Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080199747 | Membrane Electrochemical Generator - The present invention relates to a membrane electrochemical generator ( | 08-21-2008 |
20080199748 | Fuel cell power generation device - A fuel cell power generation device prevents contamination of the cooling water of the fuel cell and maintains the pressure of the cooling water tank at the atmospheric pressure. The fuel cell power generation device includes a communicating pipe that connects the cooling water tank and the recovered water tank. The communicating pipe has a first blocking part and an open-to-atmosphere part located nearer to the cooling water tank than the first blocking part. An open-to-atmosphere device is located at a position higher than the first blocking part and couples the open-to-atmosphere part of the communicating pipe to atmospheric pressure. | 08-21-2008 |
20080220305 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL HYDRATION OF A FUEL CELL SYSTEM - A fuel cell system having internal pushback of water, with a compact, thermally integrated enthalpy exchanger enabling effective hydration control in a small fuel cell system is provided. The enthalpy exchanger provides for the moisture in the fuel cell effluent to by used to humidify the incoming air stream to allow the fuel cell to be operated at higher temperatures while avoiding dry out. The enthalpy exchanger includes a moisture permeable membrane which collects moisture from the exhaust flow and makes this moisture available to an incoming air stream, thus humidifying the incoming air stream. In addition, the waste heat from the fuel cell reactions is transferred to the incoming air stream. The exhaust stream from the anode can also be used to provide additional moisture and heat to the enthalpy exchanger to be added to the incoming air stream. A water separator is also provided in one embodiment. | 09-11-2008 |
20080233447 | Fuel Cell and Fuel Cell Stack Comprising the Same - Even when a reaction gas flows into a gap formed between a gasket and a membrane electrode assembly, the flowing of the reaction gas to the outside without flowing through an electrode is prevented and thus a decrease in power generation efficiency is prevented. In order to allow the water vapor contained in the reaction gas that flows into an anode-side gap | 09-25-2008 |
20080233448 | Coolant Reservoir Purge System for Fuel Cell Systems and Vehicles - A fuel cell system that employs a technique for safely removing hydrogen gas that accumulates within a cooling fluid reservoir. The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack and a compressor for providing airflow to the cathode side of the fuel cell stack. The system also includes an air filter box having an air filter that is in fluid communication with an air pocket in the reservoir. The air intake to the compressor flows through the air filter box, and sucks the gas from the reservoir, which is then sent to the cathode side of the fuel cell stack to be converted to water by the electro-chemical reaction therein. | 09-25-2008 |
20080233449 | MIXING TANK AND FUEL CELL SYSTEM POSSESSING THE SAME - A fuel cell system possessing a mixing tank for recovering an unreacted fuel, the mixing tank being capable of effectively condensing a stack emission product without increasing its volume. The mixing tank includes a fuel supply port for supplying a concentrated fuel; a fluid inlet port for supplying a fluid discharged from an external fuel cell stack; a chamber for mixing the concentrated fuel with the fluid discharged from the fuel cell stack; a stack supply port for supplying a mixed fuel in the chamber to the fuel cell stack; and a chamber cooling member for cooling the chamber. | 09-25-2008 |
20080241620 | SEPARATOR FOR COOLING MCFC, MCFC INCLUDING THE SAME AND METHOD FOR COOLING MCFC USING THE SEPARATOR - A separator for cooling an MCFC has a cooling gas flow path provided in the separator, a cooling anode gas or a cooling cathode gas flowing through the cooling gas flow path, the cooling anode gas or the cooling cathode gas having a temperature lower than that of a general anode gas or a general cathode gas which is supplied to an anode or a cathode of the MCFC. | 10-02-2008 |
20080241621 | Energy storage system - A closed loop energy storage system configured with a hydrogen tank, an oxygen tank, a fuel cell stack and an electrolyzer. A heat exchanger freeze-dries the hydrogen and oxygen prior to their storage in their respective tanks. The heat exchanger also uses excess fuel cell heat to preheat streams of hydrogen and oxygen coming from the tanks. Phase separators serve both to separate water from hydrogen and oxygen, and to store the water. A thermal management system encloses all the system components except the tanks. An airfoil-shaped shell covers the system, and the larger of the two tanks extends substantially across the shell at its point of greatest camber thickness. The tanks are composed of polymer liners integral with composite shells. | 10-02-2008 |
20080241622 | ELECTRONIC APPLIANCE AND FUEL CELL UNIT - A fuel cell unit is attachable to a main unit of an electronic appliance having an air-inhaling inlet for inhaling open air for cooling internal components and an area where no air-inhaling inlet is formed, and includes: a fuel cell that generates water upon power generation and supplies power to the electronic appliance; and a vapor exhaust outlet for exhausting vapor containing the generated water at a position lower, in a posture in general use, to the area of the main unit where no air-inhaling inlet is formed. | 10-02-2008 |
20080248353 | Energy conversion device including a solid oxide fuel cell fueled by ammonia - An energy conversion system comprising ammonia for fueling an SOFC stack to generate electricity and a hydrogen-rich tailgas. In the SOFC stack, ammonia is cracked to hydrogen and nitrogen. Ammonia is stored in a metal halide complex and is released therefrom as gaseous ammonia by waste heat from the SOFC. A heat exchanger is positioned across the SOFC cathode such that incoming air is tempered by the cathode exhaust air. In a two-stage energy conversion system, the hydrogen-rich tailgas from the SOFC is supplied as fuel to a secondary energy conversion device which may be, for example, an internal combustion engine or a gas turbine engine which may operate, for example, either a generator for generating additional electricity or a vehicle for motive power, or a second fuel cell stack. | 10-09-2008 |
20080261093 | Heat and power system combining a solid oxide fuel cell stack and a vapor compression cycle heat pump - A Combined Heat and Power System (“CHPS”) includes a solid oxide fuel cell system and a vapor compression cycle heat pump. The CHPS improves the overall efficiency of a CHP system with respect to conversion of fuel energy to usable heat and electrical energy without need for an accessory burner-heat exchanger system. The compressor motor of the heat pump is powered by a portion of the electricity generated by the SOFC, and the thermal output of the heat pump is increased by abstraction of heat from the SOFC exhaust. This integration allows for novel and complementary operation of each type of system, with the benefits of improved overall fuel efficiency for the improved CHP system. | 10-23-2008 |
20080268312 | Desulfurizing device for fuel cell and fuel cell system including the same - A desulfurizing device for a fuel cell includes a dehydrating element for absorbing moisture in a hydrocarbon fuel, and a desulfurizing element for absorbing a sulfur compound included in the hydrocarbon fuel that flows out of the dehydrating element. In another embodiment, the desulfurizing device for a fuel cell includes a dehydrating element for absorbing moisture included in a fuel, and a desulfurizing element. The desulfurizing element absorbs a sulfur compound included in the fuel flowing out of the dehydrating element if temperature of the desulfurizing element is below a predetermined temperature, and the desulfurizing element desorbs a sulfur compound included in the desulfurizing element whenever the desulfurizing element is heated above the predetermined temperature. | 10-30-2008 |
20080268313 | ELECTRONIC APPARATUS SYSTEM - According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus system includes an electronic apparatus and a fuel cell device which supplies electricity to the electronic apparatus. The electronic apparatus includes a housing, a heat generating component located in the housing, and a thermal radiation mechanism. The fuel cell device includes an electromotive section which has an anode and a cathode and generates the electricity based on a chemical reaction, a fuel tank containing a fuel, a circulation system which allows air and a fuel supplied from the fuel tank to circulate through the electromotive section, and a gas purifying filter arranged in the circulation system and having a catalyst section which decontaminates a gas component in an exhaust from the electromotive section. The gas purifying filter is located adjacent to the thermal radiation mechanism so as to be heatable by heat from the radiation mechanism. | 10-30-2008 |
20080274386 | Heat preservation container - A heat preservation container comprises a container body having a receiving space; at least one fuel cell installed below the container body; and a heating element in an inner periphery of the receiving space; and wherein the fuel cell serves to actuate the heating element for heating the receiving space so as to retain the temperature of the receiving space. The fuel cell is placed in a cell casing. A switch is installed to the cell casing. The heating element is formed as plurality of heating wires. A cover serves for covering upon the container body. | 11-06-2008 |
20080280178 | Proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack and fuel cell stack module - A proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack and novel proton exchange membrane fuel cell module are disclosed and wherein the proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack includes a plurality of repeating, serially electrically coupled fuel cell stack modules, and which are sealably mounted together by a compressive force of less than about | 11-13-2008 |
20080286623 | FUEL CELL APPARATUS - A fuel cell apparatus including a fuel cell module, a heat exchanging assembly, and an airflow producing element is provided. The fuel cell module is used to perform chemical reactions of a fuel cell. The heat exchanging assembly includes a first heat exchanging part, a second heat exchanging part, and a connection part. The connection part connects the first heat exchanging part and the second heat exchanging part respectively. The airflow producing element is adapted to produce an airflow, and the airflow flows through the first heat exchanging part, the fuel cell module, and the second heat exchanging part sequentially. | 11-20-2008 |
20080292929 | Burner and fuel cell system equipped therewith - The invention relates to a burner, in particular a residual gas burner for a fuel cell system. The burner includes a combustion chamber which is bordered by a supply wall and by a heat exchanger and which is encompassed at the sides by a burner wall. The heat exchanger is a cross-current heat exchanger having a primary path and a secondary path. The supply wall has a burner zone with oxidizer openings for oxidizer gas and with combustion gas openings for combustion gas and a bypass zone with bypass openings for bypass gas. The bypass zone is arranged in a section of the supply wall which is allocated to an area of the heat exchanger adjacent to the primary path and to the secondary path at the inlet end, so that the bypass gas or a bypass gas-burner exhaust gas mixture acts upon this area. | 11-27-2008 |
