Evaporative cooled fuel cell
AssigneeGeneral Motors Corporation
InventorSteven G. Goebel
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Abstract
The present invention relates to an electrochemical cell having The separator assembly that comprises a fluid distribution means comprising wicking material on the cathode side of a membrane electrode assembly (MEA). The wicking material transports liquids internally within the fuel cell; promotes humidification of the membrane; and provides a self-regulating cooling system for the fuel cell. The wicking material further forms gas flow channels for introducing gases to and from the MEA. Other preferred aspects of the present invention include methods of cooling the fuel cell by evaporation and/or vaporization at the cathode side.
Claims21
A separator assembly for an electrochemical cell which has an anode and a cathode, said assembly comprising:
- an impermeable electrically conductive element having a major surface facing the cathode;
- fluid distribution means between said electrically conductive element and said cathode, said fluid distribution means defining gas flow channels, and comprising liquid wicking material;
- a header comprising a liquid reservoir in contact with a proximal end of said fluid distribution means;
- and
- said fluid distribution means and said header constructed and arranged to provide movement of liquid from said liquid reservoir to and through said fluid distribution means and toward a distal end of said fluid distribution means.
The separator assembly of 9, wherein said wicking material comprises a compound selected from the group consisting of:
- carbon, graphite, stainless steel, chrome, and alloys and mixtures thereof.
A method for cooling an electrochemical fuel cell comprising:
- introducing reactant gases to respective anode and cathode sides of the fuel cell;
- conducting an electrochemical reaction in the fuel cell thereby generating heat;
- transporting water to relatively dry areas of the cathode side by means of a wicking material in fluid communication with a water source;
- and
- evaporating water from said wicking material by said generated heat, thereby cooling the fuel cell.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.