Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20100143817 | Gaskets and Bipolar Plates for PEM Fuel Cells - A bipolar plate ( | 06-10-2010 |
20100167154 | Fuel Cell Module - To provide a fuel cell module structure including a heat exchanger capable of preventing leakage of oxygen containing gas in a flow path and reducing the cost. The fuel cell module, which includes: a power-generating chamber that receives fuel cells; and a casing having a generally rectangular shape enclosing the power-generating chamber, wherein right and left side walls and an upper wall of the casing are hollow walls constituted of an outer shell member and an inner shell member disposed parallel to each other with a predetermined distance therebetween to form a reaction gas circulation space, each of the outer shell member and the inner shell member is formed in a U-like shape in cross section, a reaction gas introduction member vertically extending downward from the inner shell member of the upper wall into the power-generating chamber and being communicated with the reaction gas circulation space to introduce a reaction gas into the power-generating chamber. | 07-01-2010 |
20100183939 | FUEL CELL SYSTEM - A fuel cell system including a fuel cell stack having stacked cells for generating electricity by an electrochemical reaction between a fuel gas and an oxidizing gas and held between a pair of end plates arranged at both ends in the stacking direction of the cells, and also including a gas-liquid separator for separating a gas and a liquid of an off-gas discharged from the fuel cell stack, wherein the gas-liquid separator is fixed to the end plate. Exhaust heat of the fuel cell stack is effectively used to heat the gas-liquid separator. | 07-22-2010 |
20100209799 | FUEL CELL AND FUEL CELL STACK - A fuel cell includes separators sandwiching electrolyte electrode assemblies. Each of the separators includes a fuel gas supply passage, four first bridges extending radially outwardly from the fuel gas supply section, and sandwiching sections connected to the first bridges. A fuel gas supply passage extends through the fuel gas supply section. Each of the sandwiching sections has a fuel gas channel and an oxygen-containing gas channel. The four electrolyte electrode assemblies are arranged concentrically around the fuel gas supply section. A fuel cell stack includes such fuel cells. | 08-19-2010 |
20100209800 | FUEL CELL REPEATER UNIT - An example fuel cell repeater includes a separator plate and a frame establishing at least a portion of a flow path that is operative to communicate fuel to or from at least one fuel cell held by the frame relative to the separator plate. The flow path has a perimeter and any fuel within the perimeter flow across the at least one fuel cell in a first direction. The separator plate, the frame, or both establish at least one conduit positioned outside the flow path perimeter. The conduit is outside of the flow path perimeter and is configured to direct flow in a second, different direction. The conduit is fluidly coupled with the flow path. | 08-19-2010 |
20100221634 | FUEL CELL AND FUEL CELL STACK - A fuel cell includes a separator having a circular disk. On one surface of the circular disk, a fuel gas channel for supplying a fuel gas to an anode is provided, and on the other surface of the circular disk, an oxygen-containing gas channel for supplying air to a cathode is provided. The fuel gas channel has an end point disposed at the outer circumferential end of the anode. A fuel gas discharge channel is connected to the end point of the fuel gas channel, such that the consumed fuel gas is emitted from a position spaced outwardly from an outer circumferential portion of the electrolyte electrode assembly. | 09-02-2010 |
20100248065 | FUEL CELL REPEATER UNIT - An example fuel cell repeater includes a separator plate and a frame establishing at least a portion of a flow path that is operative to communicate fuel to or from at least one fuel cell held by the frame relative to the separator plate. The flow path has a perimeter and any fuel within the perimeter flow across the at least one fuel cell in a first direction. The separator plate, the frame, or both establish at least one conduit positioned outside the flow path perimeter. The conduit is outside of the flow path perimeter and is configured to direct flow in a second, different direction. The conduit is fluidly coupled with the flow path. | 09-30-2010 |
20100255400 | FUEL CELL AND A METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A FUEL CELL - A solid oxide fuel cell comprises a porous anode electrode, a dense non-porous electrolyte and a porous cathode electrode. The anode electrode comprises a plurality of parallel plate members and the cathode electrode comprises a plurality of parallel plate members. The plate members of the cathode electrode inter-digitate with the plate members of the anode electrode. The electrolyte comprises at least one electrolyte member, which fills at least one space between the parallel plate members of the anode electrode and the parallel plate members of the cathode electrode. At least one non-ionically conducting member fills at least one space between the parallel plate members of the anode electrode and the parallel plate members of the cathode electrode and the at least one electrolyte member and the at least one non-ionically conducting member are arranged alternately. | 10-07-2010 |
20100261087 | FUEL CELL HAVING PERFORATED FLOW FIELD - A fuel cell system includes a bipolar plate having a flow field formed therein. The flow field is partially defined by at least two adjacent channel portions separated by a wall portion. The wall portion includes a surface at least partially defining a passageway between the channel portions. The passageway may be sized so as to create a pressure difference between the channel portions. The pressure difference may draw at least a portion of a liquid droplet obstructing one of the channel portions toward and into the passageway. | 10-14-2010 |
20100285386 | HIGH POWER FUEL STACKS USING METAL SEPARATOR PLATES - A separator plate for use in a fuel cell stack in a fuel cell device includes a porous core with a metal layer on either side of the porous core. The metal layer has through holes formed therein such as by perforation. The metal layers are contoured to provide flow field channels, and the porous layer may have channels formed therein that are parallel to the metal layers that can be used for cooling water. A monopolar fuel stack includes twin cell units that include a center separator plate, a pair of membrane electrode assemblies, one on each side of the center separator plate, and a pair of outer plates which may have through holes formed therein, one on each side of the membrane electrode assemblies opposite the center separator plate. The outer plates cover substantially an entire electrode to which they are adjacent. | 11-11-2010 |
20100310962 | FUEL CELL STACK WITH TRANSPARENT FLOW PATHWAYS AND BIPOLAR PLATES THEREOF - A fuel cell stack with transparent flow pathways and bipolar plates thereof are provided. The fuel cell stack includes at least one membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and at least one pair of bipolar plates. Each bipolar plate includes a transparent flowing path plate and a current collector. Each MEA is interposed between two corresponding bipolar plates so that power generated by each MEA is transmitted through the current collectors disposed respectively on margins of adjacent ones of the transparent flowing path plates. The transparent flowing path plates allow the production of liquid water in the fuel cell stack to be monitored in real time from outside the fuel cell stack, so as to prevent flow pathways of the transparent flowing path plates from being blocked and thereby maintain the efficiency of power generation of the fuel cell stack. | 12-09-2010 |
20110003229 | ELECTROCHEMICAL CELL AND MEMBRANES RELATED THERETO - Embodiments of the invention relate to electrochemical cells and membranes including alternating electrically conductive and dielectric regions. One embodiment describes an ion-conducting composite layer for an electrochemical cell, including two or more electrically conductive components, each electrically conductive component having one or more electrically conductive passageways and one or more dielectric components, each dielectric component having one or more ion-conducting passageways. The electrically conductive components and the dielectric components are adjacently arranged to provide a fluidically impermeable composite layer. | 01-06-2011 |
20110020725 | MANUFACTURE OF ELECTRICAL ENERGY GENERATION EQUIPMENT - The invention relates to a portable electrical energy generator, its components, and manufacture of the components and generator. The generator includes a bi-polar plate stack, which is well suited for use in a fuel cell. The stack may include at least one spacer that limits compression of a membrane electrode assembly in the fuel cell. The stack may also include a polymer binder that holds the stack together and/or maintains a compression force on the membrane electrode assembly. An open cathode manifold may also provided to ease oxygen movement. High throughput and low cost manufacture of bi-polar plates is also described herein. | 01-27-2011 |
20110033767 | MEMBRANE ELECTROCHEMICAL GENERATOR - The present invention relates to a membrane electrochemical generator ( | 02-10-2011 |
20110033768 | FUEL CELL SEPARATOR AND FUEL CELL COMPRISING FUEL CELL SEPARATOR - A fuel cell separator of the present invention is a plate-shaped fuel cell separator including a reaction gas supply manifold hole | 02-10-2011 |
20110045377 | BIPOLAR PLATE FOR FUEL CELL - This invention provides a bipolar plate for a fuel cell, produced by molding a composition comprising 100 parts by mass of a porous artificial graphite material having a true density of 1.63 to 2.20 g/ml and an average particle diameter (d=50) of 20 to 100 μm, 19 to 30 parts by mass of an epoxy resin comprising a main agent and a curing agent, and 0.1 to 1.0 part by mass of an internal release agent. The main agent is an o-cresol novolak-type epoxy resin having an epoxy equivalent of 195 to 216 g/eq and an ICI viscosity of 0.20 to 1.00 Pa·s at 150° C. The curing agent is a phenol novolak resin having a hydroxyl equivalent of 103 to 106 g/eq and an ICI viscosity of 0.03 to 0.50 Pa·s at 150° C. The average thickness of a thin wall part is 0.12 to 0.20 mm. This bipolar plate is much superior in mechanical properties such as flexural strength and flexural strain and moldability to the conventional bipolar plate and, even in a reduced thickness, is satisfactorily strong and flexible and, at the same time, is also excellent in accuracy of the thickness. | 02-24-2011 |
20110045378 | FUEL CELL - A separator includes: a sandwiching unit which sandwiches an electrolyte/electrode assembly and has a fuel gas channel and an oxidizing gas channel which are arranged separately; a fuel gas supply unit having a fuel gas supply communication hole formed in the layering direction for supplying the fuel gas into the fuel gas channel; and a seal member arranged at an outer periphery of the fuel gas supply communication hole. The seal member has a clay film formed from a clay mineral and an organic polymer. | 02-24-2011 |
20110076586 | FUEL CELL COMPRISING SEPARATOR WITH PROTRUSIONS IN ZIGZAG-PATTERN - A separator of a fuel cell includes a sandwiching section, first and second bridges connected to the sandwiching section, a fuel gas supply section connected to the first bridge and an oxygen-containing gas supply section connected to the second bridge. The sandwiching section sandwiches an electrolyte electrode assembly, and has a fuel gas channel and an oxygen-containing gas channel separately. In the sandwiching section, a plurality of first projections are arranged in a zigzag pattern in a direction in which the first bridge extends, and the first projections at least protrude toward the fuel gas channel to contact an anode. | 03-31-2011 |
20110081591 | METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION OF AN ELECTROCHEMICAL CELL - The present invention relates to a new method for the production of electrochemical cells, in particular individual cells for fuel cells and stacks as well as components and semi-finished parts required for this purpose. The gas diffusion layer is fixed on the bipolar plate by constructional measures and thus an improved positioning of the individual components of an electrochemical cell, in particular an individual cell for fuel cells is achieved. The method according to the invention allows for a flexible production. The semi-finished parts according to the invention are valuable, storable intermediate products which substantially reduce the lead times in the production of electrochemical cells, in particular individual cells for fuel cells. | 04-07-2011 |
