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Chemistry: Electrical Current Producing Apparatus, Product, And Process > Fuel Cell, Subcombination Thereof Or Methods Of Operating > Process Of Operating Process Of OperatingProcess Of Operating patent applications listed are from June 2005 to current and include Date, Patent Application Number, Patent Title, Patent Abstract summary and are linked to the corresponding patent application page.06/07/07 - 20070128477 - Apparatus and method for heating fuel cells A fuel cell or fuel cell stack heater using resistive heat. A resistive conductor (preferably some type of metal wire) is attached to a source of electricity such as a battery. The resistive conductor is in proximity with the fuel cell or stack so that when the resistive conductor is ... 06/07/07 - 20070128476 - Method and apparatus for controlling a combined heat and power fuel cell system A cogeneration fuel cell system and associated methods of operation are provided that accommodate a demand for heat as well as a demand for electric power. The system is operated among various modes to balance heat and power demand signals. In general, a fuel cell system is coupled to a ... 06/07/07 - 20070128475 - Base metal dehydrogenation of amine-boranes A method of dehydrogenating an amine-borane having the formula R1H2N—BH2R2 using base metal catalyst. The method generates hydrogen and produces at least one of a [R1HN—BHR2]m oligomer and a [R1N—BR2]n oligomer. The method of dehydrogenating amine-boranes may be used to generate H2 for portable power sources, such as, but not ... 06/07/07 - 20070128474 - Shutdown procedure for fuel cell stacks A method of ceasing operation of a fuel cell stack, the fuel cell stack comprising a plurality of fuel cells, each fuel cell comprising at least one anode flow field and at least one cathode flow field for supplying fuel and oxidant thereto, the fuel comprising hydrogen, the method comprising ... 06/07/07 - 20070128473 - Differential temperature energy harvesting in a fuel cell powered underwater vehicle A method and apparatus for harvesting energy in a fuel cell powered vehicle has first and second energy harvesting elements with at least two ends, the first end being electrically insulated from and in thermal communication with a high temperature reservoir associated with the fuel cell, the second end being ... 05/31/07 - 20070122665 - Fuel composittion for fuel cell and fuel cell using the same A fuel composition for a fuel cell includes at least one primary fuel that produces protons and electrons, and at least one peroxide. As an example, the primary fuel may be at least one aqueous solution containing methanol, ethanol, or formic acid. When the fuel composition is used, the catalytic ... 05/31/07 - 20070122664 - Fuel system with improved fuel cell shutdown A fuel cell system having a fuel cell with an anode and a cathode wherein both the cathode and anode each have a flow path with an inflow and outflow. A gaseous source containing oxygen is connected to the inflow of the cathode flow path while a gaseous fuel source ... 05/31/07 - 20070122663 - Fuel cell system and start up control method for the fuel cell system A scavenging process is performed on the anode side by opening an air supply valve to remove liquid droplets in a fuel gas flow field using the compressed air from an air compressor. During the scavenging process, when a start up signal from an ignition switch is received, the start ... 05/31/07 - 20070122662 - Method of operating a fuel cell stack One aspect of the invention includes the discovery that pinholes in the membrane of the membrane electrode assembly may be caused by hygroexpansive ratcheting. In one embodiment of the invention, a fuel cell stack including a plurality of cells each having a membrane electrode assembly each including a membrane manufactured ... 05/24/07 - 20070116994 - Methods of operating fuel cells A fuel cell is disclosed which is formed on a semiconductor wafer by etching channel in the wafer and forming electronics on the substrate electronically coupled to the fuel cell that controls generation of power by the fuel cell through electrical communication with the fuel cell. A hydrogen fuel is ... 05/24/07 - 20070116993 - Water management of pem fuel cell stacks using surface active agents A fuel cell system that employs a surface active agent that reduces the surface tension of the water in the flow field channels. The fuel cell system includes humidifiers that humidify the cathode inlet airflow and the hydrogen anode gas. The surface active agent is mixed with the humidifying water ... 05/24/07 - 20070116992 - Anode loop pressure control in pem fuel cell system A method of operating a fuel cell stack is disclosed. The method includes operating the fuel cell stack in accordance with a predetermined profile of fuel gas/oxidant gas delta pressure vs. time, monitoring a fuel gas/oxidant gas delta pressure vs. time value of the fuel cell stack and adjusting pressure ... 05/17/07 - 20070111047 - Method of operating fuel cell and power supply system Methods of operating a fuel cell and a power supply systems are provided. The methods and systems of the present invention are capable of suppressing condensation of moisture obstructing an air passage without the need of any complicated system configuration. The method of operating a fuel cell includes controlling a ... 05/17/07 - 20070111046 - Time-based fuel cell purge method A method of purging a fuel cell is disclosed. The method includes determining a running average current load on the fuel cell, a standard deviation of cell voltages of the fuel cell and/or a maximum change in cell voltage of the fuel cell. The fuel cell is purged if the ... 05/17/07 - 20070111045 - Fuel cell power generating system, method for controlling fuel cell power generation, and fuel cell power generating apparatus A fuel cell power generating system which is advantageous not only in that steady power supply can be achieved according to the load, but also in that the power supply can be flexibly controlled even when different types of loading apparatus utilize the electric power generated. The fuel cell power ... 05/10/07 - 20070104982 - Method of operating fuel cell A method for operating a fuel cell, which is capable of recovering the performance of the fuel cell when the performance of the fuel cell is degraded. The fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly having an electrolyte film, an anode, and a cathode. The anode and the cathode sandwich ... 05/03/07 - 20070099036 - Gas replacement method of fuel cell, fuel cell system and device for fuel cell system A method of replacing gas in a fuel cell system is provided which comprises the steps of detecting that a fuel cartridge is connected to the fuel cell system having a fuel cell and supplying a fuel from the fuel cartridge on the basis of the detection to start replacement ... 04/26/07 - 20070092765 - Heater for fuel reforming reactor and fuel cell system using the same Disclosed is a fuel reforming system, which includes a heater to combustion fuel that mainly contains butane gas and a reformer to receive heat energy from the heater. The reformer produces reformed gas that mainly contains hydrogen from reforming fuel that mainly contains butane gas. An igniter has an electrode ... 04/19/07 - 20070087233 - System and method of controlling fuel cell shutdown A system and method for implementing a fuel cell shutdown process are disclosed. Briefly described, one embodiment comprises establishing an oxidant recirculation path from a portion of the cathode flow path upon initiation of the fuel cell shutdown process, wherein the oxidant is recirculated during an oxygen depletion phase to ... 04/19/07 - 20070087232 - Capacitor hybrid fuel cell power generator An electrical power generator comprising at least one fuel cell and at least one capacitor electrically coupled together in parallel is operated in a manner that reduces stress on the fuel cell and prolongs fuel cell operating life. The operation comprises: monitoring a current drawn by a load; monitoring a ... 04/12/07 - 20070082235 - System and method for controlling cathode stoichiometry to minimize rh excursions during transients A system and method for providing dynamic cathode stoichiometry control in a fuel cell during stack load transients to minimize relative humidity excursions. Particularly, changes in the cathode stoichiometry is controlled as a function of time in response to a decrease or increase in stack current density. Thus, if the ... 04/05/07 - 20070077464 - Method of controlling fuel concentration in a direct liquid fuel cell A method of controlling fuel concentration in a direct liquid fuel cell is disclosed. In step 101, a direct liquid fuel cell including a first set of membrane electrode assemblies and a second set of membrane electrode assemblies is provided. In step 103, anodic liquid fuels with a known, low-limited ... 04/05/07 - 20070077463 - Fuel cartridge of a fuel cell with fuel stored outside fuel liner A fuel supply connectable to a fuel cell is disclosed. The fuel supply comprises an outer casing and a fuel liner and an effective amount of fuel in the space between the outer casing and the fuel liner to control the pressure inside the fuel liner. In one example, the ... 04/05/07 - 20070077462 - System and method for fuel cell operation with in-situ reformer regeneration A system and method for operating a fuel cell, including reacting a fuel with an oxidant within the fuel cell to produce electricity and reaction products comprising steam. The fuel is fed through the fuel cell, wherein a concentration of the steam increases in the first direction through the fuel ... 