Abstract: An electrical power source for a portable electronic device. The electrical power source includes at least one fuel cell adapted to receive fuel and generate therefrom electrical power for powering at least one component of the portable electronic device, a fuel tank adapted to provide fuel to the fuel cell, and at least one thermoelectric module in thermal contact with at least one of the fuel cell and fuel tank for regulating the temperature of the at least one fuel cell and at least one fuel tank.

Abstract: A battery module system includes at least one cell and a battery module processor. The battery module processor may be configured to receive at least one cell signal associated with the at least one cell, wherein the at least one cell signal includes at least one of a temperature signal, a voltage signal, or a current signal. The battery module processor may be also configured to determine a status of the at least one cell based on the at least one cell signal. The battery module system may be configured to removably connect to a master/module interface, and to deliver power from the at least one cell to the master/module interface. The battery module system may be also configured to communicate, from the battery module processor, the status of the at least one cell to the master/module interface.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell, a secondary cell, a voltage transformer, and a control portion. The control portion charges the secondary cell with surplus electric power at the time of starting the fuel cell, and adjusts voltage of the fuel cell between an open-circuit voltage and a high-potential-avoiding voltage in the case where the secondary cell is expected to become overcharged while the output voltage of the fuel cell is decreased from the open-circuit voltage to the high-potential-avoiding voltage. The foregoing case is at least one of the case where a passage electric power that passes through the voltage transformer exceeds a secondary cell-charging-purpose permitted-to-pass electric power, the case where the input electric power restriction value for the secondary cell is exceeded, and the case where amount of regeneration by the mover that is charged is not restricted.

Abstract: A fuel cell system and a fuel cell vehicle equipped with the fuel cell system are provided. In a case where the voltage of a battery is outside a voltage range of fuel cells where oxidation-reduction proceeds, an ECU controls a DC/DC converter to be placed in a direct connection state (Vbat?Vfc), and controls a gas supply unit so as to regulate concentration of oxygen or hydrogen supplied to the fuel cells in accordance with a target power generation electric power determined based on electric power required by a load.

Abstract: An electric power supply system can determine a sharing ratio of an electric power so as to increase and decrease an output electric power supplied by an electric power generator in accordance with an output electric power value required for the electric power supply system, in a fuel cell following region where a frequency of a magnitude of the electric power is equal to or higher than a predetermined value in a frequency distribution of a magnitude of the electric power, and can determine the sharing ratio of the electric power so as to increase an output electric power supplied by an electricity storage device, in an assist region where the frequency is lower than a predetermined value in the frequency distribution, and can prevent an excess of discharging from an electricity storage device.

Abstract: A vehicle has a motor serving as a driving source for running the vehicle, a high-power assembled battery and a high-capacity assembled battery each capable of supplying an electric power to the motor, and a temperature adjusting mechanism adjusting the temperature of each of the high-power assembled battery and the high-capacity assembled battery. The temperature adjusting mechanism supplies a heat exchange medium for use in the temperature adjustment of the high-power assembled battery and the high-capacity assembled battery to each of the assembled batteries. The high-power assembled battery is capable of charge and discharge with a current relatively larger than that in the high-capacity assembled battery.

Abstract: A solid dye sensitization type solar cell includes a substrate, a first electrode disposed on the substrate, an electron transport layer including an electron transport semiconductor and disposed on the first electrode, the electron transport layer including a photosensitizing compound adsorbed on a surface of the electron transport semiconductor, a hole transport layer disposed on the electron transport layer, and a second electrode disposed on the hole transport layer. Each of the first electrode and the second electrode includes divided multiple electrodes.

Abstract: A manifold for use with fuel cell and fuel cell stacks is provided. In certain examples, the manifold may be constructed and arranged to provide air to all cathodes in a first fuel cell stack fluidically coupled to the manifold and configured to provide fuel to all anodes in the first fuel cell stack. In some examples, the manifold may be constructed and arranged to provide air to all cathodes in a first fuel cell stack and a second fuel cell stack and to provide fuel to all anodes in the first fuel cell stack and the second fuel cell stack.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for providing an integrated electrochemical and solar cell. In one embodiment of the invention, an electrochemical cell with a self supporting ceramic cathode layer is electrically connected to a solar cell. In another embodiment of the invention, an electrochemical cell with a self supporting anode is provided. The present invention also contemplates methods of manufacturing the integrated electrochemical and solar cell wherein such methods provide weight savings and streamlined manufacturing procedures through the use of self supporting cathodes and anodes.