20110097641 | FUEL CELL STACK - A fuel cell stack. A fuel cell stack, an example of the fuel cell stack, is configured by alternately overlaying first electricity generating units and second electricity generating units in the horizontal direction. The first electricity units each provided with a first fuel gas flow path, a first oxidant gas flow path, a second fuel gas flow path, and a second oxidant gas flow path, and the flow paths are set to the same phase in the overlaying direction. The second electricity generating units are each provided with a first fuel gas flow path, a first oxidant gas flow path, a second fuel gas flow path, and a second oxidant gas flow path which are set to the same phase in the overlaying direction and are set to a phase different from the phase of the flow paths of the first electricity generating units. | 04-28-2011 |
20110117471 | FUEL CELL DEVICE - A fuel cell device is provided in which the gas input passages are separate from the exhaust gas passages to provide better flow of reactants through the pores of the electrodes. First and second porous electrodes are separated by an electrolyte layer that is monolithic with a solid ceramic support structure for the device. First and second input passages extend within the respective electrodes, within the electrolyte layer, and/or at the surfaces that form the interface between the respective electrodes and the electrolyte layer. First and second exhaust passages are spaced apart from the input passages, and extend within the respective electrodes and/or at a surface thereof opposite the interface surface with the electrolyte layer. Gases are adapted to flow through the respective input passages, then through the pores of the porous electrodes, and then through the respective exhaust passages. | 05-19-2011 |
20110123891 | MEMBRANE WITH OPTIMIZED DIMENSIONS FOR A FUEL CELL - A UEA for a fuel cell having an active region and a feed region is provided. The UEA includes an electrolyte membrane disposed between a pair of electrodes. The electrolyte membrane and the pair of electrodes is further disposed between a pair of DM. The electrolyte membrane, the pair of electrodes, and the DM are configured to be disposed at the active region of the fuel cell. A barrier film coupled to the electrolyte membrane is configured to be disposed at the feed region of the fuel cell. The dimensions of the electrolyte membrane are thereby optimized. A fuel cell having the UEA, and a fuel cell stack formed from a plurality of the fuel cells, is also provided. | 05-26-2011 |
20110129756 | INTERCONNECT FOR A FUEL CELL, A METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING AN INTERCONNECT FOR A FUEL CELL - An interconnect for a fuel cell is made of pressed metal sheet. The interconnect integrates inlets and outlets, flow distributing inlet and outlet-zones seal surfaces and flow paths on both sides of the interconnect all formed and defined by discrete point or oblong protrusions made by the deformation of the sheet. A protrusion on one side of the interconnect corresponds to an indentation on the other side, but since the interconnect consists of three levels, the first side of the interconnect can be designed substantially independently of the second side. | 06-02-2011 |
20110136033 | FUEL CELL DEVICES - A fuel cell module may include a membrane electrode assembly two gas diffusion layers, two current collectors, two sealing members, and a fluid flow plate assembly. The membrane electrode assembly may include at least one membrane for fuel cell reactions, and the two gas diffusion layers may be respectively coupled with the two opposite sides of the membrane electrode assembly. The fluid flow plate assembly is coupled with the membrane electrode assembly at a first side of the two opposite sides of the membrane electrode assembly. At least one of the membrane electrode assembly, the two gas diffusion layers, the two current collectors, and the two sealing members has a non-planar surface prior to an assembly of the membrane electrode assembly, the two gas diffusion layers, the two current collectors, and the two sealing members, and the non-planar surface is at least partially flattened when the assembly occurs. | 06-09-2011 |
20110143250 | INTERCONNECTOR MATERIAL, INTERCELLULAR SEPARATION STRUCTURE, AND SOLID ELECTROLYTE FUEL CELL - Provided is an interconnector material which is chemically stable in both oxidation atmospheres and reduction atmospheres, has a high electron conductivity (electric conductivity), a low ionic conductivity, does not contain Cr, and enables a reduction in sintering temperature. The interconnector material is arranged between a plurality of cells each composed of an anode layer, a solid electrolyte layer, and a cathode layer stacked sequentially, and electrically connects the plurality of cells to each other in series in a solid electrolyte fuel cell. The interconnector is formed of a ceramic composition represented by the composition formula La(Fe | 06-16-2011 |
20110159395 | FUEL CELL STACK - There has been a problem that the cell units cannot bear the load exerted on the units while being stacked since a fuel cell stack including a refrigerant channel formed between cell units each having an even number of electrolyte/electrode structures (MEA) and metal separators which are alternated does not have any structure supporting the separators forming the refrigerant channel in a stacking direction. In order to solve the above problem, in each of a first power generating unit and a second power generating unit, projections formed at the buffer portions of the separators are disposed in the same positions in the stacking direction with the MEA interposed therebetween. Since between the first and second power generating units, the projections of the buffer portions are staggered, the projections of the first and second power generating units are thereby disposed in the same positions in the stacking direction. | 06-30-2011 |
20110159396 | BIPOLAR PLATE FOR A FUEL CELL ARRANGEMENT, IN PARTICULAR FOR PLACEMENT BETWEEN TWO ADJACENT MEMBRANE ELECTRODE ARRANGEMENTS - The invention relates to a bipolar plate ( | 06-30-2011 |
20110165491 | FUEL CELL WITH EMBEDDED FLOW FIELD - A fuel cell may include a porous plate having an embedded flow field formed therein, a catalyst supported on and within the porous plate, and a proton exchange membrane in contact with the porous plate and catalyst. Such fuel cells may be arranged to form a fuel cell stack configured to provide power to move a vehicle. | 07-07-2011 |
20110165492 | FUEL CELL HEADER WEDGE - A fuel cell system may include a fuel cell stack having a header and active area in fluid communication with the header. The fuel cell system may also include a wedge disposed within the header and configured to alter the cross-sectional area of the header along the length of the stack such that, during operation of the stack, a flow velocity of gas through the active area is generally constant. | 07-07-2011 |
20110165493 | POLYMER ELECTROLYTE FUEL CELL AND FUEL CELL STACK COMPRISING THE SAME - A polymer electrolyte fuel cell of the present invention includes a membrane electrode assembly ( | 07-07-2011 |
20110171555 | MIXED REACTANT FLOW-BY FUEL CELL - A cell unit of a mixed reactant fuel cell comprises a multiphase mixed reactant fluid distributor, an anode and cathode in fluid and electronic communication with the distributor, and a separator positioned relative to one of the anode and the cathode to provide electronic insulation and ionic communication between the cell unit and another adjacent cell unit. The distributor is electronically conductive and the reactant fluid which flows through the distributor has fuel and oxidant each in separate fluid phases, wherein at least one of the fuel and oxidant fluid phases is a liquid. The capillary pressure at the anode is selected to produce a higher hold up of the fuel fluid phase than the oxidant fluid phase in the pores of the anode when the mixed reactant fluid flows through the distributor thereby suppressing transfer of oxidant to the anode from the distributor, or the capillary pressure at the cathode is selected to produce a higher hold up of the oxidant fluid phase than the fuel fluid phase in the pores of the cathode when the mixed reactant fluid flows through the distributor, thereby suppressing transfer of fuel to the cathode from the distributor; or both. The distributor extends between respective superficial electrode surfaces of the anode and cathode such that the bulk mixed reactant fluid flows through the distributor and by the superficial electrode surfaces under conditions that produce a positive net potential of the fuel cell under load. | 07-14-2011 |
20110177419 | Fuel cell separator plate - A fuel cell separator plate assembly ( | 07-21-2011 |
20110183227 | FUEL CELL STACK - A fuel cell stack includes a plurality of unit cells stacked in a stacking direction substantially along a direction of gravity. Each of the plurality of unit cells includes a first metal separator, a second metal separator, and a membrane electrode assembly sandwiched between the first metal separator and the second metal. A reactant gas channel allows a reactant gas to flow along a surface of each of the first and second metal separators. A reactant gas inlet manifold and a reactant gas outlet manifold allow the reactant gas to flow the reactant gas inlet manifold and the reactant gas outlet manifold in the stacking direction. A bridge portion forms a connection channel to connect at least the reactant gas outlet manifold to the reactant gas channel. The bridge portion includes a guide portion to break a continuity of condensed water. | 07-28-2011 |
20110183228 | Bipolar Plates and Electrochemical Cells Employing the Same - In one embodiment, a bipolar plate includes a wall area and a landing area defining a fluid flow channel, and a plurality of wires extending from at least one of the landing area and the wall area. In another embodiment, an electrochemical cell includes the aforementioned bipolar plate and a gas diffusion layer (GDL) adjacent the bipolar plate and contacting at least a portion of the plurality of wires. | 07-28-2011 |
20110189577 | BIPOLAR ELECTRODE/SEPARATOR ASSEMBLY, BIPOLAR BATTERY COMPRISING THE SAME AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - Disclosed is a bipolar electrode/separator assembly including a bipolar electrode-adhesive film assembly including a bipolar electrode holding active materials, having different polarities, on central portions of top and bottom surfaces of a collector, respectively, and adhesive films on both top and bottom surfaces of the collector with respect to at least two of four edge surfaces of the collector on which electrode layers are not coated in the bipolar electrode, and a separator stacked on one or both top and bottom surfaces of the bipolar electrode-adhesive film assembly, wherein the collector and the separator are directly bonded by the adhesive film to thereby seal the bipolar electrode. A bipolar battery including the bipolar electrode/separator assembly and methods of manufacturing the same are also disclosed. A battery having desired capacity and voltage is provided by electrically connecting such bipolar electrode/separator assemblies either in series or in parallel according to usage. | 08-04-2011 |
20110207013 | MULTIPLE FLOW STREAM SENSOR - A solid oxide fuel cell system ( | 08-25-2011 |
20110212379 | METHOD OF FORMING A FUEL CELL SHEET - An example method of forming a fuel cell sheet includes flattening a screen to form a sheet that has a plurality of apertures operative to communicate a fluid within a fuel cell. | 09-01-2011 |
20110223512 | Fuel Cell Without Bipolar Plates - The invention relates to a fuel cell or fuel cell module ( | 09-15-2011 |
20110229787 | PROTON EXCHANGE MEMBRANE FUEL CELL STACK - A proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack comprises a plurality of stacked unit cells, the unit cells each including: a membrane electrode assembly; an anode side-conductive gas diffusion layer and an anode side-fuel gas flow field to feed a fuel gas to an anode of the membrane electrode assembly; and a cathode side-conductive gas diffusion layer and a cathode side-oxidant gas flow field to feed an oxidant gas to a cathode of the membrane electrode assembly; and a bipolar plate for separating between the anode side-fuel flow field and the cathode side-oxidant gas flow field. Then, the fuel gas flow field and the oxidant gas flow field are constituted by respective porous media flow fields each which is a conductive porous medium, and the porous media flow field for the oxidant gas flow field is configured so that liquid water is supplied mixedly together with the oxidant gas thereto. | 09-22-2011 |