03/29/07 - 20070072016 - Methods and apparatus for improving the cold starting capability of a fuel cell Apparatus and methods of ceasing operation of an electric power generating system improve the cold starting capability of the system. The system comprises a fuel cell stack connectable to an external circuit for supplying power to the external circuit. The stack comprises at least one solid polymer fuel cell, and ... 03/29/07 - 20070072015 - Fixed idc operation of fuel cell power plant background of the invention A method for operating a fuel cell power plant to supply power to an internal load and an external load, includes the steps of evaluating power needs of the internal and external loads to determine a fixed IDC value sufficient to supply the needs; providing auxiliary power to the internal ... 03/15/07 - 20070059566 - Warm-up apparatus for fuel cell A warm-up apparatus GS for a fuel cell 1, 51 comprising: a compressor 22, 71 for feeding supply gas A to the fuel cell 1, 51; a main passage W1, W3 connecting the compressor 22, 71 and the fuel cell 1, 51 and feeding supply gas A; an intercooler 23, ... 03/08/07 - 20070054161 - Method for purging fuel cell system A method for purging a fuel cell system comprises detecting a signal for stopping an operation of a fuel cell system, cutting off an electricity output of the fuel cell system, driving a steam generator of a fuel supply unit of the fuel cell system for a certain time and ... 03/08/07 - 20070054160 - Method and apparatus for maintaining high voltage in a fuel cell A method and apparatus for elevating the operating voltage in a fuel cell having a hydrogen electrode with hydrogen storage capacity and/or an oxygen electrode with oxygen storage capacity. The fuel cell is able to sustain the elevated voltage through application of an electrical current to the fuel cell resulting ... 03/08/07 - 20070054159 - Direct methanol type fuel cell and method of preventing elution of its fuel pole, quality control method and operation method Elution of a fuel electrode material into a fuel in a direct methanol fuel cell is monitored. The elution arises resulting from elution of a perfluorosulfonic acid polymer in the fuel electrode into the fuel in a high-concentration fuel equal to or more than 2 M or at an operating ... 03/01/07 - 20070048561 - Packaging method for modular power cells A method of operating a power delivery system that has at least one power cell includes directing air into the power cells to cool them, receiving the air from the cells, directing the air to a cooling system, and recirculating the cooled air to the power cells. Each cell may ... 03/01/07 - 20070048560 - Method and apparatus for water management in direct methanol fuel cell system using heat exchanger A method and an apparatus for water management in a direct methanol fuel cell system using a heat exchanger and including a pipe for connecting a cathode outlet of a fuel cell stack with a mixer. The method includes: measuring an output voltage and/or an output current of the fuel ... 03/01/07 - 20070048559 - Air reservoir to dilute hydrogen emissions A fuel cell system having an air source to dilute hydrogen emissions upon shutdown of the system is disclosed. The air reservoir includes a fuel cell stack module and a hydrogen source, a main air source and an auxiliary air source provided in fluid communication with the fuel cell stack ... 03/01/07 - 20070048558 - Molecular stimulator fuel cell and h.sub.2 o.sub.2 generator a method for performing work comprising the steps of providing (h.sub.2 o.sub.2) product, the release of energy, to perform work. power generation incorporating an anode along with reduction of but not limited to a hydrogen peroxide solution, causing an electric current to flow from the anode to the cathode through ... 03/01/07 - 20070048557 - Diagnosis of cell-to-cell variability in water holdup via dynamic voltage sensor pattern in response to a cathode flow pulse A method for periodically removing water from cathode flow channels in a fuel cell stack that includes looking at the resulting cell voltage patterns in response to selectively pulsing the cathode airflow during. If the fuel cell stack has been in an extended low power condition for a predetermined period ... 02/15/07 - 20070037022 - Startup method of fuel cell system In a startup method for fuel cell systems, and more particularly, a startup method which makes the fuel cell systems rapidly reach a steady state operation by significantly decreasing the time taken to increase the temperature of the shift reactor catalyst, gas discharged from a burner that heats a reformer ... 02/01/07 - 20070026269 - Relief valve, method of manufacturing relief valve, and fuel cell Provided is a relief valve that is small in size and has a simple structure in which a flow path is provided so as to penetrate a diaphragm or a support portion of the diaphragm, and an outlet is located at an opposite side of an inlet through the diaphragm. ... 02/01/07 - 20070026268 - Aircraft having a fuel cell The invention relates to an aircraft, in particular to an airplane, having at least one fuel cell, having at least one supply line which connects the fuel cell to a fuel supply, having at least one outlet line by means of which fuel supplied by the supply line and not ... 02/01/07 - 20070026267 - Fuel cell system provided with a cooling circuit A method and apparatus for cooling a fuel cell system. The system includes a fuel cell (1) having a cooling device (15) which forms part of a cooling circuit including a liquid coolant. The cooling circuit, outside the fuel cell (1), contains a device by which any gases which may ... 01/25/07 - 20070020491 - Stoichiometric control methodology for fuel cell systems A method of restoring a low cell voltage of a fuel cell in a fuel cell system to a normal cell voltage without reducing a total power output level of the fuel cell system is disclosed. The method includes operating the fuel cell system at a selected total power output ... 01/18/07 - 20070015014 - Fuel cell system and process for controlling the same A fuel cell system comprising a fuel cell, which generates power by supplying anode gas and cathode gas into the fuel cell, a compressor which controls the amount of the gas to be supplied into the fuel cell, and a pressure control valve which controls the gas pressure of the ... 01/18/07 - 20070015013 - Heated o-ring A heated O-ring that has particular application for providing sealing in the connector region of a compressed hydrogen storage tank in a fuel cell system. In one embodiment, an electrical heating wire is wound through the O-ring so that resistive heating is provide by applying an electrical potential to the ... 01/11/07 - 20070009774 - Joint-cycle high-efficiency fuel cell system with power generating expander The efficiency of a combination reformer/fuel cell system is significantly improved by recapturing the energy value of heat generated in the fuel cell and producing additional power. The cooling water from the fuel cell is mixed, entirely or in part, with sufficient or excess compressed air, and at least partially ... 01/11/07 - 20070009773 - Method for activating solid polymer fuel cell By using a fuel cell having a membrane electrode assembly having and electrolyte membrane 100 formed by a polymer electrolyte membrane, and an anode 101 and a cathode 102 carrying a catalytic metal and sandwiching electrolyte membrane 100. The anode 101 and the cathode 102 are in electrical connection, and ... 01/11/07 - 20070009772 - Anode effluent control in fuel cell power plant A fuel cell stack (1) performs power generation using an anode gas having hydrogen as its main component, and after a power generation reaction, the anode gas is discharged as anode effluent. The anode effluent is re-circulated into the anode gas through a return passage (5). The return passage (5) ... 01/04/07 - 20070003802 - Thermal control of fuel cell for improved cold start Improvements in startup time for an electrochemical fuel cell system from freezing and sub-freezing temperatures are obtained by utilizing an insulated fuel cell stack in combination with an thermal control subsystem. Temperature of the insulated electrochemical fuel cell stack, as well as temperature of the ambient environment, are monitored and ... 12/28/06 - 20060292406 - Thermal control of fuel cell for improved cold start Improvements in startup time for an electrochemical fuel cell system from freezing and sub-freezing temperatures are obtained by utilizing an insulated fuel cell stack in combination with an thermal control subsystem. Temperature of the insulated electrochemical fuel cell stack, as well as temperature of the ambient environment, are monitored and ... 12/21/06 - 20060286415 - Regulation of the water balance in fuel cell systems The invention relates to a method for controlling the fluid balance in an anode circuit of a fuel cell system. In this method, at least the gases discharged on the cathode side are cooled in a condensing device in order to obtain a condensed liquid, and the condensed liquid is ... 12/07/06 - 20060275634 - Method for controlling output power of fuel cell A method for controlling an output power of a fuel cell is disclosed. A DC converter and a fuel cell are provided, and a voltage input end of the DC converter is connected to a voltage output end of the fuel cell. The DC converter is used to convert an ... 11/30/06 - 20060269803 - Fuel cells A cartridge includes a first housing, a second housing within the first housing, and a colorant. The first housing has an interior surface and an exterior surface, and the second housing contains an alcohol fuel or a hydrocarbon fuel and has an interior surface and an exterior surface. The colorant ... 