20080292930 | FUEL CELL - A first metal separator of one of adjacent power generation cells and a second metal separator of the other of the adjacent power generation cells are directly stacked together to form a coolant flow field. The first metal separator has a press line protruding toward the coolant flow field, between a fuel gas flow field and an inlet buffer. The second metal separator has a press line protruding toward the coolant flow field, between an oxygen-containing gas flow field and an inlet buffer. The press lines contact each other to limit flow of the coolant into a back surface buffer. | 11-27-2008 |
20080299429 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR STARTING AND OPERATING FUEL CELL SYSTEMS IN SUBFREEZING TEMPERATURES - Systems and methods for initiating use of, or starting up, fuel cell stacks in subfreezing temperatures. The fuel cell stacks include a thermal management system that is adapted to deliver a liquid heat exchange fluid into thermal communication with a fuel cell stack, such as to heat the stack during startup of the stack when the stack is at a subfreezing temperature or operated in a subfreezing environment. In some embodiments, the thermal management system includes a heat exchange circuit that is configured to provide delivery of the liquid heat exchange fluid to the fuel cell stack even when the conduits are at a subfreezing temperature. In some embodiments, the fuel cell system is configured to deliver liquid heat exchange fluid from the fuel cell stack and heat exchange circuit when the thermal management system is not being utilized. | 12-04-2008 |
20080305374 | Cooling Device for Membrane Fuel Cells - 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. | 12-11-2008 |
20080318100 | FUEL CELL ASSEMBLY MANIFOLD HEATER FOR IMPROVED WATER REMOVAL AND FREEZE START - An apparatus for heating a fuel cell assembly is disclosed, wherein a means for heating is disposed in a manifold of the fuel cell assembly and the means for heating causes the manifold to be heated to militate against fluid condensation and ice formation in the fuel cell assembly. | 12-25-2008 |
20080318101 | Intelligent MEA for fuel cell - The present invention provides an intelligent MEA for fuel cell including means for easily measuring the voltage of unit cells and means for preventing heat transfer from an outside low-temperature heat source to a catalyst layer of the MEA during operation of the fuel cell stack at low temperature. | 12-25-2008 |
20080318102 | Bipolar Plate for Fuel Cell Comprising a Connecting Channel - The invention concerns a bipolar plate for fuel cell, of the type comprising a cathode bipolar half-plate and an anode bipolar half-plate attached to each other, each bipolar half-plate ( | 12-25-2008 |
20090004519 | Fuel cell stacks and methods - The invention provides a fuel cell stack including a layer of encapsulating material disposed about the separator plate, MEA, and reactant manifold, wherein the reactant manifold is bounded at least in part by the encapsulating material. The fuel cell stack also includes a first opening through the plate body to the first face from the second face, and an open channel in the second face extending from the opening toward a periphery of the plate. The invention also provides a fuel cell stack having a first face including an opening for passage of a reactant therethrough, a first reactant flow field defined thereon, and a first raised surface formed thereon substantially surrounding the opening. The first raised surface is configured and adapted to mate with a second surface on a face of an adjacent plate to create a flow obstruction for encapsulating material. | 01-01-2009 |
20090004520 | Heat Retention and Heating of Reaction Gas in Fuel Cell System - The invention provides a technique for reducing the adverse effects which can arise as a result of water freezing in the reaction gas channels of fuel cell systems. The fuel cell system comprises a fuel cell; a reaction gas channel in which flows reaction gas that is supplied to the fuel cell and that is discharged from the fuel cell; and a cooling water channel in which flows cooling water that has cooled the fuel cell. The cooling water channel is formed in such a way as to cover at least part of the reaction gas channel. This allows the reaction gas channel of the fuel cell system to be kept warm or heated by the cooling water. It is thus possible to reduce the adverse effects which can arise as a result of water freezing in the reaction gas channel in the fuel cell system. | 01-01-2009 |
20090004521 | ALKALINE FUEL CELL - An alkaline fuel cell, which can humidify an oxidizer depending on the temperature of a power generation part and which is small in size and is produced at a low cost. The alkaline fuel cell includes a power generation part having an anion exchange membrane disposed between a fuel electrode to which a fuel solution containing a fuel component and a water component is supplied and an oxidizer electrode to which an oxidizer is supplied, and a heating/humidifying part for heating and humidifying the oxidizer to be supplied to the oxidizer electrode. The heating/humidifying part has a water-permeable membrane for separating the oxidizer and the fuel solution such that heat and a water component of the fuel solution are transportable to the oxidizer through the water-permeable membrane. | 01-01-2009 |
20090004522 | STAMPED FUEL CELL BIPOLAR PLATE - An electro-conductive plate assembly for a fuel cell has a pair of stamped plates joined together to define a coolant volume therein. Each of the pair of stamped plates has a flow field on a major outer surface arranged to maximize the contact area between major inner surfaces of the plates while allowing coolant to distribute and flow readily within the coolant volume. The flow fields formed on the major outer surfaces provide corresponding sets of lands on the major inner surfaces that contact to form a third flow field of the coolant volume. The third flow field formed by the lands includes a plurality of longitudinal channels and an array of flow disruptors. The bipolar plate assembly further includes a seal arrangement and integral manifolds to direct reactant gas and coolant flow through the fuel cell. | 01-01-2009 |
20090011304 | Fuel Cell - A membrane electrode assembly is constituted of a solid electrolyte membrane | 01-08-2009 |
20090017352 | FUEL CELL SYSTEM - A fuel cell system easily and reliably prevents the system's surroundings from becoming wet. The fuel cell system includes a casing which accommodates a cell stack; pipes arranged to guide exhaust containing water and water vapor from a cathode outlet in the cell stack to an outside; and a holder unit attached to the casing. The holder unit includes a housing member and an absorption member housed in the housing member. The exhaust gas which contains water and water vapor from the cathode outlet in the cell stack flows through the pipes, and is discharged from another pipe, and is blown to the absorption member housed in the housing member, and the water contained in the exhaust gas is absorbed by the absorption member. | 01-15-2009 |
20090017353 | FUEL CELL - A fuel cell comprises a membrane electrode assembly including an anode, a cathode and an electrolyte membrane, a fuel reserving section which reserves a liquid fuel, a cover which is arranged on an outside of the cathode and has an oxidant introduction port, and a first thermal insulation member which is laminated on at least either an outside surface or inside surface of the cover and has an opening at a position opposite to the oxidant introduction port. | 01-15-2009 |
20090023024 | Fuel cell stack - A membrane fuel cell stack comprising metal current-collecting plates of high electrical conductivity made of aluminum or copper, having a reduced planform with respect to the one of the elementary cells, the galvanic-type corrosion phenomena affecting the current-collecting plates of the prior art and the consequent metal ion release in the circulating water are overcome. | 01-22-2009 |
20090023025 | Passive Coolant Recirculation in Fuel Cells - The present invention relates to the cooling of fuel cells in general. A fuel cell is placed inside or outside a liquid heat reservoir. The generated heat from the fuel cell increases the natural convection in the cooling flow channels of the fuel cell stack, passively recirculating the cooling water. | 01-22-2009 |
20090023026 | Metal separator for fuel cell - The present invention provides a metal separator for a fuel cell, which is formed by stamping molding a first metal thin plate and a second metal thin plate, the metal separator comprising: at least one cooling flow field enclosed by inner surfaces of the first and second metal thin plates; first and second main flow fields enclosed by outer surfaces of the first and second thin plates, respectively; and first and second auxiliary flow fields formed on a top surface of the first main flow field and a bottom surface of the second main flow field, respectively. | 01-22-2009 |
20090029214 | System and a method for regulating the temperature of a fuel cell - The invention relates to a system for regulating the temperature of a fuel cell that is cooled by a cooling fluid traveling through the cell, the system including both first control means for measuring the temperature of the cooling fluid and for controlling the flow rate of the controlling fluid as a function of said measured temperature of said cooling fluid, comprising second control means for measuring the flow rate of the cooling fluid and for controlling the temperature of the cooling fluid as a function of a flow rate difference between the command flow rate specified by said first control means and said corresponding measured flow rate of the cooling fluid such that said command temperature specified by the second control means compensates for said flow rate difference. | 01-29-2009 |
20090042074 | BIPOLAR PLATE FOR FUEL CELL, COMPRISING SEALING RIBS - The invention relates to a bipolar plate for a fuel cell, of the type that comprises a cathode bipolar half plate and an anode bipolar half plate which are placed next to one another. Each bipolar half plate ( | 02-12-2009 |
20090042075 | Fuel Cell Stack - A fuel cell stack includes a first end power generation unit and a first dummy unit, adjacent to a power generation unit provided at one end of a stack body in a stacking direction. The first end power generation unit includes a fourth separator having the same structure as a first separator of the power generation unit, and includes a fifth separator and a sixth separator having the same structure as a second separator and a third separator. In effect, common separators are used for the fifth separator and the sixth separator by changing a pin of a molding die or changing part of a seal die. | 02-12-2009 |
20090053568 | Evaporative Cooling of Fuel Cells Employing Antifreeze Solution - A fuel cell power plant ( | 02-26-2009 |
20090053569 | Fuel cell system components - A fuel cell stack module includes a plurality of fuel cell stacks, a base supporting the plurality of fuel cell stacks, and a metal shell located over the base and the fuel cell stacks. The metal shell contains an integrated heat exchanger. | 02-26-2009 |
20090053570 | FUEL CELL STACK FOR LOW TEMPERATURE START-UP AND OPERATION - A fuel cell stack without a terminal plate for low temperature starting operation, comprising: a plurality of membrane electrodes, a plurality of bipolar plates, at least one pair of current collecting lead boards, at least one electrical insulating partition boards, and two fastening rings. One electrical insulating partition board and one pair of current collecting lead boards serve to form one set of current output mechanism. The plurality of membrane electrodes, the plurality of wedge-shaped bipolar plates, and the at least one set of current output mechanism form a cylindrical fuel cell stack tightened by the two tightening rings. The cell stack is suitable for cold starting and for operation at temperatures below 0° C. | 02-26-2009 |
