Pre-nesting of the active area on plates to reduce thickness variation
US7823277B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 30, 2008 |
| Grant date | Nov 2, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 18, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T156/10
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method for preparing a bipolar plate assembly for a fuel cell stack is provided. The method first includes the steps of providing a first unipolar plate having a first active area with a plurality of channels formed on a first inner surface thereof, and a second unipolar plate having a second active area with a plurality of lands formed on a second inner surface thereof. The first unipolar plate and the second unipolar plate are aligned to dispose the first active area adjacent the second active area. A first pressure is then applied to the first and second active areas to pre-nest the first active area and the second active area. The perimeters of the first and second unipolar plates are then joined. A clamping fixture and associated method for assembling the bipolar plate assembly is also provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.