11/23/06 - 20060263655 - Fuel cell apparatus and methods Fuel cells having an efficient means of thermal insulation such that all of the components requiring high temperature operation are contained within a single housing and whereby such thermal insulation is disposed exterior to such housing. ... 11/23/06 - 20060263654 - Relative humidity control for a fuel cell A model uses various operating characteristics of a fuel cell to predict the relative humidity profile that is occurring within the fuel cell as a function of the reaction progress. The model is used to predict the relative humidity profile that will occur in response to changes to one or ... 11/23/06 - 20060263653 - Management via dynamic water holdup estimator in a fuel cell A strategy of controlling a state of hydration of a fuel cell(s) and actively managing operation of the fuel cell(s) to achieve a desired state of hydration. The control strategy monitors the state of hydration and a rate of change of the state of hydration which are used to control ... 11/23/06 - 20060263652 - Fuel cell system relative humidity control Operating strategy for a fuel cell system controls the hydration level of the membranes in the fuel cells and achieves a desired operational performance. The membrane hydration level is managed by controlling the relative humidity of the cathode gas flowing through the cathode flow path. Targeted relative humidity set points ... 11/23/06 - 20060263651 - Relative humidity profile control strategy for high current density stack operation A control strategy results in a relative humidity profile that is substantially the same or constant regardless of the operational power level of the fuel cell stack. The strategy maintains the relative humidity profile within a range that enables high current density operation of the fuel cell stack. The profile ... 11/16/06 - 20060257696 - Increasing thermal dissipation of fuel cell stacks under partial electrical load A method of operating a high temperature fuel cell system containing a plurality of fuel cell stacks includes operating one or more of the plurality of fuel cell stacks at a first output power while operating another one or more of the plurality of the fuel cell stacks at a ... 11/09/06 - 20060251933 - Arrangement and method for the generation of water on board an aircraft An arrangement and a method are proposed for the generation of water on board an aircraft with the use of one or more fuel cells, whereby low-temperature fuel cells are provided as fuel cells. It is proposed that several single-cell or few-cell fuel cells may form a fuel-cell panel or ... 11/09/06 - 20060251932 - Method of reducing delamination A method of reducing freeze-thaw delamination of electrode layers from the electrolyte membranes in a fuel cell is disclosed. The method comprises reducing the water content of the MEA to or below 80 percent of saturation prior to exposing the MEA to freezing conditions. Most preferably the water content of ... 11/02/06 - 20060246326 - Start up of cascaded fuel cell stack A cascaded fuel cell stack (9a) includes a plurality of groups (10-12) of fuel cells (13) connected electrically in series by means of conductive separator plates (58, 59) and current collecting pressure plates (56, 57). Each group has an inlet fuel distributing fuel inlet manifold (17a, 19c, 20c), a fuel ... 11/02/06 - 20060246325 - Fuel-cell power-generation system and method A condenser condenses an unused exhaust gas exhausted from a fuel cell and recovers water, condensation-capacity detection means always monitors the condensation capacity of the condenser, control means controls an output of heat-transport-medium circulation means, stores the exhaust heat of the fuel cell in heat-using means when a sufficient condensation ... 10/26/06 - 20060240295 - Method and device for decontamination air for fuel cell, and fuel cell A method of air decontamination for fuel cell to remove contaminants, reducing cell performance in air to be supplied to a fuel cell by treating the air so that the concentration of a sulfur compound is reduced to 5 ppb or less by removing the sulfur compound in the air. ... 10/26/06 - 20060240294 - Actuatable and reversible pressure generation based on fuel cell operation A fuel cell is used to create pressure by reverse biasing the fuel cell. A voltage is applied across the fuel cell to change the liquid near the fuel cell into gas, and expand its volume. The volume expansion is used for work function, either to expand a housing or ... 10/26/06 - 20060240293 - Mitigating fuel cell start up/shut down degradation A method of operating an electrochemical conversion assembly is provided where a shut down sequence is introduced where a substantially dry gas is driven through the cathode flow field. The dry gas is supplied for an amount of time sufficient to reduce the water content of the proton exchange membrane ... 10/26/06 - 20060240292 - Fuel cell Fuel cells and related systems and methods are disclosed. ... 10/19/06 - 20060234093 - Dynamic cathode gas control for a fuel cell system A fuel cell system utilizes at least one flow restricting device to vary the stoichiometric quantity of cathode reactant flowing to two discrete cathode sides of the fuel cell system. The varying of the stoichiometric quantity of cathode reactant can be between two predetermined values. The varying of the stoichiometric ... 10/19/06 - 20060234092 - Method to begin coolant circulation to prevent mea overheating during cold start A system and method for determining the internal temperature of a fuel cell stack during stack start-up so as to start a cooling fluid flow before the internal temperature of the stack rises above a temperature that might damage the fuel cells within the stack. The system and method include ... 10/12/06 - 20060228597 - Method for humidifying a reactant stream for a fuel cell A membrane exchange humidifier employs a water permeable membrane comprising a microporous polymer and a hydrophilic additive. In operation, the membrane preferably has favorable water transmission properties and resists transmission of reactant gas or other components. The membrane is suitable for use even when permeable in its dry condition to ... 10/12/06 - 20060228596 - Methods and apparatus for controlled solid oxide fuel cell (sofc)/turbine hybrid power generation A method for operating a pressurized solid oxide fuel cell/turbine (SOFC/turbine) hybrid power generation system in which the hybrid power generation system includes an SOFC generator and a turbine generator includes controlling airflow to the SOFC/turbine hybrid power generation system in accordance with power demand and utilizing electrical current drawn ... 09/28/06 - 20060216554 - Cooling method for fuel cell A cooling method for a fuel cell using a heat exchanger is provided. The method comprises the steps of: providing an ion exchanger in a circulation system for the cooling fluid; decreasing ion concentration in the cooling fluid by circulating the cooling fluid through the fuel cell and the ion ... 09/21/06 - 20060210843 - Multiplexer and system for supplying current to an electrochemical cell stack Embodiments of the present invention relate to multiplexing apparatus, systems and methods for use in diagnostic testing of an electrochemical cell stack, such as a fuel cell stack or an electrolyzer cell stack. According to one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a multiplexer for switching current to one or more cells ... 09/14/06 - 20060204797 - Cooling method for fuel cell A cooling method for a fuel cell using a heat exchanger is provided. The method comprises the steps of: providing an ion exchanger in a circulation system for the cooling fluid; decreasing ion concentration in the cooling fluid by circulating the cooling fluid through the fuel cell and the ion ... 09/14/06 - 20060204796 - Systems and methods for minimizing temperature differences and gradients in solid oxide fuel cells Temperature differences and temperature gradients across Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) are minimized through the used of a manifold heat exchanger, which reduces thermal stress and increase cell life. Air passes from a periphery of a cell toward the cell center, where it absorbs cell heat. The air then proceeds ... 09/07/06 - 20060199050 - Pump fixing accessory and fuel cell having the same A fuel cell system comprises an electricity generation section for generating electrical energy through electrochemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen, a fuel supply section including a fuel pump arranged in a fuel tank for providing fuel, an oxidizer supply section including an oxidizer supply pump for providing an oxidizer to ... 09/07/06 - 20060199049 - Monitoring system for fuel cell stack A monitoring system includes a plurality of monitoring sensors for electrically connecting to fuel cell units of a fuel cell stack respectively, wherein a voltage of each of the fuel cell units is measured when two corresponding neighboring monitoring sensors are switched on. An alert controller includes a switch control ... 09/07/06 - 20060199048 - Circulation check for fuel cell coolant Systems of checking thermal-induced circulation of a coolant in a fuel cell stack are disclosed. The system includes coolant inlet and outlet lines extending from a fuel cell stack. A pump and a radiator are confluently connected to the coolant inlet and coolant outlet lines. In one embodiment, a valve ... 08/17/06 - 20060183008 - Liquid fuel compositions for electrochemical fuel cells A liquid fuel composition useful for catalytic fuel cells is made up of at least two components. The primary fuel component is a surface-active compound, such as methanol, that is a source of and acts to prevent unwanted decomposition of the auxiliary fuel. The auxiliary fuel is a compound having ... 