Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack, a cathode supply flow passage which is connected to the fuel cell stack and through which cathode gas flows, a cathode off-gas flow passage which is connected to the fuel cell stack and discharges cathode off-gas, a bypass flow passage which is branched off from the cathode supply flow passage and through which a part of the cathode gas flows while bypassing the fuel cell stack, a bypass valve configured to regulate a bypass flow rate in the bypass flow passage and include an atmosphere communication hole, and an anode off-gas flow passage which is connected to the fuel cell stack and discharges anode off-gas. The anode off-gas flow passage joins the bypass flow passage at a side downstream of the cathode off-gas flow passage or the bypass valve, and the bypass valve is formed with a clearance configured to leak a predetermined quantity of gas even in a fully closed state.

Abstract: An electromagnetic main stop valve which is opened by an electromagnetic force of a solenoid with energization of a valve body in a valve-closing direction by energizing unit is provided in a hydrogen tank. A current sensor and the accelerator opening-degree sensor for detecting a use gas flow rate in a fuel cell stack are provided. A pressure sensor for detecting a pressure in the hydrogen tank is provided. The control device sequentially sets the electromagnetic force of the solenoid so that a valve-opening amount is such an amount as to supply a use gas flow rate to the fuel cell stack based on detection values of the current sensor or the accelerator opening-degree sensor, and the pressure sensor. When the flow rate of hydrogen gas flowing into a gas supply path increases due to a hydrogen gas leak, the main stop valve is automatically closed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a redox flow secondary battery. The redox flow secondary battery of the present invention comprises a unit cell including a pair of electrodes made of a porous metal, wherein the surface of the porous metal is coated with carbon. According to the present invention, a redox flow secondary battery using porous metal electrodes uniformly coated with carbon is provided, thus improving conductivity of the electrodes, and the electrodes have surfaces uniformly coated with a carbon layer having a wide specific surface area, thus improving reactivity. As a result, capacity of the redox flow secondary battery and energy efficiency can be improved and resistance of a cell can be effectively reduced. Further, the electrodes are uniformly coated with a carbon layer, thus also improving corrosion resistance.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing an amount of unwanted living organisms within an algae cultivation fluid are provided herein. According to some embodiments, methods may include subjecting the algae cultivation fluid to an amount of cavitation, the amount of cavitation being defined by a pressure differential between a downstream pressure and a vapor pressure, the pressure differential divided by half of a product of a fluid density multiplied by a square of a velocity of an apparatus throat.

Abstract: A pump has a shaft, an impeller arranged on the shaft, and a labyrinth seal which is arranged between stationary and moving parts of the pump. A plurality of blades are arranged on the rotor and a labyrinth seal extends at least between the shaft and a rear portion of the blades. A gap in the labyrinth seal is designed such that liquid water can be actively carried away, with the labyrinth seal for this purpose being designed at least in places with a channel in the form of a spiral and/or a staircase. The invention also relates to a fuel cell system having such a pump.

Abstract: Fuel cell components provide fuel cells on a flexible sheet that defines a wall of a flexible plenum. An external support structure limits expansion of the plenum in response to forces exerted by a pressurized reactant. The external support structure may comprise a portion of a housing of a portable device. Cathodes of the fuel cells may be accessible from an outside of the flexible sheet and exposed to ambient air while anodes of the fuel cell are accessible from an inside of the flexible sheet and exposed to a fuel, such as hydrogen gas.

Abstract: A redox flow battery is illustrated and described, having at least one cell frame enclosing a cell interior and having at least one supply line provided outside the cell frame for supplying electrolyte to the cell interior and/or at least one disposal line provided outside the cell frames for removing electrolyte from the cell interior. In order to provide greater degrees of freedom in the design of the cell so as to make available redox flow batteries with improved properties, it is envisaged that the supply line for supplying electrolyte to the cell interior and/or the disposal line for removing electrolyte from the cell interior is in fluid contact with the cell interior via a plurality of separate flow channels in the cell frame.

Abstract: A fuel reservoir for dispensing liquid fuel with a dispensing appliance includes a container having an opening, a liquid fuel in the container, a needle-pierceable septum disposed across the opening of the container, and a locking surface disposed on an exterior surface of the container and configured to engage a locking mechanism of a dispensing appliance.

