11/2/2010
7,824,814
Power generation control system for fuel cell
Suzuki and Obata of Nissan Motor, Japan, have developed a power generation control system for a fuel cell, which includes: a unit for computing a target output power of the fuel cell; a unit for taking output power from the fuel cell based on the computed target output power; a unit for computing an output parameter for controlling supply of reactant gas to the fuel cell as a signal preceding in time the target output power; and a unit for controlling an operating point for the supply of reactant gas based on the computed output parameter. (RDC 3/2/2011)

10/26/2010
7,820,312
Variable power micro power generator
Eickhoff of Honeywell, New Jersey has developeda a fuel cell with different power outputs based on user actuated switches or seals.  The switches or seals mechanically open or seal portions of an array of fuel cell anodes.  The seals prevent their respective cells from contributing to power generation.  This  will reduce the number of devices required to power different electronic devices currently available.  (RDC 2/17/2011)

10/19/2010
7,816,057
 Fuel supply method for direct methanol fuel cell
Okuto and Milios of Sendyne, New York maintain fuel efficiency in a direct methanol fuel cell by periodically adding a higher methanol concentration mixture through a cartridge into the primary fuel container.  (RDC 1/24/2011)

7,816,048
Fuel-cell power-generation system and method
Miyauchi, Ozeki and  Nishimura of Panasonic, Japan developed a fuel cell control based on condenser behavior.   (RDC 1/24/2011)

7,816,047
Method for stopping power generation of fuel cell system and fuel cell system including power generation stopping unit
Nakakubo et al of Canon, Japan developed a method for stopping power generation of a fuel cell by stopping the fuel from the fuel container to the fuel cell and consuming a residual fuel in the fuel flow path by short-circuiting the fuel electrode and the oxidizer electrode.  (RDC 1/24/2011)

10/12/1010
7,811,713
Thermal control of cathode inlet air flow for a fuel cell system
Kolodziej et al of GM Global Technology, Michigan  has developed a method and apparatus for thermal control of air flow in a fuel cell system, capable of accurately controlling the temperature of the air stream entering the water vapor transfer unit, maintaining a desired temperature set-point, and minimizing the time required for the air stream to reach the optimum operating temperature.  (RDC 1/11/2011)

7,811,712
Fuel cell system and operation method thereof
Ueda, Ohara and Nakamura of Panasonic, Japan  has developed a fuel cell consisting of a gas feeder; a reformer; a fuel cell; a combustor; communication passages  and a controller.  The controller monitors the condition of the fuel cell and controls operations accordingly.  (RDC 1/11/2011)

7,811,691
Fuel cell system
Yanase et al of Seiko, Japan has developed a small-sized fuel cell system in which power is not generated in an overload state, preventing a deterioration in the fuel cell system, thus promoting a stable output.  When the overload state is detected the output of the fuel cell is cut until the cell recovers its normal state.  (RDC 1/11/2011)

7,811,687
Advanced shutdown strategy to improve safety and efficiency of fuel cell vehicles
Wilpsbaeumer; Lienkamp and Voigt  og GM Technology Operations has developed a fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack, an anode reactant source and a shut-off valve that selectively prohibits anode reactant flow from the anode reactant source to the fuel cell stack through a conduit. (RDC 1/11/2011)

10/5/2010
7,807,316
Fuel cell stack compression retention system with external springs
Andreas-Schott et al of GM, Michigan has developed an external compression springs to compensate for swelling during operation in an efficient manner.  (RDC 12/21/2010)

7,807,308
Fuel cell system and start-up method
Robb and Lakshumanan of GM, Michigan has developed an  anode supply manifold and an anode exhaust manifold are in fluid communication with the anodes of fuel cell stack.  Pressure sensors and valves control the flows as needed.  (RDC 12/21/2010)

7,807,311
Apparatus for hydrogen-air mixing in a fuel cell assembly and method
Harris and Skala of GM, Michigan mix and heat the hydrogen and air in the fuel cell a during starting to avoid vapor condensation and ice formation. (RDC 12/21/2010)

7,807,302
Preventing fuel starvation of a fuel cell stack
Reiser of UTC Power, Connecticut  has developed to prevent fuel starvation based on sensors.  The direction of flow of purged fuel reactant gas is sensed to ensure it flows outwardly from a fuel cell stack  towards the ambient.  If the purged fuel reactant. gas is not flowing outwardly, a signal  causes a controller  to open the circuit and disconnecting the electrical load  from the fuel cell stack.  
(RDC 12/21/2010)

7,807,280
Control device for starting fuel cell vehicle  
Aoyagi, Hasuku and Saeki of Honda, Japan  developed a control device for starting a fuel cell is provided which is capable of preventing an excessive reduction of the terminal voltage of the fuel cell. A primary precharge portion, provided with a high voltage switch and a current limiter, is disposed at the output portion of a power storage unit, and a secondary precharge portion, provided with a DC-DC chopper and a control portion, is disposed at the output side of a fuel cell. The primary precharge portion controls the output current to flow in a path via a resistor having a predetermined resistance. The secondary precharge portion controls an output current of the fuel cell based on a current command value IFCCMD for the fuel cell.  (RDC 12/21/2010)