Fuel cell with electrodes separated by intermediate elements

#The present invention relates to a fuel cell having at least one intermediate element separating its electrodes.

#Fuel cells comprise a stack of electrodes which delimit compartments between each other. Some of these compartments are designed to contain an electrolyte, while others are fed with fuel, and still others are fed with a combustion-sustaining fluid, or oxidant.

#For technological reasons, such as, for example, the small thickness of the electrodes, or the need to cast a solidifying resin which locally penetrates between the electrodes, to achieve a good sealing of the fuel cell block, and also in order to prevent the formation of short-circuits between the electrodes, it becomes necessary to maintain some spacing between the latter.

#The invention will be properly understood and its advantages made apparent from the following description illustrated by the accompanying drawings wherein:

#FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic cross-section of an inter-electrode space in a fuel cell,

#FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a separating element according to the invention,

#In FIG. 1 are illustrated, in cross-section, two electrodes 1 and 2 forming part of a stack of electrodes which constitutes a fuel cell block. These electrodes delimit between each other a compartment 3 which, during the operation of the fuel cell, is filled with a liquid or gas, such as an electrolyte, a fuel, or an oxidant (comburent).

#According to the invention, a partition element 4 between the electrodes 1 and 2 fills the greatest part of the inter-electrode space 3, while leaving for the products contained in this space a free volume which is reduced as much as possible in the vicinity of each electrode, this volume extending substantially over the whole surface of the electrode.

#The intermediate element 4 is provided with perforations 4a in a direction substantially perpendicular to the electrodes which connect the spaces 5 to each other.