Publication date:19-October-2003 

November 04, 2003 
European Patent

Pub. Number EP 1357622

Appl. Data EP 02710411 2002 01 30

Applicant MATSUSHITA ELE CTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

Inventor(s) KOBAYASHI, Susumu; HOSAKA, Masato; HATOH, Kazuhito; MURAKAMI, Hikaru;TAKEZAWA, Mikio;ONISHI, Takayuki

Title HIGH POLYMER ELECTROLYTE FUEL CELL AND ELECTROLYTE FILM-GASKET ASSEMBLY FOR THE FUEL CELL

Abstract The present invention provides an electrolyte membrane-gasket assembly for a fuel cell, including a polymer electrolyte membrane and a gasket, made of a seal material, covering the peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane, in which the electrolyte membrane has a sequence of a plurality of through-holes in the peripheral portion, and a portion of the gasket covering one surface of the electrolyte membrane and a portion covering the other
surface are connected to each other through the through-holes of the electrolyte membrane. This assembly provides a polymer electrolyte fuel cell that is free from gas cross leakage caused by a detachment of the gasket from the polymer electrolyte membrane. It is preferable to further include catalyst layers carried on both surfaces of the polymer electrolyte membrane, respectively, and protective films covering, respectively, sections spanning from the peripheral portion of each of the catalyst layers to the peripheral portion of the polymer electrolyte membrane.

October 28, 2003 
European Patent

Pub. Number EP 1357618

Appl. Data EP 02702771 2002 03 06

Applicant MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

Inventor(s) HASE, Nobuhiro, HATOH, Kazuhito , KUSAKABE, Hiroki , OHARA, Hideo , KOBAYASHI, Susumu , SHIBATA, Soichi TAKEGUCHI, Shinsuke

Title POLYMERIC ELECTROLYTE TYPE FUEL CELL

Abstract A polymeric electrolyte type fuel cell comprising a cell laminate, a pair of current collecting plates having the cell laminate interposed therebetween and a pair of end plates for fastening the cell laminate and the current collecting plates in pressurized condition. The cell laminate is a laminate of a plurality of unit cells each comprising a membrane of hydrogen ion conducting polymeric electrolyte, an anode and a cathode having the polymeric electrolyte membrane interposed therebetween, an anode side separator having a gas channel for feeding fuel gas to the anode and a cathode side separator having a gas channel for feeding oxidizer gas to the cathode. The current collecting plates are composed mainly of a conductive carbon material and have a terminal part for connecting current takeout cable disposed in the vicinity of fuel gas or oxidizer gas inlet side manifold. 

November 04, 2003 
European Patent

Pub. Number EP 1357620

Appl. Data  EP 02702919 2002 03 12

Applicant MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

Inventor(s) MATSUOKA, Hiroaki; KOBAYASHI, Susumu; HORI, Yoshihiro; HATOH, Kazuhito; HOSAKA, Masato

Title Method Of Manufacturing Electolytic Film Electrode Connection Body For Fuel Cell

Abstract A method for producing an electrolyte membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell according to this invention comprises the steps of: laminating a hydrogen-ion conductive polymer membrane on one face of a first shape-retaining film; forming a first catalyst layer on the hydrogen-ion conductive polymer membrane; joining a shape-retaining member to the first catalyst layer side of the hydrogen-ion conductive polymer membrane; removing the first shape-retaining film from the hydrogen-ion conductive polymer membrane; and forming a second catalyst layer on a face of the hydrogen-ion conductive polymer membrane exposed by the removal, so that the hydrogen-ion conductive polymer membrane and the catalyst layers are not damaged even when a
thin hydrogen-ion conductive polymer membrane is used. 

November 04, 2003 
European Patent

Pub. Number EP 1357626

Appl. Data EP 02008530 2002 04 15

Applicant Becromal S.p.A.

