WO2008140659A1 - Proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack and fuel cell stack module - Google Patents
Proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack and fuel cell stack module Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2008140659A1 WO2008140659A1 PCT/US2008/004461 US2008004461W WO2008140659A1 WO 2008140659 A1 WO2008140659 A1 WO 2008140659A1 US 2008004461 W US2008004461 W US 2008004461W WO 2008140659 A1 WO2008140659 A1 WO 2008140659A1
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- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- fuel cell
- cell stack
- proton exchange
- exchange membrane
- membrane fuel
- Prior art date
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/02—Details
- H01M8/0202—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors
- H01M8/023—Porous and characterised by the material
- H01M8/0241—Composites
- H01M8/0245—Composites in the form of layered or coated products
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/02—Details
- H01M8/0202—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors
- H01M8/023—Porous and characterised by the material
- H01M8/0236—Glass; Ceramics; Cermets
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/02—Details
- H01M8/0202—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors
- H01M8/0267—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors having heating or cooling means, e.g. heaters or coolant flow channels
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/02—Details
- H01M8/0271—Sealing or supporting means around electrodes, matrices or membranes
- H01M8/0273—Sealing or supporting means around electrodes, matrices or membranes with sealing or supporting means in the form of a frame
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/02—Details
- H01M8/0297—Arrangements for joining electrodes, reservoir layers, heat exchange units or bipolar separators to each other
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
- H01M8/04007—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids related to heat exchange
- H01M8/04014—Heat exchange using gaseous fluids; Heat exchange by combustion of reactants
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
- H01M8/04007—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids related to heat exchange
- H01M8/04067—Heat exchange or temperature measuring elements, thermal insulation, e.g. heat pipes, heat pumps, fins
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
- H01M8/04082—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration
- H01M8/04089—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/24—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells
- H01M8/241—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells with solid or matrix-supported electrolytes
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/24—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells
- H01M8/241—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells with solid or matrix-supported electrolytes
- H01M8/242—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells with solid or matrix-supported electrolytes comprising framed electrodes or intermediary frame-like gaskets
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/24—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells
- H01M8/2465—Details of groupings of fuel cells
- H01M8/247—Arrangements for tightening a stack, for accommodation of a stack in a tank or for assembling different tanks
- H01M8/248—Means for compression of the fuel cell stacks
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/24—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells
- H01M8/2465—Details of groupings of fuel cells
- H01M8/2483—Details of groupings of fuel cells characterised by internal manifolds
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/24—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells
- H01M8/2465—Details of groupings of fuel cells
- H01M8/2484—Details of groupings of fuel cells characterised by external manifolds
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
- Y02E60/50—Fuel cells
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack and a fuel cell stack module, and more specifically, to a pioton exchange membrane fuel cell stack comprised of a plurality of serially, electrically connected fuel cell stack modules, which are coupled together by a reduced compressive force, and which achieves optimal electrical peiformance at a pressure less than the reduced compressive force
- a fuel cell is an electrochemical device which reacts hydiogen, a fuel source, and oxygen, which is usually derived from the ambient an, to produce electricity, water, and heat
- the basic piocess is highly efficient, and fuel cells fueled by memee hydiogen aie substantially pollution fiee
- fuel cells can be assembled into modules of various sizes, power systems have been developed to produce a wide range of electrical power outputs As a result of these attributes, fuel cell power systems hold a great deal of promise as an enviionmentally f ⁇ endly and viable source of electricity for a great number of applications
- PEM proton exchange membrane
- any number of fuel cells can be similarly stacked together to achieve the desired output voltage and current.
- these individual fuel cells are separated by an electrically conductive bipolar separator plate Further, the individual fuel cells are placed between two end plates and a substantial compressive force is applied to same in order to effectively seal same, and to achieve an operatively effective ohmic electrical connection between the respective fuel cells
- SOFC Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
- a SOFC is a fuel cell which geneiates electricity directly from a chemical reaction, yet unlike PEM fuel cells, an SOFC is typically composed of solid ceramic materials
- the selection of the materials employed in such prior art SOFC devices is dictated, to a large degree, by the high operating temperatures (600-800 degrees C) which are experienced by such devices
- SOFC devices do not require the use of an expensive catalyst (platinum), which is the case with PEM fuel cells as discussed, above
- platinum platinum
- SOFC devices can employ fuels such as methane, propane, butane, fermentation gas, gasified biomass, etc
- a typical SOFC device a
- cathode and anode layers are typically DCamic gas diffusion layers that are selected for their structural rigidity and high temperature tolerance
- the chosen electrolyte must be impervious to air (oxygen) and must be electrically insulating so that the electrons resulting from the oxidation reaction on the anode side are forced to travel through an external circuit before reaching the cathode side of the SOFC
- a metal or electrically conductive interconnect electrically couples the respective cells in a serial arrangement. If a ceramic interconnect is employed it must be extremely stable because it is exposed to both the oxidizing and reducing side of the SOFC at high temperatures
- a proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack and an associated proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack module which avoids the shortcomings attendant with the p ⁇ oi art devices and practices utilized heietofore is the subject matter of the present application
- a first aspect of the present invention relates to a proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack which includes a plurality of repeating, serially electrically coupled fuel cell stack modules, which are sealably mounted together by a compressive force of less than about 60 pounds per square inch
- a proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack which includes first and second endplates disposed in substantially parallel spaced relation; and a plurality of repeating, air-cooled, fuel cell stack modules positioned between the first and second endplates, and which arc serially electrically coupled together, and wherein the respective endplates sealably couple the respective fuel cell stack modules together by applying a compiessive force of less than about 60 pounds per square inch to each of the respective fuel cell stack modules, and wherein the proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack has an operational temperature profile as measured between the first and second end plates which vanes by less than about 10%.
- Still anothei aspect of the piesent invention relates to a proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack module which includes a proton exchange membrane having an anode side, and a cathode side, a first gas diffusion layei juxtaposed relative to the anode side, a second gas diffusion layer juxtaposed relative to the cathode side, an electrically conductive heat sink having a thermally conductive mass juxtaposed relative to the second gas diffusion layer, and a current collecting separator plate juxtaposed in ohmic elect ⁇ cal contact relative to the first gas diffusion layer, and wheiein a plurality of fuel cell stack modules are electrically connected in series, and are further mounted between a fust and second endplate to form a fuel cell stack, and wherein the current collecting separator plate of a fust fuel cell module is juxtaposed lelative to the first endplate, and wherein the heat sink of a remote, second fuel cell module is positioned in force receiving relation relative to the second endplate, and wherein the first and second endplates provide
- a proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack which includes a plurality of repeating, serially electrically coupled fuel cell stack modules, which are sealably mounted togethei by a compressive force of less than about 60 pounds per square inch, and wherein the respective fuel cell stack modules further comprise a frame having an inside and an outside peripheral edge, and first and second sides, and wherein the inside peripheral edge defines an internal cavity, and wherein the respective frames are self-aligning and matingly nest together in an operational o ⁇ entation, and wherein the lespective frames each define an air passageway which extends between the inside and outside peripheral edges and which communicates with the internal cavity thereof.
- a proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack module which includes a proton exchange membrane having an anode side, and a cathode side; a first gas diffusion layer juxtaposed relative to the anode side, a second gas diffusion layer juxtaposed relative to the cathode side, an electrically conductive heat sink juxtaposed relative to the second gas diffusion layer; a frame having an inside and an outside peripheral edge, and first and second sides, and wherein the inside peripheral edge defines an internal cavity therewithin the frame, and wherein the proton exchange membrane, the first and second gas diffusion layers, and the heat sink are enclosed within the internal cavity; and a first current collecting separator plate mounted on the first side of the frame, and juxtaposed relative to the first gas diffusion layei , so as to form a fuel cell stack module, and wherein a plurality of fuel cell stack modules aie positioned between a first and a second endplate, and are further serially electrically coupled together, and wherein the respective endplates apply a
- a proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack which includes a plurality of repeating se ⁇ ally electucally coupled fuel cell stack modules, each defining an internal cavity and which are sealably mounted together by a compressive force of less than about 60 pounds pei square inch; and a proton exchange membrane is placed in a operational orientation relative to at least one ceramic gas diffusion layer and which is received within the cavity of the respective fuel cell stack modules.
