Metal platelet fuel cells production and operation methods
US5683828A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 31, 1995 |
| Grant date | Nov 4, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 31, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49115
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Fuel cell stacks comprising stacked separator/membrane electrode assembly cells in which the separators comprise a series of stacked thin sheet platelets having individually configured serpentine micro-channel reactant gas humidification, active area and cooling fields therein. The individual platelets are stacked with coordinate features precisely aligned in contact with adjacent platelets and bonded to form a monolithic separator. Post bonding processing includes passivation, such as nitriding. Preferred platelet material is 4-25 mil Ti in which the features, serpentine channels, tabs, lands, vias, manifolds and holes, are formed by chemical or laser etching, cutting, pressing or embossing, with combinations of depth and through-etching being preferred. The platelet manufacturing process is continuous and fast. By employing CAD based platelet design and photolithography, rapid change in feature design to accommodate a wide range of thermal management and humidification techniques. 100 cell H.sub.2 -O.sub.2 /Air PEM fuel cell stacks of this IFMT platelet design will exhibit outputs on the order of 0.75 kW/kg, some 3-6 times greater than current graphite plate PEM stacks.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.