Abstract: A shut-off valve or connecting valve capable of connecting a fuel supply to a fuel cell is disclosed. The valve comprises a first valve component and a second valve component. Each valve component has an outer housing and a biased slidable member disposed inside the housing forming an internal seal. During the connection process, the two valve components establish an inter-component seal. Afterward, in one suitable embodiment the slidable member moves inward and opens the internal seal in the valve component to establish a flow path. In another embodiment, the slidable member moves inward and exposes a first filler and the first filler abuts a second filler in the other valve component to establish a flow path. In other embodiments, at least one valve component is sized and dimensioned to limit access to the internal seal.

Abstract: A repeating unit (10) for a fuel cell stack comprises a gas conducting region (8) for conducting a first gas (12) to and along an active surface (14). A barrier (16) is located in the gas conducting region. The gas conducting region comprises, at least over the active surface, a plurality of channels (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34) for conducting the first gas along the active surface. At least a first channel (26) among the plurality of channels defines a first flow direction at a first point (46) located closest to the barrier and a second flow direction at a second point (48), wherein a first straight line (50) which extends through the first point (46) and is parallel to the first flow direction misses the barrier (16) while a second straight line (52) which extends through the second point (48) and is parallel to the second flow direction intersects the barrier. The barrier (16) can he located upstream or downstream of the active surface (14).

Abstract: A fuel cell with a recovering unit and a method of driving the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the fuel cell includes i) an electric generator to generate electricity based on electrochemical reaction, ii) a recovering unit to recover and mix the fuel, unreacted fuel, and gas and water produced by the electrochemical reaction, and supply the mixed fuel to the electric generator, wherein the recovering unit comprises a valve, configured to discharge gas, which is selectively opened and closed depending on the operation of the fuel cell. With this configuration, the gas or the fuel is not introduced into the electric generator, even though the recovering unit is inclined or turned over. Further, even though the fuel cell is not in use for a long time, the mixed fuel is prevented from evaporating through the discharging pipe.

Abstract: A device for cooling and dehumidifying gases includes a first hollow body with a gas inlet, a gas outlet and a condensate drain; a second hollow body with a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet; and a drive unit. The first hollow body encloses the second hollow body at least in part. One of the first hollow body and the second hollow body is pivotally held relative to the other hollow body and includes at least one turbulence-generating body that extends in the direction of the other hollow body. For rotating the pivotally held hollow body the drive unit is couplable to the hollow body. In this manner a single-stage device for cooling and dehumidifying gases that include water vapor is implemented, which device requires little installation space and is of a particularly lightweight construction. Thus the device is particularly well suited for use in vehicles, in particular in aircraft.

Abstract: A water reactive hydrogen fueled power system includes devices and methods to combine reactant fuel materials and aqueous solutions to generate hydrogen. The generated hydrogen is converted in a fuel cell to provide electricity. The water reactive hydrogen fueled power system includes a fuel cell, a water feed tray, and a fuel cartridge to generate power for portable power electronics. The removable fuel cartridge is encompassed by the water feed tray and fuel cell. The water feed tray is refillable with water by a user. The water is then transferred from the water feed tray into the fuel cartridge to generate hydrogen for the fuel cell which then produces power for the user.

Abstract: A fuel cell gas diffusion layer includes a porous member containing electrically-conductive particles and polymeric resin as major components, and a plurality of holes extending from a main surface of the fuel cell gas diffusion layer are formed.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack system is configured to uniformly supply a fuel or an electrolytic solution to each of fuel cell elements, and an electronic device using the fuel cell stack system are provided. An electrolytic solution channel allowing an electrolytic solution to flow therethrough is arranged between a fuel electrode and an oxygen electrode, and a fuel channel allowing a fuel to flow therethrough is arranged outside of the fuel electrode. The electrolytic solution channels and the fuel channels of all fuel cell elements are connected in series to one another. That is, the fuel or the electrolytic solution emitted from an outlet of the fuel channel or the electrolytic solution channel of one fuel cell element enters into an inlet of the fuel channel or the electrolytic solution channel of the next fuel cell element through a connection channel.