20110229788 | FUEL CELL STACK - The invention relates to a fuel cell stack with a plurality of membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) and a plurality of bipolar plates, wherein at least one surface of a first bipolar plate runs in undulating fashion, meandering fashion or zig-zag-shaped fashion and extreme points of the surface of the bipolar plate make contact with a first surface of a MEA at contact points. The invention provides that at least some of the contact points are associated with mating contact points on a second surface of the MEA, which surface is opposite the first surface of the MEA, with a surface of a second bipolar plate making contact with said mating contact points, and that the contact points and the associated mating contact points are positioned one above the other in the stacking direction. The invention also relates to a method for producing a fuel cell stack. The invention furthermore relates to a bipolar plate for a fuel cell stack, with an undulating, meandering or zig-zag-shaped upper surface, a lower surface, a left-hand wall, and a right-hand wall. | 09-22-2011 |
20110229789 | SOFC STACK WITH CORRUGATED SEPARATOR PLATE - SOFC cell unit in which a separator plate provided with a corrugation is fitted and bears directly against the anode and cathode, respectively. Anode gas and cathode gas preferably move in the same direction and anode gas is supplied from a number of anode gas supply openings extending through a cell stack. These openings are situated on the side parallel to the direction of the ducts formed by the corrugation. Cathode gas can be fed directly into the corrugation. In this way, it is possible to produce a highly efficient cell and an associated compact cell stack in a simple manner. | 09-22-2011 |
20110256462 | Fluid Flow Plate Assemblies For Fuel Cells - A fluid flow plate for fuel cells may include a first surface and a second surface. The first surface has a first fluid inlet for receiving a first fluid, a plurality of first flow channels extending substantially along a first direction for transporting the first fluid, and a first fluid outlet for releasing the first fluid. The second surface having a second fluid inlet for receiving a second fluid, a plurality of second flow channels extending substantially along the first direction for transporting the second fluid, and a second fluid outlet for releasing the second fluid. The first fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet each is located near a first side of the fluid flow plate, and the first fluid outlet and second fluid inlet each is located near a second side of the fluid flow plate. The second side of the fluid flow plate is opposite to its first side. Each of the first and second flow channels has substantially the same length. | 10-20-2011 |
20110262826 | FORMED PLATE ASSEMBLY FOR PEM FUEL CELL - A bipolar plate assembly for a fuel cell is provided. The bipolar plate assembly includes a cathode plate disposed adjacent an anode plate, the cathode and anode plates formed having a first thickness of a low contact resistance, high corrosion resistance material by a deposition process. The first and second unipolar plates are formed on a removable substrate, and a first perimeter of the first unipolar plate is welded to a second perimeter of the second unipolar plate to form a hermetically sealed coolant flow path. A method for forming the bipolar plate assembly is also described. | 10-27-2011 |
20110269051 | Coated Product For Use In Electrochemical Device And A Method For Producing Such A Product - A coated product for use in an electrochemical device including a metal sheet substrate provided with a coating system. The coating system including a first metal layer as an outer layer and a second metal coating layer as a layer between the first metal layer and the substrate. An alloy diffusion layer including the first metal and the second metal is present to provide the substrate with a corrosion resistant coating system. A method for producing the coated product and the use thereof in fuel cells or electrolysers are also disclosed. | 11-03-2011 |
20110281192 | METHOD FOR PRODUCING BIPOLAR PLATES - Disclosed herein is a method for producing bipolar plates. The method comprises providing an electrically conductive sheet and then cutting through the sheet to create at least one opening for a fluid in the sheet. | 11-17-2011 |
20110281193 | FUEL CELL FLUID DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM - Disclosed herein is a fuel cell having a catalyst coated membrane (CCM) including a membrane sandwiched between an anode layer and a cathode layer; two gas diffusion layers located against respective anode and cathode layers; and two separator plates located against the respective gas diffusion layers. The fuel cell has at least one hydrogen passageway for hydrogen fuel, which extends through the CCM and disposed orthogonal relative to the plane of the layers. The hydrogen fuel is blocked from contacting the cathode layer so that the hydrogen fuel is provided to one side of the anode layer. At least one air/oxygen passageway for air/oxygen fuel extends through the CCM and disposed orthogonal relative to the plane of the layers. The air/oxygen fuel is blocked from contacting the anode layer so that the air/oxygen fuel is provided to one side of the cathode layer. A coolant pathway is in fluid communication with the layers and located to remove heat away from the layers during operation of the fuel cell. | 11-17-2011 |
20110294029 | HYDROPHILIC COATING FOR FUEL CELL BIPOLAR PLATE AND METHODS OF MAKING THE SAME - One embodiment disclosed includes a product comprising: a fuel cell component comprising a substrate and a first coating overlying the substrate, the coating comprising a compound comprising at least one Si—O group, at least one polar group and at least one group including a saturated or unsaturated carbon chain. | 12-01-2011 |
20110300465 | FUEL CELL STACK - A fuel cell stack includes power generation devices each including membrane electrode assemblies and corrugated separators. A coolant channel is provided between the power generation devices. A first-end corrugated separator has a first protrusion that protrudes between recesses of the coolant channel in a direction away from one of adjacent membrane electrode assemblies of the membrane electrode assemblies. The first-end corrugated separator is disposed at a first end of each of the power generation devices in a stacking direction. A second-end corrugated separator has a second protrusion that protrudes between recesses of the coolant channel in a direction away from another of the adjacent membrane electrode assemblies. The second-end corrugated separator is disposed at a second end of each of the power generation devices in the stacking direction. The first protrusion and the second protrusion are disposed to be superposed with each other in the stacking direction. | 12-08-2011 |
20110305966 | FUEL CELL STACK AND REPLACEMENT DEVICE FOR MEMBRANE-ELECTRODE ASSEMBLY OF FUEL CELL STACK - A fuel cell stack including an electricity generating unit and a pair of end plates is disclosed. The electricity generating unit includes membrane-electrode assemblies and separators interposed between the membrane-electrode assemblies. The separators have recess portions formed on side faces thereof and may be configured to hold an external device for replacement of a single membrane-electrode assembly within the fuel cell stack. The end plates are located sandwiching the electricity generating unit by using fastening members to press the electricity generating unit. | 12-15-2011 |
20110305967 | FUEL CELL STACK - A fuel cell stack including a plurality of membrane-electrode assemblies, a plurality of separators in close contact with the membrane-electrode assemblies between the membrane-electrode assemblies, and gaskets provided on the separators. Each of the separators includes an anode separator having first through holes and a cathode separator in contact with the anode separator and having the second through holes. Each of the gaskets includes a penetrating portion filled in the first through holes and penetrating the anode separator and the cathode separator and a sealing portion coupled to the penetrating portion and protruding from outer surfaces of the anode and cathode separators in a thickness direction of the anode separator and the cathode separator. | 12-15-2011 |
20110305968 | FUEL CELL STACK - A fuel cell stack includes: a plurality of membrane-electrode assemblies; first and second end plates respectively positioned outside outermost ones of the membrane-electrode assemblies; and a plurality of separators respectively positioned between the membrane-electrode assemblies and between the outermost ones of the membrane-electrode assemblies and the first and second end plates. The first end plate includes an oxidizing agent inlet, an oxidizing agent outlet, and a moisture supplying flow path connecting the oxidizing agent inlet and the oxidizing agent outlet. The moisture supplying flow path includes a first end portion adjacent to the oxidizing agent outlet and a second end portion adjacent to the oxidizing agent inlet, the first end portion being larger than the second end portion and being a different distance away from a surface of the first end plate facing away from the second end plate than the second end portion. | 12-15-2011 |
20120003561 | FUEL CELL - A fuel cell comprises an electrolyte electrode assembly which includes an anode electrode, a cathode electrode, and an electrolyte; a separator which includes a sandwiching portion; a fuel gas channel which is formed at a first surface of the sandwiching portion, and is covered by the anode electrode; fuel gas outlets which are formed around the fuel gas channel; an oxygen-containing gas channel which is formed at a second surface of the sandwiching portion, and is covered by the cathode electrode; and oxygen-containing gas outlets which are formed around the oxygen-containing gas channel, in which the oxygen-containing gas outlets are formed at phases different from phases of the fuel gas outlets in a thickness direction of the separator. | 01-05-2012 |
20120009500 | SELECTIVELY SEALING FUEL CELL POROUS PLATE - A method of manufacturing a porous structure for a fuel cell is disclosed. The method includes providing the porous structure, and processing the porous structure to selectively produce a non-porous region on the porous structure. In one example, the non-porous region is provided at the perimeter of the porous structure, an edge of an internal manifold and/or a surface or recess that supports a seal or gasket. The non-porous region has a porosity that is less than the porosity of the porous structure. The non-porous region prevents undesired leakage of fluid from the porous structure and prevents migration of adhesive associated with the seals. | 01-12-2012 |
20120021324 | FUEL CELL - A fuel cell is provided with a separator that supports an electrolyte/electrode assembly sandwiched therebetween. The separator is provided with: first and second fuel gas supply parts in the center of which fuel gas supply holes are formed; first and second cross-link parts connected to the first and second fuel gas supply parts; and first and second sandwiching support parts connected to the first and second cross-link parts. Each first sandwiching support part is provided with a set of fuel gas exhaust passages that discharge fuel gas that has gone through a fuel gas passage and been used. The cross-sectional areas of the fuel gas exhaust passages are larger on the downstream sides than on the upstream sides, in terms of the direction of fuel gas flow. | 01-26-2012 |
20120034542 | SEAL FOR SOLID POLYMER ELECTROLYTE FUEL CELL - In solid polymer fuel cells employing framed membrane electrode assemblies, a conventional anode compliant seal is employed in combination with a cathode non-compliant seal to provide for a thinner fuel cell design, particularly in the context of a fuel cell stack. This approach is particularly suitable for fuel cells operating at low pressure. | 02-09-2012 |
20120034543 | FUEL CELL SEPARATOR, AND FUEL CELL STACK AND FUEL CELL SYSTEM USING SAME - A separator used in a fuel cell stack includes an inlet chamber, a plurality of partition walls, and an outlet chamber. The partition walls are formed in the same length in an equal interval from the inlet chamber to the outlet chamber so as to form a plurality of linear passages. The outlet chamber is formed at an end side of the partition walls. The outlet chamber is provided with a first outlet and a second outlet opening in the facing edges of the separator. A space is provided between the center partition wall and the inner wall surface of the separator in the outlet chamber, and the first outlet and the second outlet communicate with each other via the space. | 02-09-2012 |