Inventor(s) Chiavarotti, Giovanni Pietro Sunseri, Carmelo Gullo, Umberto Di Quarto, Francesco Bocchetta, Patrizia

Title Process for manufacturing a porous body

Abstract Process for manufacturing a porous body, in particular suitable as a membrane, e. g. for use a fuel cell. To provide membranes with higher inertia, the process comprises the following steps: a) providing a thin substrate having the geometrical base of the body which is to be produced, b) providing an alumina film by an electrochemical process on the substrate, c) separation of the substrate from the alumina film, and d) drying and chemical etching of the alumina film. 

5-Method For Making An Assembly Of Base Elements For A Fuel Cell Substrate

November 04, 2003 
European Patent

Pub. Number EP 1356536

Appl. Data EP 01989671 2001 12 28

Applicant COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE

Inventor(s) MOSDALE, Renaut; BAURENS, Pierre

Title METHOD FOR MAKING AN ASSEMBLY OF BASE ELEMENTS FOR A FUEL CELL SUBSTRATE

Abstract The invention concerns a method for making assemblies of several base elements of a fuel cell substrate, without resorting to costly machining processes and difficult mechanical mountings. It consists in using a basic porous matrix (20) wherein are deposited, for each base element, an ionic conductor (24) surrounded by an anode (22) and an electrode (23), the assembly is isolated by a peripheral joint (21) and pairs of isolating walls (25). Electronic conductors (26) connect the anode (22) of a base element to the cathode (23) of the adjacent base element. The invention is applicable to all fuel cells.

November 04, 2003 
European Patent

Pub. Number EP 1356532

Appl. Data EP 01997859 2001 11 27

Applicant Protonex Technology Corporation

Inventor(s) OSENAR, Paul; FORMATO, Richard, M.; HERCZEG, Attila, E.; ENAYETULLAH, Mohammad

Title ELECTROCHEMICAL POLYMER ELECTROLYTE MEMBRANE CELL STACKS

Abstract An electrochemical polymer electrolyte membrane cell stack is disclosed that comprises one or more fuel cell cassettes (1), each fuel cell cassette (1) having at least one membrane electrode assembly (2), fuel flow field (3) and oxidant flow field (4). Within each fuel cell cassette (1), each membrane electrode assembly (2) has at least one manifold opening (9) for the passage of reactant manifolds through the fuel cell cassette (1) and all such manifolds
openings are bonded about the perimeter by a sealant. Each flow field (3, 4) has at least one manifold opening (9) and each manifold openings (9) on a flow field (3, 4) that does not correspond to a manifold providing reactant for distribution to such flow field (3, 4) is bonded about the perimeter by a sealant. Each fuel cell cassette (1) may contain other typical components of a electrochemical polymer electrolyte membrane cell stack, such as separators plates (6) or coolant flow fields (5), which have manifold openings (9) that may or may not be bonded about the perimeter. The membrane electrode assembly (1), flow fields (3,4,5), and other components are stacked and encapsulated along their peripheral edges by a resin such that th entire periphery (18) of the fuel cell cassette (1) is encapsulated together by the resin to form the fuel cell cassette (1). 

November 04, 2003 
U.S. Patent

Pub. Number  US6641084

Appl. Data US2002000177427

Applicant The Boeing Company

Inventor(s) Huber, James M.; Lindstrom, Joel D.;  Daggett, David L.;  Friend, Michael G.

Title Solid oxide fuel cell as auxiliary power source installation in transport aircraft

Abstract An auxiliary power unit (APU) for an aircraft utilizing solid oxide fuel cells for providing electrical power. The solid oxide electrolytes of the fuel cells allow for reformed fuel to provide a catalyst for oxygen migration. The auxiliary power unit, utilizing solid oxide fuel cells, can also power systems of the aircraft to produce water for use on the aircraft. Waste exhaust energy may be captured from the APU by a power recovery turbine which drives a compressor to provide aircraft cabin air under increased pressure to the fuel cell, thereby increasing system efficiency. The APU may provide all of the electricity to the aircraft allowing for more efficient aircraft engine design and a decrease in aircraft engine size. Furthermore, the fuel cell APU can reduce airport ramp noise and exhaust emissions. 

