Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multifunctional battery for supplying power to an electrical circuit, and the related method of making the same. Use of the multifunctional battery permits structural integrity and versatility, while maximizing power output of the cells and minimizing the overall weight of the structure. The multifunctional battery includes an open cell interconnected structure comprised of a plurality of open cells so as to provide a structural electrode. The structural electrode is configured to be a load bearing member. The battery also includes interstitial electrodes that are counter electrodes to the structural electrode. The interstitial electrodes are at least partially received within a predetermined number of the cells of the interconnected structure. Additionally, a separator portion is disposed between the structural electrode and interstitial electrodes to serve as an electrical insulator.

Abstract: A fuel cell system is provided for storing energy created from the reaction of residual gases at shutdown of a fuel cell stack. This energy can then be used for powering a component of the fuel cell stack and enables air to be used to purge the anode gas.

Abstract: A battery pack is provided which can be suitably used in a case where charging of a dedicated secondary battery in a portable terminal device is difficult. The battery pack is mounted in a battery mounting section in a portable cellular phone (portable terminal device) proper. In the battery pack, alkaline accumulators are connected in series. Alkaline accumulators generate electromotive forces having a voltage (3V) being lower than that of the dedicated secondary battery. A power source circuit has a boosting-type DC/DC converter which boosts a voltage of the alkaline accumulators being connected in series at a level being same as that of the dedicated secondary battery (for example, 4.5V), and outputs the boosted voltage. An electrical double layer capacitor has a capacity to feed stable power to an internal circuit in which power consumption increases or decreases in a burst manner and is charged by application of an output of the power source circuit and stores the power.

Abstract: A motor vehicle including an electric drive engine capable of being successively supplied with electric power by two separate electric power sources, in particular by a set of batteries and by a fuel cell, and of the type including an accelerator pedal that is mobile between a rest position and an extreme actuated position corresponding to the maximum power capable of being supplied by the engine based on the amount of electric power available for its powering. A mechanism is provided for varying the extreme actuated position of the pedal on the basis of a parameter representing the amount of electric power available for powering the engine.

Abstract: A fuel cell including, a cell unit which has a fuel electrode including a catalyst, an air electrode including a catalyst, and an electrolyte membrane which is sandwiched by the fuel electrode and the air electrode; a fuel chamber which is disposed at a fuel electrode side, and which stores fuel; an air chamber which is disposed at an air electrode side and to which air is supplied; and a recovery chamber in which a fuel-side by-product, which is generated by a catalytic reaction of the fuel at the fuel electrode, is recovered, wherein a colorant containing an indicator is provided inside of one of the fuel chamber and the recovery chamber.

Abstract: A system for making a thin-film device includes a substrate-supply station that supplies a substrate having a major surface area. The substrate has a first layer on a first surface area of the substrate's major surface area. Also included is a device for depositing a second layer onto the first layer, wherein the device supplies energy to the second layer to aid in layer formation without substantially heating the substrate.

Abstract: A power supply unit comprises a solid electrolyte battery constituted by using a solid electrolyte alone and a liquid electrolyte battery constituted by using an electrolytic solution connected in parallel to each other. Since the solid electrolyte battery is primarily utilized at high temperature and the liquid electrolyte battery is primarily utilized at low temperature, a power supply unit can achieve durability characteristics at high temperature equivalent to those of a power supply unit constituted of solid batteries alone and output characteristics at low temperatures equivalent to those of liquid electrolyte batteries alone, is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high temperature fuel cell power generation system that includes a high temperature fuel cell having an anode inlet and exhaust, and a cathode inlet and exhaust. The system also includes a gas separation means operable to recover hydrogen gas from the anode exhaust and to provide at least a portion of such hydrogen gas for recycle to the anode inlet. The system further includes energy recovery means operable to recover energy from the fuel cell exhaust gases and to provide at least a portion of such recovered energy to drive mechanical loads associated with the operation of the gas separation means, wherein a portion of the recovered hydrogen gas is provided for export from the generation system as hydrogen fuel.

