Cell frame/flow field integration method and apparatus
US6811915B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 28, 2001 |
| Grant date | Nov 2, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 2, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49114
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An electrochemical cell in which the cell frame is integrated with the flow field support member defining a contiguous surface includes an electrode, a proton exchange membrane and a flow field support member disposed at the electrode, a cell frame disposed at the flow field support member, and a membrane support element disposed intermediate the flow field support member and the frame. A resilient seal may be disposed at the cell frame. A method of integrating the frame with the flow field support member includes disposing the membrane support element in a gap between the frame and the flow field support member and melting the membrane support element into the frame and the flow field support member to form a contiguous surface. A method of sealing a flow field of the cell includes disposing a resilient seal at the cell frame.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.