20090053571 | FUEL CELL STACK AND METHOD FOR MAKING THE SAME - A fuel cell stack includes a membrane electrode assembly including an electrolyte membrane and electrode catalyst layers sandwiching the electrolyte membrane; metal separators that define gas channels, the metal separators being respectively disposed at both surfaces of the membrane electrode assembly; a current collector from which electromotive force is derived, the current collector being in contact with at least one of the metal separators; and joining parts that join the metal separator to the current collector at portions where the metal separator contacts the current collector. | 02-26-2009 |
20090061271 | Fuel cell and a fuel cell system - For the purpose of efficiently discharging CO | 03-05-2009 |
20090068518 | PASSIVE FUEL CELL SYSTEM - A passive fuel cell system including at least one cell unit, an anode fuel supplying unit, a cathode fuel supplying unit, and a heat-conductive material layer is provided. The cell unit includes a cathode current collector, an anode current collector, and a membrane electrode assembly disposed between them. The anode fuel supplying unit is disposed on a side of the anode current collector, and the cathode fuel supplying unit is disposed on a side of the cathode current collector. The heat-conductive material layer is disposed between the cathode current collector and the cathode fuel supplying unit and/or between the anode current collector and the anode fuel supplying unit. And, a portion of the heat-conductive material layer extends to the outside of a cell system reaction area defined by the cell unit, the anode fuel supplying unit, and the cathode fuel supplying unit along a direction parallel to the cell unit. | 03-12-2009 |
20090068519 | FUEL CELL AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - A fuel cell having power-generating cells. The power-generating cells face each other, each having an anode-path plate provided on that surface that faces away from a proton conducting membrane. Heat-radiating fins are provided on the power-generating cells, respectively. Each heat-radiating fin has an exposed portion that contacts the anode-path plate of the associated power-generating cell and extends from the associated power-generating cell. The fuel cell can therefore keep generating electric power in a good condition. | 03-12-2009 |
20090068520 | FUEL CELL SYSTEM AND METHOD OF STARTING OPERATION OF FUEL CELL SYSTEM - A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack formed by stacking fuel cells, a high voltage energy storage capable of being directly coupled to the fuel cell stack, a DC-DC converter connected to the fuel cell stack and the energy storage, a load operated by consuming at least electrical energy generated by the fuel cell stack or electrical energy discharged from the energy storage, a fuel cell warming up control unit for warming up the fuel cell stack, and a voltage adjustment unit for implementing voltage control to control the output voltage of the fuel cell stack to become equal to, or higher than the terminal voltage of the energy storage, at the time of warming up the fuel cell stack. | 03-12-2009 |
20090068521 | Cooling System for a Fuel Cell - The invention relates to a cooling system ( | 03-12-2009 |
20090081505 | Fuel Cell System Warm-Up Strategy with Reduced Efficiency Losses - A method for quickly and efficiently heating a fuel cell stack at system start-up. The method uses and prioritizes various stack heat sources based on their efficiency to heat the stack. A thermal set-point for heating the stack to the desired temperature is determined based on the ambient temperature and, the stack cooling fluid temperature. The set-point is then compared-to the stack heating provided by the heat sources that are operating through normal system start-up operation. If more heat is necessary to reach the set-point, the method may first charge a system battery using stack power where the load causes the fuel cell stack to heat up. If additional heating is still required, the method may then turn on a cooling fluid heater, then flow a small amount of hydrogen into the cathode inlet stream to provide combustion, and then increase the compressor load as needed. | 03-26-2009 |
20090081506 | FUEL CELL - A fuel cell that can prevent an electricity generating units from being supplied with air from the outside after operation of the fuel cell is complete by shutting off air inlets formed on a case assembly. The fuel cell maintains the performance of the electricity generating units and is easily handled and stored. The fuel cell includes: a fuel cell body including at least one electricity generating unit, centering membrane-electrode assemblies and arranging anode and cathode portions on both sides of the membrane-electrode assemblies, configured to generate electrical energy by the reaction of fuel with oxygen; a case assembly configured to form air inlets that admit air to be supplied to the fuel cell body and to embed the fuel cell body so as to enable the cathode portion to face the air inlets; and shut-off units configured to shut off the air inlets of the case assembly. | 03-26-2009 |
20090081507 | FUEL CELL SYSTEM - Disclosed is a methanol fuel cell system that utilizes solid methanol as a fuel. The fuel cell system according to the present invention includes a fuel cell stack for generating electricity through a chemical reaction of oxygen and hydrogen produced from solid methanol, a fuel supply tank containing solid methanol, and a recycle line that directs an effluent of the fuel cell stack back to the fuel supply tank. | 03-26-2009 |
20090081508 | FUEL CELL - Disclosed is a fuel cell system to raise energy saving efficiencies. A heat exchanger with dual fluid is used in place of a cooling fan to capture waste heat from a normal fuel cell stack. The present invention combines a sterling engine with a fuel cell stack. Fluid controls are made to maximize efficiencies of waste heat from normal fuel cell stacks with the efficiencies of geo thermal fluids in the production of electricity. | 03-26-2009 |
20090081509 | FUEL CELL - A first seal member is provided integrally on a surface of a first metal separator. The first seal member includes a base portion provided integrally on the first metal separator, a columnar portion protruding from the base portion, and a curved edge portion provided on the columnar portion. The curved edge portion has a predetermined radius of curvature. | 03-26-2009 |
20090087707 | Preheating heat exchanger for a fuel cell - The invention relates to a heat exchanger for a hot fuel cell. The heat exchanger includes a first flow circuit for receiving a cool air stream and a second flow circuit for receiving a hot fluid coming from the cell, the first and second flow circuits having common surfaces for heat exchange. In accordance with the present invention, each of the first and second flow circuits comprises a plurality of concentric annular ducts that are interconnected. The two walls of each duct are mechanically decoupled from each other, thereby enabling them to expand independently of one another and avoiding mechanical stresses within the heat exchanger. | 04-02-2009 |
20090087708 | FUEL CELL SYSTEM - A fuel cell system according to this invention comprises: a pressurizing valve ( | 04-02-2009 |
20090092871 | POWER SUPPLY APPARATUS - The power supply apparatus includes a power supply unit, a piezoelectric element for transferring heat of the power supply unit to a floor panel, and an element power supply control circuit for controlling application of a voltage to the piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric element is placed between the power supply unit and the floor panel and is switched between a contact state in which the piezoelectric element is in contact with the power supply unit and the floor panel and a non-contact state in which the piezoelectric element is not in contact with the power supply unit and/or the floor panel in accordance with the application of a voltage. | 04-09-2009 |
20090092872 | FUEL CELL STACK AND METHOD OF PRODUCING ITS SEPARATOR PLATES - A cell of a fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly, and metal first and second separators which sandwich the membrane electrode assembly to form gas flow paths disposed on each side of the membrane electrode assembly. A back surface of the first separator and a back surface of the second separator, the first separator and the second separator being included in adjacent cells, are in contact with each other, thereby forming a temperature-control medium flow path between the first separator and the second separator. In the first separator and the second separator, corrosion-resistant coating layers are provided only on reaction-side surfaces of the first separator and the second separator, the reaction-side surfaces facing the membrane electrode assembly, and portions where the back surface of the first separator is in contact with the back surface of the second separator are joined by welded portions. | 04-09-2009 |
20090098428 | FUEL CELL SYSTEM - A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack consisting of a plurality of fuel cell units, a flow-distributing device, and a flow-confluence device; a fuel container; a housing encompassing and protecting the fuel cell stack and the fuel container; and a fan mounted on the housing for providing air to the cathodes of the fuel cell units. The fuel cell units have liquid inlet and liquid outlet, which are connected with the flow-distributing device and the flow-confluence device respectively. | 04-16-2009 |
20090104493 | Energy supply system of an aircraft - The present invention relates to an energy supply system of an aircraft comprising a fuel cell and having one or more consumers which are or can be connected to the fuel cell such that they are supplied with energy directly or indirectly from the fuel cell in emergency operation as well has having at least one active energy store which is or can be connected to at least one of the consumers such that the consumer(s) is/are supplied with energy from the active energy store at least at times. | 04-23-2009 |
20090117428 | Condensation device for a fuel cell - A condensation device for a fuel battery provides a condensation main member. The condensation main member has an opening at two lateral sides thereof and one of the lateral sides is joined to a fuel battery for a gas entering via one of the openings and removing via another one of the openings. A turnabout path is defined in the condensation main member for increasing heat dissipating surface area being impinged by the gas such that heat energy of the gas conducts to the outer surface of the condensation main member to perform heat exchange with outside air and moisture in the gas is reduced temperature thereof to condense as water for being recycled and reused. | 05-07-2009 |
20090117429 | DIRECT CARBON FUEL CELL HAVING A SEPARATION DEVICE - A direct carbon fuel cell includes a vessel having a liquid anode region and a separation device connected with the liquid anode region for separating constituents from a liquid anode material circulating through the liquid anode region. | 05-07-2009 |
20090117430 | Combination of a Heat Generating System with a Fuel Cell System - A system utilizing synergetic potentials at different systems such as of a fuel cell system and of an aircraft hydraulic system, through coupling them via a common cooling circuit system. | 05-07-2009 |