Abstract: A power system, comprising: a primary power source in electrical communication with a bus and a bridging power source, wherein the bridging power source comprises at least one of a capacitor, a battery, and an electrolysis cell, and the bridging power source is in electrical communication with the bus; and a secondary power source in electrical communication with the bus. A method for operating a power system, comprising: monitoring a primary power source; if the primary power source exhibits selected characteristics, directing power from a bridging power source to a bus and initiating a secondary power source, and the bridging power source comprises at least one of a capacitor, a battery, and an electrolysis cell; and unless the secondary power source exhibits the selected characteristics, powering the bus with the secondary power source and ceasing the directing power from the bridging power source.

Abstract: A vehicle drive system powered by a hybrid fuel cell including at least one cathode, at least one anode, and at least one auxiliary electrode. The auxiliary electrode works in combination with the anode to provide a current as a rechargeable battery while the anode and cathode work in combination to provide an electrical current as a fuel cell. The cathode and the auxiliary electrode may operate alone or in tandem to provide an electrical current.

Abstract: A hybrid fuel cell/battery including at least one cathode, at least one anode, and at least one auxiliary electrode. The auxiliary electrode works in combination with the anode to provide a current as a rechargeable battery while the anode and cathode work in combination to provide an electrical current as a fuel cell. The cathode and the auxiliary electrode may operate alone or in tandem to provide an electrical current.

Abstract: An electrically powered device includes a shell, and a battery integrated with the shell. The electrically powered device also includes a trace, and a site adapted to receive an electrically powered component, wherein the battery, the trace and the electrically powered component form a portion of a circuit. The electrically shell may be a portion of an enclosure. The battery is formed within the shell and may be comprised of one or a plurality of deposited layers.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack, a battery, and a control system. A power circuit couples the fuel cell system selectively between the fuel cell stack and the battery. The power circuit includes a battery supply switch responsive to a voltage across the fuel cell stack, and a stack supply switch responsive to an operating state of the fuel cell system. The battery supply switch uncouples the battery from an on-board power supply when a voltage across the fuel cell stack exceeds a first threshold voltage and couples the battery to the on-board power supply when the fuel cell stack voltage is less than a second threshold voltage. The stack supply switch couples power the fuel cell stack to the on-board power supply when in a running state. A diode-OR circuit couples the source with the highest potential to the on-board power supply.

Abstract: A compartment interchangeably holds either a battery or a fuel cartridge for powering a portable electronic device. The compartment includes electrical contacts to access energy stored in a battery. The compartment further includes a fuel port to access fuel stored in a fuel cartridge. Either of the battery or the fuel cartridge may be installed in the compartment. A portable electronic device, which is powered interchangeably by either a battery or a fuel cell, includes the compartment. A method of powering the portable electronic device includes installing either a battery or a fuel cartridge into a compartment that interchangeably holds the battery and the fuel cartridge, and powering the device using energy stored in the respectively installed battery or energy stored in fuel contained in the respectively installed fuel cartridge.

Abstract: A hybrid electrochemical cell system is provided. In one embodiment, the hybrid system includes a cathode, an electrolyte, and a plurality of anode portions. A first anode portion is in ionic communication with the cathode via the electrolyte, and a second anode portion in ionic communication with the cathode via the electrolyte. The first anode portion, the electrolyte, and the cathode form a power generating electrochemical cell. Further, the second anode portion, the electrolyte, and the cathode form an auxiliary electrochemical cell. In another embodiment, separate cathode portions are provided.

Abstract: A power system comprising: a primary power source in electrical communication with a bridging power source, wherein the bridging power source is in electrical communication with a bus; a secondary power source in electrical communication with the bus, wherein the secondary power source comprises an electrochemical system including a fuel cell. The system further includes: a controller electrically disposed between and in operable communication with the bus and the bridging power source, and electrically disposed between and in communication with the bus and the secondary power source. The controller monitors the primary power source, initiates powering by the bridge power source when the primary power source exhibits selected characteristics, initiates the secondary power source when the bridging power source is depleted exceeding a first selected threshold, and initiates interruption of powering by the secondary power source.

