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Небесная энциклопедия

Космические корабли и станции, автоматические КА и методы их проектирования, бортовые комплексы управления, системы и средства жизнеобеспечения, особенности технологии производства ракетно-космических систем

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Мониторинг СМИ

Мониторинг СМИ и социальных сетей. Сканирование интернета, новостных сайтов, специализированных контентных площадок на базе мессенджеров. Гибкие настройки фильтров и первоначальных источников.

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Применить Всего найдено 2937. Отображено 100.
19-04-2012 дата публикации

Hybrid fuel cell

Номер: US20120094196A1
Автор: Fouad A. Nusseibeh, Steven J. Eickhoff, Yue Liu
Принадлежит: Honeywell International Inc

A power generator includes a chemical hydride multilayer fuel cell stack. A flow path extends through the fuel cell stack to provide oxygen containing air to the fuel cell stack and to cool the fuel cell stack. A hydrogen generator is coupled to the flow path to receive water vapor from ambient air introduced into the flow path and water vapor generated by the fuel cell stack and to provide hydrogen to the fuel cell stack. A controller separately controls airflow past the fuel cell stack and water vapor provided to the hydrogen generator.

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Номер записи: 1
19-04-2012 дата публикации

Fuel cell stack with combined flow patterns in a fuel cell stack or an electrolysis cell stack

Номер: US20120094204A1
Автор: Harald Usterud, Jens Ulrik Nielsen, Mads Find Madsen, Sune Danø
Принадлежит: Individual

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.

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Номер записи: 2
27-06-2013 дата публикации

FUEL CELL STACK

Номер: US20130164646A1
Автор: Kobayashi Tsuyoshi, MIZUSAKI Kimiharu, Nishiyama Tadashi, TERADA Eri
Принадлежит: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.

A fuel cell stack includes a terminal plate, an insulating member, and an end plate at one end of a stack body formed by stacking a plurality of power generation cells. A heat insulating member and the terminal plate are placed in a recess of the insulating member. The heat insulating member is formed by stacking metal plates and metal plates together alternately. The metal plate is formed by cutting the outer end of a first metal separator of the power generation cell into a frame shape and the metal plate is formed by cutting the outer end of a second metal separator of the power generation cell into a frame shape. 1. A fuel cell stack comprising:a stack body formed by stacking power generation cells in a stacking direction, the power generation cells each including a membrane electrode assembly and a separator, the membrane electrode assembly including a pair of electrodes and an electrolyte interposed between the electrodes; andterminal plates, insulating members, and end plates provided at both ends of the stack body in the stacking direction;wherein at least one of the insulating members has a recess at an end opened toward the stack body; anda heat insulating member and the terminal plate are placed in the recess.2. The fuel cell stack according to claim 1 , wherein the separator is formed by corrugating a thin metal plate; andthe heat insulating member includes a metal plate formed by cutting an outer end of the separator of the stack body into a frame shape.3. The fuel cell stack according to claim 1 , wherein the heat insulating member includes any of formed metal having electrical conductivity claim 1 , a honeycomb member having electrical conductivity claim 1 , and porous carbon.4. The fuel cell stack according to claim 1 , wherein the heat insulating member at least includes first heat insulating members and second heat insulating members made of different materials; andthe first heat insulating members and the second heat insulating members are stacked ...

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Номер записи: 3
11-07-2013 дата публикации

POWER GENERATION SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATING THE SAME

Номер: US20130177825A1
Автор: Inoue Atsutaka, Morita Junji, Tatsui Hiroshi, Yasuda Shigeki, Yukimasa Akinori
Принадлежит: Panasonic Corporation

A power generation system of the present invention includes: a fuel cell unit () including a fuel cell () and a case (); a controller (); a combustion unit () provided outside the case () and configured to combust a combustible gas to supply heat; and a discharge passage () configured to cause the fuel cell unit () and the combustion unit () to communicate with each other, wherein in a case where an exhaust gas is being discharged to the discharge passage () from one of the fuel cell unit () and the combustion unit () and the controller () changes the flow rate of the exhaust gas discharged from the other unit, the controller () controls at least the flow rate of the exhaust gas discharged from the other unit such that the flow rate of the exhaust gas discharged from the one unit becomes constant. 1. A power generation system comprising:a fuel cell unit including a fuel cell configured to generate electric power using a fuel gas and an oxidizing gas and a case configured to house the fuel cell;a controller;a combustion unit provided outside the case and configured to combust a combustible gas to supply heat; anda discharge passage configured to cause the fuel cell unit and the combustion unit to communicate with each other and provided to discharge a first exhaust gas from the fuel cell unit and a second exhaust gas from the combustion unit to an atmosphere, whereinin a case where an exhaust gas is being discharged to the discharge passage from one of the fuel cell unit and the combustion unit and the controller changes a flow rate of the exhaust gas discharged from the other unit, the controller controls at least the flow rate of the exhaust gas discharged from the other unit such that a flow rate of the exhaust gas discharged from the one unit becomes constant.2. The power generation system according to claim 1 , wherein in a case where the exhaust gas is being discharged from the one unit to the discharge passage and the controller changes the flow rate of the ...

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Номер записи: 4
01-08-2013 дата публикации

HIGH TEMPERATURE FUEL CELL SYSTEM

Номер: US20130196243A1
Автор: BRAITHWAITE DANIEL, FABIAN TIBOR, PRINCE FRIEDRICH B.
Принадлежит:

A fuel cell system for use with an endothermic fuel generator including a fuel cell stack having a primary fuel cell stack having a first thermal mass and a secondary fuel cell stack having a second thermal mass smaller than the first, the fuel cell system further including a first thermal coupling mechanism configured to thermally couple waste heat from the secondary fuel cell stack to the primary fuel cell stack, and a second thermal coupling mechanism configured to thermally couple waste heat from the fuel cell stack to the endothermic fuel generator. 1. A fuel cell system for use with an endothermic fuel generator , comprising: a primary fuel cell stack having a first thermal mass;', 'a secondary fuel cell stack having a second thermal mass smaller than the first;, 'a fuel cell stack comprisinga first thermal coupling mechanism configured to thermally couple waste heat from the secondary fuel cell stack to the primary fuel cell stack; anda second thermal coupling mechanism configured to thermally couple waste heat from the fuel cell stack to the endothermic fuel generator.2. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a heater thermally coupled to the primary fuel cell stack and electrically coupled to the secondary fuel cell stack claim 1 , the heater configured to heat the primary fuel cell stack with power produced by the secondary fuel cell stack.3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the primary fuel cell stack and the secondary fuel cell stack both comprise high temperature fuel cells.4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the secondary fuel cell stack comprises a portion of the primary fuel cell stack.5. The system of claim 4 , wherein the secondary fuel cell stack comprises an interior sub-stack of fuel cells of the primary fuel cell stack.6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first thermal coupling mechanism comprises a thermally conductive path thermally coupled to and fluidly isolated from the primary fuel cell stack.7. The system of claim 6 , wherein the ...

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Номер записи: 5
24-10-2013 дата публикации

Fuel Cell Electricity Production Device and Associated Startup Method

Номер: US20130280630A1
Автор: CERCEAU Amaud, Marteau Julien, ROUSSIN-BOUCHARD Xavier
Принадлежит:

An enclosure houses a fuel cell and defines an enclosed volume around the cell and is provided with openings selectively closed off by mobile shutters for regulate of air circulation between the enclosure interior and exterior, the cell being placed in the enclosure on a support floor, wherein the device comprises at least one selective heating member, separate from the cell, placed in the enclosure underneath the floor, and a volume situated under the floor housing the at least one heating member communicates with the volume of the enclosure situated above the floor via at least one passage. 1. A device for producing electricity comprising an enclosure housing within it a fuel cell , the enclosure defining an enclosed volume around the cell and being provided with openings that can be selectively closed off by mobile shutters in order to regulate circulation of air between an inside of the enclosure and an outside of the enclosure , the cell being placed in the enclosure on a support floor , characterized in that the device comprises at least one selective heating member , separate from the cell , placed in the enclosure underneath the floor , and in that a volume situated under the floor housing the at least one heating member communicates with a volume of the enclosure situated above the floor via at least one passage.2. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a lower fan placed under the floor claim 1 , the lower fan being associated with the heating member situated under the floor in order to selectively generate a forced circulation of air between the volume situated under the floor and the volume situated above the floor.3. The device of claim 2 , wherein:the cell comprises a built-in cooling system equipped with at least one cooling fan; andthe at least one cell cooling fan displaces the air above the floor in a first direction.4. The device of claim 3 , wherein the lower fan placed under the floor is oriented in such a way as to displace the air in a ...

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Номер записи: 6
04-01-2018 дата публикации

Modulated thermal conductance thermal enclosure

Номер: US20180006316A1
Автор: Jeffrey Michael Klein, Steven J. Eickhoff
Принадлежит: Honeywell International Inc

A thermal insulation device includes a first plate, a second plate formed to nest adjacent the first plate with a gap between the first and second plates, a porous material disposed in the gap between the plates, a sealing layer disposed between the first and second plates such that the porous material is sealed from ambient at a pressure less than ambient, and a vapor generating material disposed in the gap.

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Номер записи: 7
07-01-2021 дата публикации

PORTABLE DEVICE FOR PRODUCING HYDROGEN, AND USE THEREOF

Номер: US20210005909A1
Автор: Kraiem Jed, Nichiporuk Oleksiy
Принадлежит:

Portable device () for producing hydrogen from a hydrogen precursor and a liquid, this device comprising—a main chamber (), intended for receiving said hydrogen precursor and said liquid, —an additional chamber (), intended for collecting the hydrogen thus produced, —a separation membrane (), defining said main chamber relative to said additional chamber, —means () for discharging the hydrogen out of the additional chamber, and characterized in that it comprises heat exchange means (), provided on at least one portion of the periphery of said main chamber. This device produces pure hydrogen which may supply a fuel cell. 1. A portable device for producing hydrogen from a hydrogen precursor and a liquid , the portable device comprising:a main enclosure, intended for receiving said hydrogen precursor and said liquid,an additional chamber, intended to collect hydrogen thus produced,a separation membrane, delimiting said main enclosure with respect to said additional chamber,means for discharging the hydrogen, out of the additional chamber, and characterized in that it comprises heat exchange means, provided on at least part of the periphery of said main enclosure.2. The portable device according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises at least one active cooling means that cooperates with said heat exchange means.3. The portable device according to claim 2 , characterized in that it comprises ventilation means that cooperate with the heat exchange means.4. The portable device according to claim 3 , characterized in that it comprises means for measuring the temperature at a wall of the main enclosure.5. The portable device according to claim 4 , characterized in that it comprises slaving means claim 4 , for slaving the active cooling means to the temperature measurement means.6. The portable device according to claim 5 , characterized in that this device further comprises means for removably fixing the additional chamber with respect to the main enclosure.7. The ...

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Номер записи: 8
07-01-2021 дата публикации

Fuel Cell System and Method for Operating Fuel Cell System

Номер: US20210005910A1
Автор: Echigo Mitsuaki, Shinke Noritoshi
Принадлежит:

Provided is a fuel cell system capable of further increasing electric power generation efficiency, compared to the current circumstances, with respect to a fuel cell SOFC that generates electric power by supplying a reformed gas obtained by steam reforming to a fuel electrode. A steam reformer that reforms a hydrocarbon fuel by a steam reforming reaction; a fuel cell that operates by introducing a reformed gas to a fuel electrode; and an anode off-gas circulation path that removes condensed water while cooling an anode off-gas, and introduces the anode off-gas to the steam reformer are provided. A condensation temperature in a condensing device is controlled by a control unit that controls a steam partial pressure of the anode circulated to the steam reformer, and S/C adjustment is adapted to high-efficiency electric power generation. 1. A fuel cell system comprising:a steam reformer that reforms a hydrocarbon fuel by a steam reforming reaction;a fuel cell that operates by introducing a reformed gas obtained by the steam reformer to a fuel electrode;an anode off-gas circulation path that removes condensed water while cooling an anode off-gas exhausted from the fuel electrode, and introduces the anode off-gas to the steam reformer; anda control unit configured to adjust an amount of the condensed water removed from the anode off-gas circulation path, and control a steam partial pressure of the anode off-gas circulated to the steam reformer.2. The fuel cell system according to claim 1 , further comprising:a condensing means configured to remove condensed water, provided on one or both of a discharge side and a suction side of a circulating means which circulates the anode off-gas to the steam reformer,wherein the control unit adjusts a circulation amount by the circulating means and a condensation temperature in the condensing means to adjust an amount of steam circulated to the steam reformer.3. The fuel cell system according to claim 2 ,wherein in the anode off-gas ...

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Номер записи: 9
12-01-2017 дата публикации

Integrated recirculating fuel cell system

Номер: US20170012304A1
Автор: Jayson Watson, Patrick Pelch
Принадлежит: Altergy Systems Inc

A fuel cell containment system wherein fan exhaust is ducted in a manner that directs the flow of air into or from hydrogen storage system or other fuel cell component housing, creating an active ventilation of the storage system. During standby operations, cooling air supporting the control electronics may be ducted into the hydrogen storage system likewise creating an active ventilation of the hydrogen storage system.

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Номер записи: 10
10-01-2019 дата публикации

FUEL CELL MODULE

Номер: US20190013531A1
Автор: KOZUKA Tomoyuki
Принадлежит:

A fuel cell module comprises a hydrogen pump including a pump side facing surface having a pump side opening, a gas-liquid separator including a separator side facing surface having a separator side opening, three or more fastening points at which the hydrogen pump and the gas-liquid separator are fastened to each other, a heating flow path, a gasket that seals a connection portion, at which the pump side opening and the separator side opening are connected to each other, and an inclination preventing portion formed by an elastic member. At least a part of the gasket is disposed outside an area defined by lines connecting the three or more fastening points to each other, and between the pump side facing surface and the separator side facing surface, and the inclination preventing portion is disposed within the area, and between the pump side facing surface and the separator side facing surface. 1. A fuel cell module comprising:a hydrogen pump that circulates hydrogen offgas in a fuel cell stack and includes a pump side facing surface having a pump side opening through which the hydrogen offgas flows;a gas-liquid separator that is fastened to the hydrogen pump, separates water from the hydrogen gas, and includes a separator side facing surface having a separator side opening through which the hydrogen offgas flows;three or more fastening points at which the hydrogen pump and the gas-liquid separator are fastened to each other with the pump side facing surface and the separator side facing surface facing each other;a heating flow path in which a fluid flows to heat the hydrogen pump and the gas-liquid separator;a gasket that seals a connection portion, at which the pump side opening and the separator side opening are connected to each other, in a flow path through which the hydrogen offgas flows; andan inclination preventing portion formed by an elastic member, whereinat least a part of the gasket is disposed outside an area defined by lines connecting the three or ...

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Номер записи: 11
09-01-2020 дата публикации

SOLID-OXIDE FUEL CELL SYSTEMS

Номер: US20200014046A1
Автор: Alinger Matthew Joseph, HUSSAINI Irfan Saif, SHAPIRO Andrew Philip
Принадлежит:

The present application provides combined cycle fuel cell systems that include a fuel cell, such as a solid-oxide fuel cell (SOFC), comprising an anode that generates a tail gas and a cathode that generates cathode exhaust. The system or plant may include adding fuel, such as processed or refined tail gas, to the inlet air stream of a reformer to heat the reformer. The system or plant may include removing water from the tail gas and recycling the removed water into an inlet fuel stream. The inlet air stream may be the cathode exhaust stream of the fuel cell, and the inlet fuel stream may be input hydrocarbon fuel that is directed to the reformer to produce hydrogen-rich reformate. The system or plant may direct some of the processed or refined tail gas to a bottoming cycle. 115.-. (canceled)16. A combined cycle fuel cell system comprising:a solid-oxide fuel cell comprising an a cathode configured to generate a cathode exhaust, and an anode configured to generate a tail gas;a reforming system configured to convert at least a portion of a mixture of input hydrocarbon fuel and input steam into a hydrogen-rich reformate, and to output the hydrogen-rich reformate to the anode of the fuel cell; and a bottoming cycle,wherein the tail gas is prevented from being input into the anode and cathode of the fuel cell,wherein a first portion of the tail gas is directed to the bottoming cycle to drive the bottoming cycle, andwherein the reforming system is heated to facilitate conversion of the input hydrocarbon fuel and the input steam into the hydrogen-rich reformate by directing through the reforming system at least a portion of heated cathode exhaust that is formed by combusting a second portion of the tail gas in the cathode exhaust.17. The system of claim 16 , wherein a portion of the cathode exhaust is mixed with at least one of the input hydrocarbon fuel and the hydrogen-rich reformate upstream of the fuel cell.18. The system of claim 16 , wherein the system includes a ...

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Номер записи: 12
15-01-2015 дата публикации

System and method for cooling an aircraft fuel cell system

Номер: US20150017559A1
Автор: Christian Mueller, Guido Klewer, Hauke Peer Luedders, Sebastian MOCK
Принадлежит: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH

A system for cooling an aircraft fuel cell system comprising a first cooling circuit thermally coupled to a first fuel cell, to remove thermal energy generated by the first fuel cell during operation from the first fuel cell, and a first heat exchanger arranged in the first cooling circuit and adapted to transfer thermal energy, removed from the first fuel cell via the first cooling circuit, to the aircraft surroundings. The system comprises a second cooling circuit thermally coupled to a second fuel cell, to remove thermal energy generated by the second fuel cell during operation from the second fuel cell, and a second heat exchanger arranged in the second cooling circuit and adapted to transfer thermal energy, removed from the second fuel cell via the second cooling circuit, to the aircraft surroundings. The first cooling circuit is thermally couplable to the second cooling circuit.

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Номер записи: 13
15-01-2015 дата публикации

Functional Module for a Coolant Circuit of a Fuel Cell System and Method for Producing a Functional Module and Container for a Coolant Circuit of a Fuel Cell System

Номер: US20150017560A1
Автор: De Jong Joris, Hoess Ralf, KOCH Christoph, Limbaecher Bianca, Mittmann Mario, Schulze Herbert, Schwab Clemens, Wuest Matthias
Принадлежит:

A functional module for a coolant circuit of a vehicle fuel cell system includes a container having an ion-exchange material and a pump device for the coolant fluidically coupled to each other in such a manner that a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet of the pump device are connected to a coolant outlet and a coolant inlet of the container. The container surrounds at least one region of the pump device that has a conveying unit of the pump device at least in certain areas around the outer circumference. 111-. (canceled)12. A functional module for a coolant circuit of a vehicle fuel cell system , the functional module comprising:a container with an ion-exchange material; anda pump device configured to pump the coolant through the coolant circuit, the pump device including a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet fluidically coupled to a coolant outlet and a coolant inlet of the container,wherein the container surrounds at least a region of the pump device having a conveying unit, at least in certain areas around an outer circumference of the conveying unit.13. The functional module of claim 12 , wherein the container and at least the conveying unit of the pump device are arranged axially parallel and coaxially claim 12 , wherein the conveying unit is arranged claim 12 , at least over a portion of its direction of longitudinal extent claim 12 , in a receiving chamber formed by the container.14. The functional module of claim 12 , wherein the container comprises a coil containing the ion-exchange material and which is formed to extend at least around the outer circumference of the conveying unit of the pump device.15. The functional module of claim 12 , wherein the container is in abutment with at least one component of the fuel cell system claim 12 , which component is different from the pump device and releases heat during operation.16. The functional module of claim 12 , wherein the container is substantially trough-shaped claim 12 , wherein a region of the pump device ...