Abstract: In a fuel cell system, it is possible to suppress fixation of a fluid circulating device arranged in a fluid passage connected to a fuel cell main body. The fuel cell system is provided with a fuel cell stack, a system main body having respective elements for supplying a fuel gas and respective elements for supplying an oxidizing gas, and a control device. The control device includes a fluid circulating device drive processing unit having a function to forcibly drive the fluid circulating device after determining, based on a judgment related to one or more of a non-use time, an operation state of the system main body, a membrane impedance state of a fuel cell, a temperature of the fuel cell stack, and a background noise, whether or not forced driving to suppress sticking of the fluid circulating device is preferable at that time.

Abstract: An apparatus is used for the recirculation of anode exhaust gases of a fuel cell, with a recirculation blower and at least one jet pump operated by a propulsion gas stream. The propelling medium is in this case a pressurized fuel, for example hydrogen. The anode outlet of the fuel cell is connected to the intake connection of the at least one jet pump. The outlet of the at least one jet pump is then connected to both the anode inlet and the intake connection of the recirculation blower. The output of the recirculation blower can be connected to the intake connection of the at least one jet pump.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a bipolar plate includes a wall area and a landing area defining a fluid flow channel, and a plurality of wires extending from at least one of the landing area and the wall area. In another embodiment, an electrochemical cell includes the aforementioned bipolar plate and a gas diffusion layer (GDL) adjacent the bipolar plate and contacting at least a portion of the plurality of wires.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte fuel cell of the present invention comprises a membrane-electrode assembly (5), a first separator (6a), and a second separator (6b); the first separator (6a) having a groove-shaped first reaction gas channel (8) on one main surface of the first separator (6a) which contacts the first electrode (4a) such that a plurality of straight-line-shaped first rib portions (11) run along each other; the second electrode (4b) having a groove-shaped second reaction gas channel (9) on one main surface of the second electrode (4b) which contacts the second separator (6b) such that a plurality of straight-line-shaped second rib portions (12) run along each other; a ratio of a first reaction gas channel width of at least an upstream portion (18b) of the first reaction gas channel (8) with respect to a second rib portion (12) is greater than 0 and not greater than 1.

Abstract: Disclosed is a microbial fuel cell cathode assembly comprising a catalyst (6) and an electrically conductive catholyte wicking member (5) having a catalyst contacting surface (5a) in contact with the catalyst, an electrical contact region (5c) for contacting an electrical connector, and a catholyte supply region (5b) for receiving catholyte from a catholyte supply (9), wherein the electrically conductive catholyte wicking member is operable to wick received catholyte from the catholyte supply region to form a film of catholyte on a part of the surface of the catalyst such that a part of the surface of the catalyst is in contact with both the film of catholyte and a part of the surface of the catalyst is in contact with a gas pathway arranged to supply oxygen to the catalyst.

Abstract: A fuel cell assembly includes an anode with a catalyst layer and a gas inlet end, and a cathode with a catalyst layer and a gas inlet end. The assembly comprises a catalyst layer including a first and second set of catalyst segment pairs spaced apart respectively with first and second distances, a first ratio of an average segment width of the first set of catalyst segment pairs relative to the first distance being different from a second ratio of an average segment width of the second set of catalyst segment pairs relative to the second distance.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a fuel cell includes an electric-power generator, a fuel distribution mechanism, and a pump. The electric-power generator includes a membrane electrode assembly including an anode, a cathode, and an electrolytic membrane. The fuel distribution mechanism includes a container and a thin tube. The container includes a fuel discharge surface, and contains the electric-power generator inside. The thin tube is formed in the container in a manner that a fuel outlet and a fuel inlet communicate with each other. The pump is connected directly to the fuel inlet.

