Lightweight fuel cell membrane electrode assembly with integral reactant flow passages
September 13, 2011. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent References 3297484 3554809 Fuel cell system utilizing ion exchange membranes and bipolar plates Electrochemical cell including ribbed electrode substrates Apparatus for reducing electrolyte loss from an electrochemical cell Ion exchange fuel cell assembly with improved water and thermal management Flexible, water-repellent baked carbon plate, its production, fuel cell electrode, fuel cell electrode plate and its production and fuel cell Electrochemical cell assembly Fuel cell and method of ameliorating temperature distribution thereof Patent #: 4977041 InventorsAssigneeApplicationNo. 759463 filed on 09/13/1991US Classes:429/33, Electrolyte composition chemically specified429/26, Having heat exchange means429/32, Plural disc or modules429/34Housing member, seal, spacer or fluid distributing or directing meansExaminersPrimary: Willis, Prince Jr.Assistant: Nuzzolillo, M. Attorney, Agent or FirmForeign Patent References
International ClassH01M 008/04AbstractAn 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.Other References
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