An illustrative example fuel cell component includes a plate with a plurality of flow channels in at least one side of the plate. Each of the flow channels has a length between an inlet and an outlet. Each of the flow channels has a width and a depth, which are transverse to the length. At least some of the flow channels include a portion near the inlet and the width or the depth of the portion is greater than the width or depth along a majority of the length of those flow channels.
H01M 8/0265 - CollectorsSeparators, e.g. bipolar separatorsInterconnectors characterised by the configuration of channels, e.g. by the flow field of the reactant or coolant the reactant or coolant channels having varying cross sections
A fuel cell includes a fuel cell stack. A pressure plate is arranged on one side of the fuel cell stack. The pressure plate includes a hole, and a tie rod assembly has a tie rod received in the hole. A nut with a conical surface is secured to the tie rod. An isolator is arranged in the hole between the tie rod assembly and the pressure plate. The isolator has a conical portion, and the conical surface engages the conical portion to provide a conical interface. The tie rod assembly applies a clamp load on the fuel cell stack via the conical interface.
An illustrative example fuel cell reactant flow control valve assembly includes a pneumatic valve configured to allow reactant flow when the pneumatic valve is in an open condition and to prevent reactant flow when the pneumatic valve is in a closed condition. A control valve selectively allows a pressure of the reactant to provide pneumatic pressure to maintain the pneumatic valve in the open condition. The control valve selectively vents the pneumatic pressure reservoir to control a rate at which the pneumatic pressure decreases and a rate at which the pneumatic valve changes from the open condition to the closed condition.
An illustrative example fuel cell cooler plate includes a first side configured to be received adjacent a fuel cell component and a second side facing opposite the first side. The first side defines a first surface area of the plate. An edge is transverse to the first side and the second side. The edge has a surface area that is less than the first surface area. A first coolant passage within the plate is closer to the second side than the first side. A second coolant passage is between the first side and the first coolant passage. The second coolant passage is in a heat exchange relationship with the first coolant passage.
An illustrative example fuel cell assembly includes a plurality of fuel cells arranged in a stack including a first end fuel cell near a first end of the stack and a second end fuel cell near a second end of the stack. Each of the fuel cells includes a matrix containing an electrolyte, an anode and a cathode on opposite sides of the matrix, and respective flow fields adjacent the anode and the cathode. An electrolyte supply associated with the anode flow field of the first end fuel cell includes a porous material containing electrolyte. An electrolyte collector associated with the cathode flow field of the second end fuel cell includes a porous material configured to collect electrolyte from at least the cathode of the second end fuel cell.
H01M 8/0258 - CollectorsSeparators, e.g. bipolar separatorsInterconnectors characterised by the configuration of channels, e.g. by the flow field of the reactant or coolant
H01M 8/0267 - CollectorsSeparators, e.g. bipolar separatorsInterconnectors having heating or cooling means, e.g. heaters or coolant flow channels
An illustrative example system for managing hydrogen utilization in a fuel cell power plant includes a first hydrogen concentration sensor that provides an indication of a first concentration of hydrogen in a fluid flowing into an anode inlet of the power plant. A second hydrogen concentration sensor provides an indication of a second concentration of hydrogen in a fluid flowing out of an anode exit of the power plant. A processor determines a utilization of hydrogen by the power plant based on the first and second concentrations.
H01M 8/0612 - Combination of fuel cells with means for production of reactants or for treatment of residues with means for production of gaseous reactants from carbon-containing material
An illustrative example fuel cell device includes a cell stack assembly of a plurality of fuel cells that each include an anode and a cathode. A pressure plate is situated near one end of the cell stack assembly. An intermediate component is situated between the end of the cell stack assembly and the pressure plate. The intermediate component includes at least two fluid reservoirs configured to contain liquid electrolyte and a barrier between the two fluid reservoirs to prevent fluid communication between the reservoirs.
An illustrative example hydrogen concentration sensor includes a hydrogen chamber configured to isolate hydrogen within the hydrogen chamber from gas outside the hydrogen chamber. A hydrogen evolving electrode is configured to generate pure hydrogen within the hydrogen chamber. A reference electrode is situated to be exposed to pure hydrogen within the hydrogen chamber. A detection electrode associated with the reference electrode is situated to be exposed to gas outside the hydrogen chamber. The detection electrode is configured to provide an indication of a concentration of hydrogen in the gas outside the hydrogen chamber.