20120045708 | FUEL CELL MODULE - In a fuel cell stack constituting a fuel cell module, electrolyte/electrode assemblies and separators are alternately laminated. An electrolyte/electrode assembly and a terminal separator are arranged on one end of the fuel cell stack in the lamination direction in this order outwardly, and a dummy electrolyte/electrode assembly and a terminal separator are arranged on the other end of the fuel cell stack in the lamination direction in this order outwardly. The dummy electrolyte/electrode assembly is so formed as to have the same shape as the electrolyte/electrode assemblies, while having conductivity but not having a power generation function. | 02-23-2012 |
20120058410 | SOLID OXIDE FUEL CELL - Disclosed herein is a solid oxide fuel cell. The solid oxide fuel cell includes: a tubular first electrode support layer formed with a plurality of first passages; an inner electrolyte layer formed in the first electrode support layer; an inner second electrode layer formed on the inner surface of the first electrolyte layer and forming an inner second passage; an outer electrolyte layer formed on the outer surface of the first electrode support layer; and an outer second electrode layer formed on the outer surface of the second electrolyte layer and adjacent to the outer second passage. | 03-08-2012 |
20120077107 | COMPOSITE SEPARATOR FOR POLYMER ELECTROLYTE MEMBRANE FUEL CELL AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME - The present invention provides a composite separator for a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) and a method for manufacturing the same. The inventive method involves allowing graphite foil layers to be brought into direct contact with each other when graphite foils are stacked on both sides of a carbon fiber reinforced composite material prepreg, thereby improving electrical conductivity in the thickness direction of the separator. | 03-29-2012 |
20120094203 | Bipolar Plates for Electrochemical Cells - In one embodiment, an electrochemical cell such as a fuel cell is provided to include a bipolar plate. The bipolar plate includes a metal substrate defining at least one flow channel having a channel span of no greater than 1.0 millimeter; and the metal substrate includes a stainless steel material less precious than stainless steel SS316L. In certain instances, the channel span is of 0.7 to 0.9 millimeters. In certain other instances, the flow channel has a channel depth of 0.3 to 0.5 millimeters. In yet other instances, the plate substrate includes stainless steel SS301, stainless steel SS302, or combinations thereof. In another embodiment, the electrochemical cell further includes a gas diffusion layer disposed next to the bipolar plate. | 04-19-2012 |
20120094204 | FUEL CELL STACK WITH COMBINED FLOW PATTERNS IN A FUEL CELL STACK OR AN ELECTROLYSIS CELL STACK - A cell stack comprising a plurality of fuel cells or electrolysis cells has a combination of flow patterns between anode gas and cathode gas internally in each of the cells and between the cells relative to each other such that cathode and anode gas internally in a cell flows in either co-flow, counter-flow or cross-flow and further that anode and cathode gas flow in one cell has co-flow, counter-flow or cross-flow relative to the anode and cathode gas flow in adjacent cells. | 04-19-2012 |
20120107713 | REINFORCED FUEL CELL METAL PLATE PERIMETER - A bipolar plate for a fuel cell includes a pair of plates. Each plate has an active area, a header area, and a perimeter area. The perimeter area is disposed adjacent an edge of the plate. The perimeter area is also disposed adjacent to each of the active area and the header area. At least one of the plates includes a raised support feature having an inboard side and an outboard side. The plates are joined in the perimeter area between the outboard side of the raised support feature and the edges of the plates. | 05-03-2012 |
20120107714 | FUEL CELL REPEAT UNIT AND FUEL CELL STACK - A repeat unit for a fuel cell stack, the repeat unit having: a conductive interconnect plate; an electrolyte-supported fuel cell, wherein a dense sealing perimeter extends around the entire perimeter of the fuel cell; a cathode gasket adjacent the cathode side of the fuel cell; and an anode gasket adjacent the anode side of the fuel cell. First and second air manifolding ports, and first and second fuel manifolding ports are provided in each of the interconnect plate, dense sealing perimeter of the fuel cell, cathode gasket and anode gasket. An SOFC stack having an aligned stack of a plurality of repeat units is also provided, as well as an SOFC stack configured for cascade fuel flow. | 05-03-2012 |
20120129070 | DUAL CHANNEL STEP IN FUEL CELL PLATE - A fuel cell plate assembly includes a first plate having a feed region and an active region. A plurality of flow channels is formed in the first plate and connects the feed region and the active region. The first plate further includes a first step oriented transverse to the flow channels in the feed region and a second step oriented transverse to the flow channels in the active region. The second step is formed only in the flow channels of the first plate. | 05-24-2012 |
20120129071 | FUEL CELL - A cell unit of a fuel cell includes a second separator. A first oxygen-containing gas flow field is formed on a surface of the second separator. An inlet buffer is connected to an inlet of the oxygen-containing gas flow field, and an outlet buffer is connected to an outlet of the first oxygen-containing gas flow field. The inlet buffer includes a first inlet buffer area having a deep groove and a second inlet buffer area, and the outlet buffer includes a first outlet buffer area having a deep groove and a second outlet buffer area. The first inlet buffer area and the first outlet buffer area have different surface areas. | 05-24-2012 |
20120129072 | AIR-COOLED METAL SEPARATOR FOR FUEL CELL AND FUEL CELL STACK USING SAME - Disclosed herein is an air-cooled metal separator that does not need cooling water. The air-cooled metal separator includes a channel section formed in the middle of a metal plate, the channel section including a reaction gas channel depressed into a front surface of the metal plate to protrude from a rear surface thereof and an air channel defined between the reaction gas channels protruding from the rear surface of the metal plate; a first gasket continuously formed along a rim of a front surface of the channel section; and a second gasket discontinuously formed along a rim of a rear surface of the channel section to allow a discontinuous portion of the second gasket to provide a flow passage of air. | 05-24-2012 |
20120141901 | SEPARATOR PLATE DESIGN WITH IMPROVED FREEZE START-UP - A fuel cell plate is disclosed, the fuel cell plate including a first unipolar plate, a second unipolar plate cooperating with the first unipolar plate to form a bipolar plate having a coolant inlet, a coolant outlet, a reactant inlet, and a reactant outlet, and a coolant flow channel in fluid communication with the coolant inlet formed intermediate the first unipolar plate and the second unipolar plate, the coolant flow channel having a second portion disposed between a first portion and a third portion thereof adjacent to the reactant outlet, wherein the second portion is spaced apart from the reactant inlet at a first distance and the first portion and the third portion are each spaced apart from the reactant inlet at a distance greater than the first distance. | 06-07-2012 |
20120141902 | FUEL CELL STACK WITH ENHANCED FREEZE-THAW DURABILITY - The present invention provides a fuel cell stack with enhanced freeze-thaw durability. In particular, the fuel cell stack includes a gas diffusion layer between a membrane-electrode assembly and a bipolar plate. The gas diffusion layer has a structure that reduces contact resistance in a fuel cell and is cut at a certain angle such that the machine direction (high stiffness direction) of GDL roll is not in parallel with the major flow field direction of the bipolar plate, resulting in an increased GDL stiffness in a width direction perpendicular to a major flow field direction of a bipolar plate. | 06-07-2012 |
20120141903 | FLAT-TUBULAR SOLID OXIDE CELL STACK - Disclosed herein is a flat-tubular solid oxide cell stack. The cell stack includes a plurality of unit cells which are stacked one on top of another. Each unit cell includes a flat-tubular electrode support made of a porous conductive material. A first-gas flow channel is formed in the electrode support in a longitudinal direction thereof. First gas flows along the first-gas flow channel. A second-gas flow channel is formed on the outer surface of the electrode support. Second-gas flows along the second-gas flow channel. A connection hole is formed on each of opposite ends of the first-gas flow channel of each of the unit cells and communicates with the first-gas flow channel of the adjacent unit cell so that the first gas flows along the unit cells in a zigzag manner in the longitudinal directions of the unit cells. | 06-07-2012 |
20120156583 | DUAL-MATERIAL CO-INJECTION MOLDED BIPOLAR PLATE AND THE MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF - A dual-material co-injection molded bipolar plate and its manufacturing method are disclosed, in which the manufacturing method comprises the steps of: injecting a skin polymer melt containing a first conductive material into a mold cavity of a bipolar plate mold; sequential or simultaneous injecting a core polymer melt containing a second conductive and the skin polymer melt into the mold cavity; molding a bipolar plate, being a sandwich structure having a core layer packed inside a skin layer, while enabling a conductive grid composed of the first conductive material and the second conductive material to be formed between the core layer and the skin layer for improving the through-plane conductivity of the bipolar plate. | 06-21-2012 |
20120164551 | Decreasing Electrolyte Loss in PEM Fuel Cell - Embodiments are disclosed that relate to preventing electrolyte wicking by bipolar plates in a fuel cell system. In one example, a fuel cell system includes a first membrane-electrode assembly and a second membrane-electrode assembly. The fuel cell system further includes a bipolar plate disposed between the first membrane-electrode assembly and the second membrane-electrode assembly, the bipolar plate comprising a graphite layer and a surface energy adjustment layer. | 06-28-2012 |
20120178011 | FUEL CELL - A fuel cell includes a cell unit. The cell unit includes a first separator, a second separator, and an electrolyte-electrode assembly. The electrolyte-electrode assembly is sandwiched between the first separator and the second separator in a stacking direction. The outer periphery of the electrolyte-electrode assembly is integrally provided with frame members composed of a polymer material. Fluid communication holes are provided as through holes in the stacking direction in each of the frame members. The seal member is sandwiched between the frame members that are adjacent to each other in the stacking direction. The first and second separators each have two plates with an identical outer shape. Each of the frame members has a rib projecting in a thickness direction of the frame member, at least around one of an outermost periphery of the frame member and the fluid communication holes. | 07-12-2012 |
20120189938 | Hydrolytically-Stable Hydrophilic Coating for Bipolar Plates - A method for forming a hydrolytically-stable hydrophilic coating on a fuel cell flow field plate comprises contacting a flow field plate with a titanium oxide sol to form a titanium oxide layer disposed upon the flow field plate. The coated flow field plate is subsequently contacted with a silicon oxide sol to form a silicon oxide/titanium oxide bilayer disposed upon the flow field plate. A flow field plate formed by the method is also provided. | 07-26-2012 |
20120231362 | FUEL CELL - A fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly and a metal separator. The metal separator is stacked with the membrane electrode assembly. A reactant gas passage is provided between the membrane electrode assembly and the metal separator to supply a reactant gas along an electrode surface. The metal separator includes a reactant gas communication hole to communicate with the reactant gas passage. The metal separator further includes a plurality of groove groups each having a plurality of grooves press-formed to allow the reactant gas communication hole to communicate with the reactant gas passage. The grooves adjacent to each other are spaced apart by a first distance. The groove groups adjacent to each other are spaced apart by a second distance larger than the first distance. | 09-13-2012 |
