Abstract: A fuel cell is manufactured using a polymer electrolyte membrane (1). A catalyst layer (12) is formed at fixed intervals on the surface of the strip-form polymer electrolyte membrane (1) in the lengthwise direction thereof, and conveyance holes (10) are formed in series at fixed intervals on the two side portions thereof. By rotating a conveyance roller (32) comprising on its outer periphery projections which engage with the holes (10), the polymer electrolyte membrane (1) is fed from a reel (9). A GDL (6) and a separator (7) are adhered to the fed polymer electrolyte membrane (1) at a predetermined processing timing based on the rotation speed of the conveyance roller (32), and thus the fuel cell is manufactured efficiently while the GDL (6) and separator (7) are laminated onto the catalyst layer (12) accurately.

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: The present disclosure is directed to an integrated SOFC stack including, a first cell having a cathode layer, an electrolyte layer overlying the cathode layer, and an anode layer overlying the electrolyte layer. The SOFC stack also includes a second cell having a cathode layer, an electrolyte layer overlying the cathode layer, and an anode overlying the electrolyte layer. The SOFC stack further includes a ceramic interconnect layer between the first cell and the second cell, the ceramic interconnect layer having a first high temperature bonding region along the interfacial region between the first cell and the ceramic interconnect layer. The ceramic interconnect layer also includes a second high temperature bonding region along the interfacial region between the second cell and the ceramic interconnect layer.

Abstract: The present invention involves an electrically-conductive fuel cell electrode connector, the connector including an opening and a slot, the slot connecting an interrupted external edge of the connector to the opening to delimit a first flap and a second flap of the connector. A method of using the connector comprising a step of deforming the connector to be able to insert a module of unit cells into the connector opening.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates a method for manufacturing a fuel cell. An object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly capable of solving an electrical connection problem caused by uneven tube lengths and improving an output, and a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell. The method for manufacturing the membrane electrode assembly of the present invention includes a seed catalyst layer forming process (1), a CNT growing process (2), a CNT entanglement promoting process (3), a catalyst carrying process (4), an ionomer arranging process (5), and a transferring (MEA conversion) process (6). According to the present invention, entanglement of adjacent CNTs can be promoted by the CNT entanglement promoting process (3) and therefore the electrical connection of the CNTs can be ensured. Thus, the output of the cell can be improved.

Abstract: A lithium-oxygen battery may include an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte between, and in contact with, the anode and the cathode. The anode may include lithium and/or a lithium alloy. In some examples, the cathode defines a surface that is predominantly metal oxide with an electron conductivity of at least 10?1 Siemens per centimeter. In some examples, the cathode defines a surface in contact with oxygen, and includes ruthenium oxide. In some examples, the cathode defines a surface that is substantially covered by ruthenium oxide and is in contact with oxygen.

Abstract: A bipolar plate used in a fuel cell and a method of making a bipolar plate. The sheet is made from a ferritic or austenitic stainless steel, and defines an undulated surface pattern such that the patterned sheet may be formed into the bipolar plate. In one configuration, a stamping or related metal forming tool operation will further deform the patterned sheet into the bipolar plate shape such that the wall thickness is substantially uniform throughout the surface. In this way, there is a substantial reduction in stretching/thinning/necking at an intersection between bends and side walls that define the undulations of the pattern. In one form, the pattern defines a repeating serpentine shape. In a particular embodiment, the bends may include surface modifications to reduce the effects of sheet-to-tool misalignment.

Abstract: A catalyst slurry for a fuel cell, an electrode manufactured using the catalyst slurry, a membrane-electrode assembly including the electrode, a fuel cell including the membrane-electrode assembly, and a method of manufacturing the electrode are provided. The catalyst slurry includes a catalyst material, an acid component, a binder, and a solvent component having a viscosity of at least about 20 cps at about 20° C.