What is claimed is:
    1. An aircraft comprising:

    * a fuselage comprising a cabin;
    * an engine for powering the aircraft;
    * a fuel supply to provide fuel to said engine;
    * an electronic component disposed in the aircraft to control or operate at least one function of the aircraft;
    * a power unit comprising a fuel cell; and
    * a reclamation turbine which is powered by thermal energy produced by said fuel cell;
    * wherein said fuel supply supplies said fuel to said power unit so that said power unit provides a first source of electricity for said electronic components.
 

November 04, 2003 
U.S. Patent

Pub. Number  US6541149

Appl. Data US2000000514494

Applicant Lucent Technologies Inc.

Inventor(s) Maynard, Helen Louise; Meyers, Jeremy Patrick

Title Article comprising micro fuel cell 

Abstract Improved micro fuel cells suitable for portable electrical devices are provided, and processes for forming such cells. In one embodiment of the invention, silicon substrates are used both as the gas delivery structure for the fuel and the oxidant, and as the current collectors. Such use of silicon is advantageous in that it becomes possible both to utilize micromachining and lithographic techniques to form the desired structures, e.g., the gas delivery channels, and also to integrate the fuel cell with silicon-based control circuitry. Advantageously, the silicon substrates comprise both gas delivery tunnels and porous silicon gas diffusion regions formed over the tunnels in the surface of the substrate, i.e., the porous regions over the gas delivery tunnels are integral with the silicon substrate. In another embodiment of the invention, a monolithic structure is employed. In this structure, in contrast to the sandwich-type structure of the previous embodiment, a single silicon substrate--not acting as a current collector--is used, with all flow systems contained therein.

October 28, 2003 
European Patent

Pub. Number EP 1355371

Appl. Data EP 02008035 2002 04 10

Applicant SFC Smart Fuel Cell AG

Inventor(s) Muller, Jens, Dr., Stefener, Manfred

Title Adapter as alternative for a fuel cartridge

Abstract  Not Available

October 28, 2003 6:08pm
World Patent

Pub. Number WO 2003087470

Appl. Data JP 0304482 2003 04 09

Applicant MITSUBISHI RAYON CO., LTD.

Inventor(s) HAMADA, Mitsuo, OHASHI, Hidehiko, MIHARA, Kazushige, CHIBA, Tomoyoshi, NAKAMURA, Makoto

Title CARBON FIBER PAPER AND POROUS CARBON ELECTRODE SUBSTRATE FOR FUEL CELL THEREFROM

Abstract A carbon fiber paper comprising carbon fibers exhibiting a surface area ratio of 1.05 or higher; and a porous carbon electrode substrate for fuel cell comprising this carbon fiber paper as a constituent. The electrode substrate for fuel cell has carbon fibers uniformly dispersed therein and is flexible. The carbon fiber paper is suitable for production of the electrode substrate. 

October 28, 2003 
European Patent 

Pub. Number EP 1354365

Appl. Data EP 01991662 2001 12 21

Applicant SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT Emitec Gesellschaft fur Emissionstechnologie mbH

Inventor(s) POPPINGER, Manfred; GROSSE, Joachim; BRUCK, Rolf; REIZIG, Meike

Title FUEL CELL SYSTEM

Abstract The invention relates to a fuel cell system comprising at least one fuel cell stack and means, which are provided for preheating the supply air and which have a heat exchanger. According to the invention, the heat exchanger has, at least in one dimension of the planar arrangement, the same length as the fuel cell stack. This permits the heat exchanger (30) and the fuel cell stack (10) to be easily arranged one behind the other and to be advantageously accommodated inside a shared housing (100). 

October 28, 2003 
European Patent

Pub. Number EP 1354387

Appl. Data EP 02703501 2002 01 22

Applicant SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT

Inventor(s) RZADKI, Wolfgang

Title ENERGY SYSTEM FOR WATERCRAFT

Abstract The invention relates to an energy system for watercraft, comprising at least one fuel cell module (6,7,8,9), preferably a H 2 O 2 fuel cell module, by which at least one electric drive (17) and at least one electrical consumer are supplied with electric energy via a supply network. Said electrical drive (17) is an AC drive that is connected to a DC network (2) of the supply network via at least one power inverter (10). 