20090117431 | FUEL CELL, FUEL CELL STACK AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - A fuel cell stack and method of manufacturing a fuel cell stack having a highly anti-corrosive property. The fuel cell stack includes a plurality of cells constructed by interposing an electrolyte membrane electrode assembly between the first and second separators. The first and second separators define gas passages on from both sides of the electrolyte membrane electrode assembly, and a gas manifold is in fluid communication with the gas flow passages through the plurality of stacked cells. Manifold openings for defining the gas manifold are formed in the first and second separators, and the opening areas of the manifold openings are differently sized. The manifold opening inner peripheral end of the first separator has a larger opening area, and is welded to the second separator to form a manifold welding portion. | 05-07-2009 |
20090123802 | FUEL CELL HAVING MOISTURE SENSOR DEVICE - The present invention relates to a fuel cell having moisture sensor device. The fuel cell comprises a power generation structure that consists of a circuit board; a membrane electrode assembly arranged on the circuit board; and a moisture sensor unit comprising a first sensing member and a second sensing member. The first sensing member and the second sensing member are electrically connected to the circuit board and disposed on the circuit board such that they produce capacitance effect. | 05-14-2009 |
20090130511 | Fuel Cell Module - The present invention relates to fuel cell modules. The fuel cell module includes a housing that contains a plurality of fuel cell elements called unicells. Each unicell comprises a plurality of microcells. The housing is divided into a plurality of housing sections. A compressible bulkhead disposed between two adjacent housing sections and has a plurality of holes formed therein to allow respective unicells to pass through the bulkhead. A clamp element compresses the bulkhead to form a gas-tight seal between said bulkhead and the unicells. | 05-21-2009 |
20090130512 | Fuel Cell Assembly Comprising a Plurality of Microcells - The present invention relates to fuel cell assembly having a plurality of microcells, and to methods of assembling fuel cell assemblies from microcells. A plurality of microcells is circumferentially spaced around a central member. Each microcell comprises an inner current collector having one or more microchannels formed therein, a proton exchange membrane surrounding said inner current collector, and an outer current collector disposed on the outside of said proton exchange membrane. A first electrical connector disposed at a first end of the fuel cell assembly electrically connects to the inner current collectors of said microcells. A second electrical connector disposed at a second end of the fuel cell assembly electrically connects to the outer current collectors of the microcells. In one embodiment, inner and outer seals are disposed in spaced relation to one another adjacent the first end of said fuel cell assembly. A gap between said inner and outer seals is in fluid communication with the microchannels in the microcells to provide a pathway for introduction of a gaseous reactant into said microchannels of said microcells. | 05-21-2009 |
20090130513 | AIR CONDITIONING CONTROL SYSTEM - An air conditioning control system having a cooling device for cooling a fuel cell by circulating a liquid coolant through the fuel cell using a main circulation pump while also providing an air conditioning control device for controlling air conditioning in a vehicle interior, wherein heat exchange between the cooling device and the air conditioning control device is possible. When the fuel cell is operated intermittently in the air conditioning control system, the main circulation pump is continuously operated. | 05-21-2009 |
20090136805 | FUEL CELL - A fuel cell includes a porous element, a first electrode, and a separator. The porous element is an element as a channel through which a reaction gas passes into the interior, the porous element having a first surface and a second surface. The first electrode is disposed on the first surface side of the porous element. The separator in contact with the second surface of the porous element is includes a first plate and a second plate, the first plate having a contact part in contact with the second surface, the second plate facing the first plate. A cooling medium channel is formed between the first plate and the second plate. The first plate has first dimples that are indented on a side of the first porous element and protrude on a side of the cooling medium channel. | 05-28-2009 |
20090136806 | Tube Shaped Fuel Cell Module and Manufacturing Method thereof - A tube shaped fuel cell module which includes a plurality of tube shaped fuel cell cells each of which has, in order from the inside, an internal collector, an inside catalyst electrode layer, a solid electrolyte membrane and an outside catalyst electrode layer; and an external collector which collects power from the tube shaped fuel cell cells, is such that the external collector has a corrugated plate structure in which convex portions and concave portions continuously alternate. The tube shaped fuel cell module is also provided with at least one cell-collector unit which includes the external collector, and the plurality of tube shaped fuel cell cells which contact the surface of the concave portions of the external collector along the entire lengths of the tube shaped fuel cell cells. | 05-28-2009 |
20090136807 | MEA COMPONENT, AND POLYMER ELECTROLYTE FUEL CELL - An MEA component ( | 05-28-2009 |
20090142636 | Carbon Fiber Warming System for Fiber Composite Gas Storage Cylinders - A heating system for a fiber composite high pressure gas storage tank for maintaining the temperature of the gas within the tank and the gas flow components associated with one or more boss at the tank ends above the lower design tolerance limit for the tank and flow control assembly, wherein the tank is formed from a polymeric binder having embedded therein longitudinally extending conductive and resistive fiber material strands, comprising an electric power source interconnected with the conductive and resistive tank wall whereby the fibers in the tank wall comprise a heater for warming the tank system such that the temperature of the components associated with the tank assembly does not drop below the lower tolerance temperature limit of the tank assembly. | 06-04-2009 |
20090142637 | Warming for High Pressure Hydrogen Gas Storage Cylinders Utilizing The Joule-Thomson Effect - A warming system for a high pressure hydrogen gas storage tank in a motor vehicle for maintaining the temperature of the gas within the tank and the gas flow control components associated with one or more boss at the tank ends above the lower design temperature tolerance limit of the tank and components associate with the utilizing the Joule-Thomson effect in gas flowing from the tank to recycles the mechanical energy of heat compression in high pressure hydrogen fuel to warm the gas within the tank as the high pressure gas is utilized. | 06-04-2009 |
20090148738 | Fuel cell - A first separator has an outlet side first connection channel connecting a first fuel gas flow field and a fuel gas discharge passage, and a second separator includes an outlet side second connection channel connecting a second fuel gas flow field and the fuel gas discharge passage. The outlet side first connection channel and the outlet side second connection channel include outer passages and outer passages arranged in the same plane formed by facing the first separator and the second separator. The outer passages and the outer passages are formed alternately and independently in the same plane. | 06-11-2009 |
20090155654 | HEAT RECOVERY APPARATUS AND FUEL CELL HAVING THE SAME - Provided are a heat recovery apparatus recovering heat generated from a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and transmitting the heat to a fuel spreader so that a temperature difference between the MEA and the fuel spreader inside a fuel cell is reduced, and a fuel cell having the heat recovery apparatus. The fuel spreader supplies fuel having a uniform concentration to the MEA through the heat recovery apparatus, so that a fuel cell having a reduced total volume, a stable performance, and increased energy efficiency can be provided. | 06-18-2009 |
20090155655 | FUEL CELL POWER MODULE FRAME ASSEMBLY - A frame assembly for a fuel cell power module, particularly but not exclusively for use in lift trucks, has at least one frame element. The frame element is provided with an internal cavity that is filled with a fill material to provide a desired mass of the frame assembly. The frame assembly is configured to receive a fuel cell stack and other balance of plant components of a fuel cell power module and may also be configured to receive a fuel storage vessel. The frame assembly can be configured so that it can replace a battery pack of a lift truck and still provide adequate counterweight. | 06-18-2009 |
20090155656 | FUEL CELL SYSTEM - A fuel cell system which can exhibit a better result of a reduction in size and weight is provided. The fuel cell system of the present invention comprises a stack of fuel cells which generate electricity by receiving a supply of hydrogen gas and air, a fuel supply passage for supplying hydrogen gas to the stack, a fuel circulation and supply passage and a fuel circulation and discharge passage equipped with a fuel pump for causing any unreacted hydrogen gas discharged from the stack to join the fuel supply passage and be circulated, a cooling water pump for supplying cooling water to the stack, and a regenerator driven by the cooling water supplied from the cooling water pump for generating a rotary force. The hydrogen pump is adapted to be driven for rotation by the regenerator. | 06-18-2009 |
20090162713 | STACK FOR FUEL CELL AND BIPOLAR PLATE AND COOLING PLATE ADOPTED IN THE SAME - Provided is a stack of a fuel cell in which a plurality of unit cells are stacked to perform an electricity generation reaction. The stack includes a membrane electrode assembly in which an anode, an electricity membrane, and a cathode are stacked; a bipolar plate having reactant channels through which fluids to be supplied to the anode and the cathode flow and a plurality of inner manifolds that are formed in positions not directly connected to the reactant channels so that a coolant pass through; and a cooling plate having a coolant channels through which a coolant flows and a plurality of inner manifolds that are formed corresponding to the inner manifolds of the bipolar plate so that the coolant pass through. | 06-25-2009 |
20090162714 | Tubular Fuel Cell Module and Manufacturing Method Thereof - A tubular fuel cell module is provided with a tubular cell of a tubular fuel cell, and a heat transfer pipe through which a heating/cooling medium flows to selectively heat and cool the tubular fuel cell. The heat transfer pipe includes a first straight portion, a second straight portion, and a bent portion that connects the first straight portion with the second straight portion. At least a portion of the tubular cell is arranged on at least one of the first straight portion and the second straight portion. As a result, the reliability of a seal of the tubular fuel cell module is improved. | 06-25-2009 |
20090169939 | MODULAR UNIT FUEL CELL ASSEMBLY - A modular unit fuel cell is disclosed, which comprises a membrane electrode assembly (MEA), an anode current collector/porous transport layer (PTL), a bipolar separator plate (BSP), a corrugated or finned spring cooling and transport structure, a cathode current collector/PTL and an anode frame. In this embodiment, air is passed through the finned spring cooling and transport structure and the air acts as both the cathode reactant and as a coolant. | 07-02-2009 |
