Fluid flow plate, fuel cell assembly system, and method employing same for controlling heat in fuel cells
US6146779A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 1, 1999 |
| Grant date | Nov 14, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 1, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A fluid flow plate for a fuel cell includes a generally planar-shaped body having a sealed chamber therein containing a heat-transferring fluid. A first portion of the body has an outer surface with at least one flow channel for distributing a first reactant fluid to an active region of the fuel cell. The first portion is operable to absorb heat to vaporize the heat-transferring fluid and a second portion, preferably extending beyond the active region, is operable to release heat for condensing vaporized heat-transferring fluid. Also disclosed is a system which includes a fuel cell assembly having a plurality of fuel cells and a plurality of planar-shaped heat pipes disposed between the plurality of fuel cells. A housing comprises a chamber for receiving a reactant fluid. The plurality of planar-shaped heat pipes extend into the chamber for transferring heat between the fuel cell assembly and a reactant fluid.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.