- Still another aspect of the present invention relates to a proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack which includes first and second endplates disposed in substantially parallel spaced relation; and a plurality of repeating, air-cooled, fuel cell stack modules positioned between the first and second endplates, and which are se ⁇ ally electrically coupled together, and which further has an operationally effective conductivity, as measured between the first and second endplates, which is achieved at a pressure less than a compressive force applied to each of the plurality of the fuel cell stack modules, and which further has an operationally effective temperature profile as measured between the first and second end plates which is substantially uniform.
- a proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack module which includes a proton exchange membrane having an anode side and a cathode side; a first electrically conductive ceramic layer juxtaposed relative to the anode side; a second electrically conductive ceramic layer juxtaposed relative to the cathode side; an electrically conductive heat sink juxtaposed relative to the second electrically conductive ceramic layer; a frame having an inside and an outside peripheral edge, and first and second sides, and wherein the inside peripheral edge defines an internal cavity, and wherein the respective frames each define an air passageway which extends between the inside and outside peripheral edges and which communicates with internal cavity thereof, and wherein the proton exchange membrane, first and second electrically conductivetitikiamic layers, and the electrically conductive heat sink are enclosed within the internal cavity; and a current collecting separator plate mounted on the first side of the frame, and which is juxtaposed relative to the first electrically conductive ceramic layei .
- Anothei aspect of the present invention relates to a proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack which includes a first endplate and an opposite second endplate, a plurality of fuel cell stack modules mounted between each of the first and second endplates, and wherein each of the fuel cell stack modules further include a proton exchange membrane having an anode side and a cathode side; a first electrically conductive ceramic diffusion layer juxtaposed relative to the anode side; a second electrically conductive ceramic gas diffusion layer juxtaposed relative to the cathode side; an electrically conductive heat sink juxtaposed relative to the second ceramic gas diffusion layer, and wherein the heat sink defines a plurality of fluid passageways which permits a source of air to pass therethrough and reach the second ceramic gas diffusion layer; a frame having first and second sides and an inside and an outside peripheral edge, and wherein the inside peripheral edge defines an internal cavity, and wherein the proton exchange membrane, the first and second ceramic gas diffusion layers, and the heat sink are enclosed within the internal cavity, and wherein the frame defines a fuel
- a proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack which includes a plurality of frames, each having an inside and an outside peripheral edge, and first and second sides, and wherein the inside peripheral edge defines an internal cavity, and wherein the respective frames aie self-aligning and matingly nest together in an operational orientation, and wheiein the respective fiames each define an air passageway which extends between the inside and outside peripheral edges and which communicates with the internal cavity thereof, and wherein each of the respective frames further defines a fuel gas passageway which is coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to a plurality of fuel gas channels, and which are defined, at least in part, by the first side of each of the frames, and wherein each of the fuel gas channels are coupled in fluid flowing relation to the internal cavity of the frame, and wherein the individual fuel gas passageways of the respective fuel cell stack modules are each coupled in fluid flowing relation, one relative to the others, and wherein the frame further defines an exhaust gas passageway which is coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to a plurality of exhaust gas channels
- the heat sink has a thickness dimension which is greater than about 10 millimeters; a current collecting separatoi plate mounted on the first side of each of the frames, and which is further positioned, at least in part, in ohmic electrical contact with the first gas diffusion layer, and wherein the electrically conductive heat sink is disposed in ohmic electrical contact with the current collecting separator plate of an adjacent fuel cell stack module, and wherein the current collecting separator plate matingly couples with, and is self-aligning relative to, the frame, and wherein the current collecting separator plate is further a non- porous, substantially smooth metal plate which is bonded to the first side of the frame so as to effectively seal the plurality of fuel
- a proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack which includes a plurality of proton exchange membranes each having an anode side, and a cathode side; a first porous, electrically conductive ceramic layer juxtaposed relative to the anode side of each of the proton exchange membraiifs, and ⁇ i second porous, electrically conductive ceramic layer juxtaposed relative to the cathode side of each of the proton exchange membranes, and wherein the proton exchange membiane fuel cell stack has an operational temperature which is less than about 200 degrees C
- Still anothei aspect of the present invention relates to a proton exchange membiane fuel cell stack which includes a plurality of repeating, serially electi ically coupled fuel cell stack modules, which are sealably mounted together by a compressive force of less than about 60 pounds per square inch, and wherein the respective fuel cell stack modules furthei comprise a frame having an inside and an outside peripheral edge, and wheiein the inside peripheral edge defines an internal cavity, and wherein the respective fi ames each define an air passageway having a cross sectional area, and which extends between the inside and outside pe ⁇ pheial edges, and which further communicates with the internal cavity theieof, and wherein a proton exchange membrane having an effective opeiating temperature is received within the internal cavity of each of the frames, and wherein an electrically conductive heat sink having a thermally conductive mass is received within the internal cavity of the respective frames, and which is further oriented in fluid flowing relation relative to the air passageway which is defined by the frame, and which dissipates heat energy generated
- a proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack module which includes a proton exchange membrane having an anode side, and a cathode side, and wherein the anode and cathode sides each have an active area surface, and wherein the active area surface of at least one of the anode side or the cathode side of the proton exchange membrane, and/or a fuel cell component having a region which is oriented at least in partial covering relation relative thereto, is substantially devoid of predetermined passageways for ⁇ accommodating the flow of a reactant gas.
- Still another aspect of the present invention relates to a proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack which includes a plurality of proton exchange membranes, each having an anode side, and a cathode side, and wherein each of the anode and cathode sides have an active area surface, and wherein the active area surface of the anode side of the proton exchange membrane, and a fuel cell stack component having a region in at least partial covering relation relative to the active area surface of the anode side, are both substantially devoid of predetermined passageways for accommodating the flow of a reactant gas, a pluiahty of first gas diffusion layers juxtaposed relative to each of the anode sides, respectively, a plurality of second gas diffusion layers juxtaposed relative to each of the cathodes side, respectively, and a plurality of current collecting separator plates juxtaposed in ohmic electrical contact relative to each of the first gas diffusion layers, respectively.
- Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a fuel cell power system which employs features of the present invention.
- Fig 2 is a perspective view of one form of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack of the present invention
- Fig. 3 is an exploded, perspective view of the form of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack as seen in Fig. 2.
- Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of another form of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack of the present invention.
- Fig 5 is a fragmentary, exploded, perspective view of one form of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack module, which forms a feature of the present invention.
- Fig 6 is a fragmentary, exploded, perspective view of the same proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack module taken from a position opposite to that seen in Fig. 5, and which forms a feature of the present invention.
- Fig. 7 is a perspective view of another form of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack of the present invention
- Fig 8 is a perspective, side elevation view of one form of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack module frame which forms a feature of the present invention
- Fig. 9 is a perspective, side elevation view of another form of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack module frame which forms a feature of the present invention
- Fig 10 is a perspective, side elevation view of yet another form of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack module frame which forms a feature of the present invention.
- Fig. 11 is a second perspective, side elevation view of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack module fiame, and which is taken from a position opposite to that seen in Fig. 9
- Fig 12 is a perspective view of yet another form of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack which forms a feature of the present invention
- Fig. 13 is a top plan view of one form of a heat sink, fabricated from a reticulated metal foam, and which forms a feature of the present invention
- Fig. 14 is a side elevation view of the same heat sink as seen in Fig. 13.
- Fig 15 is a second, side elevation view of the same heat sink as seen in Fig. 13 and which is fabricated with different dimensions
- Fig. 16 is a perspective, side elevation view of a corrugated metal heat sink which forms a feature of the present invention
- Fig 17 is a perspective, side elevation view of an extruded aluminum heat sink which forms a feature of the present invention
- Fig. 18 is a perspective, side elevation view of a stamped, resilient, reticulated heat sink which forms a feature of the present invention.
- Fig. 19 is a perspective, side elevation view of a heat sink having a plurality of cooling channels, and which forms a feature of the present invention.
- Fig. 20 is a side elevation view of the heat sink as illustrated in Fig. 19, but with variably sized cooling channels which forms a feature of the present invention
- Fig. 21 is a perspective, side elevation view of yet another form of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack which forms a feature of the present invention.
- Fig 22 is a greatly exaggerated, exploded, transverse, vertical sectional view of a proton exchange membrane positioned between ceramic gas diffusion layers, each having a catalyst layer applied thereto.
- Fig 23 is a greatly enlarged, exploded, transverse, vertical sectional view of a proton exchange membrane electrode assembly and which is positioned therebetween a pair of ceramic gas diffusion layers.
