Abstract:
Disclosed herein is a fuel cell assembly (1) comprising a fuel cell stack (2) comprising one or more fuel cells stacked in a stacking direction. The fuel cell assembly (1) further comprises a first and second clamping plate (3, 4) for clamping the fuel cell stack (2) between the first clamping plate (3) and the second clamping plate (4) in the stacking direction. The fuel cell assembly (1) further comprises at least one clamping element (5) for interconnecting the first and second clamping plate (3, 4). The clamping element (5) is made of a creep-resistant material.
Abstract:
A polymer electrolyte fuel cell of the present invention comprises a membrane-electrode assembly (5), a first separator (6a), and a second separator (6b); the first separator (6a) having a groove-shaped first reaction gas channel (8) on one main surface of the first separator (6a) which contacts the first electrode (4a) such that a plurality of straight-line-shaped first rib portions (11) run along each other; the second electrode (4b) having a groove-shaped second reaction gas channel (9) on one main surface of the second electrode (4b) which contacts the second separator (6b) such that a plurality of straight-line-shaped second rib portions (12) run along each other; a ratio of a first reaction gas channel width of at least an upstream portion (18b) of the first reaction gas channel (8) with respect to a second rib portion (12) is greater than 0 and not greater than 1.
Abstract:
An anode separator 30 of a fuel cell 10 forms: a plurality of gas flow channels 45 arranged in parallel to let a fuel gas flow to an MEA 20; a supply passage 42 configured to supply the plurality of gas flow channels 45 with the fuel gas; and a recovery passage 48 configured to recover the fuel gas from the plurality of gas flow channels 45. The plurality of gas flow channels 45 include: a gas flow channel 45a connects the supply passage 42 and the recovery passage 48; and a gas flow channel 45b having the supply passage 42-side blocked.
Abstract:
A power generator (1000, 1200, 1300) includes a case (1010, 1315) having a surface with a perforation (1016) and a cavity (1013, 1220) containing a gas generating fuel (1012, 1227). A membrane (1020, 1210) is supported by the case inside the cavity, the membrane having an impermeable valve plate (1035, 1212) positioned proximate the perforation, wherein the membrane is water vapor permeable and gas impermeable and flexes responsive to a difference in pressure between the cavity and outside the cavity to selectively allow water vapor to pass through the perforation to the fuel as a function of the difference in pressure. A fuel cell membrane (1050, 1270) is supported by the case and positioned to receive hydrogen at an anode side of the fuel cell membrane and to receive oxygen from outside the power generator at a cathode side of the fuel cell membrane.
Abstract:
Provided are a tri-block copolymer and an electrolyte membrane prepared therefrom. The tri-block copolymer has a structure of polar moiety-containing copolymer block / non-polar moiety-containing copolymer block / polar moiety-containing copolymer block, or non-polar moiety-containing copolymer block / polar moiety-containing copolymer block / non-polar moiety-containing copolymer block, and is useful for an electrolyte membrane for fuel cells. The electrolyte membrane for fuel cells prepared from the tri-block copolymer exhibits superior dimensional stability and excellent fuel cell performance.
Abstract:
A method of manufacturing a plate for a fuel cell includes the steps of providing flow channels in a fuel cell plate. Multiple fuel cell plates are joined into a cell stack assembly. A blocking plate is affixed to the fuel cell plate and at least partially obstructs the flow channels. The blocking plate is affixed to the fuel cell plate after the plates have been arranged into the cell stack assembly. The resulting fuel cell provides a fuel cell plate having a perimeter with an edge. The fuel cell plate includes flow channels extending to the edge. The blocking plate is affixed to the fuel cell plate at the edge to at least partially block the flow channel. In this manner, an inexpensive fuel cell plate may be used, and the blocking plate can be configured to create terminated flow channels, which may be used to provide an interdigitated flow field.
Abstract:
Methods of manufacturing a fuel cell array that include selectively removing portions of a coating layer from a composite layer. The composite layer includes a first surface and a second surface and a first coating is disposed over at least a portion of the first surface. A laser or mechanical tool is used to selectively remove portions of the first coating to form discontinuity regions at predetermined positions in the first coating.
Abstract:
A method of forming passages of an integral manifold adjacent a cell stack of a flowing electrolyte battery provides enhanced sealing between the manifold and capillary tubes of the cell stack. The method includes forming a mould cavity adjacent the cell stack, with the mould cavity open to capillary openings of cells of the cell stack. A plurality of pins are then located in the mould cavity, with end regions of the pins being contiguous with the capillary openings. The mould cavity is then filled with material and the material is allowed to solidify into a moulded section. The pins are then removed from the moulded section, thereby forming passages in the moulded section which are in fluid communication with the capillary openings.