Structural fuel cells and components thereof
US8057938B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 9, 2006 |
| Grant date | Nov 15, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 11, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A structural fuel cell includes a first and a second electrically conductive electrode plate each comprised of a porous, open-cell material. A proton conductive membrane is disposed between the first and second plates, and a skin encloses the electrode plates and membrane. The structural fuel cell is fabricated from high strength materials, and the porous, open-cell material of the electrode plates may comprise a metal foam, a honeycomb structure, or other such expanded structure. The skin may comprise a composite material such as a reinforced polymer. In some instances, the combination of the electrode plates, membrane and skin has a flexural strength between 1-100 MPa, or a flexural stiffness between 0.1-10 GPa.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.