October 28, 2003 
European Patent

Pub. Number EP 1354367

Appl. Data EP 01991661 2001 12 21

Applicant SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT Emitec Gesellschaft fur Emissionstechnologie mbH

Inventor(s) POPPINGER, Manfred; GROSSE, Joachim; BRUCK, Rolf; REIZIG, Meike

Title FUEL CELL SYSTEM, WHICH IS PROVIDED FOR MOBILE USE AND WHICH HAS A LATENT HEAT STORAGE, AND METHOD FOR THERMALLY INSULATING THE SAME

Abstract A smooth operation with different boundary conditions is required in order for fuel cell systems to be practically used in motor vehicles. To this end, the invention provides that the operating temperature of the fuel cell unit is equalized under varying load conditions. This is effected by a latent heat storage (50) that is located upstream from the fuel cell unit (10, 20) in the vehicle (1). 

14- Fast Military Surface Craft

October 28, 2003 
European Patent

Pub. Number EP 1353841

Appl. Data EP 02701175 2002 01 09

Applicant SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT Emitec Gesellschaft fur Emissionstechnologie mbH

Inventor(s) RZADKI, Wolfgang; DREFS, Armin; HARTIG, Rainer; RICHTER, Stefan; SADLER, Karl-Otto

Title FAST MILITARY SURFACE CRAFT

Abstract The invention relates to a fast military surface craft particularly a frigate or a corvette, comprising at least two electric rudder propeller drives, whereby the electric ruder propeller drive are placed at a cruising speed. The electric energy for the rudder propellers of the electric rudder propeller drives is generated by means of fuel cell units distributed in a de-centralised manner in the ship. At least two, preferably electric, hydrojets are provided with underwater hydrojet exit nozzles to enable the craft to travel at high speeds, whereby the electric energy of said hydrojets is produced, preferably, by generators. 

October 28, 2003 
European Patent

Pub. Number EP 1354851

Appl. Data EP 03252127 2003 04 03

Applicant Hewlett-Packard Company

Inventor(s) Devos, John A.; Harding, Philips; Prasad, Ravi; Tsan, Jospeh W.

Title Hydrogen Production system

Abstract A hydrogen production system includes a reactor having an inlet and an outlet and a catalyst disposed in the reactor. The reactor is preferably configured to receive a continuous flow of aqueous metal hydride 
 

October 29, 2003 
European  Patent

Pub. Number  EP 1356533 

Appl. Data EP20020702221 20020130

Applicant VIESSMANN WERKE KG (DE)

Inventor(s) SCHOLTA JOACHIM (DE); JOERRISEN LUDWIG (DE); GAUGLER BERND (DE)

Title Fuel Cells With Integrated Humidification And Method For Humidifying Fuel Cell Process Gas

Abstract N/A

October 28, 2003 
U.S. Patent

Pub. Number  US 6638655

Appl. Data US2001000829465

Applicant Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.

Inventor(s) Gyoten, Hisaaki; Shijonawate, Japan
Sakai, Osamu; Neyagawa, Japan
Hatoh, Kazuhito; Osaka, Japan
Niikura, Junji; Hirakata, Japan
Uchida, Makoto; Hirakata, Japan 

Title Fuel Cell System

Abstract The invention provides a fuel cell system that is free from troubles due to contaminant ions by controlling the concentration of contaminant ions in cooling water. The fuel cell system comprises a fuel cell stack and a means for controlling the cell temperature by circulating a liquid coolant in the fuel cell stack or bringing it in contact with the fuel cell stack, the fuel cell stack comprising a plurality of unit cells that are laid one upon another, each of the unit cells comprising a hydrogen ion-conductive electrolyte membrane, a pair of gas diffusion electrodes which sandwich the electrolyte membrane, an anode-side conductive separator plate having a gas flow path for supplying a fuel gas to one of the electrodes, and a cathode-side conductive separator plate having a gas flow path for supplying an oxidant gas to the other of the electrodes, wherein a material adsorbing or absorbing ions is provided on a portion of the fuel cell system to come in contact with the liquid coolant.

