Method Of Making A Fuel Cell, Fuel Cell Stack, Or Subcombination Thereof Patents (Class 429/535)
-
Publication number: 20140120452Abstract: A fuel cell of the present invention is configured so that seal members are brought into contact with a frame member, and at least one of the seal member and an outer circumferential portion of the gas diffusion layer is squashed by the other in the thickness direction of a polymer electrolyte membrane, to eliminate a clearance between the gas diffusion layer and the seal member. In this manner, the power generation performance is further enhanced.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2013Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATIONInventors: Masaki Yamauchi, Yasushi Sugawara, Shinsuke Takeguchi, Yoichiro Tsuji
-
Publication number: 20140120458Abstract: Disclosed are methods for fabricating a reinforced membrane electrode assembly having one or more freestanding external reinforcement layers. The method comprises providing a freestanding external reinforcement layer, and depositing a catalyst solution and membrane solution onto at least a portion of the freestanding external reinforcement layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
-
Patent number: 8709673Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell comprises a porous anode electrode, a dense non-porous electrolyte and a porous cathode electrode. The anode electrode comprises a plurality of parallel plate members and the cathode electrode comprises a plurality of parallel plate members. The plate members of the cathode electrode inter-digitate with the plate members of the anode electrode. The electrolyte comprises at least one electrolyte member, which fills at least one space between the parallel plate members of the anode electrode and the parallel plate members of the cathode electrode. At least one non-ionically conducting member fills at least one space between the parallel plate members of the anode electrode and the parallel plate members of the cathode electrode and the at least one electrolyte member and the at least one non-ionically conducting member are arranged alternately.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2008Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: LG Fuel Cell Systems IncInventors: Gerard D Agnew, Peter J Dixon
-
Publication number: 20140113219Abstract: The present invention relates to method for making a membrane electrode assembly. First, a carbon nanotube film is fabricated to act as a gas diffusion layer. Second, a catalyst layer is formed on the carbon nanotube film to obtain an electrode. Third, a proton exchange membrane is provided, and two electrodes are separately disposed on two opposite surfaces of the proton exchange membrane, thereby forming the membrane electrode assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2013Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., TSINGHUA UNIVERSITYInventors: CHANG-HONG LIU, SHOU-SHAN FAN
-
Publication number: 20140113212Abstract: Fuel cell systems (10) and related methods for limiting fuel cell slippage are provided. A stacked plurality of adjacent fuel cells (14) collectively forming a fuel cell stack (12). The fuel cells each include a pair of first and second plates (30, 30?, 30?; 32, 32?, 32?) at respective opposite ends thereof. A first fuel cell has a first plate (30, 30?, 30?) in engagement with a second plate (32, 32?, 32?) of a second fuel cell adjacent to the first fuel cell. A slip mitigation arrangement (50, 50?, 50?) between at least one of the pairs of the first and second fuel cells comprises first and second seats (62, 62?, 62?, 64, 64?, 64?) recessed in the engagement surfaces of the first and second conductive plates respectively, and a key member (60, 60?, 60?) having opposite ends seated in the first and the second recessed seats such that relative movement between the first and the second fuel cells is limited.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2013Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: United Technologies CorporationInventors: David A. Niezelski, Jeffery G. Lake, Robert A. Love, Jason Bennett Blydenburgh
-
Publication number: 20140113206Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to an electrochemical cell comprising: (i) a fuel electrode comprising a metal fuel, (ii) a positive electrode, (iii) an ionically conductive medium, and (iv) a dopant; the electrodes being operable in a discharge mode wherein the metal fuel is oxidized at the fuel electrode and the dopant increases the conductivity of the metal fuel oxidation product. In an embodiment, the oxidation product comprises an oxide of the metal fuel which is doped degenerately. In an embodiment, the positive electrode is an air electrode that absorbs gaseous oxygen, wherein during discharge mode, oxygen is reduced at the air electrode. Embodiments of the invention also relate to methods of producing an electrode comprising a metal and a doped metal oxidation product.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2013Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: FLUIDIC, INC.Inventors: Cody A. FRIESEN, Robert A. ZELLER, Paul B. JOHNSON, Elise E. SWITZER
-
