Modular electrical energy device
AssigneeDetroit Center Tool
InventorsMichael D. Crawford, Sr., Curt L. Wilson, Michael H. Crawford, Jr., Matthew Gostek
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A modular energy device for combining fuel cells for use in an automotive vehicle. The modular energy device includes an end plate, a bi-plate, and compression plate. The modular energy device further includes current collectors which collect energy from an electrochemical reaction. A Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) or fuel cell includes a composite material, an anode and a cathode. The modular energy device uses a hydrogen based fuel and oxidant in order to create an electrical potential.
Claims10
A modular energy device for combining fuel cells for use in a fuel system, said modular energy device comprising:
- a pair of end plates each having a plurality of integral fuel and oxidant channels and a fuel and oxidant inlet orifice in communication with said fuel and oxidant channels, at least one recessed area on the interior faces of said end plates, said fuel and oxidant channels communicating with said recessed areas;
- a plurality of plastic biplates having at least one recessed area on each face of said biplate, located to correspond with said recessed area of an end plate or other biplate abutting said face, and a fuel and oxidant inlet orifice in communication with said integral fuel and oxidant channels, and fuel and oxidant channels communicating with said recessed areas, said biplates and said end plates are made of electrically insulative material;
- at least one fuel cell located within a recessed area of each biplate, said fuel cell includes an anode, a membrane which is made of a plastic material connected to said anode, and a cathode on the opposite side of said membrane;
- a current collector having an electrical lead extending from a corner of said current collector, said current collector having a plurality of oblong orifices;
- a sealing gasket inserted between said biplates and said end plates;
- and
- a plurality of mating protrusions and indentations located on abutting end plates and biplates for aligning said end plates and said biplates, said protrusions are generally circular in cross section and have an annular ring located circumferentially there upon, and said indentations have a corresponding circular cross section for receiving said protrusions and a circular groove located therewithin for receiving said annular ring, said protrusions and said indentations mate in a snap and lock engagement.
A modular energy device for combining fuel cells for use in a fuel system, said modular energy device includes:
- a pair of end plates;
- a plurality of bi-plates held in proximity to said end plates;
- at least one elongated locator member, said end plates and bi-plates having cooperatively located means for receiving said locator member such that said end plates and bi-plates are precisely aligned when assembled;
- and
- projections and indentations which are proportionally located upon the side of said bi-plates and end plates, said projections and said indentations are placed such that they are mirror images of each other, said projections have an annular ring, said indentations have a circumferential groove, said projections and indentations have a snap and lock engagement, said snap and lock engagement allows for assembly from a single direction.
A modular energy device for combining fuel cells for use in a fuel system, said modular energy device includes:
- a pair of end plates;
- a plurality of bi-plates held in proximity to said end plates;
- a plurality of recessed areas located on an interior side of said end plates and on both sides of said bi-plates, said recessed areas include a plurality of vertically located channels, said recessed areas having a plurality of oblong horizontally placed apertures which correspond to a fuel channel of said end plate or bi-plate, a fuel inlet orifice in communication with said fuel channel of said end plates;
- and
- a locator member for aligning said bi-plates and said end plates to each other, said locator member includes a projection protruding from the side of an end plate or bi-plate, said projection having an annular ring protruding from its side surface received in a locking relationship by an indentation for another end plate or bi-plate, said indentation further having a ring-like groove within its side wall in order to receive the annular ring of said projection, said projection and indentations having a snap and lock engagement which increases structural integrity of said modular energy device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.