Micro-machined fuel cells
US7811692B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 24, 2008 |
| Grant date | Oct 12, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 30, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P70/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An improved fuel cell is described. The invention addresses the problem of mechanical failure in thin electrolytes. One embodiment varies the thickness of the electrolyte and positions at least either the anode or cathode in the recessed region to provide a short travel distance for ions traveling from the anode to the cathode or from the cathode to the anode. A second embodiment uses a uniquely shaped manifold cover to allow close positioning of the anode to the cathode. Using the described structures results in a substantial improvement in fuel cell reliability and performance.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.