Patent number: 8703346Abstract: An electrolyte sheet for solid oxide fuel batteries with mechanical strength characteristics is proposed. These characteristics may include a high and stable average value of strength, Weibull coefficient, and a high adhesion to an electrode formed on a surface thereof and hence inhibits the electrode from interfacial separation from the electrolyte sheet. The electrolyte sheet for solid oxide fuel batteries is characterized by having a plurality of concaves and/or convexes on at least one surface thereof, the concaves and convexes having base faces which are circular or elliptic or are a rounded polygon in which the vertexes have a curved shape with a curvature radius of 0.1 ?m or larger and/or the concaves and convexes having a three-dimensional shape which is semispherical or semiellipsoidal or is a polyhedron in which the vertexes and the edges have a curved cross-sectional shape having a curvature radius of 0.1 ?m or larger.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2010Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Nippon Shokubai Co., LtdInventors: Takeshi Satake, Fumihide Tamura, Norikazu Aikawa, Kazuo Hata
-
Patent number: 8703360Abstract: In an electrode-membrane-frame assembly production method, a principal part is formed by an electrolyte membrane, first and second catalyst layers and first and second gas diffusion layers, with the first and second gas diffusion layers arranged with their outer circumferences at different positions. The principal part is arranged in a molding die with a circumferential region of the principal part disposed on a flat region of a primary molded body. A circumferential portion of one of the gas diffusion layers is arranged to oppose a flat region of the primary molded body so that the membrane is interposed between the circumferential portion and the flat region. Subsequently, a secondary molded body is formed to integrate with the primary molded body and the principal part.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2008Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Yoichiro Tsuji, Toshihiro Matsumoto, Hiroki Kusakabe, Takashi Morimoto
-
Patent number: 8703361Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly manufacturing method that includes: (a) forming a first electrode on a first release paper and a second electrode on a second release paper corresponding to the first electrode; (b) forming first incision parts in the first release paper at a predetermined interval along the first electrode's edge and second incision parts in the second release paper at a predetermined interval along the second electrode's edge; (c) adhering a first release paper surface on which the first electrode is formed on one electrolyte membrane surface and adhering one second release paper surface in which the second electrode is formed on the other electrolyte membrane surface; and (d) removing one part of the first release paper corresponding to the first electrode along the first incision part and removing one part of the second release paper corresponding to the second electrode along the second incision part.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2010Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Ki Sub Lee
-
Patent number: 8703348Abstract: The cooling device of the present invention is intercalated to the fuel cells assembled in a stack and comprises a planar, elastically deformable, conductive and porous element capable of ensuring both the passage of a suitable coolant and the electrical continuity between the walls delimiting the same. The planar conductive deformable and porous element is characterized by being provided with linear sections capable of guiding the coolant flow so as to reliably achieve a uniform heat withdrawal. The linear sections may have a straight shape and consist of inert impervious and preferably elastic material.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2005Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Nuvera Fuel Cells Europe SRLInventor: Antonino Toro
-
Patent number: 8703362Abstract: A sintered electrolyte sheet comprising: a body of no more than 45 ?m thick and laser machined features with at least one edge surface having at least 10% ablation. A method of micromachining the electrolyte sheet includes the steps of: (i) supporting a sintered electrolyte sheet; (ii) micromachining said sheet with a laser, wherein said laser has a wavelength of less than 2 ?m, fluence of less than 200 Joules/cm2, repetition rate (RR) of between 30 Hz and 1 MHz, and cutting speed of preferably over 30 mm/sec.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2012Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Corning IncorporatedInventors: William Cortez Blanchard, Sean Matthew Garner, Thomas Dale Ketcham, Xinghua Li
-
Publication number: 20140106253Abstract: A fuel cell including at least two stacks of electrochemical cells, a heat management system including a circuit for flowing a coolant into each of the stacks fed in parallel, and an outside circuit for flowing the coolant outside the stacks. The outside circuit includes a first subcircuit including a heat exchanger and a second subcircuit directly connected to an inlet of the inside circuit, and controlling valves for controlling flow of the coolant toward either or both subcircuits as a function of temperature of the coolant at an output of each of the stacks. The second outside subcircuit includes a mechanism increasing its head loss such that it is close or equal to that of the first outside subcircuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2012Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicant: Commissariat a I'energie atomique et aux ene altInventors: Delphine Drouhault, Pierre Nivelon
-
