Hydrogenics Corporation

Xuesong Chen

David Frank

Joe Cargnelli

Pierre Rivard

Ravi B Gopal

Ali Rusta-Sallehy

Jianming Ye

Nathaniel Ian Joos

Sonia Sorbera

A method and apparatus are provided for humidifying fuel, and optionally oxidant, supplied to a fuel cell system, which can be a single fuel cell or a multiplicity of fuel cells. A catalytic reactor is provided, which is supplied with a portion of the fuel and the oxidant. The fuel is supplied in excess of the oxidant to the catalytic reactor, so as to generate a stream of fuel which is both heated and humidified. For a closed system, a heated and humidified fuel flow, and optionally a heated and humidified oxidant flow, are mixed with additional flows of these gases supplied to the fuel cell.

Method of operating a fuel cell to provide a heated and humidified oxidant

A regenerative energy and/or mass exchange assembly has: an exchange media; a first flow path to pass a fluid stream through the exchange media; at least a second flow path to pass a further fluid stream through the exchange media; and at least one fluid stream diverter to divert the different flow paths to pass the respective fluid streams through different regions of the exchange media. A method for operating the regenerative assembly is also provided.

Apparatus for exchanging energy and/or mass

A system and reactor stack for generating hydrogen from a hydride solution in presence of a catalyst. The reactor stack includes a number of reactor plates and separator plates alternate with one another, to define reaction chambers alternating with coolant chambers. Each reactor plate has a first face defining a solution flow field and an opposing second face defining a coolant flow field. Each solution flow field comprises a common reaction chamber and a plurality of channels opening into the common reaction chamber. The catalyst is provided in the common reaction chamber. Each reaction chamber is configured to receive the hydride solution and to bring at least a portion of the hydride solution in contact with the catalyst. Each reaction chamber is in fluid communication with an adjacent reaction chamber and each coolant chamber is in fluid communication with an adjacent coolant chamber.

Chemical hydride hydrogen reactor and generation system

Moisture recovery and humidification in a fuel cell system involving (i) intermittently switching each dryer in a plurality of dryers into and out of one of a first mode of operation for recovering moisture from an outgoing oxidant stream and a second mode of operation for humidifying an incoming oxidant stream such that during use at least one dryer is in the first mode of operation and at least one dryer is in the second mode of operation; (ii) directing the outgoing oxidant stream from the cathode through at least one dryer in the first mode of operation to recover moisture from the outgoing oxidant stream; and (iii) directing the incoming oxidant stream through at least one dryer in the second mode of operation to humidify the incoming oxidant stream with moisture.

Regenerative dryer device and method for water recovery, primarily in the cathode side, of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell

A fuel cell stack comprising a plurality of fuel cells, each having an anode flow field plate, a cathode flow field plate and a membrane electrode assembly disposed between the flow field plates. The anode and cathode flow field plates have primary channels and ribs separating the primary channels. At least a portion of the anode and cathode primary channels are disposed directly opposite one another with a membrane exchange assembly therebetween and with at least some of the ribs on the anode and cathode flow field plates located directly opposite one another to sandwich the membrane exchange assembly therebetween. The flow field plates can also have inlet distribution and outlet collection channels. Each of these distribution and collection channels is connected to a plurality of the primary channels, preferably located centrally, so as to improve flow distribution of the reactants.

Fuel cell flow field plate

Method of heating and humidifying at least one of a fuel stream and an oxidant stream for a fuel cell

Catalytic humidifier and heater for the fuel stream of a fuel cell

An apparatus for generating hydrogen inside of a fuel cell is provided. The fuel cell comprises an anode having at least one inlet and optionally one outlet and, a cathode having at least one inlet and optionally one outlet. An electrolyte is disposed between the anode and the cathode, and a catalyst is provided in a chamber for catalyzing a reaction of a solution comprising a solvent and an at least one chemical hydride dissolved therein to generate hydrogen inside of the fuel cell. A method for generating hydrogen inside of a fuel cell is also disclosed.

Method and apparatus for generating hydrogen inside of a fuel cell

A method and apparatus are provided for humidifying oxidant supplied to a fuel cell system, which can be a single fuel cell or a multiplicity of fuel cells. A catalytic reactor is provided, which is supplied with a portion of the fuel and the oxidant. The oxidant is supplied in excess of the fuel to the reactor, so as to generate a stream of oxidant which is both heated and humidified. For an air breathing stack, this heated oxidant can simply be mixed with air flowing through the fuel cell stack. For a closed system, a heated and humidified oxidant flow, and optionally a fuel flow are mixed with additional flows of these gases supplied to the fuel cell.

Catalytic humidifier and heater, primarily for humidification of the oxidant stream for a fuel cell

In a fuel cell, a humidification cell stack is provided at each end of the fuel cell as an extension of the fuel cell. The cells of each of the two humidification cell stacks can be structurally similar to and can include the same membrane as the individual cells of the fuel cell stack. Flows of fuel and oxygen are then arranged to pass through each of the two humidification cell stacks for exchange of moisture. Preferably, the humidification section at one end of the fuel cell stack provides moisture exchange between incoming fuel and discharged oxygen, while the humidification section at the other end of the fuel cell stack, provides moisture exchange between the incoming oxygen and the discharged fuel. This arrangement is expected to enhance uniform operating conditions within the fuel cell stack itself, so as to ensure optimum operating conditions throughout the fuel cell stack.

Fuel cell with dual end plate humidifiers

A fuel cell has a proton exchange membrane. In known manner, the fuel cell includes inlets and outlets for flow of an oxidant and for flow of a fuel gas, commonly hydrogen. To deal with the issue of humidification, the invention provides a recirculation conduit including a pump connected between the anode inlet and the anode outlet. A water separator is provided in the recirculation conduit, for separating water from fuel gas exiting the anode. A main fuel inlet is connected to the recirculation conduit, for supply of fuel. A branch conduit can be provided, to enable purge cycles and other options to be provided.

Water recovery in the anode side of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell

A fuel cell or fuel cell stack has a proton exchange membrane or other electrolyte, and appropriate inlets and outlets for cathode and anode sides of the fuel cell. Dryers are connected to the cathode inlet and cathode outlet in such a manner as to enable one dryer to recover moisture from an exhausted oxidant stream while the other dryer is humidifying an incoming stream. Optionally, a dryer arrangement can be provided for recovering moisture on the anode or fuel side of the fuel cell.

Growing community of inventors

Brampton, Canada

Xuesong Chen