公开(公告)号：US5773160A

公开(公告)日：1998-06-30

申请号：US721214

申请日：1996-09-26

申请人： David P. Wilkinson ,  Henry H. Voss ,  Nicholas J. Fletcher ,  Mark C. Johnson ,  Eric G. Pow

发明人： David P. Wilkinson ,  Henry H. Voss ,  Nicholas J. Fletcher ,  Mark C. Johnson ,  Eric G. Pow

IPC分类号： H01M8/02 ,  H01M8/04 ,  H01M8/24

CPC分类号： H01M8/04074 ,  H01M8/04007 ,  H01M8/241 ,  H01M8/2465 ,  H01M2300/0082 ,  H01M8/04156 ,  H01M8/04291

摘要： A fuel cell assembly within an electrochemical fuel cell stack has an anode layer and a cathode layer. A cooling layer is disposed adjacent the fuel cell assembly. Each layer comprises channels for directing a fluid stream from an inlet to a an outlet. The coolant stream channels extend such that, in operation, the coolest region of the cooling layer coincides with the region of the cathode layer having the highest concentration of oxygen (and/or the lowest water content), and the warmest region of the cooling layer coincides with the region of the cathode layer having the lowest concentration of oxygen (and/or the highest water content). The fuel stream channels extend such that, in operation, the fuel stream is directed to a region of the anode layer which coincides with the region of the cathode layer in which the oxidant stream has the lowest concentration of oxygen (and/or the highest water content) and is subsequently directed to a region of the anode layer which coincides with the region of the cathode layer in which the oxidant stream has the highest concentration of oxygen (and/or the lowest water content).

摘要翻译： 电化学燃料电池堆内的燃料电池组件具有阳极层和阴极层。 冷却层设置在燃料电池组件附近。 每个层包括用于将流体流从入口引导到出口的通道。 冷却剂流通道延伸，使得在操作中，冷却层的最冷区域与具有最高氧浓度（和/或最低含水量）的阴极层的区域重合，并且冷却层的最热区域 与具有最低浓度氧（和/或最高含水量）的阴极层的区域重合。 燃料流通道延伸，使得在操作中，燃料流被引导到阳极层的与氧化剂流具有最低浓度氧（和/或最高水）的阴极层的区域重合的区域 含量），并且随后被引导到阳极层的与氧化剂流具有最高氧浓度（和/或最低水含量）的阴极层的区域重合的区域。

公开(公告)号：US5547776A

公开(公告)日：1996-08-20

申请号：US265414

申请日：1994-06-24

申请人： Nicholas J. Fletcher ,  Clarence Y. Chow ,  Eric G. Pow ,  Boguslav M. Wozniczka ,  Henry H. Voss ,  Gerald Hornburg

发明人： Nicholas J. Fletcher ,  Clarence Y. Chow ,  Eric G. Pow ,  Boguslav M. Wozniczka ,  Henry H. Voss ,  Gerald Hornburg

IPC分类号： F28F3/08 ,  H01M8/02 ,  H01M8/04 ,  H01M8/10 ,  H01M8/24

CPC分类号： F28F3/083 ,  H01M8/04007 ,  H01M8/04074 ,  H01M8/04156 ,  H01M8/1007 ,  H01M8/241 ,  H01M8/2465 ,  H01M2300/0082 ,  H01M8/04097 ,  H01M8/04291

摘要： A fuel cell assembly within an electrochemical fuel cell stack has a cooling jacket disposed adjacent the cathode layer. The cooling layer comprises a coolant stream inlet, a coolant stream outlet, and at least one channel for directing a coolant stream from the coolant stream inlet to the coolant stream outlet. The coolant stream channels extend such that the coolest region of the cooling layer substantially coincides with the region of the adjacent cathode layer having the highest concentration of oxygen (and also the lowest water content), and the warmest region of the cooling layer substantially coincides with the region of the adjacent cathode layer having the lowest concentration of oxygen (and also the highest water content).

