Apparatus and method for maintaining compression of the active area in an electrochemical cell
US7354675B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 27, 2001 |
| Grant date | Apr 8, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 10, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P70/50
- 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 an electrically conductive sheet and is of a structure that is conformable to pressure variations within the cell. Methods of forming the pressure pad include disposing dimples or corrugations 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.