08/17/06 - 20060183007 - Method of operating fuel cell A method of operating a fuel cell including a fuel electrode, an oxidant electrode, and an electrolyte layer having hydrogen ion conductivity sandwiched between the fuel electrode and the oxidant electrode, so that the fuel cell generates electricity as a result of an electrochemical reaction between a fuel and an ... 08/17/06 - 20060183006 - Method for reducing degradation in a fuel cell The invention is a method of reducing catalyst dissolution in the cathode of a membrane electrode assembly fuel cell, said method comprising the steps of: (a) preparing a membrane electrode assembly comprising an anode, a cathode and a polymer electrolyte membrane interposed between said anode and said cathode; (b) assembling ... 08/10/06 - 20060177711 - Fuell cell control and data reporting A fuel cell pack having a fuel tank, a smart controller, and a fuel cell provides electrical power and operational data pertaining to the fuel cell pack to a host processor. The fuel cell pack and the host processor control the operation of the fuel cell. Control of the fuel ... 08/10/06 - 20060177710 - Fuel cell According to one embodiment, a fuel cell includes an electromotive section which generates power based on a chemical reaction, a fuel tank which contains a fuel, an anode line through which the fuel is circulated between the electromotive section and the fuel tank, a cathode line which is connected to ... 08/10/06 - 20060177709 - Fuel cell According to one embodiment, a fuel cell comprises an electromotive section, a fuel tank, a mixing tank in which the fuel supplied from the fuel tank is mixed with water from the electromotive section and an aqueous fuel solution is formed, a first line through which the fuel is circulated ... 08/10/06 - 20060177708 - Fuel cell power system and operating method thereof It is an object to provide a fuel cell power system which can produce an output stably for extended periods without sensing or estimating and controlling fuel concentration. The fuel cell power system is equipped with a plurality of electrically connected single cells running on a liquid fuel, each having ... 08/10/06 - 20060177707 - Homogenous thermal coolant cycling An internal coolant circulation system and method of homogenizing waste heat in a fuel cell stack using homogenous thermal coolant cycling is disclosed. The method includes operating a fuel cell stack, distributing a coolant through the fuel cell stack, terminating operation of the fuel cell stack, retaining the coolant in ... 08/03/06 - 20060172160 - Fuel cell system The fuel cell system includes a fuel supply unit for supplying a fuel containing hydrogen, an oxygen supply unit for supplying oxygen, an electricity generation unit for generating electricity through an electro-chemical reaction of the fuel supplied by the fuel supply unit or the hydrogen generated from the fuel, and ... 08/03/06 - 20060172159 - Method for regenration of performance in a fuel cell A process for improved performance in at least one fuel cell, having a loss in power output of at least 5% of an initial power output, wherein the fuel cell comprises a cathode, an anode, an anode chamber, a cathode chamber, a fuel comprising an anolyte that flows through the ... 07/27/06 - 20060166053 - Solid oxide fuel cell assembly with replaceable stack and packet modules A method of replacing a fuel cell packet module in a fuel cell stack, said method comprising: (i) powering down the fuel cell stack; (ii) electrically disconnecting the fuel cell packet module from external power load, (iii) mechanically disconnecting the fuel cell packet module from the fuel cell stack; and ... 07/27/06 - 20060166052 - Accelerated testing method of rapidly evaluating lifespan of fuel cell A method of estimating a lifespan of a fuel cell including a cathode and an anode which contain catalysts and an electrolyte membrane interposed between the anode and the cathode. A cyclic potential with a voltage ranging from a low voltage to a voltage greater than oxidation voltages of the ... 07/27/06 - 20060166051 - Method and device to improve operation of a fuel cell A method of conditioning a fuel cell having an anode supplied with a fuel, and a cathode supplied with an oxidant comprising the steps of: (i) applying a first external load to said fuel cell to produce a first voltage which is less than open circuit voltage for a first ... 07/27/06 - 20060166050 - Fuel cell system and method for operating a fuel cell system A fuel cell system for supplying at least one electric load with electric power includes at least one fuel cell and an energy storage device, and also a switching device for disconnecting and connecting the fuel cell system from and to the at least one load. The switching device has ... 07/27/06 - 20060166049 - Method and an arrangement for producing electric energy by means of at least one fuel cell The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for generating electrical energy with at least one fuel cell. The fuel cell has a membrane unit for direct or indirect separation and/or for transporting charge carriers and/or reaction products. The membrane unit has an angle of inclination of 45° or ... 07/20/06 - 20060159966 - Fuel cell system and method of stopping operation of the fuel cell system When a power generation stop signal of an ignition switch is detected, an oxygen-containing gas is supplied to an anode for starting an anode scavenging process. After starting the anode scavenging process, the remaining electrical energy stored in a capacitor is monitored. If the monitored remaining electrical energy stored in ... 07/13/06 - 20060154120 - System and method for early detection of contaminants in a fuel processing system A system and method for preventing damage to a fuel cell stack resulting from impurities in a hydrogen stream delivered thereto. In some embodiments, the hydrogen stream is a product hydrogen stream from a fuel processor. In some embodiments, the impurities may result from a failure or malfunction in a ... 07/13/06 - 20060154119 - Method for regeneration of performance in a fuel cell A process for improved performance in a fuel cell or stack of fuel cells wherein the fuel cell has a cathode, an anode, an anode chamber, a cathode chamber, a fuel comprising an anolyte that flows through the cell, and a catholyte gas, and wherein the fuel cell is connected ... 07/06/06 - 20060147765 - Method of operating a fuel cell A method of operating a fuel cell (1) in which a gaseous supply stream (5) comprising a reactive species is delivered to an electrode (2) where the reactive species is consumed in an electrochemical reaction to produce an exhaust stream (7, 8) which is depleted in reactive species, which method ... 06/29/06 - 20060141301 - Fuel cell and fuel cell coolant compositions This invention is directed to coolant compositions, particularly coolant compositions useful n fuel cells, and to fuel cells containing such coolant compositions. The coolant compositions or heat transfer fluids of this invention have and retain low electrical conductivity through extended periods of use. These coolant or heat transfer fluids are ... 06/29/06 - 20060141300 - Preconditioning treatment to enhance redox tolerance of solid oxide fuel cells A high temperature, redox tolerant fuel cell anode electrode and method of fabrication in which the anode electrode is pre-conditioned by application of an initial controlled redox cycle to the electrode whereby an initial re-oxidation of the anode electrode is carried out at temperatures less than or equal to about ... 06/29/06 - 20060141299 - Detecting and handling a fault condition in a fuel cell system A technique that is usable with a fuel cell system includes comparing at least one parameter of the fuel cell system to a predetermined signature to identify an entity of the fuel cell system, which possibly caused a fault condition in the fuel cell system. The technique includes operating the ... 06/22/06 - 20060134473 - Fuel cell system controller A fuel cell system that includes a control system for regulating the power produced by the fuel cell system. The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack adapted to produce electrical power from a feed. In some embodiments, the fuel cell system includes a fuel processing assembly adapted to ... 06/22/06 - 20060134472 - Summer and winter mode operation of fuel cell stacks A fuel cell subject to intermittent use may be operated in two distinct modes, a “summer” or a “winter” mode, depending on whether the cell is expected to be stored at below freezing temperatures or not. At steady state in summer mode, much of the cell interior may be fully ... 06/22/06 - 20060134471 - Device for recuperating water in a power production unit comprising a fuel cell The invention concerns a power production unit (10) onboard a motor vehicle, comprising a fuel cell (12) including at least one orifice for evacuating off-gases (28) consisting in particular of air and water vapour, and which are discharged into a discharge pipe (30, 36) wherein is provided a condenser (28) ... 06/15/06 - 20060127711 - Systems and methods for fuel cartridge distribution The invention relates to systems and methods that improve distribution of fuel cartridges. The cartridges include compatibility information. A controller on the device validates the compatibility information before permitting fuel provision from the cartridge to the device. Invalid compatibility information, or absence of the compatibility information, then denies fuel flow ... 06/15/06 - 20060127710 - System and method for bypassing failed stacks in a multiple stack fuel cell A system and a method that isolates and bypasses a failed fuel cell stack that is one of a plurality of connected fuel cell stacks within a fuel cell. By isolating and/or bypassing a failed fuel cell stack the fuel can continue to generate power in a degraded mode of ... 