20120258379 | FUEL CELL AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING FUEL CELL - A fuel cell is formed by stacking membrane electrode assemblies and metal separators. The metal separator is formed by adhering and joining together an anode separator and a cathode separator. In the metal separator, a step is provided on an outer circumferential end of the cathode separator, the step being spaced from an outer circumferential end of the anode separator. An adhesive layer is formed on the step between the outer circumferential end of the cathode separator and the outer circumferential end of the anode separator. | 10-11-2012 |
20120276467 | SOLID OXIDE FUEL CELL STACK MODULAR STRUCTURE - The present invention relates to a solid oxide fuel cell stack modular structure, in that, being an integration of a plurality of fuel cell modules, it can determine the amount of fuel cell modules to be stacked in the modular structure according to an actual power output demand while ensuring airtightness in the modular structure, and moreover, with the modularization design, each fuel cell module in the modular structure that is malfunctioning can be detached and removed easily from the stack individually so as to be replaced by another operative fuel cell module. | 11-01-2012 |
20120308910 | BIPOLAR SEPARATOR ASSEMBLY FOR FUEL CELLS AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - A bipolar separator assembly for use with a fuel cell comprising: a plate member having opposing first and second surfaces compatible with fuel gas and oxidant gas, respectively, the plate member having first and second opposing end segments and third and fourth opposing end segments which are transverse to the first and second opposing end segments; first and second pocket members situated adjacent the first and second end segments and extending outward of the first surface, the first and second pocket members being adapted to enclose opposing ends of an anode current collector, and third and fourth pocket members situated adjacent the third and fourth end segments and extending outward of the second surface, the third and fourth pocket members being adapted to enclose opposing ends of a cathode current collector, wherein at least a portion of each of the first, second, third and fourth pocket members is formed separately from the plate member and is releasably positioned relative to the plate member. | 12-06-2012 |
20120308911 | BIPOLAR PLATES AND REGENERATIVE FUEL CELL STACKS INCLUDING SAME - A bipolar plate and regenerative fuel cell stacks including the bipolar plates and membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) alternately stacked. The bipolar plate comprises a plate main body formed of an electrically conductive material. The plate main body has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. Each surface has reaction flow channels through which fluids pass. The reaction flow channels on the first surface have a plurality of ribs therebetween forming an interdigitate flow field pattern. The reaction flow channels on the second surface have a plurality of ribs therebetween forming an interdigitate flow field pattern or a flow field pattern different from an interdigitate flow field pattern, e.g., a serpentine flow field pattern. | 12-06-2012 |
20130011762 | DIRECT OXIDATION FUEL CELL - Disclosed is a direct oxidation fuel cell including at least one cell, each cell comprising a stack of: a membrane electrode assembly including an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte membrane interposed between the anode and the cathode; an anode-side separator facing the anode; and a cathode-side separator facing the cathode. The anode-side separator has a serpentine fuel flow channel on a surface thereof facing the anode, a fuel is supplied from upstream of the fuel flow channel, and the serpentine fuel flow channel has a cross-sectional area that increases stepwise from upstream toward downstream of the fuel flow channel. | 01-10-2013 |
20130029244 | Fuel Cell with Multiple Independent Reaction Regions - A fuel cell with multiple independent reaction regions comprises multiple fuel cell units. Each fuel cell unit comprises bipolar plates and a membrane electrode assembly located between the bipolar plates. The membrane electrode assembly comprises a proton exchange membrane and catalyst layers located at both sides of the proton exchange membrane, and the catalyst layers at least at one side of the proton exchange membrane are formed with multiple mutually independent catalyst sublayers. Different from the prior design concepts of striving to distribute reactants as uniformly as possible in the whole reaction area, the whole cell in this invention is divided into multiple independent reaction regions, and relevance of the reaction regions is eliminated. Therefore, by partitioning and reducing the amplitude of possible voltage difference, this invention is able to reduce electrochemical corrosion and maximize performance of each independent region and the whole fuel cell. | 01-31-2013 |
20130034793 | FUEL BATTERY - Provided is a fuel battery including: a fuel battery cell assembly having at least two fuel battery cells coplanarly disposed, the fuel battery cell including a membrane electrode assembly having an anode, an electrolytic membrane, and a cathode stacked on one another in this order, and a flow channel plate provided on an anode side and having on an anode-side surface thereof an in-cell fuel flow channel through which liquid fuel flows; and a fuel distributor having an out-cell fuel flow channel connected to each of the in-cell fuel flow channels to distribute the liquid fuel to the fuel battery cells. | 02-07-2013 |
20130059224 | ELECTRICITY GENERATION UNIT AND FUEL CELL STACK - An electricity generator includes a membrane electrode assembly; a separator coupled to the membrane electrode assembly and including a first region and a second region; and a thermal conductor on one of the first region and the second region. | 03-07-2013 |
20130065152 | CHANNEL PLATE ASSEMBLY OF STACK FOR FUEL CELL AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING CHANNEL PLATE ASSEMBLY - A channel plate assembly of a stack for a fuel cell and a method of manufacturing the channel plate assembly. The channel plate assembly of a stack for a fuel cell includes a bridge piece disposed on a channel plate to entirely surround a manifold, and a gasket disposed on the channel plate to cover the bridge piece, wherein the channel plate assembly is manufactured in an integrated fashion. | 03-14-2013 |
20130089802 | FLOW FIELD PLATE WITH RELIEF DUCTS FOR FUEL CELL STACK - Flow field plate constructions for bipolar plates are disclosed for use in fuel cell stacks that are subject to freezing temperatures. In designs having internal coolant flow fields and reactant backfeed ports, relief ducts are provided in the supporting walls surrounding the backfeed ports in order to allow for ice formation and thus prevent cracking of the plates. | 04-11-2013 |
20130122388 | Electrochemical Cell Stack - A cell stack comprising an electrochemical cell, or a plurality of axially arranged electrochemical cells, with an end plate at each end of the stack, each cell comprising an active area surrounded by a peripheral area, wherein the active area comprises the membrane electrode assembly, and the peripheral area includes one or more channels for reactants, and wherein the stack comprises means for applying pressure axially to the active area to contact the membrane and electrodes, and separate means for applying pressure axially to the peripheral area. Further, a method of performing an electrochemical reaction in a cell comprising an active area surrounded by a peripheral area, comprises applying pressure to the active area, and varying the pressure during operation of the cell, wherein the active area includes the membrane electrode assembly and is the area where the cell reaction occurs. | 05-16-2013 |
20130122389 | FUEL CELL BIPOLAR PLATE EXIT FOR IMPROVED FLOW DISTRIBUTION AND FREEZE COMPATIBILITY - A fuel cell assembly is disclosed that utilizes a water transport structure extending from fuel cell plates of the assembly into fuel cell assembly manifolds, wherein the water transport structure facilitates the transport of liquid water from the fuel cell plates thereby minimizing the accumulation of liquid water and ice in the fuel cell stack. | 05-16-2013 |
20130130145 | Media Supply Plate For A Fuel Cell Stack - The invention relates to a media supply plate ( | 05-23-2013 |
20130149629 | FUEL-CELL POWER GENERATION SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - According to one embodiment, a fuel-cell power generation system includes a fuel cell that generates electricity by electrochemical reaction using fuel and an oxidizer and a resin module that includes a flow path through which fuel, air, or water flows, inner walls defining the flow path being made of resin. | 06-13-2013 |
20130149630 | SEAL FOR PEM FUEL CELL PLATE - A seal structure is disclosed for forming a substantially fluid tight seal between a UEA and a plate of a fuel cell system, the seal structure including a sealing member formed in one fuel cell plate, a seal support adapted to span feed area channels in an adjacent fuel cell plate, and a seal adapted to cooperate with a UEA disposed between the fuel cell plates, the sealing member, and the seal support to form a substantially fluid tight seal between the UEA and the one fuel cell plate. The seal structure militates against a leakage of fluids from the fuel cell system, facilitates the maintenance of a velocity of a reactant flow in the fuel cell system, and a cost thereof is minimized. | 06-13-2013 |
20130177828 | FUEL CELL - A separator of a fuel cell includes sandwiching sections that sandwich electrolyte electrode assemblies therebetween, bridge sections, and a reactant gas supply section. The electrolyte electrode assemblies are sandwiched between the sandwiching sections. A fuel gas channel and an oxygen-containing gas channel are formed in each of the sandwiching sections. A fuel gas supply channel, a fuel gas return channel, and an oxygen-containing gas supply channel are formed in each of the bridge sections. A fuel gas supply passage, a fuel gas discharge passage, and an oxygen-containing gas supply passage extend through the reactant gas supply section. | 07-11-2013 |
20130177829 | FUEL CELL STACK - A fuel cell stack includes a stack body formed by stacking a plurality of solid oxide fuel cells. The fuel cell stack includes a lower end plate, a load plate, and a fuel cell support member. The lower end plate is positioned at one end of the stack body in the stacking direction for placing the stack body on the lower end plate. The load plate is provided at the other end of the stack body for applying a load to the stack body in the stacking direction. The fuel cell support member is provided between the load plate and the stack body, and includes a composite layer made of alumina fiber and vermiculite. | 07-11-2013 |
20130202982 | SOLID OXIDE FUEL CELL - A solid oxide fuel cell includes unit cells, a first side plate and a second side plate respectively attached to opposite lateral surfaces of the unit cells, and a first electricity collector and a second electricity collector arranged between the unit cells. Each of the unit cells includes a support body block. The support body block includes a first surface, a second surface parallel to the first surface, a plurality of first channels and a plurality of second channels existing between the first channels. Each of the unit cells further includes air electrodes formed on inner surfaces of the first channels, fuel electrodes formed on inner surfaces of the second channels, a first electricity collecting layer formed on the first surface and electrically connected to the air electrodes and a second electricity collecting layer formed on the second surface and electrically connected to the fuel electrodes. | 08-08-2013 |
20130260274 | Hybrid Bipolar Plate for Evaporatively Cooled Fuel Cells - A fuel cell power plant ( | 10-03-2013 |
20130266884 | Unit cell for flat-tubular solid oxide fuel cell or solid oxide electrolyzer, and flat-tubular solid oxide fuel cell and flat-tubular solid oxide electrolyzer using the same - This invention relates to a unit cell for a flat-tubular solid oxide fuel cell or solid oxide electrolyzer, and a flat-tubular solid oxide fuel cell and a flat-tubular solid oxide electrolyzer using the same, and more particularly to a unit cell for a flat-tubular solid oxide fuel cell or solid oxide electrolyzer, wherein the unit cell includes a connector including connection parts, thus decreasing the thickness of the unit cell and reducing the size of a cell stack, and to a flat-tubular solid oxide fuel cell and a flat-tubular solid oxide electrolyzer using the same. | 10-10-2013 |
