Electrochemical cell frame
AssigneeProton Energy Systems, Inc.
InventorsTrent M. Molter, Lawrence C. Moulthrop, Jr., Robert J. Friedland
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A cell frame is for use in an electrochemical cell wherein the cell frame includes fluid communicating inserts for providing process water to the electrochemical cell and to transport waste water and product from the cell. The cell frame comprises inserts positioned about the periphery of the frame to facilitate a uniform fluid field and membrane hydration. The cell frame further comprises a protective plate comprising sealing features and lip extensions to prevent fluid leakage and membrane damage.
Claims22
A cell assembly for use in an electrochemical cell, comprising:
- said cell assembly having an annular cell frame, said cell frame having an interior;
- at least one port disposed through said cell frame for moving fluid through the cell;
- a cavity disposed on a first side of said cell frame, between said port and said interior, and said cavity in fluid communication with both said port and said interior, said cavity having a size and geometry;
- and
- a removable insert disposed within said cavity, said insert having a size and geometry substantially equivalent to said cavity size and geometry.
A cell frame having an interior, comprising:
- at least one inlet port and at least one outlet port disposed in said cell frame at a relative angular position of about 90.degree. such that fluid entering said interior flows across at least a portion of said interior to said outlet port.
A cell frame having an inner edge, comprising:
- at least one inlet port and at least one outlet port disposed in the cell frame;
- and
- a beveled inner edge.
An electrochemical cell, comprising:
- a first and a second cell frame having at least one inlet port and at least one outlet port;
- a proton exchange membrane having an anode electrode side and a cathode electrode side, said anode electrode side disposed adjacent to said first cell frame, a first protector plate disposed between said first cell frame and said membrane, said first protector plate having a beveled inner edge to inhibit a first screen disposed within said first cell frame, adjacent to said membranes, from pinching said membrane between said first screen and said first cell frame;
- a second protector plate disposed between said cathode electrode side and said second cell frame, said second protector plate having a beveled inner edge to inhibit a second screen disposed within said second cell frame, adjacent to said membrane, from pinching said membrane between said second screen and said second cell frame.
A method for controlling flow within an electrochemical cell, comprising:
- introducing a fluid to the interior of a cell frame, said cell frame having at least one inlet port disposed at a relative angular position of about 90.degree. from a center point of said cell frame to at least one outlet port;
- and
- flowing said fluid from said inlet port across said interior to said outlet port.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.