Apparatus and method for maintaining compression of the active area in an electrochemical cell
US6926988B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 27, 2001 |
| Grant date | Aug 9, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 8, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49609
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An electrochemical cell includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a proton exchange membrane disposed between and in intimate contact with the electrodes, and a pressure pad disposed in electrical communication with the first electrode. The pressure pad is compatible with the cell environment and is configured to support the electrodes and the membrane. The pressure pad includes an electrically conductive member and a compression member disposed at the electrically conductive member. A method of maintaining compression within the cell includes disposing the electrically conductive member and the compression member at the first electrode, applying a load at the cell to compress the cell components, and maintaining electrical communication through the electrically conductive member.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.