20130280633 | Fuel Cell System and Stack - Provided is a fuel cell system in which a plurality of electricity generating units each including a unit cell in which an anode electrode and a cathode electrode are formed on both sides of an electrolyte film to use an electrochemical reaction of a fuel and an oxidizing agent to generate an electrical energy and a pair of separating plates which are disposed on both surfaces of the unit cell and have passages through which a fuel and an oxidizing agent are supplied to the anode electrode and the cathode electrode are laminated in which the electricity generating unit has a structure where a fuel flowing direction and/or a flowing direction of the fuel or the oxidizing agent are different between neighboring electricity generating units. | 10-24-2013 |
20130337358 | FUEL CELL - A fuel cell stack comprising a second metal separator set to have an external dimension larger than a first metal separator, wherein the second metal separator comprises, formed integrally, a first seal member in contact with the peripheral edge of a first electrolyte membrane/electrode structure, a second seal member in contact with the peripheral edge of the first metal separator, and a third seal member in contact with the peripheral edge of an adjoining fourth metal separator. Since the first seal member, the second seal member and the third seal member are integrally formed on one surface of the second separator or one surface of the first separator, a seal-forming step can be carried out at one effort, simply and economically. In addition, use of a triple seal structure containing the first through the third seal members can favorably improve the sealing feature of reaction gas and minimize reaction gas leakage. | 12-19-2013 |
20130337359 | FUEL CELL - A fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly, a first separator, and a second separator. The second separator has a fuel gas flow field connected to a fuel gas supply passage and a fuel gas discharge passage. The fuel gas flow field includes a plurality of corrugated flow grooves and a flat flow field. The corrugated flow grooves extend in the horizontal direction, respectively, and are arranged in the direction of the gravity. The flat flow field is provided within a power generation area, at the lowermost position in the direction of the gravity, and extends in the horizontal direction. | 12-19-2013 |
20130344412 | TITANATE AND METAL INTERCONNECTS FOR SOLID OXIDE FUEL CELLS - A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) includes a plurality of sub-cells. Each sub-cell includes a first electrode in fluid communication with a source of oxygen gas, a second electrode in fluid communication with a source of a fuel gas, and a solid electrolyte between the first electrode and the second electrode. The SOFC further includes an interconnect between the sub-cells. In one embodiment, the SOFC has a first surface in contact with the first electrode of each sub-cell and a second surface that is in contact with the second electrode of each sub-cell; and the interconnect consists essentially of a doped M-titanate based perovskite, wherein M is an alkaline earth metal. In another embodiment, the interconnect includes a first layer in contact with the first electrode of each sub-cell, and a second layer in contact with the second electrode of each sub-cell. The first layer includes an electrically conductive material selected from the group consisting of an metal, a metal alloy and a mixture thereof. The second layer includes a doped M-titanate based perovskite, wherein M is an alkaline earth metal. A solid oxide fuel cell described above is formed by connecting each of the sub-cells with an interconnect described above. | 12-26-2013 |
20140051004 | FUEL CELL STACK WITH IMPROVED END CELL PERFORMANCE PROVIDED BY HIGHER MODULUS OF ELASTICITY - A fuel cell stack that includes a gas diffusion media for the end cells in the stack that has less of an intrusion into the flow field channels of the end cells that the other cells, so as to increase the flow rate through the flow channels in the end cells relative to the flow rate through the flow channels in the other cells. A different diffusion media can be used in the end cells than the nominal cells, where the end cell diffusion media has less of a channel intrusion as a result of diffusion media characteristics. Also, the same diffusion media could be used in the end cells as the nominal cells, but the end cell diffusion media layers could be thinner than the nominal cell diffusion media layers. Further, a higher amount of pre-compression can be used for the diffusion media in the end cells. | 02-20-2014 |
20140051005 | FUEL CELL STACK WITH IMPROVED END CELL PERFORMANCE THROUGH A DIFFUSION MEDIA HAVING LOWER COMPRESSIBILITY - A fuel cell stack that includes a gas diffusion media for the end cells in the stack that has less of an intrusion into the flow field channels of the end cells that the other cells, so as to increase the flow rate through the flow channels in the end cells relative to the flow rate through the flow channels in the other cells. A different diffusion media can be used in the end cells than the nominal cells, where the end cell diffusion media has less of a channel intrusion as a result of diffusion media characteristics. Also, the same diffusion media could be used in the end cells as the nominal cells, but the end cell diffusion media layers could be thinner than the nominal cell diffusion media layers. Further, a higher amount of pre-compression can be used for the diffusion media in the end cells. | 02-20-2014 |
20140057193 | PROTON EXCHANGE MEMBRANE FUEL CELL WITH STEPPED CHANNEL BIPOLAR PLATE - A fuel cell stack includes a membrane electrode assembly and a bipolar plate. The bipolar plate has a corrugated portion defined by an adjacent pair of proximal and distal peak portions and a sidewall segment connecting the peak portions. The sidewall segment and membrane electrode assembly at least partially define a flow channel. The sidewall segment includes a shoulder portion defining a step spaced away from the peak portions. | 02-27-2014 |
20140057194 | PROTON EXCHANGE MEMBRANE FUEL CELL WITH STEPPED CHANNEL BIPOLAR PLATE - A fuel cell stack includes a membrane electrode assembly and a bipolar plate. The bipolar plate has a corrugated portion defined by an adjacent pair of proximal and distal peak portions and a sidewall segment connecting the peak portions. The sidewall segment and membrane electrode assembly at least partially define a flow channel. The sidewall segment includes a shoulder portion defining a step spaced away from the peak portions. | 02-27-2014 |
20140065507 | STACK FOR SIMULATING CELL VOLTAGE REVERSAL BEHAVIOR IN FUEL CELL - Disclosed is a stack for simulating a cell voltage reversal behavior in a fuel cell. The stack is configured to have a structure in which a separator of a portion of a plurality of cells in the stack have an inlet of a hydrogen flow field partially blocked to induce hydrogen starvation only in the portion of the plurality of cells. | 03-06-2014 |
20140065508 | INTERCONNECT FOR FUEL CELL STACK - Various embodiments include fuel cell interconnects having a fuel distribution portion having an inlet opening, a fuel collection portion having an outlet opening, and a primary fuel flow field containing channels, wherein the fuel distribution portion comprises at least one raised feature defining a fuel distribution flow path, and the fuel distribution flow path is not continuous with the channels in the primary fuel flow field. The at least one raised feature may include, for example, a network of ribs and/or dots. Further embodiments include interconnects having a fuel distribution portion with a variable surface depth to provide variable flow restriction and/or a plenum with variable surface depth and raised a raised relief feature on the cathode side, and/or varying flow channel depths and/or rib heights adjacent a fuel hole. | 03-06-2014 |
20140080027 | FUEL CELL COMPRISING MANIFOLDS HAVING INDIVIDUAL INJECTOR SEALS - A fuel cell battery comprises stacked cells, comprising a superposition of plates, called bipolar plates, between which assemblies comprising both an electrolytic membrane and an electrode on each side of the membrane are placed. The plates are provided, on their periphery, with apertures serving to deliver reactive gases, and with apertures serving to evacuate reaction products, the apertures of adjacent plates being aligned in order to form supply or evacuation manifolds that pass right through the stack of cells. The apertures of the manifolds are encircled by individual ring joints that are separated from one another and separate from the bipolar plates, certain joints forming sealing joints between the aperture and a cell, and other joints forming injectors for a fluid to be delivered to a cell or to be evacuated from a cell. | 03-20-2014 |
20140093806 | ELECTROFORMED BIPOLAR PLATES FOR FUEL CELLS - A bipolar plate assembly for a fuel cell is provided. The bipolar plate assembly includes a first electroformed unipolar plate disposed adjacent a second electroformed unipolar plate. The first and second unipolar plates are bonded by a plurality of localized electrically and thermally conductive plugs by electroplated material deposited within apertures formed in the substrates onto which the unipolar plates are electroformed. A method for forming the bipolar plate assembly is also described. | 04-03-2014 |
20140120448 | ELECTROLYTE MEMBRANE FOR SOLID POLYMER FUEL CELL, METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SAME, AND SOLID POLYMER FUEL CELL - This solid polymer fuel cell has a plurality of stacked single battery modules having an electrolyte membrane, electrode layers disposed on both surfaces of the electrolyte membrane, and a pair of separators provided with a gas flow paths disposed on the inside surfaces so as to sandwich the electrode layers. The electrolyte membrane is provided with electrolyte material and a nonwoven fabric which is embedded in the electrolyte material. The nonwoven fabric is provided with a plurality of fused parts that are provided in a linear shape or spotted shape on a part of the nonwoven fabric that is a part corresponding to of the solid polymer fuel cell, wherein two or more nonwoven fibers are fused to each other and the thickness thereof is thinner than the membrane thickness of the unwoven fabric. | 05-01-2014 |
20140127602 | INTERCONNECT AND END PLATE DESIGN FOR FUEL CELL STACK - Various embodiments include interconnects and/or end plates having features for reducing stress in a fuel cell stack. In embodiments, an interconnect/end plate may have a window seal area that is recessed relative to the flow field to indirectly reduce stress induced by an interface seal. Other features may include a thicker protective coating and/or larger uncoated area of an end plate, providing a recessed portion on an end plate for an interface seal, and/or recessing the fuel hole region of an interconnect relative to the flow field to reduce stress on the fuel cell. Further embodiments include providing intermittent seal support to minimize asymmetric seal loading and/or a non-circular seal configuration to reduce stress around the fuel hole of a fuel cell. | 05-08-2014 |
20140127603 | INTERCONNECT AND END PLATE DESIGN FOR FUEL CELL STACK - Various embodiments include interconnects and/or end plates having features for reducing stress in a fuel cell stack. In embodiments, an interconnect/end plate may have a window seal area that is recessed relative to the flow field to indirectly reduce stress induced by an interface seal. Other features may include a thicker protective coating and/or larger uncoated area of an end plate, providing a recessed portion on an end plate for an interface seal, and/or recessing the fuel hole region of an interconnect relative to the flow field to reduce stress on the fuel cell. Further embodiments include providing intermittent seal support to minimize asymmetric seal loading and/or a non-circular seal configuration to reduce stress around the fuel hole of a fuel cell. | 05-08-2014 |
20140127604 | INTERCONNECT AND END PLATE DESIGN FOR FUEL CELL STACK - Various embodiments include interconnects and/or end plates having features for reducing stress in a fuel cell stack. In embodiments, an interconnect/end plate may have a window seal area that is recessed relative to the flow field to indirectly reduce stress induced by an interface seal. Other features may include a thicker protective coating and/or larger uncoated area of an end plate, providing a recessed portion on an end plate for an interface seal, and/or recessing the fuel hole region of an interconnect relative to the flow field to reduce stress on the fuel cell. Further embodiments include providing intermittent seal support to minimize asymmetric seal loading and/or a non-circular seal configuration to reduce stress around the fuel hole of a fuel cell. | 05-08-2014 |