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: Disclosed herein is a solid oxide fuel cell assembly, including: one or more unit cell, a box-shaped housing provided in the unit cell so as to prevent fuel and air from contacting with each other; a metal plate provided with one or more penetration hole in a plate shape partitioning the housing so as to prevent fuel and air from contacting with each other; and a seal sealing a spaced gap between an outer circumferential surface of the unit cell and a penetration hole of a metal plate. The preferred embodiment of the present invention provides the reliable sealed state between the unit cell and the metal plate by using the seal formed of a sealant, a bonding material, and a sealing material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a solid oxide fuel cell including: a unit cell including an anode, an electrolyte, and a cathode; interconnectors having a rugged shape due to a channel and a protruded portion formed on one surface or both surfaces of a body and arranged in parallel at a predetermined interval, wherein a lower surface and a side of the channel are stacked with oxidation resistance insulating ceramic layers. In particular, the present invention includes a method of manufacturing an interconnector for a planar solid oxide fuel cell.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments, an electrochemical device includes a substrate having a substrate surface; an amorphous metal oxide layer supported on the substrate surface; and a noble metal catalyst supported on the amorphous metal oxide layer to form a catalyst layer. The amorphous metal oxide layer may contact only 25 to 75 percent of the substrate surface. The amorphous metal oxide layer may include less than 10 weight percent of crystalline metal oxide. In certain instances, the amorphous metal oxide layer is substantially free of crystalline metal oxide.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a solid oxide fuel cell including a unit cell, wherein the unit cell includes: a cylindrical internal electrode: an interconnector having a T-shaped cross section and stacked on an outer peripheral surface of the internal electrode in a length direction; an electrolyte stacked on the outer peripheral surface of the internal electrode except for the interconnector; and an external electrode stacked on an outer peripheral surface of the electrolyte except for wing parts of the interconnector. In addition, disclosed herein is a manufacturing method of a solid oxide fuel cell.

Abstract: A flow field plate for fuel cell applications includes a metal with a graphene-containing layer disposed over at least a portion of the metal plate. The graphene-containing layer includes an activated surface which is hydrophilic. Moreover, 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.

Abstract: A fuel distributor assembly for a fuel cell stack that includes an inner shell positioned within an outer shell. The outer shell is curved to define a central longitudinal chamber, a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge. The outer shell also has an inner wall surface and an outer wall surface. The first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge in combination define a longitudinal slot. The first longitudinal edge is bent inwardly towards the longitudinal chamber to form a longitudinal lip. The inner shell includes a plurality of ribs extending outwardly and contacting the inner wall surface of the outer shell. The inner shell, the outer shell, the lip, and the ribs define a plurality of flow channels. The inner shell has a length along which a plurality of apertures are positioned in a partial helical pattern. A method of forming the fuel distributor is also provided.

Abstract: A method of insulating a base portion of a fuel cell system including pouring an insulation that can be poured to fill at least 30 volume % of a base portion cavity of the fuel cell system housing through an opening in a sidewall of the housing. The base portion cavity of the housing is located between a bottom wall of the housing and a stack support base plate located in the housing. The stack support base plate supports one or more columns of fuel cell stacks.

Abstract: A humidifying apparatus of a fuel cell is provided that includes a housing, a hollow fiber membrane module, valve, a sensor, and a controller. More specifically, a hollow fiber membrane module is disposed inside a housing. This housing has a first inlet and a first outlet formed in both side surfaces of an outer circumferential surface of the housing, and a second inlet and a second outlet formed at one side and an opposite side of the housing. Additionally, a valve is mounted in the first outlet of housing and a sensor is configured to sense a control factor of a fuel cell stack. A controller is also configured to output a control signal to adjust how much the valve is opened or closed according to a sensing signal from the sensor.

Abstract: A gas diffusion layer (GDL) for fuel cell applications that can prevented channels of a bipolar plate from being intruded. The gas diffusion layer is manufactured by cutting a GDL material at a certain angle such that a machine direction of the inherent high stiffness of the GDL material is not in parallel with a major flow field direction of a bipolar plate to prevent the GDL intrusion into the channels of the bipolar plate without modifying an existing method for manufacturing the gas diffusion layer. With the gas diffusion layer, the electrochemical performance of the fuel cell can be improved and manufacturing process can be improved even in the case where the width of the rolled GDL material is small.

Abstract: At a start of a fuel cell, discharge of a generated water is ended at a proper timing. Supply of the reactive gas is started at a first flowrate. Then, in a case that the generated water retained by a reactive electrode is determined to outflow to an internal gas flow channel side among unit cells more than or equal to a preset determination cell number, the flowrate of the reactive gas is changed to a second flowrate that is smaller than the first flowrate.

Abstract: An electricity storage system comprising a reversible fuel cell having a first electrode and a second electrode separated by an ionically conducting electrolyte, and at least two chambers adapted to hold fuel and/or a reaction product, wherein the system is substantially closed and at least one reactant for discharge is hydrogen or oxygen.

Abstract: A polymer-electrolyte membrane is presented. The polymer-electrolyte membrane comprises an acid-functional polymer, and an additive incorporated in at least a portion of the membrane. The additive comprises a fluorinated cycloaliphatic additive, a hydrophobic cycloaliphatic additive, or combinations thereof, wherein the additive has a boiling point greater than about 120° C. An electrochemical fuel cell including the polymer-electrolyte membrane, and a related method, are also presented.