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Номер записи: 14
03-02-2022 дата публикации

HEAT EXCHANGER WITH POROUS MATERIAL

Номер: US20220034597A1
Автор: ADRIANI Allen, Chen Ling, DALY Joseph M., FARRENKOPF Dennis, Lambrech Matthew, NAQVI Kazim, SKOK Andrew
Принадлежит:

A method for manufacturing a heat exchanger includes: providing a porous material that has a porosity of about 30% to about 80%; forming an oxide layer on a surface of the porous material by heat treating the porous material at a temperature in a range of 600° C. to 900° C. for a time period in a range of 8 hours to 12 hours in air; and integrating the porous material into a cold side flow passage of the heat exchanger. 1. A method for manufacturing a heat exchanger , the method comprising:providing a porous material that has a porosity of about 30% to about 80%;forming an oxide layer on a surface of the porous material by heat treating the porous material at a temperature in a range of 600° C. to 900° C. for a time period in a range of 8 hours to 12 hours in air; andintegrating the porous material into a cold side flow passage of the heat exchanger.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein:the step of providing the porous material comprises rolling a sheet of the porous material to form a tube of the porous material; andthe step of integrating the porous material into the cold side flow passage comprises inserting the tube of the porous material into the cold side flow passage to a position over a surface of the cold side flow passage.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein:in the step of integrating the porous material into the cold side flow passage, the tube of porous material is inserted into the cold side flow passage while the tube is in compression such that a first edge of the tube overlaps a second edge of the tube, and the tube of the tube is subsequently released so as to unroll and form a compression fit within the cold side flow passage.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein:the step of providing the porous material comprises cutting a sheet of the porous material into strips of the porous material; andthe step of integrating the porous material into the cold side flow passage comprises inserting the strips of the porous material into the cold side flow passage to a ...

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Номер записи: 15
21-01-2016 дата публикации

OPERATIONAL CONTROL OF FUEL CELLS

Номер: US20160020476A1
Автор: Biswas Mohammad A. R., Crisalle Oscar D., JR. William E., Lear, Mudiraj Shyam Prasad
Принадлежит: UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.

Various examples are provided for operational control of fuel cells. In one example, among others, a system for controlling a fuel cell includes a stack temperature controller in cascade with a liquid level controller. The liquid level controller can provide a control output based at least in part upon an indication of a liquid level of a liquid fuel tank and a level reference. The stack temperature controller can provide a fan speed control output based at least in part upon an indication of a stack temperature of the fuel cell and the control output of the liquid level controller. In another example, a system for estimating methanol concentration of a fuel cell system includes a state observer that generates an estimate of the methanol concentration of fuel provided to a direct methanol fuel cell based upon a plurality of states of the fuel cell system.

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Номер записи: 16
18-01-2018 дата публикации

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THERMAL CONTROL IN A FUEL CELL

Номер: US20180019487A1
Автор: Bozzolo Michele, PIERCE Adam, TRAVERSO Alberto
Принадлежит:

There is disclosed a method and apparatus for controlling an internal temperature of a fuel cell system. The method and system includes measuring a burner temperature of the high temperature fuel cell system comprising a fuel cell stack and a burner, the fuel cell stack comprising at least one fuel cell. The method further includes comparing the measured burner temperature with a predetermined burner temperature set point to identify a burner temperature difference between the measured burner temperature and the predetermined burner temperature set point and controlling an amount of oxidant supplied to the burner to decrease or increase the amount of oxidant supplied to the burner to thereby reduce the burner temperature difference and control a fuel cell stack inlet temperature. 1. A method for controlling an internal temperature of a high temperature fuel cell system , comprising:measuring a burner temperature of the high temperature fuel cell system comprising a fuel cell stack and a burner, the fuel cell stack comprising at least one fuel cell;comparing the measured burner temperature with a predetermined burner temperature set point to identify a burner temperature difference between the measured burner temperature and the predetermined burner temperature set point; andcontrolling an amount of oxidant supplied to the burner to decrease or increase the amount of oxidant supplied to the burner to thereby reduce the burner temperature difference and control a fuel cell stack inlet temperature.2. The method as claimed in claim 1 , further including the steps of:determining a predetermined fuel cell stack current set point; anddetermining a corrective function to vary the predetermined burner temperature set point based on the predetermined fuel cell stack current set point to reduce the burner temperature difference and control the fuel cell stack inlet temperature.3. The method as claimed in claim 1 , further including the steps of:determining the fuel cell stack ...

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Номер записи: 17
22-01-2015 дата публикации

CATHODE TEMPERATURE REGULATION FOR METAL-AIR BATTERIES

Номер: US20150024287A1
Автор: Duncan William D., Hyde Roderick A.
Принадлежит:

A metal-air battery is disclosed, including a temperature regulator that adjusts the operating temperature of a cathode included in the metal-air battery using power generated by the metal-air battery when the metal-air battery is in a discharge state. 1. A metal-air battery , comprising:an electrochemically active anode that emits electrons and metal cations during a discharge state;a cathode that includes an oxygen-reduction catalyst to catalytically process the metal cations into a metal oxide;a battery separator that electrically isolates the anode from the cathode, the battery separator being permeable to metal cations and positioned between the anode and the cathode;a cathode temperature sensor thermally coupled with the cathode and with which a cathode temperature is obtained during the discharge state; anda temperature regulator supplied with current generated by the metal-air battery to adjust the cathode temperature responsive to the cathode temperature obtained by the cathode temperature sensor.2. The metal-air battery of claim 1 , further comprising an electrolyte claim 1 , the battery separator being permeable to the electrolyte.3. The metal-air battery of claim 1 , further comprising a heat transfer structure thermally connecting the temperature regulator with the cathode.4. The metal-air battery of claim 3 , in which the heat transfer structure includes a solid phase thermal conductor.5. The metal-air battery of claim 3 , in which the heat transfer structure includes a heat pipe.6. The metal-air battery of claim 3 , in which the heat transfer structure includes a non-electrolyte fluid flow system.7. The metal-air battery of claim 1 , further comprising a resistive heater electrically connected with the temperature regulator and thermally coupled to the cathode.8. The metal-air battery of claim 1 , in which the temperature regulator is electrically connected with the cathode so that current collected from a current collector is supplied to the cathode ...

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Номер записи: 18
24-01-2019 дата публикации

FUEL CELL MODULE AND FUEL CELL APPARATUS

Номер: US20190027764A1
Автор: Matsui Eizo, ODA Tomoyuki, SUEHIRO Masanori
Принадлежит:

A fuel cell module includes: a housing; a cell stack; a reformer; and an oxygen-containing gas supply section. The cell stack comprises fuel cells which are arranged along a predetermined arrangement direction, and is housed in the housing. The reformer is disposed above the cell stack in the housing. The oxygen-containing gas supply section is disposed along the predetermined arrangement direction of the fuel cells so as to face the cell stack and the reformer, and has a gas flow channel through which an oxygen-containing gas to be supplied to the fuel cell flows downwardly. Moreover, in the oxygen-containing gas supply section, the gas flow channel has a first region and a second region which is greater than the first region in flow channel width in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which an oxygen-containing gas flows, and the predetermined arrangement direction of the fuel cells. 1. A fuel cell module , comprising:a housing;a cell stack housed in the housing, the cell stack comprising a plurality of fuel cells which each have a columnar shape and are arranged along a predetermined arrangement direction;a reformer disposed above the cell stack in the housing, the reformer generating a fuel gas which is supplied to the fuel cells; andan oxygen-containing gas supply section disposed along the predetermined arrangement direction of the fuel cells so as to face the cell stack and the reformer, the oxygen-containing gas supply section having a gas flow channel through which an oxygen-containing gas to be supplied to the fuel cell flows downwardly;the oxygen-containing gas supply section being configured so that the gas flow channel has a first region and a second region which is greater than the first region in flow channel width in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which an oxygen-containing gas flows and the predetermined arrangement direction of the fuel cells.2. The fuel cell module according to claim 1 , wherein the second region of the gas ...

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Номер записи: 19
29-01-2015 дата публикации

CREW REST POWERED BY A FUEL CELL SYSTEM

Номер: US20150030942A1
Автор: Eijkelenboom Adriaan, Metz Andreas, Nastase Lucas, Ratliff Robert
Принадлежит: DRIESSEN AEROSPACE GROUP N.V.

Disclosed are crew rests that may be powered by the outputs of a fuel cell system or other suitable power source. For example, but not limited to, a combination of the water, oxygen-depleted air, thermal energy and/or electrical energy generated by the fuel cell system may be used to supply the crew rest with its various power and water needs, helping to make the crew rest autonomous from the aircraft's main power systems. 1. A crew rest powered by a power source that is integral with the crew rest such that the crew rest is configured to operate independently of an aircraft's power generation system.2. The crew rest of claim 1 , wherein the power source is a fuel cell system.3. The crew rest of claim 2 , wherein one or more outputs of the fuel cell system is supplied to the crew rest and wherein the one or more outputs comprises electrical energy claim 2 , thermal energy claim 2 , water claim 2 , or oxygen-depleted air.4. The crew rest of claim 2 , wherein all of the one or more outputs are used within the crew rest.5. The crew rest of claim 1 , wherein the crew rest is mobile.6. A crew rest powered by at least one output of a fuel cell system such that the crew rest is configured to operate independently of an aircraft's power generation system claim 1 , wherein the at least one output comprises electrical energy claim 1 , thermal energy claim 1 , water claim 1 , or oxygen-depleted air.7. The crew rest of claim 6 , wherein at least two of the outputs of the fuel cell system are supplied to the crew rest.8. The crew rest of claim 6 , wherein the fuel cell system is contained within or is proximate the crew rest and wherein the water produced by the fuel cell system is directed by at least one conduit to appropriate areas of the crew rest or to consumers within the crew rest.9. The crew rest of claim 8 , further comprising a heat exchanger that cools the water produced by the fuel cell system before or after the water is directed to the appropriate areas or ...

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Номер записи: 20
23-01-2020 дата публикации

Electrochemical Element, Electrochemical Module, Electrochemical Device, Energy System, Solid Oxide Fuel Cell and Manufacturing Method for Electrochemical Element

Номер: US20200028193A1
Автор: Hisao Ohnishi, Mitsuaki Echigo
Принадлежит: Osaka Gas Co Ltd

Provided are an electrochemical element and the like that have both durability and high performance as well as excellent reliability. The electrochemical element includes a metal support, and an electrode layer formed on/over the metal support. The metal support is made of any one of a Fe—Cr based alloy that contains Ti in an amount of 0.15 mass % or more and 1.0 mass % or less, a Fe—Cr based alloy that contains Zr in an amount of 0.15 mass % or more and 1.0 mass % or less, and a Fe—Cr based alloy that contains Ti and Zr, a total content of Ti and Zr being 0.15 mass % or more and 1.0 mass % or less.

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Номер записи: 21
02-02-2017 дата публикации

FUEL CELL DEVICE AND SYSTEM

Номер: US20170033376A1
Автор: Devoe Alan, Devoe Lambert
Принадлежит:

A fuel cell device is provided having an active central portion with an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte therebetween. At least three elongate portions extend from the active central portion, each having a length substantially greater than a width transverse thereto such that the elongate portions each have a coefficient of thermal expansion having a dominant axis that is coextensive with its length. A fuel passage extends from a fuel inlet in a first elongate portion into the active central portion in association with the anode, and an oxidizer passage extends from an oxidizer inlet in a second elongate portion into the active central portion in association with the cathode. A gas passage extends between an opening in the third elongate portion and the active central portion. For example, the passage in the third elongate portion may be an exhaust passage for the spent fuel and/or oxidizer gasses. 1. A fuel cell device comprising:an elongate ceramic substrate having an exterior surface, an interior solid ceramic support structure, and a length that is the greatest dimension whereby the elongate ceramic substrate exhibits thermal expansion along a dominant axis that is coextensive with the length, a reaction zone along a first portion of the length configured to be exposed to a heat source to heat the reaction zone to an operating reaction temperature, and at least one cold zone along a second portion of the length configured to be shielded from the heat source to remain at a temperature below the operating reaction temperature when the reaction zone is heated;an electrolyte disposed between a porous anode and a porous cathode in the reaction zone, the electrolyte, anode and cathode extending within the interior solid ceramic support structure, the electrolyte being monolithic with the interior solid ceramic support structure;a fuel passage associated with the porous anode and extending within the interior solid ceramic support structure from the at least one ...

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Номер записи: 22
02-02-2017 дата публикации

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING START OF FUEL CELL

Номер: US20170033378A1
Автор: Kim Dae Jong
Принадлежит:

A system and method of controlling a start of a fuel cell are provdied. The method includes comparing a derived internal temperature of a stack and a predetermined reference temperature value and determining whether the internal temperature of the stack is less than the reference temperature value when an ON signal of the start of the fuel cell is received. A required heat value is then derived using the internal temperature of the stack when the derived internal temperature of the stack is less than the reference temperature value. A temperature of the stack of the fuel cell is increased until a cumulative heat value caused by a temperature increase of the stack of the fuel cell is equal to the required heat value. 1. A method of controlling a start of a fuel cell , comprising:comparing, by a controller, an internal temperature of a stack derived by a temperature sensing unit and a predetermined reference temperature value and determining whether the internal temperature of the stack is less than the reference temperature value when an ON signal of the start of the fuel cell is received;deriving, by the controller, a required heat value for temperature increase using the derived internal temperature of the stack when the derived internal temperature of the stack is less than the reference temperature value; andincreasing, by the controller, a temperature of the stack of the fuel cell until a cumulative heat value caused by a temperature increase of the stack of the fuel cell is equal to the dervied required heat value.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein in the required heat value derivation claim 1 , the internal temperature of the stack is derived by compensating for a temperature of a coolant of the stack of the fuel cell calculated using the temperature sensing unit claim 1 , based on a start off state maintaining time of the fuel cell.3. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising after the required heat value deriving operation:deriving, by ...

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Номер записи: 23
04-02-2016 дата публикации

Fuel cell device

Номер: US20160036078A1
Автор: Maxime Carre
Принадлежит: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH

The invention is based on a fuel cell device which is provided to be operated with a natural gas, having a fuel cell unit ( 12 ) and an anode gas processor ( 14 ) arranged upstream of the fuel cell unit ( 12 ), which anode gas processor is provided to prepare the natural gas for use in the fuel cell unit ( 12 ) and which comprises a desulfurization unit ( 18 ), which is provided to desulfurize the natural gas, an oxidation unit ( 20 ), which is provided to perform partial oxidation, and a reformer unit ( 22 ), which is provided to produce at least one fuel gas. It is proposed that the fuel cell device comprise a recirculation unit ( 16 ), which is provided to supply at least a proportion of an anode waste gas from the fuel cell unit ( 12 ) to the fuel cell device ( 10 ).

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Номер записи: 24
01-02-2018 дата публикации

FUEL CELL SYSTEM

Номер: US20180034076A1
Автор: Hasegawa Shigeki, TOIDA Masashi
Принадлежит:

There is provided a fuel cell system comprising a first fuel stack, a first temperature gauge configured to measure a first temperature value, a power generation voltage meter configured to measure a power generation voltage, a cell voltage meter and a controller configured to control a temperature regulating mechanism such as to perform a temperature rise of the fuel cell stack. The controller is further configured to start the temperature rise of the fuel cell stack when a cell voltage is lower than a predetermined voltage value. When at least one of a plurality of time measurement conditions is satisfied after the first temperature value has reached a first reference temperature after a start of the temperature rise, the controller measures a time duration during which a voltage difference by subtracting the cell voltage from an average voltage of cells is maintained to be not greater than a predetermined voltage difference. When the measured time duration has reached a first reference time, the controller terminates the temperature rise. The plurality of time measurement conditions are conditions that predetermined time periods have elapsed since termination of a warm-up operation, since termination of an intermittent operation, since termination of regenerative braking and since a shift of the state of the fuel cell stack to a power generation capable state. 1. A fuel cell system , comprising:a fuel cell stack configured by stacking a plurality of cells in a stacking direction, each cell receiving supplies of an anode gas and a cathode gas to generate electric power;a temperature regulating mechanism configured to regulate temperature of the fuel cell stack;a first temperature gauge configured to measure a first temperature value that reflects the temperature of the fuel cell stack;a power generation voltage meter configured to measure a power generation voltage by the fuel cell stack;a cell voltage meter configured to measure a cell voltage with respect to at ...

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Номер записи: 25
01-02-2018 дата публикации

METHOD OF CONTROLLING FUEL CELL SYSTEM

Номер: US20180034087A1
Автор: Matsumoto Yuji, Nakajima Nobutaka, Watanabe Shinya
Принадлежит: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.

A method of controlling a fuel cell system includes circulating a coolant through a fuel cell circulation passage in which a fuel cell and a gas liquid separator are provided. A valve is controlled selectively to connect or disconnect the fuel cell circulation passage and an air conditioning equipment circulation passage in which an air conditioning mechanism is provided. The valve is maintained to connect the fuel cell circulation passage and the air conditioning equipment circulation passage to circulate the coolant through the air conditioning equipment circulation passage when it is determined that the coolant includes air bubbles more than or equal to the threshold amount, when the valve connects the fuel cell circulation passage and the air conditioning equipment circulation passage, and when a temperature of the fuel cell is higher than or equal to a threshold temperature even if the air conditioning mechanism stops. 1. A method of controlling a fuel cell system including a fuel cell , comprising:circulating a coolant through a fuel cell circulation passage in which the fuel cell and a gas liquid separator are provided;controlling a valve selectively to connect or disconnect the fuel cell circulation passage and an air conditioning equipment circulation passage in which an air conditioning mechanism is provided;determining whether the coolant includes air bubbles more than or equal to a threshold amount; andmaintaining the valve to connect the fuel cell circulation passage and the air conditioning equipment circulation passage to circulate the coolant through the air conditioning equipment circulation passage when it is determined that the coolant includes air bubbles more than or equal to the threshold amount, when the valve connects the fuel cell circulation passage and the air conditioning equipment circulation passage, and when a temperature of the fuel cell is higher than or equal to a threshold temperature even if the air conditioning mechanism stops.2. ...

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Номер записи: 26
01-02-2018 дата публикации

VORTEX TUBE REFORMER FOR HYDROGEN PRODUCTION, SEPARATION, AND INTEGRATED USE

Номер: US20180034088A1
Автор: Hotto Robert
Принадлежит:

A reformer assembly includes a vortex tube receiving heated fuel mixed with steam. A catalyst coats the inner wall of the main tube of the vortex tube and a hydrogen-permeable tube is positioned in the middle of the main tube coaxially with the main tube. With this structure the vortex tube outputs primarily Hydrogen from one end and Carbon-based constituents from the other end. In some embodiments a second vortex tube receives the Carbon output of the first vortex tube to establish a water gas shift reactor, producing Hydrogen from the Carbon output of the first vortex tube. 1. An assembly comprising:at least a first vortex tube configured for receiving hydrocarbon fuel and separating the hydrocarbon fuel into a first stream and a second stream, the first stream being composed primarily of Hydrogen, the second stream including Carbon;at least a first Hydrogen receiver configured for receiving the first stream; andat least a second vortex tube configured for receiving the second stream from the first vortex tube and for separating the second stream into a third stream and a fourth stream, the third stream being composed primarily of Hydrogen for provisioning thereof to the Hydrogen receiver, the second stream including Carbon.2. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the Hydrogen receiver includes a hydrogen tank.3. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the Hydrogen receiver includes a fuel cell.4. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first and third streams are provided to the Hydrogen receiver.5. The assembly of claim 1 , comprising at least one heat exchanger disposed in fluid communication between the vortex tubes and configured for removing heat from the second stream prior to the second stream being input to the second vortex tube.6. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein at least a first catalytic constituent is on an inside surface of the first vortex tube and at least a second catalytic constituent is on an inside surface of the second vortex tube.7. The assembly of ...

