Abstract:
A flexible flow field separator includes a substrate layer (210) formed of a flexible material and having first and second surfaces. A structured flow field pattern (260) is defined on the first surface of the substrate layer (210). The structured flow field pattern (260) defines one or more fluid channels (250). The separator includes a first layer (220) formed of one or more metals and disposed on the first surface of the substrate layer. The first layer is formed of an electrically conductive material. The separator further includes a second layer (230) disposed on the second surface of the substrate layer. The second layer is formed of a flexible electrically conductive material. The first layer contacts the second layer at one or more locations (270) to define an electrical connection between the first and second layers.
Abstract:
It is described a membrane fuel cell stack (1) comprising metal current-collecting plates of high electrical conductivity (3'), for instance of aluminium or copper, having a reduced planform with respect to the one of the elementary cells (2). With this type of design the galvanic-type corrosion phenomena affecting the current-collecting plates of the prior art and the consequent metal ion release in the circulating water are overcome .
Abstract:
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 an electrically conductive fluid distribution plate comprising a metallic plate body defining a set of fluid flow channels configured to distribute flow of a fluid across at least one side of the plate, a metal-containing adhesion promoting layer having a thickness less than 100 nm disposed on the plate body, and a composite polymeric conductive layer disposed on the metal- containing adhesion promoting layer.
Abstract:
One embodiment disclosed includes a product comprising: a fuel cell component comprising a substrate and a first coating overlying the substrate, the coating comprising a compound comprising at least one Si-O group, at least one polar group and at least one group including a saturated or unsaturated carbon chain.
Abstract:
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 an electrically conductive fluid distribution plate comprising a metallic plate body defining a set of fluid flow channels configured to distribute flow of a fluid across at least one side of the plate, a metal-containing adhesion promoting layer having a thickness less than 100 nm disposed on the plate body, and a composite polymeric conductive layer disposed on the metal- containing adhesion promoting layer.
Abstract:
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. The plate comprises a plate body having a surface defining a set of fluid flow channels configured to distribute flow of a fluid across at least one side of the plate, at least a portion of the surface having a roughness average of 0.5 to 5 μm and a contact resistance of less than 40 mohm cm2 when sandwiched between carbon papers at 200 psi.
Abstract:
A method for making a reinforced composite separator plate is disclosed. According to the method, a reinforcement media (16) is molded into a composite material (22, 24) such as graphite embedded in a thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer resin matrix. The composite material is placed in a mold cavity (15, 17) such that the composite material flows through the reinforcement media. The separator plate is molded into a net step. The molding is performed via injection or compression moulding, or a combination of both.