Fuel cell limiting the phenomenon of corrosion
US9496579B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 30, 2013 |
| Grant date | Nov 15, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 30, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P70/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A fuel cell stack includes first and second membrane electrode assemblies and a metal bipolar plate interposed between the first and second membrane electrode assemblies. The bipolar plate comprises first and second metal sheets facing the first and second membrane electrode assemblies and is securely fastened by welds. There is a gas diffusion layer interposed and compressed between the first membrane electrode assembly and the bipolar plate. In the absence of compression on the gas diffusion layer, regions of the gas diffusion layer surrounding the welds have a thickness smaller by at least 5 μm relative to the average thickness of the gas diffusion layer. This is done so that the contact pressure of the gas diffusion layer with the bipolar plate in the area of the welds is lower than its average contact pressure with the bipolar plate.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.