06/15/06 - 20060127709 - Fuel cell stack with multiple groups of cells and flow passes There is described a method of flowing reactants through a fuel cell stack having a plurality of fuel cells, the method comprising: dividing the stack into a plurality of groups, each of the groups connected together electrically in series; selecting a number of the groups and a number of cells ... 06/08/06 - 20060121323 - Cathode saturation arrangement for fuel cell power plant The heat from various portions of a fuel cell power plant (110) are redistributed in a manner allowing desired modification of/to the heat removal means (152,156), e. g., radiator (152), included in the coolant loop for the fuel cell stack assembly (CSA) (12). A humidifier (70) added in the coolant ... 06/08/06 - 20060121322 - Systems and methods for fuel cell shutdown Methods and systems for improving the ability of a fuel cell stack to start following freezing conditions, including directing a drying stream through at least a portion of the fuel cell stack, directing a rehumidifying stream through at least a portion of the fuel cell stack prior to shutting down ... 06/01/06 - 20060115694 - Fuel cell system A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell having a fuel gas flow path and an oxidant gas flow path; a compressor for supplying humidified air to the oxidant gas flow path; a back-pressure regulating valve for controlling pressure of humidified air in the oxidant gas flow path; a pressure ... 06/01/06 - 20060115693 - Test station for a fuel cell power module Aspects of the invention relate to a test station for a fuel cell power module (FCPM). The fuel cell power module has at least one fuel cell therein and a FCPM controller. The test station includes a test controller arranged to communicate with the FCPM controller to determine performance of ... 06/01/06 - 20060115692 - Method for intelligently arranging a fuel cell system with controllable dynamic series and parallel connections and the fuel cell system itself A method for arranging fuel cell system with intelligently controllable dynamic series and parallel connections, including the following steps: The first step is to provide at least one multi-route switch. The second step is to electrically connect at least two fuel cells to the multi-route switch. The third step is ... 06/01/06 - 20060115691 - Method for exhaust gas treatment in a solid oxide fuel cell power plant The invention relates to anode exhaust gas treatment methods for solid oxide fuel cell power plants with CO2 capture, in which the unreacted fuel in the anode exhaust (301) is recovered and recycled, while the resulting exhaust stream (303) consists of highly concentrated CO2. It is essential to the invention ... 05/25/06 - 20060110636 - Methods of operating fuel cells A fuel cell is disclosed which is formed on a semiconductor wafer by etching channel in the wafer and forming electronics on the substrate electronically coupled to the fuel cell that controls generation of power by the fuel cell through electrical communication with the fuel cell. A hydrogen fuel is ... 05/25/06 - 20060110635 - Fuel cell system, gas replacement method for fuel cell system, and device for fuel cell system A fuel cell system is provided which includes a fuel supply part for fuel gas and a fuel flow path having a purge valve for gas discharge, wherein the fuel supply part is provided at a position upstream from a position of the purge valve in a gravity direction of ... 05/25/06 - 20060110634 - Method and apparatus for preventing condensation in cathode exhaust conduit of fuel cell A method and apparatus for preventing or at least reducing condensation in a cathode exhaust conduit of a fuel cell is disclosed. The method includes introducing air into the fuel cell through an air intake conduit, removing an exhaust stream from the fuel cell through the cathode exhaust conduit and ... 05/18/06 - 20060105207 - Recuperated atmospheric sofc/gas turbine hybrid cycle A method of operating an atmospheric-pressure solid oxide fuel cell generator (6) in combination with a gas turbine comprising a compressor (1) and expander (2) where an inlet oxidant (20) is passed through the compressor (1) and exits as a first stream (60) and a second stream (62) the first ... 05/11/06 - 20060099467 - Integrated high temperature pem fuel cell system A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack that includes PEM fuel cells. Each fuel cell has an operating temperature of at least 120° C. The fuel cell stack has a cathode inlet to receive a flow of ambient air and a cathode outlet to provide a cathode exhaust ... 05/11/06 - 20060099466 - Fuel cell system and method of discharging a reaction gas from the fuel cell system A fuel cell system enables time required for purging to be reduced without a major increase in discharge gas concentration at a time of purging. It comprises a fuel cell; a fuel gas supply path for supplying the fuel gas to an anode; an oxidizing gas supply path for supplying ... 05/04/06 - 20060093878 - Fuel cell test station gas-purge system and method Abruptly cutting off the power to a fuel cell test station during a trial may, in some instances, be necessary to prevent accidents that may damage equipment and/or harm nearby operators/technicians. Yet, abruptly shutting down a trial may leave the fuel cell test station and fuel cell module under test ... 05/04/06 - 20060093877 - Dc current calculation for fuel cell control A process for determining the DC current in a fuel cell power plant includes the steps of determining current value from a power electronics converter of a power conditioning system of the power plant; determining a correction factor based upon losses within the converter; and correcting the current value from ... 04/27/06 - 20060088743 - Fuel cell system method and apparatus A fuel cell system employs at least two fuel cell stacks electrically coupled in parallel to reduce the load turndown ratio of the fuel cell stacks. Fewer than all fuel cell stacks may be operated where the power demand permits. An oxidant supply subsystem may cease supplying oxidant to one ... 04/27/06 - 20060088742 - Fuel cell system for scavenging signal pressure line for regulator A fuel cell system has a fuel cell having a cathode and an anode; a device for supplying an oxidant gas to the cathode; a device for supplying a fuel gas to the anode; a device for controlling a pressure of the oxidant gas in accordance with an operation state ... 04/20/06 - 20060083963 - Hydrogen passivation shut down system for a fuel cell power plant The invention is a hydrogen passivation shut down system for a fuel cell power plant (10). An anode flow path (24) is in fluid communication with an anode catalyst (14) for directing hydrogen fuel to flow adjacent to the anode catalyst (14), and a cathode flow path (38) is in ... 04/20/06 - 20060083962 - Proton-conductive composite electrolyte membrane and producing method thereof A composite electrolyte membrane of the present invention includes a porous body composed of an inorganic substance and an electrolyte material. The porous body includes therein plural spherical pores in which a diameter is substantially equal, and communicating ports each allowing the spherical pores adjacent to each other to communicate ... 04/20/06 - 20060083961 - Asynchronous diagnostics in a fuel cell or fuel cell system Methods including entering a diagnostic mode of a fuel cell in response to an asynchronous event are disclosed. ... 04/13/06 - 20060078766 - Fuel cell design and control method to facilitate self heating through catalytic combustion of anode exhaust A fuel cell system that provides a flow of anode exhaust gas into the cathode side of the fuel cells without allowing the anode exhaust gas flow and the cathode input flow to mix in a large volume. In one embodiment, strategically positioned perforations in the MEAs allow the anode ... 04/06/06 - 20060073364 - Fuel cell system The invention provides a reactant delivery system for a dead-headed PEM fuel cell system, comprising a fuel cell, a fuel supply, a purge valve, an inlet orifice, an outlet orifice, and a controller. A first fuel flow circuit is provided, wherein fuel is flowed from the fuel supply to the ... 03/30/06 - 20060068244 - Fuel tank, fuel cell system, and hydrogen gas generator A fuel tank, hydrogen gas generator, and fuel cell system having a pressure tank including a space. The pressure tank includes a portion dividing the space into spaces so that when one of the spaces is increased in volume, the other space is decreased in volume and so that the ... 03/30/06 - 20060068243 - Method for controlling nitrogen fraction The present invention utilizes a correlation between a variance in a voltage output of fuel cell(s) of a fuel cell stack and a level of nitrogen in the anode side of the fuel cell stack. The correlation provides an indirect indication of the nitrogen level in the anode side. Based ... 03/16/06 - 20060057442 - Method and apparatus for controlling a fuel cell system A method of operating a fuel cell includes the step of selectively connecting and disconnecting the fuel cell to at least one electrical load dependent at least in part upon at least one of a fuel cell voltage, a fuel cell current and a fuel cell temperature. ... 03/16/06 - 20060057441 - Using a fuel cell as energy storage for inverter and converter systems A technique that is usable with a fuel cell stack includes using a capacitance of the fuel cell stack as a main component of an input capacitance of an inverter. The technique may include, in some embodiments of the invention, using the capacitance of the fuel cell stack as a ... 