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Номер записи: 27
01-02-2018 дата публикации

FUEL CELL INTEGRATION WITHIN A HEAT RECOVERY STEAM GENERATOR

Номер: US20180034089A1
Автор: Barckholtz Timothy Andrew, Berlowitz Paul J., Hershkowitz Frank
Принадлежит:

Systems and methods are provided for incorporating molten carbonate fuel cells into a heat recovery steam generation system (HRSG) for production of electrical power while also reducing or minimizing the amount of COpresent in the flue gas exiting the HRSG. An optionally multi-layer screen or wall of molten carbonate fuel cells can be inserted into the HRSG so that the screen of molten carbonate fuel cells substantially fills the cross-sectional area. By using the walls of the HRSG and the screen of molten carbonate fuel cells to form a cathode input manifold, the overall amount of duct or flow passages associated with the MCFCs can be reduced. 112.-. (canceled)13. A heat recovery steam generator (“HRSG”) for producing electricity using an integrated molten carbonate fuel cell comprising an anode and cathode , the HRSG comprising:an enclosure that forms a flow path that extends between an inlet that receives a gas flow and an outlet that exhausts at least a portion of the received gas flow;one or more heat exchangers extending into the flow path; anda fuel cell screen located within the enclosure and comprising a plurality of molten carbonate fuel cells having cathode inlets, the fuel cell screen being oriented in the flow path so that the cathode inlets of the molten carbonate fuel cells receive substantially all of the received gas flow, the plurality of molten carbonate fuel cells also having a plurality of cathode outlets fluidly exposed to the flow path to discharge cathode exhaust to the flow path.14. The HRSG of claim 13 , wherein the fuel cell screen is located in the flow path downstream from a duct burner located within the HRSG and upstream from the one or more heat exchangers.15. The HRSG of claim 13 , wherein the fuel cell screen is located in the flow path downstream from a first heat exchanger of the one or more heat exchangers and upstream from a second heat exchanger of the one or more heat exchangers.16. The HRSG of claim 13 , wherein a first cross ...

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Номер записи: 28
01-05-2014 дата публикации

Fuel cell device

Номер: US20140120382A1
Автор: Eiji Taniguchi
Принадлежит: Kyocera Corp

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

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Номер записи: 29
04-02-2021 дата публикации

CONTROL SYSTEM AND CONTROL METHOD FOR FUEL CELL COOLING

Номер: US20210036349A1
Автор: Ryu Jung Hwan
Принадлежит:

A control system for fuel cell cooling is provided. The system includes a fuel cell stack, a coolant circulation line connected to the fuel cell stack, and a heat exchange device provided in the coolant circulation line. A bypass line bypasses the heat exchange device. A temperature adjusting device adjusts a ratio between coolant flowing into the heat exchange device of the coolant circulation line and coolant flowing into the bypass line. A temperature estimator estimates a temperature of the coolant of the coolant circulation line at a point before the bypass line joins the coolant circulation line after the coolant passes through the heat exchange device. An opening degree controller operates the temperature adjusting device using the temperature of the coolant estimated by the temperature estimator and the temperature of the coolant at a point at which the coolant flows into the fuel cell stack. 1. A control system for fuel cell cooling , comprising:a fuel cell stack into which hydrogen and oxygen flow and which react with each other, and having a cooling flow path in which coolant flows between separators;a coolant circulation line connected to the cooling flow path of the fuel cell stack and in which coolant flows;a heat exchange device provided in the coolant circulation line and configured to cool coolant of the coolant circulation line through heat-exchange with the outside;a bypass line branched from the coolant circulation line at a point before coolant flows into the heat exchange device and joining the coolant circulation line by bypassing the heat exchange device;a temperature adjusting device disposed at a point where the bypass line is branched from the coolant circulation line or a point where the bypass line joins the coolant circulation line and configured to adjust a ratio between coolant flowing into the heat exchange device of the coolant circulation line and coolant flowing into the bypass line;a temperature estimator configured to estimate a ...

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Номер записи: 30
18-02-2021 дата публикации

HYDROGEN GENERATOR AND A METHOD FOR GENERATING HYDROGEN

Номер: US20210050608A1
Автор: Li Aidan, Wankewycz Taras, Zhang Xiaohu
Принадлежит:

A hydrogen generator can include, in some aspects, a reaction chamber configured to contain a reagent; a supply water tank; water conduit tubing provided inside the reaction chamber, the water conduit tubing including a water conduit tubing inlet being fluidically connected to the supply water tank and a water conduit tubing outlet; a water dispenser provided inside the reaction chamber, the water dispenser including a water dispenser inlet being fluidically connected to the water conduit tubing outlet and a surface with a plurality of water outlet channels; a water pump; an electric power supply; a controller adapted to activate the water pump for transferring water through the hydrogen generator for interacting with the reagent in the reaction chamber to generate hydrogen gas, and a hydrogen collector provided inside the reaction chamber, the hydrogen collector including a surface with a plurality of gas inlet channels for receiving the hydrogen gas. 1. A hydrogen generator comprising:a reaction chamber configured to contain a reagent,a supply water tank,a water conduit tubing provided inside the reaction chamber, the water conduit tubing comprising a water conduit tubing inlet being fluidically connected to the supply water tank and a water conduit tubing outlet,a water dispenser provided inside the reaction chamber, the water dispenser comprising a water dispenser inlet being fluidically connected to the water conduit tubing outlet and a surface with a plurality of water outlet channels,a water pump,an electric power supply,a controller adapted to activate the water pump for transferring water from the supply water tank, to the water conduit tubing, to the water dispenser, and to the reaction chamber for interacting with the reagent in the reaction chamber to generate hydrogen gas, anda hydrogen collector provided inside the reaction chamber, the hydrogen collector comprising a surface with a plurality of gas inlet channels for receiving the hydrogen gas.2. The ...

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Номер записи: 31
15-02-2018 дата публикации

FUEL CELL SYSTEM AND CONTROL METHOD FOR FUEL CELL SYSTEM

Номер: US20180048003A1
Автор: Aoki Tetsuya, IKEDA Nobuhisa
Принадлежит: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.

A fuel cell system includes a fuel supply unit that supplies a fuel to electrolyte membrane of fuel cell, an oxidant supply unit that supplies an oxidant to the electrolyte membrane, and an electricity generation control unit that controls electricity generation by the fuel cell by controlling supply of the oxidant by the oxidant supply unit and supply of the fuel by the fuel supply unit. the fuel cell system includes a wet/dry state detection unit configured to detect a wet/dry state of the electrolyte membrane, a flow rate adjustment unit configured to adjust a flow rate of the fuel supplied to the fuel cell by the fuel supply unit; and a temperature adjustment unit configured to adjust a temperature of the oxidant supplied to the fuel cell by the oxidant supply unit. when reducing an amount of water in the electrolyte membrane in accordance with a signal output from the wet/dry state detection unit, the electricity generation control unit is configured to reduce the flow rate of the fuel, and increase the temperature of the oxidant in accordance with the signal from the wet/dry state detection unit, compared with when increasing the amount of water in the electrolyte membrane. 111-. (canceled)12. A fuel cell system including a fuel supply unit that supplies a fuel to an electrolyte membrane of a fuel cell , an oxidant supply unit that supplies an oxidant to the electrolyte membrane , and an electricity generation control unit that controls electricity generation by the fuel cell by controlling supply of the oxidant by the oxidant supply unit and supply of the fuel by the fuel supply unit , the fuel cell system comprising:a wet/dry state detection unit configured to detect a wet/dry state of the electrolyte membrane;a flow rate adjustment unit configured to adjust a flow rate of the fuel supplied by the fuel supply unit to the fuel cell; anda temperature adjustment unit configured to adjust temperature of the oxidant supplied by the oxidant supply unit to the fuel ...

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Номер записи: 32
14-02-2019 дата публикации

CIRCULATION SYSTEM FOR A FUEL CELL VEHICLE

Номер: US20190047365A1
Автор: Fink Sebastian, Sonnekalb Michael
Принадлежит:

The invention relates to a circulation system () for a fuel cell vehicle, with a first flow circuit () which conveys a first fluid and can be operated in heat pump operation; a second flow circuit () which can be operated in a heat exchange connection to the first flow circuit () and which conveys a second fluid, in particular for the purpose of cooling a traction battery (); and a third flow circuit () which can be operated in a heat exchange connection to the second flow circuit () and which conveys a third fluid, in particular for the purpose of cooling a fuel, cell arrangement (), wherein the circulation system () also has a fourth flow circuit () which conveys a fourth fluid, and at least one conveying device () for the fourth fluid, least one heat exchanger () and/or convector () to which the fourth fluid can be conveyed for the purpose of heating at least one interior of a fuel cell vehicle and one heat exchanger () to which the fourth fluid can be conveyed for a heat exchange with the first fluid are arranged in the fourth flow circuit (), wherein this heat exchanger () to which the first fluid can also be conveyed is arranged in the high-pressure region of the first flow circuit (). Such, a circulation system () improves the flexibility and efficiency of the temperature control of vehicle interiors and of components of a fuel cell vehicle. 11. A circulation system () for a fuel cell vehicle , comprising at least:{'b': 10', '3', '7', '15', '21', '21', '15', '3, 'one first flow circuit () which conveys a first fluid, in which are arranged, in the intended flow direction of the first fluid, at least one compressor (), at least one heat exchanger () used as a condenser or gas cooler, at least one expansion element (), and at least one further heat exchanger () used as an evaporator, wherein the at least one first heat exchanger () to which the first fluid can be conveyed is arranged after the at least one expansion element () and before the at least one ...

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Номер записи: 33
03-03-2016 дата публикации

SOFC Hot Box Components

Номер: US20160064748A1
Автор: Kalika Vlad, Venkataraman Swaminathan, Weingaertner David
Принадлежит:

Various hot box fuel cell system components are provided, such as heat exchangers, steam generator and other components. 1. A fuel cell system comprising:a hot box; anda fuel cell stack, an anode tail gas oxidizer (ATO), an anode exhaust stream splitter, and an anode cooler heat exchanger located in the hot box;wherein the splitter is configured to provide a first portion of a fuel cell stack anode exhaust stream into the ATO while allowing a remainder of the anode exhaust stream to pass through the splitter into the anode cooler without being provided into the ATO.2. The fuel cell system of claim 1 , further comprising an anode recuperator heat exchanger and a cathode recuperator heat exchanger in the same hot box as the anode exhaust stream splitter.3. The fuel cell system of claim 2 , wherein the anode recupertor heat exchanger includes a fuel reformation catalyst such that the anode recuperator heat exchanger functions as both a heat exchanger and a per-reformer.4. The fuel cell system of claim 3 , further comprising a steam generator in the same hot box as the anode exhaust stream splitter.5. The fuel cell system of claim 4 , further comprising an anode recycle blower and a mixer located outside of the hot box.6. The fuel cell system of claim 5 , wherein:an output of the anode cooler heat exchanger is connected to the anode recycle blower;an output of the anode recycle blower is connected to the mixer;an output of the steam generator is connected to the mixer to mix a second portion of the anode exhaust stream with steam.7. The fuel cell system of claim 5 , wherein:an anode exhaust stream from the fuel cell stack is provided into the anode recuperator heat exchanger to heat a fuel inlet stream before the fuel inlet stream reaches the fuel cell stack;the anode exhaust stream from the anode recuperator heat exchanger is provided into the anode exhaust stream splitter; andthe air inlet stream from the anode cooler is provided into the cathode recuperator heat ...

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Номер записи: 34
20-02-2020 дата публикации

COOLING SYSTEM AND METHOD

Номер: US20200058967A1
Автор: Berge Tore, BØRSHEIM Eirik, Skjetne Arve
Принадлежит: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT

An energy storage module with one or more energy storage devices and a cooler on which the energy storage device is mounted in contact with the energy storage device. The cooler has one or more cooling fluid channels for circulating cooling fluid, the channels being in contact with a surface of the energy storage device, each cooling fluid channel being adapted to receive cooling fluid from a source of cooling fluid, extract heat from the energy storage device and return the cooling fluid to the source. At least a part of the cooling fluid channel includes a material having a melting point above 100° C. 113.-. (canceled)14. An energy storage module , the module comprising:one or more energy storage devices; andfor each energy storage device, a cooler on which the energy storage device is mounted, the cooler being in contact with the energy storage device;wherein the cooler comprises one or more cooling fluid channels for circulating cooling fluid, the channels being in contact with a surface of the energy storage device, each cooling fluid channel being adapted to receive cooling fluid from a source of cooling fluid, extract heat from the energy storage device and return the cooling fluid to the source;wherein the cooling fluid channels comprise a polymer material, polythene, polyamide, or thermal plastic; andwherein at least a part of the cooling fluid channel comprises a material having a melting point between 100° C. and 400° C.15. The module according to claim 14 ,wherein the cooler is formed by additive manufacturing, welding, or lamination.16. The module according to claim 14 ,wherein the cooling fluid channels have a circular or square cross section.17. The module according to claim 14 ,wherein the cooling fluid channels have a wall thickness of no more 5 mm.18. The module according to claim 14 ,wherein at least 30% of one surface of the energy storage device is in direct contact with the cooling fluid channels of the cooler.19. The module according to claim ...

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Номер записи: 35
22-05-2014 дата публикации

PROCEDURE FOR STACK VOLTAGE RECOVERY

Номер: US20140141348A1
Автор: Folmsbee Daniel T., Robb Gary M.
Принадлежит: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

A system and method for reconditioning a fuel cell stack to recover stack voltage loss. The method includes first operating the fuel cell stack in a wet condition where the humidity level in the stack is above 100% to provide liquid water at the cell electrodes. The method then applies a low voltage potential to the stack that causes contaminants to be released from the catalyst surface of the cell electrodes. This step can include starving the cathode side of oxygen for a limited period of time. The method then causes water to flow through the stack so that the contaminants are flushed out of the stack. The process can be performed during vehicle operation where small amounts of voltage would be recovered or during vehicle service where a relatively large amount of voltage could be recovered. 1. A method for removing contaminants from electrodes in a fuel cell stack in a fuel cell system to recover stack voltage loss , said method comprising:causing liquid water to be present at surfaces of the electrodes in the fuel cell stack;applying a relatively low voltage potential to the fuel cell stack to cause contaminants on the electrodes to be released into the liquid water; andflushing the fuel cell stack by causing water flow through the stack to remove the contaminants.2. The method according to wherein causing liquid water to be present includes reducing the temperature of the stack.3. The method according to wherein applying a low voltage potential to the stack includes starving a cathode side of the fuel cell stack of oxygen.4. The method according to wherein applying a low voltage potential to the stack includes operating the stack at a cathode stoichiometry of about 1.5. The method according to wherein applying a low voltage potential to the fuel cell stack includes applying the low voltage potential when the fuel cell system is in a stand-by mode.6. The method according to wherein applying a low voltage potential includes applying the low voltage potential when ...

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Номер записи: 36
02-03-2017 дата публикации

THERMAL MANAGEMENT OF FUEL CELL UNITS AND SYSTEMS

Номер: US20170062852A1
Автор: Dewald Paul, Finnerty Caine
Принадлежит:

Various designs and configurations of and methods of operating fuel cell units, fuel cell systems and combined heat and power systems are provided that permit efficient thermal management of such units and systems to improve their operation. 172-. (canceled)73. A fuel cell unit , the fuel cell unit comprising:a reformer;a fuel cell stack in operable fluid communication with the reformer; 'wherein a reduced level of thermal insulation is in comparison to the level of thermal insulation in contact with, adjacent to, and/or in thermal communication with the other face(s), segment(s) thereof, or other surface(s) of the fuel cell unit; and', 'wherein a reduced level of thermal insulation is in contact with, adjacent to, and/or in thermal communication with at least one face, a segment thereof, or one surface of the fuel cell unit thereby to increase heat transfer through and/or from the at least one face, the segment thereof, or one surface,'}, 'an afterburner in operable fluid communication with the fuel cell stack,'}a liquid heat-exchange plate or a liquid heat-exchange jacket in thermal communication with the reduced level of thermal insulation, thereby to transfer preferentially heat through and/or from the at least one face, a segment thereof, or one surface to a heat-exchange liquid in the liquid heat-exchange plate or a liquid heat-exchange jacket.74. The fuel cell unit of claim 73 , wherein the liquid heat-exchange plate or the liquid heat-exchange jacket encompasses one or more of the reformer claim 73 , the fuel cell unit claim 73 , and the afterburner.75. The fuel cell unit of claim 73 , wherein the liquid heat-exchange plate or the liquid heat-exchange liquid heat-exchange jacket comprises an interface configured to connect the liquid heat-exchange plate or the liquid heat-exchange jacket to a common liquid heat-exchange conduit of a fuel cell system.76. The fuel cell unit of claim 75 , wherein the interface between the liquid heat-exchange plate or the ...

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Номер записи: 37
04-03-2021 дата публикации

Fuel cell system

Номер: US20210066731A1
Автор: Martin Hauth, Nikolaus Soukup
Принадлежит: AVL List GmbH

The present invention relates to a fuel cell system comprising a fuel supply unit, at least one high-temperature fuel cell having a cathode and an anode and an electrolyte between the cathode and anode. The cathode has a cathode supply line and the anode has an anode supply line, wherein the anode is fluidically connected via the anode supply line to the fuel supply unit. Furthermore, a reforming device is arranged in the anode supply line. In addition, an anode exhaust gas line is provided for at least discharging anode exhaust gas from the anode. The fuel cell system has an exhaust gas heat exchanger for cooling exhaust gas and a recirculation conveyor for returning anode exhaust gas to the reforming device. The recirculation conveyor and the exhaust gas heat exchanger are connected to one another in fluid communication for respective cooling via a common cooling circuit, which has a central cooling fluid store as a fluid source with a heat exchanger and in which cooling fluid can be circulated in a cooling line. In addition, the cooling circuit has at least one pump for conveying cooling fluid. The invention further relates to a method for cooling a fuel cell system.

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Номер записи: 38
28-02-2019 дата публикации

METHOD OF MAKING A DISTRIBUTED OPTICAL FIBER SENSOR HAVING ENHANCED RAYLEIGH SCATTERING AND ENHANCED TEMPERATURE STABILITY, AND MONITORING SYSTEMS EMPLOYING SAME

Номер: US20190064432A1
Автор: BURIC MICHAEL P., CHEN PENG KEVIN, Huang Sheng, OHODNICKI PAUL R., YAN AIDONG
Принадлежит: University of Pittsburgh - of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education

A method of making an optical fiber sensor device for distributed sensing includes generating a laser beam comprising a plurality of ultrafast pulses, and focusing the laser beam into a core of an optical fiber to form a nanograting structure within the core, wherein the nanograting structure includes a plurality of spaced nanograting elements each extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of optical fiber. Also, an optical fiber sensor device for distributed sensing includes an optical fiber having a longitudinal axis, a core, and a nanograting structure within the core, wherein the nanograting structure includes a plurality of spaced nanograting elements each extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the optical fiber. Also, a distributed sensing method and system and an energy production system that employs such an optical fiber sensor device. 1. A method of making an optical fiber sensor device structured for distributed sensing , comprising:generating a laser beam comprising a plurality of ultrafast pulses; andfocusing the laser beam into a core of an optical fiber to form a nanograting structure within the core, wherein the nanograting structure includes a plurality of spaced nanograting elements each extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of optical fiber.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of ultrafast pulses comprises a plurality of femtosecond ultrafast pulses.3. The method according to claim 2 , wherein each of the femtosecond ultrafast pulses is a sub-μJ laser pulse.4. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising causing the laser beam and the optical fiber to be moved relative to one another during focusing such that the nanograting structure is formed within a longitudinally extending portion of the core.5. The method according to claim 4 , wherein a position of the laser beam in a longitudinal direction is stationary and wherein the optical fiber is caused to move ...

