Including Flow Field Means (e.g., Separator Plate, Etc.) Patents (Class 429/514)
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Patent number: 8735022Abstract: A product comprising a fuel cell component comprising a substrate and a coating overlying the substrate, the coating comprising nanoparticles having sizes ranging from 2 to 100 nanometers.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Harald Schlag, Ralf Senner, Thomas A. Trabold, Thomas W. Tighe, Gayatri Vyas, Keith E. Newman
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Patent number: 8735012Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2008Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: MTI MicroFuel Cells Inc.Inventors: David Leach, Michael L. Chen, Charles M. Carlstrom, Jr., Constantinos Minas, Keith G. Brown, Robert Miller, James K. Prueitt, John E. Meschter, Amit Chaugule, Russel H. Marvin, Mark C. Mendrick
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Publication number: 20140141343Abstract: A polymeric compound having a backbone structure including an addition product of a (meth)acrylate compound and a nucleophile of a cobalt porphyrin complex including a tetraphenylporphyrin derivative represented by Formula 1 coordinated to a cobalt metal, wherein substituents R1 to R4 are as described in the specification, an oxygen permeable membrane including the polymeric compound, and an electrochemical device including the oxygen permeable membrane.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2012Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Niroyuki NISHIDE, Satoshi NAKAJIMA, Yuichi AIHARA
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Patent number: 8728683Abstract: A cell unit of a fuel cell includes a first separator, a first membrane electrode assembly, a second separator, a second membrane electrode assembly, and a third separator. Resin connecting sections are provided in the outer circumferential ends of the first separator, the second separator, and the third separator. A coupling pin is molded integrally with the resin connecting section of the first separator. A first hole and a second hole are formed on both sides of the coupling pin for selectively inserting a rebuilt pin into either of the first and second holes. A hole for inserting the coupling pin is formed at the center, and the first hole and the second hole are formed on both sides of the hole, in each of the resin connecting sections of the second and third separators.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2010Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masahiro Fukuta, Kentaro Ishida, Tatsuru Shishido
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Patent number: 8722276Abstract: A reactant flow field (19, 21) has multiple flow field channels (30, 32) and chambers (34). The multiple flow field channels (30, 32) and chambers (34) require reactant entering the flow field (19, 21) to traverse a flow transition (38) multiple times before exiting the flow field (19, 21).Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2009Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventor: Michael L. Perry
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Patent number: 8722283Abstract: A fuel cell includes a stack of electrolyte electrode assemblies and metal separators. Each of the electrolyte electrode assemblies includes an electrolyte and a pair of electrodes sandwiching the electrolyte between the pair of electrodes. The fuel cell includes a coolant channel. The coolant channel is formed between the metal separators that are adjacent to each other to allow a coolant to flow through the coolant channel, and has grooves. The coolant channel includes an inclined coolant channel group in which overlapping portions of the grooves facing each other are connected along flow of the coolant that is oriented diagonally inward with respect to a longitudinal direction. The inclined coolant channel group includes inclined coolant channels whose downstream ends are connected to a downstream center of the coolant channel and whose upstream ends are connected to coolant inlet manifolds.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2010Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Keisuke Suda
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Patent number: 8722219Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes stacked unit fuel cells provided between end holding members, each unit fuel cell having a membrane electrode assembly including an anode and a cathode. A pair of separators respectively contact the anode and the cathode, and respectively form reaction gas passages between one separator and the anode, and between the other separator and the cathode. For each reaction gas passage, a gas supply passage and a gas discharge passage are formed through the unit fuel cells and one end holding member so that they communicate with the reaction gas passage of each unit fuel cell, and a drainage passage is also formed through the unit fuel cells and one end holding member. An end of the drainage passage and an end of the gas discharge passage on the side of the other end holding member are joined to each other.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2006Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hideaki Kikuchi, Masaru Oda, Masaharu Suzuki, Norimasa Kawagoe