Abstract: An electrochemical conversion system (110) is disclosed having a housing (111) defining an opening (112) and an internal chamber (113). An electrochemical cell (116) is mounted within the opening (112) which is electrically coupled to a circuit (117). A mass of metal hydride material (118) is positioned within the chamber (113). The circuit (117) includes a load (127) and a battery (128) electrically coupled in series. The system may also be adapted to generate DC power with the addition of a rectifier (131).

Abstract: When a fuel cell system is to be stopped, a controller 3 decreases the coolant flowrate to a fuel cell 1, decreases the cooling performance of the fuel cell 1 and continues operation of the fuel cell 1, and performs a temperature rise operation wherein the temperature of the fuel cell 1 is increased using the heat generated by the electrochemical reaction in the fuel cell 1. After the temperature of the fuel cell 1 has reached a predetermined high temperature, the operation of the fuel cell 1 is stopped.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for providing a portable disposable fuel-battery unit, a portable disposable fuel-battery unit for a fuel cell system having at least one fuel cell, a fuel cell stack, and a handheld device having a fuel cell system with a portable disposable fuel-battery unit. In one embodiment, the portable disposable fuel-battery unit provides a fuel compartment, for providing fuel for the at least one fuel cell and a disposable power battery, affixed to the fuel compartment, for providing start-up energy for the at least one fuel cell.

Abstract: In order to provide a fuel cell unit, comprising a housing which limits at least one gas chamber and has a gas opening in a first housing wall and a gas opening in a second housing wall located opposite the first housing wall, the housing of which has an adequate deformation stability in relation to the sealing surface pressure required for a flat seal even at high temperatures, it is suggested that the fuel cell unit comprise at least one supporting element which is arranged between the first housing wall and the second housing wall and keeps the two housing walls at a distance from one another.

Abstract: A fuel cell system electrically couples a battery in parallel with the fuel cell stack to power a load. An operational condition of the battery is compared to a desired operating condition and a partial pressure of a reactant flow to at least a portion of the fuel cell stack is adjusted based on the determined amount of deviation. The operational condition can include voltage, charge of the battery. Individual fuel cell systems can be combined in series and/or parallel to produce a combined fuel cell system having a desired output voltage and current.

Abstract: An electronic device includes electrical circuits that provide operative functionality of the device, a fuel cell to power the electrical circuits during certain periods of operation, an interconnect to connect between a battery and a fuel cartridge to delivery fuel to the fuel cell or power from the battery and a circuit to prevent charging of a fuel cell from a battery when a battery is attached to the interconnect.

Abstract: A power supply system generates supply electric power by using a power generation fuel. The system includes a fuel charged portion in which the power generation fuel is charged, a power generator which generates power generation electric power by using the power generation fuel, an output controller which operates or stops the power generator and, a start-up controller which supplies start-up electric power used for operating the output controller to the output controller.

Abstract: A fuel cell system cooperating with a rechargeable battery (18) mounts a fuel cell (12) as a source of motive power in an electric vehicle with an electric motor. The fuel cell system and the rechargeable battery (18) supplies the electric motor with electrical power. The fuel cell system also includes a reformer (11) as a source of hydrogen hydrogen-containing gas supplied to the fuel cell (12). The fuel cell system comprises a temperature sensor (19) for measuring the temperature (Tb) of the rechargeable battery and a controller (16) for controlling the response characteristics (mainly the response characteristics of the reformer) of the fuel cell system based on the measured temperature (Tb). The controller (16) calculates a response time of the fuel cell system based on the measured temperature, and controls the supply of hydrogen-containing gas to the fuel cell in response to the calculated response time.