03/16/06 - 20060057440 - Fuel cells and methods for generating electricity Fuel cells include a proton conducting medium, and a nonporous hydrogen permeable anode electrode and/or nonporous hydrogen permeable cathode electrode. For example, the electrodes may be a solid thin metallic film such as palladium or a palladium alloy such as a palladium-copper alloy that allow for hydrogen permeation but not ... 03/09/06 - 20060051631 - Fuel cell system A fuel cell system includes at least one electricity generating element to generate electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen, and a reaction source supplier adapted to connect to the electricity generating element and to provide a hydrogen-containing fuel and oxygen-containing air to the electricity generating element. ... 03/09/06 - 20060051630 - Ultrasonics applied to electrochemical devices According to the invention, an electrochemical device is used In the presence of ultrasonic waves to improve the performance of the device. The ultrasound improves the performance of the electrochemical device. ... 03/09/06 - 20060051629 - Fuel cell system and shutdown method for a fuel cell system A fuel cell system having at least one fuel cell, which possesses one anode area as well as one cathode area that is separated from the anode area by an electrolyte. The anode area and the cathode area each contain one catalyst for the catalytic conversion of reactants being supplied ... 03/09/06 - 20060051628 - Diagnostic method for an electrochemical fuel cell and fuel cell components A diagnostic method for an electrochemical fuel cell is described wherein a non-steady state polarization curve is obtained. In particular, a current sweep is applied to, for example, a catalyst coated membrane (CCM), membrane electrode assembly (MEA), fuel cell, plurality of fuel cells and the resulting voltage obtained is recorded. ... 03/09/06 - 20060051627 - Fuel compositions Fuel compositions, methods of making the compositions, and fuel cell systems including a fuel composition are disclosed. In some embodiments, a fuel composition includes a polymer, and a fuel such as methanol, wherein the composition has a hardness of at least about 2 grams peak force, as determined by penetration ... 03/02/06 - 20060046107 - System for fuel cell power plant load following and power regulation Methods and systems are provided to control a fuel cell power plant system to provide load following capabilities and to improve power plant availability. In one embodiment, a method is performed for controlling a fuel cell power plant system. The process includes controlling a variable load bank capable of absorbing ... 03/02/06 - 20060046106 - Method of using h2 purge for stack startup/shutdown to improve stack durability A method of fuel cell shutdown and start-up is provided. The method of shutdown includes introducing hydrogen gas into the cathode passages to purge a cathode gas from the cathode passages, then introducing air through the cathode and anode passages to remove water droplets and vapor from the fuel cell ... 02/23/06 - 20060040151 - Humidifying devices and methods for proton exchange membranes of fuel cells The present invention discloses methods and devices for humidifying the proton exchange membranes of fuel cells with water obtained from the exhaust of the fuel cells. Humidifying methods include the following steps: cooling the hot and humid exhaust of the fuel cell to condense the water in the exhaust with ... 02/23/06 - 20060040150 - Procedures for shutting down fuel cell system by using air purge at low cell temperature A fuel cell system that employs a procedure for delaying an air purge of a fuel cell stack at system shut-down until the temperature of the stack is reduced below a predetermined temperature. The fuel cell stack includes an anode side, a cathode side, an anode input, a cathode input ... 02/23/06 - 20060040149 - Fuel cell system and control method An energy supply (ES) is formed by a fuel cell (1), a power distributor (4) connected to the fuel cell (1), and a secondary cell (7) connected to the power distributor (4), a whole load set (WL) is connected to the power distributor (4), and a controller (8) controls the ... 02/16/06 - 20060035118 - Method for detecting a gas leak in a pem fuel cell A method is for detecting a gas leak between the anode gas region and the cathode gas region of a PEM fuel cell. According to the method, a) the fuel cell is charged with a direct current, and b) the temporal course of the electrical voltage on the fuel cell ... 02/09/06 - 20060029840 - Nested bipolar plate for fuel cell and method Between adjacent MEA's is a bipolar plate assembly having a first sub-plate with a flow channel which is open to the anode side of the one of the MEA's. A second sub-plate has a flow channel which is open to the cathode side of the adjacent MEA. The sub-plates are ... 01/26/06 - 20060019132 - Liquid anode electrochemical cell An electrochemical cell is provided which has a liquid anode. Preferably the liquid anode comprises molten salt and a fuel, which preferably has a significant elemental carbon content. The supply of fuel is preferably continuously replenished in the anode. Where the fuel contains or pyrolizes to elemental carbon, the reaction ... 01/26/06 - 20060019131 - Method for activating fuel cell A method for activating a direct oxidation fuel cell including an anode, a cathode, and a proton-conductive electrolyte membrane interposed between the anode and the cathode is provided. The anode and the cathode each have a catalyst layer on a face in contact with the proton-conductive electrolyte membrane. This method ... 01/26/06 - 20060019130 - Oms-2 catalysts in pem fuel cell applications A PEM fuel cell system in which an oxidizer is provided and in which the catalyst for the oxidizer is an OMS-2 catalyst and, in particular, an M-OMS-2 catalyst. Preferable catalysts are Co-OMS-2, Cu-OMS-2 and Ag-OMS-2 and, more preferably, Ag-OMS-2. Also, the effectiveness of the oxidizer is enhanced by one ... 01/19/06 - 20060014058 - Method and apparatus for controlling a combined heat and power fuel cell system A cogeneration fuel cell system and associated methods of operation are provided that accommodate a demand for heat as well as a demand for electric power. The system is operated among various modes to balance heat and power demand signals. In general, a fuel cell system is coupled to a ... 01/19/06 - 20060014057 - Apparatus and method for controlling kinetic rates for internal reforming of fuel in solid oxide fuel cells The present invention provides a solid oxide fuel cell in which kinetic rates for internal reforming are controlled. The solid oxide fuel cell comprises a cathode, an electrolyte layer adjacent to the cathode, and an anode adjacent to the electrolyte layer. The anode used in the cell of the invention ... 01/05/06 - 20060003199 - Method and apparatus for controlling a combined heat and power fuel cell system A cogeneration fuel cell system and associated methods of operation are provided that accommodate a demand for heat as well as a demand for electric power. The system is operated among various modes to balance heat and power demand signals. In general, a fuel cell system is coupled to a ... 01/05/06 - 20060003198 - Apparatus and method for measuring the insulation resistance of a fuel cell system A measuring device to measure the insulation resistance (Riso) of a fuel cell system with respect to an electrical ground point comprises a resistor arrangement—formed by a series connection of reference resistors—between two load-current lines of the fuel cell system as well as one reference voltage source, which is arranged ... 01/05/06 - 20060003197 - Self-starting fuel cell assembly A self-starting fuel cell assembly and methods of starting fuel cells are disclosed. In at least certain examples, the fuel cell assembly can be configured to supply voltage to a fuel source, an air source or both. The fuel cell assembly further includes a control system configured to detect an ... 12/29/05 - 20050287403 - Method and apparatus for controlling a combined heat and power fuel cell system A cogeneration fuel cell system and associated methods of operation are provided that accommodate a demand for heat as well as a demand for electric power. The system is operated among various modes to balance heat and power demand signals. In general, a fuel cell system is coupled to a ... 12/29/05 - 20050287402 - Ac impedance monitoring of fuel cell stack A ripple voltage, caused by a voltage inverter, is superimposed on an output voltage provided by a fuel cell stack. This ripple voltage is sensed and used to determine an AC impedance of the fuel cell stack. The determined AC impedance can be correlated to a hydration state of the ... 12/22/05 - 20050282049 - Fuel cell aging method and apparatus An aging apparatus is provided with a DMFC having anode and cathode electrodes; anode-side and cathode-side separators for feeding the anode and cathode electrodes with pure water or a solution and an oxygen-containing gas, respectively; a voltage-applying means for forcing current to flow between the electrodes in the same direction ... 12/08/05 - 20050271911 - Method of controlling fuel cell system A fuel cell is obtained, in which oxidation degradation of a catalyst in the cathode can be prevented even if a large volume of air instantaneously penetrates into the cell, and the fuel-cell characteristics also do not deteriorate even though starting-up, shutting-down and pausing operations are repeatedly performed. As a ... 12/08/05 - 20050271910 - Fuel cell stack with even distributing gas manifolds A method of controlling fluid flow to a stack of fuel cell flow field plates comprises providing in each fuel cell flow field plate of the stack of plates a fluid supply manifold aperture for conducting a supply of fluid to a number of the plates in the stack, the ... 