Fuel cell bipolar plates with multiple active areas separated by non-conductive frame header
AssigneeGM Global Technology Operations LLC
InventorsJohn N. Owens, Daniel Lisi
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method of making a bipolar plate includes molding a non-conductive housing defining a plurality of receiving areas. A first plurality of conductive charges are located into each of the plurality of receiving areas. Compressive force is applied to each of the first plurality of conductive charges thereby defining a first plurality of conductive plates bonded on outer edges to the non-conductive housing. A second plurality of conductive plates are located onto the first series of conducive plates. The first and second plurality of conductive plates are bonded together defining a coolant flow field therebetween.
Claims28
A method of making a bipolar plate comprising:
- molding a non-conductive housing defining a plurality of receiving areas:
- locating a first plurality of conductive charges into each of said plurality of receiving areas, said housing including an intake header and an exhaust header that connect a plurality of inlet and outlet apertures to the respective plurality of receiving areas;
- applying compressive force to each of said first plurality of conductive charges thereby defining a first plurality of conductive plates bonded on outer edges to said non-conductive housing, each late of said first plurality of conductive plates having a first reactant flow field that fluidly communicates with said intake and exhaust headers;
- locating a second plurality of conductive plates onto said first series of conductive plates, each plate of said second plurality of conductive plates having a second reactant flow field that fluidly communicates with said intake and exhaust headers;
- and
- bonding said first and second plurality of conductive plates together defining a coolant flow field therebetween.
A method of making a bipolar plate comprising:
- providing a non-conductive housing that defines a plurality of receiving areas and has an intake header and exhaust header that both connect to the respective plurality of receiving area;
- locating a first plurality of conductive charges into a corresponding plurality of said receiving areas of said non-conductive housing;
- applying compressive force to each of said first plurality of conductive charges thereby defining a first plurality of conductive plates bonded on outer edges to said non-conductive housing, each plate of said first plurality of conductive plates having a first reactant flow field that fluidly communicates with said intake and exhaust headers;
- and
- attaching a second plurality of conductive plates into contact with said first series of conductive plates.
A method of making a bipolar plate comprising:
- locating a molding compound into at least two receiving areas of a non-conductive frame, said non-conductive frame having a plurality of fluid passages formed therein;
- applying compressive force to said molding compound thereby defining at least two conductive plates bonded on outer edges to said non-conductive frame, each of said two conductive plates having a first reactant flow field that is fluidly connected to at least one of said fluid passages of said non-conductive frame;
- and
- attaching complementary conductive plates onto said at least tow conductive plates.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.