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Номер записи: 39
12-03-2015 дата публикации

FUEL CELL SYSTEM

Номер: US20150072259A1
Автор: Furukoshi Takurou, Kakehashi Nobuharu, Kikawa Shunjiro, NISHIKAWA Michio
Принадлежит: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA

A radiator cap is connected to a circulating circuit at a connecting point located upstream of a water pump in a flow direction of coolant and that regulates a pressure in the circulating circuit to be within a predetermined pressure range that is higher than or equal to an atmospheric pressure at the connecting point. A rotary valve is disposed in the circulating circuit at upstream of the connecting point of the radiator cap in the flow direction of coolant. Accordingly, a cavitation is restricted from occurring, and the water pump can perform enough efficiency. A communication passage that has an upstream end and a downstream end connected to the circulating circuit may be disposed instead of the radiator cap. In this case, a pressure regulating valve is disposed in the communication passage. 1. A fuel cell system , comprising:a fuel cell unit having a fuel cell;a circulating circuit in which coolant circulates to cool the fuel cell;a radiator that is disposed in the circulating circuit and radiates heat of the coolant to outside;a bypass passage that (i) is branched from the circulating circuit at a separating point that is located upstream of the radiator in a flow direction of coolant, (ii) is connected to the circulating circuit at a meeting point that is located downstream of the radiator in the flow direction of coolant, and (iii) makes the coolant bypass the radiator;a three-way valve device that is disposed in the circulating circuit and adjusts a flow ratio of a coolant flowing through the radiator to a coolant flowing through the bypass passage;a pump unit that is positioned downstream of the meeting point in the circulating circuit and makes the coolant circulate in the circulating circuit; anda pressure regulator that is connected to the circulating circuit at a connecting point located upstream of the pump unit in a flow direction of coolant and that regulates a pressure in the circulating circuit to be within a predetermined pressure range that is ...

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Номер записи: 40
29-05-2014 дата публикации

SYSTEM FOR ADJUSTING TEMPERATURE OF COOLING-LIQUID FOR FUEL CELL, AND THERMOSTAT VALVE

Номер: US20140147764A1
Автор: Aoki Tetsuya, Chikugo Hayato, MATSUMOTO Michihiko, Odashima Masato, TAKEMOTO Shinichiro
Принадлежит:

A system for adjusting temperature of cooling-liquid comprises: a radiator; a cooling-liquid circulation flow-channel; a radiator bypass flow-channel; a thermostat valve; and a valve bypass flow-channel through which the cooling-liquid of the radiator bypass flow-channel is allowed to flow in a predetermined amount even if the thermostat valve is completely closed. 115.-. (canceled)16. A system for adjusting temperature of cooling-liquid for a fuel cell , comprising:a fuel cell;a radiator configured to radiate heat of the cooling-liquid;a cooling-liquid circulation flow-channel configured to connect the fuel cell and the radiator in a manner that the cooling-liquid flows in circulation;a radiator bypass flow-channel configured to connect an upstream and a downstream of the radiator in a manner that the cooling-liquid bypasses the radiator;a thermostat valve which is disposed in the radiator bypass flow-channel and is configured to adjust a flow-rate for flowing through the radiator bypass flow-channel; anda valve bypass flow-channel through which the cooling-liquid of the radiator bypass flow-channel flows at a predetermined amount even if the thermostat valve is completely closed.17. The system for adjusting temperature of cooling-liquid for a fuel cell according to claim 16 , whereinthe valve bypass flow-channel is formed in a housing of the thermostat valve.18. The system for adjusting temperature of cooling-liquid for a fuel cell according to claim 16 , whereina pressure loss in the valve bypass flow-channel is set in a manner that a maximum target flow-rate for the radiator is attainable.19. The system for adjusting temperature of cooling-liquid for a fuel cell according to claim 16 , wherein claim 16 ,a flow-rate ratio between a flow-rate for flowing through the radiator bypass flow-channel and flowing into the thermostat valve and a flow-rate for flowing through the valve bypass flow-channel is determined in a manner that an upper limit temperature of the ...

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Номер записи: 41
17-03-2022 дата публикации

Thermal management of fuel cell units and systems

Номер: US20220085393A1
Автор: Caine Finnerty, Paul DEWALD
Принадлежит: WATT Fuel Cell Corp

Various designs and configurations of and methods of operating fuel cell units, fuel cell systems and combined heat and power systems are provided that permit efficient thermal management of such units and systems to improve their operation.

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Номер записи: 42
08-03-2018 дата публикации

FUEL CELL SYSTEM AND ITS OPERATION METHOD

Номер: US20180069250A1
Автор: SANUKI Yasutaka, UI Shinya, YOKOYAMA Hisanobu
Принадлежит: FUJI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.

A fuel cell system includes a heater and a radiator provided in a waste heat recovery circulation line. The heater converts the surplus power of a solid oxide fuel cell into heat when a grid power network and the solid oxide fuel cell switch from the inter-connected state to the disconnected state. The radiator controls the temperature of the heat produced in the heater. 1. A fuel cell system comprising:a solid oxide fuel cell that generates power by an electrochemical reaction of a fuel gas and an oxidant gas;a waste heat recovery circulation line, which is provided apart from the solid oxide fuel cell, and which recovers heat of a discharged gas from the solid oxide fuel cell;a grid inter-connection relay configured to switch between an inter-connected state in which the solid oxide fuel cell is connected to a grid power network and a disconnected state in which the solid oxide fuel cell is disconnected from the grid power network;a surplus power conversion unit, in the waste heat recovery circulation line, which converts surplus power, which is part of the power generated by the solid oxide fuel cell when the grid inter-connection relay is in the disconnected state, into heat, and recovers the heat;a waste heat processing unit, in the waste heat recovery circulation line, which receives a supply of power from the solid oxide fuel cell in the disconnected state of the grid inter-connection relay, or from the grid power network in the inter-connected state of the grid inter-connection relay, and which, regardless of whether the grid inter-connection relay is in the inter-connected state or the disconnected state, controls a temperature of a heat medium that flows in the waste heat recovery circulation line and releases the recovered heat to outside of the fuel cell system; anda control unit that controls the surplus power conversion unit and the waste heat processing unit to selectively drive the surplus power conversion unit and the waste heat processing unit.2. ...

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Номер записи: 43
09-03-2017 дата публикации

Fuel cell system and fuel cell vehicle

Номер: US20170069920A1
Автор: Hideaki SAKAKIBARA
Принадлежит: Toyota Motor Corp

The fuel cell system is provided with a radiator, a first flow passage in which refrigerant flows from a fuel cell stack towards a radiator, a second flow passage in which refrigerant flows from the radiator towards a fuel cell stack, a bypass flow passage that connects the radiator with a position in the second flow passage at which refrigerant flows into the fuel cell stack, and a control part. In the bypass flow passage, an on-off valve and a reserve tank are provided from the upstream side. The control part feeds refrigerant to the fuel cell stack by opening the on-off valve and allowing refrigerant previously stored in the reserve tank to join the second flow passage in a case where refrigerant temperature detected by an inflowing refrigerant temperature detection part exceeds previously set base temperature.

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Номер записи: 44
09-03-2017 дата публикации

SOLID OXIDE FUEL CELL OR SOLID OXIDE ELECTROLYZING CELL AND METHOD FOR OPERATING SUCH A CELL

Номер: US20170069924A1
Автор: Wuillemin Zacharie
Принадлежит: HTCERAMIX S.A.

A method for operating a solid oxide fuel cell having cathode-anode-electrolyte units, each including a first electrode for an oxidizing agent, a second electrode for combustible gas, and a solid electrolyte there between forming a metal interconnection between the CAE-units. The interconnect including a combustible gas distribution structure, and a second metallic gas distribution element having two channels for the oxidizing agent and separate channels for a tempering fluid. Cooling the second gas distribution element and a base layer of the first gas distribution element with the tempering fluid (O). Measuring the first and second control temperatures T and T T being the tempering fluid temperature entering the fluid inlet side of the fuel cell. T being the tempering fluid temperature leaving the second gas distribution element. Where the amount of tempering fluid supplied to the second gas distribution element is controlled based on the difference between T and T 11212. A method for operating a solid oxide fuel cell or a solid oxide electrolyzing cell , the solid oxide fuel cell having: a) a plurality of cathode-anode-electrolyte units , each CAE-unit including a first electrode for an oxidizing agent , a second electrode for a combustible gas , and a solid electrolyte between the first electrode and the second electrode , and b) a metal interconnect between the CAE-units , the interconnect including: a first metallic gas distribution element comprising a gas distribution structure for the combustible gas , and a second metallic gas distribution element comprising channels for the oxidizing agent and comprising separate channels for a tempering fluid , wherein the channels split the oxidizing agent (O) into two flow paths (O , O) ,) , a channel for an oxidizing agent (O) and a channel for a tempering fluid (O) , the method comprising:{'b': '2', 'introducing a tempering fluid (O) which contacts and cools the second gas distribution element and a base layer of the ...

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Номер записи: 45
19-03-2015 дата публикации

FUEL CELL ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A FUEL CELL ASSEMBLY

Номер: US20150079490A1
Автор: Hellmann Mark, Kemmer Helerson
Принадлежит:

A fuel cell assembly (), having at least one fuel cell () with a cathode () and an anode, the cathode () and the anode each having a fluid inlet () and a fluid outlet (), a cooling device () for cooling at least the cathode () of the fuel cell () by means of a coolant, and a device () for influencing the moisture content of at least one cathode fluid. 11101111121314111015201311102113111015. A fuel cell assembly () , comprising at least one fuel cell () with a cathode () and an anode , the cathode () and the anode each having a fluid inlet () and a fluid outlet () , a cooling device () for cooling at least the cathode () of the fuel cell () by means of a coolant , and a device () for influencing the moisture content of at least one cathode fluid , also comprising a first temperature sensor () for measuring the temperature of the coolant close to the fluid outlet () from the cathode () of the fuel cell () , and a second temperature sensor () for measuring the temperature of the cathode fluid at or at least close to the fluid outlet () from the cathode () of the fuel cell () , and wherein the device () is configured to influence the moisture content at least of the cathode fluid on the basis of temperature measurements by the first temperature sensor and by the second temperature sensor.2110. The fuel cell assembly () according to claim 1 , characterized in that the at least one fuel cell () is configured to be operated with pure hydrogen as a fuel fluid.3110. The fuel cell assembly () according to claim 2 , characterized in that the at least one fuel cell () is configured as a polymer-electrolyte-membrane fuel cell (PEM-FC).4110. The fuel cell assembly () according to claim 1 , characterized in that the at least one fuel cell () is configured as a polymer-electrolyte-membrane fuel cell (PEM-FC).51151. The fuel cell assembly () according to claim 1 , characterized in that the device () is configured to adapt a stoichiometry and/or to adapt an operating temperature of ...

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Номер записи: 46
19-03-2015 дата публикации

FUEL CELL

Номер: US20150079491A1
Автор: ISHIDA Kentaro, SUGIURA Seiji
Принадлежит: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.

A fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly and separators, an inner sealing member and an outer sealing member, a coolant channel, a base seal, an inner protrusion and an outer protrusion, and a middle protrusion. The membrane electrode assembly and the separators are stacked in a stacking direction. The inner sealing member and the outer sealing member are disposed between a first separator and a second separator. The base seal is disposed on at least one of separator surfaces between the second separator and a third separator. The inner protrusion and the outer protrusion are provided on the base seal so as to respectively overlap the inner sealing member and the outer sealing member when viewed in the stacking direction and so as to protrude between the second separator and the third separator in the stacking direction. 1. A fuel cell comprising:a membrane electrode assembly and separators that are stacked, the membrane electrode assembly including an electrolyte membrane and a pair of electrodes sandwiching the electrolyte membrane therebetween, each of the separators having an outer size larger than that of the membrane electrode assembly;an inner sealing member and an outer sealing member that are disposed between a pair of the separators facing each other with the membrane electrode assembly therebetween, the inner sealing member being in contact with an outer peripheral portion of the membrane electrode assembly, the outer sealing member being located outward from an outer peripheral end portion of the membrane electrode assembly;a coolant channel formed between separator surfaces of an adjacent pair of the separators, the coolant channel allowing a coolant to flow along the separator surfaces;a base seal disposed on one of the separator surfaces between which the coolant channel is formed, the base seal extending along the separator surface and having a thickness in a height direction that is less than that of each of the inner sealing member and ...

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Номер записи: 47
16-03-2017 дата публикации

BIPOLAR PLATE FOR LOW PRESSURE FEED ELECTRODE OPERATION

Номер: US20170077528A1
Автор: Bahar Bamdad, Fackler Scott Thomas, Parmelee William, Zachary Kariakos
Принадлежит:

A bipolar plate having side ports is described for use with an electrochemical cell. A side port having a high aspect ratio will have an effect on the partial pressure of the reactant gasses and prevent high pressure drop of the working fluid transport to the electrodes. The membrane electrode assembly may have a high aspect ratio and the port opening may be on the long side of the bipolar plate. The electrochemical cell may be configured in an enclosure that is maintained at less than atmospheric pressure which further increases the need for low pressure drop fuel deliver to the electrodes, especially in electrochemical compressor applications. 1. An electrochemical cell comprising: [ 'wherein the anode has an anode length and an anode width;', 'i) an anode side having a gas pervious anode,'}, 'ii) a cathode side having a gas pervious cathode, and', 'iii) an electrolytic membrane disposed between and in intimate electrical contact with the cathode and the anode to pass a working fluid therethrough,, 'a) a membrane electrode assembly comprisingb) a bipolar plate coupled to the anode side of the gas pervious anode and having a length and a width and a plurality of port openings along the length for delivery of said working fluid to the gas pervious anode,wherein at least a portion of the working fluid is transferred across the membrane electrode assembly.2. The electrochemical cell of claim 1 , wherein the anode bipolar plate has an aspect ratio of length to width of at least 2.0.3. The electrochemical cell of claim 1 , wherein the anode has an aspect ratio of the anode length to the anode width of at least 2.0.4. The electrochemical cell of claim 1 , wherein the port openings along the length of the anode bipolar plate are at least 50% of the anode length.5. The electrochemical cell of claim 1 , wherein the port openings along the length of the anode bipolar plate are at least 70% of the anode length.6. The electrochemical cell of claim 1 , wherein a pressure on the ...

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Номер записи: 48
16-03-2017 дата публикации

Thermal control system for tramcar

Номер: US20170077529A1
Автор: Bangcheng Sun, Bin Liu, LU Han, Ming Li, Minggao LI, QI Li, Qiumin ZHANG, Xiaoyan Zang
Принадлежит: CRRC Tangshan Co Ltd

Disclosed is a thermal control system for a tramcar. The system includes a roof profile ( 11 ) arranged above a compartment roof of the tramcar ( 10 ); a fuel cell system ( 12 ) and an air-conditioning system ( 14 ) arranged above the roof profile ( 11 ); and a heat dissipating system ( 13 ) arranged above the roof profile ( 11 ), where the fuel cell system ( 12 ) communicates with the heat dissipating system ( 13 ) via a piping ( 16 ), and the piping ( 16 ) is arranged with a circulating pump ( 15 ) for pumping a coolant to the heat dissipating system. The thermal control system solves the problem of low heat dissipating efficiency of a fuel cell in the prior art.

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Номер записи: 49
24-03-2022 дата публикации

Dehydrogenation method for hydrogen storage materials

Номер: US20220093945A1
Автор: Chia-Chieh Shen, Fang-Bor Weng, Han-Wen Liu, Ho Chun CHEUNG, Jin-Xun ZHANG, Jyun-Wei Chen, Kuan-Lin Chen, Mei-Chin Chen, Shih-Hung Chan, Ya-Che WU, Yi-Hsuan Lin
Принадлежит: YUAN ZE UNIVERSITY

A dehydrogenation method for hydrogen storage materials, which is executed by a fuel cell system. The fuel cell system includes a hydrogen storage material tank, a heating unit, a fuel cell, a pump, a water thermal management unit and a heat recovery unit. The described dehydrogenation method utilizes the heating unit and the heat recovery unit to provide thermal energy to the hydrogen storage material tank, so that hydrogen storage material is heated to the dehydrogenation temperature. The pump extracts hydrogen from the hydrogen storage material tank, so that the hydrogen storage material is under negative pressure (i.e. H2 absolute pressure below 1 atm), according to which the hydrogen storage material is dehydrogenated, and the dehydrogenation efficiency and the amount of hydrogen release are improved. The method n can reduce the dehydrogenation temperature of the hydrogen storage material, and reduce the thermal energy consumption for heating the hydrogen storage material.

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Номер записи: 50
18-03-2021 дата публикации

FUEL CELL SYSTEM

Номер: US20210083307A1
Автор: Choi Song Ho, LEE Jun Woo
Принадлежит:

A fuel cell system is disclosed. The fuel cell system comprises: a fuel cell module including a plurality of unit cells for generating electrical energy by using oxygen of air and hydrogen of a reformed fuel gas; a first module including a burner part which burns an unreacted fuel gas and air discharged from the fuel cell module, an air-heating part which heats air through heat exchange with a hot combustion gas and a flame generated by the burner part and supplies the heated air to the fuel cell module, and a water vapor generation part which converts water, flowing through an inner portion thereof, into water vapor through heat exchange with a hot combustion gas generated by the burner part; and a second module which mixes a fuel supplied from an external fuel supply source and water vapor supplied from an water-vapor generator part, allows a water vapor reformation reaction to occur, and supplies a reformed fuel gas to the fuel cell module. 1. A fuel cell system comprising:a fuel cell module including a plurality of unit cells for generating electric energy using oxygen of air and hydrogen of reformed fuel gas; a burner to burn unreacted fuel gas and air discharged from the fuel cell module;', 'a heat-transfer device placed adjacent to the burner to heat air via heat exchange thereof with flame and hot combusted gas generated from the burner and to supply the heated air to the fuel cell module; and', 'a water-vapor generator disposed adjacent to the burner to convert water moving therein to water vapor via heat exchange thereof with the hot combusted gas; and, 'a first module including mix fuel supplied from an external fuel supply source and the water vapor supplied from the water-vapor generator with each other to form a mixture;', 'perform a water vapor reforming reaction of the mixture; and', 'supply the reformed fuel gas to the fuel cell module., 'a second module placed adjacent to the first module, wherein the second module is configured to2. The fuel cell ...

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Номер записи: 51
26-03-2015 дата публикации

Fuel Cell Stack Arrangement with at least one Multi-Functional End Plate

Номер: US20150086886A1
Автор: Blank Felix, Hollnaicher Simon, Keuerleber Martin, Martinec Jan, Mazzotta Cosimo, Pfister Uwe, Procter Michael, Sarkady Pavel, Schmid Wolfgang, STARK Holger
Принадлежит:

A fuel cell stack arrangement includes a fuel cells arranged between a first and a second end plate. At least one of the end plates is designed as a channel end plate with at least one channel. The channel has a stack opening, which is opened in the direction of the stack, and a second opening. The stack opening and the second opening are connected to each other via a channel section and are arranged at a distance to each other in a top view looking down on the channel end plate. 113-. (canceled)14. A fuel cell stack arrangement , comprising:a plurality of fuel cells; anda first and a second end plate, wherein the plurality of fuel cells are arranged in the form of a stack between the first and second end plates,wherein at least one of the first and second end plates is a channel end plate with at least one channel, wherein the channel has a first stack opening, which is opened in the direction of the stack, and a second opening, and wherein the first stack opening and the second opening are connected to each other via a channel section,wherein the first stack opening and the second opening are arranged, in a top view looking down on the at least one channel end plate, at a distance to each other.15. The fuel cell stack arrangement of claim 14 , wherein the channel is configured to conduct a fuel claim 14 , oxidant or coolant.16. The fuel cell stack arrangement of claim 14 , wherein the second opening is a second stack opening.17. The fuel cell stack arrangement of claim 14 , wherein the second opening is an external opening.18. The fuel cell stack arrangement of claim 17 , wherein the channel is configured to carry a coolant and the channel includes an insulating section.19. The fuel cell stack arrangement of claim 14 , wherein the channel is configured as part of an oxidant supply and the channel includes a swirl region.20. The fuel cell stack arrangement of claim 19 , wherein the channel has two external openings and the first stack opening claim 19 , wherein a ...