Abstract: An end plate is joined to a fuel cell stack. A first piping unit and a second piping unit are attached to the end plate. The first piping unit has a first attachment base, to which a fuel gas supply pipe, a first oxidation off-gas discharge pipe, and a coolant discharge pipe are coupled. The second piping unit has a second attachment base, to which an oxidation gas supply pipe, a coolant supply pipe, and a discharge pipe are coupled. The discharge pipe is joined to a discharge cylinder coupled to the first oxidation off-gas discharge pipe. The oxidation gas supply pipe and the coolant supply pipe are integrated with each other. Also, the first oxidation off-gas discharge pipe and the coolant discharge pipe are integrated with each other.

Abstract: The fuel cell system is simplified and made more compact while providing the favorable recirculation of hydrogen-containing off-gas regardless of the increase or decrease in its flow rate. The fuel cell system is provided with: a cell unit that generates electricity by means of separating hydrogen-containing gas and oxygen-containing gas from each other while placing in flow contact to each other; and a recirculation mechanism for recirculating to the cell unit hydrogen-containing off-gas discharged from the cell unit. The fuel cell system has a flow rate determination unit that determines whether or not the hydrogen-containing gas fed to the cell unit is less than a predetermined flow rate; and a gas feeding pressure varying mechanism that cause the pressure of the hydrogen-containing gas to vary to increase and decrease when it is determined that the hydrogen-containing gas fed to the cell unit is less than the predetermined flow quantity.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrode compartment for an electrochemical cell, including a bicontinuous micro-e?ulsion, wherein catalytic parts are generated in-situ in a fluid, which can act as a cathode as well as an anode. The electrode compartment comprises a connection to supply fuel or an oxidator, for example oxygen, to the compartment. The electrode compartment is part of a refreshing system with a reserve container for an emulsion and a storage container for used emulsion, conduits to connect each of the containers with the electrode compartment and a transport unit, for example a pump, to move the emulsion.

Abstract: A fuel cell system including: a fuel cell stack including plural fuel cells sandwiched between two end plates; a fuel supply system supplying a stream of fuel gas to the fuel cell stack; an oxidizer supply system supplying a stream of oxidizer gas to the fuel cell stack; a closed loop coolant circulation system driving a cooling liquid through the fuel cell stack so that the cooling liquid enters the fuel cell stack, absorbs heat from the fuel cells, and exits the fuel cell stack. The coolant circulation system includes a circulation pump driving the cooling liquid, a heat exchanger removing heat from the cooling liquid and for at least partially transferring the heat to the stream of fuel gas and/or the stream of oxidizer gas.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an electrode structure capable of separately delivering gas and fluid which is applied to a passive fuel cell. The electrode structure includes an electrode portion and a water removal plate, and the electrode portion is adjacent to the water removal plate. The water removal plate includes a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, a plurality of gas passages passing from the first surface to the second surface, and a plurality of liquid passages disposed on the first surface. The surfaces of the gas passages are treated with hydrophobic treatment, and the surfaces of the liquid passages are treated with hydrophilic treatment.

Abstract: A fuel cell according to the present invention includes a power generation unit. The power generation unit is formed by stacking a first metal separator, a first membrane electrode assembly, a second metal separator, a second membrane electrode assembly, and a third metal separator. The number of flow grooves in a first oxygen-containing gas flow field is different from the number of flow grooves in a second oxygen-containing gas flow field. The first oxygen-containing gas flow field and the second oxygen-containing gas flow field have the same length, and the flow grooves in the first oxygen-containing gas flow field and the flow grooves in the second oxygen-containing gas flow field have the same depth.

Abstract: A separator includes a first plate and a second plate. The separator has a first fuel gas supply unit, a second fuel gas supply unit, first sandwiching sections, second sandwiching sections, a first case unit and a second case unit. A fuel gas supply passage extends through the first fuel gas supply unit and the second fuel gas supply unit in a stacking direction. The first sandwiching sections are connected to the first fuel gas supply unit through first bridges, and the second sandwiching sections are connected to a second fuel gas supply unit through first bridges. The first sandwiching sections and the second sandwiching sections sandwich electrolyte electrode assemblies. Each of the first sandwiching sections and the second sandwiching sections sandwich electrolyte electrode assemblies. Each of the first sandwiching sections has a fuel gas inlet and each of the second sandwiching sections has an oxygen-containing gas inlet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel cell system that controls a pressure for a fuel gas supplied to a fuel cell so that the anode-cathode differential pressure between an anode and a cathode of a fuel cell is maintained within a predetermined range, in order to provide a desired generation amount while reducing the amount of fuel gas discharged to the exterior of the system even if it is difficult to provide an appropriate fuel gas supply amount for a fuel cell load (the generation requirement on the cell). If the system determines that the amount of fuel gas supplied to the fuel cell is less than an appropriate required gas amount for the load (generation requirement) (step S9: NO), for example, if the concentration of nitrogen in the fuel gas reaches a predetermined value or greater, the open and close state of shut-off valves H3, H3A is switched to increase the pressure for the fuel gas supplied to the fuel cell 20 (step S11).