An illustrative example enclosure includes a support frame having longitudinal beams and lateral channel members that define an outward facing flow passage. A first roof panel and a second roof panel respectively include lateral edges aligned with the channel members. The lateral edge of the first roof panel is situated adjacent the lateral edge of the second roof panel. An interface between the lateral edge of the first roof panel and the lateral edge of the second roof panel is situated above or within the flow passage of one of the channel members. At least one seal engages the first roof panel and the second roof panel. The seal is received in the flow passage of the channel member in sealing engagement with the channel member.
An illustrative example fuel cell assembly includes a plurality of cells respectively including at least an electrolyte layer, an anode flow plate on one side of the electrolyte layer, and a cathode flow plate on an opposite side of the electrolyte layer. At least one cooler is situated adjacent a first one of the cells. The cooler is closer to that first one of the cells than it is to a second one of the cells. The cathode flow plates respectively include a plurality of flow channels and the anode flow plates respectively include a plurality of flow channels. The anode flow plates respectively include some of the flow channels in a condensation zone of the fuel cell assembly. The flow channels of the anode flow plate in the condensation zone of the first one of the cells have a first flow capacity. The flow channels of the anode flow plate of the second one of the cells that are in the condensation zone have a second flow capacity. The second flow capacity is greater than the first flow capacity.
H01M 8/0258 - CollectorsSeparators, e.g. bipolar separatorsInterconnectors characterised by the configuration of channels, e.g. by the flow field of the reactant or coolant
An illustrative example fuel cell assembly includes at least one cooler and a plurality of fuel cells each having an anode and a cathode. Each of the anodes includes an anode flow plate configured to allow fuel to flow through the anode. The anode flow plates have a respective flow resistance that varies among at least some of the anodes based on a distance between the corresponding anode and the cooler.
H01M 8/0258 - CollectorsSeparators, e.g. bipolar separatorsInterconnectors characterised by the configuration of channels, e.g. by the flow field of the reactant or coolant
An illustrative example fuel cell manifold assembly includes a metal manifold pan. A polymer material liner that is self-supporting includes a primary wall situated adjacent an interior of the manifold pan. The liner has a channel around a periphery of the liner and a portion of the manifold is received in the channel. A reactant conduit adapter is received through respective openings in the manifold pan and the liner. The reactant conduit adaptor includes a flange that is received against an interior surface on the primary wall of the liner with an interface between the flange and the interior surface being sealed. Another portion of the reactant conduit adaptor is adjacent an exterior of the manifold pan that faces in an opposite direction from the interior surface on the primary wall.
An illustrative example fuel cell component includes an electrode substrate including a plurality of pores. A first portion of the substrate includes a liquid electrolyte absorbing material in at least some of the pores in the first portion. Those pores respectively have a first unoccupied pore volume. Pores in a second portion of the substrate respectively have a second unoccupied pore volume. The first unoccupied pore volume is less than the second unoccupied pore volume.
An illustrative example embodiment of a fuel cell manifold device includes a self-supporting polymer material liner body including a generally planar primary wall and a plurality of side walls. The side walls respectively extend generally perpendicularly from the primary wall. Interior surfaces on the primary wall and the side walls collectively define a cavity. The primary wall has a length and a width that is smaller than the length. The primary wall includes a plurality of ribs situated width wise along the primary wall. The ribs are spaced apart from each other in a lengthwise direction. The ribs allow for some thermal expansion of the liner body.
An illustrative example embodiment of a fuel cell manifold device includes a self-supporting polymer material liner body including a generally planar primary wall and a plurality of side walls. The side walls respectively extend generally perpendicularly from the primary wall. Interior surfaces on the primary wall and the side walls collectively define a cavity. The primary wall has a length and a width that is smaller than the length. The primary wall includes a plurality of ribs situated width wise along the primary wall. The ribs are spaced apart from each other in a lengthwise direction. The ribs allow for some thermal expansion of the liner body.