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Patent number: 8709680Abstract: A cell unit of a mixed reactant fuel cell comprises a multiphase mixed reactant fluid distributor, an anode and cathode in fluid and electronic communication with the distributor, and a separator positioned relative to one of the anode and the cathode to provide electronic insulation and ionic communication between the cell unit and another adjacent cell unit. The distributor is electronically conductive and the reactant fluid which flows through the distributor has fuel and oxidant each in separate fluid phases, wherein at least one of the fuel and oxidant fluid phases is a liquid.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2009Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: 0798465 B.C. Ltd.Inventor: Colin Oloman
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Publication number: 20140113217Abstract: A flow field plate for fuel cell applications includes an electrically conductive plate having a first surface defining a plurality of channels. An active area section and an inactive area section characterize the flow field channels. A hydrophobic layer is disposed over at least a portion of the inactive area section while a hydrophilic layer is disposed over at least a portion of the active area section.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2013Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: GAYATRI VYAS DADHEECH, MAHMOUD H. ABD ELHAMID
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Patent number: 8703353Abstract: A separator for a fuel cell includes a flow field plate and a main body plate. The flow field plate has a porous plate structure and is bonded to an outer surface of a gas diffusion layer to form a reaction gas flow field. The main body plate is bonded to an outer surface of the flow field plate to seal the reaction gas flow field. The flow field plate has protrusions that protrude from both surfaces of the flow field plate in a repetitive pattern, forming an uneven structure. The flow filed plate has a land portion bonded to the gas diffusion layer at a sharp tip of a protrusion thereof protruding from one surface of the flow field plate and a bonding portion bonded to the main body plate at an opposite sharp tip of a protrusion thereof protruding from the other surface of the flow field plate.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2011Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Hee Seok Jeong
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Patent number: 8703356Abstract: In a separator member to be joined to an adjacent member adjacent thereto with an adhesive in a cell stacking direction, guide paths are provided to guide, in a specific direction, the adhesive applied to a joint surface of the separator member to be joined to the adjacent member. Thus, excessive adhesive is guided to the guide path, and associated disadvantages during joining can be eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2005Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tomokazu Hayashi
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Patent number: 8703351Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2011Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Jeffrey A. Rock, Steven G. Goebel, Gerald W. Fly, Alan J. Jacobsen, Joanna A. Kolodziejska, Hung D. Nguyen
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Patent number: 8697305Abstract: A fuel cell system including a fuel cell, a gas-liquid separator, a tank, an outlet pipe, and an inlet pipe is disclosed. The gas-liquid separator separates off-gas discharged from the fuel cell into water and gas. The tank is capable of containing water separated by the gas-liquid separator. The outlet pipe discharges gas, which is separated by the gas-liquid separator, from the gas-liquid separator. The outlet pipe has a venturi. The inlet pipe draws the water contained in the tank into the venturi. The water contained in the tank is drawn through the inlet pipe into the venturi to be atomized and discharged as atomized water from the outlet pipe.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2010Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda JidoshokkiInventors: Akio Matsuura, Toru Bisaka, Yusuke Shimoyana
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Publication number: 20140099570Abstract: A fuel directing reaction device for a passive fuel cell comprises: a substrate, which has a first side and a second side opposite to the first side; a fuel reservoir, which is disposed on the first side of the substrate; a fuel introducing microfluidic channel portion, which is disposed on the first side of the substrate and connected with the fuel reservoir; a first rib array portion, which is disposed on the first side of the substrate, and connected with the fuel introducing microfluidic channel portion; a second rib array portion, which is disposed on the first side of the substrate, and connected with the first rib array; and a plurality of reaction holes, each of which is disposed on the open side of the V-shaped portion of the second ribs and extends through the substrate to connect the first side and the second side of the substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2013Publication date: April 10, 2014Inventors: Fan-Gang TSENG, Yi-Shiuan WU, I-Chi FANG