Abstract: A fuel cell module includes a fuel cell stack, a reformer for reforming a mixed gas of a raw fuel and water vapor, an evaporator for supplying water vapor to the reformer, and a heat exchanger for raising the temperature of the oxygen-containing gas by heat exchange with a combustion gas, and an exhaust gas combustor and a start-up combustor for producing the combustion gas. The fuel cell module includes a first thermoelectric converter and a second thermoelectric converter for performing thermoelectric conversion based on a temperature difference between the combustion gas and the oxygen-containing gas.

Abstract: A portable fuel cell system includes a fuel cell having a plurality of flow inputs and a power output, a temperature sensor configured to measure operating temperature of the fuel cell, a power output sensor coupled to the fuel cell and configured to measure a power parameter related to fuel cell power output, a controllable power converter, coupled to the power output of the fuel cell, that transfers power from the fuel cell to the fuel cell system, and a flow control device coupled to a first flow input and configured to control a first one of the flow inputs into the fuel cell. The system further includes a fuel cell system controller, coupled to the fuel cell, the power output, the temperature sensor, the power output sensor, the controllable power converter, and the flow control device.

Abstract: A disclosed energy storage system for an application having an energy requirement and a power requirement may include a first component configured to provide the energy requirement of the application and a second component configured to provide the power requirement of the application. At least one of a volume, mass, weight, or cost of the combination of the first component and the second component may be less than a volume, mass, weight, or cost needed for either the first component or the second component to provide the energy requirement and the power requirement of the application. An anode of the second component may comprise lithium titanate.

Abstract: An emergency start device of a fuel cell vehicle having a motor as a driving source is provided and includes a fuel cell that supplies power to a motor and an air blower that supplies air to the fuel cell. A high voltage battery supplies power to the air blower and a direct current (DC) converter increases an output of the high voltage battery to transfer the output to the air blower. In addition, a first switch transfers or intercepts an output of the high voltage battery to the air blower. By directly transferring a voltage of the high voltage battery to the air blower, the fuel cell is driven, when the DC converter fails while driving by the high voltage battery.

Abstract: An emergency starting system and an emergency starting method of a fuel cell hybrid vehicle perform an emergency start when a DC power converter for starting fails. The emergency starting system includes: a fuel cell and a super capacitor connected through a main bus terminal in parallel; a driving inverter connected to the main bus terminal; a driving motor connected to the driving inverter; a balance-of-plant configured to activate the fuel cell; a starting DC power converter configured to drive the balance-of-plant; and a starting controller configured to control the super capacitor at the time of a start. The starting controller includes a super capacitor relay, an initial charging relay, and an initial charging resistor, the initial charging relay includes a plurality of relays, and the initial charging resistor includes a plurality of resistors.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods of diagnosing in situ the health of a fuel cell stack while it is in operation in a vehicle. One such system of diagnosing in situ the health of a fuel cell stack while it is in operation in a vehicle comprises at least one gas sensor configured to detect a gas in exhaust from the fuel cell stack and a control unit configured to receive data from the gas sensor. The control unit has baseline data particular to a catalyst of the fuel cell stack and is programmed to determine information from the baseline data and the data from the gas sensor, the information providing a condition of the fuel cell stack. A display unit is configured to display an indication of the condition.

