Electrochemical fuel cell employing ambient air as the oxidant and coolant
US5470671A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 22, 1993 |
| Grant date | Nov 28, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 22, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.