20140134514 | FUEL CELL - Provided is a fuel cell as a fired body including a porous plate-like support substrate having a gas flow path formed therein, and a power generation element part provided on a principal surface of the support substrate, the power generation element part including at least a fuel electrode, a solid electrolyte, and an air electrode laminated in this order. The generation of cracks in the support substrate has a strong correlation with a “surface roughness of a wall surface of a gas flow” of the fuel cell in a state of a reductant. When the surface roughness of the wall surface of the gas flow path is 0.16 to 5.2 in terms of an arithmetic average roughness Ra in a state in which the fuel cell is a reductant that has been subjected to heat treatment in a reducing atmosphere, the generation of the cracks can be suppressed. | 05-15-2014 |
20140141351 | SOFC STACK WITH TEMPERATURE ADAPTED COMPRESSION FORCE MEANS - A fuel cell stack includes a lower end plate for placing a stack body on the lower end plate, a load plate for applying a load to the stack body in a stacking direction, and a fuel cell support member provided between the load plate and the stack body. The fuel cell support member includes composite layers made of composite material of alumina fiber and vermiculite. The fuel cell support member includes a first support section for applying a load to sandwiching sections at a position corresponding to electrolyte electrode assemblies, and a second support section for applying a load to reactant gas supply sections in the stacking direction. The density of the first support section is smaller than the density of the second support section. | 05-22-2014 |
20140147765 | FUEL CELL STACK - In a fuel cell stack, coolant supply passages are provided on both sides in the width direction of a coolant flow field. At an inlet of the coolant flow field, a substantially triangular inlet buffer is provided. A recess protruding inward of the substantially triangular shape is provided adjacent to a vertex of the inlet buffer protruding in a horizontal direction. | 05-29-2014 |
20140199608 | FUEL CELL LIMITING THE PHENOMENON OF CORROSION - A fuel cell includes three membrane-electrode assemblies. and first and second bipolar metal plates interposed between the membrane-electrode assemblies. Each of the bipolar plates comprises two metal sheets facing a respective membrane-electrode assembly and fixedly attached by welds. The two metal sheets comprise successive guiding channels for guiding gas extending in a common longitudinal direction. The guiding channels are distributed in a transversal direction The welds are made in bottoms of the guiding channel and include welds of the first bipolar plate and welds of the second bipolar plate. Some of the welds of the first bipolar plate are not superimposed on the welds of the second bipolar plate and are offset longitudinally and transversally relative to the welds of the second bipolar plate. | 07-17-2014 |
20140220471 | FUEL CELL HAVING A MODULAR BASE ACTIVE AREA - A fuel cell stack includes a plurality of fuel cells arranged in a stack configuration extending along a z-axis, wherein each fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly interposed between a pair of bipolar plates, and each membrane electrode assembly has a total active area measured in an x-y plane that is generally perpendicular to the z-axis. Each bipolar plate includes a plurality of common passages extending generally parallel to the z-axis. The total active area of each membrane electrode assembly includes a plurality of base active areas arranged co-planar in the x-y plane along an x-axis. | 08-07-2014 |
20140234744 | STACK ASSEMBLY - A solid oxide fuel or solid oxide electrolysis cell Stack assembly ( | 08-21-2014 |
20140272661 | SEALING DESIGN FOR STAMPED PLATE FUEL CELLS - A fuel cell stack of at least two fuel cells, each fuel cell having a unitized electrode assembly (UEA) including a membrane electrode assembly (MEA), a sub-gasket and gas diffusion media (DM), and positioned between modified stamped field-flow plates. The sub-gasket frames the MEA resulting in an overlap area between the MEA and the inner perimeter of the sub-gasket. The UEA is disposed between a pair of stamped flow-field plates which align in adjacent fuel cells to form a bipolar plate. The bipolar plate has an active region, an overlap region and a seal region. The active region is configured with channel and land features which provide reactant flow channels and coolant passages for the fuel cell. The configuration of features in the overlap region, however, is modified from the configuration in the active region so that the overlap region may sustain sufficient mechanical sealing pressure, and to prevent coolant and reactant bypass without impeding coolant and reactant flow in the active area. Modified channel and land feature configurations for the overlap region are exemplified. | 09-18-2014 |
20140308599 | GASKET DEVICE FOR A FUEL CELL STACK - Provided is a gasket device for a fuel cell stack in which gaskets of different materials are integrally molded in an anode separator (or an anode gas diffusion layer) and a cathode separator (or a cathode gas diffusion layer) to provide sealing stability at low temperatures and long-term stability at high temperatures in a fuel cell integrated with a conventional single material and evenly securing the required physical properties of the fuel cell stack gasket. | 10-16-2014 |
20140342264 | FLOW FIELD PLATE FOR IMPROVED COOLANT FLOW - Bipolar plate assemblies are disclosed in which the transition fuel channels are offset from the transition oxidant channels in the transition regions on the active sides of the plates. This configuration allows for a reduced pressure drop in the coolant flow in the transition regions on the inactive, coolant side of the plates and thereby improves coolant flow sharing. The assemblies are suitable for use in high power density solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell stacks. | 11-20-2014 |
20140356752 | FUEL CELL ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - A method of fabricating a fuel cell component for use with or as part of a fuel cell in a fuel cell stack, the method comprising: providing a fuel cell component, providing a deposition assembly for depositing loading material particles onto the fuel cell component, and actuating the deposition assembly to cause the deposition assembly to deposit said loading material particles onto said fuel cell component. | 12-04-2014 |
20140370415 | STAINLESS SEPARATOR FOR FUEL CELL AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - A stainless steel separator for fuel cells and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The method includes preparing a stainless steel sheet as a matrix, performing surface modification on a surface of the stainless steel sheet to form a Cr-rich passive film having a comparatively increased amount of Cr in a superficial layer of the stainless steel sheet by decreasing an amount of Fe in the superficial layer of the stainless steel sheet, and forming a coating layer on the surface of the surface-modified stainless steel sheet. The coating layer is one selected from a metal nitride layer (MN | 12-18-2014 |
20140377680 | MULTI-LAYERED COATING PROVIDING CORROSION RESISTANCE TO ZIRCONIA BASED ELECTROLYTES - A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack including a plurality of SOFCs and a plurality of interconnects. Each interconnect is located between two adjacent SOFCs, and each interconnect contains a Mn or Co containing, electrically conductive metal oxide layer on an air side of the interconnect. The SOFC stack also includes a barrier layer located between the electrically conductive metal oxide layer and an adjacent SOFC. The barrier layer is configured to prevent Mn or Co diffusion from the electrically conductive metal oxide layer to the adjacent SOFC. | 12-25-2014 |
20150024299 | UNIT CELL FOR SOLID-OXIDE FUEL CELL AND SOLID-OXIDE FUEL CELL USING SAME - The present invention relates to a unit cell for a solid-oxide fuel cell and to a solid-oxide fuel cell using same, and, more specifically, relates to: a unit cell for a solid-oxide fuel cell, wherein a fuel charging-and-discharging part and an air charging-and-discharging part are provided perpendicularly to a cathode comprised in the solid-oxide fuel cell; and a solid-oxide fuel cell using same. | 01-22-2015 |
20150030955 | FUEL CELL - A fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly, a frame arranged on an outer periphery portion of the membrane electrode assembly, and a separator defining a gas flow channel between the separator and the membrane electrode assembly and between the separator and the frame. A diffuser portion which is a part of the gas flow channel, is formed between the separator and the frame. An electrode layer includes a metal porous body which is an electrode surface layer and has gas permeability. The metal porous body has at an end portion thereof, an extension part covering a region corresponding to the diffuser portion of the frame. | 01-29-2015 |
20150086897 | FUEL CELL ELECTRODE INTERCONNECT CONTACT MATERIAL ENCAPSULATION AND METHOD - A fuel cell stack includes a plurality of fuel cell cassettes each including a fuel cell with an anode and a cathode. Each fuel cell cassette also includes an electrode interconnect adjacent to the anode or the cathode for providing electrical communication between an adjacent fuel cell cassette and the anode or the cathode. The interconnect includes a plurality of electrode interconnect protrusions defining a flow passage along the anode or the cathode for communicating oxidant or fuel to the anode or the cathode. An electrically conductive material is disposed between at least one of the electrode interconnect protrusions and the anode or the cathode in order to provide a stable electrical contact between the electrode interconnect and the anode or cathode. An encapsulating arrangement segregates the electrically conductive material from the flow passage thereby, preventing volatilization of the electrically conductive material in use of the fuel cell stack. | 03-26-2015 |
20150093674 | FUEL CELL STACK AND SEPARATOR - A separator of planar shape includes a plurality of grooves which are formed in a first surface of the separator serving as one surface facing a membrane electrode assembly and which extend along a first direction parallel to the first surface. The separator includes a protrusion formed in the first surface and enclosing a first hole, a second hole, and the plurality of grooves. The separator includes a cutout part located between two third holes adjacent to each other and formed by the one outer edge part of the separator approaching the protrusion and the plurality of grooves in a second direction. A collecting electrode plate includes: a cutout part formed at a position corresponding to the cutout part of the separator; and a terminal part extending from the cutout part of the collecting electrode plate toward the second direction. | 04-02-2015 |
20150104727 | METHOD OF FORMING A FUEL CELL SHEET - An example method of forming a fuel cell sheet includes flattening a screen to form a sheet that has a plurality of apertures operative to communicate a fluid within a fuel cell. | 04-16-2015 |
20150111124 | CATALYST SLURRY FOR FUEL CELL, AND ELECTRODE, MEMBRANE ELECTRODE ASSEMBLY AND FUEL CELL USING THE SAME - A catalyst slurry including a catalyst material, a polymer binder, a plurality of inorganic particles, wherein each particle includes an ionic group, a hydrophilic oligomer, and a solvent. | 04-23-2015 |
20150118592 | HIGH PERFORMANCE REVERSIBLE ELECTROCHEMICAL CELL FOR H2O ELECTROLYSIS OR CONVERSION OF CO2 AND H2O TO FUEL - The present invention relates to a reversible electrochemical cell, such as an electrolysis cell for water splitting or for conversion of carbon dioxide and water into fuel. The present invention relates also to an electrochemical cell that when operated in reverse performs as a fuel cell. The electrochemical cell comprises gas5 diffusion electrodes and a porous layer made of materials and having a structure adapted to allow for a temperature range of operation between 100-374° C. and in a pressure range between 3-200 bars. | 04-30-2015 |