October 28, 2003 
U.S. Patent

Pub. Number   US 6638654

Appl. Data US1999000241159

Applicant The Regents of the University of California

Inventor(s) Jankowksi, Alan F.; Livermore, CA
Morse, Jeffrey D.; Martinez, CA 

Title MEMS-based thin fuel cells

Abstract A micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) based thin-film fuel cells for electrical power applications. The MEMS-based fuel cell may be of a solid oxide type (SOFC), a solid polymer type (SPFC), or a proton exchange membrane type (PEMFC), and each fuel cell basically consists of an anode and a cathode separated by an electrolyte layer. Additionally catalyst layers can also separate the electrodes (cathode and anode) from the electrolyte. Gas manifolds are utilized to transport the fuel and oxidant to each cell and provide a path for exhaust gases. The electrical current generated from each cell is drawn away with an interconnect and support structure integrated with the gas manifold. The fuel cells utilize integrated resistive heaters for efficient heating of the materials. By combining MEMS technology with thin-film deposition technology, thin-film fuel cells having microflow channels and full-integrated circuitry can be produced that will lower the operating temperature an will yield an order of magnitude greater power density than the currently known fuel cells. 

October 28, 2003 
U.S. Patent

Pub. Number    US 6638653

Applicant Honda Giken Kabushiki Kaisha

Inventor(s) Andou, Akiji; Saitama, Japan
Nakajima, Nobutaka; Saitama, Japan
Kotani, Yasunori; Saitama, Japan
Sakano, Masaaki; Saitama, Japan 

Title Fuel Cell System

Abstract To provide the fuel cell system, which can prevents the imperfect combustion of the fuel gas in combustor caused by shortage of the air exhausted from the fuel cell so that the harmful components is not contained in the exhausted gas, and can prevents the decreasing of the cell voltage by enabling drainage of the produced water from fuel cell certainly. A flow rate controller 8 is provided in the position between the air compressor 4 and the fuel cell 1 of the air supply line 6. The control unit CU is connected to the air supply line 6, and set the openings of the flow rate controller 8 as temporally wide, and a flow rate of the air supplied to the fuel cell is increased for a predetermined period of time. Then, set the opening of the flow rate controller 8 as gradually narrow, and the flow rate of the air supplied to the fuel cell is decreased gradually. 

October 28, 2003 
U.S. Patent

Pub. Number   US 6638652

Appl. Data US1999000392262

Applicant Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha

Inventor(s) Motozono, Yoshikazu; Aichi-ken, Japan
Yamashita, Masashi; Aichi-ken, Japan
Yamaoka, Masaaki; Toyota, Japan
Nagamiya, Kiyomi; Toyota, Japan
Maeda, Iwao; Nagoya, Japan 

Title Fuel cell control apparatus

Abstract A fuel cell control apparatus for controlling the supply amount of oxidizing gas to a fuel cell for producing electric energy by reaction between fuel gas and oxidizing gas includes a smoother for smoothing the output related quantity of the fuel cell, and an oxidizing gas feed determining device for determining the supply amount of the oxidizing gas on the basis of the output related quantity smoothed by the smoother, and therefore when controlling the amounts of the fuel gas and oxidizing gas depending on the output demand of the fuel cell, the substantial power generation efficiency is enhanced and the output is stabilized at the same time. 