Abstract: A pump assembly including a first subassembly and a second subassembly. The first subassembly includes a fluid conduit; an inlet fluidly coupled to the liquid reactant dispenser and the fluid conduit; an outlet fluidly coupled to a reaction chamber and the fluid conduit; and a diaphragm, defining a portion of the fluid conduit, that flexes to pump the liquid reactant from the inlet to the outlet. The diaphragm preferably includes an actuation point coupled to the diaphragm, wherein the liquid reactant is substantially contained within the first subassembly during pumping. The second subassembly is couplable to the first subassembly, and is fluidly isolated from the liquid reactant. The second subassembly includes an actuator that couples to the actuation point, wherein operation of the actuator causes pumping action.

Abstract: The fuel composition for a fuel cell for a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell includes a fuel, water, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and heteropoly acid. The fuel may be a hydrocarbon fuel. The hydrogen peroxide may be present in an amount of 10 wt % to 60 wt % based on the weight of the mixture of the fuel, water, and the hydrogen peroxide. The heteropoly acid may be present in an amount of 0.0001 parts to 5 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of a mixture of the fuel, water, and hydrogen peroxide. The fuel composition may reduce a reforming reaction temperature and also hydrogen generating efficiency and resultantly provides a high power cell.

Abstract: Fuel cell systems and methods having reduced volumetric requirements are described. The systems include, among other things, an enclosed region formed by the bonding of a fuel cell layer with a fluid manifold. The enclosed region transforms into a fluid plenum when, for example, a fluid exiting a manifold outlet pressurizes the enclosed region causing one or more portions of the fuel cell layer and/or the fluid manifold to deform away from each other.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes an inlet manifold that communicates with an inlet pipe. The inlet pipe enters the inlet manifold at a port. A baffle is positioned about the port. The baffle captures and directs fuel away from a side of the inlet manifold that will face a cell stack. A fuel cell incorporating such an inlet manifold is also claimed.

Abstract: A separator of a fuel cell includes sandwiching sections for sandwiching electrolyte electrode assemblies, first bridges each having a fuel gas supply channel, and a fuel gas supply unit. A fuel gas supply passage extends through the fuel gas supply unit in a stacking direction. Each of the sandwiching sections has a fuel gas inlet for supplying a fuel gas to a fuel gas channel, a fuel gas discharge channel for discharging the fuel gas consumed in the fuel gas channel, and a circular arc wall contacting an anode, and prevents the fuel gas from flowing straight from the fuel gas inlet to the fuel gas discharge channel.

Abstract: A portable fuel cell system and related method are disclosed. The system includes a fuel cell having an anode port through which passes an anode gas, a cathode port through which passes a cathode gas, and an exhaust port through which passes an exhaust gas. The system further includes a pump having a pump inlet and a pump outlet, wherein the pump inlet is coupled to the exhaust port of the fuel cell. The pump is configured to draw the anode gas into the anode port, to draw the cathode gas into the cathode port, and to draw the exhaust gas out of the exhaust port.

Abstract: The invention provides a fuel supply control system for fuel cells, controlling fuel concentration in a fuel unit. The fuel supply control system comprises a first thermal meter detecting a system temperature of the fuel cell, a fuel supply device comprising a fuel tank storing highly concentrated fuel and a fuel deliver device delivering fuel from the fuel tank to the fuel unit to adjust fuel concentration thereof, and a controller calculating a difference between a predetermined and an environmental temperature, generating a first velocity by adjusting the predetermined fuel supply velocity according to the temperature difference, and setting the delivery velocity of the fuel delivering device according to the first velocity.

