecture for a fuel cell system that utilizes information storage devices.

Abstract: A fuel cell housing structure includes a fuel cell, an electrically insulated housing, a vent gas intake port and a vent gas exhaust port. The electrically insulated housing contains the fuel cell. The housing is arranged to provide a space within the housing surrounding the fuel cell. At least one of the vent gas intake port and the vent gas exhaust port is fluidly connected to the space at a position above or on the same level as the fuel cell. The at least one of the vent gas intake port and the vent gas exhaust port forms at least one of: vertically extending opening that opens to the external environment, and an opening that faces the space in a direction other than a direction facing the fuel cell.

Abstract: A fuel gas inlet, a fuel gas outlet, an oxygen-containing gas inlet, an oxygen-containing gas outlet, and other components, which are disposed at upper and lower portions at both ends in the lateral direction, are provided in a first fuel cell stack. A plurality of cooling medium inlets, a plurality of cooling medium outlets, and other components are provided at lower portions on the long side and at upper portions on the long side respectively. A cooling medium flows from the lower portions to the upper portions through cooling medium flow passages to cool the power generation surface smoothly and reliably.

Abstract: In at least one of flow distribution areas 35 provided on a separator 15, plurality of first projections 46 formed in a region corresponding to a first section (parted regions 32a and 32c) of a center area (including parted regions 32a through 32c) having a relatively high flow rate of a first fluid (refrigerant) are designed to have a larger diameter of a cross section than plurality of first projections 46 formed in a region corresponding to a second section (parted region 32b) of the center area having a relatively low flow rate of the first fluid. This arrangement effectively attains a substantially uniform flow rate distribution of a fluid in a fluid flow path formed on a separator, which is configured to have concavo-convex structures formed in a mutually reversed relation on two opposed sides thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an end plate for a fuel cell stack, containing at least one channel (7) for the supply and/or removal of at least one reactant and/or a reaction product and/or a coolant, wherein at least a part at least of one pump (8) for delivering the reactants and/or reaction products and/or coolant and which is arranged in the course of the respective channel (7) is integrated into the end plate. The invention further relates to a fuel cell stack which contains such an end-plate.

Abstract: A fuel cell has an anode, a cathode, and a proton-exchange membrane disposed between the anode and cathode. An exhaust anode gas exhausted from an outlet of the anode is directed back to an inlet of the anode. Hydrogen is added to the exhaust anode gas before the exhaust anode gas reaches the inlet.

Abstract: A fluid distribution element is provided for a fuel cell having a major surface facing a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and one or more flow channels for transporting gas and liquid to and from the MEA. One or more regions of the major surface are overlaid with a super-hydrophilic corrosion-resistant layer comprising a fluoropolymer. Methods of making such a fluid distribution element are also provided.

Abstract: A flow field plate for use in a fuel cell includes a non-porous plate body having a flow field that extends between first and second ends of the non-porous plate body. The flow field includes a plurality of channels having channel inlets and channel outlets, a fluid inlet portion that diverges from the first end to the channel inlets, and a fluid outlet portion that converges from the channel outlets to the second end. A fuel cell including the flow field plate includes an electrode assembly having an electrolyte between an anode catalyst and a cathode catalyst. The flow field of the flow field plate is side by side with the electrode assembly. A method of processing a flow field plate includes forming the flow field in a non-porous plate body.

Abstract: Provided is a gas diffusion layer for a fuel cell, wherein a reactive gas passage groove for distributing a reactive gas is formed in one principal surface of the gas diffusion layer, and a reinforcing member is provided along the reactive gas passage grooves. Thus, the deformation of the gas diffusion layer due to a fastening pressure can be suppressed to improve the power generation performance.

Abstract: A direct liquid feed fuel cell system includes fuel cells including an electrolyte membrane, a plurality of cathode electrodes formed on a first surface of the electrolyte membrane, and anode electrodes formed on a second part of the electrolyte membrane; and a high concentration fuel storage unit and a low concentration fuel storage unit which are separated from each other and store a liquid fuel to be supplied to the fuel cell. The liquid fuel in the low concentration fuel storage unit is supplied to the anode electrodes wherein the liquid fuel in the low concentration fuel storage unit is supplied to the anode electrodes when pressure is applied to the low concentration fuel storage unit, such as when the direct liquid feed fuel cell system having the low concentration fuel storage unit is mounted on an electronic device.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly comprising two electrode separated by a polymer electrolyte membrane wherein the surfaces of the membrane are in contact with the electrodes so that the first electrode partially or totally covers the front of the membrane and the second electrode partially or totally covers the back of the membrane; two gasket layers wherein the first gasket layer partially covers the front of the membrane and/or the first electrode and the second gasket layer partially covers the back of the membrane and/or the second electrode the assembly also comprises a second gasket material on the front of the first gasket layer and on the back of the second gasket layer; each of the gasket layers comprises at least one recess; the second gasket material on the front of the first gasket layer is in contact with the second gasket material on the back of the second gasket layer.