Publication number: 20140106261Abstract: A method for preparing hollow platinum or platinum-alloy catalysts includes a step of forming a plurality of low-melting-point metal nanoparticles. A platinum or platinum-alloy coating is then deposited onto the low-melting-point metal nanoparticles to form platinum or platinum-alloy coated particles. The low-melting-point metal nanoparticles are then removed to form a plurality of hollow platinum or platinum-alloy particles.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2013Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: ANUSORN KONGKANAND
-
Publication number: 20140106256Abstract: Disclosed is an electrode catalyst comprising: (a) a support with a specific surface area of at least 1200 m2/g; and (b) platinum or platinum-containing alloy particles on the support, wherein the platinum is supported on the electrode catalyst in an amount of 56-90 wt % based on the total weight of the electrode catalyst. A membrane electrode assembly (MEA) comprising the electrode catalyst and a fuel cell using the MEA are also disclosed. The electrode catalyst comprises platinum or platinum-containing alloy particles highly dispersed on a support with a large surface area in an amount of 56 wt % or more, and thus has an extended catalytically active region, resulting in improvement in the quality of a fuel cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2013Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicant: LG CHEM, LTD.Inventors: Min Suk Kim, Jin Nam Park, Hyuk Kim
-
Patent number: 8697301Abstract: A fuel cell comprises an anode, a cathode, and a proton exchange membrane. The anode and cathode can include a catalyst layer which includes a plurality of generally aligned carbon nanotubes. Methods of making a fuel cell are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2011Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: FormFactor, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin N. Eldridge, John K. Gritters, Onnik Yaglioglu
-
Patent number: 8697313Abstract: The invention is a novel solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack comprising individual bi-electrode supported fuel cells in which a thin electrolyte is supported between electrodes of essentially equal thickness. Individual cell units are 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 by means of appropriate solution and thermal treatment means. Each cell unit is assembled by depositing of a thin coating of ion conducting ceramic material upon the side of each of two pieces of tape surface having the smallest pore openings, and then mating the coated surfaces to create an unsintered electrode scaffold pair sandwiching an electrolyte layer.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2010Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Thomas L. Cable, Stephen W Sofie
-
Publication number: 20140099568Abstract: Disclosed are a catalyst for a fuel cell, a method of preparing the same, and an electrode for a fuel cell, a membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell, and a fuel cell system including the same, and the catalyst includes a carrier; and an active metal supported on the carrier, wherein the carrier is crystalline carbon bonded with a functional group represented by the following Chemical Formula 1 at the surface thereof. In Chemical Formula 1, each substituent is the same as described in the detailed description.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: April 10, 2014Applicant: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Myoung-Ki Min, Yong-Bum Park, Sung-Chul Lee, Jun-Young Kim, Hee-Tak Kim
-
Patent number: 8691468Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel cell stack comprising a base plate supporting fuel cells and a cap of an electrically insulating material, particularly of ceramics, for electrically insulating the fuel cells stacked on top of each other partially enveloping the fuel cells stacked on top of each other. According to the invention it is contemplated that a metal cap provided for guiding cathode gas envelops the cap including the fuel cells together with the base plate and that the metal cap is attached to the base plate in a sealed manner. The invention further relates to a method for producing a fuel cell stack.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2009Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignees: Enerday GmbH, Webasto AG, Staxera GmbHInventors: Stefan Käding, Jens Hafemeister, Uwe Bergmann, Gregor Holstermann
-
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
-
Publication number: 20140093806Abstract: A bipolar plate assembly for a fuel cell is provided. The bipolar plate assembly includes a first electroformed unipolar plate disposed adjacent a second electroformed unipolar plate. The first and second unipolar plates are bonded by a plurality of localized electrically and thermally conductive plugs by electroplated material deposited within apertures formed in the substrates onto which the unipolar plates are electroformed. A method for forming the bipolar plate assembly is also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2013Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Gerald W. Fly, John P. Healy, Steven G. Goebel
-
Publication number: 20140093813Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fuel cell electrode includes stamping an electrode workpiece (50, 50?) in a sequence configured to control and/or reduce material growth, such as stamping discrete sections of the electrode workpiece in a sequential order. The method can employ a die with a die face (18, 18?) having a plurality of projections (24, 24?), wherein each projection has a top surface (26, 26?) with a concave curve along at least one plane to control and/or reduce material growth during a stamping operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2012Publication date: April 3, 2014Inventors: Michael D. Kozal, Peter Wojtas, William Kanouse, Stacey Broom, Roger L. Whitley