Abstract: An air feed device (1) for a fuel cell, having a shaft (2); a compressor wheel (4) fastened to one of the ends (5, 20) of the shaft (2), a bearing arrangement (6, 7, 8) arranged in a bearing housing (9) for mounting the shaft (2), and an electric motor (10) for driving the shaft (2), which electric motor is arranged in the bearing housing (9). The shaft (2) has two shaft bearing portions (11, 12) and a magnet portion (13) arranged between the shaft bearing portions (11, 12), forming the rotor of the electric motor (10). The shaft bearing portions (11, 12) and the magnet portion (13) are centered relative to one another by means of a centering arrangement (12A, 13F) which engages on an outer edge (A), the shaft bearing portions (11, 12) and the magnet portion (13) bearing in each case axially against one another.

Abstract: A fuel cell (1) includes an electromotive unit (2) having a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) (12), a fuel storage unit (4) storing a liquid fuel, and a fuel supply mechanism (3) supplying the fuel from the fuel storage unit (4) to a fuel electrode (7) of the membrane electrode assembly (12). The membrane electrode assembly (12) has a gas vent hole (17) provided in a manner to penetrate through at least an electrolyte membrane (11) to let a gas component generated on a side of the fuel electrode (7) escape to a side of an air electrode (10).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an interconnect for a solid oxide fuel cell and a method for manufacturing the same, the interconnect including: a conductive core; an oxidation-resistant insulating part receiving therein; and an oxidation-resistant conductive material layer coated on an exposed surface of the conductive core, which is exposed to an external environment by removing a portion of the oxidation-resistant insulating part, so that the interconnect can maintain durability against high-temperature heat generated from a flat type solid oxide fuel cell for a long time and thus have a very small voltage loss due to oxidation even with the use over a long-time period; have no sealing problem and no delaminating problem of a coating film due to a difference in coefficient of thermal expansion; be inexpensive; and have a simple structure.

Abstract: The invention provides a fuel cell comprising an anode in an anode region of the cell and a cathode in a cathode region of the cell, the anode being separated from the cathode by an ion selective polymer electrolyte membrane, the anode region of the cell being supplied in use thereof with an alcoholic fuel, the cathode region of the cell being supplied in use thereof with an oxidant, the cell being provided with means for generating an electrical circuit between the anode and the cathode and with a non-volatile redox couple in solution in flowing fluid communication with the cathode in the cathode region of the cell, the redox couple being at least partially reduced at the cathode in operation of the cell, and at least partially re-generated by reaction with the oxidant after such reduction at the cathode, the redox couple and/or the concentration of the redox couple in the catholyte solution being selected so that the current density generated by the cell in operation is substantially unaffected by the cross

Abstract: A cathode-side gas flow path of a cell that forms part of a fuel cell is formed by a first expanded metal arranged on a gas inlet side, and a second expanded metal arranged on a downstream side. The first expanded metal is such that mesh is arranged in a straight line, and gas that flows on a gas diffusion layer side is separated from gas that flows on a separator side. The gas flowrate on the gas inlet side is reduced, so the amount of produced water that is carried away is reduced. As a result, the gas inlet side is inhibited from becoming dry at high temperatures.

