Abstract:
A mounting structure for fuel cell stacks includes a support structure having a position where one or more fuel cell stacks can be removably mounted, and a balance-of-plant for operating the fuel cell stack(s). At least a portion of the balance-of-plant is mounted to the support structure. At least one connection manifold is connected in fluid communication with the balance-of-plant, and is movable relative to the support structure. The connection manifold is configured to sealingly engage the fuel cell stack(s) to define fluid communication paths between process fluid inlets and outlets of the fuel cell stack(s) and corresponding process fluid inlets and outlets on the balance-of-plant.
Abstract:
A system for monitoring a fluid of an electrochemical cell stack is described. The monitoring system includes a plate, a first conduit in the plate for transporting the fluid, a second conduit in the plate, in fluid communication with the first conduit; and a fluid sensor, a portion of which is disposed in the second conduit for monitoring the fluid of the electrochemical cell stack.
Abstract:
A static semi-solid filled energy storage system having a plurality of static cells, each cell comprising an ion permeable membrane separating positive and negative current collectors and positioned to define positive and negative electroactive zones. Electroactive material is delivered to the electroactive zones via a plurality of manifolds. The manifolds are injected with an electronically insulating barrier that is configured to seal each static cell from its neighboring static cell. Valves are used to allow gas created from the electrochemical reactions to be released from the system. Coolant may be introduced to dissipate heat from the system.
Abstract:
A liquid separator configured to separate liquid from a fluid stream. The separator includes a housing, a separation chamber disposed within the housing, a drain, an inlet channel, a swirler disposed within the inlet channel, and an outlet channel. The drain has a drain passageway for draining liquid from the separation chamber. As well, the inlet channel is configured to communicate the fluid stream from a first inlet end to a second inlet end disposed within the housing and proximate the separation chamber. The outlet channel is configured to communicate the fluid stream from a first outlet end positioned proximate the second inlet end, to a second outlet end remote from the separation chamber. Preferably, the drain passageway comprises an inner diameter which is sized such that the interaction between the surface tension of the liquid and the inner passageway causes some liquid to be retained in the drain passageway, the retained liquid forming a low pressure gas seal of the drain passageway. The drain passageway is preferably substantially horizontal. The housing preferably includes a base and a cap which is removably mountable to the base.
Abstract:
Electrochemical cells and methods of making electrochemical cells are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a multi-layer sheet for encasing an electrode material for an electrochemical cell. The multi-layer sheet including an outer layer, an intermediate layer that includes a conductive substrate, and an inner layer disposed on a portion of the conductive substrate. The intermediate layer is disposed between the outer layer and the inner layer. The inner layer defines an opening through which a conductive region of the intermediate layer is exposed such that the electrode material can be electrically connected to the conductive region. Thus, the intermediate layer can serve as a current collector for the electrochemical cell.
Abstract:
An automotive or other power system including a flow cell, in which the stack that provides power is readily isolated from the storage vessels holding the cathode slurry and anode slurry (alternatively called "fuel") is described. A method of use is also provided, in which the "fuel" tanks are removable and are separately charged in a charging station, and the charged fuel, plus tanks, are placed back in the vehicle or other power system, allowing fast refueling. The technology also provides a charging system in which discharged fuel is charged. The charged fuel can be placed into storage tanks at the power source or returned to the vehicle. In some embodiments, the charged fuel in the storage tanks can be used at a later date. The charged fuel can be transported or stored for use in a different place or time.
Abstract:
A manifold for a fuel cell system, has a manifold body and a plurality of first ports in the manifold body, for connecting to fuel cell peripherals. A plurality of second ports in the manifold body provide connections to a fuel cell. A plurality of first fluid passages within the manifold provide communication between respective ones of the first ports and respective ones of the second ports, whereby, in use, the fluid passages communicate fluids between the fuel cell stack and fuel cell peripherals. The manifold provides a higher degree of system integration, considerably reduced piping, fittings and associated hardware and hence generally reduces the size and weight of the fuel cell system. Thermal-fluid related system losses are also minimized.
Abstract:
A manifold for a fuel cell system, has a manifold body and a plurality of first ports in the manifold body, for connecting to fuel cell peripherals. A plurality of second ports in the manifold body provide connections to a fuel cell. A plurality of first fluid passages within the manifold provide communication between respective ones of the first ports and respective ones of the second ports, whereby, in use, the fluid passages communicate fluids between the fuel cell stack and fuel cell peripherals. The manifold provides a higher degree of system integration, considerably reduced piping, fittings and associated hardware and hence generally reduces the size and weight of the fuel cell system. Thermal-fluid related system losses are also minimized.
Abstract:
A static semi-solid filled energy storage system having a plurality of static cells, each cell comprising an ion permeable membrane separating positive and negative current collectors and positioned to define positive and negative electroactive zones. Electroactive material is delivered to the electroactive zones via a plurality of manifolds. The manifolds are injected with an electronically insulating barrier that is configured to seal each static cell from its neighboring static cell. Valves are used to allow gas created from the electrochemical reactions to be released from the system. Coolant may be introduced to dissipate heat from the system.
Abstract:
A multi-cell stack electrochemical device having an ion-permeable membrane separating positive and negative current collectors. A plurality of actuating devices configured to inject an electroactive composition into multiple zones within an electrochemical cell. The actuating devices are configured to apply direct pressure to internally contained electroactive composition to displace depleted electroactive material contained within an electrochemical cell. Gravity or mechanical means are used to operate the actuating device to displace electroactive composition that is internally housed.