- Fig 24 is a greatly enlarged, exploded, transverse, vertical sectional view showing a proton exchange membrane electrode assembly positioned therebetween two DCamic gas diffusion layers, and wherein one gas diffusion layer is larger than the other
- Fig 25 is a greatly enlarged, transveise, vertical sectional view of a proton exchange membrane electrode assembly having a gas diffusion layei which has a metalized coating applied thereto, and which forms a feature of the present invention.
- Fig 26 is a greatly enlarged, exploded, tiansverse, vertical sectional view of the arrangement as seen in Fig. 25.
- Fig 27 is a perspective exploded, greatly enlarged, transverse, vertical sectional view of a sintered metal mesh, which is used in one form of the present invention.
- a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell stack power system is generally indicated by the numeral 10 therein
- the PEM fuel cell stack power system 10 includes an air-permeable housing or cabinet 11 which may be mounted on a supporting surface (not shown)
- the housing 11 includes a plurality of sidewalls 12, which define individual compartments, and further support subracks, which are generally indicated by the numeral 13, and which support and otherwise enclose, at least in part, the novel proton exchange membrane fuel cell stacks which will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter
- the housing 11 may further support individual moveable doors 14 which allow an operator (not shown) to gain access to the individual compartments for repair or replacement of the individual proton exchange membrane fuel cell stacks that will be described below.
- the fuel cell stack power system 10 includes a digital control system which is generally indicated by the numeral 15, and which is mounted typically on the housing 11, but which could also be positioned remotely relative thereto
- the digital control system 15 which controls the operation of the fuel cell power stack system 10 is well known in the art The Office's attention is specifically directed to U S Patent No. 6,387,556, the teachings of which are incorpoi ated by reference herein
- the digital control system 15 may include, among other things, an alpha-numeric display 16 which provides information to an operator iegarding the operational features and performance of the fuel cell stack power system 10, and further may include other controls 17, such as switches, dials, and the like, which allow an operator (not shown) to control the operation of the fuel cell stack power system 10
- the invention 10 as seen in Fig. 1 contemplates an electrical airangement whereby a pioton exchange membrane fuel cell stack, as will be described hereinafter, may be deactivated and removed from the housing oi cabinet 11 while the remaining proton exchange membrane fuel cell stacks, as will be described, remain operational and continue to service a load 20 as seen in Fig. 1.
- This performance feature is well known in the art and has been employed heretofore in modulai fuel cells which are more fully described in such references as U.S. Patent Nos 6,030,718 and 6,468,682, the teachings of which are incorporated by reference herein, and others.
- an electrical conduit 21 electrically couples the proton exchange membrane fuel cell power system 10 with the electrical load 20 to be serviced.
- the proton exchange membrane fuel cell power system 10 generates electricity by well known means as described earlier in this application
- the proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack is supplied with a reactant fuel gas from a source generally indicated by the numeral 30
- the source of the reactant fuel gas 30 may also be a pressurized hydrogen bottle 31 which provides pure hydrogen under pressure to the proton exchange membrane fuel cell power system 10
- the source of reactant fuel gas 30 may include a hydrogen generator, fuel processor, or reformer 32 which may provide a hydrogen rich reformate stream or substantially pure hydrogen to the proton exchange membrane fuel cell power system 10.
- each of the sources of a reactant fuel gas 30 may be coupled to the fuel cell power system 10 by means of hydrogen delivery conduits, generally indicated by the numeral 33.
- a proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack which forms a feature of the present invention is generally indicated by the numeral 40 in Fig. 4.
- this form of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack 40 includes a first end plate 41 and a second end plate 42
- the first end plate 41 has a main body generally indicated by the numeral 43.
- the main body includes an inside facing surface 44, and an opposite outside facing surface 45. Still further, the main body is defined by a pe ⁇ phei al edge 46 As seen in Fig.
- tie rod apertures 50 are formed in the main body 43 and extend between the inside and outside facing surfaces 44 and 45 thereof As should be understood, tie rod apertures are operable to leceive a tie rod, as will be described hereinafter therethrough, and which allow the fu st and second end plates 41 and 42, respectively, to be urged one towards the other in order to exert a compressive force on fuel cell module frames, which will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter.
- the main body 43 of the fust end plate 41 further has formed therein a fuel gas passageway which is generally indicated by the numeral 51 , and a exhaust gas passageway generally indicated by the numeral 52
- the fuel and exhaust gas passageways 51 and 52 extend between the inside and outside facing surfaces 44 and 45
- the fuel gas passageway 51 allows the passage of a suitable fuel gas from a source 30 to be supplied to the proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack 40
- the exhaust gas passageway allows an exhaust gas, which may include a combination of both unused fuel gas and water vapor, to escape in an efficient manner from the pioton exchange membrane fuel cell stack 40
- the second end plate 42 similarly has a main body 53 which is defined by an inside facing surface 54, and an outside facing surface 55.
- the main body 53 of the second end plate 42 also has a peripheral edge 56 Located at predetermined locations about the peripheral edge 56 are tie rod apertures 57 which extend between the inside and outside facing surfaces 54 and 55, respectively.
- the tie rod apertures 57 are operable to receive suitable tie rods which will be discussed below As seen in Fig. 4, it will be appreciated that this form of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack 40 includes multiple tie rods generally indicated by the numeral 60.
- These multiple tie rods or couplers, in this form of the invention, include first, second, third and fourth tie rods 61, 62, 63 and 64, respectively.
- the multiple tie rods each have a first end 65 which is operable to engage the outside facing surface 55 of the second end plate 42, and an opposite, threaded, second end 66 which is operable to be engaged by a suitable nut 67 which lies in force transmitting engagement relative to the outside facing surface 45 of the first end plate 41.
- the tie rods 60 are operable to be received through the tie rod apertures 50 and 57 of the first and second end plates 41 and 42, respectively
- the tie rods 60 are also operable to be received through the multiple fuel cell stack module frames, which will be desc ⁇ bed in greater detail hereinafter
- the first and second end plates 41 and 42 are drawn toward each other, and in combination, exert a compressive force of less than about 60 pounds per square inch to each of the respective fuel cell stack modules, as will be described in greater detail below
- the individual tie rods or couplers 60 individually cooperate with, and connect, the respective first and second end plates 41 and 42 together Howevei , in this form of the invention, the individual first and second end plates 41 and 42 are somewhat enlarged from the view seen in Fig 4.
- the multiple tie rods or couplers 60 do not pass through the respective fuel cell stack modules as will be desc ⁇ bed with respect to the form of the invention below, but rather are located exteriorly relative to the fuel cell stack modules.
- the first and second end plates 41 and 42 still exert a compressive force of less than about 60 pounds per square inch to each of the respective fuel cell stack modules
- the proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack 70 similarly has a first end plate 71, and a second end plate 72 As seen in that drawing, the first end plate has a main body 73 defined by a peripheral edge 74 Still further, the main body has an outside facing surface 75. As with the earlier form of the invention desc ⁇ bed, the main body 73 has a fuel gas passageway 76 and an exhaust gas passageway 77 formed therein. The fuel gas passageway 76 allows a source of a fuel gas 30 to be supplied to the proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack 70.
- the exhaust gas passageway 77 allows exhaust gases, which may include unused fuel gas as well as water vapor, to escape from this form of the invention 70
- the second end plate 72 has a main body 80.
- the main body has an outside facing surface 81, and an opposite inside facing surface 82. Still further, the main body 81 is defined by a pe ⁇ pheral edge 83.
- a first releasable coupler 84 having a first end 85, and an opposite, second end 86, is individually affixed to the first and second end plates 71 and 72, respectively.
- a second and opposite coupler 88 may also be provided on the opposite side of the fuel cell stack 70 and is similarly affixed to the first and second end plates 71 and 72
- the coupler 84 further has a moveable latch assembly 87 and which is operable, when fully engaged or closed, to cause the first and second end plates 71 and 72 to be forcibly moved togethei thereby exerting a compressive force on the individual fuel cell stack modules, as will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter, of less than about 60 pounds per square inch
- the coupler 84 having opposite ends 85 and 86, respectively, cooperates with, and forcibly connects the respective first and second end plates 71 and 72 together and does not pass through the lespective fuel cell modules, as will be described below This arrangement also facilitates the easy iepair and replacement of individual fuel cell modules in the event of a malfunction oi failure.