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Patent number: 8691466Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preventing liquid fuel that has penetrated from an anode from reaching a cathode and of effectively utilizing a cathode catalyst, which provides a membrane electrode assembly for fuel cell having high output density. In a membrane electrode assembly for fuel cell including an anode formed of a catalyst and a solid polymer electrolyte, a cathode formed of a catalyst and a solid polymer electrolyte, and a solid polymer electrolyte membrane formed between the anode and the cathode, an intermediate layer is formed between the cathode and the electrolyte membrane.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2009Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Shuichi Suzuki, Jun Kawaji, Osamu Kubota, Yoshiyuki Takamori, Makoto Morishima
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Patent number: 8691471Abstract: A polymer electrolyte fuel cell of the present invention includes a membrane electrode assembly (5) having a pair of electrodes (4a, 4b) sandwiching a portion of a polymer electrolyte membrane (1) which is inward relative to a peripheral portion thereof, a first separator (6a), and a second separator (6b), the first separator (6a) is provided with a first reaction gas channel (8) on one main surface, the second separator (6b) is provided with a second reaction gas channel (9) on one main surface such that the second reaction gas channel (9) has a second rib portion (12), the first reaction gas channel (8) is formed such that a ratio of a first reaction gas channel width of an upstream portion (18b) to the second rib portion (12) is set larger than a ratio of a first reaction gas channel width of a downstream portion (18c) to the second rib portion (12), and the ratio of the first reaction gas channel width of the upstream portion (18b) to the second rib portion (12) is a predetermined ratio.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2009Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Takeou Okanishi, Naotsugu Koashi, Shinsuke Takeguchi, Yoichiro Tsuji
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Patent number: 8691475Abstract: According to embodiments of the invention, a fuel cell fluid flow field plate is provided. The fuel cell fluid flow field plate includes a flexible substrate including a fluid distribution zone having at least one flow channel, a manifold penetrating the flexible substrate and next to the fluid distribution zone, an upward extending portion extending upward at a position near an interface between the manifold and the fluid distribution zone, wherein a bend angle is between the upward extending portion and the fluid distribution zone, and the upward extending portion has at least one through-hole penetrating through the flexible substrate to expose the manifold, and a cover extending portion linking with the upward extending portion and covering a portion of the fluid distribution zone.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2013Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Chi-Chang Chen, Huan-Ruei Shiu, Shiqah-Ping Jung, Fanghei Tsau, Wen-Chen Chang
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Patent number: 8685586Abstract: The separator of which the region facing the MEA is a flat includes the first electrode facing plate and the second electrode facing plate. The separator includes the reaction gas supply manifold to which the reaction gas is supplied. The first electrode facing plate includes a plurality of reaction gas supply holes formed at the end of the cell-reaction region. The intermediate plate includes a plurality of reaction gas supply path slits that forms the reaction gas supply paths, wherein each of the reaction gas supply paths has one end connected to the reaction gas supply manifold and other end connected to at least one of the plurality of reaction gas supply holes.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2005Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Fumihiko Inui, Seiji Sano, Takashi Kajiwara, Sho Usami, Makoto Ueno, Yuichi Yagami, Norihiko Nakamura, Hiromichi Sato, Yoshifumi Ota
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Patent number: 8685593Abstract: A flow field plate for fuel cell applications includes a metal with a carbon layer disposed over at least a portion of the metal plate. The carbon layer is overcoated with a silicon oxide layer to form a silicon oxide/carbon bilayer. The silicon oxide/carbon bilayer may be activated to increase hydrophilicity. The flow field plate is included in a fuel cell with a minimal increase in contact resistance. Methods for forming the flow field plates are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2009Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Gayatri Vyas Dadheech, Michael J. Lukitsch
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Patent number: 8685587Abstract: A discharge port is located at a lower portion of the case of a gas-liquid separator. A discharge valve is located at the discharge port. A water retaining portion is located at the bottom of the case. The water retaining portion is located at a position lower than the discharge valve. An upward inclination surface is formed on the bottom of the water retaining portion. The upward inclination surface is inclined upward toward the discharge valve. A downward inclination surface is formed on the bottom of the water retaining portion. The downward inclination surface is inclined downward toward the upward inclination surface. A cover portion is located in an upper portion of the water retaining portion. The cover portion defines a gas passage in an upper portion of the water retaining portion. The gas passage is open at a portion closer to the inlet and connected to the discharge valve.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2008Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Junko Ohira, Yasunari Arai, Akishi Morita, Nobuhiko Nakagaki, Takeshi Asai, Hiroyuki Sekine