An illustrative example embodiment of a fuel cell includes a cathode electrode, an anode electrode, and a porous matrix layer between the electrodes. The porous matrix layer includes pores and solids. The solids comprises at least 90% boron phosphate. A phosphoric acid electrolyte is within the pores of the matrix layer.
An illustrative example cell stack assembly includes a plurality of fuel cells that each include a cathode electrode, an anode electrode and a matrix for holding a liquid acid electrolyte. The electrodes have lateral outside edges that are generally coplanar. A plurality of separator plates are respectively between the cathode electrode of one of the fuel cells and the anode electrode of an adjacent one of the fuel cells. The separator plates have lateral outside edges that are generally coplanar with the lateral outside edges of the electrodes. A plurality of barriers along at least one of the lateral outside edges of respective ones of the separator plates extend outwardly beyond the lateral outside edges of the electrodes and separator plates. The barriers inhibit acid migration between one of the electrodes on one side of the barrier and one of the electrodes on an opposite side of the barrier.
An illustrative example fuel cell power plant includes a cell stack assembly having a plurality of fuel cells configured to generate electricity based on an electrochemical reaction. The power plant includes a capacitor, a plurality of inverters, and at least one controller that is configured to control the plurality of inverters in a first mode and a second mode. The first mode includes the cell stack assembly associated with at least one of the inverters. A cell stack assembly and the associated inverter provide real power to a load external to the fuel cell power plant in the first mode. The second mode includes at least a second one of the inverters associated with the capacitor. The capacitor and the second one of the inverters selectively provide reactive power to or receive reactive power from a grid external to the fuel cell power plant in the second mode.
An illustrative example fuel cell power plant includes a cell stack assembly having a plurality of fuel cells configured to generate electricity based on an electrochemical reaction. The power plant includes a capacitor, a plurality of inverters, and at least one controller that is configured to control the plurality of inverters in a first mode and a second mode. The first mode includes the cell stack assembly associated with at least one of the inverters. A cell stack assembly and the associated inverter provide real power to a load external to the fuel cell power plant in the first mode. The second mode includes at least a second one of the inverters associatedwith the capacitor. The capacitor and the second one of the inverters selectively provide reactive power to or receive reactive power from a grid external to the fuel cell power plant in the second mode.
An illustrative example electrical power generating system includes a fuel cell power plant that is configured to generate electrical power. The fuel cell power plant includes a cell stack assembly including a plurality of fuel cells that are configured to generate electrical power based on a chemical reaction. A coolant network is configured to carry fluid toward the cell stack assembly where fluid in the coolant network can become heated by absorbing heat from the fuel cell power plant. The coolant network includes a thermal hydraulic engine that is configured to generate electrical power. The coolant network is configured to carry the heated fluid to the thermal hydraulic engine where the heated fluid can be used for generating electrical power. The coolant network is configured to carry a reduced temperature fluid from the thermal hydraulic engine back toward the cell stack assembly.
F03G 7/06 - Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying, or the like
H01M 8/04007 - Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids related to heat exchange
An illustrative example electrical power generating system includes a fuel cell power plant that is configured to generate electrical power. The fuel cell power plant includes a cell stack assembly including a plurality of fuel cells that are configured to generate electrical power based on a chemical reaction. A coolant network is configured to carry fluid toward the cell stack assembly where fluid in the coolant network can become heated by absorbing heat from the fuel cell power plant. The coolant network includes a thermal hydraulic engine that is configured to generate electrical power. The coolant network is configured to carry the heated fluid to the thermal hydraulic engine where the heated fluid can be used for generating electrical power. The coolant network is configured to carry a reduced temperature fluid from the thermal hydraulic engine back toward the cell stack assembly.
F03G 7/06 - Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying, or the like
An illustrative example method of making a fuel cell component includes mixing a catalyst material with a hydrophobic binder in a solvent to establish a liquid mixture having at least some coagulation of the catalyst material and the hydrophobic binder. The liquid mixture is applied to at least one side of a porous gas diffusion layer. At least some of the solvent of the applied liquid mixture is removed from the porous gas diffusion layer. The catalyst material remaining on the porous gas diffusion layer is dried under pressure.