- the proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack 90 has a first end plate 91, and an opposite second end plate 92
- the first end plate has a main body 93 which is defined by an outside facing surface 94, and an opposite inside facing surface 95 Still further, the main body 93 is defined by a circumscribing peripheral edge 96
- a fuel gas passageway 100 extends between the inside and outside facing surfaces 94 and 95 and provides a means by which a source of a fuel gas 30 may enter the fuel cell stack 90 through a fuel gas fitting 106
- An exhaust gas passageway 101 also extends between the inside and outside facing surfaces 94 and 95 and provides a means by which any unused fuel gas and/or water vapor may exit the proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack 90 du ⁇ ng operation through an exhaust gas fitting 107.
- a plurality of fastener receiving apertures 102 are formed in the inside facing surface 95 and pe ⁇ pheral edge 96. These fastener receiving apertures 102 are operable to engage resilient fasteners which are borne by, and which extend outwardly relative to the respective proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack modules, as will be described below. Still further, and as seen in Fig.
- the first end plate 91 includes a pair of resilient latch or fastener members 103 which extend normally outwardly relative to the inside facing surface 95, and which are mounted along the peripheral edge 96 of the main body 93
- These individual fastener oi latch members 103 have a distal end 104 which includes an engagement portion 105 which is operable to releasably engage an adjacent, juxtaposed fuel cell stack module, as will be described below, so as to exert a sufficient compressive force relative theieto in oider to achieve the benefits of the present invention
- the second end plate 92 has a main body 110 which has an outside facing surface 1 1 1 , and an opposite, inside facing suiface 1 12
- the main body 1 10 is also defined by an outside peripheral edge 113, and an opposite inside peripheral edge 114
- the inside peripheral edge 1 14 defines, at least in part, an internal cavity 115 which is operable to leceive an electrically conductive heat sink, as will be discussed in greater detail hereinaftei Still furthei, as seen in Fig 3, it should be understood that a plurality of air passageways 1 16 aie formed in the main body 1 10, and extend therebetween the outside peripheral edge 1 13 and the inside peripheral edge 114
- the plurality of air passageways 116 allow suitable cooling air to pass therethiough and engage the electrically conductive heat sink, discussed in detail hereinafter, which is received within the internal cavity 115 to accomplish the features of the invention
- the plurality of fasteners have a distal end 118 which forms an engagement portion 119 for engaging an adjacent fuel cell stack module, as will be described in greater detail hereinafter.
- the engagement of the plurality of resilient fasteners 117 with an adjacent fuel cell stack module creates sufficient compressive force so as to achieve the several benefits of the invention as will be discussed in greater detail below.
- FIG. 12 yet another alternative form of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack is shown, and which is generally indicated by the numeral 130.
- this form of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack has first and second end plates 131 and 132, respectively, and which are operable, as in the previous forms of the invention, to exert a compressive force on the fuel cell stack modules that will be desc ⁇ bed hereinafter in order to render the proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack 130 operational.
- the first end plate 131 has a main body 133 which has an outside facing surface 134, and an opposite inside facing surface 135 Still furthci , the main body 133 is defined by a ciirnms ⁇ ihing pen plural trilgc H6
- a plurality of resilient fasteners 140 aie made integral with the pe ⁇ pheial edge 136 and which have a distal engagement portion 141 which resiliently ieleasably engages an adjacent fuel cell stack module, as will be described below, thereby releasably affixing the first end plate 131 in forcible engagement relative thereto
- the second end plate 132 similarly has a main body 142, defined by an outside facing suiface 143, and an opposite inside facing surface 144
- the main body 142 is very similai in its overall design to that described with the earliei described form of the invention described in the paiagi
- first and second end plates 131 and 132 are releasably fastened to the adjacent fuel cell stack modules which are positioned therebetween This fastening arrangement generates a compressive force which is applied to the respective fuel cell stack modules, as desc ⁇ bed hereinafter, in order to render the PEM fuel cell stack 130 fully operational.
- Fig. 21 yet another, alternative form of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack is shown, and which is generally indicated by the numeral 160 therein.
- the present invention includes first and second end plates 161 and 162 which operate in a manner similar to the end plates described in the previous forms of the invention discussed, above.
- the first end plate 161 is defined by a main body 163 having an outside facing surface 164 and an opposite inside facing surface 165 The main body is also defined by an outside facing peripheral edge 166 As illustrated, a fuel gas passageway 170 and exhaust gas passageway 171 are formed in the main body 163, and extend therebetween the outside and inside facing surfaces 164 and 165, lespectively As earhei discussed, the fuel gas passageway is operable to deliver a source of a ieactant fuel gas 30 to the fuel cell stack modules, as will be described below, in order to render the PEM fuel cell stack 160 opeiational.
- the exhaust gas passageway 171 is operable to remove unused fuel gas and water vapoi which may be produced as a byproduct of the operation of the PEM fuel cell stack 160, as will be described in greater detail in the opeiation phase of this application Similar in some respects to othei forms of the invention described above, a plurality of fastener receiving apertures 172 are formed in the inside facing surface 165, and peripheral edge 166 of the main body 163, and are opeiable to receive resilient fasteners which extend normally outwardly relative to the individual fuel cell stack modules that will be described below. As seen in Fig. 21, the second end plate 162 is also defined by a main body 173, and which has an outside facing surface and an opposite inside facing surface 175.
- the inside facing surface defines, at least in part, a cavity for receiving an electrically conductive heat sink (not shown)
- the main body has an outside facing peripheral edge 176 which has a plurality of air passageways 177 formed therein.
- the air passageways 177 allow a source of cooling air to reach, and come into heat removing relation relative to, an electrically conductive heat sink which is contained within the cavity which is defined, at least in part, by the inside facing surface 175. This is similar to the earlier form of the invention as seen in Fig 3.
- this form of the invention 160 operates in a manner similar to the earlier forms of the invention discussed, above, whereby the individual first and second end plates 161 and 162 are fastened to adjacent fuel cell modules, as will be described below, in a fashion whereby a compressive force is generated in a manner which allows the proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack 160 to be rendered fully operational.
- a proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack in the various forms 40, 70, 90, 130, 160, as already identified, and which may be incorporated in a PEM fuel cell stack power system 10, includes a plurality of repeating, serially electrically coupled fuel cell stack modules which are generally indicated by the numeral 180
- the plurality of fuel cell stack modules 180 are disposed between the first and second endplates 41 and 42, 71 and 72, 91 and 92, 131 and 132, and 161 and 162, discussed heretofore, and are sealably mounted together by a compressive foice of less than about 60 pounds per square inch
- This compressive force may be applied by means of the various end plates 41 and 42; 71 and 72, 91 and 92, 131 and 132, and 161 and 162, as well as coupler assemblies, such as the multiple tie rods 60 and the releasable coupler 84
- coupler assemblies such as the multiple tie rods 60 and the releasable coupler 84
- other fastening arrangements as will be described
- each of the respective frames are fabricated from a thermoplastic injection moldable plastic, although other materials may be suitable.
- the respective proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack frames, in their va ⁇ ous forms 181-185, respectively, are shown in Figs. 8-10. With respect to the various forms of the frames 181-185 respectively, it will be appreciated that the respective frames 181- 185 each have a main body 200.
- the main body 200 is defined by a first side 201 , and an opposite second side 202 The first and second sides are disposed in predetermined spaced relation by an outside peripheral edge 203 which has a given width dimension Still further, the main body 200 has an inside peripheral edge 204 which defines an internal cavity 205 As best seen by reference to Figs 2, and following, it will be appreciated that an air passageway 206 is formed in the peripheral edge 203, and extends between the inside and outside peripheral edges 203 and 204, respectively This air passageway 206 communicates with the internal cavity 205 thereof. It should be understood fiom studying the various foims of the frames 181-185, that the frames are substantially self-aligning as will be described in greater detail hereinafter. This feature of the invention greatly facilitates the effective assembly of the same invention
- the various forms of the frame 181-185 each have a mounting flange 210 which is made integral with the inside peripheral edge 204 of the main body 200, and which extends into the internal cavity of the frame 205
- the mounting flange 210 has a fust side 211 which is disposed in a substantially coplanar orientation relative to the fust side of the frame 201, and a second side 212 A thickness dimension 213 (Fig.
- the mounting flange defines an inside peripheral edge 214 (Fig 3) which defines an aperture 215 which communicates with the internal cavity 205 of the frame 180
- a fuel gas passageway 220 which extends through the respective main body 200 of the frame 180 and communicates with the internal cavity of the frame 205.
- the respective fuel gas passageways 220 have a first end 221 (Fig 5) which is coupled in fluid flowing communication relative to the fuel gas passageway 51, 76, 100, 170, as defined by the end plates 41, 42, 71, 72, 91, 92, 131, 132, 161 , 162, of the va ⁇ ous forms of the invention 40, 70, 90, and 160, desc ⁇ bed earlier.