Abstract: An automobile assembly and a method of producing hydrogen gas within an automobile assembly. An automobile is provided that contains a fuel cell. The fuel cell produces electricity from purified hydrogen gas. The vehicle also has a standard fuel tank that holds liquid fuel and a water tank that holds water. A fuel reformation system is carried by the vehicle. The fuel reformation system reacts water with liquid fuel to produce hydrogen gas and exhaust gases. The hydrogen gas is separated and is supplied to the fuel cell as needed by the fuel cell. The fuel cell produces electricity that drives electric motors to power the wheel of the vehicle. The vehicle, therefore, uses traditional liquid fuel to produce the hydrogen needed to operate the fuel cell and power an otherwise electric vehicle.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a fuel cell, auxiliaries, a storage battery, an auxiliary power switching unit and a controlling device. The fuel cell is connected to a system power supply. The auxiliaries are coupled to the fuel cell. The auxiliary power switching unit switches power supplies to at least one of the auxiliaries from the storage battery. When the fuel cell device that is not operating starts operation at a time of power failure of the system power supply, the controlling device determines whether or not each of the auxiliaries need power for startup of the fuel cell and prompts the auxiliary power switching unit to supply the power from the storage battery to one or more auxiliaries for which the controlling device has determined a power demand for the startup.

Abstract: An arrangement is disclosed for reducing use for safety gases in a high temperature fuel cell system, each fuel cell in the fuel cell system including an anode side, a cathode side, and an electrolyte between the anode side and the cathode side. The fuel cells can be arranged in fuel cell stacks. The fuel cell system can include a fuel cell system piping for reactants, and feeding of fuel to the anode sides of the fuel cells. Electrical anode protection can be achieved by supplying a predefined voltage separately to at least two fuel cell stacks or groups of fuel cell stacks to prohibit oxidation of anodes.

Abstract: A fuel cell vehicle (1) includes: a fuel cell (11); a storage battery (17); a power control unit (10), electrically connected to the fuel cell (11) and the storage battery (17), for controlling electric power in the vehicle (1); a power distribution unit (16), provided on an electrical path between the storage battery (17) and the power control unit, for distributing the electric power from the storage battery; and power-generation auxiliary machines (15) which are electrically connected to the power distribution unit (16) and to which the electric power, distributed by the power distribution unit (16), is supplied for performing operation for electric power generation by the fuel cell (11). The power distribution unit (16) and the power control unit (10) are connected directly without use of a harness.

Abstract: A fuel cell system is arranged to charge a secondary battery, which is detachable from the fuel cell system, and to supply electric power to a load. The fuel cell system includes a cell stack having a plurality of fuel cells and a controller having a CPU. During power generation in the cell stack, the CPU determines whether or not the secondary battery has been removed from the fuel cell system based on a voltage drop in the cell stack. With the determination that the secondary battery has been removed, the CPU turns off a relay and power supply from the cell stack to the load is stopped. The fuel cell system reliably maintains its operation even after removal of the secondary battery.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a mobile electronic device having a fuel cell configured to receive fuel and generate therefrom electrical power for the mobile electronic device, a fuel tank adapted to store fuel and provide fuel to the fuel cell, and a solid-state battery configured to provide power to the mobile device. The solid-state battery is sized and shaped to at least partially surround at least one of the fuel cell and the fuel tank.

Abstract: A sodium chloride electrolysis cell (9) receives a portion of its electrical power (47, 48: 50, 51) from a phosphoric acid fuel cell (44) which receives fuel at its anode inlet (43) from a water cooled catalytic reactor (26) that converts oxygen in the byproduct output (19) of the sodium chlorate electrolysis cell to hydrogen and water. A utility grid (53) may provide through a converter (55) power to support the electrochemical process in the sodium chlorate electrolysis cell. Temperature of the water cooled catalytic reactor is determined by the vaporization of pressurized hot water, the pressure of which may be adjusted by a controller (36) and a valve (38) in response to temperature (40).

Abstract: A vehicle propulsion system comprising a plurality of solid state rechargeable battery cells configured to power a drivetrain. In accordance with once aspect of the invention, a transportation system that is powered at least in part by electricity stored in the form of rechargeable electrochemical cells. According to an embodiment of the present invention, these cells are combined in series and in parallel to form a pack that is regulated by charge and discharge control circuits that are programmed with algorithms to monitor state of charge, battery lifetime, and battery health.