Abstract: A fuel cell system capable of reliably and rapidly discharging liquid in a fuel cell stack to the outside is provided. In a fuel cell system having a discharge path (76) that allows discharge of at least liquid in a fuel cell stack (20), at the time of actuation of the fuel cell stack (20), reaction gas is supplied to the fuel cell stack (20) at a higher speed or in a greater amount than during normal operation of the fuel cell stack (20). By supplying the reaction gas at a high speed or in a great amount before actuation, residual liquid in the fuel cell stack (20) can be blown off and thus reliably and rapidly discharged to the outside. The residual liquid can be discharged more easily when a volume (30) is provided in the discharge path (76) or the pressure inside the fuel cell stack (20) is set to a negative level at the time of actuation thereof.

Abstract: A fuel cell device includes a housing containing a fuel processor that generates fuel gas and a fuel cell having electrodes forming an anode and cathode, and an ion exchange electrolyte positioned between the electrodes. The housing can be formed as first and second cylindrically configured outer shell sections that form a battery cell that is configured similar to a commercially available battery cell. A thermal-capillary pump can be operative with the electrodes and an ion exchange electrolyte, and operatively connected to the fuel processor. The electrodes are configured such that heat generated between the electrodes forces water to any cooler edges of the electrodes and is pumped by capillary action back to the fuel processor to supply water for producing hydrogen gas. The electrodes can be formed on a silicon substrate that includes a flow divider with at least one fuel gas input channel that can be controlled by a MEMS valve.

Abstract: A fuel cell device includes a housing containing a fuel processor that generates fuel gas and a fuel cell having electrodes forming an anode and cathode, and an ion exchange electrolyte positioned between the electrodes. The housing can be formed as first and second cylindrically configured outer shell sections that form a battery cell that is configured similar to a commercially available battery cell. A thermal-capillary pump can be operative with the electrodes and an ion exchange electrolyte, and operatively connected to the fuel processor. The electrodes are configured such that heat generated between the electrodes forces water to any cooler edges of the electrodes and is pumped by capillary action back to the fuel processor to supply water for producing hydrogen gas. The electrodes can be formed on a silicon substrate that includes a flow divider with at least one fuel gas input channel that can be controlled by a MEMS valve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to high-temperature solid oxide fuel cells, in particular to rotationally symmetrical high-temperature solid oxide fuel cells. The inventive oxide-ceramic high-temperature fuel cell having one or more gas channel(s) open at at least one end. The fuel cell has a substrate surrounding the gas channel(s) at least sectionally, preferably completely. The gas channel(s) and/or the substrate surrounding the gas channel(s) has/have (a) changing cross-sections(s), preferably (a) conically tapering cross-section(s), seen in the direction of the longitudinal axis/axes of the gas channel(s).

Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes a box-shaped casing and a stack body in the box-shaped casing. The stack body is formed by stacking a plurality of unit cells. The casing includes end plates, a plurality of side plates, angle members, and coupling pins. The angle members couple adjacent ends of the side plates. The coupling pins couple the end plates and the side plates.

Abstract: A surface on the fuel electrode side of a lower portion of a separator in a fuel cell stack is made to have water repellency, so that water accumulated in a fuel gas flow path can be appropriately discharged, and thus so that reduction in fuel cell performance and deterioration of the fuel electrode can be surely prevented. For that purpose, in a fuel cell device, a fuel cell having an electrolyte layer interposed between the fuel electrode and an oxygen electrode includes a cell module laminated so as to interpose a separator formed with the fuel gas flow path along the fuel electrode, and a fuel gas flows substantially perpendicularly to the direction of gravity in the fuel gas flow path. The separator is provided with a water-repellent surface on the fuel electrode side of a lower portion thereof.