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Номер записи: 52
12-06-2014 дата публикации

FUEL CELL STACK INCLUDING COOLING PLATE FOR IMPROVING TEMPERATURE DISTRIBUTION

Номер: US20140162165A1
Автор: KIM Ji-rae, Kim Jin-ho, KO Jeong-sik, SONG Tae-won
Принадлежит: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.

A fuel cell stack includes a first separating plate, a second separating plate corresponding to the first separating plate, a plurality of cells comprising a membrane electrode assembly disposed between the first separating plate and the second separating plate, and a cooling plate disposed between the plurality of cells, where a cooling channel is defined at opposing surfaces of the cooling plate. 1. A fuel cell stack comprising:a first separating plate,a second separating plate corresponding to the first separating plate,a plurality of cells comprising a membrane electrode assembly disposed between the first separating plate and the second separating plate, anda cooling plate disposed between the plurality of cells,wherein a cooling channel is defined at opposing surfaces of the cooling plate.2. The fuel cell stack according to claim 1 , further comprising:a blocking plate disposed between the cooling plate and a cell neighboring the cooling plate.3. The fuel cell stack according to claim 1 , wherein a first cooling channel defined in a first surface of the cooling plate; and', 'a second cooling channel defined in a second surface of the cooling plate, and, 'the cooling channel comprisesthe first and the second cooling channels are arranged such that a high temperature portion of the first cooling channel corresponds to a low temperature portion of the second cooling channel.4. The fuel cell stack according to claim 3 , wherein the first cooling channel and the second cooling channel have a zigzag shape.5. The fuel cell stack according to claim 3 , wherein the first cooling channel and the second cooling channel are arranged in a crisscross claim 3 , interdigitated claim 3 , biomimetic or fractal form.7. The fuel cell stack according to claim 3 , wherein a width of the first cooling channel is substantially the same as or different from a width of the second cooling channel.8. The fuel cell stack according to claim 3 , wherein at least one of the first cooling ...

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Номер записи: 53
23-03-2017 дата публикации

FUEL CELL STACK

Номер: US20170084933A1
Автор: Kim Hyunyoo, KIM JuHan, Kwon Hyuck Roul
Принадлежит:

A fuel cell stack is provided and includes a plurality of unit cells in which manifolds are provided and an end structural body that includes a current collector and an end plate. The end structural body is disposed at each of outermost sides of the unit cells. Additionally, a heat transfer member is disposed between the end structural body and the outermost side of the unit cell and contacts the outermost side of the unit cell in a planar direction. 1. A fuel cell stack , comprising:a plurality of unit cells in which manifolds are provided;an end structural body that includes a current collector and an end plate, and that is disposed at each of outermost sides of the unit cells; anda heat transfer member that is disposed between the end structural body and the outermost side of the unit cell and contacts the outermost side of the unit cell in a planar direction.2. The fuel cell stack of claim 1 , further comprising:a medium plate interposed between the current collector of the end structural body and the outermost side of the unit cell,wherein the heat transfer member is flatly inserted into one surface of the medium plate.3. The fuel cell stack of claim 2 , wherein an insertion groove into which the heat transfer member is inserted is formed in one surface of the medium plate claim 2 , and the heat transfer member is inserted into the insertion groove claim 2 , and the heat transfer member and the medium plate form the same surface.4. The fuel cell stack of claim 2 , wherein a first side of the heat transfer member is disposed in the manifold that corresponds to a high temperature part from which a reaction fluid and a coolant are discharged claim 2 , and a second side of the heat transfer member is disposed in the manifold that corresponds to a low temperature part in which the reaction fluid and the coolant flow.5. The fuel cell stack of claim 4 , wherein the heat transfer member includes:a main body having thermal conductivity;a wick formed on an inner wall ...

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Номер записи: 54
02-04-2015 дата публикации

FUEL CELL STACK

Номер: US20150093670A1
Автор: Ikeda Yuta, ISHIDA Kentaro, Kobayashi Tsuyoshi, MIZUSAKI Kimiharu, NAGUMO Kenji, Nishiyama Tadashi, SUZUKI Masaharu
Принадлежит:

A fuel cell stack includes a stack body formed by stacking a plurality of power generation cells. At one end of the stack body, a terminal plate, an insulating member, and an end plate are stacked. At the other end of the stack body, a terminal plate, an insulating member, and an end plate are stacked. A coolant channel is formed between the insulating member and the end plate for allowing a coolant to flow along a surface of the end plate. 1. A fuel cell stack including a stack body formed by stacking a plurality of power generation cells and terminal plates , insulating members , and end plates provided at both ends of the stack body in the stacking direction , the power generation cells each having an electrolyte electrode assembly and a separator , the electrolyte electrode assembly including a pair of electrodes and an electrolyte interposed between the electrodes , the fuel cell stack having a coolant flow field for allowing a coolant to flow along surfaces of the electrodes , and coolant passage connected to the coolant flow field for allowing the coolant to flow in the stacking direction ,wherein a coolant channel is formed between the insulating member and the end plate for allowing the coolant to flow along a surface of the end plate.2. The fuel cell stack according to claim 1 , wherein a lid member is provided between the insulating member and the end plate; anda plurality of coolant channel grooves are formed on a surface of the insulating member facing the lid member or on a surface of the lid member facing the insulating member to form the coolant channel between the insulating member and the lid member.3. The fuel cell stack according to claim 2 , wherein the lid member has a terminal collar passing through the end plate; andthe terminal collar has a terminal hole for inserting a terminal member protruding from the terminal plate in the stacking direction into the terminal hole.4. The fuel cell stack according to claim 2 , wherein the lid member has a ...

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Номер записи: 55
19-06-2014 дата публикации

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING COOLANT TEMPERATURE OF FUEL CELL SYSTEM

Номер: US20140170515A1
Автор: Kwon Sang Uk, Na Sung Wook, Park Hun Woo
Принадлежит:

Disclosed is an apparatus and method that controls a coolant temperature of a fuel cell system, which can improve fuel efficiency by performing a multi-point temperature control based on the power of a vehicle, the outdoor temperature for each season, etc. 1. An apparatus controlling a coolant temperature of a fuel cell system , the apparatus comprising:a valve installed in a coolant line to provide a flow path for coolant;a fuel cell controller configured to variably control a target stack inlet coolant temperature based on a control factor; anda controller configured to receive a control signal from the fuel cell controller and control the valve based on the control signal;wherein an operation temperature of the fuel cell system is controlled through a multi-point temperature control based on power of a vehicle and an outdoor temperature for each season to improve fuel efficiency.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the valve is a 3-way proportional valve operated by an electric actuator and is configured to control a stack inlet coolant temperature by controlling an opening degree of the 3-way proportional valve.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the control factor comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of an outdoor temperature claim 1 , a stack heat generation rate claim 1 , a stack outlet coolant temperature claim 1 , duration claim 1 , and a combination thereof.4. A method for controlling a coolant temperature of a fuel cell system claim 1 , the method comprising:measuring, by a sensor, the coolant temperature at an inlet of a fuel cell stack;variably controlling, by a fuel cell controller, a target stack inlet coolant temperature based on a control factor;comparing, by the fuel cell controller, a measured value of the stack inlet coolant temperature and a predetermined value of the target stack inlet coolant temperature; andcontrolling by the fuel cell controller, when the measured value of the stack inlet coolant temperature is ...

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Номер записи: 56
30-03-2017 дата публикации

FUEL CELL STACK

Номер: US20170092965A1
Автор: Ohta Hiroaki, TAKAHASHI Motohiro
Принадлежит:

An oxygen-containing gas discharge manifold member is provided for a first end plate of a fuel cell stack. The oxygen-containing gas discharge manifold member has a first opening connected to a non-circular oxygen-containing gas discharge passage and a second opening connected to a circular external pipe. In a front view of the first end plate, in an area where the opening shape of the first opening and the opening shape of the second opening are overlapped with each other a sensing part is provided. 1. A fuel cell stack including a plurality of power generation cells which are stacked together in a stacking direction , and end plates provided at both ends of the power generation cells in the stacking direction , the power generation cells each formed by stacking a membrane electrode assembly and a separator , the membrane electrode assembly including electrodes and an electrolyte membrane interposed between the electrodes ,wherein a fluid passage extends through the power generation cells, for allowing a reactant gas or a coolant to flow in the stacking direction of the power generation cells;a manifold member connecting the fluid passage and an external pipe is provided for one of the end plates;the manifold member has a first opening connected to the fluid passage, and a second opening connected to the external pipe, the first opening and the second opening having different opening shapes; andin a front view of one of the end plates, in an area where the opening shape of the first opening and the opening shape of the second opening are overlapped with each other, a sensing part of a sensor member for detecting the state of the fluid is provided.2. The fuel cell stack according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor member has a rod shape claim 1 , and oriented in a direction intersecting with a direction in which the fluid flows.3. The fuel cell stack according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor member includes a temperature sensor having a rod shape claim 1 , and the ...

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Номер записи: 57
07-04-2016 дата публикации

SOFC-CONDUCTION

Номер: US20160099476A1
Автор: Osenar Paul, Palumbo Nathan, Persky Joshua
Принадлежит: PROTONEX TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system included high thermal conductivity materials such as copper to increase thermal energy transfer by thermal conduction. The copper is protected from oxidation by nickel electroplating and protected from thermal damage by providing Hastelloy liners inside combustion chambers. Monel elements are used in the incoming air conduits to prevent cathode poisoning. 1. An Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) system comprising:hot zone enclosure walls disposed to enclose a hot zone cavity therein;a SOFC stack comprising one or more fuel cells disposed inside the hot zone cavity;wherein the hot zone enclosure walls are fabricated from one or more first materials having a thermal conductivity of greater than 100 W/(m° K).2. The SOFC system of further comprising a first protective material layer comprising a second material claim 1 , different from the one or more first materials claim 1 , applied over the first material to prevent oxidation of the one or more first materials.3. The SOFC system of further comprising:at least one thermal mass element disposed inside the hot zone cavity in thermally conductive communication with the hot zone enclosure walls;wherein the at least one thermal mass element is fabricated from one or more third materials having a thermal conductivity of greater than 100 W/(m° K).4. The SOFC system of further comprising a second protective material layer comprising and fourth material different from the one or more third materials claim 3 , applied over surfaces of the thermal mass element for preventing oxidation of the one or more third materials.5. The SOFC system of wherein the one or more first materials comprises copper with a wall thickness ranging from 0.01 to 0.125 inches and the second material comprises nickel plating applied to a thickness of at least 0.0005 inches.6. The SOFC system of wherein the one or more third materials comprises copper with an element thickness ranging from 0.01 to 0.375 inches and the ...

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Номер записи: 58
26-06-2014 дата публикации

Active thermal management system for fuel cell stack

Номер: US20140178784A1
Автор: Hee Seok Jeong, Sung Ho Lee
Принадлежит: Hyundai Motor Co

An active thermal management system for a fuel cell stack controls the distribution of coolant flow for each unit cell of the fuel cell stack based on the temperature distribution measured at unit cells of the fuel cell stack. A coolant distribution means is capable of controlling the distribution of coolant flow for different sets of unit cells. The coolant distribution means is disposed in a coolant inlet manifold, and controls the coolant flow based on the temperature distribution measured at different unit cells of the fuel cell stack so as to reduce temperature variation in the unit cells, thus improving the performance and durability of the fuel cell stack.

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Номер записи: 59
01-04-2021 дата публикации

Fuel cell heat retention with phase change material

Номер: US20210098801A1
Автор: Debasish Banerjee, Gaohua Zhu, Swetha Minupuri, Takeo Yamaguchi, Tenghua Shieh
Принадлежит: Toyota Motor Corp, Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing North America Inc

A passive thermal management system is provided for a fuel cell stack, along with methods for maintaining a uniform temperature across a fuel cell stack during cold weather conditions. The system includes a plurality of fuel cells arranged as a fuel cell stack. The fuel cell stack includes a main body portion defining an exterior surface and having first and second opposing end walls. The system includes a first end frame component having a first phase change material in thermal communication with the first end wall. A second end frame component is provided having a second phase change material in thermal communication with the second end wall. An insulation layer is wrapped around the exterior surface of the main body portion and is provided in thermal communication with the plurality of fuel cells.

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Номер записи: 60
06-04-2017 дата публикации

DETERMINING A SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF A THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF AN ELECTROCHEMICAL CELL

Номер: US20170098835A1
Автор: GERARD Mathias, NANDJOU DONGMEZA Fredy-lntelligent, Poirot-Crouvezier Jean-Philippe, ROBIN Christophe
Принадлежит: Commissariat A L'Energie Atomique Et Aux Energies Alternatives

The invention relates to a method for determining a spatial distribution (Rh) of a parameter of interest (Rh) representative of heat removal within a bipolar plate of an electrochemical cell, wherein a spatial distribution (Rh) of the parameter of interest (Rh) is determined depending on the spatial distribution (D) of a second thermal quantity (D) estimated beforehand from the spatial distribution (T) of a set-point temperature (Tc) and from the spatial distribution (Q) of a first thermal quantity (Q). 1. Method for determining a spatial distribution (Rh) of a parameter of interest (Rh) representative of heat removal within a bipolar plate of an electrochemical cell , said cell including two electrodes separated from each other by an electrolyte and placed between bipolar plates suitable for bringing reactive species to the electrodes and for removing the heat produced by the cell in operation , the bipolar plates being formed from two sheets that are bonded to each other , each sheet including embossments forming , in what is called an external face , a circuit for distributing a reactive species , the embossments of the sheets together forming , in what are called internal faces that are opposite the external faces , a cooling circuit including cooling channels that communicate fluidically with one another between an inlet and an outlet of the cooling circuit , comprising:{'sub': 'x,y', 'sup': 'f', 'i) providing an electrochemical cell, within which the parameter of interest (Rh) is distributed with an initial spatial distribution (Rh) and for which the spatial distribution of a temperature within the electrochemical cell in operation has at least one local value higher than or equal to a preset maximum local value;'}{'sub': 'x,y', 'sup': c', 'c, 'ii) defining a spatial distribution (T) of a set-point temperature (T) within the cell in operation, said distribution being such that the local temperature values are lower than preset maximum local values;'}{'sub': 'x ...

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Номер записи: 61
12-05-2022 дата публикации

A FUEL CELL VEHICLE THERMAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM WITH COLD START FUNCTION AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF

Номер: US20220149396A1
Автор: Chen Guodong, Jiang Renpu, Li Wei, WU Zhankuan, Xiong Shusheng, YE Shiyan, ZHANG Xiaoxuan
Принадлежит:

A fuel cell vehicle thermal management system with cold start function, which includes a fuel cell stack, an electronic water pump, an electronic thermostat, a cold start heater, a first solenoid valve, a thermal management controller, and the air intake preheating heat exchangers. The electronic water pump, electronic thermostat, cold start heater, and the first solenoid valve are all electrically connected to the thermal management controller. The coolant outlet of the fuel cell stack is connected with the liquid inlet of the electronic water pump, and the liquid outlet of the electronic water pump is connected with the liquid inlet of the electronic thermostat and the liquid inlet of the first solenoid valve. The first liquid outlet of the electronic thermostat is connected with the liquid inlet of the cold start heater. The liquid outlet of the cold start heater is connected with the liquid inlet of the fuel cell stack. The liquid outlet of the first solenoid valve is connected with the liquid inlet of the intake preheating heat exchanger. The liquid outlet of the intake preheating heat exchanger is connected with the liquid inlet of the cold start heater. The invention solves the problems of the cold start of the fuel cell vehicle in a low temperature environment and the preheating of cold air before entering the stack. 1. A fuel cell vehicle thermal management system with cold start function , comprising:a fuel cell stack, an electronic water pump, the electronic thermostat, a cold start of the heater, a first solenoid valve, a thermal management controller, the air intake preheating structure; the electronic water pump, the electronic thermostat, the cold start heater and first solenoid valve are all electrically connected to the thermal management controller; the electronic thermostat includes a liquid inlet, a first liquid outlet and a second liquid outlet; and the air intake preheating structure includes an intake preheating heat exchanger arranged in the ...

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Номер записи: 62
12-05-2022 дата публикации

ELECTRICITY GENERATION DEVICES USING FORMIC ACID

Номер: US20220149404A1
Автор: HUANG Kuo-Wei, Zheng Junrong
Принадлежит:

The present disclosure relates generally to portable energy generation devices and methods. The devices are designed to covert formic acid into released hydrogen, alleviating the need for a hydrogen tank as a hydrogen source for fuel cell power. In particular, an electricity generation device for powering a battery comprising a formic acid reservoir containing a liquid consisting of formic acid; a reaction chamber capable of using a catalyst and heat to convert the formic acid to hydrogen and carbon dioxide; a fuel cell that generates electricity; a delivery system for moving converted hydrogen into the fuel cell; and a battery powered by electricity generated by the fuel cell is provided. 1. An electricity generation device for powering a battery , comprising:(a) a formic acid reservoir containing a liquid consisting of formic acid;(b) a reaction chamber capable of using a catalyst and heat to convert the formic acid to hydrogen and carbon dioxide;(c) a fuel cell that generates electricity;(d) a delivery system for moving converted hydrogen into the fuel cell; and(e) a battery powered by electricity generated by the fuel cell.2. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a power converter for converting electricity generated via operation of the fuel cell to an appropriate current for delivery to the battery.3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the reaction chamber comprises a heating reaction chamber.4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the reaction chamber further comprises a heat insulator.5. The device of claim 1 , wherein the reaction chamber further comprises an exhaust gas react furnace.6. The device of claim 1 , wherein the reaction chamber further comprises a stir system.7. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a heat pipe for delivering heat from the fuel cell to the reaction chamber claim 1 , to the formic acid reservoir claim 1 , or both the reaction chamber and the formic acid reservoir.8. The device of claim 1 , wherein the delivery system for moving ...

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Номер записи: 63
12-05-2022 дата публикации

JOHNSON THERMO-ELECTROCHEMICAL CONVERTER

Номер: US20220149414A1
Автор: JOHNSON Lonnie G.
Принадлежит:

A electrochemical direct heat to electricity converter having a low temperature membrane electrode assembly array and a high temperature membrane electrode assembly array is provided. Additional cells are provided in the low temperature membrane electrode assembly array, which causes an additional amount of the working fluid, namely hydrogen, to be pumped to the high pressure side of the converter. The additional pumped hydrogen compensates for the molecular hydrogen diffusion that occurs through the membranes of the membrane electrode assembly arrays. The MEA cells may be actuated independently by a controller to compensate for hydrogen diffusion 1. A thermo-electrochemical converter comprising a first membrane electrode assembly array and a second membrane electrode assembly array , each of the first and second membrane electrode assembly (MEA) arrays comprising:a plurality of porous electrodes;a working fluid;a plurality of ion or proton conductive membranes, the porous electrodes being arranged in an alternating sequence with the membranes; wherein the number of porous electrodes and membranes of the first MEA array is greater than the number of porous electrodes and membranes of the second MEA array,', 'wherein a first porous electrode of any sequential pair of the porous electrodes in each MEA array is coupled to the low pressure conduit for low pressure working fluid flow therethrough and a second porous electrode of the sequential pair of the porous electrodes is coupled to the high pressure conduit for high pressure working fluid flow therethrough, such that each of the membranes is subjected to a pressure differential between the pair of porous electrodes, and', 'wherein the greater number of porous electrodes and membranes of the first MEA array causes an additional amount of the working fluid to be pumped from a low pressure side to a high pressure side of the converter, in order to compensate for a loss of the pressure differential resulting from ...