- a source of a reactant fuel gas 30 provided to the fuel gas passageways as defined by an end plate of the va ⁇ ous forms of the invention would thereby pass through the end plates and travel along the substantially coaxially aligned fuel gas passageway 220 formed in the frames 180, and be received within the internal cavity of the frame 205
- the second end 222 of the fuel gas passageway 220 of a respective frame 181-185 is positioned in fluid flowing relation relative to the first end 221 of a fuel gas passageway 220 of an adjacent frame.
- a plurality of fuel gas channels 223 (Fig.
- first side 201 of the iiia.ni body 200 are formed in the first side 201 of the iiia.ni body 200, and which couple the fuel gas passageway 220 in fluid flowing relation relative to the internal cavity 205 of the frame 181-185 and to the aperture 215 which is defined by the inside peripheral edge 214 of the mounting flange 210. Still further, it will be recognized by a study of the drawings such as Fig 5, that the first side 201 of the main body 200 further has formed therein an exhaust gas passageway 224 which has a first end 225 and an opposite second end 226.
- the first end 225 of the exhaust gas passageway 224 is coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the exhaust gas passageway 52, 77, 101, 171, as defined in the respective end plates 41, 71, 91, 131, 161 , as earliei disclosed
- the second end 226 is coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the fu st end 225 of an adjacent main body 200 It will be seen in Fig 5 that a plurality of exhaust gas channels 227 are formed in the first side 201 of the main body 200 thereby coupling the internal cavity 205 and the aperture 215 in fluid flowing relation relative to the exhaust gas passageway 224.
- a fuel gas passageway 230 may alternatively be formed in the outside peripheral edge 203 of a frame 180 so as to be coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to a fuel gas manifold 150
- an exhaust gas passageway (not shown) may be alternatively formed in the outside peripheral edge 203 of a frame 180 so as to be coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to an exhaust gas manifold 151.
- an exhaust gas passageway 231 may be formed in the outside peripheral edge 203 of the frame 180 in a manner such that the exhaust gasses formed by the proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack, and which may include unused fuel gas and water vapor formed as a byproduct of the operation of the fuel cell stack, may be vented to the ambient environment.
- one of the frames 180 which is positioned adjacent to the first end plate 41 does not include the aperture 215. Rather, the first side 201 of the frame 180 is substantially continuous and is forcibly engaged by the adjacent end plate This is similarly the case for the form of the invention 90 as seen in Fig.
- the first and second end plates 91 and 92 has a substantially continuous outside facing surface 94 and does not define an aperture 215 which communicates with the internal cavity 115 thereof.
- the various forms of the frames 181-185 may include a plurality of alignment cavities 240 (Fig 11) which are formed in predetermined positions in the first side 201 of the frame 180 and which are operable to matingly receive or nest a plurality of male alignment members 241 which are borne on, and otherwise extend outwardly relative to, the second side 202 of an adjacent frame 180 which is juxtaposed relative thereto
- a passageway may, but does need to, extend through and between 241 and 242 (not shown)
- the first male alignment member 241 is operable to be received or matingly nested within the individual alignment cavities 240 in the nature of a friction-fit
- This telescoping receipt of the male alignment member within the individual alignment cavities 240 facilitates the self-alignment of the respective frames 181-185 one relative to the othei This greatly facilitates the accurate and rapid assembly of the individual proton exchange membrane fuel cell stacks 40, 70, 90, 130 and
- the plurality of tie rods or couplers 61-64, respectively, are received through the individually coaxially aligned alignment cavities and male alignment members so as to allow the end plates 41 and 42 of the specific form of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack 40 to be forcibly joined or coupled together.
- the plurality of tie rods or couplers 61-64 are received through the individually coaxially aligned alignment cavities and male alignment members so as to allow the end plates 41 and 42 of the specific form of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack 40 to be forcibly joined or coupled together.
- the earlier mentioned alignment cavities 240 and male alignment members 241 are eliminated in favor of a plurality of resilient fasteners 242 which are mounted on, and extend normally outwardly relative to, the second side 202 of the main body 200
- the plurality of resilient fasteners 242 are individually coaxially aligned so as to be received within a plurality of fastener receiving apertures 243 which are formed in the first side 201 of the main body 200 of an adjacent frame 181-185 in the nature of a snap-fit.
- the individual resilient fasteners 242 may be accessed so as to release an adjacent fuel cell module by means of a plurality of fastenei receiving apertures 243 which extend, in part, through the outside peripheral edge 203 as seen in Fig. 3.
- the individual frames 181-185 may be assembled in a fashion whereby an appropriate amount of force is exerted by the individual frames 180, one relative to another, so as to achieve the benefits of the present invention, and without the use of couplers such as described with some forms of the invention.
- the plurality of resilient fasteners 242 and fastener receiving apertures 243 in combination piovide the same self-alignment features for the respective frames 180 when they are oriented in an operational relationship one relative to the other, and are further operable to engage a fastener receiving apertures 243 of an adjacent frame so as to provide an appiop ⁇ ate mating relationship so as to achieve the benefits of the present invention
- Fig 21 it will be undeistood by comparing that view with that of Fig 3, that in this form 185 of the frame 180 that the number and cross-sectional areas of the lespective air passageways 206, as defined by the main body 200 may be varied so as to achieve an operationally .
- the proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack 160 has an operationally effective temperature when the most optimal amount of electrical power is generated by the PEM fuel cell stack 160 during operation
- the individual proton exchange membrane fuel cell modules 180 are each maintained at an operational temperature which is within less than about 10% relative to any other fuel cell modules 180 as contained within the same proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack 40, 70, 90, 130 and 160.
- each of the proton exchange membrane modules 180 includes a sealing member 250 which is sealably affixed to the first side 201 of each of the main bodies 200 of the frames 181-185, and which is positioned adjacent to the outside peripheral edge 203 thereof.
- a current collecting separator plate Positioned in substantially sealing relation and in alignment relative to the individual frames 181-185, respectively, is a current collecting separator plate generally indicated by the numeral 251
- the current collecting separator plate 251 is generally a non-porous, substantially smooth plate normally fabricated from an electrically conductive metal.
- the current collecting separator plate 251 which matingly cooperates with and is substantially self- aligning relative to the respective frames 181-185, has a first inside facing surface 252, and an opposite second, outside facing surface 253 When appropriately positioned relative to the first side 201 of the main body 200, the inside facing surface 252 is disposed in covering relation relative to and substantially seals the respective (and exemplary) fuel gas channels 223 and exhaust gas channels 227 (Fig 11), respectively, thereby confining the reactant or fuel gas 30, and any unused reactant gas and/or watei vapor to those channel regions 223, 221
- the current collecting separator plate 251 is defined by a peripheral edge 254 and in some forms of the invention, the current collecting separator plate has an electrically conductive tab 255 which extends outwardly relative to the outside peripheral edge 203 of the main body 200 of each of the frames 181-185 for purposes of allowing the removal of electricity, or furthei allowing an electrical signal to be transmitted from same This would, for example, allow the invention to be
- a plurality of alignment apertures 256 may be formed along the peripheral edge 252 so as to accommodate either male alignment members 241; or a plurality of resilient fasteners 242 of an adjacent frame 181-185 to pass therethrough.
- the same current collecting separator plate 251 will have both a fuel gas passageway 257, as well as an exhaust gas passageway 258 formed therein, and which will be substantially coaxially aligned relative to the fuel and exhaust gas passageway 220 and 224 formed in the adjacent main body 200
- Each of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell modules 180 include and enclose, in an appropriate orientation, a first porous gas diffusion layer which is generally indicated by the numeral 270.
- the first gas diffusion layer comprises, at least in part, a porous electrically conductive ceramic mate ⁇ al layer which is selected from the group consisting essentially of titanium dibo ⁇ de, zirconium dibo ⁇ de, molybdenum disilicide, titanium disihcide, titanium nit ⁇ de, zirconium nit ⁇ de, vanadium carbide, tungsten carbide, and composites, laminates, and solid solutions thereof.
- the porous electrically conductive ceramic mate ⁇ al which is typically selected has an elect ⁇ cal resistivity of less than about 60 micro-ohm- centimeteis, has a permeability that lies in a range of greater than about 5 Gurley-seconds to less than about 2000 Gurley-seconds, and further has a pore size of about 0.5 to about 200 microns
- the first porous gas diffusion layer 270 has a main body 271 which has an outside facing surface 272 which is positioned in a substantially coplanar orientation relative to the first side 201 of the main body 200, and a second, inside facing surface 273
- the main body 271 has a thickness dimension appioximately equal to the thickness dimension 213 as defined between the first and second sides 21 1 and 212 of the mounting flange 210
- the main body 271 is sized so as to substantially occlude the aperture 215 which is defined by the inside peripheral edge 214 of the mounting flange 210.