摘要翻译： 电化学燃料电池堆内的燃料电池组件具有邻近阴极层设置的冷却套。 冷却层包括冷却剂流入口，冷却剂流出口和用于将冷却剂流从冷却剂流入口引导到冷却剂流出口的至少一个通道。 冷却剂流通道延伸使得冷却层的最冷区基本上与具有最高浓度氧的相邻阴极层的区域（以及最低含水量）重合，并且冷却层的最暖区域基本上与 相邻阴极层的氧浓度最低（并且含水量最高）的区域。

公开(公告)号：US5470671A

公开(公告)日：1995-11-28

申请号：US171732

申请日：1993-12-22

申请人： Nicholas J. Fletcher ,  Gordon J. Lamont ,  Vesna Basura ,  Henry H. Voss ,  David P. Wilkinson

发明人： Nicholas J. Fletcher ,  Gordon J. Lamont ,  Vesna Basura ,  Henry H. Voss ,  David P. Wilkinson

IPC分类号： H01M8/02 ,  H01M8/04 ,  H01M8/10 ,  H01M8/24

CPC分类号： H01M8/0267 ,  H01M8/02 ,  H01M8/0247 ,  H01M8/04014 ,  H01M8/241 ,  H01M8/247 ,  H01M2300/0082 ,  H01M8/249

摘要： An electrochemical fuel cell assembly includes a membrane electrode assembly which comprises an anode, a cathode having a surface thereof exposed to ambient air, and an ion exchange membrane interposed between the anode and the cathode. A seal forms a gas-impermeable barrier around the anode to which a gaseous fuel stream is supplied. The assembly further includes a thermally conductive plate having a plurality of thermally conductive members or fins extending from a major surface of the plate. The thermally conductive members contact portions of the exposed cathode surface. Adjacent thermally conductive members cooperate with the plate and the exposed cathode surface to form air conducting channels. Heat generated exothermically in the membrane electrode assembly is dissipated to the atmosphere through the thermally conductive members.

摘要翻译： 电化学燃料电池组件包括膜电极组件，其包括阳极，其表面暴露于环境空气的阴极以及置于阳极和阴极之间的离子交换膜。 密封件在供给气态燃料流的阳极周围形成气体不可渗透的屏障。 组件还包括导热板，其具有从板的主表面延伸的多个导热构件或翅片。 导热构件接触暴露的阴极表面的部分。 相邻的导热构件与板和暴露的阴极表面配合以形成导气通道。 在膜电极组件中放热产生的热量通过导热部件散发到大气中。

公开(公告)号：US5484666A

公开(公告)日：1996-01-16

申请号：US309124

申请日：1994-09-20

申请人： Peter Gibb ,  Henry H. Voss ,  Wolfgang Schlosser ,  Eric G. Pow

发明人： Peter Gibb ,  Henry H. Voss ,  Wolfgang Schlosser ,  Eric G. Pow

IPC分类号： H01M8/24 ,  H01M8/04

CPC分类号： H01M8/241 ,  H01M8/247 ,  H01M2300/0082

摘要： An electrochemical fuel cell stack has a first end plate, a second end plate, and fuel cell assemblies interposed therebetween. Each fuel cell assembly includes a membrane electrode assembly having at least one manifold header opening formed in the assembly for directing at least one of a fluid fuel stream, a fluid oxidant stream and a fluid coolant stream through the assembly. A tie rod extends within the opening and through each of the first and second end plates. Fastening means are disposed at opposite ends of the tie rod. Compressive means are interposed between at least one of the fastening means and at least one of the first and second end plates. In operation, the fastening means and the compressive means urge the first end plate toward the second end plate, thereby applying compressive force to the fuel cell assemblies.

摘要翻译： 电化学燃料电池堆具有第一端板，第二端板和介于其间的燃料电池组件。 每个燃料电池组件包括膜电极组件，其具有形成在组件中的至少一个歧管集管开口，用于将流体燃料流，流体氧化剂流和流体冷却剂流中的至少一个引导通过组件。 拉杆在开口内延伸并且穿过第一和第二端板中的每一个。 紧固装置设置在拉杆的相对端。 压缩装置插入到至少一个紧固装置和第一和第二端板中的至少一个之间。 在操作中，紧固装置和压缩装置迫使第一端板朝向第二端板，从而向燃料电池组件施加压力。