Abstract: A cathode catalyst layer used for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell that includes an electrolyte membrane is provided. The cathode catalyst layer comprises a catalyst having weight of not greater than 0.3 mg/cm2 of a reaction surface of the cathode catalyst layer that is adjoining the electrolyte membrane; and an electrolyte resin having oxygen permeability of not less than 2.2*10?14 mol/m/s/Pa in an environment of temperature of 80 degrees Celsius and relative humidity of 50%.

Abstract: A protective layer (20) is formed in a picture frame shape and a thin film shape between an electrolyte membrane (1) and a peripheral edge portion of a catalyst layer (30) by applying ink by an ink jet method. The protective layer (20) is formed directly on the electrolyte membrane (1) to a thickness in the range of about 0.1 ?m to 5.0 ?m.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and method for stacking a fuel cell stack, which enables automated accurate stacking of components constituting the fuel cell stack by using a phosphor coated thereon. Accordingly, when a membrane-electrode assembly (MEA), a separation plate, etc. are automatically stacked in sequence they are coated with phosphor at a predetermined position on each of the MEA, the separation plate, etc. A phosphor sensor is then positioned and configured to automatically determine whether or not the MEA and separator have been accurately stacked by detecting the presence of phosphor on the stacked MEA and separator plate respectively.

Abstract: A fuel cell that includes a cell stack in which a plurality of unit cells are stacked, a case that houses the cell stack, and a pressure plate that is placed in the case at a position between an end of the cell stack in the stacking direction and the case. The case has a first opening through which a pressing member that presses the pressure plate in the stacking direction from outside the case is brought into contact with the pressure plate, and a fixing portion that fixes the pressure plate in place with the cell stack compressed in the stacking direction.

Abstract: A fuel cell for a portable electronic device having a liquid fuel reservoir (100) wherein at least a part of the inner surface (103) and a part of an outer surface (104) of the fuel reservoir wall (102) are gas permeable, wherein said wall is adapted such that the area of the open parts of the inner surface (103) of the wall is larger than the area of the open parts of said outer surface (104) of the wall, wherein said wall is porous and adapted to allow gas to enter said wall and to be transported along said wall in a direction substantially parallel with the plane of the wall and to leave said wall, and wherein said wall is adapted such that the inner surface is hydrophobic. The invention further provides a portable electronic device and a method of manufacturing a liquid fuel reservoir.

Abstract: A conduit assembly for a fuel cell system includes a dielectric tube comprising a first end and a second end, a first metal tube including a first lip coupled to the first end of the dielectric tube, a first dielectric ring coupled to the first lip of the first metal tube, a second metal tube including a second lip coupled to the second end of the dielectric tube, and a second dielectric ring coupled to the second lip of the second metal tube.

Abstract: A method for sealing a coolant chamber (5) of a bipolar plate (1) of a fuel cell (20), the fuel cell (20) having at least one membrane-electrode unit (21) and the bipolar plate (1) having a first bipolar plate half (2) and a second bipolar plate half (3), at least one of the bipolar plate halves (2, 3) having a coolant distributing structure (4) and the coolant chamber (5) that is formed at least by the coolant distributing structure (4) being formed between the bipolar plate halves (2, 3).

Abstract: In order to provide a sealing assembly for a fuel cell stack comprising a plurality of fuel cell units, which are arranged consecutively in a stacking direction, wherein each of the fuel cell units comprises a housing with at least one housing part made of a metallic material, which also has an adequate electrical insulation effect and an adequate mechanical strength at a high operating temperature of the fuel cell stack, it is proposed that the sealing assembly comprises at least one intermediate element made of a metallic material, wherein the intermediate element is soldered to a housing part of a first fuel cell unit at at least one location by means of a metal solder and is secured to a housing part of a second fuel cell unit at at least another location, wherein the intermediate element and/or the housing part of the first fuel cell unit is provided with a coating made of a ceramic material.