Abstract: A cartridge connectable to a fuel cell is disclosed. The cartridge comprises an outer casing and an inner flexible liner containing fuel for the fuel cell. The inner flexible liner may have an insert disposed inside the inner liner to facilitate the transport of fuel from the cartridge to the fuel cell. The insert minimizes the fuel that is trapped within the cartridge. The inner flexible liner can be used without the outer casing. The outer casing can be substantially rigid or flexible. The cartridge is also adaptable to receive byproducts from the fuel cell. The cartridge can also be pressurized to push fuel to the fuel cell. Unidirectional relief valves are also disclosed to prevent internal pressure in the cartridge from becoming too high or too low.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a portable fuel cell power source including an expandable enclosure, a first reactant contained within the enclosure, one or more fuel cells and a fluid port positioned in the expandable enclosure and adapted to be in fluidic communication with the one or more fuel cells. The enclosure may also include an opening to insert a second reactant. When the first reactant is contacted with the second reactant a fuel is generated for use with one or more of the fuel cells. The volume of the portable fuel cell power source in a collapsed state may be smaller than the volume of the amount of first reactant and second reactant needed to substantially consume the first reactant in a fuel generation reaction.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell, an oxidant-gas supply passage, a compressor, a water injection device, a return passage, and a regulation valve. The fuel cell is to generate power utilizing an electrochemical reaction between oxidant gas and fuel gas. The oxidant gas flows toward the fuel cell through the oxidant-gas supply passage. The compressor is provided in the oxidant-gas supply passage. The compressor is capable of sucking and pressurizing the oxidant gas to discharge the oxidant gas toward the fuel cell. The water injection device is to inject water toward a suction port of the compressor. The return passage connects an upstream portion in the oxidant-gas supply passage upstream the compressor and a downstream portion in the oxidant-gas supply passage downstream the compressor to bypass the compressor. Opening of the regulation valve is adjustable. The regulation valve is provided in the return passage.

Abstract: A fuel cell system which includes a fuel distribution structure that uniformly distributes vaporizing fuel to a fuel cell is provided. As the fuel travels in a flow field channel in the fuel distribution structure, it is substantially converted to a vapor by the heat of the fuel cell operation in such a manner that the resulting vapor pressure works to substantially uniformly distribute fuel evenly outwardly across substantially the entire active area of the anode aspect of one or more membrane electrode assemblies in the system, and whereby localized, uneven “hot spots” of fuel at the anode aspects are substantially prevented. A pair of enthalpy exchanger and heat spreader assemblies include a cathode current collector element that also has a heat spreader plate that collects and redirects heat in the fuel cell system, the assembly acting to manage the heat, temperature and condensation in the fuel cell system.

Abstract: A device for producing and storing dioxygen and/or dihydrogen is provided. The device includes a source of dioxygen and dihydrogen, and a high pressure tank to store the dioxygen, respectively dihydrogen, at high pressure, in fluid communication with the source. The device further includes a bypass line connecting an outlet of dioxygen, respectively of dihydrogen, of the source with an outlet of dioxygen, respectively of dihydrogen, of the production and storage device, bypassing the high pressure tank, the bypass line being fed through a pressure regulator to reduce the pressure in the bypass line; and a device for measuring the concentration of dihydrogen, respectively of dioxygen, in the dioxygen respectively in the dihydrogen produced by the source, the measuring device being arranged on the bypass line.

Abstract: A fuel cell system comprises a fuel cell stack, a cell voltage monitor, a hydrogen tank, a hydrogen supply channel, an ejector, a hydrogen off-gas channel, a purge valve, a compressor, an air supply channel, a pressure control unit for controlling air pressure, a pilot pressure input channel branching off from the air supply channel and inputting the air pressure to the ejector as pilot pressure, and a control unit for controlling the purge valve and the pressure control unit. The ejector includes a pressure control mechanism which increases the ejector's secondary-side pressure by increasing the area of the nozzle's ejecting hole when the pilot pressure input from the pilot pressure input channel rises. When electricity generation status of the fuel cell stack is judged to be poor, the control unit opens the purge valve after raising the air pressure and the pilot pressure by using the pressure control unit.

Abstract: A power unit, a fuel cartridge, and a fuel cell system having the power unit and the fuel cartridge. The power unit includes a coupling unit to couple with the fuel cartridge. The coupling unit includes a nozzle that receives fuel supplied from the fuel cartridge, a selection key to selectively mate with the fuel cartridge, and an outer unit surrounding the nozzle. An end of the nozzle is located between the selection key and an end of the outer unit.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell structure has an electrical current-carrying structure which, at least in part, underlies an electrochemical reaction layer. The cell comprises an ion exchange membrane with a catalyst layer on each side thereof. The ion exchange membrane may comprise, for example, a proton exchange membrane. Some embodiments of the invention provide electrochemical cell layers which have a plurality of individual unit cells formed on a sheet of ion exchange membrane material.