-
Publication number: 20140093812Abstract: A method of manufacturing a plate for a fuel cell includes the steps of providing flow channels in a fuel cell plate. Multiple fuel cell plates are joined into a cell stack assembly. A blocking plate is affixed to the fuel cell plate and at least partially obstructs the flow channels. The blocking plate is affixed to the fuel cell plate after the plates have been arranged into the cell stack assembly. The resulting fuel cell provides a fuel cell plate having a perimeter with an edge. The fuel cell plate includes flow channels extending to the edge. The blocking plate is affixed to the fuel cell plate at the edge to at least partially block the flow channel. In this manner, an inexpensive fuel cell plate may be used, and the blocking plate can be configured to create terminated flow channels, which may be used to provide an interdigitated flow field.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2011Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Thomas H. Madden, Timothy W. Patterson
-
Patent number: 8685590Abstract: An apparatus for pre-activation of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell includes a first plate and a second plate hot pressing the unit cell stack, each having a flow channel supplying water vapor to opposing inner surfaces with the unit cell stack therebetween and including a resistor producing heat, a compressor, a temperature controller and a water vapor supplier connected to the flow channels of the plates. The apparatus for pre-activating a polymer electrolyte fuel cell may be used to prepare a prep-activated integrated body of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell membrane electrode assembly and gas diffusion layers by performing hot pressing while supplying water vapor to the unit cell stack to hydrate the polymer electrolyte membrane.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Korea Institute of Energy ResearchInventors: Gu-Gon Park, Minjin Kim, Young-Jun Sohn, Young-Woo Choi, Seok-Hee Park, Sung-Dae Yim, Tae-Hyun Yang, Young-Gi Yoon, Won-Yong Lee, Chang-Soo Kim
-
Publication number: 20140087286Abstract: Embodiment methods for bypassing a fuel cell in a fuel cell stack include identifying a fuel cell to bypass and connecting a conductive bypass to the fuel cell stack such that the bypass electrically connects a first interconnect in the fuel cell stack and a second interconnect in the fuel cell stack and electrically bypasses the identified fuel cell. Further embodiment methods include applying a conductive sealing material to the fuel cell stack such that the conductive sealing material seals a cathode inlet or outlet of the identified fuel cell and such that the conductive sealing material electrically bypasses the identified fuel cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2013Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicant: Bloom Energy CorporationInventors: John Matthew Fisher, Ian Russell, Gary Walth, Martin Perry, David Edmonston, Vlad Kalika
-
Publication number: 20140087282Abstract: Provided is a solid oxide fuel cell comprising the following: a fuel gas flow path, a fuel electrode layer provided around the fuel gas flow path and containing an iron group element and a ceramic, a solid electrolyte layer provided around the fuel electrode layer, and an air electrode layer provided around the solid electrolyte layer. In a high-temperature state where the temperature of the solid oxide fuel cell, in which a fuel gas is supplied from one side of the fuel gas flow path and exhausted through an opening provided on the other side of the fuel gas flow path, is close to a power generation temperature, the solid oxide fuel cell is subjected to a process for regulating oxidation expansion rate of the fuel electrode layer, the oxidation expansion occurring when an oxidant gas flows in through the opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2012Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicant: TOTO LTD.Inventors: Mitsunobu Shiono, Seiki Furuya, Minoru Takashio, Shigeru Ando, Hiroshi Shirahama, Megumi Shimazu, Akira Kawakami
-
Publication number: 20140087273Abstract: In one embodiment, an electrochemical cell includes a negative electrode, a positive electrode, a precipitation zone located between the negative electrode and the positive electrode and in fluid communication with the positive electrode, and a fluid electrolyte within the positive electrode and the precipitation zone, wherein the precipitation zone is configured such that a discharge product which is produced as the cell discharges is preferentially precipitated within the precipitation zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2013Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: John F. Christensen, Paul Albertus, Timm Lohmann, Nalin Chaturvedi
-
