A stack case of a fuel cell system includes a case body, a first end cover, and a second end cover. A recess is formed in an upper surface of the case body. An interruption control unit as an electrical equipment unit is placed in the recess. A plurality of first screw holes are formed in one end surface of the case body, and a plurality of second screw holes are formed in the other end surface of the case body. A first screw hole aligned with a recess in a direction in which a plurality of power generation cells are stacked together penetrates through the case body from one end surface of the case body to a side surface of the recess.

A fuel cell unit includes: a first case housing a fuel cell stack; a second case housing a power converter; an adapter fixing the first and second cases together; and a conductive member connecting between the fuel cell stack and the power converter. A first flange portion, surrounding a first opening portion, of the first case and a second flange portion, surrounding a second opening portion, of the second case are different in at least one of shape and size. The adapter includes: a third flange portion corresponding to the first flange portion; a fourth flange portion corresponding to the second flange portion; a surrounding wall portion continuous from the third flange portion to the fourth flange portion to define an internal space communicating with openings inside the third and fourth flange portions; and a partition wall portion between the first opening portion and the second opening portion.

A fuel cell unit includes: a first case housing a fuel cell stack; a second case housing a power converter; an adapter fixing the first and second cases together; and a conductive member connecting between the fuel cell stack and the power converter. A first flange portion, surrounding a first opening portion, of the first case and a second flange portion, surrounding a second opening portion, of the second case are different in at least one of shape and size. The adapter includes: a third flange portion corresponding to the first flange portion; a fourth flange portion corresponding to the second flange portion; a surrounding wall portion continuous from the third flange portion to the fourth flange portion to define an internal space communicating with openings inside the third and fourth flange portions; and a partition wall portion between the first opening portion and the second opening portion.

A hydrogen leakage detection system for detecting a hydrogen leakage in a fuel cell system includes: an outer shell configured to accommodate a hydrogen flow section; a hydrogen sensor; and a porous sheet disposed to delimit at least a part of a space within the outer shell and allowing permeation of hydrogen through the porous sheet in a thickness direction thereof. The hydrogen flow section is disposed in a region below the porous sheet, and the hydrogen sensor is disposed in a region above the porous sheet.

A fuel cell separator member forming a power generation cell includes a first separator, and a load receiver member disposed in a manner to protrude outward from the first separator. Reinforcement ribs extending in a direction in which the load receiver member protrudes are provided in a part of an outer peripheral portion of the first separator, the part being adjacent to a joint portion.

An electrode assembly for a flow battery is disclosed comprising a porous electrode material, a frame surrounding the porous electrode material, at least a distributor tube embedded in the porous electrode material having an inlet for supplying electrolyte to the porous electrode material and at least another distributor tube embedded in the porous electrode material having an outlet for discharging electrolyte out of the porous material. The walls of the distributor tubes are preferably provided with holes or pores for allowing a uniform distribution of the electrolyte within the electrode material. The distributor tubes provide the required electrolyte flow path length within the electrode material to minimize shunt current flowing between the flow cells in the battery stack.

A thermally integrated hotbox apparatus combining a steam reformer, a plurality of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stacks, a plurality of oxidant manifolds, and at least one heat extractor. The steam reformer occupies a central position in the hotbox, around which are disposed in spaced-apart relation a plurality of SOFC stacks. A burner may be associated with the steam reformer, either within or outside the hotbox. An oxidant manifold is disposed between each pair of adjacent SOFC stacks. A heat exchanger is incorporated between an SOFC stack and an oxygen manifold. The hotbox design optimally captures thermal heat from the SOFC stacks for use in producing steam and operating the endothermic steam reformer. The apparatus reduces duty cycle of the burner, which produces heat and steam needed for operation of the endothermic steam reformer.

A thermally integrated hotbox apparatus combining a steam reformer, a plurality of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stacks, a plurality of oxidant manifolds, and at least one heat extractor. The steam reformer occupies a central position in the hotbox, around which are disposed in spaced-apart relation a plurality of SOFC stacks. A burner may be associated with the steam reformer, either within or outside the hotbox. An oxidant manifold is disposed between each pair of adjacent SOFC stacks. A heat exchanger is incorporated between an SOFC stack and an oxygen manifold. The hotbox design optimally captures thermal heat from the SOFC stacks for use in producing steam and operating the endothermic steam reformer. The apparatus reduces duty cycle of the burner, which produces heat and steam needed for operation of the endothermic steam reformer.

Fuel cell unit (1) in the form of a fuel cell stack (1) for electrochemical generation of electrical energy, comprising fuel cells (2) having anodes, cathodes, proton-exchange membranes, gas diffusion layers and bipolar plates, the fuel cell unit (1) comprising at least one latent heat storage device (45) with a phase change material (46) to prevent water from freezing in the fuel cells (2) or delay such freezing

Fuel cell unit (1) in the form of a fuel cell stack (1) for electrochemical generation of electrical energy, comprising fuel cells (2) having anodes, cathodes, proton-exchange membranes, gas diffusion layers and bipolar plates, the fuel cell unit (1) comprising at least one latent heat storage device (45) with a phase change material (46) to prevent water from freezing in the fuel cells (2) or delay such freezing