Apparatus and method for conducting fluid in a fuel cell and fuel cell employing same
US7261966B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 30, 2003 |
| Grant date | Aug 28, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 25, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for conducting fluid in a fuel cell. The apparatus includes a unitary gas-impermeable body having, a face having a recessed surface and a wall extending around the recessed surface, the recessed surface and the wall defining a fluid dispersion area. The apparatus further includes a plurality of spaced apart protrusions protruding from the recessed surface in the fluid dispersion area such that portions of the recessed surface extend all around each of the protrusions, each protrusion having a protrusion surface spaced apart from the recessed surface. The apparatus further includes an inlet opening, an inlet conduit, an outlet opening and an outlet conduit. The inlet conduit is in communication with the inlet opening and the fluid dispersion area to facilitate communication of fluid from the inlet opening to the fluid dispersion area and the outlet conduit is in communication with the fluid dispersion area and the outlet opening to facilitate communication of fluid between the fluid dispersion area and the outlet opening.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.