Abstract: A fluid pump and connector assembly is particularly suited for use in connecting a fuel cartridge to a fuel cell system. The assembly has a first sub-assembly comprising a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a flexible diaphragm in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet, and a first connector. The assembly also has a second sub-assembly comprising a second connector adapted to connect to the first connector, an actuator and a reciprocating member coupled to the actuator and contacting the diaphragm when the first and second sub-assemblies are connected, wherein a reciprocating motion of the actuator and member causes the diaphragm to reciprocate and pump fluid from the inlet to the outlet without exposing the fluid to the second sub-assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a separating plate of solid oxide fuel cell stack. The separating plate of solid oxide fuel cell stack includes a substrate, upper and lower micro channel plates and upper and lower sealing guides. The substrate includes a fuel inflow/outflow manifold and an air inflow/outflow manifold disposed opposing to each other in a diagonal direction, a fuel channel having a pair of horizontal channels and an inclined channel connecting ends of the horizontal channels so as to connect the fuel inflow/outflow manifold, and an air channel having a pair of vertical channels and an inclined channel connecting ends of the vertical channels so as to connect the air inflow/outflow manifold. The upper and lower micro channel plates are attached to upper and lower parts of the substrate and includes a plurality of micro channels so as to distribute uniformly fuel flowing in the fuel channel and air flowing in the air channel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a separator for a solid polymer type fuel cell superior in low contact resistance of the fuel cell separator surface with carbon paper and flatness and a method of production of the same, that is, a separator for a solid polymer type fuel cell comprising a substrate of stainless steel or titanium or a titanium alloy having a surface layer part on which conductive compound particles are fixed, wherein said conductive compound particles are comprised of one or more types of metal borides, metal carbides, and metal nitrides with an average particle size of 0.

Abstract: A fibrous sheet for fuel cell or battery applications is formed by electrospinning a fluorinated ion-conducting polymer solution to form an agglomeration of fibers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel cell system and method comprising a reformer with a thermal starting device, at least one gas processing stage downstream of the reformer, at least one fuel cell disposed downstream of the gas processing stage and a plurality of bipolar plates, the fuel cell having an inner region of a reaction with anode, cathode and electrolyte, and an outer region with at least one cooling channel permitting a coolant to flow through the cooling channel, wherein the outer region is not in fluid connection with the inner region. Upstream of the fuel cell, the fuel cell system has a switching device, which is switchable between a start-up position and an operating position, wherein in the operating position the product gases from the reformer and/or the thermal starting device are guided to the inner region of the fuel cell.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell body that generates electricity through electrochemical reaction of a first reactive gas and a second reactive gas, a first gas supply passage and a second gas supply passage supplying the first reactive gas and the second reactive gas to the fuel cell body, a first gas discharge passage and a second gas discharge passage discharging an off-gas of the first reactive gas and an off-gas of the second reactive gas from the fuel cell body, and a branch passage branching out from one of the first gas discharge passage or the second gas discharge passage. The off-gas discharged by the other one of the first gas discharge passage or the second gas discharge passage is arranged to flow through the branch passage.

Abstract: A system for delivering a supply fluid stream to a fuel cell stack that discharges an unused fluid stream is provided. A fuel supply is adapted to provide a pressurized supply fluid stream. An expander is in fluid communication with the fuel supply and is configured to receive the pressurized supply fluid stream to reduce the pressure of the pressurized supply fluid stream and to generate mechanical energy in response to reducing the pressure of the pressurized supply fluid stream. An electric machine is operably coupled to the expander and for selectively converting the mechanical energy generated by the expander into electrical energy. A compressor/blower is capable of being driven by at least one of the mechanical energy and the electrical energy to control the flow of the unused fluid stream to the fuel cell stack for recirculating the unused fluid stream back to the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: An air supply system for a fuel cell and a fuel supply system with the same include a housing having an inlet hole and an outlet hole for respectively allowing inward and outward flow of a fluid; an air pump inserted and installed into the housing and having an inlet tube into which the fluid flows and an outlet tube through which the fluid flows out; a filtering portion installed between the inlet hole and the outlet hole within the housing and filtering particulate contaminants and chemical contaminants in the fluid; and a soundproofing member installed between the outlet tube and the outlet hole within the housing.

Abstract: A solid polymer fuel cell includes a solid polymer electrolytic membrane 1, an anode 2 contacting one of the faces of the solid polymer electrolytic membrane 1, a cathode 3 contacting the other face of the solid polymer electrolytic membrane 1, and a gas-liquid separation membrane 4 enclosing a MEA 12 including the solid polymer electrolytic membrane 4, the anode 2, and the cathode 3, and which transmits gas but not liquid. An end face of the gas-liquid separation membrane 1 is sealed, and the MEA 12 is isolated from outside of the gas-liquid separation membrane 4. The anode 2 and the cathode 3 respectively include an electrode terminal extending from an end portion thereof, and the electrode terminal is exposed to outside of the gas-liquid separation membrane 4, through an end portion thereof.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a self-humidifying electrically conducting composite material for the manufacture of a fuel cell.