- the fuel gas channels 223 formed on the first side 201 of the frame 181-185 delivei a source of fuel gas 30 to the first gas diffusion layer 270
- the outside facing surface 272 of the fust porous electrically conductive gas diffusion layer 270 is placed into ohmic electrical contact thereagainst the inside facing surface 252 of the current collecting sepaiatoi plate 251, which is sealably mounted on the first side 201
- the present invention includes a circumscribing anode seal 280, which is received within the internal cavity of the frame 205, and which is fitted therealong, and rests in sealable contact thereagainst the second side 212 of the mounting flange 210.
- the anode seal 280 may be formed from a pressure sensitive adhesive, or other means of sealing and bonding, the shape of which will generally follow that of the second side 212 of the mounting flange 210.
- the present invention also includes a PEM membrane electrode assembly (MEA) which is generally indicated by the numeral 310.
- PEM MEA PEM membrane electrode assembly
- the PEM MEA is well known in the art and further discussion regarding its composition and operation is not warranted other than to note that PEM fuel cells normally have an operational temperature which is less than about 200 degrees C Further, one skilled in the art will readily recognize that the PEM MEA generates water as a byproduct during operation. It has long been known that some amount of water must be present to render the MEA fully operational. Further, if too much water is present, the MEA will not operate optimally. As shown in Fig.
- the MEA comprises a proton exchange membrane 290 which has a first anode side 291 , and has an opposite, second cathode side 292 Still further, the MEA is defined by an active area which is generally indicated by the numeral 293 An anode electrode catalyst layer 295 is applied to the active area 293 of the anode side 291 of the membrane 290 A cathode electrode catalyst layei 296 is applied to the active area 293 of the cathode side 292 of the membrane 290.
- the possible compositions of these electrode catalyst layers 295 and 296 are well known in the art, and the relative compositions of the anode and cathode electrode catalyst layers may diffei Also, as shown in Figs.
- the MEA also includes a peripheral edge 294 which is outside of the active area 293 and which sealably rests thereagainst the anode seal 280 and thereby sealably secures the MEA oi the proton exchange membrane to the mounting flange 210
- the first porous electrically conductive gas diffusion layei 270 may be a porous carbon layer or plate Still further, in anothei possible form of the invention as seen in Figs 25 and 26, the first porous electrically conductive gas diffusion layer 270 may further include a porous metalized layer 275 which is applied to the second outside facing surface 272 Such a layer is disclosed in U.S. Patent No.
- this porous metal coating or layer 275 is selected from the group of metals consisting essentially of aluminum, titanium, nickel, iron, stainless steel, manganese, zinc, chromium, copper, zirconium, silver, and tungsten, and their alloys, nitrides, oxides, and carbides
- the first gas diffusion layer 270 with the metal coating 275 is juxtaposed relative to the anode side 311 of the MEA 310
- the metal coating 275 allows the porous gas diffusion layer 270 to make an effective ohmic electrical contact therewith the current collecting separator plate 251
- the first porous electrically conductive gas diffusion layer 270 may include an electrode or catalyst layer 274 which is bonded or applied to a surface thereof, here illustrated as the first inside facing surface 273.
- the anode side 291 of a proton exchange membrane 290 is then juxtaposed relative to the catalyst layer 274, which is bonded or applied to the first conductive gas diffusion layer 270
- a catalyst layer 274 is applied to one surface of the porous gas diffusion layer 270 upon which a porous metal coating 275 is applied to the opposite surface therefore The anode side 291 of a proton exchange membrane 290 is then juxtaposed relative to the catalyst layer 274.
- the respective fuel cell stack modules 180 further include a second gas diffusion layei which is generally indicated by the numeral 300, and which is positioned within the internal cavity 205 of the respective fiames 181-185, and which is juxtaposed relative to the cathode side 312 of the pioton exchange membrane 310
- the second gas diffusion layei 300 is typically fabricated from an electrically conductive ceramic material which may be similai to that formed of the first porous gas diffusion layer 270, although the compositions of the first and second gas diffusion layers 270 and 300 may differ
- the second gas diffusion layer 300 has a main body 301 which has a first inside facing surface 302, which lies in juxtaposed relation relative to the cathode side 312 of the MEA 310; and an opposite, second or outside facing surface 303 Still further, the main body is defined by a peripheral edge 304 As seen in Figs 22 and 26, in some forms of the invention, a catalyst layer 305 may be first applied to the inside facing surface 302.
- the proton exchange membrane 290 may be bonded therebetween the first gas diffusion layer 270 and the second gas diffusion layer 300.
- the proton exchange membrane 290 has catalyst layer 295 applied to the opposite anode and cathode sides thereof 291 and 292, and thereafter the first and second porous gas diffusion layers 270 and 300 may be bonded to same.
- the second porous gas diffusion layer 300 has a larger size than that of the first porous electrically conductive ceramic gas diffusion layer 270
- the size of the second gas diffusion layer 300 is such that if fully occludes the internal cavity 205 of the frame 181-185, whereas the first gas diffusion layer 270 is sized to fully occlude the smaller aperture 215 defined by the inner peripheral edge 214 of the MEA mounting flange 210
- the porous electrically conductive ceramic gas diffusion layers 270 and 300 are coated with individual catalyst layers 305, and a porous metal coating 275 and 306, respectively
- the metal coating 306 is similar to that earlier disclosed with respect to the coating or metalized layer 275 which is applied to the first ceramic electrically conductive layer 270
- the proton exchange membrane 290 in combination with the catalyst layers which are positioned adjacent thereto comprises a membrane electrode assembly 310 which is then received within the internal cavity 205 of the respective frames 200.
- the fust and second gas diffusion layers 270 and 300 lie in ohmic electrical contact thereagainst the opposite anode and cathode sides 291 and 292, respectively of the pioton exchange membrane 290
- gas diffusion layers have been designed so as to retain just enough water to maintain the membrane in an optimally hydrated state, and while simultaneously removing excessive water from the membrane so as to prevent the membrane from flooding with water and shutting down the electricity production of the fuel cell
- porous electrically conductive ceramic gas diffusion layers 270 and 300 are fabricated from porous ceramic materials which are generally characterized as hydrophihc materials, that is they have an affinity for adsorbing, absorbing, or passing water.
- porous electrically conductive ceramic material which are generally characterized as hydrophihc materials, that is they have an affinity for adsorbing, absorbing, or passing water.
- an alternative electrically conductive gas diffusion layer 320 is provided and which may be substituted for the first and second electrically conductive DC diffusion layers 270 and 300, respectively, as earlier described.
- the electrically conductive gas diffusion layer 320 may comprise a plurality of sintered wire meshes of decreasing porosity which are integrally joined together in order to provide the advantages that are supplied by means of the electrically conductive and porous ceramic mate ⁇ al which is typically utilized in the fabrication of the first and second gas diffusion layers 270 and 300, respectively.
- the plurality of wire meshes 321 have decreasing porosity and are sintered in a conventional means thereby becoming a unitary object which may be used in combination with a proton exchange membrane 290 as earlier described.
- the electrically conductive gas diffusion layer 320 may be coated with a catalyst layer, and thereafter combined with a proton exchange membrane 290 as seen earlier with respect to Figs.
- the bonded or juxtaposed combination of proton exchange membiane 290, electrode or catalyst layers 274, 295, 296, or 305, and gas diffusion layei 270 or 300 is often refe ⁇ ed to as a membrane electrode diffusion assembly (MEDA) 313
- a membrane electrode diffusion assembly (MEDA) 313
- the first or second gas diffusion layers 270 and/or 300 comprises a material or composition wherein an electrical conductivity is established between either the first oi second gas diffusion layer 270 and/oi 300 and a component of the fuel cell stack module 180 which is immediately adjacent to the gas diffusion layer 270 and/or 300 such that the electrical conductivity is substantially independent of the compressive force applied to each of the respective fuel cell stack modules 180
- This feature of the invention allows a compressive force to be applied which is substantially less than the force normally applied to prior ait devices Stated somewhat diffeiently, the compressive force applied by the respective fuel cell stack module 180
- a proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack module 180 which includes a membrane electrode assembly 310 having a first, anode side 311, and a second cathode side 312, and wherein the anode and cathode sides 311 and 312 each have an active area surface 293
- a membrane electrode assembly 310 having a first, anode side 311, and a second cathode side 312, and wherein the anode and cathode sides 311 and 312 each have an active area surface 293
- the active area surface of either the anode side 291 or cathode side 292 or the associated ceramic gas diffusion layers 270, 300 is substantially devoid of predetermined gas passageways for accommodating the flow of a reactant gas Similai ly the adjacent cunent conducting separator plates is devoid of predetermined gas passageways extending along its inside or outside facing surfaces
- the present invention furthei includes an electrically conductive heat sink 330 having a thermally conductive mass and which is received within the internal cavity of the frame 205, and juxtaposed in ohmic electrical contact relative to the second gas diffusion layer 300
- the heat sink 330 is oriented in fluid flowing relation relative to the air passageways 206 which aie defined by the frame
- the heat sink 330 may take on various forms.