20090169940 | REACTOR - A fuel cell employs a stack structure in which a plurality of sheet bodies and a plurality of separators are stacked and joined together in alternating layers. Chemical reactions occur in the sheet bodies. The separators separate, from each other, two kinds of gasses (air and fuel gas) which are necessary for the chemical reactions. The plurality of separators consist of high-rigidity separator(s), and ordinary separators, which are lower in rigidity than the high-rigidity separator. This configuration reliably suppresses the occurrence of “separation of a joint region” attributable to “stress concentration caused by increase in the number of the stacked separators. | 07-02-2009 |
20090181272 | FUEL CELL PROVIDING IMPROVED STACK AND COOLING PLATE - A fuel cell stack having an improved sealing structure of a cooling plate in which the cooling plates therein each have a coolant flow channel through which a coolant flows to remove heat from the fuel cell stack and a groove that surrounds the coolant flow channel, and a sealing member disposed in the groove to prevent coolant leakage. The sealing member has a compression rate of 18 to 30%, as the compression rate being ((a thickness of the sealing member—a height of the groove)/the thickness of the sealing member)×100. Such a fuel cell stack may maintain operation for a long time without the need of supplementing the coolant. | 07-16-2009 |
20090181273 | FUEL CELL SYSTEM - A fuel cell system includes a first airflow generator, a first fuel cell module, a second airflow generator and a second fuel cell module. The first airflow generator is capable of providing a first airflow, which flows through the first fuel cell module. The second airflow generator is capable of providing a second airflow, which flows through the second fuel cell module. A heat exchange is proceeded between the first airflow departing from the first fuel cell module and the second airflow prior to entering the second fuel cell module, and another heat exchange is proceeded between the second airflow departing from the second fuel cell module and the first airflow prior to entering the first fuel cell module. | 07-16-2009 |
20090202878 | Solid oxide fuel cell system - A SOFC system ( | 08-13-2009 |
20090208796 | COOLING SYSTEM FOR FUEL CELL STACK SHUTDOWN - A cooling system for the shutdown process in a fuel cell powered vehicle system for eliminating the detrimental effects of voltage persistence in the fuel cell including a volume of fluid coolant at ambient temperature, a pump, a fluid circuit interconnecting the pump and the coolant reservoir with a section of a cooling system that circulates through the vehicle fuel cell stack, and a controllable valve system whereby, at the occurrence of vehicle shutdown, the ambient temperature fluid in the reservoir is directed to a section of a cooling system that circulates through the vehicle fuel cell stack. | 08-20-2009 |
20090208797 | Fuel cell stack humidification device - A fuel cell stack humidification device includes: an air flow field provided on a fuel cell separator and including an inlet portion and an outlet portion; and a water absorbing member mounted on both sides and the bottom of the air flow field to transfer water in the outlet portion to the inlet portion. The humidification device can provide an auxiliary humidification function and minimize the volume that a humidifier occupies in a fuel cell vehicle. | 08-20-2009 |
20090208798 | Humidification system using injector for fuel cell stack - A humidification system using an injector for a fuel cell stack includes: a fuel cell separator including a reaction flow field, and an air inlet port and an air outlet port formed at a front portion and an end portion of the reaction flow field, respectively; a humidification chamber provided at a part of or the whole length of the front portion of the reaction flow field of the separator; and an injector mounted at a starting point of the humidification chamber to inject a mixture of water and air into the humidification chamber. With the system, humidification efficiency can be improved and/or maximized without an increase in the volume of the fuel cell stack. | 08-20-2009 |
20090208799 | FUEL CELL SYSTEM - A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack, a heat exchanger, a reformer, and a combustor. The combustor is provided around the heat exchanger. A combustion gas path for supplying a combustion gas produced in the combustor to the heat exchanger and an exhaust gas path for supplying an exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell stack after consumption in power generation reaction are merged at a merger section provided on an upstream side of a heat medium inlet of the heat exchanger. | 08-20-2009 |
20090208800 | FUEL CELL SYSTEM - A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack, a heat exchanger, an evaporator, a reformer, and a combustor. A fluid unit including at least the heat exchanger, the evaporator, and the reformer is provided at one end of the fuel cell stack in a stacking direction. The combustor is provided inside the evaporator. The combustor has a combustion gas path for discharging a combustion gas produced in the combustor. The reformer is provided at a position in the middle of the combustion gas path. | 08-20-2009 |
20090208801 | Fuel cell system with discharged water treatment facilities - A fuel folded structure cell system with discharged water treatment facilities includes a fuel cell stack, a water collecting device, and a cooling water system. The fuel cell stack discharges hydrogen and oxygen that are not reacted in the electrochemical reaction occurred in the fuel cell stack, and heat produced in the reaction. The water collecting device contains a water absorbing material for collecting reaction produced water bone on the discharged unreacted hydrogen and oxygen. The cooling water system includes a heat exchanger; and heat dissipated from the heat exchanger is blown by a fan provided thereon to the water collecting device to blow dry water absorbed by the water absorbing material. | 08-20-2009 |
20090208802 | FUEL CELL DEVICE - A fuel cell device includes a housing containing a fuel processor that generates fuel gas and a fuel cell having electrodes forming an anode and cathode, and an ion exchange electrolyte positioned between the electrodes. The housing can be formed as first and second cylindrically configured outer shell sections that form a battery cell that is configured similar to a commercially available battery cell. A thermal-capillary pump can be operative with the electrodes and an ion exchange electrolyte, and operatively connected to the fuel processor. The electrodes are configured such that heat generated between the electrodes forces water to any cooler edges of the electrodes and is pumped by capillary action back to the fuel processor to supply water for producing hydrogen gas. The electrodes can be formed on a silicon substrate that includes a flow divider with at least one fuel gas input channel that can be controlled by a MEMS valve. | 08-20-2009 |
20090214914 | Plant with High-Temperature Fuel Cells and Clamping Device for a Cell Stack - The plant ( | 08-27-2009 |
20090214915 | Fuel cell system using evaporative cooling and method of cooling fuel cell system - The present invention provides a fuel cell system using evaporative cooling that generates electricity by reacting hydrogen as a fuel and air as an oxidant. The system includes a fuel cell stack including a cooling channel provided on a bipolar plate separately from an air channel and a hydrogen channel, an air inlet line connected to an inlet side of the cooling channel of the fuel cell stack, a water injection means provided at the inlet side of the cooling channel to inject water into air introduced to the cooling channel through the air inlet line, and an air compression means provided at the rear of the fuel cell stack and connected to a discharge line coupled to an outlet side of the cooling channel to provide a suction force to the cooling channel and to compress a mixture of air and water vapor sucked from the cooling channel. The present system provides advantages in that the configuration of the fuel cell system is simplified, lightweight, and downsized, and the manufacturing cost is reduced. | 08-27-2009 |
20090214916 | ELECTRONIC APPARATUS SYSTEM - According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus system comprises an electronic apparatus including a heating member, and a fuel cell apparatus including a electromotive section configured to generate electricity by a chemical reaction, a fuel tank, a circulation system including a fuel channel and an air channel, and a gas-liquid separator. The gas-liquid separator is arranged between a flow-out end of the electromotive section and the fuel tank in the fuel channel, configured to separate a gas-liquid two-phase fluid discharged from the anode to a liquid and gas, and is thermally coupled to the heating member to be heated by the heat of the heating member. | 08-27-2009 |
20090233134 | ION EXCHANGE CARTRIDGE FOR FUEL CELL APPLICATIONS - An ion exchange cartridge for a coolant system of a fuel cell stack is provided. The ion exchange cartridge includes a housing with an ion exchange resin disposed therein. The housing includes an inlet and at least one fluid-permeable outlet window configured for coolant to flow therethrough. The ion exchange cartridge is adapted to be removably disposed in the coolant system. An ion exchange cartridge assembly and a coolant tank assembly having the ion exchange cartridge are also provided. | 09-17-2009 |
20090239111 | Fuel Cell Humidifier and Fuel Cell System Having the Same - A fuel cell humidifier for performing humidification via a water exchange film by bringing together supplied gas to be supplied to a fuel cell, and off-gas discharged from the fuel cell. The fuel cell humidifier includes: a humidification cell having a supplied gas passage for allowing the supplied gas to flow through, an off-gas passage for allowing the off-gas to flow through, and the water exchange film; and a gas flow cell for allowing either the fuel gas or the off-gas to flow through. The invention provides a fuel cell humidifier, and a fuel cell system equipped with the fuel cell humidifier, that can appropriately adjust the humidification value and the heat exchange amount, prevent humidification characteristics from being influenced by ambient temperature changes, and exhibit enhanced reliability, stability and control. | 09-24-2009 |
20090239112 | FUEL CELL ASSEMBLIES WITH INTEGRATED REACTANT-CONDITIONING HEAT EXCHANGERS - A fuel cell assembly in which at least one heat exchanger for conditioning either the anode or cathode reactant gas is integrated with the fuel cell stack and located at the end of the fuel cell stack, to isolate the fuel cell stack from contact with the end plates of the stack. The heat exchanger may preferably be comprised of a stack of plates which may preferably be the same as the plates as the fuel cell stack, with outer and inner end plates to direct the flow of reactant gases, waste gases and coolant to and from the fuel cell stack. The assembly is preferably configured to include reactant conditioning heat exchangers at both ends of the fuel cell stack. | 09-24-2009 |
20090246583 | Rapid start-up, auxiliary power, and air preheating device of high temperature fuel cell systems - This invention relates to a rapid start-up, auxiliary power, and air preheating device of high temperature fuel cell systems, which comprise of a metal sheet, metal mesh plates, insulated ceramic rings and a direct flame SOFC positive electrolyte negative assembly (PEN). The metal mesh plates are used to substitute the electrode plates to collect the current. The ribs between the PEN and the metal mesh plates are also for collecting current, while the ceramic ring is an insulator. This device is able to pre-heat gas rapidly and generates power at the same time, it's costless, easy to assemble, rapid start-up, high electric conductivity, excellent sealing and etc. In addition, it can heat up the fuel cell stack rapidly and start up the system without lag. | 10-01-2009 |