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Номер записи: 64
21-04-2016 дата публикации

Pre-Equilibrium System and Method Using Solid-State Devices as Energy Converters Using Nano-Engineered Porous Network Materials

Номер: US20160111564A1
Автор: Gidwani Jawahar M., Horvath Attila, Lam Andrew
Принадлежит: Quswami, Inc.

An energy conversion device for conversion of various energy forms into electricity. The energy forms may be chemical, photovoltaic or thermal gradients. The energy conversion device has a first and second electrode. A substrate is present that has a porous semiconductor or dielectric layer placed thereover. The substrate itself can be planar, two-dimensional, or three-dimensional, and possess internal and external surfaces. These substrates may be rigid, flexible and/or foldable. The porous semiconductor or dielectric layer can be a nano-engineered structure. A porous conductor material is placed on at least a portion of the porous semiconductor or dielectric layer such that at least some of the porous conductor material enters the nano-engineered structure of the porous semiconductor or dielectric layer, thereby forming an intertwining region. 1. An energy conversion device for conversion of chemical energy into electricity , comprising:a first electrode;a substrate connected to said first electrode;a porous semiconductor layer disposed over said substrate, said porous semiconductor layer having a nano-engineered structure forming a semiconductor network;a porous catalyst material on at least a portion of said porous semiconductor layer, wherein at least some of the porous catalyst material enters the nano-engineered structure of the porous semiconductor layer to form an intertwining region; anda second electrode, wherein an electrical potential is formed between the first electrode and a second electrode during chemical reactions between a fuel, the porous catalyst material and the porous semiconductor layer; anda heat sink that removes heat from the solid state electric generator, the heat sink having a heat sink temperature higher than an ambient temperature.2. The energy conversion device of claim 1 , wherein the substrate is patterned to create a three-dimensional surface claim 1 , thereby providing increased surface area for chemical reactions.3. The energy ...

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Номер записи: 65
11-04-2019 дата публикации

METHOD FOR OPERATING A VEHICLE WITH A FUEL CELL UNIT

Номер: US20190105961A1
Автор: LICHIUS Thomas, WEIS Johannes, WEUSTENFELD Thomas
Принадлежит:

A vehicle includes a fuel cell unit with which is associated a first coolant circuit, with a second coolant circuit associated with the interior of the vehicle, in which is held a coolant of lower temperature relative to the coolant of the first coolant circuit. Given higher demand for cooling capacity in the first coolant circuit, a valve is opened by a control device, independently of the heat demand in the second coolant circuit, to open a first connecting conduit between the first coolant circuit and the second coolant circuit, and thus, using a second connecting conduit, forms a common ring conduit for the first coolant circuit and the second coolant circuit with the accumulated coolant from the first coolant circuit and the second coolant circuit. 1. A method , comprising:operating a vehicle, the vehicle including a fuel cell unit, an interior, a first coolant circuit for controlling a temperature of the fuel cell unit, and a second coolant circuit for controlling a temperature of the interior, wherein the first coolant circuit includes a first coolant having a first temperature and the second coolant circuit includes a second coolant having a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature;wherein operating the vehicle includes, in response to a high cooling capacity demand in the first coolant circuit and independent of a heating demand in the second coolant circuit, operating a control device to open a valve to open a connecting conduit between the first coolant circuit and the second coolant circuit and form a common ring conduit including the first coolant circuit and the second coolant circuit.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein heat transport between the first coolant circuit and the second coolant circuit takes place with the omission of a heat exchanger claim 1 , via thermal convection with the first and second coolants as a thermal transfer medium.3. The method according to wherein a coolant pump is arranged in the second coolant ...

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Номер записи: 66
20-04-2017 дата публикации

FUEL CELL STACK

Номер: US20170110743A1
Автор: ICHIKAWA Yoshiro, Ikeda Yuta, JINBA Ryo, NAGUMO Kenji, Nishiyama Tadashi
Принадлежит: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.

A fuel cell stack includes a stacked body, a first insulator and a second insulator. The stacked body includes power generation cells. The power generation cells are stacked in a stacking direction. The power generation cells include a first end power generation cell a second end power generation cell. Each of the power generation cells includes a membrane electrode assembly, a cathode separator and an anode separator. The first end power generation cell has an outermost cathode separator. The second end power generation cell has an outermost anode separator. The first insulator has a first recess in which a first heat-insulating body and a first terminal plate are accommodated. The second insulator has a second recess in which a second heat-insulating body and a second terminal plate are accommodated. A first number of first stacked heat-insulating layers is larger than a second number of second stacked heat-insulating layers. 1. A fuel cell stack comprising:a stacked body in which a plurality of power generation cells are stacked in a stacking direction, each of the power generation cells including a membrane electrode assembly and a cathode separator and an anode separator sandwiching the membrane electrode assembly, the membrane electrode assembly including an electrolyte membrane and electrodes disposed on both sides of the electrolyte membrane, wherein an oxidant gas flows over the cathode separator along an electrode surface and a fuel gas flows over the anode separator along the electrode surface;insulators that are disposed on both sides of the stacked body in the stacking direction and that have recesses in which heat-insulating members and terminal plates are accommodated; andend plates disposed outside of the insulators,wherein a first end power generation cell, which is one of the power generation cells disposed at one end of the stacked body in the stacking direction, has the cathode separator in an outermost part thereof in the stacking direction, ...

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Номер записи: 67
20-04-2017 дата публикации

COOLING SYSTEM OF FUEL CELL VEHICLE

Номер: US20170110747A1
Автор: Ha Dong Hyun
Принадлежит:

A cooling system of a fuel cell vehicle is provided. The cooling system includes a stack in which a plurality of fuel cells are laminated and a manifold in which the stack is disposed, and inside of which cooling water flows to exchange heat with the stack. Additionally, a flow control valve is installed in the manifold, and is opened and closed to exchange heat of cooling water with the stack based on a temperature of the stack. A cooling water flow channel then guides the cooling water into the inside of the manifold, and is dually arranged to exchange heat with the stack. 1. A cooling system of a fuel cell vehicle , comprising:a stack in which a plurality of fuel cells are laminated;a manifold in which the stack is disposed, and an inside of which cooling water flows to exchange heat with the stack;a flow control valve installed in the manifold, and is opened and closed to exchange heat of cooling water with the stack based on a temperature of the stack; anda cooling water flow channel configured to guide the cooling water into the manifold, and which is dually arranged to exchange heat with the stack.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the manifold includes:a first manifold to which the cooling water is introduced; anda second manifold configured to discharge the cooling water that exchanged heat with the stack from the first manifold,wherein the cooling water flow channel is formed in the same direction as an arrangement direction of the stack, in the first manifold.3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the stack is disposed between the first manifold and the second manifold claim 2 , and the cooling water is introduced from the first manifold to the second manifold through the stack.4. The system of claim 2 , wherein the cooling water flow channel includes:a normal cooling water flow channel connected directly to at least one of the stack to discharge the cooling water; anda low cooling water flow channel connected to the normal cooling water flow channel and ...

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Номер записи: 68
10-07-2014 дата публикации

FULL CELL SYSTEM AND METHOD OF HUMIDIFYING AND COOLING THE SAME

Номер: US20140193726A1
Автор: Kwon Hyuck Roul, Noh Yong Gyu, Shim Hyo Sub
Принадлежит: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY

A method of humidifying and cooling a fuel cell system is provided. The method of humidifying and cooling a fuel cell system includes: exhausting, by a fuel supply unit, a hydrogen gas to a reservoir in which condensed water of an anode is stored. Additionally, a hydrogen gas and condensed water are pumped and the hydrogen gas and the condensed water are exhausted to the humidifier. Additionally, compressed air of an air compressor is delivered to the humidifier heat is exchanged with compressed air in the humidifier. The hydrogen gas and compressed air in which a heat is exchanged in a humidified state is delivered to an anode and a cathode, respectively. 1. A fuel cell system , comprising:a stack including an anode and a cathode;a fuel supply unit that supplies a hydrogen gas of a hydrogen tank to the anode through a hydrogen supply line;an air supply unit that supplies compressed air of an air compressor to the cathode via a humidifier through an air supply line; anda reservoir that exhausts condensed water of the anode,wherein the fuel supply unit connects the hydrogen supply line to the anode via the reservoir and the humidifier, the hydrogen gas and the compression air exhausted to the reservoir and the injected hydrogen gas and condensed water exchange a heat with compressed air in the humidifier.2. The fuel cell system of claim 1 , wherein:an unreacted hydrogen gas at the anode is injected into the reservoir through a recirculation line;the reservoir is provided with a pumping unit that is connected to the hydrogen supply line; andthe pumping unit pumps a hydrogen gas, condensed water, and an unreacted hydrogen gas within the reservoir.3. The fuel cell system of claim 1 , wherein the pumping unit comprises an ejector claim 1 , a venturi tube claim 1 , and a jet pump claim 1 , anda pumping tube pumps condensed water that is pooled at the bottom within the reservoir is connected to the pumping unit.4. The fuel cell system of claim 1 , wherein the humidifier ...

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Номер записи: 69
29-04-2021 дата публикации

Energy regeneration in fuel cell-powered datacenter with thermoelectric generators

Номер: US20210126179A1
Автор: Husam Atallah ALISSA, Ioannis Manousakis, Nicholas Andrew KEEHN
Принадлежит: Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC

A method of controlling energy in a datacenter includes receiving a fuel cell operating percentage of an operating capacity of the fuel cell, receiving a fuel cell exhaust temperature, receiving a hot aisle air temperature from a hot aisle of a server computer, determining a temperature delta between the hot aisle air temperature and the fuel cell exhaust temperature, and then allocating virtual machine placements to change a server user percentage relative to a server user capacity percentage target value to optimize the fuel cell operating percentage relative to the fuel cell efficiency target value, the temperature delta relative to the thermoelectric generator efficiency target value, and the server user percentage relative to the server user capacity percentage target value.

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Номер записи: 70
26-04-2018 дата публикации

MONITORING DEVICE OF FUEL CELL, CONTROL DEVICE OF FUEL CELL, AND MONITORING METHOD OF FUEL CELL

Номер: US20180111504A1
Автор: Araki Yasushi, Ito Masayuki, Matsusue Masaaki
Принадлежит: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA

A monitoring device of a fuel cell includes: an acquisition unit configured to acquire a predicted vehicle speed at each point on a scheduled traveling route of a vehicle which travels using the fuel cell, a temperature of a refrigerant that receives heat from the fuel cell, and a temperature of air outside the vehicle to which the refrigerant exposed to a traveling airflow radiates heat; and a calculation unit configured to calculate a predicted temperature of the refrigerant at a first point on the scheduled traveling route based on the predicted vehicle speed at the first point, the temperature of the refrigerant, and the temperature of the outside air and to calculate the predicted temperature at a second point on the scheduled traveling route based on the predicted vehicle speed at the second point, the predicted temperature at the first point, and the temperature of the outside air. 1. A monitoring device of a fuel cell , comprising:an acquisition unit configured to acquire a predicted vehicle speed of a vehicle at each point on a scheduled traveling route of the vehicle which travels using the fuel cell as a power source, a temperature of a refrigerant that receives heat from the fuel cell, and a temperature of air outside the vehicle to which the refrigerant exposed to a traveling airflow of the vehicle radiates heat; anda calculation unit configured to calculate a predicted temperature of the refrigerant at a first point on the scheduled traveling route based on the predicted vehicle speed at the first point, the temperature of the refrigerant, and the temperature of the outside air and to calculate the predicted temperature at a second point subsequent to the first point on the scheduled traveling route based on the predicted vehicle speed at the second point, the calculated predicted temperature at the first point, and the temperature of the outside air.2. The monitoring device of a fuel cell according to claim 1 , wherein the acquisition unit ...

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Номер записи: 71
26-04-2018 дата публикации

COLLAPSING FUEL CELL ISOLATOR FOR FUEL CELL AIRFLOW MANAGEMENT

Номер: US20180115010A1
Автор: Barat Phillip Alexander
Принадлежит: ALTERGY SYSTEMS

A collapsible power generator (e.g., a fuel cell) isolating envelope for managing airflow in and out of a fuel cell, while providing thermal and electrical insulation between said fuel cell and the interior of a power plant enclosure. In a preferred embodiment, the collapsible fuel cell isolator is formed from a flat material into a parallelogram, allowing easy installation into the interior of said enclosure. Once the collapsible fuel cell isolating envelope is inside the enclosure, the collapsible fuel cell isolator may be opened up to a final rectangular form, and mounted in place such that a fuel cell may then be placed into the interior of the collapsible fuel cell isolating envelope. The collapsible nature of the fuel cell isolator allows the isolator to maximize the interior volume of the enclosure. 1. A fuel cell isolator for installation into an enclosure , the enclosure configured to contain at least one fuel cell , said fuel cell isolator comprising:a parallelogram-shaped structure generated from a planar sheet of material comprising a plurality of fold lines defining adjacent walls of the parallelogram-shaped structure;wherein the parallelogram-shaped structure comprises a collapsed configuration wherein the adjacent walls are folded about said fold lines such that the adjacent walls are in a non-orthogonal orientation with respect to each other;wherein the parallelogram-shaped structure is configured to be installed into a cavity of said enclosure in said collapsed configuration;wherein the parallelogram-shaped structure is adjustable to expand into an expanded configuration inside said enclosure such that the adjacent walls are unfolded about said fold lines such that adjacent walls are substantially orthogonal to each other in the cavity of the enclosure;wherein an interior of said expanded parallelogram-shaped structure comprises a space for installation of a fuel cell; andwherein when the fuel cell is installed within the expanded configuration of ...

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Номер записи: 72
27-04-2017 дата публикации

Fuel cell

Номер: US20170117559A1
Автор: Naoki Yamano, Narutoshi Sugita, Shuhei Goto, Toshiki Kawamura
Принадлежит: Honda Motor Co Ltd

A fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly, a first metal separator, a second metal separator, linear protrusions, and embossed protrusions. The first metal separator is stacked on the membrane electrode assembly. The second metal separator is stacked on the first metal separator to define a coolant channel between the metal separators. The first metal separator includes wave-shaped protrusions projecting from the first metal separator by a first height to define to form the coolant channel. The linear protrusions are connected to both distal ends of each of the wave-shaped protrusions. The linear protrusions project from the first metal separator by a second height smaller than the first height. The embossed protrusions are connected to tip ends of the linear protrusions. The embossed protrusions project from the first metal separator by a third height larger than the second height to be in contact with the second metal separator.

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Номер записи: 73
27-04-2017 дата публикации

FUEL CELL SYSTEM

Номер: US20170117561A1
Автор: HAMACHI Masakazu, Murase Hiroyuki, WAKABAYASHI Takuya, YAMAKI Toshihiro
Принадлежит: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.

Oxidant gas flows to the fuel cell stack through an oxidant gas supply channel. Oxidant off-gas is discharged from the fuel cell stack through an oxidant off-gas exhaust channel. A refrigerant is discharged from the fuel cell stack through a refrigerant exhaust channel. An outlet sealing valve is provided in the oxidant off-gas exhaust channel. The outlet sealing valve includes a main body, a valve seat, a valve body, and a refrigerant passage. The main body has a passage through which the oxidant off-gas flows. The valve seat is provided in the passage. The valve body is provided in the passage to be seated on the valve seat to close the passage. The refrigerant passage is branched off from the refrigerant exhaust channel. The refrigerant flows in a vicinity of at least one of the valve seat and the valve body through the refrigerant passage. 1. A fuel cell system comprising:a fuel cell stack;an oxidant gas supply channel through which oxidant gas to be supplied to the fuel cell stack flows;an oxidant off-gas exhaust channel through which oxidant off-gas exhausted from the fuel cell stack flows;an outlet sealing valve which is provided in the oxidant off-gas exhaust channel; anda refrigerant exhaust channel through which a refrigerant exhausted from the fuel cell stack flows, wherein a main body portion having a passage through which the oxidant off-gas flows,', 'a valve seat which is provided in the passage,', 'a valve body which is provided in the passage and is seated on the valve seat to close the passage, and', 'a refrigerant passage which is located in the vicinity of the valve seat or in the vicinity of the valve body and through which a branch of the refrigerant from the refrigerant exhaust channel flows., 'the outlet sealing valve includes'}2. The fuel cell system according to claim 1 , further comprising:an insulation cover which covers the main body portion.3. The fuel cell system according to claim 2 , wherein an upper wall portion which covers an upper ...

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Номер записи: 74
13-05-2021 дата публикации

FUEL CELL SYSTEM

Номер: US20210143453A1
Автор: Yoshitomi Ryoichi
Принадлежит:

A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack, hydrogen gas system auxiliary devices disposed outside the fuel cell stack, and air system auxiliary devices disposed adjacent to the hydrogen gas system auxiliary devices. The hydrogen gas system auxiliary devices include injectors, upstream side auxiliary devices provided on the upstream side of the injectors in the flow direction of hydrogen gas, and downstream side auxiliary devices provided on the downstream side of the injectors in the flow direction of the hydrogen gas. The upstream side auxiliary devices are disposed at positions farther away from the air system auxiliary devices than the downstream side auxiliary devices. 1. A fuel cell system comprising:a fuel cell stack;a hydrogen gas system auxiliary device disposed outside the fuel cell stack; andan air system auxiliary device disposed adjacent to the hydrogen gas system auxiliary device,wherein the hydrogen gas system auxiliary device includes an injector, an upstream side auxiliary device provided on an upstream side of the injector in a flow direction of hydrogen gas, and a downstream side auxiliary device provided on a downstream side of the injector in the flow direction of the hydrogen gas, andwherein the upstream side auxiliary device is disposed at a position farther away from the air system auxiliary device than the downstream side auxiliary device.2. The fuel cell system according to claim 1 , wherein the upstream side auxiliary device at least includes a heat exchanger.3. The fuel cell system according to claim 1 , wherein the air system auxiliary device includes a humidifier configured to humidify air to be supplied to the fuel cell stack; andan adjacent part of the humidifier that is closest to the hydrogen gas system auxiliary device faces a downstream part of the injector.4. The fuel cell system according to claim 3 , wherein the upstream side auxiliary device is disposed above the humidifier in a gravity direction.5. The fuel cell system ...

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Номер записи: 75
24-07-2014 дата публикации

Monitoring/Managing Electrochemical Energy Device Using Detected Intercalation Stage Changes

Номер: US20140203783A1
Автор: Kiesel Peter, Lochbaum Alexander, Raghavan Ajay, Saha Bhaskar, Sommer Lars Wilko, Staudt Tobias
Принадлежит: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATED

A system includes utilizes optical sensors arranged within or on portions of an electrochemical energy device (e.g., a rechargeable Li-ion battery, supercapacitor or fuel cell) to measure operating parameters (e.g., mechanical strain and/or temperature) of the electrochemical energy device during charge/recharge cycling. The measured parameter data is transmitted by way of light signals along optical fibers to a controller, which converts the light signals to electrical data signal using a light source/analyzer. A processor then extracts temperature and strain data features from the data signals, and utilizes a model-based process to detect intercalation stage changes (i.e., characteristic crystalline structure changes caused by certain concentrations of guest species, such as Li-ions, within the electrode material of the electrochemical energy device) indicated by the data features. The detected intercalation stage changes are used to generate highly accurate operating state information (e.g., state-of-charge and state-of-health), and management/control signals for optimizing charge/discharge rates. 1. A system , comprising:an electrochemical energy device comprising an electrode material and a guest species contained inside a cell wall;one or more optical fibers having a first portion disposed on the electrochemical energy device;a light source configured to provide light onto the one or more optical fibers;at least one optical sensor disposed on the one or more optical fibers adjacent to the first portion, the optical sensor including means for modulating the light in accordance with a measured operating parameter associated with an operating condition of said electrochemical energy device such that at least one light signal generated by said at least one optical sensor includes operating parameter data associated with said measured operating parameter;an analyzer coupled to a second end of said one or more optical fibers including means for receiving said at ...