Patent number: 8679705Abstract: An electrode for fuel cells including a catalyst layer containing a benzoxazine monomer, a catalyst and a binder, and a fuel cell employing the electrode. The electrode for the fuel cells contains an even distribution of benzoxazine monomer, which is a hydrophilic (or phosphoric acidophilic) material and dissolves in phosphoric acid but does not poison catalysts, thereby improving the wetting capability of phosphoric acid (H3PO4) within the electrodes and thus allowing phosphoric acid to permeate first into micropores in electrodes. As a result, flooding is efficiently prevented. That is, liquid phosphoric acid existing in large amount within the electrodes inhibits gas diffusion which; this flooding occurs when phosphoric acid permeates into macropores in the electrodes. This prevention of flooding increases the three-phase interfacial area of gas (fuel gas or oxidized gas)-liquid (phosphoric acid)-solid (catalyst).Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2007Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hee-young Sun, Seong-woo Choi, Tae-young Kim
-
Publication number: 20140080034Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell preventing formation of a diffusion layer containing Ca and other elements, and having an excellent power generation performance at low temperature by preventing breakdown of a crystal structure of an electrolyte by firing. Disclosed is a solid oxide fuel cell which includes a fuel electrode, a solid electrolyte, and an air electrode, each being sequentially laminated on the surface of a porous support. The porous support contains forsterite, and further has a calcium element (Ca) content of more than 0.2 mass % but not more than 2 mass % in terms of CaO.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: TOTO LTD.Inventors: Shigeru ANDO, Seiki FURUYA, Yutaka MOMIYAMA, Kiyoshi HAYAMA, Osamu OKAMOTO, Naoki WATANABE, Nobuo ISAKA, Masaki SATO
-
Publication number: 20140080033Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell preventing formation of a diffusion layer containing Ca and other elements, and having an excellent power generation performance at low temperature by preventing breakdown of a crystal structure of an electrolyte by firing. Disclosed is a solid oxide fuel cell which includes an inner electrode, a solid electrolyte, and an outer electrode, each sequentially laminated on the surface of a porous support. The porous support contains forsterite, and has a Ca element content of 0.2 mass % or less in terms of CaO in a surface region at the inner electrode side.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: TOTO LTD.Inventors: Shigeru ANDO, Seiki FURUYA, Yutaka MOMIYAMA, Kiyoshi HAYAMA, Osamu OKAMOTO, Naoki WATANABE, Nobuo ISAKA, Masaki SATO
-
Publication number: 20140080011Abstract: The catalytic electrode of the present invention does not cause mass transfer resistance, unlike conventional catalytic electrodes coated with Nafion or the like, and thus can achieve significantly high electron transfer efficiency. Accordingly, the catalytic electrode can have high power density, and thus has excellent physical properties.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2011Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: KOREA UNIVERSITY RESEARCH AND BUSINESS FOUNDATIONInventors: Jungbae Kim, Jinwoo Lee, Chulmin Jeon, Jongmin Shim
-
Patent number: 8669020Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly including an anode that incorporates a porous support and a hydrogen permeable metal thin film disposed on the porous support; a cathode; and a proton conductive solid oxide electrolyte membrane disposed between the anode and the cathode.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2011Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignees: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Snu R&DB FoundationInventors: Pil-won Heo, Yoon-ho Lee, Sang-kyun Kang, Jin-su Ha, Suk-won Cha
-
Publication number: 20140065519Abstract: A method for fabricating a fuel cell includes fixedly attaching a reinforcement to a proton-exchange membrane and to an electrode placed against a first face of the proton-exchange membrane. The reinforcement has a median aperture through which an interior portion of the electrode is exposed. Fixedly attaching the reinforcement includes superimposing an inner edge of the reinforcement over a periphery of the electrode, and causing a projecting portion of the reinforcement to project the proton-exchange membrane so as to limit gas permeation into the proton-exchange membrane, and forming filigrees by a wet process in a gas diffusion layer, thereby forming a recess therein, and placing the gas diffusion layer so that the inner edge of the reinforcement extends into the recess in the gas diffusion layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2013Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: Commissariat à I'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternativesInventors: Remi Vincent, Benoit Barthe, Denis Tremblay
-
Publication number: 20140065518Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a rechargeable electrochemical metal-oxygen cell, comprising at least one positive electrode, at least one negative metal-comprising electrode and at least one separator having two sides for separating the positive and negative electrodes, wherein, in one of the process steps, at least one side of the separator is coated with at least one material for forming one of the two electrodes (hereinafter referred to as electrode material) or at least one side of at least one of the two electrodes is coated with at least one material for forming the separator (hereinafter referred to as separator material) to form a separator-electrode assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2013Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: BASF SEInventors: Alexander PANCHENKO, Sigmar Braeuninger, Arnd Garsuch, Ruediger Schmidt
-