12/08/05 - 20050271909 - Flow field plate for use in fuel cells A method of flowing reactants over an ion exchange membrane in a fuel cell flow field plate is provided. The flow field plate is provided, comprising a network of flow channels in the plate bounded by an electrochemically active electrode, the network comprising a series of passages having parallel grooves, ... 12/08/05 - 20050271908 - Cooling subsystem for an electrochemical fuel cell system A method for operating a cooling subsystem of an electrochemical fuel cell system during startup is disclosed. The method comprises directing a startup coolant through an electrochemical fuel cell stack of the fuel cell system, and directing a standard coolant through the fuel cell stack when the temperature of either ... 12/01/05 - 20050266280 - Electronic apparatus system, fuel cell unit and power supply control method A microcomputer of a fuel cell unit controls the output power of a DMFC at two stages in a High mode and in a Low mode by driving of an auxiliary machine. When an output value of a DC/DC converter exceeds a predetermined value, the microcomputer decides a rechargeable cell ... 11/24/05 - 20050260466 - Method and apparatus for warming-up fuel cell and fuel cell vehicle A method for warming up a fuel cell system comprising; a fuel cell which generates electric current due to an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, and which supplies the electric current to a load, an air supply pipe for supplying air to the fuel cell as an oxidant gas, ... 11/24/05 - 20050260465 - Direct methanol fuel cell system, fuel cartridge, system of operation, and system for detecting forgery A cartridge for a fuel cell. In one aspect, the cartridge can have either fuel or water or cleaning solution. Multiple different cartridges can be used in a single electronic device. The cartridge can be pierced by a piercing device that can be electronically for mechanically operated. The piercing device ... 11/24/05 - 20050260464 - Processes for preparing stable proton exchange membranes and catalyst for use therein The present invention relates to a process for increasing an ion exchange membrane's resistance to peroxide radical attack in a fuel cell environment comprising the use of catalytically active components capable of decomposing hydrogen peroxide as well as a method for preparing a catalytically active component for use therein. Thus, ... 11/24/05 - 20050260463 - Fluid flow pulsing for increased stability in pem fuel cell A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack and a flow control device that controls a supply of a first phase fluid flowing through the fuel cell stack. A controller monitors at least one parameter of the fuel cell stack and controls the supply to generate pulses of reactant ... 11/17/05 - 20050255347 - Electrode paste for manufacturing a catalyst layer for an electrochemical cell and method for manufacturing a catalyst layer An electrode paste for manufacturing a catalyst layer for an electrochemical cell, in particular a high-temperature fuel cell having a polymer fuel cell membrane, includes a catalyst material and a polymer solution. In addition to the catalyst material and the polymer solution, the electrode paste includes a solvent and at ... 11/17/05 - 20050255346 - Fuel cell system The fuel cell system is equipped with a fuel cell for generating power by a reaction of fuel and oxidizer gases; a fuel gas flow passage for passing the fuel gas; an oxidizer gas flow passage for passing the oxidizer gas; a sweeping gas supply mechanism for sweeping any of ... 11/17/05 - 20050255345 - Biofuel cell A method and device for processing organic waste in an environmentally friendly manner. The waste flow is processed in a bipolar biofuel cell. The waste is introduced into a space having a pair of electrodes, which includes at least one anode and at least one cathode, while in a bipolar ... 11/17/05 - 20050255344 - Fuel cell-use liquid fuel and fuel cell using this, and application method for fuel cell using this A liquid fuel for a fuel cell comprises an organic compound and at least one kind of anti foaming agent. A catalyst electrode is capable of, when used for a fuel cell, increasing in an effective surface area of a fuel electrode and increasing in an output power of the ... 11/10/05 - 20050249989 - Apparatus and method for hybrid power module systems A hybrid power module suitable for use in an array of hybrid power modules comprises a fuel cell stack, an energy storage device, charger circuit operable to charge the energy storage device from the fuel cell stack and/or an external power source at approximately a defined voltage; a stack disconnect ... 11/10/05 - 20050249988 - Apparatus and method for hybrid power module systems A hybrid power module suitable for use in an array of hybrid power modules comprises a fuel cell stack, an energy storage device, charger circuit operable to charge the energy storage device from the fuel cell stack and/or an external power source at approximately a defined voltage; a stack disconnect ... 10/27/05 - 20050238933 - Fuel processing device, fuel cell system having the same, and method of driving thereof The present invention provides a fuel cell system that comprises a stack that generates electricity through a reaction between hydrogen and oxygen and a fuel processing device that is connected to the stack to generate the hydrogen from fuel and supplies the hydrogen to the stack. It further comprises a ... 10/27/05 - 20050238932 - Fuel cell power source, method of operating thereof and portable electronic equipment A fuel cell power source is provided with a means for feeding a liquid fuel cell and water through time-sharing with the use of a single pump so as to maintain concentration of the liquid fuel, thereby it is possible to decrease the number of accessories in order to reduce ... 10/27/05 - 20050238931 - System architecture for managing hydrogen leaks into fluid circuits of fuel cell systems A pressure management system that balances pressure between first and second fluid circuits of a fuel cell system includes a first fluid reservoir associated with the first fluid circuit and a second fluid reservoir associated with the second fluid circuit. The second fluid reservoir is in fluid communication with the ... 10/20/05 - 20050233188 - Fuel cell operation method There is provided a fuel cell having a prolonged life by uniformly causing a hydrogen ionization reaction to occur at a fuel electrode, a fuel cell power generation device using the same, and the system using the same as well. There is also provided a method for operating a fuel ... 10/20/05 - 20050233187 - Fuel cell shutdown with steam purging The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for steam purging a solid oxide fuel cell stack. Purging the SOFC stack with steam has a physical flushing effect, removing carbon monoxide containing reformate and free oxygen gas from the anode area thereby reducing the potential for nickel oxide or ... 10/20/05 - 20050233186 - Liquid-fuel fuel cell, operation monitoring method for monitoring operation thereof, and operation monitoring device A liquid-fuel feed fuel cell disclosed with a unit cell that has a structure in which a negative electrode and a positive electrode are opposed with a polymer electrolyte having a proton conductivity interposed between them. A liquid fuel is supplied to the negative electrode and air is supplied to ... 10/13/05 - 20050227127 - Fuel cell stack humidification method incorporating an accumulation device A method of fuel cell stack humidification is provided incorporating the use of an accumulation device. The method provides for feeding back humid anode exhaust gas of the fuel cell stack to the fuel cell inlet and switching the anode inlet and outlet of the fuel cell stack for achieving ... 10/13/05 - 20050227126 - Method and apparatus for cold-starting a pem fuel cell (pemfc), and pem fuel cell system A low temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) system can be efficiently started even when the system is at a temperature near or below freezing (0° C). The cold start procedure is accomplished through heating the fuel cell by filling an anode chamber with fuel (hydrogen or hydrogen-rich reactant ... 10/13/05 - 20050227125 - Transient controls to improve fuel cell performance and stack durability The present invention is a method of operating a fuel cell stack and system that minimizes the potential for having a large pressure differential between the anode and cathode flow fields and a low relative humidity occurrence within the cathode flow fields. This is accomplished by tempering the downward transient ... 10/06/05 - 20050221134 - Method and apparatus for operating a fuel cell A method of operating a fuel cell at an operating temperature below about 150 degrees Celsius, wherein the fuel cell has an anode and a cathode with an electrolyte interposed therebetween, the cathode having at least one surface in contact with a cathode chamber having a gas inlet and a ... 10/06/05 - 20050221133 - Fuel cell-use humidifier An object of the present invention is to provide a humidifying apparatus capable of improving the humidification efficiency while lowering the pressure loss of gas even when a low-pressure gas is used, and is suitably usable for fuel cells. The present invention relates to a humidifying apparatus for fuel cells, ... 09/29/05 - 20050214600 - Cell-voltage measuring structure for fuel cell stack and related method A cell-voltage measuring structure for a fuel cell stack, in which a plurality of unit cells, having conductive separators which includes anode-side separators and cathode-side separators to form pairs of unit separators with the anode-side separators and the cathode-side separators adjacent to each other, respectively, are stacked in a stack ... 