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Publication number: 20140087287Abstract: A method for manufacturing a fuel cell which includes layering and compression molding at least one of each of: thermoplastic resin sheets (A) containing 130 to 3,200 parts by weight of a carbonaceous material per 100 parts by weight of a thermoplastic resin; and thermoplastic resin sheets (B) containing 3 to 280 parts by weight of a carbonaceous material per 100 parts by weight of a thermoplastic resin, 50% to 100% by weight of the carbonaceous material being fibrous carbon. The thermoplastic resin sheets (A and B) are compression molded at a temperature 60° C. higher than the higher of the melting points of the two types of sheets such that the ratio between the final thickness (dA) of the compressed first thermoplastic resin sheet(s) (A) and the final thickness (dB) of the compressed second thermoplastic resin sheet(s) (B) satisfies the relation dA/dB?2.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2012Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicant: SHOWA DENKO K.K.Inventors: Shunya Suzuki, Tadashi Iino, Zenichiro Izumi
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Patent number: 8679703Abstract: An exemplary flow field plate for use in a fuel cell includes a plurality of inlet flow channels. A plurality of outlet flow channels are also included. The flow channels are arranged such that at least two of the inlet flow channels are immediately adjacent each other on a first side of the two of the inlet flow channels. At least one of the outlet flow channels is immediately adjacent each of the two inlet flow channels on a second, opposite side of each of the two inlet flow channels.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2008Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventor: Robert Mason Darling
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Patent number: 8663869Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack includes a plurality of SOFCs, and a plurality of interconnects, each interconnect containing a conductive perovskite layer on an air side of the interconnect. The stack in internally manifolded for fuel and the conductive perovskite layer on each interconnect is not exposed in the fuel inlet riser. The SOFC electrolyte has a smaller roughness in regions adjacent to the fuel inlet and fuel outlet openings in the electrolyte than under the cathode or anode electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2010Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Bloom Energy CorporationInventors: Martin Janousek, Tad Armstrong, Dien Nguyen, Ananda H. Kumar
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Patent number: 8663871Abstract: A fuel cell separator is produced by forming a fuel cell separator resin composition including, as essential components, (A) an epoxy resin; (B) a curing agent; (C) a curing accelerator; and (D) a carbon material, in which the content of the (D) is 50 to 85% by mass based on the total amount of the composition, in which the (D) includes high crystalline artificial graphite having an average particle size of 100 ?m or more and less than 150 ?m in an amount of 5 to 100% by mass based on the total amount of the (D), and in which the content of the (C) is 0.1 to 20 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the (B). The resin composition is excellent in electric conductivity and fluidity and contains little impurities, and can provide a fuel cell separator which is excellent in electric conductivity and dimensional accuracy, and has no fear of causing deterioration in performance of a solid electrolyte.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2009Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Nichias CorporationInventors: Takayoshi Shimizu, Atsushi Murakami
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Publication number: 20140051011Abstract: An exemplary fuel cell component comprises a porous plate. A vapor permeable layer is provided on at least one portion of the porous plate. The vapor permeable layer is configured to permit vapor to pass through the layer while resisting liquid passage through the layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2012Publication date: February 20, 2014Inventor: Siddique Ali Khateeb Razack
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Publication number: 20140051012Abstract: A method for modifying the surface of a metal bipolar plate is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a metal substrate having a conducting adhesion layer on a surface thereof, the metal substrate having a flow field structure at the surface thereof; applying expanded graphite powder onto the conducting adhesion layer; and press-fitting the expanded graphite powder and the metal substrate with a mold structurally corresponding to the flow field structure, to form a graphite layer covering the surface the metal substrate from the expanded graphite powder. A bipolar plate for a fuel cell is further provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2013Publication date: February 20, 2014Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Ho-Yen HSIEH, Wen-Lin WANG, Ching-Ying HUANG