公开(公告)号：US5521018A

公开(公告)日：1996-05-28

申请号：US459775

申请日：1995-06-02

申请人： David P. Wilkinson ,  Gordon J. Lamont ,  Henry H. Voss ,  Clemens Schwab

发明人： David P. Wilkinson ,  Gordon J. Lamont ,  Henry H. Voss ,  Clemens Schwab

IPC分类号： H01M8/02 ,  H01M8/24 ,  H01M8/04

CPC分类号： H01M8/0228 ,  H01M8/0206 ,  H01M8/0213 ,  H01M8/0263 ,  H01M8/0271 ,  H01M8/04074 ,  H01M8/241 ,  H01M2300/0082 ,  Y10T29/49108

摘要： An embossed fluid flow field plate for electrochemical cells comprises two sheets of compressible, electrically conductive material. Each sheet has two oppositely facing major surfaces. At least one of the major surfaces has an embossed surface which has a fluid inlet formed therein. The embossed surface has at least one open-faced channel embossed therein extending from the fluid inlet for conducting pressurized fluid introduced at the fluid inlet. A metal sheet is interposed between each of the compressible sheets. The compressible, electrically conductive sheet preferably comprises graphite foil.

摘要翻译： 用于电化学电池的压花流体流场板包括两片可压缩的导电材料。 每片具有两个相对的主表面。 至少一个主表面具有形成在其中的流体入口的压花表面。 压花表面具有从流体入口延伸的至少一个敞开的通道，该开口通道从流体入口延伸，用于导入在流体入口处引入的加压流体。 金属片插入在每个可压缩片之间。 可压缩的导电片优选包括石墨箔。

公开(公告)号：US5482680A

公开(公告)日：1996-01-09

申请号：US126602

申请日：1993-09-24

申请人： David P. Wilkinson ,  Henry H. Voss ,  James Dudley ,  Gordon J. Lamont ,  Vesna Basura

发明人： David P. Wilkinson ,  Henry H. Voss ,  James Dudley ,  Gordon J. Lamont ,  Vesna Basura

IPC分类号： B01D53/86 ,  B01D53/94 ,  B01J8/00 ,  B01J8/06 ,  C01B3/32 ,  C01B3/56 ,  C01B3/58 ,  C01B32/50 ,  C10K3/04 ,  H01M8/02 ,  H01M8/06 ,  H01M8/10 ,  H01M8/24 ,  H01M8/04

CPC分类号： H01M8/0263 ,  C01B3/583 ,  C10K3/04 ,  H01M8/0228 ,  H01M8/0245 ,  H01M8/0258 ,  H01M8/0612 ,  H01M8/0625 ,  H01M8/0662 ,  H01M8/241 ,  C01B2203/044 ,  C01B2203/047 ,  H01M2300/0082 ,  H01M8/025 ,  H01M8/0252 ,  H01M8/0265

摘要： A method and apparatus selectively oxidizes, within the fuel cell assembly, the carbon monoxide present in a fuel stream fed to the assembly. A quantity of catalyst is contained within at least a portion of a fuel stream passageway within the stack. The carbon monoxide is selectively oxidized by the catalyst to carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide produced by the reverse water-shift reaction is also oxidized.

摘要翻译： 在燃料电池组件内选择性地氧化存在于供给组件的燃料流中的一氧化碳的方法和装置。 一定数量的催化剂被包含在堆叠内的燃料流通道的至少一部分内。 一氧化碳被催化剂选择性氧化成二氧化碳，反向水分转化反应产生的一氧化碳也被氧化。

