Abstract:
A method of manufacture includes an electrochemical cell structure having a first conductive member and a second conductive member. The first conductive member is spaced from the second conductive member. An adhesive is disposed between the first conductive member and the second conductive member. The adhesive has a solid state and a liquid state. The adhesive is liquefied to form a seal between the first conductive member and the second conductive member.
Abstract:
A fuel cell system comprising a first electrode-electrolyte assembly having a first electrode coupled to one side of thereof and a second electrode coupled to a generally opposite side of the first electrode-electrolyte assembly, and a first conduit for delivering fuel to the first electrode at ambient temperature. The fuel cell system includes a second electrode-electrolyte assembly having a third electrode coupled thereto assembly, and a fourth electrode coupled to a generally opposite side of the second electrode-electrolyte assembly; and a mesh positioned between and in sealing engagement with the second electrode and the third electrode. A second conduit is in fluid communication with the fourth electrode for delivering oxidant thereto. The fuel cell system further includes means for providing an electrical potential across the first electrode-electrolyte assembly and an electrical load circuit for using an energy output generated across the second electrode-electrolyte assembly.
Abstract:
A support member is useful for supporting membranes such as solid polymer electrolyte ion exchange membranes such as those used in electrochemical cell applications. The support member has a first lattice pattern on a first side of a single piece of material. A second lattice pattern on a second side of the single piece of material cooperates with the first lattice pattern to establish a plurality of flow passages across the material. Each lattice pattern has a corresponding plurality of recesses that extend partway through the material and overlapping portions of the recesses define the flow passages. In a disclosed example, the monolithic support member lattice patterns are established using chemical etching.
Abstract:
Due to the limited structural integrity of the ion exchange membrane, operation at pressure gradients exceeding about 200 psi can cause electrolyzer failure due to the ion exchange membrane being physically forced into the holes of the screen set forming the chamber on the lower pressure side of the ion exchange membrane. Utilizing a porous sheet between the anode electrode and the screen set provides additional structural integrity to the ion exchange membrane and allows simultaneous dual-directional flow of water to the anode electrode while oxygen flows from the anode electrode, thereby allowing high pressure gradient operation.
Abstract:
A fuel cell system includes a first electrode-electrolyte assembly having a first electrode coupled to one side of the first electrode-electrolyte assembly and a second electrode coupled to an opposite side of the first electrode-electrolyte assembly and a second electrode-electrolyte assembly having a third electrode coupled to one side of the second electrode-electrolyte assembly and a fourth electrode coupled to an opposite side of the second electrode-electrolyte assembly. A first conduit is in fluid communication with the first electrode and a second conduit is in fluid communication with the fourth electrode and an electrically conductive mesh positioned between the second electrode and the third electrode. Portions of the second and third electrodes engage each other through apertures defined by the mesh. The fuel cell system also includes an electricity source connected to the first and second electrodes; and an electrical circuit connected to the first conduit and the second conduit.
Abstract:
A fluid conduit for use in an electrochemical cell, the fluid conduit comprising a support comprising an elastically deformable material and having a plurality of apertures extending therethrough defining a mesh through which fluid communication can be maintained and a peripheral sealing area; a flow plate positioned adjacent the support, the flow plate including an inlet and an outlet; and a separator positioned adjacent the support. The support, flow plate, and separator are sealingly engaged with one another and cooperate to define a plurality of flow paths in fluid communication with and extending axially between the inlet and the outlet. The support, flow plate, and separator can be comprised of a metallic material coated with an electrically conductive joining compound for providing sealing engagement and electrically conductive communication therebetween.
Abstract:
A fluid conduit for use in an electrochemical cell, the fluid conduit comprising a support comprising an elastically deformable material and having a plurality of apertures extending therethrough defining a mesh through which fluid communication can be maintained and a peripheral sealing area; a flow plate positioned adjacent the support, the flow plate including an inlet and an outlet; and a separator positioned adjacent the support. The support, flow plate, and separator are sealingly engaged with one another and cooperate to define a plurality of flow paths in fluid communication with and extending axially between the inlet and the outlet. The support, flow plate, and separator can be comprised of a metallic material coated with an electrically conductive joining compound for providing sealing engagement and electrically conductive communication therebetween.
Abstract:
Accumulated dimensional variations in fuel cells and electrolysis cell assemblies can reduce the efficiency of the assembly and provide leakage paths for fuel and oxidant. A metal compression pad comprised of a metal having an elastic strain of about 3% to about 40% at about 2,500 psig can compensate for component dimensional variations and improve inter-cell conductivity at pressures up to and exceeding about 10,000 psig.
Abstract:
A fuel cell system includes a first electrode-electrolyte assembly having a first electrode coupled to one side of the first electrode-electrolyte assembly and a second electrode coupled to an opposite side of the first electrode-electrolyte assembly and a second electrode-electrolyte assembly having a third electrode coupled to one side of the second electrode-electrolyte assembly and a fourth electrode coupled to an opposite side of the second electrode-electrolyte assembly. A first conduit is in fluid communication with the first electrode and a second conduit is in fluid communication with the fourth electrode and an electrically conductive mesh positioned between the second electrode and the third electrode. Portions of the second and third electrodes engage each other through apertures defined by the mesh. The fuel cell system also includes an electricity source connected to the first and second electrodes; and an electrical circuit connected to the first conduit and the second conduit.
Abstract:
A support member is useful for supporting membranes such as solid polymer electrolyte ion exchange membranes such as those used in electrochemical cell applications. The support member has a first lattice pattern on a first side of a single piece of material. A second lattice pattern on a second side of the single piece of material cooperates with the first lattice pattern to establish a plurality of flow passages across the material. Each lattice pattern has a corresponding plurality of recesses that extend partway through the material and overlapping portions of the recesses define the flow passages. In a disclosed example, the monolithic support member lattice patterns are established using chemical etching.