Abstract: An array of fuel cell systems are electrically couplable in series and/or parallel combinations to provide a variety of output powers, output current and/or output voltages. The fuel cell systems are “hot swappable” and redundant fuel cell systems may automatically replace faulty fuel cell systems to maintain output power, current and/or voltage, with or without switching. The configuration of fuel cell systems may be automatic and may be based on desired power, current and/or voltage, and/or based on the operating parameters of the fuel cell systems and/or power supply system.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus has a first fuel cell capable of generating first electric power, a second fuel cell capable of generating second electric power less than the first electric power, a switching circuit coupled to the first fuel cell and the second fuel cell, and an electronic device coupled to the switching circuit. The electronic device is operable with one of the first electric power and the second electric power, depending on the electric power demand of the electric device.

Abstract: A rechargeable electrochemical cell system is provided. The system includes a plurality of cells, wherein each cell is comprised of a first electrode, a second electrode, and a third electrode electrically isolated from the second electrode. The cell system may be discharged upon application of a load across a discharge circuit, which is formed from the first electrodes and the second electrodes. The cell may be recharged upon application of a voltage across a recharging circuit, which is formed of at least one of the first electrodes and at least one of the third electrodes.

Abstract: A color-coded battery storage system (10) for conveniently storing dry-cell batteries includes two or more battery containing packs (12, 32), wherein each pack has a rigid exterior shell (14, 34), all or a portion of which is light transmitting to permit observation of a color of a resilient insert (24, 42) within the pack. A first resilient insert (24) of a first pack (14) defines first cavities (26) that are dimensioned to receive and secure first size batteries (28), and the first insert (24) is also color-coded within the battery system to be associated exclusively with the first size batteries (26). A second pack (32) defines second cavities (44) dimensioned to receive and secure second size batteries (46), and the second cavities (44) are color-coded to be exclusively associated with the second size batteries (46) to facilitate identification and protection of stored batteries.

Abstract: A power generating system is described including a plurality of electrochemical cells. The cells are generally arranged in sections that are selectively activated individually or in combination to produce power from selected cell sections. A method of generating power is also described. A first group of one or more electrochemical cells of an array of cells are selectively activated based on requirement of an associated load. The system switches to a second group of one or more electrochemical cells of the array when the first group is discharged.

Abstract: A combined battery and device apparatus and associated method. This apparatus includes a first conductive layer, a battery comprising a cathode layer; an anode layer, and an electrolyte layer located between and electrically isolating the anode layer from the cathode layer, wherein the anode or the cathode or both include an intercalation material, the battery disposed such that either the cathode layer or the anode layer is in electrical contact with the first conductive layer, and an electrical circuit adjacent face-to-face to and electrically connected to the battery. Some embodiments further include a photovoltaic cell. In some embodiments, the substrate includes a polymer having a melting point substantially below 700 degrees centigrade. In some embodiments, the substrate includes a glass. For example, some embodiments include a battery deposited directly on the back of a liquid-crystal display (LCD) device.

Abstract: A Flashlight construction, which allows for extended operation by switching to auxiliary battery power. The aux battery power is accomplished by storing 3 sets of AA batteries in a chamber compartment of the flashlight housing. The switching operation is accomplished by rotating a 12-pole rotary switch embedded into the end of the battery housing assembly. This configuration provides for extended usage during emergency operations without the need to change battery cells The battery cell assembly fits into a standard “D” sized flashlight. The AA batteries are paired electrically to provide equivalent “D” sized battery voltages and currents.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling or otherwise effectively managing cell voltage degradation in the operation of a fuel cell device comprises inter alia a fuel cell (110) in parallel electrical connection with a secondary power source (145) and an automated controller (155) for switching between power supplied from the fuel cell (100) and the secondary power source (145). Disclosed features and specifications may be variously adapted or optionally modified to control or otherwise optimize the rate of cell voltage degradation in any fuel cell system. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention may be readily integrated with other existing fuel cell technologies for the improvement of device package form factors, weights and other manufacturing and/or device performance metrics.

Abstract: A high temperature electrochemical system, such as a solid oxide fuel cell system, generates hydrogen and optionally electricity in a fuel cell mode. At least a part of the generated hydrogen is separated and stored or provided to a hydrogen using device. A solid oxide regenerative fuel cell system stores carbon dioxide in a fuel cell mode. The system generates a methane fuel in an electrolysis mode from the stored carbon dioxide and water by using a Sabatier subsystem. Alternatively, the system generates a hydrogen fuel in an electrolysis mode from water alone.