Abstract: The fuel cell system includes: a fuel cell that generates electricity through an electrochemical reaction of fuel gas and oxidation gas; a battery that stores electricity or supplies electricity; and a driving motor that receives electricity for driving. The fuel cell system further includes: a fuel cell electricity supplying path provided between the fuel cell and the driving motor; a battery electricity supplying path extending from the battery and connected to the fuel cell electricity supplying path; and a circuit breaker that is provided closer to the fuel cell than a connecting point of the fuel cell electricity supplying path and the battery electricity supplying path.

Abstract: A wheel drive system for an aircraft that features at least one electric motor and at least one fuel cell as energy source for the electric motor, wherein the electric motor is coupleable to at least one wheel of at least one landing gear of the aircraft. The wheel drive system reduces the fuel consumption and lowers the emission of CO2 and pollutants—primarily carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons. Persons, vehicles and other aircraft furthermore are not endangered by a jet blast while the aircraft is taxiing because the main engines do not have to be started until the take-off and landing strip is reached. The operation of the wheel drive system furthermore leads to a reduced noise pollution.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for energy supply and storage. The system is self-contained. It comprises a means for generating solar electric power. Electric power can be converted to a liquid fuel, such as methanol, in a reversible liquid fuel cell. The liquid fuel is stored. When demand for electric power exceeds the supply of solar power, electric power is generated in the liquid fuel cell using stored liquid fuel.

Abstract: An electrochemical device including a housing and a stack of electrochemical cells in the housing. Each electrochemical cell includes an anode electrode, a cathode electrode, a separator located between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode and an electrolyte. The electrochemical device also includes a current collector located between adjacent electrochemical cells, an anode bus operatively connected to the anodes of the electrochemical cells in the stack and a cathode bus operatively connected to the cathodes of the electrochemical cells in the stack. The housing, the anode electrode, the cathode electrode, the separator, the anode bus and the cathode bus are non-metallic.

Abstract: A combined magnetohydrodynamic and electrochemical method for namely electric power generation through a hydrogen-oxygen fusion in a hydrogen fuel cell uses an electrolytic process of decomposing water to hydrogen and oxygen in a spiral magnetic electrolyser under the surface of a water environment, where the dynamization of the water environment in the water supply system of the spiral magnetic electrolyser is induced by negative pressure resulting from water being decomposed at the outlet of the spiral magnetic electrolyser. A combined magnetohydrodynamic and electrochemical facility for namely electric power generation comprising a hydrogen fuel cell including at least one spiral magnetic electrolyser (1), with its inlet (2) submerged under the surface of a water environment (3). Connected to the outlet (4) of such positioned spiral magnetic electrolyser (1) is a gas separator (5) separating produced hydrogen from oxygen and at least one hydrogen fuel cell (6) with an outlet for water (7).

Abstract: Engine exhaust is sent to a reformer, which produces hydrogen from fuel remaining in the exhaust. The hydrogen may be stored in a hydrogen tank, and may be used by a fuel cell to produce electricity to recharge a vehicle battery and/or to supply propulsion current to an electric propulsion system.

Abstract: Methods and systems for maintaining near operational mode internal temperatures of a high temperature fuel cell system during a hibernation mode are provided. Embodiments of the claimed invention include powering an electric heater adjacent to the high temperature fuel cell system to heat the high temperature fuel cell system. The use of an electrical heater allows the fuel cell system to maintain approximate operation mode internal temperatures during a hibernation mode and eliminates the problems of excess noise, vibration and exhaust emissions typical of previous fuel cell system heating methods. Gross energy savings of 67% and a fuel consumption reduction rate of 33% have been shown when substituting this method with previous fuel cell system heating methods with no additional manufacturing costs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a power storage unit which can safely operate over a wide temperature range. The power storage unit includes: a power storage device; a heater for heating the power storage device; a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the power storage device; and a control circuit configured to inhibit charge of the power storage device when its temperature is lower than a first temperature or higher than a second temperature. The first temperature is exemplified by a temperature which allows the formation of a dendrite over a negative electrode of the power storage device, whereas the second temperature is exemplified by a temperature which causes decomposition of a passivating film formed over a surface of a negative electrode active material.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the voltage on a high voltage bus in a fuel cell system in response to a failed high voltage battery. The method includes determining if the high voltage battery has failed, and disconnecting the battery from the high voltage bus in response to a failure. The method measures the voltage of the fuel cell stack by a DC boost circuit and converts the measured voltage to a voltage set-point value that sets the voltage on the high voltage bus, where the voltage set-point value changes as the measured voltage changes. A supervisory controller sets the media flow to the fuel cell stack and determines a minimum stack voltage limit value based on the stack maximum current draw that is used to determine a high voltage bus lower limit value.