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Номер записи: 76
14-05-2015 дата публикации

FUEL CELL ASSEMBLY

Номер: US20150132673A1
Автор: Hood Peter David
Принадлежит:

A fuel cell assembly comprising a plurality of fuel cell plates in a stack. The stack defines an air inlet face and/or an air outlet face; and two opposing engagement faces. The fuel cell assembly also comprises a detachable cover configured to releasably engage the two engagement faces in order to define an air chamber with the air inlet or outlet face. 1. A fuel cell assembly comprising: an air inlet face and/or an air outlet face; and', 'two opposing engagement faces; and, 'a plurality of fuel cell plates in a stack, the stack defininga detachable cover configured to releasably engage the two engagement faces in order to define an air chamber with the air inlet or outlet face.2. The fuel cell assembly of claim 1 , further comprising two rods having a non-circular cross-section claim 1 , wherein each rod extends alongside one of the engagement faces and is rotatable so as to releasably provide a seal between the detachable cover and the respective engagement face.3. The fuel cell assembly of claim 2 , wherein the rods are cam shaped in cross-section or circular with a flattened edge in cross-section.4. The fuel cell assembly of or claim 2 , wherein the detachable cover comprises recesses for receiving the rods.5. The fuel cell assembly of any preceding claim claim 2 , wherein the plurality of fuel cell plates each comprise two projections claim 2 , each projection associated with one of the two engagement faces claim 2 , and wherein the detachable cover is configured to releasably engage the projections.6. The fuel cell assembly of claim 5 , wherein the two projections extend the engagement face beyond the air inlet or outlet face.7. The fuel cell assembly of or claim 5 , wherein the two projections are deformable in response to rotation of a rod.8. The fuel cell assembly of claim 7 , wherein the projections are elastomeric.9. The fuel cell assembly of any one to claim 7 , as they depend directly or indirectly from claim 7 , wherein the detachable cover comprises ...

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Номер записи: 77
25-08-2022 дата публикации

Fuel cell system

Номер: US20220271307A1
Автор: Hiromichi Sato
Принадлежит: Toyota Motor Corp

To provide a fuel cell system configured to achieve both rapid cooling of a fuel cell at high temperatures and rapid heating of the fuel cell at the time of system start-up. In the fuel cell system, by controlling a three-way valve, a controller switches to any one of the following circulation systems: radiator circulation in which a refrigerant flows to a radiator through a first flow path, and third flow path circulation in which the refrigerant bypasses the radiator and flows to a second flow path through a third flow path; when the temperature of the refrigerant is equal to or less than a low temperature threshold, the controller switches from the radiator circulation to the third flow path circulation and closes a first valve; and when the temperature of the refrigerant becomes equal to or more than a high temperature threshold, the controller opens the first valve and circulate the refrigerant to flow through the reserve tank.

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Номер записи: 78
12-05-2016 дата публикации

FUEL CELL SYSTEM

Номер: US20160133956A1
Автор: Imanishi Hiroyuki, OKAMOTO Yohei, Yamada Takashi
Принадлежит: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA

A fuel cell system includes: a fuel cell; a coolant circulation passage; a radiator; a water pump; a flow dividing valve; a fan; and a controller that, when a first prescribed period elapses in a state where a temperature of a coolant is equal to or more than a first prescribed temperature and an opening degree of the flow dividing valve makes the flow rate of the coolant flowing into the radiator equal to or more than a prescribed flow rate, gives a priority to the rise in a driving voltage of the fan over the increase in a flow rate by the water pump, and when a second prescribed period elapses in a state where the temperature of the coolant is equal to or more than a second prescribed temperature after the driving voltage of the fan is raised, increases the flow rate by the water pump. 1. A fuel cell system comprising:a fuel cell that performs an external power feeding;a coolant circulation passage through which a coolant cooling the fuel cell circulates;a radiator mounted on the coolant circulation passage;a water pump that circulates a coolant in the coolant circulation passage;a flow dividing valve that controls a flow rate of the coolant flowing through the radiator;a fan that sends an air to the radiator; anda controller that, when a first prescribed period elapses in a state where a temperature of the coolant is equal to or more than a first prescribed temperature and an opening degree of the flow dividing valve makes the flow rate of the coolant flowing into the radiator equal to or more than a prescribed flow rate, gives a priority to the rise in a driving voltage of the fan over the increase in the flow rate by the water pump, and when a second prescribed period elapses in a state where the temperature of the coolant is equal to or more than a second prescribed temperature after the driving voltage of the fan is raised, increases the flow rate by the water pump.2. The fuel cell system as claimed in claim 1 , whereinthe controller raises the driving ...

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Номер записи: 79
12-05-2016 дата публикации

FUEL CELL STACK

Номер: US20160133957A1
Автор: Konno Norishige, Okabe Hiroki
Принадлежит: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA

A fuel cell stack includes a cell laminate composed of a plurality of stacked cells and air is introduced from an anode end part of the cell laminate The cell laminate has two end cells installed adjacently to a cathode end part side, thereby providing the cathode end part with high thermal insulation properties. 1. A fuel cell stack comprising:a cell laminate composed of a plurality of stacked cells,wherein an oxygen gas is introduced from a gas introduction end part on one side of the cell laminate, andthe cell laminate has relatively higher thermal insulation properties at least at an end part on a far side from the gas introduction end part than at an end part closer thereto.2. The fuel cell stack according to claim 1 , wherein the cell laminate includes a non-power-generating end cell which has thermal insulation properties that are higher than those of other cells and which is located at least at the end part on the far side from the gas introduction end part.3. The fuel cell stack according to claim 1 , wherein the cell laminate has the end cells at both ends thereof claim 1 , and a greater number of the end cells is provided at the end part on the far side from the gas introduction end part than the number of the end cells provided at the gas introduction end part. 1. Field of the InventionThe present invention relates to a fuel cell stack constituting a fuel cell.2. Background ArtA fuel cell stack includes a cell laminate composed of a plurality of stacked cells. Each cell of the cell laminate generates power from the electrochemical reaction between a hydrogen gas and the oxygen contained in air when the hydrogen gas and the air are supplied from one end of the cell laminate (refer to, for example, Patent Document 1).[Patent Document 1] JP2009-158349AA cell located on a far side from an oxygen gas inlet, through which air containing an oxygen gas is introduced into a cell laminate, receives less oxygen gas due to a pressure loss than a cell located ...

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Номер записи: 80
12-05-2016 дата публикации

FUEL CELL SYSTEM

Номер: US20160133960A1
Автор: Imanishi Hiroyuki, Yamamoto Kazuo
Принадлежит: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA

A fuel cell system includes: a fuel cell that includes a membrane electrode assembly clipping an electrolyte membrane with an anode and a cathode; a fuel gas supplier that supplies an anode gas to the anode via an anode gas supply passage in accordance with a power generation request for the fuel cell; a circulation pump that circulates an exhaust gas discharged from the anode to the anode gas supply passage; a judger that judges whether any one of a temperature of the circulation pump and a temperature associated with the temperature of the circulation pump is equal to or less than a prescribed temperature; and a drive controller that drives the circulation pump at a prescribed rotation number when the judger judges that any one of the temperatures is equal to or less than the prescribed temperature, and there is no power generation request for the fuel cell. 1. A fuel cell system comprising:a fuel cell that includes a membrane electrode assembly clipping an electrolyte membrane with an anode and a cathode;a fuel gas supplier that supplies an anode gas to the anode via an anode gas supply passage in accordance with a power generation request for the fuel cell;a circulation pump that circulates an exhaust gas discharged from the anode to the anode gas supply passage;a judger that judges whether any one of a temperature of the circulation pump and a temperature associated with the temperature of the circulation pump is equal to or less than a prescribed temperature; anda drive controller that drives the circulation pump at a prescribed rotation number when the judger judges that any one of the temperature of the circulation pump and the temperature associated with the temperature of the circulation pump is equal to or less than the prescribed temperature, and there is no power generation request for the fuel cell.2. The fuel cell system as claimed in claim 1 , whereinThe drive controller drives the circulation pump at the prescribed rotation number when there is no ...

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Номер записи: 81
12-05-2016 дата публикации

FLOW CONTROL METHOD OF COOLING MEDIUM IN A FUEL CELL SYSTEM, AND FUEL CELL SYSTEM

Номер: US20160133971A1
Автор: MARUO Tsuyoshi, Naganuma Yoshiaki, Ogawa Tomohiro, TOIDA Masashi
Принадлежит: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA

The method comprises: determining whether or not an inlet temperature is equal to or above a lower-limit temperature of a temperature range in which generated water does not freeze within the fuel cell; and adjusting the flow rate of the cooling medium in the circulation flow path to become more than the normal flow rate when it is determined that the inlet temperature is equal to or above the lower-limit temperature, and adjusting the flow rate of the cooling medium in the circulation flow path to be equal to or below the normal flow rate when it is determined that the inlet temperature is not equal to or above the lower-limit temperature. 1. A method of controlling a cooling medium in a fuel cell system having a fuel cell , an internal flow path of the cooling medium formed inside the fuel cell , and an external flow path formed outside the fuel cell , which forms a circulating flow path of the cooling medium by being connected to the internal flow path , the method comprising:determining whether or not an inlet temperature, which is the temperature of the cooling medium at an inlet to the internal flow path within the circulation flow path, is equal to or higher than a lower-limit temperature of a temperature range in which generated water does not freeze within the fuel cell; andadjusting the flow rate of the cooling medium in the circulating flow path, such that when it is determined that the inlet temperature is equal to or above the lower-limit temperature, the flow rate of the cooling medium in the circulation flow path is adjusted so as to become more than a normal flow rate if the calorific value of the fuel cell is the same, and when it is determined that the inlet temperature is not equal to or above the lower-limit temperature, the flow rate of the cooling medium in the circulating flow path is adjusted below the normal flow rate, whereinthe normal flow rate is a flow rate of the cooling medium during a normal operation of the fuel cell.2. The method of ...

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Номер записи: 82
31-07-2014 дата публикации

Fuel cell stack

Номер: US20140212785A1
Автор: Hiroaki Ohta, Kimiharu Mizusaki, Takashi Kuwayama, Tsuyoshi Kobayashi
Принадлежит: Honda Motor Co Ltd

A fuel cell stack includes a stacked body, insulators, end plates, heat insulating members, and terminal plates. In the stacked body, a plurality of power generation cells are stacked in a stacking direction. Each of the plurality of power generation cells includes a separator and an electrolyte electrode assembly which includes an electrolyte and a pair of electrodes sandwiching the electrolyte therebetween. The stacked body has a first end portion and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion in the stacking direction. The insulators are provided at the first end portion and the second end portion of the stacked body, respectively. Each of the insulators has a recessed portion that faces toward the stacked body. The end plates are provided on the insulators, respectively. The heat insulating members are each provided in the recessed portion. The terminal plates are each provided in the recessed portion.

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Номер записи: 83
21-05-2015 дата публикации

Fuel cell system and method for controlling fuel cell system

Номер: US20150140459A1
Автор: Hiromichi Miwa
Принадлежит: Nissan Motor Co Ltd

The cooling capacity of a first heat exchanger for cooling a reformed gas introduced into an inlet of a circulation pump is increased as an output of a fuel cell increases. With this configuration, an inlet temperature of the circulation pump is relatively high during low power generation and decreases as the generation power increases, and a volumetric flow rate during high power generation in which a large amount of reformed gas is required can be decreased relatively. As the result, a dynamic range required for the circulation pump can be made small. Furthermore, water condensation in the inlet of the circulation pump can be prevented during low power generation.

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Номер записи: 84
11-05-2017 дата публикации

FUEL CELL MOUNTING STRUCTURE

Номер: US20170133691A1
Автор: YAMAFUJI Takahiro
Принадлежит: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA

There is provided a fuel cell mounting structure including (i) a fuel cell which is configured to be disposed in a vehicle where a drive motor that drives rear wheels is placed in a vehicle rear portion, the fuel cell placed on the vehicle upper side of a suspension member disposed in a vehicle front portion and connected via a plurality of anti-vibration members to the suspension member, and (ii) auxiliaries that are attached to the fuel cell in a state in which the auxiliaries do not contact the suspension member and include at least an air compressor and a pump. 1. A fuel cell mounting structure comprising:a fuel cell which is configured to be disposed in a vehicle where a drive motor that drives rear wheels is placed in a vehicle rear portion, the fuel cell placed on the vehicle upper side of a suspension member disposed in a vehicle front portion and connected via a plurality of anti-vibration members to the suspension member; andauxiliaries that are attached to the fuel cell in a state in which the auxiliaries do not contact the suspension member and include at least an air compressor and a pump.2. The fuel cell mounting structure according to claim 1 , wherein an air conditioning system compressor is attached to the fuel cell in a state in which the air conditioning system compressor does not contact the suspension member.3. The fuel cell mounting structure according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of a DC-DC converter or an inverter is attached to the fuel cell in a state in which the at least one of the DC-DC converter or the inverter does not contact the suspension member.4. The fuel cell mounting structure according to claim 1 , whereinthe anti-vibration members are connected to a stack frame that supports the fuel cell, andthe auxiliaries are attached via the stack frame to the fuel cell and are placed in positions where they are hidden by the stack frame as seen from the vehicle upper direction. This application claims priority under 35 USC 119 from ...

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Номер записи: 85
19-05-2016 дата публикации

Fuel Cell System, Fuel Cell Vehicle and Control Method of Fuel Cell System

Номер: US20160141645A1
Автор: MARUO Tsuyoshi, NADA Mitsuhiro, Yamada Takashi
Принадлежит: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA

A fuel cell system comprises: a fuel cell; a cooling system circuit including a cooling liquid supply path configured to supply a cooling liquid to the fuel cell, a radiator configured to cool down the cooling liquid, a radiator fan, and a cooling liquid pump provided in the cooling liquid supply path to feed the cooling liquid to the fuel cell; a controller; and a speedometer configured to obtain a speed of the fuel cell vehicle, wherein the controller is capable of performing a first cooling control that sets an upper limit value of driving amount of the radiator fan according to the speed of the fuel cell vehicle and regulates a flow rate of the cooling liquid pump or the driving amount of the radiator fan under the upper limit value of the driving amount of the radiator, so as to cool down the fuel cell. 1. A fuel cell system that is mounted on a fuel cell vehicle , the fuel cell system comprising:a fuel cell;a cooling system circuit including a cooling liquid supply path that is configured to supply a cooling liquid to the fuel cell, a radiator that is configured to cool down the cooling liquid, a radiator fan, and a cooling liquid pump that is provided in the cooling liquid supply path to feed the cooling liquid to the fuel cell;a controller; anda speedometer that is configured to obtain a speed of the fuel cell vehicle, whereinthe controller is capable of performing a first cooling control that sets an upper limit value of driving amount of the radiator fan according to the speed of the fuel cell vehicle and regulates a flow rate of the cooling liquid pump or the driving amount of the radiator fan under the upper limit value of the driving amount of the radiator, so as to cool down the fuel cell.2. The fuel cell system according to claim 1 ,wherein in the first cooling control, the controller calculates a heating value of the fuel cell from an amount of power generation by the fuel cell, and regulates the flow rate of the cooling liquid pump and the driving ...

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Номер записи: 86
19-05-2016 дата публикации

FUEL CELL SYSTEM AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF

Номер: US20160141690A1
Автор: Imanishi Hiroyuki, MARUO Tsuyoshi, Yamada Takashi
Принадлежит: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA

An object is to suppress drying of a fuel cell during continuous operation with high load. There is provided a fuel cell system including a fuel cell. The fuel cell system comprises an impedance detector that is configured to detect an impedance of the fuel cell; and a current limiter that is configured to limit an output current of the fuel cell with a limiting rate. The current limiter changes the limiting rate, based on the detected. impedance. 1. A fuel cell system including a fuel cell , the fuel cell system comprisingan impedance detector that is configured to detect an impedance of the fuel cell; anda current limiter that is configured to limit an output current of the fuel cell with a limiting rate, whereinthe current limiter changes the limiting rate, based on the detected impedance.2. The fuel cell system according to claim 1 ,wherein when the detected impedance is equal to a second impedance value that is higher than a first impedance value, the current limiter sets a lower limiting rate than a limiting rate at the impedance equal to the first impedance value under condition of a fixed temperature.3. The fuel cell system according to claim 1 , further comprisinga temperature detector that is configured to detect temperature of the fuel cell, whereinthe current limiter changes the limiting rate, further based on the detected temperature.4. The fuel cell system according to claim 3 ,wherein when the detected temperature is equal to a second temperature that is higher than a first temperature, the current limiter sets a lower limiting rate than a limiting rate at the temperature equal to the first temperature under condition of a fixed impedance.5. A control method of a fuel cell system including a fuel cell claim 3 , the control method comprisingdetecting an impedance of the fuel cell;limiting an output current of the fuel cell with a limiting rate; andchanging the limiting rate, based on the detected impedance.6. The control method of the fuel cell system ...

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Номер записи: 87
03-06-2021 дата публикации

SOFC-CONDUCTION

Номер: US20210167406A1
Автор: Osenar Paul, Palumbo Nathan, Persky Joshua
Принадлежит: Upstart Power, Inc.

A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system included high thermal conductivity materials such as copper increase thermal energy transfer by thermal conduction. The copper is protected from oxidation by nickel electroplating and protected from thermal damage by providing Hastelloy liners inside combustion chambers. Monel elements are used in the incoming air conduits to prevent cathode poisoning. 130-. (canceled)31. A Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) system comprising:hot zone enclosure walls enclosing a hot zone cavity;a top tube support wall attached to a surface of the hot zone enclosure walls;a bottom tube support wall attached to a surface of the hot zone enclosure walls;a SOFC stack comprising a plurality of fuel cells supported between the top tube support wall and the bottom tube support wall;a cathode chamber formed between the top tube support wall and the bottom tube support wall;wherein the bottom tube support wall comprises a first thermal mass formed from one or more thermally conductive materials having a coefficient of thermal conductivity of 100 W/mK.32. The SOFC system of wherein the hot zone cavity includes a combustion region bounded by a portion of the hot zone enclosure walls claim 31 , the bottom tube support wall claim 31 , and a combustor end wall disposed opposed to the bottom support wall.33. The SOFC system of wherein the hot zone enclosure cavity includes a recuperator chamber bounded by a portion of the hot zone enclosure walls claim 32 , the combustor end wall and a hot zone enclosure bottom wall disposed opposed to the combustor end wall.34. The SOFC system of wherein:the combustion region confines combustion of a mixture of spent fuel and oxygen depleted cathode air therein;the combustion of the mixture generates thermal energy that is transferred, from the combustion inside the combustion region, to the first thermal mass, by thermal convection or by thermal radiation;the thermal energy, received by the first thermal mass, from the combustion ...

