Fuel cell with variable porosity gas distribution layers
US6566004B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 31, 2000 |
| Grant date | May 20, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 6, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A proton exchange membrane fuel cell comprising a proton transmissive membrane, a catalytic anode layer on one face of the membrane, a catalytic cathode layer on the other face of the membrane, and a gas distribution layer on each of the cathode and anode layers defining a gas flow field extending over each of the catalytic layers. Each of the gas distribution layers comprises a layer of open cell conductive foam material which is divided into a plurality of generally parallel segments extending from one edge of the fuel cell to an opposite edge of the fuel cell whereby to define a plurality of generally parallel porous reactant paths extending across each catalytic layer. The segments may be defined by selectively varying the porosity of the foam material or selectively varying the thickness of the foam material. Reactant gases are delivered to the foam gas distribution layers via a manifold structure in which the reactant gases are moved upwardly along an edge of the fuel cell stack in parallel paths and selectively distributed within the stack at the desired cathode or anode levels by selective baffling and partitioning structures. A coolant layer may also be provided utilizing …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.