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US 6,291,093 B1Granted
Fuel cell elements with improved water handling capacity
AssigneeCalifornia Institute of Technology
InventorsAndrew Kindler, Albany Lee
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
New fuel cell components for use in liquid feed fuel cell systems are provided. The components include biplates and endplates, having a hydrophilic surface and allow high efficiency operation. Conductive elements and a wicking device also form a part of the fuel cell components of the invention.
Claims19
A plate assembly for use adjacent to membrane electrode assemblies in a liquid fuel cell, the assembly comprising:
- a) at least one substantially planar and vertically oriented plate having a first layer of carbon/metal composite overlaying a second layer of hydrophilic polymer or copolymer;
- b) a plurality of conductive elements extending from at least one surface of the plate, providing electrical communication through the plate;
- c) an air inlet port and an air exit port formed on the plate in locations to establish an air flow path;
- and
- d) a surface, directly or indirectly contiguous with the substantially planar and vertically oriented plate, located at the air exit port, whereby liquid is withdrawn from the air flow path.
2 more elements
A liquid feed fuel cell system comprising:
- a) a plate assembly comprising:
- 1) at least one substantially planar and vertically oriented plate having a first layer of carbon/metal composite overlaying a second layer of hydrophilic polymer or copolymer;
- 2) a plurality of conductive elements extending from at least one surface of the plate, providing electrical communication through the plate;
- 3) an air inlet port and an air exit port formed on the plate in locations to establish an air flow path;
- and
- 4) a surface, directly or indirectly contiguous with the substantially planar and vertically oriented plate, located at the air exit port, whereby liquid is withdrawn from the air flow path;
- b) an oxidant supply, which supplies an oxidant to at least one surface of at least one plate;
- c) a liquid fuel supply, which supplies liquid fuel to at least one surface of at least one plate;
- and
- d) an electrical load which is in electrical contact with the electrically conductive elements of at least two of the plates.
7 more elements
A method of generating power with a liquid feed fuel cell system assembly comprising:
- a) at least one substantially planar and vertically oriented plate having a first layer of carbon/metal composite overlaying a second layer of hydrophilic polymer or copolymer;
- a plurality of conductive elements extending from at least one surface of the plate, providing electrical communication through the plate;
- an air inlet port and an air exit port formed on the plate in locations to establish an air flow path;
- and a surface, directly or indirectly contiguous with the substantially planar and vertically oriented plate, located at the air exit port, whereby liquid is withdrawn from the air flow path;
- and
- b) operating the fuel cell system in such a way that allows water to be removed from the fuel cell.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.