Abstract:
A fuel cell based power supply comprises a main power converter architecture that allows the fuel cell stack to operate independently of a desired output voltage. The fuel cell stack may be directly connected to the main power converter eliminating high current switches and diodes. Switches are operable to selectively power an auxiliary component such as a cooling fan to the fuel cell stack or to a storage device via an auxiliary power converter. A single auxiliary power converter can replace a dedicated cooling fan power supply. The power supply operates in a variety of states.
Abstract:
A black start operation employs the accumulation of power resulting from a reaction of fuel and ambient oxidant passively seeped or diffused into a fuel cell stack to bootstrap the fuel cell system operation.
Abstract:
A fuel cell system comprising a passive end cell heater for heating an end cell or cells within a fuel cell stack is disclosed. The fuel cell system comprises a fuel cell stack and a resistive heatable element connected in parallel to the fuel cell stack, wherein the resistive heatable element is adapted to heat an end cell of the fuel cell stack. A method for heating an end cell in a fuel cell stack is also disclosed.
Abstract:
An electric power plant includes an array of fuel cell systems. The fuel cell systems are electrically couplable in series and/or parallel combinations to provide a variety of output powers, output current and/or output voltages. The fuel cell systems are nullhot swappablenull and redundant fuel cell systems may automatically replace faulty fuel cell systems to maintain output power, current and/or voltage.
Abstract:
A method for coating an ion-exchange membrane with a catalyst layer by first heating a surface of the membrane to thereby soften the surface, followed by deposition of a catalyst composition and compaction into the ion-exchange membrane to produce a catalyst-coated membrane. Heating of the ion-exchange membrane may be at a temperature between 20null C. and 50null C., typically between 30null C. and 40null C., above the glass transition temperature of the dry ion-exchange membrane. In one embodiment, the catalyst composition is fluidized in a fluidized bed reactor prior to being deposited on the membrane surface. A system for coating the ion-exchange membrane is also provided. The catalyst-coated membrane is particularly useful in electrochemical fuel cells.
Abstract:
The electrochemical performance of an ion-exchange membrane in a fuel cell system may be improved by impregnating therein a perfluoroamine. The amine may be primary, secondary or tertiary. Further, the amine is preferably water insoluble or only slightly water soluble. For example, the amine may be perfluorotriamylamine or perfluorotributylamine. Use of such a membrane system within a fuel cell may allow high or low temperature operation (i.e. at temperatures greater than 100null C. or less than 0null C.) as well as operation at low relative humidity.
Abstract:
An array of fuel cell systems are electrically couplable in series and/or parallel combinations to provide a variety of output powers, output current and/or output voltages. The fuel cell systems are nullhot swappablenull and redundant fuel cell systems may automatically replace faulty fuel cell systems to maintain output power, current and/or voltage, with or without switching. The configuration of fuel cell systems may be automatic and may be based on desired power, current and/or voltage, and/or based on the operating parameters of the fuel cell systems and/or power supply system.
Abstract:
Certain fuel cells (e.g., solid polymer electrolyte fuel cells) may temporarily exhibit below normal performance after initial manufacture or after prolonged storage. While normal performance levels may be obtained after operating such fuel cells for a suitable time period, this process can take of order of days to fully complete. However, various conditioning and/or maintenance techniques are disclosed that provide for normal performance levels without the need for a lengthy initial operating period.
Abstract:
Certain fuel cells (e.g., solid polymer electrolyte fuel cells) may temporarily exhibit below normal performance after initial manufacture or after prolonged storage. While normal performance levels may be obtained after operating such fuel cells for a suitable time period, this process can take of order of days to fully complete. However, exposing the cathode to a reductant (e.g., hydrogen) can provide for normal performance levels without the need for a lengthy initial operating period.
Abstract:
To carry out a heterogeneously catalysed reaction, such as for example the generation of hydrogen from hydrocarbons or alcohol, in particular methanol, in which a reaction mixture comprising hydrocarbon and water is fed onto a catalyst, a catalyst is proposed which is produced by compressing at least one catalyst powder into a highly compressed layer which forms a shaped body, it being possible to press the reaction mixture through the catalyst layer with a pressure drop.