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Patent number: 8652708Abstract: A fluid flow plate of a fuel cell includes a main body and a supporting frame. The main body includes a plurality of fluid channels and an opening, wherein the fluid channels converge at the opening. The supporting frame, mounted on the periphery of the opening, is annular shaped and frames the fluid channels. The supporting frame includes a pair of supporting walls respectively disposed on two sides of the fluid channels.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2010Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Huan-Ruei Shiu, Chi-Chang Chen, Shiqah-Ping Jung, Wen-Chen Chang, Fanghei Tsau
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Patent number: 8652709Abstract: Methods of sealing a bipolar plate supported solid oxide fuel cell with a sealed anode compartment are provided. The solid oxide fuel cell includes a cathode, an electrolyte, and an anode, which are supported on a metallic bipolar plate assembly including gas flow fields and the gas impermeable bipolar plate. The electrolyte and anode are sealed into an anode compartment with a metal perimeter seal. An improved method of sealing is provided by extending the metal seal around the entire perimeter of the cell between an electrolyte and the bipolar plate to form the anode compartment. During a single-step high temperature sintering process the metal seal bonds to the edges of the electrolyte and anode layers, the metal foam flow field and the bipolar plate to form a gastight containment.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2009Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: UChicago Argonne, LLCInventors: John David Carter, Joong-Myeon Bae, Terry Alan Cruse, James Michael Ralph, Deborah J. Myers
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Patent number: 8652698Abstract: A fuel cell has multiple cells, the multiple cells including a first cell having a first fuel gas flow path, and a second cell having a second fuel gas flow path and a sensor that measures a specific parameter value relating to a decrease in concentration of fuel gas in the second fuel gas flow path.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2007Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignees: Nippon Soken, Inc., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hisayoshi Ota, Kazuyori Yamada, Masaru Tsunokawa, Manabu Kato, Hiroo Yoshikawa
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Method for taking out a sealing plate of a fuel cell and a sealing plate directly used in the method
Patent number: 8652664Abstract: A fuel cell sealing plate taking-out method that may include taking out a sealing plate from a stack of sealing plates one by one while an air layer exists between adjacent sealing plates of the stack of fuel cells. A protrusion may be formed beforehand at one or more surfaces of each sealing plate. Due to the air layer existing between adjacent sealing plates, it may be possible to take out the sealing plate one by one from the stack of sealing plates.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2012Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shiro Akiyama, Shigemitsu Nomoto -
Patent number: 8647784Abstract: A fuel cell stack start method is to provide in which without relying on oxidation and reduction condition of an anode, an output reduction of the fuel cell stack can be avoided. In the start method of a solid polymer type fuel cell stack that is comprised of a separator including an anode flow channel for flowing a fuel, another separator including a cathode flow channel for feeding an oxidant and electrodes and an electrolyte interposed between the separators, the method is characterized by performing successively a first step of feeding the fuel to the fuel cell stack under a condition that a cathode is covered by generated water, a second step of forming an oxide layer on the cathode, a third step of feeding the oxidant gas to the fuel cell stack and a fourth step of extracting load current from the fuel cell stack.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2009Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Katsunori Nishimura, Kenji Yamaga, Osamu Kubota, Ko Takahashi
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Patent number: 8617755Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel cell comprising a separator, plate that is positioned between electrolyte-electrode units, said plate consisting of two embossed panels with contact surfaces that rest against one another. A fluidic chamber for a coolant is configured between the two pans and a fluidic chamber for a gas is configured between each panel and the respective adjacent electrolyte-electrode unit. The fluidic chamber for the coolant comprises two sub-chambers, each facing a respective panel, and said coolant traverses the fluidic chamber exclusively in an alternate manner through the two sub-chambers.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2004Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Günter Baschek, Arno Mattejat
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Patent number: 8617759Abstract: A flow field plate for fuel cell applications includes an electrically conductive plate having a first surface defining a plurality of channels. An active area section and an inactive area section characterize the flow field channels. A hydrophobic layer is disposed over at least a portion of the inactive area section while a hydrophilic layer is disposed over at least a portion of the active area section.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2010Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Gayatri Vyas Dadheech, Mahmoud H. Abd Elhamid
