Abstract: Fuel sources, fuel cells and methods of operating fuel cells are disclosed. In one aspect, the invention features a fuel source for a fuel cell, including a housing made substantially from a fuel-permeable material, and a fuel in the housing.

Abstract: A method for creating a formed-in-place seal on a fuel cell plate is disclosed. The method includes first dispensing a flowable seal material along a first sealing area of a fuel cell plate requiring the seal material. Next, a preformed template is located adjacent to at least a portion of the fuel cell plate, the template including predetermined apertures corresponding with a second sealing area of the plate, such that the apertures are coextensive with at least a portion of the first sealing area. Flowable seal material is applied into the apertures, and is then cured to a non-flowable state.

Abstract: Advanced lithium-air semi-fuel cell with non-aqueous electrolyte solution is provided, having higher energy density over the prior art cells, due to its protective, oxygen selective, permeable membrane of PTFE coated fiberglass cloth, placed over the cathode outer surface. Said membrane is flexible and protects the cell from moisture and evaporation of said electrolyte, which substantially minimizes parasitic losses of lithium and increases the cell efficiency and safety. The membrane may also have a layer of air-permeable adhesive added, facing said cathode.

Abstract: A fuel cell having a cathode and an anode. The cathode has an inlet and an outlet. The fuel cell also includes at least one of a first valve and a second valve. The first valve is situated at and connected to the cathode inlet. The second valve is situated at and connected to the cathode outlet. The fuel cell system also includes a controller configured to control the first and second valves during a first operating condition and a second operating condition. The first operating condition includes the transition of the fuel cell system from an operational state to a non-operational state. The second operating condition includes the transition from a non-operational state to an operational state.

Abstract: An exemplary fuel cell seal assembly includes a first layer, a second layer; and a third layer that limits movement of hydrogen, oxygen, or both between the first layer and the second layer within a fuel cell.

Abstract: A composition useful in electrodes provides higher power capability through the use of nanoparticle catalysts present in the composition. Nanoparticles of transition metals are preferred such as manganese, nickel, cobalt, iron, palladium, ruthenium, gold, silver, and lead, as well as alloys thereof, and respective oxides. These nanoparticle catalysts can substantially replace or eliminate platinum as a catalyst for certain electrochemical reactions. Electrodes, used as anodes, cathodes, or both, using such catalysts have applications relating to metal-air batteries, hydrogen fuel cells (PEMFCs), direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), direct oxidation fuel cells (DOFCs), and other air or oxygen breathing electrochemical systems as well as some liquid diffusion electrodes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a direct oxidation fuel cell in which at least one fluid fuel is transported from a fuel reservoir via a fluid distribution structure to a membrane electrode assembly, the transport of the fuel being effected passively, i.e. without convection. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding direct oxidation fuel cell.

Abstract: Membrane, cell and device suitable for reverse electrodialysis for the purpose of generating electricity, and methods therefor, the membrane comprising a number of channels arranged on at least a first side of the membrane, wherein the channels are suitable for throughfeed of a fluid, wherein the dimensions of the channels are aimed at obtaining a laminar flow of the fluid in the channels.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a first mono-sided channel plate, at least one double-sided channel plate, a second mono-sided channel plate, a plurality of membrane electrode assemblies, and a plurality of rigid hydrophilic gaskets. The double-sided channel plate includes a first side channel and a second side channel. The membrane electrode assemblies are respectively disposed between the first mono-sided channel plate and the double-sided channel plate and between the double-sided channel plate and the second mono-sided channel plate. The rigid hydrophilic gaskets are respectively abutted between the first mono-sided channel plate and one of the membrane electrode assemblies, between one of the membrane electrode assemblies and the first side channel of the double-sided channel plate, between the second side channel of the double-sided channel plate and one of the membrane electrode assemblies, and between one of the membrane electrode assemblies and the second mono-sided channel plate.

Abstract: Provided are a fuel cell with a porous gas diffusion layer having a flow channel and a method for manufacturing the same. A metal separator without a flow channel is used, but a flow channel for providing a reaction gas is formed in a gas diffusion layer made of a porous material. This improves precision of stack manufacturing and allows free design of the cooling part. The gas diffusion layer is made of a porous metal material so as to maximize electrical transfer efficiency and improve endurance against physical stress.

Abstract: A fuel cell component integrates an attachment member 5 and a gasket 1 by using an adhesive 3. Both side portions of the gasket in the width direction of the gasket are provided with adhesive application regions W1 where the adhesive 3 is interposed, and a center portion in the width direction of the gasket is provided with an adhesive non-application region W2 where the adhesive 3 is not interposed so as to ensure an attachability.

Abstract: To provide a membrane/electrode assembly less susceptible to flooding on shortcircuiting caused by piercing of carbon fibers of a gas diffusion layer to a polymer electrolyte membrane. A membrane/electrode assembly 10, comprising a cathode 20 having a catalyst layer 22 and a gas diffusion layer 26, an anode 30 having a catalyst layer 32 and a gas diffusion layer 36, and a polymer electrolyte membrane 40 interposed between the catalyst layer 22 of the cathode 20 and the catalyst layer 32 of the anode 30, wherein each of the cathode 20 and the anode 30 further has a protective layer 24 or 34 comprising carbon fibers having an average fiber diameter of from 1 to 30 ?m and a fluorinated ion exchange resin, between the catalyst layer and the gas diffusion layer, and the mass ratio (F/C) of the fluorinated ion exchange resin (F) to the carbon fibers (C) contained in the protective layer is from 0.05 to 0.30.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a solid oxide fuel cell and method for fabricating solid oxide fuel cells using thin film processing techniques. The fuel cell comprises a cathode layer, an electrolyte layer, and an anode layer arranged in various configurations to optimize fuel cell performance.