October 28, 2003 
U.S. Patent

Pub. Number  US 6638650

Appl. Data  US6638650

Applicant Ballard Power Systems

Inventor(s) Bailey, Ross W. J.; Vancouver, Canada
Wilkinson, David P.; North Vancouver, Canada
Campbell, Stephen A.; Maple Ridge, Canada

Title Method and apparatus for detecting transfer leaks in fuel cells and fuel cell stacks 

Abstract A method of detecting transfer leaks within a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell stack comprising a plurality of fuel cell assemblies includes supplying reactants and inert gas to the fuel, oxidant and/or coolant manifolds of the stack, as appropriate, and measuring the voltage across at least one of the fuel cell assemblies. An apparatus for detecting transfer leaks within solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell stacks comprises a device for measuring the voltage across at least one of the fuel cell assemblies. Transfer leaks across the polymer electrolyte membrane, and across reactant-coolant bipolar plates, may be detected according to the present method and apparatus. 

22- Fuel cell separator plate providing interconnection of reactant gas flowpaths in undulate layer fuel cell stacks 

October 30, 2003 
U.S. Patent

Patent Number 6638658

Issue Date 2003 10 28

Assignee Ballard Power Systems Inc.

Inventor(s) McLean, Gerard Francis

State/Country CAX

Title Fuel cell separator plate providing interconnection of reactant gas flowpaths in undulate layer fuel cell stacks

Abstract A separator plate for use in a fuel cell stack has a fuel gas flow field adjacent one surface and an oxidant gas flow field adjacent the other surface. The fuel cells in the stack are proton exchange membrane fuel cells having undulate membrane electrode assemblies. The flowpaths of the flow fields comprise parallel flow channels that extend longitudinally and interconnected at their ends to the separator plates. The couplings for the oxidant gas flow channels are offset from those for the fuel flow channels. The interconnecting couplings may be formed by stamping, machining or molding the separator plate.

Exmp. Claim 1
Ex Claim text A separator plate for a proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack comprising a series of undulate membrane electrode assembly layers between which are interposed separator plates, a separator plate adjacent a fuel gas flow field comprising at least one fuel gas flowpath adjacent one surface of said separator plate and an oxidant gas flow field comprising at least one oxidant gas flowpath adjacent the other surface of said separator plate, wherein the flowpaths are constituted over at least the major portion of the length of said flowpaths by parallel transversely spaced and longitudinally extending flow channels interconnected in the vicinity of the ends of said flow channels to form the flowpaths; wherein the separator plate is provided on each surface of said separator plate in the vicinity of each longitudinal end of said flow channels with an array of spaced flow channel couplings for interconnecting selected ones of said flow channels adjacent a common one of said surfaces thereby to form flowpaths for each of the fuel and oxidant gases, and wherein the couplings for the oxidant gas flow channels are transversely offset from the couplings for the fuel gas flow channels.

October 29, 2003 
European Patent

Patent Number  EP1357622A1

Issue Date 2003 10 29

Assignee MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

Inventor(s) KOBAYASHI, Susumu;
HOSAKA, Masato;
HATOH, Kazuhito;
MURAKAMI, Hikaru;
TAKEZAWA, Mikio;
ONISHI, Takayuki;

Title High Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell And Electrolyte- Gasket Assembly For The Fuel Cell

Abstract The present invention provides an electrolyte membrane-gasket assembly for a fuel cell, including a polymer electrolyte membrane and a gasket, made of a seal material, covering the peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane, in which the electrolyte membrane has a sequence of a plurality of through-holes in the peripheral portion, and a portion of the gasket covering one surface of the electrolyte membrane and a portion covering the other surface are connected to each other through the through-holes of the electrolyte membrane. This assembly provides a polymer electrolyte fuel cell that is free from gas cross leakage caused by a detachment of the gasket from the polymer electrolyte membrane. It is preferable to further include catalyst layers carried on both surfaces of the polymer electrolyte membrane, respectively, and protective films covering, respectively, sections spanning from the peripheral portion of each of the catalyst layers to the peripheral portion of the polymer electrolyte membrane. 