20090253009 | Fuel cell - The present invention provides a fuel cell which is capable to improve heat exchange efficiency with a plurality of tubular cells. The fuel cell of the present invention comprises: a plurality of tubular cells; heat exchangers arranged at the outside of the tubular cells, wherein at least a part of the outer circumferential surface of said tubular cells and the peripheral surface of said heat exchangers have face contact with each other. | 10-08-2009 |
20090253010 | UNIT CELL ASSEMBLY, FUEL CELL, AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING UNIT CELL ASSEMBLY - A unit cell assembly, stacked in a plurality to form a fuel cell, includes: a separator; a unit cell constituent member disposed at a first region on one face of the separator; a seal member which is formed of an elastic member and bonded to a second region surrounding the first region on one face of the separator, and which is integrated with at least part of a peripheral edge of the unit cell constituent member; and a first insulating portion having insulating properties and provided at least on part of a peripheral edge of the separator. | 10-08-2009 |
20090258271 | Fuel Cell Comprising a Gas Coolant Cooling Device - A fuel cell comprising a plurality of adjacent cell elements forming a stack of cell elements, a device for cooling said stack of cell elements by forced heat exchange with a coolant gas such as air by means of at least one generator of a gas flow along an airstream axis, which fuel cell comprises at least one gas flow stator member placed between the stack of cell elements and the generator, the stator member comprising at least one static blade formed to reduce the unevenness of the gas flow rate originating from the generator in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the flow before it arrives at the stack. | 10-15-2009 |
20090269638 | FUEL CELL COOLING TANK ASSEMBLY - One embodiment of the invention includes a cooling tank reservoir with a pressure release valve and a cooling fluid conduit wrapped around the pressure release valve. | 10-29-2009 |
20090269639 | FUEL CELL COOLING TANK ASSEMBLY - One embodiment of the invention includes a cooling tank reservoir with a pressure release valve and a cooling fluid conduit wrapped around the pressure release valve. | 10-29-2009 |
20090269640 | SEPARATOR FOR FUEL CELL - Miniaturization is achieved when a membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) is provided with a cutout, and the flow of a fluid is further smoothened. To realize this, in a separator for a fuel cell according to the present invention, a portion of the contour of a manifold formed in the separator corresponding to a cutout of the membrane-electrode assembly is formed into a shape along the cutout, and a reactant gas or a coolant is supplied or discharged through a portion formed into the shape along the cutout. The cutout is, for example, a corner cut provided in the corner of the membrane-electrode assembly and forming the membrane-electrode assembly into an asymmetric shape. A portion of the contour of the manifold facing this corner cut is preferably formed substantially in parallel with the edge of the corner cut. | 10-29-2009 |
20090280374 | PROCESS FOR SEALING PLATES IN A FUEL CELL - There is provided a process for sealing a coolant plate to an adjacent bi-polar plate or coolant plate in an electrochemical cell. The first coolant plate comprises at least one mating region for mating with a complementary region on the adjacent plate, the adjacent plate is a second coolant plate or a bipolar plate of the electrochemical cell, and the first coolant plate and the adjacent plate each comprise a polymer and conductive filler. The process comprises the step of welding the mating region to the complementary region to create a seal formed by the polymer at the mating region and the complementary region. Welding may be done using resistance welding or vibration welding processes. | 11-12-2009 |
20090280375 | Sealing Structure for Fuel Cell | 11-12-2009 |
20090286117 | Plant With High-Temperature Fuel Cells and a Multi-Component Sleeve for a Cell Stack - The plant ( | 11-19-2009 |
20090286118 | BIPOLAR PLATE COATING ARCHITECTURE FOR FUEL CELLS AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME - One exemplary embodiment of the invention includes a method including providing a bipolar plate for a fuel cell having a reactant gas flow field defined therein by a plurality of lands and at least one channel, and depositing a low contact resistant material selectively over portions of the lands leaving portions of the lands uncovered by the low contact resistant material. | 11-19-2009 |
20090286119 | FUEL CELL CABINET AIR FEED AND EXHAUST SYSTEM FOR HYRDROGEN DECLASSIFICATION - A fuel cell cabinet air feed and exhaust system is provided. The air feed and exhaust system includes a sealed air feed system that feeds air from outside a fuel cell cabinet to a fuel cell disposed inside the fuel cell cabinet, and a sealed air exhaust system that exhausts air from the fuel cell to the outside of the fuel cell cabinet. Each of the sealed air system and the sealed air exhaust system is sealed with respect to the fuel cell such that the sealed air system, the sealed air exhaust system, and the fuel cell form a sealed system. | 11-19-2009 |
20090291343 | Module for a fuel cell arrangement - A module for a fuel cell arrangement is provided, having plates which are configured in the form of a stack, at least two plates being partially joined to one another by a sealing element, at least one further seal being configured between the plates. | 11-26-2009 |
20090297902 | Cell Stack and Fuel Cell Device Provided with the Same - According to one embodiment, a cell stack of a fuel cell device comprises a positive electrode including a anode separator, and a pair of anode plates laminated opposite first and second contact surfaces of the anode separator, a pair of negative electrodes laminated individually on the opposite sides of the positive electrode, and electrolyte layers. The negative electrode includes a cathode plate opposed to each corresponding anode plate with a gap therebetween and a cathode separator provided with a contact surface opposed to the cathode plate. The anode separator includes first fuel channels formed in the first contact surface, second fuel channels formed in the second contact surface, and cooling channels formed between the first and second contact surfaces and through which a coolant is circulated. The cathode separator includes a plurality of air channels formed in the contact surface and through which air is supplied to the cathode plate. | 12-03-2009 |
20090297903 | Fuel Cell Device - According to one embodiment, a fuel cell device comprises an electromotive section which is provided with a cell including an anode and a cathode opposed to each other and configured to generate electricity in consequence of a chemical reaction, a fuel tank configured to store a fuel, a fuel channel in which the fuel flows through the anode, an air channel in which air flows through the cathode, a cooling channel which diverges from the fuel channel and extends through the electromotive section, and a fuel supply section configured to supply the fuel from the fuel tank to the anode through the fuel channel and configured to flow some of the fuel from the cooling channel through the electromotive section to cool the electromotive section. | 12-03-2009 |
20090311565 | Cooling System and Method of a Fuel Cell - A cooling system of a fuel cell is provided with a main cooling flow passage and a bypass cooling flow passage which is arranged parallel with the main cooling flow passage and diverts the same coolant, as flow passages through which coolant flows. A radiator and a coolant circulation pump (WP) and the like are arranged in the main cooling flow passage. Coolant from the main cooling flow passage enters the bypass cooling flow passage and reaches a second heat exchanger via a case of a motor of an ACP and the like. At the second heat exchanger, heat exchange is also performed with a supply gas flow passage, after which the coolant returns to the main cooling flow passage. The manner in which the coolant is distributed can be changed depending on where the coolant is diverted from the main cooling flow passage and the arrangement of the circulation pump. | 12-17-2009 |
20090311566 | SEPARATING PLATE FOR FUEL CELL STACK AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - The present invention provides a separating plate for a fuel cell stack and method of manufacturing the same, and more particularly, to a separating plate for a fuel cell stack and method of manufacturing the same, in which the separating plate constituting the fuel cell stack is formed in such a fashion as to interpose an array of metal pipes between two sheets of composite material, and a gasket abutting against the separating plate is formed in such a fashion as to define hydrogen and air flow channels, thereby removing a contact resistance between two adjoining separating plates constituting unit cells to improve the efficiency of the fuel cell. | 12-17-2009 |
20090317679 | Chromium Retention Layers for Components of Fuel Cell Systems - In accordance with a method for producing chromium retention layers for components of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) made of chromium-containing alloys, the aluminum-containing component surface is subjected to elevated temperatures so that a gas-tight chromium retention layer forms. The layer produced in this manner effectively prevents vaporization of chromium from the basic material. Defects in the layer remedy themselves during operation of the fuel cell. | 12-24-2009 |
20090317680 | FUEL CELL COOLING SYSTEM - A circulation pipe for a coolant is connected to a fuel cell. A pump and a heat exchanger are connected to the circulation pipe. A bypass pipe is connected in parallel with the pump. An ion exchanger is connected to the bypass pipe. An electronic cooling device is connected to the bypass pipe on an upstream side of the ion exchanger. The coolant, which is supplied to the ion exchanger, is cooled by the electronic cooling device to a predetermined temperature, so that the ion-exchange resins are prevented from being abnormally heated by the coolant. | 12-24-2009 |
20090325016 | FUEL CELL STACK - A fuel cell stack comprises a stack of three or more fuel cells, each having an assembly in which an anode electrode and a cathode electrode are respectively joined to either side of an electrolytic membrane. The anode electrode is provided nearer to one end, in the stack direction of the fuel cell, than the cathode electrode. Temperature regulating parts for regulating the temperature of the anode electrode of one fuel cell of any two adjacent fuel cells and the cathode electrode of the other fuel cell are disposed at a plurality of positions arranged in the stack direction. The provided temperature regulating parts perform temperature regulation so that the heat dissipating capability of the anode electrode is different in the stack direction from that of the cathode electrode. | 12-31-2009 |
20100003564 | FUEL CELL - Flow guides forming an inlet channel are formed on a surface of a metal separator of a fuel cell. The flow guides overlap a section of an outer seal provided on the other surface of the metal separator. When a load is applied to the flow guides and the overlapping section in a stacking direction of the fuel cell, the flow guides and the overlapping section are deformed substantially equally in the stacking direction to the same extent. The line pressure of the flow guides and the line pressure of the overlapping section are substantially the same. The seal length L | 01-07-2010 |
20100015485 | FUEL CELL DESIGN BASED ON A FRAMED BIPOLAR PLATE - This disclosure related to polymer electrolyte member fuel cells and components thereof. | 01-21-2010 |
