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US 2006/0040164 A1Published application
Surface modifications of fuel cell elements for improved water management
AssigneeGM Global Technology Operations LLC
InventorsGayatri Vyas, Richard Blunk, Martin Kramer, Mahmoud Abd Elhamid, Daniel Lisi
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Abstract
Methods and systems for enhancing water management capabilities of a fuel cell system are described. The method includes blasting of the surface of a bipolar plate to roughen the surface to create a super hydrophilic or super hydrophobic surface for enhanced water management. Preferably water jet blasting is used. Other blasting methods include grit blasting, sand blasting and dry ice blasting.
Claims27
A method of modifying the surface of a fuel cell element, comprising:
- providing a fuel cell element having a surface formed thereon;
- and
- roughening the surface of the fuel cell element to create either a super hydrophilic or a super hydrophobic surface thereon.
A fuel cell system, comprising:
- a fuel cell element having a surface formed thereon;
- wherein the surface of the fuel cell element has been roughened to create either a super hydrophilic or a super hydrophobic surface thereon.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.