Subgasket design to dissipate thermal energy generated from catalytic combustion experienced in a PEM fuel cell
US9911988B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 4, 2012 |
| Grant date | Mar 6, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 10, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A fuel cell component includes a sub-gasket including a structural component and a thermally conductive layer. The sub-gasket defines a central opening while the structural component includes a first side and a second side. The sub-gasket also has an inner portion proximate to the central opening and an outer portion. The inner portion is positioned between the cathode layer outer edge and the ion-conducting membrane outer edge or between the anode layer outer edge and the ion-conducting membrane outer edge. Finally, the thermally conductive layer contacts the second side of the structural component. Advantageously, the thermally conductive layer dissipates locally generated heat caused by unintended particles falling on the sub-gasket.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.