20100015486 | POWER GENERATING PLANT - Coal is reacted in a furnace | 01-21-2010 |
20100021784 | SOLID OXIDE FUEL CELL COMPRISING A THERMAL EXCHANGER - Solid oxide fuel cell that comprises a cell core and a thermal exchanger suitable for supplying said cell core with a fluid at a given temperature required for its operation, wherein the exchanger comprises a cold fluid circuit and provides a thermal interface with a hot fluid circuit, the cold fluid circuit supplying the fluid inlet of the cell core and the hot fluid circuit being supplied by the fluid outlet of the cell core, characterized in that the thermal exchanger is provided concentrically relative to the cell core. | 01-28-2010 |
20100028741 | HYDRIDE FUEL-CELL COOLER AND CONDENSATE COOLER FOR AIRCRAFT - A cooling system for cooling a fuel-cell system on board an aircraft, in one example, includes a hydrogen accumulator, a connecting device coupling the hydrogen accumulator, with an external cooling system for dissipating heat arising upon charging of the hydrogen accumulator. The hydrogen accumulator cools down upon removal of hydrogen, because of which cooling of a condenser occurs. The cooling system need not utilize a secondary cooling loop for condenser cooling. | 02-04-2010 |
20100028742 | METAL SEPARATOR FOR FUEL CELL AND FUEL CELL STACK HAVING THE SAME - The present invention discloses a metal separator for a fuel cell including a reaction gas channel formed to protrude from a first face of the metal separator to a second face thereof, a coolant channel formed between the reaction gas channels protruding from the second face of the metal separator, a reaction gas manifold opened to introduce a reaction gas into the metal separator, a coolant manifold opened to introduce a coolant into the metal separator, and a stepped portion positioned at any one of the space between the reaction gas channel and the reaction gas manifold, and the reaction gas channel. This configuration serves to widen the reaction gas flowing portion and the coolant flowing portion on the metal separator, and prevent deformation of the reaction gas flowing portion and the coolant flowing portion, thereby improving efficiency of the fuel cell. | 02-04-2010 |
20100035108 | FUEL CELL WITH TRIANGULAR BUFFERS - An oxygen-containing gas flow field for supplying an oxygen-containing gas from an oxygen-containing gas supply passage to an oxygen-containing gas discharge passage is formed on a first metal plate. The oxygen-containing gas flow field includes oxygen-containing gas flow grooves as serpentine flow grooves having two turn regions T | 02-11-2010 |
20100040923 | HEAT INSULATION CELL FOR FUEL CELL AND MANUFACTURING METHOD OF THE SAME - The deformation of a plate-like member (a separator) or the degradation of a seal function due to heat generated during power generation is suppressed. To realize this, disclosed is a heat insulation cell for a fuel cell in which an insulation layer is constituted of one or more plate-like members and a seal member, the heat insulation cell being provided with a communication section which is disposed in at least a part of a seal line formed by the seal member to seal the insulation layer and the outside of the cell and which connects the insulation layer to the outside. A portion provided with the communication section in at least one of the plate-like members preferably has a projection. It is also preferable that the insulation layer is formed by an insulation member and that the insulation member is disposed in the communication section. | 02-18-2010 |
20100040924 | FUEL CELL SEPARATOR PLATE WITH INTEGRATED HEAT EXCHANGER - A fuel cell separator plate having a planar substrate having a main body with first and second opposed major surfaces, a first open channel reactant flow field recessed in the first major surface, and a first segment extending from the main body, and a thermally and electrically conductive first current collector layer having a flow field portion on the first major surface of the main body and a heat exchange portion extending from the flow field portion onto the first segment such that heat in the flow field portion conducts to the heat exchange portion during fuel cell use. | 02-18-2010 |
20100047647 | METHOD TO MINIMIZE THE IMPACT OF SHUNT CURRENTS THROUGH AQUEOUS BASED COOLANTS ON PEM FUEL CELL BIPOLAR PLATES - A fuel cell includes a first valve metal flow field plate. The first valve metal flow field plate has a first cooling channel adapted to receive an aqueous coolant and to contact the aqueous coolant at a position that inhibits the formation of shunt currents when the fuel cell is incorporated in a fuel cell stack. A field assembly includes a first metal flow field plate having a first cooling channel adapted to receive an aqueous coolant is also provided. A valve metal plate is disposed over the first metal flow field plate in the flow field assembly. Fuel cell stacks using the valve metal-containing flow field plates are also provided. | 02-25-2010 |
20100062301 | SYSTEM HAVING HIGH-TEMPERATURE FUEL CELLS - System having a plurality of high-temperature fuel cells connected in series for generating at least electrical energy, in particular having solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), which system comprises: -an air source for air, -a fuel source for a fuel, for example natural gas, -at least a first and a second high-temperature fuel cell, which are connected in series, each fuel cell comprising an anode inlet for fuel, and an anode outlet, as well as a cathode inlet for air, and a cathode outlet, as well as an electrical connection for outputting electrical energy which has been generated, -the cathode inlet of the first fuel cell being connected to the air source, -the anode inlet of each fuel cell being connected to the fuel source, -the cathode outlet of the first fuel cell being connected to the cathode inlet of the second fuel cell, -and a bypass air connection for air being provided between the air source, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, an admixing port between the cathode outlet of the first fuel cell and the cathode inlet of the second fuel cell. | 03-11-2010 |
20100068581 | MOBILE UNIT HAVING FUEL CELL - A mobile unit has a fuel cell ( | 03-18-2010 |
20100068582 | Solid Oxide Fuel Cell System - The present invention provides a solid oxide fuel cell system, which comprises a central support means, a fixture means, a current collection means, a manifold, and at least one fuel cell means, wherein the fuel cell means and the current collection means are moveable in the direction parallel to the axis of the fuel cell means. | 03-18-2010 |
20100068583 | FUEL CELL STACK - In order to provide a fuel cell stack which can sufficiently use a current range that can originally be output by a fuel cell unit, and from which high output can be obtained even with a small size, a thickness of an oxygen flow field plate is made large for a fuel cell unit having a relatively high temperature during operation, and the thickness of the oxygen flow field plate is made small for a fuel cell unit having a relatively low temperature during operation. | 03-18-2010 |
20100068584 | FLAT FUEL CELL ASSEMBLY - A flat fuel cell assembly including a MEA, a cathode porous current collector, an anode porous current collector, a gas barrier material layer, a case, and at least one air baffle is provided. The cathode porous current collector and the anode porous current collector are disposed at two opposite sides of the MEA. The gas barrier material layer is disposed at a side of the cathode porous current collector and has at least one opening for exposing a surface of the cathode porous current collector. The case is disposed at a side of the MEA, the gas barrier material layer is disposed between the case and the MEA, and an air channel is located between the gas barrier material layer and the case. Additionally, the air baffle disposed within the air channel. | 03-18-2010 |
20100086817 | WATER RETENTION AND GAS INGESTION CONTROL FOR A FUEL CELL - A fuel cell includes a water transport plate providing a water flow field. The water flow field includes water having gas. A vent is in fluid communication with the water flow field. The vent includes a membrane that obstructs flow of water past the membrane while permitting the flow of gas past the membrane. The membrane can include a pore size between approximately 0.1μ to 10.0μ, which enables gases to pass through the pores while blocking water. The membrane can be hydrophobic, for example, Teflon, to prevent the passage of water through the membrane. A hydrophobic fluid can also be arranged on the membrane to act as a check valve. | 04-08-2010 |
20100086818 | RECOOLING AND HUMIDIFICATION DEVICE FOR USE IN FUEL CELLS - The invention relates to devices for operating fuel cells. According to the invention, the two functions “cooling” and “humidification” are combined in a functional unit ( | 04-08-2010 |
20100086819 | POLYMER ELECTROLYTE FUEL CELL AND FUEL CELL STACK INCLUDING THE SAME - A polymer electrolyte fuel cell includes: a membrane-electrode assembly ( | 04-08-2010 |
20100092822 | Fuel Cell System for a Vehicle - A fuel cell system for a vehicle includes a burner for producing a heat flow by combustion of a fuel gas which reacts with an oxidant. A heating heat exchanger provided to heat a vehicle passenger compartment is arranged in a coolant circuit of the fuel cell system, and is externally heated, at least at times, by the burner. | 04-15-2010 |
20100092823 | COLORANT TREATED ION EXCHANGE RESINS, METHOD OF MAKING, HEAT TRANSFER SYSTEMS AND ASSEMBLIES CONTAINING THE SAME, AND METHOD OF USE - Disclosed is a colorant treated ion exchange resin comprising at least 15% of exchangeable groups comprising at least one of an ion, a Lewis acid, or a Lewis base resulting from a colorant having a pK | 04-15-2010 |
20100098982 | MONOPOLAR FUEL CELL ENDPLATE AND FUEL CELL COMPRISING SAME - The invention concerns a monopolar fuel cell endplate ( | 04-22-2010 |
20100098983 | FUEL CELL PERFORMING ANODE DEAD-END OPERATION WITH IMPROVED WATER MANAGEMENT - An anode gas channel member in which a first porous channel layer and a shower plate having penetrated holes are laminated is disposed on an anode side in a fuel cell. The shower plate is disposed at the anode side, and a water-repellent layer is provided on a side of the shower plate that is closer to the anode. The water-repellent layer restrains the water moving from the cathode side to the anode side from entering the interior of the anode gas channel member, and reduces the possibility of the flow of the reactant gas being inhibited by water. | 04-22-2010 |
20100098984 | LOAD DEVICE FOR SOFC STACK AND A HIGH-TEMPERATURE FURNACE USING THE SAME - A load device for planar solid oxide fuel cell stack comprises: a balance plate, a high-temperature compressed column, a load cell, an elastic member, an equalizing ring, and an actuator. The balance plate is disposed abutted against the fuel cell stack, and the high-temperature compressed column is disposed on the balance plate, and the load cell and the elastic member are arranged at a top portion of the high-temperature compressed column. The actuator, being placed on the equalizing ring, is used for providing a load to the equalizing ring, the load cell, the elastic member and the high-temperature compressed column Thereby, the load exerted by the actuator can be detected from the measurement of the load cell while the relationship between the load variation and performance of the SOFC stack can be read directly or transmitted to an external device for display. | 04-22-2010 |
20100098985 | FUEL CELL AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCLUDING THE SAME - A small fuel cell capable of improving stability of power generation is provided. A heat insulating layer | 04-22-2010 |