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Publication number: 20130341188Abstract: A fuel cell comprising: at least one microfluidic channel that allows the capillary flow of at least one suitable fluid for generating electricity, at least one receiving absorbent region coupled to each microfluidic channel, at least one collecting absorbent region coupled to each microfluidic channel, a cathodic zone coupled to each microfluidic channel, and an anodic zone coupled to each microfluidic channel, where each receiving absorbent region and each collecting absorbent region are coupled to one of the microfluidic channels such that when a fluid suitable for generating electricity is deposited in the receiving absorbent region, it flows by capillary action through the microfluidic channel to reach the collecting absorbent region where it is absorbed. As well as an analysis device comprising one or more of these fuel cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2012Publication date: December 26, 2013Inventors: María de les Neus SABATÉ VIZCARRA, Juan Pablo ESQUIVEL BOJÓRQUEZ
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Patent number: 8614030Abstract: A fuel cell assembly provides for direct water delivery to water injection points in the active area of fluid flow field plates of the assembly. The fluid flow field plate has a plurality of channels formed in the surface thereof which extend across the surface of the plate in a predetermined pattern, defining the active areas of the plate. A distribution foil has a plurality of channels formed in a surface thereof which channels extend from a first edge of the distribution foil to a second edge of the distribution foil. The channels terminate at the second edge at positions substantially coincident with respective ones of the field plate channels at water injection points. A cover foil extends over the distribution foil to enclosed the distribution foil channels and thereby form conduits for the water between the two foils.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2003Date of Patent: December 24, 2013Assignee: Intelligent Energy LimitedInventors: Peter D. Hood, Paul L. Adcock
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Publication number: 20130330655Abstract: A method for making a fibrous layer for fuel cell applications includes a step of combining a polyphenylene sulfide-containing resin with a water soluble carrier resin to form a resinous mixture. The resinous mixture is then shaped to form a shaped resinous mixture. The shaped resinous mixture includes polyphenylene sulfide-containing structures within the carrier resin. The shaped resinous mixture is contacted (i.e., washed) with water to separate the polyphenylene sulfide-containing structures from the carrier resin. Optional protogenic groups and then a catalyst are added to the polyphenylene sulfide-containing structures.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2012Publication date: December 12, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: James Mitchell, Timothy J. Fuller, Ted Gacek
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Patent number: 8603701Abstract: A fuel cell component including a body disposed along a plane and having a boundary past which a reactant and water flows is provided. The boundary has a discontinuous edge adapted to militate against a pinning of the water at the edge. The fuel cell component may be a bipolar plate having a port hole with the discontinuous edge. The fuel cell component may be a subgasket for a fuel cell having a boundary with the discontinuous edge. The discontinuous edge facilitates a transportation of water from an upper surface of the fuel cell component to a lower surface of the fuel cell component.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2010Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Steven G. Goebel, Jeffrey A. Rock, Jon P. Owejan
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Patent number: 8603702Abstract: Provided is a zinc air fuel cell with enhanced cell performance which includes a separator-electrode assembly including a perforated metal plate as a cathode current collector, a catalyst-coated carbon paper, a separator, a perforated metal plate as an anode current collector, and a tilted nonconductive support. A metal plate may be placed on the tilted nonconductive support and connected to the anode current collector in the separator-electrode assembly to enlarge the active area of the anode current collector. Performance may be efficiently enhanced by minimizing a distance between the anode current collector and the cathode current collector, and by adding a metal plate which plays a role of an additional anode current collector on the tilted nonconductive support so as to increase the overall active area of anode current collector contacting with zinc pellets and to resultantly enhance the ionization of zinc.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2010Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and TechnologyInventors: Hong Gon Kim, Dong Jin Suh, Chang Soo Kim, Hyun Joo Lee, Byoung Koun Min
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Publication number: 20130323623Abstract: An example fuel cell assembly includes a plate having channels configured to facilitate movement of a fuel cell fluid near an area of active flow of fuel cell. The channels include portions having a varying depth that extend laterally outside of the area of active flow.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2012Publication date: December 5, 2013Inventors: Jonathan Daniel O'Neill, Timothy W. Patterson, Christopher John Carnevale, Roopnarine Sukhram