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Номер записи: 88
17-05-2018 дата публикации

ELECTROCHEMICAL ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS AND METHODS

Номер: US20180137991A1
Автор: ROUMI Farshid, ROUMI Jamshid
Принадлежит:

A three-dimensional electrode array for use in electrochemical cells, fuel cells, capacitors, supercapacitors, flow batteries, metal-air batteries and semi-solid batteries. 128.-. (canceled)29. A method of controlling a temperature of an electrochemical cell , the method comprising the steps of: a plurality of plate electrodes, wherein each plate electrode includes an array of apertures, wherein the plate electrodes are arranged in a substantially parallel orientation such that tho each aperture of an individual plate electrode is aligned along an alignment axis passing through an aperture of each of all other plate electrodes; and', 'a plurality of rod electrodes, wherein the plurality of rod electrode are not in physical contact with the plurality of plate electrodes and arranged such that each rod electrode extends a length along an alignment axis passing through an aperture of each plate electrode;', 'wherein a first surface area includes a cumulative surface area the plurality of plate electrodes, wherein a second surface area includes a cumulative surface area of each aperture array and wherein a third surface area includes a cumulative surface area of each of the plurality of rod electrodes;', 'wherein each of the plurality of plate electrodes comprises a current collector, wherein each of the plurality of rod electrodes comprises a current collector or wherein each of the plurality of plate electrodes comprises a current collector and each of the plurality of rod electrodes comprises a current collector; and, 'providing an electrochemical cell comprisingpositioning one or more of the current collectors in thermal communication with a heat sink or a heat source.30. A method of controlling a temperature of an electrochemical cell , the method comprising the steps of: a plurality of plate electrodes, wherein each plate electrode includes an array of apertures, wherein the plate electrodes are arranged in a substantially parallel orientation such that tho each ...

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Номер записи: 89
09-05-2019 дата публикации

FUEL CELL HEATER SYSTEM

Номер: US20190137116A1
Автор: Ewert Daniel, Jorgenson Joel
Принадлежит:

A heater is described. The heater includes a fuel cell to produce heated air, electricity and water vapor. The heater further includes a heating element operatively coupled to the fuel cell to convert the electricity to heat and a control system operatively coupled to the fuel cell and the heating element, the control system being configured to monitor and control the fuel cell and heating element. 1. A heater comprising:a fuel cell to produce heated air, electricity and water vapor;a heating element operatively coupled to the fuel cell to convert the electricity to heat; anda control system operatively coupled to the fuel cell and the heating element, the control system being configured to monitor and control the fuel cell and heating element.2. The heater of claim 1 , further comprising:a fan system operatively coupled to the fuel cell, the fan system being configured to move the heated air produced by the fuel cell.3. The heater of claim 1 , further comprising:a pump system operatively coupled to the fuel cell, the pump system being configured to move the heated air produced by the fuel cell.4. The heater of claim 1 , further comprising:a fuel source operatively coupled to the fuel cell, the fuel source being configured to provide fuel to the fuel cell.5. The heater of claim 4 , wherein the fuel source comprises hydrocarbon fuel.6. The heater of claim 5 , further comprising:a reformer operatively coupled to the fuel source and the fuel cell, the reformer being configured to extract hydrogen from the hydrocarbon fuel and provide the extracted hydrogen to the fuel cell.7. The heater of claim 1 , further comprising:an alternating current to direct current (AC/DC) converter operatively coupled to the fuel cell, the AC/DC converter being configured to convert the electricity produced by the fuel cell from direct current to alternating current.8. The heater of claim 7 , wherein the AC/DC converter is operatively coupled to a heat transfer system to provide electricity ...

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Номер записи: 90
08-09-2022 дата публикации

FUEL CELL SYSTEM

Номер: US20220285705A1
Автор: Matsusue Masaaki
Принадлежит:

A fuel cell system wherein, at the time of activating the fuel cell system, the controller determines whether or not the temperature of the fuel cell detected by the temperature sensor is equal to or less than a temperature corresponding to activation at sub-zero temperatures, and wherein, when the controller determines that the temperature of the fuel cell detected by the temperature sensor is equal to or less than the temperature corresponding to the activation at sub-zero temperatures, the controller sends a command to the fuel gas supplier to supply the fuel gas to the fuel cell, and the controller controls rotation of the circulation pump to stop a flow of the fuel off-gas in the circulation flow path. 1. A fuel cell system ,wherein the fuel cell system comprises:a fuel cell,a fuel gas supplier for supplying hydrogen-containing fuel gas to the fuel cell,a fuel gas supply flow path connecting a fuel gas inlet of the fuel cell and the fuel gas supplier,an ejector disposed in the fuel gas supply flow path,a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the fuel cell,a fuel off-gas discharge flow path for discharging, to the outside of the fuel cell system,the fuel off-gas discharged from a fuel gas outlet of the fuel cell,a gas-liquid separator disposed in the fuel off-gas discharge flow path,a vent and discharge valve disposed downstream from the gas-liquid separator of the fuel off-gas discharge flow path,a circulation flow path connecting the gas-liquid separator and the ejector to allow the fuel off-gas to be supplied to the fuel cell as the circulation gas,a circulation pump disposed in the circulation flow path to circulate the fuel off-gas as the circulation gas, anda controller,wherein, at the time of activating the fuel cell system, the controller determines whether or not the temperature of the fuel cell detected by the temperature sensor is equal to or less than a temperature corresponding to activation at sub-zero temperatures, andwherein, when the ...

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Номер записи: 91
08-09-2022 дата публикации

Sofc-conduction

Номер: US20220285716A1
Автор: James PILCZAK, Matthew Otis, Nathan Palumbo, Paul Osenar
Принадлежит: Upstart Power Inc

A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system includes high thermal conductivity materials such as copper to increase thermal energy transfer by thermal conduction. The copper is protected from oxidation by nickel electroplating and protected from thermal damage by providing oxidation resistant liners inside combustion chambers.

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Номер записи: 92
26-05-2016 дата публикации

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING COOLING PUMP OF FUEL CELL SYSTEM

Номер: US20160149238A1
Автор: Ahn Deuk Kuen, Lee Hyun Jae
Принадлежит:

A method and apparatus for controlling a cooling pump of a fuel cell system are provided that improve efficiency of the fuel cell system by variably adjusting idle RPM of a pump that cools down stacks within the fuel cell system, based on temperature and flowrate of coolant The apparatus includes a storage that is configured to store a table in which revolutions per minute (RPM) of the cooling pump corresponding to temperature are recorded and a temperature measurer that is configured to measure temperature of a coolant of fuel cell stacks. In addition, a controller operates a pump driver based on the stored table to adjust the RPM of the cooling pump to correspond to the measured temperature of the coolant 1. An apparatus for controlling a cooling pump of a fuel cell system , comprising:a storage configured to store a table in which revolutions per minute (RPM) of the cooling pump corresponding to temperature are recorded;a temperature measurer configured to measure temperature of a coolant of fuel cell stacks; anda controller configured to operate a pump driver based on the stored table to adjust the RPM of the cooling pump to correspond to the temperature of the coolant as measured by the temperature measurer.2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the table includes three temperature ranges of a first temperature range claim 1 , a second temperature range and a third temperature range claim 1 , in which the temperature is higher in the order of the third temperature range claim 1 , the second temperature range and the first temperature range claim 1 , while the RPM is lower in the order of the third temperature range claim 1 , the second temperature range and the first temperature range.3. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein claim 1 , when the temperature measured by the temperature measurer exceeds a threshold value claim 1 , the controller is configured to maintain the RPM of the cooling pump at a substantially constant level.4. An apparatus ...

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Номер записи: 93
09-05-2019 дата публикации

Fuel Cell Components, Stacks and Modular Fuel Cell Systems

Номер: US20190140289A1
Автор: Kingma Raoul, Leger David E., MacKinnon Sean, Montie Greg J., Paone Matthew P.
Принадлежит:

A fuel cell power module includes a cylindrical housing encasing a fuel cell stack and an air supply. The housing has a major interior surface. The fuel cell stack can be cylindrical or hexagonal, and comprises fuel cells having an anode and an anode flow field plate, a cathode and a cathode flow field plate, and a membrane electrolyte interposed between the anode and the cathode. The air supply is directed to the plurality of fuel cell cathode flow field plates via a plenum defined by a space between the fuel cell stack and the housing major interior surface. The hexagonal fuel cell stack can be formed by a plurality of fuel cell groups shaped such that when aligned the fuel cell groups together constitute the hexagonal fuel cell stack. 124-. (canceled)25. A proton exchange membrane fuel cell power module comprising:(a) a cylindrical housing having an interior surface;(b) a fuel cell stack contained within said cylindrical housing, said fuel cell stack comprising a plurality of fuel cells interposed between a pair of compression end-plates, each of said fuel cells comprising an anode and an anode flow field plate, a cathode and a cathode flow field plate, and a proton conducting membrane electrolyte interposed between said anode and said cathode;(c) a humidifier contained within said cylindrical housing; and(d) an air supply configured to direct air to said plurality of fuel cell cathode flow field plates via said humidifier and via a plenum defined by a space between said fuel cell stack and said interior surface of said cylindrical housing.26. The proton exchange membrane fuel cell power module of claim 25 , wherein said humidifier is a bubbler humidifier.27. The proton exchange membrane fuel cell power module of claim 25 , wherein said humidifier comprises a reservoir containing water claim 25 , wherein said reservoir is located within said plenum.28. The proton exchange membrane fuel cell power module of wherein said fuel cell stack is cylindrical.29. The ...

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Номер записи: 94
30-04-2020 дата публикации

THERMOELECTRICALLY ENHANCED FUEL CELLS

Номер: US20200136156A1
Автор: LIU Mingfei, Liu Ying
Принадлежит: Phillips 66 Company

A fuel cell system comprising an anode, an electrolyte supported by the anode; and a cathode supported by the electrolyte. A primary thermoelectric ceramic is in contact with the cathode positioned on the opposing side of the electrolyte. An optional secondary thermoelectric ceramic is in contact with the anode positioned on the opposite side of the electrolyte. In this embodiment air and fuel gas surround the fuel cell at a temperature lower than the operational internal temperature of the fuel cell and both the primary thermoelectric ceramic and the optional secondary thermoelectric ceramic are capable of converting the temperature difference between the fuel cell and both the air and the fuel gas into an additional output voltage. 2. The fuel cell system of claim 1 , wherein the fuel cell is a solid oxide fuel cell.3. The fuel cell system of claim 1 , wherein the additional output voltage ranges from about 5 mV to about 150 mV.4. The fuel cell of claim 1 , wherein the primary thermoelectric ceramic and the optional secondary thermoelectric ceramic are independently selected from the group consisting of: LaSrFeO claim 1 , LaCoO claim 1 , LaSrCoO claim 1 , LaCoFeO claim 1 , LaSrCoFe claim 1 , LaCaCrO claim 1 , LaFeNiO claim 1 , CaTbCoO claim 1 , CaCoO claim 1 , CaCoO claim 1 , CaCoO claim 1 , CaCoO claim 1 , CaNdCoO claim 1 , CaCoCuO claim 1 , CaMnO claim 1 , CaNdMnO claim 1 , SrTiO claim 1 , SiGe claim 1 , CaYbMnO claim 1 , CaBiCoO claim 1 , NaCoO claim 1 , SrTiTaO claim 1 , SrLaTiO claim 1 , SrDyTiO claim 1 , and combinations thereof.5. The fuel cell of claim 1 , wherein the temperature difference between operational internal temperature of the solid oxide fuel cell and the both the air and the fuel gas ranges from about 5° C. to about 250° C. claim 1 ,6. The fuel cell of claim 1 , wherein the thickness of the primary thermoelectric ceramic and the optional secondary thermoelectric ceramic independently range from about 30 μm to about 5 mm.7. The fuel cell of ...

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Номер записи: 95
30-04-2020 дата публикации

FUEL CELL SYSTEM

Номер: US20200136157A1
Автор: Ito Masayuki, Kaneko Tomohiko
Принадлежит: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA

A fuel cell system includes: a first fuel cell stack and a second fuel cell stack; a supply passage connected to an inlet of oxidant gas in the first fuel cell stack; an discharge passage connected to an outlet of the oxidant gas in the second fuel cell stack; introduction unit that introduces water in the oxidant gas flowing through the discharge passage into the supply passage; and a controller configured to perform refresh control of the first fuel cell stack by lowering voltage of the first fuel cell stack, and operates, during the refresh control, the introduction unit while keeping the second fuel cell stack in an electric power generation state. 1. A fuel cell system , comprising:a first fuel cell stack and a second fuel cell stack each configured to generate electric power through chemical reaction between fuel gas and oxidant gas;a supply passage connected to an inlet of the oxidant gas in the first fuel cell stack;a discharge passage connected to an outlet of the oxidant gas in the second fuel cell stack;an introduction unit configured to introduce water in the oxidant gas flowing through the discharge passage into the supply passage; anda controller configured to perform refresh control of the first fuel cell stack by lowering voltage of the first fuel cell stack, and operate, during the refresh control, the introduction unit while keeping the second fuel cell stack in an electric power generation state.2. The fuel cell system according to claim 1 , wherein when performing the refresh control claim 1 , the controller is configured to lower the voltage of the first fuel cell stack by setting a flow rate of the oxidant gas flowing through the supply passage to be lower than the flow rate of the oxidant gas in a case of making the first fuel cell stack generate the electric power in accordance with electric power requested to the first fuel cell stack and the second fuel cell stack.3. The fuel cell system according to claim 1 , wherein the introduction unit ...

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Номер записи: 96
10-06-2021 дата публикации

HEAT EXCHANGER FOR A COOLING CIRCUIT

Номер: US20210175523A1
Автор: ENGLERT Peter, Mamber Oliver
Принадлежит:

A heat exchanger for a cooling circuit which is flowed through by an aqueous temperature-control fluid may include at least two channel bodies, through which a flow path of the temperature-control fluid leads; at least one tank, which has a base and through which the flow path leads; and at least one ion exchange structure having ion-exchanging fibres for reducing ions in the temperature-control fluid. The at least two channel bodies may be fluidically connected with the at least one tank on a longitudinal end side via the base of the at least one tank. 1. A heat exchanger for a cooling circuit which is flowed through by an aqueous temperature-control fluid , comprising:at least two channel bodies, through which a flow path of the temperature-control fluid leads;at least one tank, which has a base and through which the flow path leads; andat least one ion exchange structure having ion-exchanging fibres for reducing ions in the temperature-control fluid;wherein the at least two channel bodies are fluidically connected with the at least one tank on a longitudinal end side via the base of the at least one tank.2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the at least one ion exchange structures is arranged in one of the at least one tanks.3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the at least one ion exchange structures is able to be flowed through by the temperature-control fluid and is arranged in the flow path.4. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 , at least one of the at least one ion exchange structures has cation-exchanging fibres and anion-exchanging fibres.5. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the at least one ion exchange structures forms claim 1 , together with a filter medium for removing of particles from the temperature-control fluid claim 1 , a filter body.6. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 , wherein the fibres of at least of one of the at least one ion exchange ...

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Номер записи: 97
10-06-2021 дата публикации

FUEL CELL WITH PROTECTION FROM PRESSURE IMBALANCE

Номер: US20210175524A1
Автор: Brown Jeffrey, CROWLEY Matthew, DALY Joseph M., FOURNIER Robert S., JAHNKE Fred C., Snyder William J.
Принадлежит:

A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell. The fuel cell includes an anode having an anode inlet configured to receive anode feed gas, and an anode outlet configured to output anode exhaust. The fuel cell further includes a cathode having a cathode inlet and a cathode outlet. The fuel cell system further includes an anode blower configured to receive the anode exhaust and output a higher-pressure anode exhaust. The fuel cell system further includes an anode blower recycle line configured to receive a portion of the higher-pressure anode exhaust downstream from the anode blower and to output the portion of the higher-pressure anode exhaust upstream from the anode blower. The fuel cell system further includes a first valve disposed in the blower recycle line, the first valve configured to open when the anode of the fuel cell is under-pressurized. 1. A fuel cell system , comprising: an anode having an anode inlet configured to receive anode feed gas, and an anode outlet configured to output anode exhaust; and', 'a cathode having a cathode inlet and a cathode outlet;, 'a fuel cell, comprisingan anode blower configured to receive the anode exhaust and output a higher-pressure anode exhaust;a blower recycle line configured to receive a portion of the higher-pressure anode exhaust downstream from the anode blower and to output the portion of higher-pressure anode exhaust upstream from the anode blower; anda first valve disposed in the blower recycle line, the first valve configured to open when the anode of the fuel cell is under-pressurized.2. The fuel cell system of claim 1 , further comprising a processing system configured to receive anode exhaust from the fuel cell and to separate at least one of water claim 1 , carbon dioxide claim 1 , or hydrogen from the anode exhaust claim 1 , wherein the processing system is configured to output processed anode exhaust to the anode blower.3. The fuel cell system of claim 1 , further comprising a second valve disposed in the blower ...

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Номер записи: 98
24-05-2018 дата публикации

FUEL CELL SYSTEM

Номер: US20180145355A1
Автор: FUJIOKA Hisaya
Принадлежит: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA

A fuel cell system includes: a first temperature sensor that measures the temperature of cooling water on the side of a cooling water outlet of a fuel cell; a second temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the cooling water on the side of a cooling water inlet of a water heater for heating the cooling water; a third temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the cooling water on the side of a cooling water outlet of the water heater; a cooling water pump that circulates the cooling water; and a control device. The control device is configured to determine that there is a cooling water leakage when the condition: “measurement temperature T measured by the first temperature sensor≠measurement temperature T measured by the second temperature sensor” or the condition “no temperature difference ΔT between measurement temperature T and measurement temperature T measured by the third temperature sensor” is met. 1. A fuel cell system having a fuel cell , the system comprising:a first temperature sensor that measures a temperature of cooling water on a cooling water outlet side of the fuel cell;a second temperature sensor that measures a temperature of the cooling water on a cooling water inlet side of a water heater that heats the cooling water;a third temperature sensor that measures a temperature of the cooling water on a cooling water outlet side of the water heater;a cooling water pump that circulates the cooling water; anda control device that controls driving of the cooling water pump and the water heater by receiving measurement values from the first, second and third temperature sensors,wherein the water heater and the second and third temperature sensors are arranged above in a direction of gravity relative to the cooling water pump and the first temperature sensor, and{'b': 1', '2', '2', '3, 'wherein the control device is configured to determine that there is a cooling water leakage when a measurement temperature T measured by the first ...

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Номер записи: 99
04-06-2015 дата публикации

FUEL CELL COOLING APPARATUS AND FUEL CELL COOLING METHOD USING THE SAME

Номер: US20150155573A1
Автор: Jo Jang Ho, Kwon Hyuck Roul
Принадлежит:

A fuel cell cooling apparatus and a fuel cell cooling method are provided. In particular, an evaporating/cooling unit installed in a stack of a fuel cell is utilized to lower a temperature of a stack and an injector injects a cooling material into the evaporating/cooling unit. A pump applies the pressure necessary for injecting the cooling material; and a passage connects the evaporating/cooling unit to a cathode and disposed in the fuel cell cooling apparatus so that the cooling material evaporated in the evaporating/cooling unit passes through the passage and to the cathode. 1. A fuel cell cooling apparatus comprising:an evaporating/cooling unit installed in a stack of a fuel cell, and operably configured and disposed to lower a temperature of a stack;an injector operably configured and disposed to inject a cooling material into the evaporating/cooling unit;a pump operably configured and disposed to apply a pressure necessary to inject the cooling material; anda passage connecting the evaporating/cooling unit to a cathode and disposed in the fuel cell cooling apparatus so that the cooling material evaporated in the evaporating/cooling unit passes through the passage and to the cathode.2. The fuel cell cooling apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the cathode supplies the cooling material injected through the passage and evaporated to an electrolyte membrane.3. The fuel cell cooling apparatus of claim 2 , further comprising:a radiator that emits heat from the cooling material to the outside to liquefy the evaporated cooling material left after being supplied from the cathode to the electrolyte membrane;a fan that introduces air to the radiator to increase a heat transfer efficiency of the radiator;a water pump that supplies the cooling material to the injector; anda reservoir that stores water generated due to a chemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen in the stack of the fuel cell and water retrieved from the radiator.4. The fuel cell cooling apparatus of any one of ...

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Номер записи: 100