20100098986 | FUEL CELL - The present invention provides a fuel cell having a layered structure, including: a membrane electrode assembly having a fuel electrode, an oxidation electrode, and an electrolyte membrane held between the fuel electrode and the oxidation electrode; and stainless steel separators holding the membrane electrode assembly therebetween. The stainless steel separator contains Cr and Fe; the Cr concentration by mass % by mass ratio of Cr to Fe at the separator surface facing the fuel electrode is from 0.7 to 1.3; and the Cr concentration by mass % by mass ratio of Cr to Fe at the separator surface facing the oxidation electrode is less than 0.7. | 04-22-2010 |
20100098987 | CORROSION INHIBITORS, CORROSION INHIBITING HEAT TRANSFER FLUIDS, AND THE USE THEREOF - Disclosed is a corrosion inhibitor for use in heat transfer fluids having a conductivity of less than 200 μS/cm, the corrosion inhibitor having an azole compound, and at least one of a siloxane based surfactant, colloidal silica, or a mixture thereof. Also disclosed is a corrosion inhibiting heat transfer fluid, the heat transfer fluid having a conductivity of no more than or equal to 200 μS/cm and comprising the disclosed corrosion inhibitor. Also provided is an assembly comprising an alternative power source and a heat transfer system in thermal communication with the alternative power source, the heat transfer system comprising the disclosed corrosion inhibiting heat transfer fluid. In addition, a method of making a corrosion inhibiting heat transfer fluid is disclosed wherein the disclosed corrosion inhibitor is added to heat transfer fluid having a conductivity of less than 200 μS/cm. | 04-22-2010 |
20100104910 | FUEL CELL DEVICE AND SYSTEM - Fuel cell devices and systems are provided. In certain embodiments, the devices include a ceramic support structure having a length, a width, and a thickness with the length direction being the dominant direction of thermal expansion. A reaction zone having at least one active layer therein is spaced from the first end and includes first and second opposing electrodes, associated active first and second gas passages, and electrolyte. The active first gas passage includes sub-passages extending in the y direction and spaced apart in the x direction. An artery flow passage extends from the first end along the length and into the reaction zone and is fluidicly coupled to the sub-passages of the active first gas passage. The thickness of the artery flow passage is greater than the thickness of the sub-passages. In other embodiments, fuel cell devices include second sub-passages for the active second gas passage and a second artery flow passage coupled thereto, and extending from either the first end or the second end into the reaction zone. In yet other embodiments, one or both electrodes of a fuel cell device are segmented. | 04-29-2010 |
20100112403 | METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR CONTINUOUS MANUFACTURING OF FUEL CELLS - An apparatus and method for substantially continuously manufacturing fuel cells are provided. Each cell generates electrical power from reactions of reactants therein. Each cell comprises component parts assembled and/or laminated together in a stacked configuration. The apparatus includes an assembly zone for receiving rolls of material and/or pre-formed component parts for fabricating the cells, and assembly devices for, commencing from a starting layer, progressively assembling and/or laminating layers of material and/or pre-formed component parts from the rolls to the starting layer to manufacture the fuel cells, a testing zone for applying a test procedure to the cells to identify functional cells thereof or parts thereof, the testing zone also including a fuel-cell repair function for recycling fuel cells, or parts thereof, found to be to be defective in response to applying the test procedure, a separating zone for mutually separating the functional cells into individual fuel cells, parts thereof or groups of such fuel cells, and a stacking zone for mutually assembling the functional fuel cells or the groups of such functional cells into stacks of such fuel cells to manufacture fuel cell packs. | 05-06-2010 |
20100112404 | FUEL CELL SYSTEM - An object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell system capable of raising the temperature of a discharge valve and restraining the discharge valve from freezing by a simple structure. The fuel cell system has a circulation system for circulating hydrogen off gas, which is discharged from a fuel cell, to the fuel cell, an exhaust/drain valve for discharging a fluid passing through the circulation system to the outside, and a refrigerant flow path through which a refrigerant, which is circulated to the fuel cell, flows. The exhaust/drain valve has a valve body provided with a flow path which interconnects the interior of the circulation system and the outside. A part of the refrigerant flow path is provided by penetrating the valve body so as to be independent of the flow path. | 05-06-2010 |
20100119902 | SOLID ELECTROLYTE FUEL CELL STACK - A solid state electrolyte fuel cell stack includes: layered solid state electrolyte fuel cells, each formed by a solid state electrolyte body having a fuel pole in contact with a fuel gas and an air pole in contact with an oxidant gas; and inter-connectors arranged between the solid state electrolyte fuel cells so as to separate a gas flow path between the solid state electrolyte fuel cells and assure electric conduction between the solid state electrolyte fuel cells. The solid state electrolyte fuel cell stack has two or more air vents for supplying a fuel gas or two or more air vents for supplying the oxidant gas which vents penetrate a part or the whole of the fuel cell stack in the stack layering direction. The different air vents communicate with the different solid state electrolyte fuel cells. | 05-13-2010 |
20100119903 | FUEL CELL STACK WITH A LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION - The invention relates to a fuel cell stack composed of at least one fuel cell ( | 05-13-2010 |
20100119904 | FUEL CELL - A fuel cell is provided capable of preventing destabilization of power generation due to heat generated in an electrochemical device portion (membrane-electrode assembly or the like) and preventing decrease of generation efficiency. In a fuel cell having a membrane-electrode assembly which performs power generation by chemical reaction, a membrane-electrode assembly is disposed with a space from another membrane-electrode assembly or two membrane-electrode assemblies are provided adjacent to each other so that the pair is disposed with a space from another membrane-electrode assembly or another pair, and one of the main surfaces of a membrane-electrode assembly is in contact with outside air without being sealed with another membrane-electrode assembly. Conductive plates and are disposed in contact with the membrane-electrode assembly in order to exchange a current generated in the membrane-electrode assembly with the outside, and radiation fins are provided on the conductive plate on the main surface side in contact with outside air so that the conductive plate serves as a radiation member. | 05-13-2010 |
20100119905 | FUEL CELL AND SEPARATOR THEREOF - A fuel cell includes a plurality of fuel cell units, each fuel cell unit including an electrode assembly formed by disposing electrodes on both sides of an electrolyte, a pair of separators that sandwich the electrode assembly, and gas sealing members that are disposed at an outer peripheral portion of the electrode assembly, and that seal respective reaction gas flow passages that are formed between each separator and the electrode assembly. In one of the separators of each of the fuel cell units, a through path is formed that penetrates the separator in the thickness direction thereof, and the through path formed in one of the separators, of one of the fuel cell units and the through path formed in one of the separators of adjacent one of the fuel cell units are offset with each other as viewed in the thickness direction of the separators. | 05-13-2010 |
20100119906 | Fuel Cell Module - A fuel cell configuration operable to provide a more uniform heat distribution within the fuel cell configuration is disclosed. A reactant gas, liquid or suspended solid (slurry) is circulated through the fuel cell configuration in such a manner that inherently hotter portions of the fuel cell are cooled. The more uniform heat distribution can enhance fuel cell life and operating characteristics. | 05-13-2010 |
20100124683 | HEAT SPREADER ASSEMBLY FOR USE WITH A DIRECT OXIDATION FUEL CELL - A heat spreader assembly that provides electrical, thermal and structural functions to the fuel cell. The heat spreader assembly comprises two bulk composite material layers, and a heat spreader element. The heat spreader element includes a copper layer sandwiched between two stainless steel layers. The stainless steel layers are bonded to the bulk composite layers by a conductive thermal set adhesive. The lamination applied to the stainless steel layers enables heat and electricity to flow from the cathode while maintaining low resistance among other layers of the fuel cell. The copper layer diffuses heat across the layer and functions as cathode current collector for a fuel cell. The bulk composite material layers function as a cold side of an enthalpy exchanger system and a cathode flow field. Further the composite material includes flow channels formed throughout the material to evenly distribute incoming air over the enthalpy exchanger membrane and to the cathode of the MEA. | 05-20-2010 |
20100124684 | HEATING DEVICE OF METALLIC INTERCONNECT FOR SOLID OXIDE FUEL CELL AND COATING METHOD OF THE INTERCONNECT USING THE SAME - Disclosed is a method for heating a metallic interconnect for a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) to 150˜300° C., which can minimize the thermal shock by reducing a temperature difference between the metallic interconnect and a coating material during a thermal plasma coating process on the metallic interconnect for the SOFC. Accordingly, through the disclosed method, a densified coating layer with minimized micro pores/cracks can be formed on the surface of the metallic interconnect. Thus, it is possible to reduce the loss in output performance during the operation of the SOFC at a high temperature, and to maintain the long-term durability and performance of the metallic interconnect. | 05-20-2010 |
20100124685 | INTEGRATED SOLID OXIDE FUEL CELL AND FUEL PROCESSOR - A fuel cell unit includes a plurality of angularly spaced fuel cell stacks arranged to form a ring-shaped structure about a central axis, each of the fuel cell stacks having a stacking direction extending parallel to the central axis. The fuel cell unit also includes an annular cathode feed manifold surrounding the fuel cell stacks to deliver a cathode feed flow thereto, a plurality of baffles extending parallel to the central axis, each of the baffles located between an adjacent pair of the fuel cell stacks to direct a cathode feed flow from the annular cathode feed manifold and radially inwardly through the adjacent pair, and an annular cathode exhaust manifold surrounded by the fuel cell stacks to receive a cathode exhaust flow therefrom | 05-20-2010 |
20100143758 | FUEL CELL BIPOLAR PLATE FOR PREVENTING FLOODING - The present invention provides a fuel cell bipolar plate in which an air gap or a material layer having a heat transfer coefficient lower than that of the bipolar plate is provided so as to reduce total amount of liquid water generated in a fuel cell, thereby preventing the occurrence of flooding and reducing the time required for cold start, enhancing durability, decreasing parasitic purge requirements, and enhancing operational stability. | 06-10-2010 |
20100143759 | MODULAR FUEL CELL SYSTEM - A modular fuel cell system ( | 06-10-2010 |