公开(公告)号：US5441819A

公开(公告)日：1995-08-15

申请号：US138714

申请日：1993-10-19

申请人： Henry H. Voss ,  David P. Wilkinson ,  David S. Watkins

发明人： Henry H. Voss ,  David P. Wilkinson ,  David S. Watkins

IPC分类号： H01M8/06 ,  H01M8/04 ,  H01M8/10 ,  H01M8/00

CPC分类号： H01M8/04029 ,  H01M8/04156 ,  H01M8/1007 ,  H01M2300/0082 ,  H01M8/04097 ,  H01M8/04231 ,  H01M8/04291

摘要： A method and apparatus is provided for removing water accumulated at the cathode of an electrochemical fuel cell incorporating a solid polymer ion exchange membrane. Liquid water accumulated at the cathode can be removed by maintaining a partial pressure of water vapor in the hydrogen-containing gas supply below the saturation pressure of water vapor therein such that water accumulated at the cathode is drawn by a concentration gradient toward the anode across the membrane and is absorbed as water vapor into the hydrogen-containing gas supply between the inlet and the outlet. In one embodiment, the partial pressure of water vapor in the hydrogen-containing gas supply is maintained below the saturation pressure of water vapor therein by imparting a pressure drop between the inlet and the outlet sufficient to draw water accumulated at the cathode toward the anode. In another embodiment, the partial pressure of water vapor at the inlet of the hydrogen-containing gas supply is maintained at less than the saturation pressure of water vapor therein. Liquid water accumulated at the cathode can also be removed by maintaining a partial pressure of water vapor in the oxygen-containing gas supply below the saturation pressure of water vapor therein such that water accumulated at the cathode is drawn by a concentration gradient and is absorbed as water vapor into the oxygen-containing gas supply between the inlet and the outlet. Liquid water accumulated at the cathode can also be removed by absorbing water vapor into both the hydrogen-containing gas supply and the oxygen-containing gas supply.

摘要翻译： 提供一种方法和装置，用于去除积聚在包含固体聚合物离子交换膜的电化学燃料电池的阴极处积聚的水。 积存在阴极的液态水可以通过将含氢气体供给中的水蒸气的分压维持在其中的水蒸气的饱和压力以下来除去，使得在阴极处积聚的水通过横跨阳极的浓度梯度被吸引 并且作为水蒸气被吸收到入口和出口之间的含氢气体供应中。 在一个实施方案中，通过在入口和出口之间施加足以将积聚在阴极的水吸向阳极的压降，使含氢气体供应中的水蒸气的分压保持在其中的水蒸气的饱和压力以下。 在另一个实施方案中，含氢气体供应入口处的水蒸气的分压保持在小于其中的水蒸气的饱和压力。 积存在阴极处的液态水也可以通过将含氧气体供给中的水蒸汽的分压维持在其中的水蒸汽饱和压力以下来除去，使得在阴极处积聚的水被吸收浓度梯度并被吸收为 水蒸汽进入入口和出口之间的含氧气体供应。 积存在阴极的液态水也可以通过将水蒸气吸收到含氢气体供应源和含氧气体源中来除去。

公开(公告)号：US5300370A

公开(公告)日：1994-04-05

申请号：US24660

申请日：1993-03-01

申请人： Kirk B. Washington ,  David P. Wilkinson ,  Henry H. Voss

发明人： Kirk B. Washington ,  David P. Wilkinson ,  Henry H. Voss

IPC分类号： H01M8/02 ,  H01M8/04

CPC分类号： H01M8/0213 ,  H01M8/0228 ,  H01M8/0234 ,  H01M8/0263 ,  H01M8/0265 ,  H01M8/04074 ,  H01M2300/0082

摘要： A laminated fluid flow field assembly for an electrochemical fuel cell comprises a separator layer and a stencil layer. The separator layer is formed of electrically conductive, substantially fluid impermeable sheet material. The stencil layer is formed of electrically conductive sheet material, and has a fluid inlet and at least one opening extending between its major surfaces and in fluid communication with the fluid inlet. The separator layer and the stencil layer are consolidated along one of their major surfaces. In operation, the separator layer and the stencil layer cooperate to form an open-faced channel for conducting pressurized fluid introduced at the fluid inlet.

摘要翻译： 用于电化学燃料电池的层压流体流场组件包括分离器层和模板层。 隔离层由导电的，基本上流体不渗透的片材形成。 模板层由导电片材形成，并且具有流体入口和在其主表面之间延伸并与流体入口流体连通的至少一个开口。 分离器层和模版层沿其主要表面之一被固结。 在操作中，分离器层和模板层协作以形成用于导入在流体入口处引入的加压流体的开放式通道。