Abstract: Alkali (or other active) metal battery and other electrochemical cells incorporating active metal anodes together with aqueous cathode/electrolyte systems. The battery cells have a highly ionically conductive protective membrane adjacent to the alkali metal anode that effectively isolates (de-couples) the alkali metal electrode from solvent, electrolyte processing and/or cathode environments, and at the same time allows ion transport in and out of these environments. Isolation of the anode from other components of a battery cell or other electrochemical cell in this way allows the use of virtually any solvent, electrolyte and/or cathode material in conjunction with the anode. Also, optimization of electrolytes or cathode-side solvent systems may be done without impacting anode stability or performance. In particular, Li/water, Li/air and Li/metal hydride cells, components, configurations and fabrication techniques are provided.

Abstract: A fuel cell power system includes a fuel cell which has an optimal voltage; an energy storage device having a nominal voltage substantially similar to the optimal voltage of the fuel cell; and an electrical switch that, in operation, selectively electrically couples the fuel cell and the energy storage device to charge the energy storage device. A method includes providing a fuel cell having a nominal voltage; providing an energy storage device having a nominal voltage which is substantially similar to the nominal voltage of the fuel cell and electrically coupling the energy storage device to a load; and selectively electrically coupling the fuel cell to the energy storage device to substantially maintain the energy storage device above a predetermined voltage threshold.

Abstract: Fuel cells (e.g., air-depolarized fuel cells) are stacked, supported and electrically interconnected into a battery structure with a connector block. The anode and cathode elements of each fuel cell are provided with conductive terminating elements (e.g., plug connectors), preferably extending in downward “U” shaped configuration from the upper ends of the anode and cathode elements respectively. The connector block comprises a series of conductive apertures, positioned and sized, to accommodate the conductive terminating elements of the anodes and cathodes therein. When the conductive terminating elements of the anodes and cathodes are slidably engaged with the conductive apertures of the connector block, the connector block mechanical support the anodes and cathode so engaged.

Abstract: A black start operation employs the accumulation of power resulting from a reaction of fuel and ambient oxidant passively seeped or diffused into a fuel cell stack to bootstrap the fuel cell system operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel cell having an electricity generator which has an oxygen electrode, a fuel electrode, and a solid polymer type electrolyte membrane disposed between the oxygen electrode and the fuel electrode, and a method for controlling the fuel cell. The fuel cell has a problem in that the electrolyte membrane is dried to lower the ion-exchange characteristics when lowering the load current or increasing the air feed rate during the operation or when allowing the fuel cell to stand for a long time, so that the output of the fuel cell is considerably lowered. In the present invention, a load control portion for permitting a load on the fuel cell to vary depending on the output state of the fuel cell or an air feeding control portion is proved in the fuel cell and controlled to increase the load current or suppress the air feeding when the output characteristics are lowered or the internal resistance value is increased, thus solving the above problem.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus system of this invention includes an electronic apparatus, and a fuel cell unit which is detachable from the electronic apparatus. The fuel cell unit incorporates a DMFC that can produce electricity by chemical reaction, and a rechargeable secondary battery. The fuel cell unit has a function of informing the electronic apparatus of the states of the DMFC and secondary battery incorporated in it as state information. The electronic apparatus has a function of executing its operation control on the basis of the state information sent from the fuel cell unit.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a body, a fuel cell capable of generating power by chemical reaction and supplying the power to the body, a sensor to sense a tilt of the fuel cell, and a notifying portion to notify a user of information of the tilt sensed by the sensor.

Abstract: Subject matter includes a fuel cell and related methods to treat exhaust. An exemplary single chamber fuel cell can produce power while detoxifying multiple exhaust components. The exhaust stream treated can be a combined stream of spent fuel and spent oxidizer.