Abstract: A fuel cell system for generating electrical energy by a chemical reaction between a fuel and an oxidizing agent. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, by using a hydrophobic porous membrane, an alkaline material such as sodium that is generated together with hydrogen gas in a hydrolysis reaction of a metal hydride compound can be eliminated effectively.

Abstract: A fuel cell is produced using a fuel cell electrolyte layer comprising a hydrogen-permeable metal layer 27 serving as the compact substrate through which the gas supplied to the electrochemical reaction passes, a porous layer formed on the hydrogen-permeable metal layer 27, and an inorganic electrolyte supported in the pores of the porous layer.

Abstract: A liquid fuel cartridge of a direct liquid feed fuel cell for storing liquid fuel, supplying the liquid fuel to a fuel cell, and recovering water from the cathode of the fuel cell stack. The liquid fuel cartridge has a liquid fuel supplying hole formed at one end, a recovery hole formed at a second end, and a moveable wall that separates the water from the liquid fuel. When water is pumped in through the recovery hole, the moveable wall slides in the fuel cartridge and expels the liquid fuel into the fuel cell stack. The fuel cartridge also includes a transparent window or a metal detector for determining the position of the moveable wall and, thus, the quantity of liquid fuel remaining in the fuel cartridge.

Abstract: In a direct methanol fuel cell, fuel efficiency is maintained by periodically adding a higher methanol concentration mixture through a cartridge into the primary fuel container. The cartridge replenishes methanol and partial water losses due to the consumption of fuel in the power generating process. In a typical system, the fuel replenishment mechanism is controlled through an electronic apparatus that monitors the power conversion process and is capable of predicting remaining operating capacity.

Abstract: A fuel cell element including an assembly of a membrane, a first electrode, and a second electrode, and a mechanism holding the assembly together, which forms a peripheral support thereof and that includes an electrical connection and a mechanism for circulation of fluid and for supply of the fluid into the assembly.

Abstract: A single cell for a solid oxide fuel cell, in which a solid electrolyte layer is sandwiched by an upper electrode layer and a lower electrode layer. This single cell includes a substrate having openings and an insulating and stress absorbing layer stacked on an upper surface of this substrate. The solid electrolyte layer is formed on an upper surface of the insulating and stress absorbing layer so as to cover the openings, the upper electrode layer is stacked on an upper surface of the solid electrolyte layer, and the lower electrode layer is coated on a lower surface of the solid electrolyte layer via the openings from a lower surface of the substrate. A cell plate, in which these single cells are disposed two-dimensionally on a common substrate. Furthermore, a solid oxide fuel cell, in which these cell plates and plate-shaped separators including gas passages on both surfaces thereof are alternately stacked.

Abstract: Disclosed are a hollow fiber membrane for a humidifier which exhibits superior moisture/heat-resistance and excellent hydrophilicity and can be manufactured at low cost, and a method for manufacturing the same. The hollow fiber membrane includes a tube-type first hydrophilic polymer film having a hollow center, and a second hydrophilic polymer film coated on the inner surface of the tube-type first hydrophilic polymer film. The method includes producing an intermediate hollow fiber membrane from a first hydrophilic polymer material, potting the intermediate hollow fiber membrane in a housing to produce an intermediate hollow fiber membrane module, and coating a second hydrophilic polymer film on the inner surface of the intermediate hollow fiber membrane.

Abstract: An example fuel cell assembly includes a separator plate. Non-porous and hydrophobic flow field layers are associated with the separator plate. An electrolyte retaining matrix comprises silicon carbide powder and has a mean particle size of about 3 microns and a thickness of about 0.05 mm Hydrophilic substrates are associated with catalyst layers. The hydrophilic substrates are about 70% porous and have a void volume that is about 40% filled with transferable phosphoric acid in an initial condition. A condensation zone cools a vapor passing from the assembly to less than about 140° C.

Abstract: A composition useful in electrodes provides higher power capability through the use of nanoparticle catalysts present in the composition. Nanoparticles of transition metals are preferred such as manganese, nickel, cobalt, iron, palladium, ruthenium, gold, silver, and lead, as well as alloys thereof, and respective oxides. These nanoparticle catalysts can substantially replace or eliminate platinum as a catalyst for certain electrochemical reactions. Electrodes, used as anodes, cathodes, or both, using such catalysts have applications relating to metal-air batteries, hydrogen fuel cells (PEMFCs), direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), direct oxidation fuel cells (DOFCs), and other air or oxygen breathing electrochemical systems as well as some liquid diffusion electrodes.

Abstract: Provided are a metallic separator for fuel cell in which a Cr2N layer is formed on the surface of base metals, and a method of fabricating the metallic separator for fuel cell. The method comprises: plating chromium layer on the surface of the base metal; and forming a Cr2N layer by nitriding the chromium-plated layer in properly selected nitriding conditions. Only the Cr2N layer, which has lower electrical resistivity than CrN, is selectively fabricated on the surface of the base metal. The interfacial contact resistance of the separator is reduced and the efficiency of the fuel cell can be improved. In addition, since a low-priced general metals or alloys such as stainless steels, carbon steels, alloy steels or even nonferrous alloys can be used as the base metal, the cost of the fabrication of metallic separator can be significantly reduced. The thickness of the separator can be made as small as to 0.2 mm, the weight and total thickness of a fuel cell stack can be significantly reduced.

Abstract: An electrical bridge is provided for a fuel cell plate which allows for electrical signals to pass in and out of the fuel cell without creating an additional leak path. The electrical bridge provides a mechanism for determining internal conditions of a fuel cell stack using external monitoring devices. The electrical bridge may also provide a mechanism for supplying power to internal sensing and control devices.