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Publication number: 20130316263Abstract: The reactant distribution in a gas diffusion layer adjacent the landings of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell can be improved by using a flow field plate in which suitable sequential protrusions have been incorporated in the channels. The reactant flow field in the plate comprises a plurality of parallel channels in which protrusions are arranged in a sequence along each channel's length and the sequential protrusions in any given channel are offset with respect to the sequential protrusions in the channels immediately adjacent thereto.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2013Publication date: November 28, 2013Applicant: Daimler AGInventors: Alireza Roshanzamir, Robert Henry Artibise
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Patent number: 8592096Abstract: A separator plate for a fuel cell is provided, including a substrate having a radiation-cured first flow field layer disposed thereon. A method for fabricating the separator plate is also provided. The method includes the steps of providing a substrate; applying a first radiation-sensitive material to the substrate; placing a first mask between a first radiation source and the first radiation-sensitive material, the first mask having a plurality of substantially radiation-transparent apertures; and exposing the first radiation-sensitive material to a plurality of first radiation beams to form a radiation-cured first flow field layer adjacent the substrate. A fuel cell having the separator plate is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2012Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Jeffrey A. Rock, Yeh-Hung Lai, Keith E. Newman, Gerald W. Fly, Alan J. Jacobsen, Peter D. Brewer, William B. Carter
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Patent number: 8580457Abstract: The invention provides a fuel cell stack including a layer of encapsulating material disposed about the separator plate, MEA, and reactant manifold, wherein the reactant manifold is bounded at least in part by the encapsulating material. The fuel cell stack also includes a first opening through the plate body to the first face from the second face, and an open channel in the second face extending from the opening toward a periphery of the plate. The invention also provides a fuel cell stack having a first face including an opening for passage of a reactant therethrough, a first reactant flow field defined thereon, and a first raised surface formed thereon substantially surrounding the opening. The first raised surface is configured and adapted to mate with a second surface on a face of an adjacent plate to create a flow obstruction for encapsulating material.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2007Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Protonex Technology CorporationInventors: Thomas Vitella, Jeff Baldic, Ronald Rezac, Nick Lauder, Seth Avis, Paul Osenar
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Patent number: 8580460Abstract: A plurality of flow field plate assemblies forms a fuel cell stack. Each flow field plate assembly has a first flow field plate positionable on an anode side of a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) of a first fuel cell, a second flow field plate positionable on a cathode side of an MEA of a second fuel cell, adjacent the first fuel cell. At least one back-feed channel is interposed between the first and second flow field plates. At least a portion of the back-feed channel or a reactant manifold opening formed by the first and second flow field plates has a geometry that forms regions of high and low capillary forces, promoting liquid migration toward regions substantially isolated from a flow of reactants, to prevent water collection and ice formation. The migrated liquid is purged during a purge of the fuel cell stack after operation.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2007Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignees: Daimler AG, Ford Motor CompanyInventors: Andrew L. Christie, Simon Farrington, Herwig R. Haas, Christopher J. Richards
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Publication number: 20130295482Abstract: Disclosed is a hydrogen supply system for a fuel cell, which has an integrated manifold block in which components for hydrogen supply are integrated and modulated. In particular, a hydrogen supply line, a hydrogen discharge line, and a hydrogen recirculation line are formed in a manifold block mounted on the outside of a plurality of stack modules of a fuel cell stack. Additionally, components of the hydrogen supply system including components for supplying and discharging hydrogen and components for recirculating hydrogen are integrally mounted in predetermined positions of the hydrogen supply line, the hydrogen discharge line, and the hydrogen recirculation line to modularize the manifold block and the components of the hydrogen supply system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2012Publication date: November 7, 2013Applicants: KIA MOTORS CORPORATION, HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANYInventors: Duck Whan Kim, Sae Hoon Kim, Young Bum Kum, Yong Gyu Noh, Se Kwon Jung, Hyun Joon Lee
