Fuel cell assembly unit for promoting fluid service and electrical conductivity
April 27, 2018. 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 4091176 Cathode element for solid polymer electrolyte Internally supported electrode Metal current carrier for electrochemical cell electrodes Method of producing a gas diffusion electrode Diaphragm for alkaline electrolysis and process for manufacture of diaphragm Electrochemical cell provided with ion exchange membranes and bipolar metal plates Fuel cell anode and fuel cell Electrochemical cell provided with ion exchange membranes and bipolar metal plates PEM/SPE fuel cell InventorApplicationNo. 067098 filed on 04/27/1998US Classes:429/38, Having support or spacers with fluid distribution means204/282, With diaphragm204/283, Perforated or foraminous electrode204/284, Perforated or foraminous429/32, Plural disc or modules429/36, Having bonded seal, e.g., welded, adhesive, molded in situ, etc.429/37, Having clamping means429/39, And fluid directing means429/44Having an inorganic matrix, substrate or supportExaminersPrimary: Wong, DonAttorney, Agent or FirmInternational ClassesH01M 002/14H01M 008/10 H01M 002/08 C25B 013/00 C25B 011/03 AbstractFluid service and/or electrical conductivity for a fuel cell assembly is promoted. Open-faced flow channel(s) are formed in a flow field plate face, and extend in the flow field plate face between entry and exit fluid manifolds. A resilient gas diffusion layer is located between the flow field plate face and a membrane electrode assembly, fluidly serviced with the open-faced flow channel(s). The resilient gas diffusion layer is restrained against entering the open-faced flow channel(s) under a compressive force applied to the fuel cell assembly. In particular, a first side of a support member abuts the flow field plate face, and a second side of the support member abuts the resilient gas diffusion layer. The support member is formed with a plurality of openings extending between the first and second sides of the support member. In addition, a clamping pressure is maintained for an interface between the resilient gas diffusion layer and a portion of the membrane electrode assembly. Preferably, the support member is spikeless and/or substantially flat. Further, the support member is formed with an electrical path for conducting current between the resilient gas diffusion layer and position(s) on the flow field plate face.Field of SearchPlural disc or modulesHaving bonded seal, e.g., welded, adhesive, molded in situ, etc. Having clamping means Having support or spacers with fluid distribution means And fluid directing means Having an inorganic matrix, substrate or support With diaphragm Perforated or foraminous electrode Perforated or foraminous |
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