Publication number: 20140065509Abstract: Fuel cell subgaskets made of extrusion based, microcellular polymeric foam; fuel cell stacks comprising the provided subgaskets; methods of sealing between plates of a fuel cell stack using the provided subgaskets; and methods of manufacturing such subgaskets.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2012Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Glenn W. Skala
-
Publication number: 20140065517Abstract: The invention relates to gas diffusion electrodes for rechargeable electrochemical metal-oxygen cells, which comprise at least one porous support and one or more layers which are applied to one side of the porous support and comprise at least one catalyst for a metal-oxygen cell, wherein at least one function-relevant parameter changes continuously or discontinuously with increasing distance from the porous support in the catalyst-comprising layer or layers. The present invention further relates to processes for producing such gas diffusion electrodes and rechargeable electrochemical metal-oxygen cells comprising such gas diffusion electrodes.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2013Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: BASF SEInventors: Alexander Panchenko, Sigmar Braeuninger, Arnd Garsuch, Ruediger Schmidt
-
Patent number: 8663865Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fuel cell includes the steps of: (a) providing an extendable stacking reference member structured to extend and contract in a stacking direction; (b) arranging the stacking reference member in an extended setting via a first opening, such that one end of the stacking reference member is located inside a casing body and the other end of the stacking reference member is located outside the casing body; (c) after the step (b), mounting a plurality of cells of a cell laminate on the stacking reference member in a direction from inside to outside of the casing body; (d) contracting the stacking reference member and compressing the mounted cell laminate in the stacking direction, so as to locate the stacking reference member and the cell laminate inside the casing body of the fuel cell; and (e) after the step (d), attaching an end wall member to a first wall member to close the first opening and maintaining the cell laminate under a load in the stacking direction.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2010Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kazuhiro Watanabe, Takuji Nagano
-
Patent number: 8663863Abstract: An interconnect for a fuel cell is made of pressed metal sheet. The interconnect integrates inlets and outlets, flow distributing inlet and outlet-zones seal surfaces and flow paths on both sides of the interconnect all formed and defined by discrete point or oblong protrusions made by the deformation of the sheet. A protrusion on one side of the interconnect corresponds to an indentation on the other side, but since the interconnect consists of three levels, the first side of the interconnect can be designed substantially independently of the second side.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2009Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Topsoe Fuel Cell A/SInventor: Niels Erikstrup
-
Patent number: 8663872Abstract: A membrane-membrane reinforcing member assembly (1) of the present invention includes: a polymer electrolyte membrane (10) having a pair of first main surface (F1) and second main surface (F2) which face each other and each has a substantially rectangular shape; a pair of first membrane reinforcing members 22 and 24 which are disposed on portions, respectively, extending along a pair of opposed sides of four sides of the first main surface (F1), each has a main surface smaller than the first main surface (F1) and each has a film shape; and a pair of second membrane reinforcing members (26) and (28) which are disposed on portions, respectively, extending along a pair of opposed sides of four sides of the second main surface (F2), each has a main surface smaller than the second main surface (F2) and each has a film shape, wherein the pair of first membrane reinforcing members (22) and (24) and the pair of second membrane reinforcing members (26) and (28) are disposed so as to extend along four sides as a whole,Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2006Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Takeou Okanishi, Yoshihiro Hori, Kazuhito Hatoh
-
Publication number: 20140057138Abstract: A fuel cell comprising at least two stacked fuel cell boards (22) which each comprise a membrane of substantially gas impervious electrolyte material and at least two electrode pairs wherein the anode and cathode of each said electrode pair are arranged on respective faces of said membrane. An electrode of each pair of electrodes is connected to an electrode of an adjacent pair of electrodes by a through-membrane connection (13) or by an external connection on a Printed Circuit Board, comprising an electrically conductive region of said electrolyte material. A method for forming the through-membrane electrical connections in the electrolyte membrane is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 29, 2012Publication date: February 27, 2014Applicants: UCL Business PLC, Imperial Innovations LimitedInventors: Daniel John Leslie Brett, Anthony Robert John Kucernak
-
Publication number: 20140057198Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2012Publication date: February 27, 2014Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANYInventors: Jung Yeon Byun, Sung Bum Choi, Jong Hyun Lee