An illustrative example fuel cell electrolyte management device includes a first component having a first density and a second component having a second density that is less than the first density. The first component has a first side including a pocket and a second side facing opposite the first side. The second side of the first component includes a first plurality of fluid flow channels. The second component has a porosity configured for storing electrolyte in the second component. The second component fits within the pocket. The second component has a first side received directly against the first side of the first component. The second component has a second side including a second plurality of fluid flow channels.
Embodiments are disclosed that relate to a compact steam boiler which may provide steam to a steam reformer in a fuel cell system. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides a steam boiler including an outer shell and a first inner tube and a second inner tube within the outer shell, the first and second inner tubes spaced away from one another. The steam boiler further includes a twisted ribbon positioned inside each of the first and second inner tubes.
H01M 8/06 - Combination of fuel cells with means for production of reactants or for treatment of residues
F22B 1/16 - Methods of steam generation characterised by form of heating method by exploitation of the heat content of hot heat carriers the heat carrier being hot liquid or hot vapour, e.g. waste liquid, waste vapour
B01J 8/02 - Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particlesApparatus for such processes with stationary particles, e.g. in fixed beds
F22B 21/26 - Water-tube boilers of vertical or steeply-inclined type, i.e. the water-tube sets being arranged vertically or substantially vertically built-up from water tubes of form other than straight or substantially straight bent helically, i.e. coiled
A fuel cell separator plate includes flake graphite particles having a length along a planar direction and a thickness along a generally perpendicular direction. The flake graphite has an aspect ratio of length to thickness that is less than ten.
An illustrative method of making a fuel cell component includes obtaining at least one blank plate including graphite and a polymer; establishing a temperature of the blank that is sufficient to maintain the polymer in an at least partially molten state; and applying a compression molding force to the blank until the polymer is essentially solidified to form a plate including a plurality of channels on at least one side of the plate.
The fuel cell (100) includes an oxidant flow plate (212), an adjacent cathode substrate layer (216) having a cathode catalyst (222), a matrix (224) for retaining a liquid electrolyte (230), wherein the matrix (224) is secured adjacent and between the cathode catalyst (222) and an anode catalyst (232). A first anode substrate (102) is secured adjacent the anode catalyst (232), and at least a second duplicate anode substrate layer (108) is secured adjacent the first anode substrate layer (102) for providing greater pore volume for storage of the liquid electrolyte (230) and to limit obstruction of the pore volume of the anode substrates (102, 108). The duplicate anode substrate layer (108) may be partially filled with the liquid electrolyte (230) at the beginning of life of the fuel cell (100).
According to an example embodiment, a method of making a phosphoric acid fuel cell component includes situating at least one polymer film layer against a permeable component layer. The polymer film layer comprises a polymer that is chemically resistant to phosphoric acid. The polymer film layer is melted. The permeable component layer is impregnated with the melted polymer to thereby establish a region on the component layer that is impermeable to phosphoric acid. The impregnated region also provides a seal against reactant leakage from the component.
According to an example embodiment, a method of making a fuel cell component includes permeating at least a portion of a component layer with a polymer. The portion of the component layer is adjacent an edge of the component layer. Some of the polymer is allowed to extend beyond the edge to thereby establish a flap beyond the edge of the component layer. A fuel cell component includes a component layer having a portion adjacent an edge of the layer that is impregnated with a polymer material and a flap of the polymer material extending beyond the edge.
An electrode for a phosphoric acid fuel cell includes a phosphoric acid electrode; catalyst particles on the phosphoric acid electrode; and a fluoropolymer on the catalyst particles. Methods for making such electrodes using soluble fluoropolymer are also provided.
A cloud tower (11) receives microscopic particles (18) impelled by an inert gas (17) for deposition on a porous substrate (29) having vacuum (34) disposed on opposite side. To alter the size and/or shape of the deposition field without changing the entire tower structure, a pair of flaps (43, 44) are hinged (47, 48) on one side or on a pair of opposed sides of the cloud primary tower. Another embodiment places selectable tower inserts (36, 38) within the primary tower structure, fitting therein and sealing thereto.
An example energy dissipation device for controlling a fuel cell fluid includes a conduit extending in longitudinal direction between a first opening and a second opening. A flow control insert is configured to be received within the conduit. The flow control insert is configured to cause a fuel cell fluid to flow helically relative to the longitudinal direction.
patents