09/22/05 - 20050208349 - Method for detecting undersupply of fuel gas and method for controlling fuel cell A reference electrode is provided adjacent to an anode of a membrane electrode assembly. The potential difference between the reference electrode and the anode is measured by a control unit. The control unit compares the measured value and a map of the anode potential difference stored in the control unit. ... 09/15/05 - 20050202291 - Shutter mechanism for fuel cell A shutter mechanism for use with a direct oxidation fuel cell system is provided within a fuel cell system between the reactant to be controlled and the MEA of the fuel cell. On the anode side, the shutter mechanism can disposed in the vapor gap between a passive mass transport ... 09/01/05 - 20050191530 - Membrane exchange humidifier A membrane exchange humidifier employs a water permeable membrane comprising a microporous polymer and a hydrophilic additive. In operation, the membrane preferably has favorable water transmission properties and resists transmission of reactant gas or other components. The membrane is suitable for use even when permeable in its dry condition to ... 08/25/05 - 20050186454 - Starting a fuel cell system using ambient air and a low voltage blower A mechanization of a fuel cell system and a method of operating the same is provided which simplifies the start-up of the fuel cell system. The fuel cell system can be started up without using any battery derived high voltage power to drive a high voltage compressor. The present invention ... 08/18/05 - 20050181246 - Fuel cell system and related method A fuel cell system (1, 100) adapted to be installed on a moving object (V) is provided with an electric power generating element (31, 45) including a fuel cell (31) supplied with fuel gas and oxidizing gas to generate electric power, a warm-up mechanism (21 to 23, 32 to 39, ... 08/04/05 - 20050170223 - Method for operating vehicle-mounted fuel cell stack Temperature of power generating cells is measured, and, if the measured temperature is lower than a preset standard operating temperature, control is performed for zeroing an allocated amount of cooling air via an air allocation mechanism. During a startup period, cooling-air introduction openings are closed with reacting-air introduction openings kept ... 08/04/05 - 20050170222 - Full cell electrocatalyst of pt-ni-mn/fe An improved metal alloy composition for a fuel cell catalyst containing platinum, nickel, and manganese or iron. ... 07/28/05 - 20050164050 - Preventing fuel starvation of a fuel cell stack The direction of flow of purged fuel reactant gas (20) is sensed (38, 39, 44, 53, 54) to ensure it flows outwardly from a fuel cell stack (9) towards the ambient (21). If the purged fuel reactant. gas is not flowing outwardly, a signal (39) causes a controller (26) to ... 07/28/05 - 20050164049 - Storing water in substrates for frozen, boot-strap start of fuel cells Fuel cells (16) include a proton exchange membrane (18) with cathode catalyst (24) and anode catalyst (20) on opposing surfaces thereof. An anode support plate (21) includes a hydrophilic substrate (22) and a cathode support plate (25) includes a hydrophilic substrate (26) and a contact bilayer (diffusion layer) (24). Water ... 07/28/05 - 20050164048 - Current control for parallel fuel cell stacks A fuel cell system includes fuel cell stacks electrically connected in parallel and supplying a gross current to a load. A controller determines the gross load current, and produces a desired current through the load by adjusting, based on the gross load current, at least one parameter affecting at least ... 07/28/05 - 20050164047 - Voltage dosimeter-system and method for supplying variable voltage to an electric circuit The Voltage Dosimeter is a method and apparatus that automatically controls voltage producing sources to deliver varying voltage to reduce the need for constant voltage production and it provides switching ability between devices by maintaining the negative electrode voltage of voltage producing sources in a predetermined range. In the preferred ... 07/07/05 - 20050147855 - Procedure for starting up a fuel cell system using a fuel purge A procedure for starting up a fuel cell system that is disconnected from its primary load and has both its cathode and anode flow fields filled with air includes initiating a flow of air through the cathode flow field and rapidly displacing the air in the anode flow field by ... 07/07/05 - 20050147854 - Method of generating electric power of fuel cell, and fuel cell Electric power is generated by pressurizing an internal pressure of a first fuel tank (C) or a second fuel tank (C2) by pressurized air of an air pump (AP) for supplying air to an air electrode (8) of a cell (1), and supplying fuel fluid to a fuel electrode (7) ... 07/07/05 - 20050147853 - Method of operating a fuel cell with fuel recirculation In a method of operating a fuel cell with fuel circulation, the recirculated moist fuel exhaust stream serves to humidify the fuel inlet stream. The fuel stoichiometry and operating temperatures may be adjusted or selected to control the humidity of the fuel inlet stream. ... 06/30/05 - 20050142400 - Safe purging of water from fuel cell stacks Methods and devices are provided for purging fuel cells of water and accumulated non-reactive gases whereby the systems are constructed to dilute any emitted hydrogen below its inflammability limit for increased safety. ... 06/30/05 - 20050142399 - Procedure for starting up a fuel cell using a fuel purge A vacuum fuel cell system (10) and procedure provide for starting up a fuel cell (12) with a rapid fuel purge of an anode flow field (38) to minimize corrosion of a carbon catalyst support layer (26) by a reverse current mechanism produced by movement of a fuel-air front through ... 06/30/05 - 20050142398 - Prevention of chromia-induced cathode poisoning in solid oxide fuel cells (sofc) A method is provided for increasing the life expectancy of a solid oxide fuel cell by preventing cathode poisoning due to chromium volatilization. Chromium hydroxide and oxyhydroxide formation and evaporation are prevented by continuously drying the cathode feed gas to low moisture levels. Power generation configurations that minimize the energy ... 06/23/05 - 20050136297 - Stop method for fuel cell system and fuel cell system A stop method for a fuel cell system including a fuel cell unit in which hydrogen is supplied to an anode, and air is supplied to a cathode so as to generate electrical power via an electrochemical reaction. The stop method includes the steps of stopping supply of hydrogen to ... 06/23/05 - 20050136296 - Controlling a fuel cell system A technique that is usable with a fuel cell system includes using a stored energy source to supply power to a load, placing a fuel cell stack in an inactive state during the using, returning the fuel cell stack to an active state to recharge the stored energy source and ... 06/23/05 - 20050136295 - Fuel cells In one aspect, the invention features a method including sorbing carbon monoxide to a catalyst layer of a fuel cell, and oxidizing the carbon monoxide. The method can be used to pre-condition or activate the catalyst layer. ... 06/16/05 - 20050129992 - Method of operating a fuel cell system A method and apparatus for the operation of a fuel cell system to avoid the freezing of water resident in one or more fuel cells during periods of system inactivity. Each fuel cell includes at least an anode, a cathode and a membrane configured to establish electrolyte communication between reaction ... 06/16/05 - 20050129991 - Managing water and auxiliary power in fuel cell power plant below freezing temperatures A stack (11) of fuel cells have water flow channels receiving water through a pump (33) from an accumulator (29) having double walls (63, 66) with vacuum insulation panels (VIPs) (65, 68) therebetween, auxiliary DC power source (80) (battery or supercapacitor) is disposed in a container (43) having double walls ... 06/09/05 - 20050123809 - Methods of removing contaminants from a fuel cell electrode A method of optimizing a waveform of an electrical current applied to an electrode includes the steps of: applying an electrical current to an electrode of a device; determining a waveform of the voltage or the current of the electrical current; representing the waveform by a mathematical description such as ... 06/09/05 - 20050123808 - Integral air preheater and start-up heating means for solid oxide fuel cell power generators A high temperature fuel cell generator (10) having a housing (12) containing a top air feed plenum (80), a bottom fuel inlet (54), a fuel reaction generator chamber (62) containing fuel cells (42) and a reacted fuel-reacted air combustion chamber (38) above the fuel reaction generator chamber (62), where inlet ... 06/02/05 - 20050118467 - Fuel cell system and control method for fuel cell A fuel cell system includes: a fuel cell which generates electricity by supplying hydrogen to an anode electrode, and a reaction gas to a cathode electrode, an anode gas supply device which supplies hydrogen to the anode electrode, and a cathode gas supply device which drives a compressor using electric ... 06/02/05 - 20050118466 - Method for initial activation of polymer electrolyte fuel cell A method for an initial activation of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell includes: humidifying a fuel cell stack; performing a small-current driving operation for applying a small current to the humidified fuel cell stack; and performing an activating operation by repeatedly performing an activation cycle a predetermined number of times. ... ### FreshPatents.com Support |