-
Patent number: 8658328Abstract: A stack structure for a solid oxide fuel cell includes a plurality of stacked single cells, each having a fuel electrode layer including a fuel electrode and an air electrode layer including an air electrode, the fuel electrode layer and the air electrode layer being arranged opposite each other on either side of a solid electrolyte, separators arranged between the stacked single cells to separate the single cells, and non-porous seal parts located within the fuel electrode layer and the air electrode layer, are equivalent to either the separators or the solid electrolyte at least in terms of thermal expansion and contraction characteristics, and are integrated with an edge of the fuel electrode or an edge of the air electrode, and also with the adjacent separator and the adjacent solid electrolyte.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2009Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignees: Japan Fine Ceramics Center, FCO Power, Inc.Inventors: Seiichi Suda, Kaori Jono, Fumio Hashimoto, Takayuki Hashimoto
-
Publication number: 20140051006Abstract: Metal supported solid oxide fuel cells produced by high voltage medium current tri-gas atmospheric plasma spraying are revealed. These fuel cells have better electrical properties, better redox stability, better durability and higher thermal conductivity due to the metal support. Moreover, nano structure of an anode interlayer and nano structure of a cathode interlayer have more three-phase boundaries (TPB) so that performance of the solid oxide fuel cell is improved and the working temperature of the solid oxide fuel cell is reduced. The shape of the solid oxide fuel cell is planar or tubular.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2013Publication date: February 20, 2014Applicant: ATOMIC ENERGY COUNCIL-INSTITUTE OF NUCLEAR ENERGY RESEARCHInventor: ATOMIC ENERGY COUNCIL-INSTITUTE OF NUCLEAR ENERGY RESEARCH
-
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
-
Publication number: 20140051007Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards the design of electrochemical cells for use in high pressure or high differential pressure operations. The electrochemical cells of the present disclosure have non-circular external pressure boundaries, i.e., the cells have non-circular profiles. In such cells, the internal fluid pressure during operation is balanced by the axial tensile forces developed in the bipolar plates, which prevent the external pressure boundaries of the cells from flexing or deforming. That is, the bipolar plates are configured to function as tension members during operation of the cells. To function as an effective tension member, the thickness of a particular bipolar plate is determined based on the yield strength of the material selected for fabricating the bipolar plate, the internal fluid pressure in the flow structure adjacent to the bipolar plate, and the thickness of the adjacent flow structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2013Publication date: February 20, 2014Applicant: Nuvera Fuel Cells, Inc.Inventors: Scott Blanchet, Benjamin Lunt, Ed Domit, Kevin Beverage, Roger Van Boeyen, Wonseok Yoon
-
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
-
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
-
Patent number: 8652707Abstract: Tubular ceramic structures of non-circular cross section, e.g., anode components of tubular fuel cells of non-circular cross section, are manufactured by applying ceramic-forming composition to the external non-circular surface of the heat shrinkable polymeric tubular mandrel component of a rotating mandrel-spindle assembly, removing the spindle from said assembly after a predetermined thickness of tubular ceramic structure of non-circular cross section has been built up on the mandrel and thereafter heat shrinking the mandrel to cause the mandrel to separate from the tubular ceramic structure of non-circular cross section.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2011Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: WATT Fuel Cell Corp.Inventors: Caine Finnerty, Benjamin Emley
-
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: 8652685Abstract: The invention is a process for making an electrochemical cell with a catalytic electrode including a catalyst made by a solution precipitation process via an oxidation-reduction reaction between water-soluble oxidizing and reducing agents, at least one of which includes manganese. The reaction is carried out at less than 65° C., preferably with little or no heating. The oxidizing agent does not have a cation that is reduced in the reaction, and the reducing agent does not have an anion that is reduced in the reaction.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2011Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Eveready Battery Co., Inc.Inventor: Jingdong Guo
-
Publication number: 20140045080Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, an electrochemical cell includes a negative electrode including a form of lithium, a positive electrode spaced apart from the negative electrode and configured to use a form of oxygen as a reagent, a separator positioned between the negative electrode and the thick positive electrode, and an electrolyte including a salt concentration of less than 1 molar filling or nearly filling the positive electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2013Publication date: February 13, 2014Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Paul Albertus, John F. Christensen