- the heat sink 330 may comprise a reticulated electrically conductive metal foam 331
- An aii-cooled fuel cell with a ieticulated metal foam heat sink is disclosed in U.
- the heat sink 330 may comprise a corrugated or pleated metal heat sink 332 of various forms
- the corrugated heat sink could be fabricated of a solid material as shown, or in the alternative, could be fabricated from a metal mesh
- the heat sink 330 of the present invention may comprise an extruded aluminum plate 333
- the heat sink 330 may comprise a stamped, resilient, reticulated metal heat sink 334.
- the heat sink 330 may comprise one or more of these same forms 331-334 of the heat sink in combination.
- Each of the heat sinks 330 includes a main body 340 which has an inwardly facing surface 341 which is juxtaposed relative to, and positioned in ohmic electncal contact thereagainst, the second electrically conductive ceramic gas diffusion layer 300. Still further, the respective heat sinks 331-334 has a second outwardly facing surface 342 which is positioned in a substantially coplanar orientation relative to the second side 202 of the respective frames 181-185, respectively The second outwardly facing surface 342 is placed in ohmic electrical contact with the cunent collecting separator plate 251 of the adjacent fuel cell stack module 180, thus electrically coupling each of the fuel cell stack modules 180 within the fuel cell stack 40, 70, 90, 130, and 160.
- the outermost heat sink would still have an outwardly facing surface which is substantially coplanar with the outwardly facing surface 202 of the respective frames 181-185, respectively Therefore, the respective heat sinks are enclosed within the internal cavity 205 of the respective fiames 181-185
- the respective heat sinks 330 further have a peripheral edge 343 and a thickness dimension which is measuied between the inwardly and outwardly facing surfaces 341 and 342, respectively In one form of the invention as seen in Fig 14, the thickness dimension of the heat sink 33 is greater than about 10 millimeters to less than about 100 millimeters.
- each of the heat sinks 340 has a first end 344 and a second end 345
- Each of the main bodies 340 of the respective heat sinks 330 define a plurality of air passageways 346 which allow the passage of cooling air theiethrough in order to facilitate the removal of heat energy and moisture which is generated by the proton exchange membiane fuel cell stack 40, 70, 90, 130 and 160 during operation
- the plurality of air passageways 346 are oriented in fluid flowing relation relative to the air passageways 206 which are defined by the respective frames 181-185, respectively
- the thermal mass and/or the thickness of the heat sink 330 may be varied in ordei to achieve a substantially uniform operational temperature for each of the fuel cell modules 180.
- each of the fuel cell stack modules 180 have an operating temperature which is within less than about 10% of any other fuel stack modules 180 which are located within the same fuel cell stack 40, 70, 90, 130 and 160. Further, in the arrangement as shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the thermally conductive mass of the individual heat sinks 330 of each of the fuel cell stack modules 180 provides a substantially different degree of cooling for each of the respective fuel cell stacks module 180 within the fuel cell stack 40, 70, 90, 130 and 160 so that the resulting operating temperature of any one of the plurality of fuel cell stack modules 180 differs from the operating temperature of any other of the plurality of fuel cell stack modules 180 by less than about 10%.
- the individual modules 180 may have electrically conductive heat sinks 330 which have variable thermally conductive masses. More specifically, those modules 180 which are located increasingly inwardly towaids the center portion of a pioton exchange membrane fuel cell stack 40, 70, 90, 130 and 160 typically will have thei mally conductive masses greatei than those fuel cell stack modules 180 that are positioned closei to the end plates 41 and 42, for example This vanation in the thermally conductive mass of the respective fuel cell stack modules 180 facilitates the effective dissipation of heat energy which is a bypioduct of the opeiation of the proton exchange membiane fuel cell stack Moreover, anothei possible form of the invention as best seen in Figs 19 and 20, a corrugated oi pleated metal heat sink 332, maybe provided with oi without variations in cross-sectional dimensions of the an passageways along the length of the heat sink The pleated metal heat sink 332 is foimed from an electrically conductive substrate which
- the heat sinks 330 of the present invention provide a means not only for maintaining a substantially constant opeiating temperature of less than about 10% between the individual fuel cell stack modules 180 within any fuel cell stack 40, 70, 90, 130 and 160, but further provides a means for substantially cooling each module in a substantially uniform way to piovide optimum operational efficiency for each of the respective fuel cell modules regardless of the location of the fuel cell stack modules 180 within a proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack 10
- the same proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack arrangement 160 further provides that the air passageways 206 as defined by the respective frames 181 may have variable cross- sectional areas Therefore, it should be appreciated that the present invention provides not only a means for varying the thermally conductive mass of each of the respective electrically conductive heat sinks 330 as well as providing variable amounts of air by means of varying the numbers and cross-sectional dimensions of the air passageways 206 in order to provide an operatively effective and substantially uniform operational temperature foi the proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack 40, 70, 90, 130 and 160, respectively
- the present invention relates to a proton exchange membiane fuel cell stack 40, 70, 90, 130 and 160 which includes a plurality of repeating, serially electiically coupled fuel cell stack modules 180, which are sealably mounted togethei by a compiessive force of less than about 60 pounds pei square inch
- the fuel cell stack modules 180 each have an operating temperature which is within less than about 10% of any other of the fuel cell stack modules 180 which are located within the same proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack
- This compressive force applies a proton exchange membrane sealing foice to the mounting flange 210 which lies in a range of about 5 pounds PSI to about 50 pounds PSI
- the proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack 40, 70, 90, 130 and 160 has an operationally effective conductivity as measured between the first and second end plates 41,
- the anode side 291 of the proton exchange membrane 290 has an active area 293.
- the active aiea 293 of the proton exchange membrane 290; or the current collecting separatoi plate 251 which is positioned in at least partial covering relation relative thereto are both substantially devoid of predetermined passageways for accommodating the flow of a reactant gas 30.
- This is indeed unique and novel relative to pievious proton exchange membrane fuel cell stacks where rathei elaborate predetermined passageways have been utilized, heretofoie, to manage the flow of reactant gas and to optimize the performance of these prior ait devices
- a proton exchange membiane fuel cell stack 40, 70, 90, 130 and 160 which includes first and second endplates 41, 42; 71, 72, 91, 92, 131 , 132, 161 and 162, which aie disposed in substantially parallel spaced relation one relative to the othei , and a pluiality of repeating, air-cooled, fuel cell stack modules 180 are positioned between the tnst and second endplates, and which are serially electrically coupled together, and wheiein the respective endplates sealably couple the respective fuel cell stack modules 180 together by applying, at least in part, a compressive force of less than about 60 pounds pei squaie inch to each of the respective fuel cell stack modules 180, and wherein the proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack has an operational temperature profile as measured between the first and second end plates which varies by less than about 10% As noted earlier, the proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack has an operationally effective conductivity, as measured between the fust and second end
- a proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack module 180 which includes a proton exchange membrane 290 having an anode side 291, and a cathode side 292, a first gas diffusion layer 270 juxtaposed relative to the anode side 291 ; a second gas diffusion layer 300 juxtaposed relative to the cathode side 292, an electrically conductive heat sink 330 having a thermally conductive mass juxtaposed relative to the second gas diffusion layer 300; and a current collecting separator plate 251 juxtaposed in ohmic elect ⁇ cal contact relative to the first gas diffusion layer 270
- the plurality of fuel cell stack modules 180 are electrically connected in series, and are further mounted between a first and second endplates 41, 42; 71, 72; 91, 92; 131, 132; 161 and 162 to form a fuel cell stack 40, 70, 90, 130 and 160.