Abstract: One embodiment includes at least one of the anode and cathode of a fuel cell comprises a first layer and a second layer in intimate contact with each other. Both the first layer and the second layer comprise a catalyst capable of catalyzing an electrochemical reaction of a reactant gas. The second layer has a higher porosity than the first layer. A membrane electrode assembly (MEA) based on the layered electrode configuration and a process of making a fuel cell are also described.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment may include a fuel cell comprising an electrolyte layer and an electrolyte stabilizing agent. The electrolyte stabilizing agent is disposed in an electrochemically non-active layer and configured to migrate from the non-active layer to the electrolyte layer. Another exemplary embodiment may include a microporous layer comprising an electrolyte stabilizing agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inorganic ion conductive membrane, which is capable of obtaining a fuel cell with a stable operation in all temperature, high performance, and no leakage of fuels by manufacturing the inorganic ion conductive membrane, composed of an inorganic membrane, using an anodic oxidization reaction and applying the manufactured inorganic ion conductive membrane to the fuel cell, a fuel cell including the inorganic ion conductive membrane, and a method of manufacturing the inorganic ion conductive membrane and the fuel cell.

Abstract: Fuel cell stacks (20) include fuel cells (22) in which internal pressure on membranes (28), caused by adjacent cross points (19) or ribs (9, 17) of gas flow field plates (7, 33) is reduced by lowering the axial load holding the stack together, after an initial high axial load, that establishes minimal possible internal resistance, has been held for between a few hours and 20 hours. The need for robust axial load restraints is also reduced. Pressure of cross points (19) can also be spread by stiffening components or adding stiffeners.

Abstract: The present invention is a hydrophilic polymer, which can be hydrated to form a hydrated hydrophilic polymer having a water content of at least 65%, wherein water content is defined as [(mass of the hydrated hydrophilic polymer?mass of the dry hydrophilic polymer)/mass of the hydrated hydrophilic polymer]×100. The hydrophilic polymer may be hydrated to form a hydrated hydrophilic polymer having a water content of at least 65%. The present invention also 10 provides MEAs and electrochemical cells and methods of forming same.

Abstract: An electrical connection material for solid oxide fuel cells, which is capable of preferred electrical connections. The electrical connection material includes a burn-out material-containing ceramic layer and a burn-out material-free ceramic layer stacked on the burn-out material-containing ceramic layer. The burn-out material-containing ceramic layer contains a conductive ceramic and a burn-out material.

Abstract: An electrochemical converter with proton membrane includes a plurality of electrochemical unitary cells connected in series and arranged on a carrier tape elongated along a longitudinal axis, a first face of which has anodes that receive hydrogen and a second face has cathodes that receive air, wherein the hydrogen circulates in a flow parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aforementioned tape and the air circulates in a flow transverse to the longitudinal axis of the aforementioned tape, and separation means dividing the air flow into a cooling flow having no contact with the cathodes and a cathodic reaction flow in contact with the cathodes.

Abstract: Various embodiments include interconnects and/or end plates having features for reducing stress in a fuel cell stack. In embodiments, an interconnect/end plate may have a window seal area that is recessed relative to the flow field to indirectly reduce stress induced by an interface seal. Other features may include a thicker protective coating and/or larger uncoated area of an end plate, providing a recessed portion on an end plate for an interface seal, and/or recessing the fuel hole region of an interconnect relative to the flow field to reduce stress on the fuel cell. Further embodiments include providing intermittent seal support to minimize asymmetric seal loading and/or a non-circular seal configuration to reduce stress around the fuel hole of a fuel cell.

Abstract: Various embodiments include interconnects and/or end plates having features for reducing stress in a fuel cell stack. In embodiments, an interconnect/end plate may have a window seal area that is recessed relative to the flow field to indirectly reduce stress induced by an interface seal. Other features may include a thicker protective coating and/or larger uncoated area of an end plate, providing a recessed portion on an end plate for an interface seal, and/or recessing the fuel hole region of an interconnect relative to the flow field to reduce stress on the fuel cell. Further embodiments include providing intermittent seal support to minimize asymmetric seal loading and/or a non-circular seal configuration to reduce stress around the fuel hole of a fuel cell.

Abstract: Various embodiments include interconnects and/or end plates having features for reducing stress in a fuel cell stack. In embodiments, an interconnect/end plate may have a window seal area that is recessed relative to the flow field to indirectly reduce stress induced by an interface seal. Other features may include a thicker protective coating and/or larger uncoated area of an end plate, providing a recessed portion on an end plate for an interface seal, and/or recessing the fuel hole region of an interconnect relative to the flow field to reduce stress on the fuel cell. Further embodiments include providing intermittent seal support to minimize asymmetric seal loading and/or a non-circular seal configuration to reduce stress around the fuel hole of a fuel cell.

