摘要:
In at least one embodiment, the present invention provides a hydrophilic electrically conductive fluid distribution plate and a method of making, and system for using, the hydrophilic electrically conductive fluid distribution plate. In at least one embodiment, the plate comprises a plate body defining a set of fluid flow channels configured to distribute flow of a fluid across at least one side of the plate, and a composite conductive coating having a water contact angle of less than 40° adhered to the plate body. In at least one embodiment, the composite coating comprises a polymeric conductive layer adhered to the plate body having an exterior surface, and a particulate carbon layer adhered to the exterior surface of the polymeric conductive layer.
摘要:
In at least one embodiment, the present invention provides an electrically conductive fluid distribution plate and a method of making, and system for using, the electrically conductive fluid distribution plate. In at least one embodiment, the plate comprises a plate body defining a set of fluid flow channels configured to distribute flow of a fluid across at least one side of the plate, and a polymeric porous conductive layer proximate the plate body, with the porous conductive layer having a porosity sufficient to result in a water contact angle of the surface of less than 40°.
摘要:
Fuel-cell membrane-subgasket assemblies may include an electrolyte membrane and a coated subgasket overlying the electrolyte membrane around a perimeter of the electrolyte membrane so as to define an active area inside the perimeter. The coated subgasket may comprise a subgasket body formed from a subgasket material. At least one side of the coated subgasket includes a subgasket coating layer containing or formed from a coating material such as metals, ceramics, polymers, polymer composites, or other hard coatings. Fuel-cell assemblies may include gas diffusion media, a bipolar plate, and a fuel-cell membrane-subgasket assembly having a coated subgasket. Fuel-cell stacks may include clamping plates, unipolar endplates, and a plurality of individual fuel-cell assemblies, at least one of which includes a fuel-cell membrane-subgasket assembly having a coated subgasket.
摘要:
A bipolar plate assembly for a fuel cell is provided. The bipolar plate assembly includes a cathode plate disposed adjacent an anode plate, the cathode and anode plates formed having a first thickness of a low contact resistance, high corrosion resistance material by a deposition process. The first and second unipolar plates are formed on a removable substrate, and a first perimeter of the first unipolar plate is welded to a second perimeter of the second unipolar plate to form a hermetically sealed coolant flow path. A method for forming the bipolar plate assembly is also described.
摘要:
A bipolar plate assembly for a fuel cell is provided. The bipolar plate assembly includes a cathode plate disposed adjacent an anode plate, the cathode and anode plates formed having a first thickness of a low contact resistance, high corrosion resistance material by a deposition process. The first and second unipolar plates are formed on a removable substrate, and a first perimeter of the first unipolar plate is welded to a second perimeter of the second unipolar plate to form a hermetically sealed coolant flow path. A method for forming the bipolar plate assembly is also described.
摘要:
Fuel-cell membrane-subgasket assemblies may include an electrolyte membrane and a coated subgasket overlying the electrolyte membrane around a perimeter of the electrolyte membrane so as to define an active area inside the perimeter. The coated subgasket may comprise a subgasket body formed from a subgasket material. At least one side of the coated subgasket includes a subgasket coating layer containing or formed from a coating material such as metals, ceramics, polymers, polymer composites, or other hard coatings. Fuel-cell assemblies may include gas diffusion media, a bipolar plate, and a fuel-cell membrane-subgasket assembly having a coated subgasket. Fuel-cell stacks may include clamping plates, unipolar endplates, and a plurality of individual fuel-cell assemblies, at least one of which includes a fuel-cell membrane-subgasket assembly having a coated subgasket.
摘要:
A fuel cell system is provided including a fuel cell stack having a first end and second end, the stack comprising at least one fuel cell, a first end unit disposed adjacent the first end of the fuel cell stack, a second end unit disposed adjacent the second end of the fuel cell stack, and a compression retention system. The compression retention system includes at least one generally planar strip forming at least one bend, wherein the at least one strip extends from the first end unit to the second end unit of the fuel cell system. The at least one bend of the planar strip can form at least one serpentine shape.
摘要:
A proton exchange membrane fuel cell including a membrane electrode assembly comprising a proton transmissive membrane, a catalytic anode layer on one face of the membrane, and a catalytic cathode layer on the other face of the membrane. The fuel cell further includes a gas distribution layer on each of the cathode and anode layers defining a gas flow field extending over each of the catalytic layers. The membrane electrode assembly has a convoluted configuration whereby to increase the ratio of membrane area to planar fuel cell area and thereby increase the electrical output of the fuel cell for a given planar area size fuel cell. The convoluted configuration of the membrane electrode assembly also facilitates the division of the gas distribution layers into separate parallel channels thereby allowing the use of an inexpensive foam material for the gas distribution layers irrespective of the inherent variations in porosity of foam materials.
摘要:
A separator plate for a fuel cell is provided, including a substrate having a radiation-cured first flow field layer disposed thereon. A method for fabricating the separator plate is also provided. The method includes the steps of providing a substrate; applying a first radiation-sensitive material to the substrate; placing a first mask between a first radiation source and the first radiation-sensitive material, the first mask having a plurality of substantially radiation-transparent apertures; and exposing the first radiation-sensitive material to a plurality of first radiation beams to form a radiation-cured first flow field layer adjacent the substrate. A fuel cell having the separator plate is also provided.
摘要:
A method for fabricating a radiation-cured structure is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a first radiation-sensitive material and a second radiation-sensitive material adjacent the first radiation-sensitive material. The first radiation-sensitive material has a first sensitivity. The second radiation-sensitive material has the first sensitivity and a second sensitivity different from the first sensitivity. At least one mask is placed between at least one radiation source and the first and second radiation-sensitive materials. The mask has a plurality of substantially radiation-transparent apertures. The first and second radiation-sensitive materials are then exposed to a plurality of radiation beams through the radiation-transparent apertures in the mask to form a first construct in the first radiation-sensitive material and a second construct in the second radiation-sensitive material. The first construct and the second construct cooperate to form the radiation-cured structure.