- the current collecting separator plate 251 of a first fuel cell module 180 is juxtaposed relative to the first endplate, and wherein the heat sink 330 of a remote, second fuel cell module 180 is positioned in force receiving relation lelative to the second endplate
- the first and second endplates provide a compressive force of less than about 60 pounds per square inch to each of the plurality of proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack modules
- Still another aspect of the present invention relates to a proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack 40, 70, 90, 130 and 160 which includes a plurality of repeating, serially electrically coupled fuel cell stack modules 180, and which are sealably mounted together by a compressive force of less than about 60 pounds per squaie inch, and wherein the respective fuel cell stack modules 180 further comprise a frame 181-185 having an inside and an outside pe ⁇ pheial edge 204, 203, respectively, and first and second sides 201 and 202, respectively.
- the inside peripheral edge 204 defines an internal cavity 205, and wherein the respective fi ames 181-185 are self-aligning and matingly nest together in an operational oiientation
- the respective frames 181-185 each define an air passageway 206 which extends between the inside and outside pe ⁇ phei al edges and which communicates with the internal cavity thereof.
- a proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack module 180 which fuither includes a proton exchange membrane 290 having an anode side 291, and a cathode side 292; and a first gas diffusion layer 270 juxtaposed relative to the anode side 291
- a second gas diffusion layer 300 is provided and which is juxtaposed relative to the cathode side 292
- an electrically conductive heat sink 330 is juxtaposed relative to the second gas diffusion layer 300
- a frame 181-185 having an inside and an outside peripheral edge 204 and 203, respectively, and first and second sides 201 and 202 are provided.
- the inside peripheral edge 204 defines an internal cavity 205 therewithin the individual frames 181-185, respectively.
- the proton exchange membrane 290, the first and second gas diffusion layers 270 and 300, respectively, and the heat sink 330 are enclosed within the internal cavity 205
- a first current collecting separator plate 251 is mounted on the first side 201 of the respective frames 181-185, respectively. The current collecting separator plate 251 is juxtaposed relative to the first gas diffusion layer 270, so as to form a fuel cell stack module 180.
- a plurality of fuel cell stack modules 180 are positioned between a first and a second endplate 41 , 42; 71, 72, 91, 92, 131, 132, 161 and 162, and are further serially electrically coupled together, and wherein the respective endplates apply a compressive force of less than about 60 pounds per square inch on each of the respective fuel cell stack modules 180
- the fust and second gas diffusion layers 270 and 300 respectively comprise, at least in part, a porous electrically conductive ceramic material layei
- This ceramic material layer is selected from the gioup consisting essentially of titanium dibo ⁇ de, znconium dibonde, molybdenum disilicide, titanium disilicide, titanium nitride, zirconium nitride, vanadium carbide, tungsten carbide, and composites, laminates, and solid solutions theieof
- a proton exchange membiane fuel cell stack 40, 70, 90, 130 and 160 which includes a plurality of repeating serially electrically coupled fuel cell stack modules 180, each defining an internal cavity 205, and which are further sealably mounted together by a compiessive force of less than about 60 pounds per square inch.
- a pioton exchange membiane 290 is provided ad which is placed in an operational orientation relative to at least one ceramic gas diffusion layei 270 or 300 and which is further received within the cavity 205 of the respective fuel cell stack modules 180.
- a proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack 40, 70, 90, 130 and 160 includes first and second endplates 41, 42; 71, 72, 91, 92; 131, 132; 161 and 162, which are disposed in substantially parallel spaced relation, and a pluiahty of repeating, air-cooled, fuel cell stack modules 180 are positioned between the first and second endplates, and which are serially electrically coupled together, and which further has an operationally effective conductivity, as measured between the first and second endplates, and which is achieved at a pressure less than a compressive force applied to each of the plurality of the fuel cell stack modules 180, and which further has an operationally effective temperature profile as measured between the first and second end plates which is substantially uniform.
- a proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack module 180 The module 180 encloses a proton exchange membrane 290 having an anode side 291 and a cathode side 292; and a first electrically conductive ceramic layer 270 is juxtaposed relative to the anode side.
- a second electrically conductive ceramic layer 300 is provided and which is juxtaposed relative to the cathode side, and an electrically conductive heat sink 330 is juxtaposed relative to the second electrically conductive ceramic layer
- a frame 181-185 is provided and which has an inside and an outside peripheral edge 204 and 203, respectively.
- the frames 181-185 have fust and second sides 201 and 202, and wherein the inside peripheral edge 204 defines an internal cavity 205
- the respective frames 181-185 each define an air passageway 206 which extends between the inside and outside peripheral edges 204 and 203, respectively and which communicates with internal cavity 205 theieof
- the pioton exchange membrane 290, first and second electrically conductive ceramic layers 270 and 300, respectively, and the electrically conductive heat sink 330 are each substantially enclosed within the internal cavity 205
- a current collecting separator plate 251 is mounted on the first side 201 of the fiames 181-185, and which is juxtaposed relative to the first electrically conductive garageamic layer 270
- a pioton exchange membrane fuel cell stack 40, 70, 90, 130 and 160 which includes a plurality of proton exchange membrane 290 each having an anode side 291, and a cathode side 292, and a first porous, electrically conductive ceramic layer 270 juxtaposed relative to the anode side 291 of each of the proton exchange membranes 290
- a second porous, electrically conductive ceramic layer 300 is juxtaposed relative to the cathode side 292 of each of the proton exchange membranes 290, and wherein the proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack has an operational temperature which is less than about 200 degrees C.
- a proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack module 180 which includes a proton exchange membrane 290 having an anode side 291, and a cathode side 292, and wherein the anode and cathode sides 291 and 292 each have an active area surface 293
- the active area surface 293 of at least one of the anode side, or the cathode side 291 and 292 of the proton exchange membrane 290, and/or a fuel cell component such as the first or second ceramic gas diffusion layers 270 or 300, respectively, and/or the current collecting separator plate 251 have a region which is o ⁇ ented at least in partial covering relation lelative thereto, and which is substantially devoid of predetermined passageways for accommodating the flow of a reactant gas 30.
- the proton exchange membrane fuel cell modules 70 each include an electrically conductive heat sink 330 having an inside and an outside facing surface 341 and 342, respectively, and which is leceived in the internal cavity 205 of each of the frames 181-185, respectively, and wherein the inside facing surface 341 is juxtaposed relative to the second gas diffusion layer 300 and the outside facing surface 342 of the heat sink 330 is oriented in a substantially coplanai orientation relative to the second side 202 of each of the frames 181-185, respectively Still further, the heat sink is oriented in fluid flowing relation relative to the an passageway 206 which is defined by the respective frames 181-185, respectively Still further, the heat sink 330 has a thickness dimension which is greater than about 10 mm and a thei mally conductive mass which may be varied between the individual proton exchange membi ane fuel cell stack modules 180 so as to provide an operationally uniform temperature as measured between the first and second end plates 41 , 42; 71 , 72, 91, 92,
- a proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack powei system 10 which provides assorted advantages over conventional proton exchange membrane fuel cell stacks which have been utilized heretofore
- the present invention is air cooled, easy to manufacture, and assemble, and achieves an operationally effective conductivity at pressures less than the amount of pressure necessary to seal the individual proton exchange membrane modules 180 together, and further provides a convenient means for generating electrical power in a cost effective manner and which has not been possible, heretofore
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (2)
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CN200880015047.8A CN101711440B (en) | 2007-05-08 | 2008-04-04 | proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack and fuel cell stack module |
BRPI0810205-8A2A BRPI0810205A2 (en) | 2007-05-08 | 2008-04-04 | Proton Exchange MEMBRANE FUEL CELL STACK AND FUEL CELL STACK MODULE. |
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US11/800,994 | 2007-05-08 | ||
US11/800,994 US8026020B2 (en) | 2007-05-08 | 2007-05-08 | Proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack and fuel cell stack module |
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US (3) | US8026020B2 (en) |
CN (2) | CN103401011B (en) |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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CN101711440A (en) | 2010-05-19 |
US8597846B2 (en) | 2013-12-03 |
US20110300467A1 (en) | 2011-12-08 |
US8026020B2 (en) | 2011-09-27 |
US20080280178A1 (en) | 2008-11-13 |
US8192889B2 (en) | 2012-06-05 |
CN103401011B (en) | 2015-11-18 |
BRPI0810205A2 (en) | 2014-10-21 |
CN103401011A (en) | 2013-11-20 |
US20120214078A1 (en) | 2012-08-23 |
CN101711440B (en) | 2014-10-22 |
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