公开(公告)号：US5252410A

公开(公告)日：1993-10-12

申请号：US759463

申请日：1991-09-13

申请人： David P. Wilkinson ,  Henry H. Voss ,  Keith B. Prater

发明人： David P. Wilkinson ,  Henry H. Voss ,  Keith B. Prater

IPC分类号： H01M8/02 ,  H01M2/00 ,  H01M4/86 ,  H01M8/04 ,  H01M8/10 ,  H01M8/22 ,  H01M8/24

CPC分类号： H01M8/241 ,  H01M4/86 ,  H01M8/1007 ,  H01M2300/0082 ,  H01M8/04007 ,  H01M8/04074

摘要： An electrochemical fuel cell is provided for converting a fuel reactant stream and an oxidant reactant stream to a reaction product stream and electrical energy. The fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly interposed between two separator layers. The separator layers are formed of thin electrically conductive sheet material which is substantially impermeable to the fuel and oxidant reactant streams. The membrane electrode assembly comprises first and second electrode layers formed of porous electrically conductive sheet material. The electrode layers have a catalyst associated therewith, and an ion exchange membrane is interposed between the first and second electrode layers. The electrode layers include passages, such as the interstitial spaces within the electrode material or grooves formed in the surface of the electrode material, for flowing a reactant stream between an inlet and outlet within the electrode layer. The incorporation of the reactant flow passages within the electrode material permits the use of thin, lightweight separator layers, thus providing higher power-to-volume and power-to-weight ratios than conventional fuel cells having reactant flow passages engraved, milled or molded in the separator plates.

摘要翻译： 提供电化学燃料电池用于将燃料反应物流和氧化剂反应物流转化成反应产物流和电能。 燃料电池包括插入在两个隔离层之间的膜电极组件。 隔离层由薄的导电片材形成，其对于燃料和氧化剂反应物流基本上是不可渗透的。 膜电极组件包括由多孔导电片材材料形成的第一和第二电极层。 电极层具有与之相关的催化剂，并且在第一和第二电极层之间插入离子交换膜。 电极层包括通道，例如电极材料内的间隙空间或形成在电极材料表面中的槽，用于使反应物流在电极层内的入口和出口之间流动。 反应物流动通道在电极材料内的引入允许使用薄的，轻质的隔离层，从而提供比具有刻蚀，研磨或模制的反应物流动通道的常规燃料电池更高的功率 - 体积和功率重量比 隔板。

公开(公告)号：US5527363A

公开(公告)日：1996-06-18

申请号：US165076

申请日：1993-12-10

申请人： David P. Wilkinson ,  Gordon J. Lamont ,  Henry H. Voss ,  Clemens Schwab

发明人： David P. Wilkinson ,  Gordon J. Lamont ,  Henry H. Voss ,  Clemens Schwab

IPC分类号： H01M8/02 ,  H01M8/24 ,  H01M2/14

CPC分类号： H01M8/0228 ,  H01M8/0206 ,  H01M8/0213 ,  H01M8/0263 ,  H01M8/0271 ,  H01M8/04074 ,  H01M8/241 ,  H01M2300/0082 ,  Y10T29/49108

摘要： An embossed fluid flow field plate for electrochemical cells comprises two sheets of compressible, electrically conductive material. Each sheet has two oppositely facing major surfaces. At least one of the major surfaces has an embossed surface which has a fluid inlet formed therein. The embossed surface has at least one open-faced channel embossed therein extending from the fluid inlet for conducting pressurized fluid introduced at the fluid inlet. A metal sheet is interposed between each of the compressible sheets. The compressible, electrically conductive sheet preferably comprises graphite foil. A method of fabricating an embossed separator plate for use in conjunction with an electrochemical fuel cell comprises (1) providing two sheets of compressible, electrically conductive sheet material, (2) interposing a metal sheet between each of the compressible sheets, and (3) embossing an open-faced channel in at least one of the surfaces of the sheets facing away from the metal sheet.

摘要翻译： 用于电化学电池的压花流体流场板包括两片可压缩的导电材料。 每片具有两个相对的主表面。 至少一个主表面具有形成在其中的流体入口的压花表面。 压花表面具有从流体入口延伸的至少一个敞开的通道，该开口通道从流体入口延伸，用于导入在流体入口处引入的加压流体。 金属片插入在每个可压缩片之间。 可压缩的导电片优选包括石墨箔。 一种制造与电化学燃料电池结合使用的压花隔板的方法包括（1）提供两片可压缩的导电片材，（2）在每个可压缩片材之间插入金属片，和（3） 在面向远离金属片的片材的至少一个表面中压印开放式通道。