Coolant plate assembly for a fuel cell stack
US6050331A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 22, 1996 |
| Grant date | Apr 18, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 22, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/2998
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The coolant plate component of a fuel cell assembly is formed from a plate made from graphite particles that are bonded together by a fluorocarbon polymer binder and which encapsulate a serpentine coolant circulation tube. The coolant plate component is non-porous. The graphite particles are preferably flakes which pack together very tightly, and require only a minor amount of the polymer binder to form a solid plate. The plate will provide enhanced heat transfer, will conduct electrons, and will block electrolyte migration from cell to cell in a fuel cell stack due to its construction. The composition of the plate is graded so as to provide a varied coefficient of thermal expansion as measured through the thickness of the plate so as to reduce thermal stresses imposed on the fuel cell stack. The coolant circulation tube has a roughened outer surface which enhances adhesion of the encapsulating graphite flake/binder mixture without inhibiting heat transfer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.