摘要:
The present invention relates to an electrochemical cell having the separator assembly that comprises a fluid distribution means comprising wicking material on the cathode side of a membrane electrode assembly (MEA). The wicking material transports liquids internally within the fuel cell; promotes humidification of the membrane; and provides a self-regulating cooling system for the fuel cell. The wicking material further forms gas flow channels for introducing gases to and from the MEA. Other preferred aspects of the present invention include methods of cooling the fuel cell by evaporation and/or vaporization at the cathode side.
摘要:
A method and device for operating a fuel cell system. A recirculation loop coupled to a fuel cell cathode ensures that fluids passing through the cathode are recycled, thereby enabling reaction between residual oxygen in the recycled fluid and fuel that has been introduced into the recirculation loop until substantially all of the oxygen is reacted, leaving a substantially oxygen-free, predominantly nitrogen compound in the cathode and related flowpath. Thereafter, this compound can be redirected to purge the remaining residual hydrogen resident in the fuel cell's anode and related flowpath. While the present invention is usable during any period of system operation, it is especially valuable for operational conditions associated with starting up and shutting down a fuel cell system to inhibit the formation of high voltage potentials that could otherwise damage fuel cell catalysts or catalysts supports.
摘要:
The present invention provides a combustor for a fuel processor which integrates a burner and a catalyst. The burner is utilized to quickly heat the catalyst to a light-off temperature to prepare it for normal operation. The heated catalyst is then used to react anode exhaust with air or cathode exhaust under normal operation.
摘要:
A fuel cell assembly is provided that includes a fluid collection member disposed in a fluid inlet for a reactant, wherein the fluid collection member militates against liquid water on an inner surface of the fluid inlet from being received by a fuel cell of the fuel cell assembly.
摘要:
A fluid distribution insert adapted to be received within an inlet header of a fuel cell assembly is disclosed. The fluid distribution insert includes a wedge section having a first end and a second end. The wedge section forms a fluid flow path between a surface forming the inlet header and the wedge section, wherein the fluid flow path receives a fluid therein and delivers the fluid to a plurality of fuel cells of the fuel cell assembly. The wedge section minimizes a cross-sectional area of the fluid flow path adjacent the second end of the wedge section to maintain a substantially constant fluid velocity along a length of the inlet header.
摘要:
A system and method for reducing the corrosive effects of an air/hydrogen front in a fuel cell stack. The method includes shutting down the fuel cell stack and then initiating a hydrogen sustaining process where hydrogen is periodically injected into an anode side of the fuel cell stack while the stack is shut down for a predetermined period of time. The method determines that the hydrogen sustaining process has ended, and then purges the anode side and a cathode side of the fuel cell stack with air after the hydrogen sustaining process has ended and the stack is still shut-down.
摘要:
A method of making a reconstructed electrode having a plurality of nanostructured thin catalytic layers is provided. The method includes combining a donor decal comprising at least one nanostructured thin catalytic layer on a substrate with an acceptor decal comprising a porous substrate and at least one nanostructured thin catalytic layer. The donor decal and acceptor decal are bonded together using a temporary adhesive, and the donor substrate is removed. The temporary adhesive is then removed with appropriate solvents. Catalyst coated proton exchange membranes and catalyst coated diffusion media made from the reconstructed electrode decals having a plurality of nanostructured thin catalytic layers are also described.
摘要:
A passive water drain for removal of water from a fuel cell system is disclosed, the drain including a main body having a cavity formed therein, an interior element, and a hydrophilic porous media. The passive water drain is adapted to simplify the anode reactant recycler, eliminate the need for bypass valve systems used to remove water from the cathode exhaust, and eliminate the need for condensate draining systems used for compressed air entering the cathode.
摘要:
A seal structure is disclosed for forming a substantially fluid tight seal between a UEA and a plate of a fuel cell system, the seal structure including a sealing member formed in one fuel cell plate, a seal support adapted to span feed area channels in an adjacent fuel cell plate, and a seal adapted to cooperate with a UEA disposed between the fuel cell plates, the sealing member, and the seal support to form a substantially fluid tight seal between the UEA and the one fuel cell plate. The seal structure militates against a leakage of fluids from the fuel cell system, facilitates the maintenance of a velocity of a reactant flow in the fuel cell system, and a cost thereof is minimized.
摘要:
A bipolar plate assembly for a fuel cell is provided. The bipolar plate assembly includes a first electroformed unipolar plate disposed adjacent a second electroformed unipolar plate. The first and second unipolar plates are bonded by a plurality of localized electrically and thermally conductive plugs by electroplated material deposited within apertures formed in the substrates onto which the unipolar plates are electroformed. A method for forming the bipolar plate assembly is also described.