摘要:
In at least one embodiment, the present invention provides an electrically conductive fluid distribution separator plate assembly, a method of making, and a system for using, the electrically conductive fluid distribution separator plate assembly. In at least one embodiment, the electrically conductive fluid distribution separator plate assembly comprises a metallic cathode plate having opposed surfaces and a first contact resistance, a polymeric composite anode plate adjacent to the metallic cathode plate, and a low contact resistance coating located on at least one of the surfaces of the plates, with the coating having a second contact resistance, less than the first contact resistance.
摘要:
A bipolar plate for a fuel cell is provided including a plate having an active surface with a plurality of flow channels formed therein. The plurality of flow channels have a hydrophilic coating deposited thereon and define a plurality of lands disposed therebetween. The plurality of lands is substantially free of the hydrophilic coating. Furthermore, a thickness of the hydrophilic coating is substantially constant along a length of the active surface and an edge of the hydrophilic coating adjacent the plurality of lands is substantially continuous. A method for preparing the bipolar plate is also provided.
摘要:
A bipolar plate assembly for a proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack advantageously connects electrically conductive plate surfaces, without the requirement to weld or braze the plate pairs. Each plate has alternating coolant channels and lands formed on an inside facing surface. An electrically conductive layer is deposited over at least the coolant channels and lands. Pairs of plates are aligned having facing electrically conductive layers. A fluid seal is disposed between the inside facing surfaces about a perimeter of the coolant channels. Each plate pair is compressed to form a plurality of electrical bond lines between adjacent lands within the perimeter seal. The perimeter seal prevents stack reactant gas oxygen from contacting and oxidizing the electrically conductive layer. A dielectric coolant is also used to reduce oxidation of the electrically conductive layer.
摘要:
A PEM fuel cell having a current collector comprising a polymer composite and a diffusion media engaging said polymer composite. The polymer composite has a hyperconductive surface layer engaging the diffusion media to reduce the contact resistance therebetween. The hyperconductive surface layer is formed by depositing or smearing an electrically-conductive material on the surface of the polymer composite.
摘要:
An enhanced stability and inexpensive bipolar plate for a fuel cell is disclosed. The enhanced stability bipolar plate includes a bipolar plate substrate and a corrosion-resistant coating provided on the bipolar plate substrate. A method for enhancing corrosion resistance of a bipolar plate is also disclosed.
摘要:
A method for recovering ruthenium oxide or gold and titanium or titanium oxide from a bipolar plate at the end of the life of a fuel cell stack so as to use these materials in other fuel cell stacks thereafter. The bipolar plate is immersed in a solution including a suitable acid that dissolves the titanium or titanium oxide. The ruthenium oxide or gold will be released from the plate and will float on the solution from which it can be removed. The solution is then heated to evaporate the acid solution leaving a powder of the titanium oxide. The stainless steel of the bipolar plate is thus cleaned of the titanium or titanium oxide, and can be reused.
摘要:
A stainless steel flow field plate for a fuel cell that includes a layer of titanium or titanium oxide and a layer of titanium oxide/ruthenium oxide that makes the plate conductive and hydrophilic. In one embodiment, titanium is deposited on the surface of a stainless steel bipolar plate as a metal or an oxide using a suitable process, such as PVD or CVD. A solution of ruthenium chloride in ethanol is brushed on the titanium layer. The plate is then calcinated to provide a dimensionally stable titanium oxide/ruthenium oxide layer on the stainless steel that is hydrophilic and electrically conductive in the fuel cell environment.
摘要:
A bipolar plate for a fuel cell is provided including a plate having an active surface with a plurality of flow channels formed therein. The plurality of flow channels have a hydrophilic coating deposited thereon and define a plurality of lands disposed therebetween. The plurality of lands is substantially free of the hydrophilic coating. Furthermore, a thickness of the hydrophilic coating is substantially constant along a length of the active surface and an edge of the hydrophilic coating adjacent the plurality of lands is substantially continuous. A method for preparing the bipolar plate is also provided.
摘要:
In at least one embodiment, the present invention provides an electrically conductive fluid distribution separator plate assembly, a method of making, and a system for using, the electrically conductive fluid distribution separator plate assembly. In at least one embodiment, the electrically conductive fluid distribution separator plate assembly comprises a metallic cathode plate having opposed surfaces and a first contact resistance, a polymeric composite anode plate adjacent to the metallic cathode plate, and a low contact resistance coating located on at least one of the surfaces of the plates, with the coating having a second contact resistance, less than the first contact resistance.
摘要:
A composite separator plate for use in a fuel cell stack and method of manufacture is provided. The composite separator plate includes a plurality of elongated support members oriented generally parallel to each other and a polymeric body portion formed around the support members. The body portion includes a first surface with a plurality of flow channels and a second surface opposite the first surface. A plurality of electrically conductive fibers are disposed within the polymeric body portion, each fiber extending continuously from the first surface of the polymeric body portion to the second surface of the polymeric body portion in a through plane configuration.