Abstract: The controller (185) of a fuel cell stack (151) in a vehicle (150) responds to lower demand to cause a diverter (172) to direct all air from the cathodes (19) except as required to generate sufficient power to limit cell voltage to a safe idle voltage threshold, cause storage in an energy storage system (201) sufficient to limit cell voltage to the idle voltage threshold unless SOC is too high, connects a voltage limiting load (220) to the stack sized to consume all power not consumed by auxiliary BOP, or, for longer idles, air-starves the stack and powers BOP from storage. In response to increase in a demand signal, the controller causes flow of all air to the cathodes. In response to an off signal (223) or a start signal (193) the controller causes a shutdown routine or a startup routine in each of which all generated power is stored to maintain fuel cell voltage below a threshold, or is consumed in the voltage limiting load.

Abstract: A controller (control portion) of a fuel cell system is provided with a flow path switching control device that switches a thermostat valve (flow path switching valve) so that, after a fuel cell has stopped generating electric power, coolant is supplied to a radiator circulation path until the coolant temperature becomes a second temperature threshold value that is lower than a first temperature threshold value.

Abstract: The invention aims to reduce degradation of the power generation performance of a fuel cell during a prolonged high load operation with high effectiveness. A fuel cell vehicle correlates the dryness of an electrolyte membrane to the cell temperature, while performing power generation control of a fuel cell based on a power demand for a driving motor. When the cell temperature exceeds a first temperature ? that indicates the increased dryness of the electrolyte membrane, the fuel cell vehicle intermittently repeats temporary current increase control that shifts the operation state of the fuel cell to the state of an increased electric current and a decreased voltage in a time period t, in order to increase the amount of water production on a cathode.

Abstract: A method for operating a passive, air-breathing fuel cell system is described. In one embodiment, the system comprises one or more fuel cells, and a closed fuel plenum connected to a fuel supply. In some embodiments of the method, the fuel cell cathodes are exposed to ambient air, and the fuel is supplied to the anodes via the fuel plenum at a pressure greater than that of the ambient air.

Abstract: A self contained energy generating system that comprises a galvanic battery and a power distribution system. The energy generating system is used to purify water by using a reverse osmosis device that draws in a source of water and transfers electrolytes to the galvanic battery. Upon contact with the electrolyte, the galvanic battery produces energy by an oxidation-reduction reaction of the cathode and anode and transfers energy to the power distribution system, which in turn provides power to the osmosis device. Additionally, the system includes a hydrogen fuel cell to increase the amount of energy generated and a power storage device for storing excess energy generated. The system also includes a controller which is configured to regulate the overall operation of the system.

Abstract: A method (300) and device (400) for augmenting the useful life of an energy storage device in a portable electronic device is disclosed. The method (300) can include the steps of: providing (315) a power module comprising a fuel cell and a battery; determining (310) relative humidity; and controlling (315) the operations of the power module in response to the determined relative humidity. Advantageously, the method (300) and device (400) can augment and prolong the useful life of an energy storage device in a portable electronic device, with minimal power drain.

Abstract: A system and method for mitigating the effects of a thermal event within a battery pack is provided in which the hot gas and material generated during the thermal runaway of at least one non-metal-air cell of a plurality of non-metal-air cells is directed through one or more metal-air cells, the metal-air cells absorbing at least a portion of the thermal energy generated during the event before it is released to the ambient environment. As a result, the risks to vehicle passengers, bystanders, first responders and property are limited.