20150125777 | SEPARATOR FOR FUEL CELLS, FUEL CELL, FUEL CELL STACK, AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SEPARATOR FOR FUEL CELLS - A separator for fuel cells is provided. The separator includes: a base material; an underlying alloy layer formed on the base material; and a gold plate layer formed on the underlying alloy layer. The separator is characterized in that the underlying alloy layer is formed of an M1-M2-M3 alloy (where M1 is at least one element selected from Ni, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn and Sn, M2 is at least one element selected from Pd, Re, Pt, Rh, Ag and Ru, and M3 is at least one element selected from P and B). | 05-07-2015 |
20150132678 | FUEL CELL PLATE ASSEMBLIES AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLING FUEL CELL PLATE ASSEMBLIES - A method of assembling a fuel cell plate assembly, the method comprising:
| 05-14-2015 |
20150132679 | FUEL CELL INTERCONNECT - A fuel cell interconnect includes a first side containing a first plurality of channels and a second side containing a second plurality of channels. The first and second sides are disposed on opposite sides of the interconnect. The first plurality of channels are configured to provide a serpentine fuel flow field while the second plurality of channels are configured to provide an approximately straight air flow field. | 05-14-2015 |
20150147674 | SOLID ELECTROLYTE LAMINATE, METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SOLID ELECTROLYTE LAMINATE, AND FUEL CELL - An object is to provide a solid electrolyte laminate that allows a large amount of gas to be supplied to a fuel electrode while having improved strength and a method for manufacturing such a solid electrolyte laminate. A solid electrolyte laminate | 05-28-2015 |
20150311559 | FUEL CELL STACK - A fuel cell of a fuel cell stack includes a power generation reaction area, a marginal area around the power generation reaction area, and a first reactant gas flow area and a second reactant gas flow area. The first reactant gas flow area and the second reactant gas flow area are provided outside the power generation reaction area and inside the marginal area. The fuel cell stack includes a first load applying unit configured to apply a first load to the marginal area in the stacking direction and a second load applying area configured to apply a second load to the power generation reaction area in the stacking direction. | 10-29-2015 |
20150311560 | FUEL-CELL SINGLE CELL - A fuel-cell single cell has a membrane electrode assembly sandwiched between a pair of separators, and a sealing member that seals a gas channel formed between the membrane electrode assembly and the separators. An uneven portion is formed in a part of the membrane electrode assembly where the sealing member is disposed. A sealing member sump to trap the sealing member is provided at a side exposed to reactant gas pressure and a holder part for the sealing member are provided within a part of the separators where the sealing member is disposed. The uneven portion is opposed to the holder part. | 10-29-2015 |
20150333342 | ELECTRICAL INSULATION AND SEALING SURROUND FOR WATER ELECTROLYSIS REACTOR (SOEC) OR FUEL CELL (SOFC) - The invention relates essentially to an electrical insulation and sealing surround for distributing gases in a high temperature steam electrolyser of SOEC type or in a fuel cell of SOFC type. According to the invention, some of the functions of sealing, distributing gases and providing electrical insulation between interconnectors are grouped together within one and same component in the form of a surround made of electrically insulating material, the recessed zones of which serve to support the actual sealing gaskets, making them easier to use and to maintain. | 11-19-2015 |
20150357656 | FUEL CELL ASSEMBLIES AND PREPARATION METHODS THERFOR - A fuel cell assembly for a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell stack may employ a construction in which a plastic film frame is used to frame a catalyst coated membrane within. In one advantageous embodiment, the plastic film frame is adhesive coated on one side and laminated at its inner edge to one surface of the catalyst coated membrane and at its outer edge to the flow field plate on the opposite side. In another advantageous embodiment, the plastic film frame is laminated to sealing features incorporated in a transition region in the flow field plate. | 12-10-2015 |
20160006044 | SEPARATOR FOR FUEL CELL - A separator for a fuel cell includes a thin metal plate, protrusions that are formed on the metal plate to be close to each other, and gas passages formed by the protrusions. Each gas passage has a first opening corresponding to an inlet and a second opening corresponding to an outlet. The gas passages include a first gas passage, which has a relatively low pressure loss of gas flow, and a second gas passage, which has a relatively high pressure loss of gas flow. The area of the first opening of the first gas passage is set to be smaller than the area of the first opening of the second gas passage. | 01-07-2016 |
20160043411 | FUEL CELL HAVING PERFORATED FLOW FIELD - A fuel cell system includes a bipolar plate having a flow field formed therein. The flow field is partially defined by at least two adjacent channel portions separated by a wall portion. The wall portion includes a surface at least partially defining a passageway between the channel portions. The passageway may be sized so as to create a pressure difference between the channel portions. The pressure difference may draw at least a portion of a liquid droplet obstructing one of the channel portions toward and into the passageway. | 02-11-2016 |
20160049668 | FUEL CELL WITH IMPROVED REACTANT DISTRIBUTION - Systems and methods are disclosed that provide for a bipolar plate for a fuel cell system that includes cross flow channels facilitating reactant flow between primary reactant flow channels. In certain embodiments, the cross flow channels may allow for improved reactant flow distribution across catalyst layers of the fuel cell system. In further embodiments, the cross flow channels may increase a reaction interface area in the fuel system, thereby improving the performance of the system. | 02-18-2016 |
20160049669 | GAS INLET FOR SOC UNIT - Multiple gas inlet or outlets for a SOC unit is provided by stacked layers with cut outs for gas channels which overlap. | 02-18-2016 |
20160056481 | POWER GENERATOR - A power generator | 02-25-2016 |
20160072145 | FUEL CELL STACK ASSEMBLY - DATUM DESIGN FOR FUEL CELL STACKING AND COLLISION PROTECTION - A system and method for aligning and reducing the relative movement between adjacent fuel cells within a fuel cell stack. The inter-cell cooperation between fuel cells along a stacking dimension is enhanced by one or more datum placed along the edge of a bipolar plate that makes up a part of a cell-containing assembly. The datum is shaped along a thickness dimension that substantially coincides with the cell stacking dimension to promote a nested fit with a comparable datum on an adjacently-stacked bipolar plate. This nesting facilitates an interference fit that enhances the resistance to sliding movement between respective cells that may otherwise arise out of the occurrence of a significant acceleration along the dimension that defines the major surfaces of the plates, cells and their respective assemblies. In one form, the use of welding, bonding or related attachment of the datum to the plate promotes enhanced metallic support without the need for increasing the plate footprint and without having to overmold the datum directly onto the plate. | 03-10-2016 |
20160111738 | FLAT PLATE TYPE SOLID OXIDE FUEL CELL STACK UNIT AND FLAT PLATE TYPE SOLID OXIDE FUEL CELL STACK MODULE - A flat plate type solid oxide fuel cell stack module is obtained by stacking a plurality of flat plate type solid oxide fuel cell stack units. Each of the cell stack unit comprises an anode plate, a cell unit and a cathode plate. The anode plate has a first flow channel, four corner first fuel input holes and a central first fuel output hole. The cathode plate has a second flow channel, a plurality of lateral second air input grooves and a plurality of lateral second air output grooves. The cell unit includes an anode layer, a cathode plate, four corner third fuel input holes and a central third fuel output hole. An anode mental net and an anode sealing material are disposed between the anode plate and the cell unit, a cathode mental net and a cathode sealing material are disposed between the cathode plate and the cell unit. | 04-21-2016 |
20160111748 | OXIDATION GAS DISCHARGING STRUCTURE - An oxidation gas discharging structure is applied to a fuel cell stack that includes an end plate arranged on an end of a fuel cell body. The oxidation gas inside the fuel cell body is discharged to the outside through a through hole extending through the end plate. A slope is formed on the bottom face of the through hole to rise toward the downstream side. The slope restricts condensed water from moving downstream. | 04-21-2016 |
20160133952 | Fuel Cell End Plate, Method of Manufacturing Same, and Fuel Cell - A fuel cell end plate that is provided at an end portion of a fuel cell includes a through-hole which penetrates the end plate and through which at least one of a fuel gas, an oxygen containing gas and cooling water fed to the fuel cell is distributed and a seal which covers an inner circumferential surface of the through-hole and a circumferential edge surface around the through-hole. The cutting processing mark of a corner portion connected from the inner circumferential surface of the through-hole to the circumferential edge surface is a processing mark in which a curved surface processing mark that is formed with a curved surface from any one of the inner circumferential surface and the circumferential edge surface toward the side of the other surface and a linear processing mark that is formed from the curved surface processing mark to the other surface and that is a straight line in a cross section in an axial direction of the through-hole are continuous. | 05-12-2016 |
20160141638 | TERMINAL PLATE FOR FUEL CELL, AND FUEL CELL - There is provided a terminal plate comprising a plate stacked body including a first metal plate that is electrically conductive and has a current collecting terminal for power collection, and second metal plates that have higher corrosion resistance than the first metal plate and are placed across the first metal plate. A first gasket is mounted to the second metal plate and is provided to surround at least a gas flow hole used for supply of a gas on the second metal plate-side. A second gasket is mounted to the second metal plate and is provided to surround a cooling water flow area which communicates with a cooling water flow hole used for supply of cooling water on the second metal plate-side. The current collecting terminal is protruded from a plate outer circumferential end of the first metal plate in a direction from one flow hole of the gas flow hole and the cooling water flow hole toward the plate outer circumferential end of the first metal plate. This configuration enables the current collecting terminal to be cooled down from the second metal plate-side via the first metal plate. | 05-19-2016 |
20160164111 | FUEL CELL ASSEMBLY - A fuel cell assembly ( | 06-09-2016 |
20160204452 | FUEL CELL UNIT | 07-14-2016 |
20170237087 | HIGH-TEMPERATURE POLYMER ELECTROLYTE MEMBRANE FUEL CELL STACK HAVING INDEPENDENT COOLING PLATE AND METHOD OF PRODUCING THE SAME | 08-17-2017 |
20220140360 | FUEL CELL HAVING BIPOLAR PLATES WITH MULTI-LAYERED DEHOMOGENIZED TURING-PATTERN MICROSTRUCTURE CONFIGURATION - A fuel cell that includes an air fuel cell bipolar plate and a hydrogen fuel cell bipolar plate respectively having a Turing-pattern microstructure configuration. The spatial arrangement of the air fuel cell bipolar plate and the hydrogen fuel cell bipolar plate is such that the air layer of the air fuel cell bipolar plate and the hydrogen layer of the hydrogen fuel cell bipolar plate are opposed to each other to define a microstructure configuration for a coolant layer. | 05-05-2022 |
20220140361 | PERMEABLE SUPPORT INFILL STRUCTURE FOR FUEL CELL FLUID FLOW NETWORKS - A fuel cell may include a first fuel cell bipolar plate defining an air layer, a second fuel cell bipolar plate defining a hydrogen layer, and a coolant layer defined by the air layer and the hydrogen layer. A permeable support infill structure, composed of sintered thermally conductive powder particles, is arranged at the cooling layer to prevent flow blockage at the coolant layer, define a thermally conductive path between the air layer and the hydrogen layer, and facilitate coolant flow through the permeable support infill structure. | 05-05-2022 |
20220140376 | METHOD OF DESIGN OF FUEL CELL FLUID FLOW NETWORKS - One or more methods of obtaining an optimal design of a fuel cell having fluid flow networks. In one or more methods, air, hydrogen, and coolant flow networks are simultaneously designed using porous media optimization and Turing pattern dehomogenization. | 05-05-2022 |