24- Method For Depositing Thin Layers On A Porous Substrate, Fuel Cell and Fuel Cell Comprising Such A Thin Layer

October 29, 2003 
European Patent

Patent Number  EP1356133 

Issue Date 2003 10 29

Assignee Renault 

Inventor(s) CASSIR, Michel;
BERNAY, Cécile;
LINCOT, Daniel;
GOUBIN, Fabrice;

Title Method For Depositing Thin Layers On A Porous Substrate, Fuel Cell and Fuel Cell Comprising Such A Thin Layer

Abstract N/A

October 29, 2003 
European Patent

Patent Number   EP1356537A1

Issue Date 2003 10 29

Assignee HELION 

Inventor(s) CHAIX, Jean-Edmond; 

Title Fuel Cell Equiped With Identical Polar Plates And With Internal Fuel And Cooland Circulation

Abstract N/A

26- Air breathing direct methanol fuel cell pack

October 29, 2003 
European Patent

Patent Number    EP1357627

Issue Date 2003 10 29

Assignee Samsung SDI Co., Ltd. 

Inventor(s) Choi, Kyoung; Chang, Hyuk; 

Title Air breathing direct methanol fuel cell pack

Abstract  Provided is an air breathing direct methanol fuel cell pack including membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) (11) forming a plurality of single cells having an electrolyte membrane (11a), a plurality of anodes (11d) on a first plane of the electrolyte membrane and a plurality of cathodes (11b) on a second plane of the electrolyte membrane correspondingly to the anodes, the second plane being opposed to the first plane, a fuel supply unit (12) storing fuel fed to the anodes and having fuel supply plates (122,121c) with a plurality of fuel supply holes (122a,121a) through which the fuel passes, and wicking sheets (31) provided along a fuel supply path between the fuel supply plates and the MEAs, diffusing the fuel supplied through the fuel supply plates to supply the fuel to the anodes of the MEAs. Fuel can be evenly supplied throughout MEAs, thereby attaining uniform power output, irrespective of a use posture of a cell pack. Also, current collectors (11c,11e) of the present invention are of a mesh type so that current collection from all electrodes is allowed while allowing fuel supply. Further, since a gas communicating path (125) for passage of byproducts is provided around the fuel supply unit and gas exhaust holes (212b) are provided on a wall body (212) contacting the gas communicating path, byproducts can be effectively exhausted. 

October 29, 2003 
European Patent

Patent Number     EP1357624A1

Issue Date 2003 10 29

Assignee MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

Inventor(s) HASE, Nobuhiro;
KUSAKABE, Hiroki;
OHARA, Hideo;
TAKEGUCHI, Shinsuke;
YAMAMOTO, Yoshiaki;
YAMAZAKI, Tatsuto DI; 

Title Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell And Its Operating Method

Abstract   An output decrease may be caused by the temperature difference between the cells located at the ends and the other cells due to heat dissipation from end plates. This invention provides a polymer electrolyte fuel cell capable of avoiding the voltage decrease of the cells closest to the end plates without affecting the output voltage of the other cells. The polymer electrolyte fuel cell of this invention comprises: a cell stack in which unit cells each comprising a polymer electrolyte membrane and an anode and a cathode sandwiching the electrolyte membrane are stacked with conductive separator plates; a pair of current collector plates and a pair of end plates, both of which sandwich the cell stack; and a coolant flow channel which is formed in a part of the conductive separator plates for cooling the unit cells, wherein the conductive separator plate between at least one of the end plates and the unit cell located closest to the one of the end plates has no coolant flow channel therein. 

October 29, 2003 
European Patent

Patent Number  EP1357623A2

Issue Date 2003 10 29

Assignee NISSHINBO INDUSTRIES, INC. 

Inventor(s)Tanno, Fumio, c/o Nisshinbo Industries, Inc.; 

Title Fuel cell separator and method of manufacture

Abstract    A fuel cell separator is molded from a resin composition containing specific amounts of graphite, thermosetting resin and internal release agent. The graphite is a synthetic graphite powder prepared by graphitizing lump coke. The thermosetting resin is a mixture of phenolic novolac, benzoxazine and polycarbodiimide resins. The molded separator does not need to be machined, has a significantly improved electrical conductivity, heat resistance and mechanical strength, and even when very thin is resistant to breakage during molding and fuel cell assembly.