Fuel cell with dual end plate humidifiers
US6602625B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 13, 2000 |
| Grant date | Aug 5, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 8, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
In a fuel cell, a humidification cell stack is provided at each end of the fuel cell as an extension of the fuel cell. The cells of each of the two humidification cell stacks can be structurally similar to and can include the same membrane as the individual cells of the fuel cell stack. Flows of fuel and oxygen are then arranged to pass through each of the two humidification cell stacks for exchange of moisture. Preferably, the humidification section at one end of the fuel cell stack provides moisture exchange between incoming fuel and discharged oxygen, while the humidification section at the other end of the fuel cell stack, provides moisture exchange between the incoming oxygen and the discharged fuel. This arrangement is expected to enhance uniform operating conditions within the fuel cell stack itself, so as to ensure optimum operating conditions throughout the fuel cell stack.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.