Fuel cell with patterned electrolyte/electrode interface
US6835488B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 8, 2001 |
| Grant date | Dec 28, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 3, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A fuel cell contains an electrolyte sheet sandwiched between two electrodes. One or both electrode/electrolyte interfaces includes mesoscopic three-dimensional features in a prescribed pattern. The features increase the surface area-to-volume ratio of the device and can be used as integral channels for directing the flow of reactant gases to the reaction surface area, eliminating the need for channels in sealing plates surrounding the electrodes. The electrolyte can be made by micromachining techniques that allow very precise feature definition. Both selective removal and mold-filling techniques can be used. The fuel cell provides significantly enhanced volumetric power density when compared with conventional fuel cells.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.