Abstract: The quick recharge energy storage device has a sufficient capacity due to the combination of a micro-battery and at least one micro-supercapacitor connected between two terminals of an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit, powered by the micro-battery, monitors high-speed (less than one second) charge of the micro-supercapacitors from an external energy source. The micro-supercapacitor can be connected in parallel with the micro-battery so as to subsequently recharge the micro-battery during the necessary time. The micro-battery provides a sufficient energy capacity, while the micro-supercapacitors allow high recharging speeds compatible with various applications (smart cards, smart labels, micro-system power supply, etc . . . ). The micro-battery and micro-supercapacitors are preferably formed on the same substrate, either side by side or stacked. Series connection of several micro-supercapacitors provides sufficient voltage for charging the micro-battery.

Abstract: Primary and secondary Li-ion and lithium-metal based electrochemical cell systems. Suppression of gas generation is achieved in the cell through the addition of an additive or additives to the electrolyte system of the respective cell, or to the cell whether it be a liquid, a solid- or plastized polymer electrolyte system. The gas suppression additives are preferably based on unsaturated hydrocarbons.

Abstract: An electric power plant includes an array of fuel cell systems. The fuel cell systems are electrically couplable in series and/or parallel combinations to provide a variety of output powers, output current and/or output voltages. The fuel cell systems are “hot swappable” and redundant fuel cell systems may automatically replace faulty fuel cell systems to maintain output power, current and/or voltage.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an electric power plant comprises an array of fuel cell systems, the fuel cell systems each comprising a regenerative fuel cell stack, an oxidant supply system for supplying an oxidant gas to the stacks, a fuel supply system for supplying a fuel gas to the stacks, a system for supplying a humidified carrier gas to the stacks, a DC current supply system for connecting a power source across the stacks, and a storage system for storing hydrogen received from the stacks. In power generation mode, the fuel cells of the present power plant generate electricity for supply to one or more electrical loads. In electrolysis mode, the stacks generate hydrogen from a humidified carrier gas stream.

Abstract: A system including at least one electronic component and a battery check circuit. When a power consumption level of the at least one electronic component is increased, the battery check circuit determines whether to provide power from a battery to the at least one electronic component by comparing a power level of the battery to a first power level.

Abstract: In a fuel cell according to an aspect of the invention, a fuel cell stack is formed by stacking several cells in which pressure loss is small as compared with normal cells, in the vicinity of an end portion of the stack, which is far from a fuel gas supply port and an oxidizing gas supply port.

Abstract: To control the receiving power, this invention uses a secondary battery to cut peaks of the receiving power. Further, this invention calculates the load power from the detected receiving power value and command values of the secondary battery in the controller and the power generating facility, and filters the load power to create command values of the fuel cells.

Abstract: A fuel cell power system includes a fuel cell which has an optimal voltage; an energy storage device having a nominal voltage substantially similar to the optimal voltage of the fuel cell; and an electrical switch that, in operation, selectively electrically couples the fuel cell and the energy storage device to charge the energy storage device. A method includes providing a fuel cell having a nominal voltage; providing an energy storage device having a nominal voltage which is substantially similar to the nominal voltage of the fuel cell and electrically coupling the energy storage device to a load; and selectively electrically coupling the fuel cell to the energy storage device to substantially maintain the energy storage device above a predetermined voltage threshold.

Abstract: A SOFC providing higher power densities than PEM-based cells; the possibility of direct oxidation and/or internal reforming of fuel; and reduced SOFC operating temperatures. The SOFC comprises a thin film electrolyte layer. A thick film anode layer is disposed on one surface of the electrolyte layer; and a thick film cathode layer is disposed on the opposite surface of the electrolyte layer. A method of making the SOFC comprises the steps of: creating a well in one side of a dielectric or semiconductor substrate; depositing a thin film solid oxide electrolyte layer on the surface of the well; applying a thick film electrode layer in the electrolyte coated well; creating a counter well in the opposite side of the substrate, the counter well abutting the electrolyte layer; and applying a thick film counter electrode layer in the counter well.