Abstract: A system and method for warming a fuel cell on an aircraft, the system includes at least one fuel cell. The fuel cell includes an anode and a cathode for creating thermal and electrical energy. A temperature sensor measures a first temperature of the fuel cell. A control unit is coupled to the temperature sensor. The control unit increases the first temperature to a second temperature in response to the first temperature being at least equal to a selected temperature threshold. Increasing of the first temperature is indicative of the control unit operating in a warming mode. The second temperature is higher than the selected temperature threshold.

Abstract: A container for testing an electrochemical cell having at least one anode and at least one cathode. The container includes a base and a lid movably coupled to the base between an open position and a closed position. The base and the lid cooperate to define an internal cavity that is sized to receive the electrochemical cell.

Abstract: An apparatus including a flexible substrate of electrically insulating material, and an electrically conductive polymer, wherein the electrically conductive polymer is retained by the flexible substrate to form together at least part of an electrode of an electrical storage apparatus such that the electrically conductive polymer provides an electrical path for electrons which are generated and/or stored by the electrical storage apparatus.

Abstract: A method for purging water from a fuel cell stack at fuel cell system shutdown. The method includes determining a stack water generation request to control the rate of drying of membranes in the stack and determining a cathode catalytic heating water generation request. A maximum charge a battery in the fuel cell system can accept is also determined. An ancillary power request for powering components of the fuel cell system during shutdown is determined. The method allocates how much of the water generation request will be fulfilled by operating the fuel cell stack to charge the battery and to provide the power needed for the ancillary power request, and how much of the water generation request will be fulfilled by cathode catalytic heating that produces water and heat in a cathode side of the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A motor vehicle energy storage device includes a first electrical energy store characterized by a first characteristic voltage curve defining the open-circuit voltage of the first energy store depending on the relative charge state and by a first characteristic resistance curve defining the internal resistance of the first energy store relevant for a charge process of the energy store, and a second electrical energy store connected in parallel and characterized by a second characteristic voltage curve defining the open-circuit voltage of the second energy store depending on the relative charge state and by a second characteristic resistance curve defining the internal resistance relevant for a charge process of the second energy store.

Abstract: A backup power system for industrial plants using purified hydrogen in critical processes. A smart valve at a hydrogen reservoir is used to steal hydrogen and divert the hydrogen to a fuel cell array providing backup power to critical processes. Before the fuel cell array comes online, backup power is provided by a battery array that can also supply backup power as the hydrogen supply is depleted.

Abstract: A battery module for an electric vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle having two or more battery components having different electrochemistries.

Abstract: A battery module for an electric vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle having two or more battery components having different electrochemistries.

Abstract: A modular transportable high capacity energy storage unit is disclosed. This feature facilitates discrete power generation whereby end-users can generate electricity from non-fossil fuel sources in the course of their normal daily activities, completely independent of the electricity grid or major generation facilities. The feature also enables electricity to be transported and traded as commodities irrespective of the location of its generation or relevant electricity infrastructure.

Abstract: The electronic apparatus includes a portable electronic device and a charger for capacitively charging the portable electronic device when the portable electronic device is temporarily placed adjacent the charger. The portable electronic device includes a device data communication unit and an associated battery, and a pair of device capacitive electrodes, defining a device conductive footprint, to receive a charging signal to charge the battery. The charger includes a base having an area larger than the device conductive footprint and able to receive the portable electronic device thereon in a plurality of different positions, and an array of charger capacitive electrodes carried by the base. A charger controller selectively drives only the charger capacitive electrodes within the device conductive footprint with a charging signal to capacitively charge the battery.

Abstract: A fuel cell system comprising an anode compartment which comprises an anode having a copper catalyst layer, a cathode configured as an air cathode and a separator interposed between said anode and said cathode, operable by an amine-derived fuel and oxygen (or air) is disclosed. Further disclosed are fuel cell systems comprising an anode compartment which comprises an anode having a copper catalyst layer, a cathode and a separator interposed between said anode and said cathode, which are operable by a mixture of two types of amine-derived compounds (e.g., ammonia borane, hydrazine and derivatives thereof). Also disclosed are methods of producing electric energy by, and electric-consuming devices containing and operable by, the disclosed fuel cell systems.