Abstract: There is provided a reinforcing material equipped with a cohesive/adhesive layer, having a proper initial adhesion force to an adherend, such as an electrolyte membrane, a catalyst layer and a gas diffusion layer, and which can be temporarily fixed readily. A reinforcing material produced by forming a cohesive/adhesive layer on a substrate. The cohesive/adhesive layer includes an aliphatic polyamide, an epoxy resin and a polythiol. When the reinforcing material is used, it becomes possible to correct the position of an adherend after the adhesion of the reinforcing material to the adherend. In addition, it can prevent the formation of wrinkles on the adherend or the like upon the adhesion of the reinforcing material. Therefore, a catalyst layer laminated membrane or the like which has a reinforcing material attached thereto can be produced readily without requiring the employment of any highly skilled technique.

Abstract: Fuel feed systems capable of providing substantially consistent flow of fuel to a fuel cell and also capable of tolerating varying pressures from a reservoir (also referred to as fuel supply or fuel cell cartridge) and the fuel cell while maintaining substantially consistent control flow to the fuel cell are disclosed.

Abstract: A microporous layer sheet for a fuel cell according to the present invention includes at least two microporous layers, which are stacked on a gas diffusion layer substrate, and contain a carbon material and a binder. Then, the microporous layer sheet for a fuel cell is characterized in that a content of the binder in the microporous layer as a first layer located on the gas diffusion layer substrate side is smaller than contents of the binder in the microporous layers other than the first layer. The microporous layer sheet for a fuel cell, which is as described above, can ensure gas permeability and drainage performance without lowering strength. Hence, the microporous layer sheet for a fuel cell, which is as described above, can contribute to performance enhancement of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell by application thereof to a gas diffusion layer.

Abstract: The invention is a novel solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack comprising individual bi-electrode supported fuel cells in which an electrolyte layer is supported between porous electrodes. The porous electrodes may be made from graded pore ceramic tape that has been created by the freeze cast method followed by freeze-drying. Each piece of graded pore tape later becomes a graded pore electrode scaffold that, subsequent to sintering, is made into either an anode or a cathode. The electrode scaffold comprising the anode includes a layer of liquid metal. The pores of the electrode scaffolds gradually increase in diameter as the layer extends away from the electrolyte layer. As a result of this diameter increase, any forces that would tend to pull the liquid metal away from the electrolyte are reduced while maintaining a diffusion path for the fuel. Advantageously, the fuel cell of the invention may utilize a hydrocarbon fuel without pre-processing to remove sulfur.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having two or more diffusion bonded layers, which demonstrates a high degree of ruggedness, reliability, efficiency and attitude insensitiveness, is provided. The novel cell structure simplifies construction and operation of these cells. Also provided is a method for passive water removal from these cells. The inventive cell, as well as stacks made using these cells, is suitable for use in applications such as commercial space power systems, long endurance aircraft, undersea power systems, remote backup power systems, and regenerative fuel cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel cell system. A hot zone chamber has a wall thickness T and a heat source coupled thereto. An elongate fuel cell device is positioned with a first lengthwise portion within the hot zone chamber, a second lengthwise portion outside the hot zone chamber, and a third lengthwise portion of length T within the chamber wall. The third portion has a maximum dimension L in a plane transverse to the length where T?½L.

Abstract: This solid polymer fuel cell has a plurality of stacked single battery modules having an electrolyte membrane, electrode layers disposed on both surfaces of the electrolyte membrane, and a pair of separators provided with a gas flow paths disposed on the inside surfaces so as to sandwich the electrode layers. The electrolyte membrane is provided with electrolyte material and a nonwoven fabric which is embedded in the electrolyte material. The nonwoven fabric is provided with a plurality of fused parts that are provided in a linear shape or spotted shape on a part of the nonwoven fabric that is a part corresponding to of the solid polymer fuel cell, wherein two or more nonwoven fibers are fused to each other and the thickness thereof is thinner than the membrane thickness of the unwoven fabric.

Abstract: A gas diffusion layer for a fuel cell includes a gas diffusion layer substrate and a microporous layer formed on the surface of the gas diffusion layer substrate. The microporous layer is formed into a sheet-like shape including a binder and a carbon material containing at least scale-like graphite, and the sheet-like microporous layer is attached to the gas diffusion layer substrate. The gas diffusion layer for a fuel cell having such a configuration, prevents the components included in the microporous layer from entering the gas diffusion layer substrate, so as to ensure gas permeability. In addition, the scale-like graphite contained in the microporous layer as an electrically conductive material improves electrical conductivity and gas permeability. Accordingly, the gas diffusion layer contributes to an improvement in performance of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell.

Abstract: A battery unit with improved safety measures, a lithium polymer battery using the battery unit, and a method for manufacturing the lithium polymer battery are provided.