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Patent number: 8574778Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes a first end power generation unit and a first dummy unit adjacent to a power generation unit at one end of a stack body in a stacking direction. In the first end power generation unit, a first separator is stacked on the power generation unit, a first membrane electrode assembly is stacked on the first separator, a second separator is stacked on the first membrane electrode assembly, an electrically conductive plate is stacked on the second separator, and a third separator is stacked on the electrically conductive plate. A coolant is supplied to a coolant flow field formed between the power generation unit and the first end power generation unit, for cooling a second membrane electrolyte assembly of the power generation unit and the first membrane electrode assembly of the first end power generation unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2008Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ryo Jinba, Shigeru Inai
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Patent number: 8574788Abstract: A fuel cell system includes: a gas exhaust flow path extended in a stacking direction of laminates and configured to have one end located inside a fuel cell stack and the other end located outside the fuel cell stack; and a water discharge flow path provided at a lower position than the gas exhaust flow path and formed to pass through at least part of the laminates. The gas exhaust flow path is interconnected with the water discharge flow path via at least one connecting section in the fuel cell stack. The gas exhaust flow path includes a narrowed flow path having the smaller sectional area than the sectional area of an adjacent flow path in downstream of the connecting section. The water discharge flow path has a downstream end connecting with the narrowed flow path.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2010Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takanao Tomura, Hironori Noto
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Publication number: 20130288161Abstract: To provide a metal separator for fuel cells that can equalize the wet environment of a membrane electrode assembly and a manufacturing method thereof. A metal separator for fuel cells and a manufacturing method thereof are characterized in that, a first separator (14) made of metal, which is layered in a membrane electrode assembly (12) to which a pair of electrodes is provided on both sides of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane (120), is formed into a corrugated sheet shape having convex parts and concaved parts, a noble metal thin film (147) is formed on a convex part (145) of the first separator (14), and holes (148) through which the first separator (14) is exposed are formed in the noble metal thin film (147).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2013Publication date: October 31, 2013Inventors: Teruyuki OHTANI, Masao UTSUNOMIYA, Natsuki ANZAI
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Patent number: 8568937Abstract: A fuel cell assembly having a flow distribution subassembly that comprises four sets of flow channels, the first set facing an anode for distribution of a fuel reactant to said anode, the second set facing a cathode for distribution of an oxidant to said cathode, the third set in flow communication with said second set and in heat transfer relation with at least one of said anode and said cathode, and the fourth set receiving a coolant different from said oxidant.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2010Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Volker Formanski, Peter Kilian, Thomas Herbig, Marc Becker, Peter Willimowski
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Patent number: 8568941Abstract: A separator for use in a fuel cell of the present disclosure includes: a plate; a first gas manifold hole (51) for supplying a reactant gas, formed to penetrate said plate in a thickness direction thereof; a second gas manifold hole (52) for discharging the reactant gas, formed to penetrate said plate in a thickness direction thereof; one or more groove-like first main gas channels (18) formed on a surface of said plate to have one end connected to said first gas manifold hole (51) and the other end connected to said second gas manifold hole; a groove-like first sub-gas channel (28) formed on the surface of said plate to have one end connected to at least one of said first gas manifold hole (51) and said second gas manifold hole (52); and a groove-like second sub-gas channel (38) formed on the surface of said plate to have one end branching from said first sub-gas channel (28) and the other end being closed.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2010Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Shinsuke Takeguchi, Takashi Nakagawa, Yoichiro Tsuji
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Patent number: 8557481Abstract: Fuel cell comprising a stack of bipolar plates (1) and polymer films (2), in which the polymer films comprise a lip (3) that overhangs on all sides relative to the adjacent bipolar plates (1).Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2008Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignees: Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin, Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.Inventor: David Olsommer