Unlock instant, AI-driven research and patent intelligence for your innovation.

Direct methanol fuel cell including integrated flow field

A fuel cell and fuel cell membrane technology, applied in fuel cells, fuel cell grouping, fuel cell additives, etc., can solve problems such as back pressure, uneven distribution of fuel, hindering fuel from reaching the positive electrode or contacting electrocatalysts, etc.

Inactive Publication Date: 2008-11-26
GOOGLE TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS LLC
View PDF2 Cites 0 Cited by
  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

This path of least resistance results in an uneven distribution of fuel to the cathode
Also, if there is an ineffective flow field, carbon dioxide by-products can accumulate everywhere, preventing fuel from reaching the cathode or contacting the electrocatalyst
This can lead to back pressure due to the lack of means to vent carbon dioxide

Method used

the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
View more

Image

Smart Image Click on the blue labels to locate them in the text.
Viewing Examples
Smart Image
  • Direct methanol fuel cell including integrated flow field
  • Direct methanol fuel cell including integrated flow field
  • Direct methanol fuel cell including integrated flow field

Examples

Experimental program
Comparison scheme
Effect test

Embodiment Construction

[0020] In fuel cells, flow fields are usually machined or engineered into conductive materials, usually graphite or stainless steel. When forming a fuel cell on a ceramic substrate, the flow field can be designed and fabricated to include microchannels for fluid communication and a conductive paste printed for current collection. Typically, the most commonly used type in graphite or stainless steel fuel cells is the serpentine pattern. Using multilayer ceramic technology, it is possible to create serpentine patterns between the channels, but only at certain frequencies. When the channels are too close to each other, the process becomes very difficult. To bring the channels closer together (<40 mils), three-dimensional patterning can be used.

[0021]Turning now to the drawings, Figure 1 shows, in simplified cross-section, a direct methanol fuel cell including integrated flow fields fabricated in accordance with the present invention. Shown is a fuel cell system, generally d...

the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
Login to View More

PUM

No PUM Login to View More

Abstract

A fuel cell device (10) and method of forming the fuel cell device including a base portion (14), formed of a singular body, and having a major surface (26). At least one fuel cell membrane electrode assembly (16) formed on the major surface of the base portion. A fluid supply channel (32) including a mixing chamber (36) is defined in the base portion and communicating with the fuel cell membrane electrode assembly for supplying a fuel-bearing fluid (34) to the membrane electrode assembly. An exhaust channel (38) is defined in the base portion and communicating with the membrane electrode. A multi-dimensional fuel flow field is defined in the multi-layer base portion and in communication with the fluid supply channel, the membrane electrode assembly and the exhaust channel. The membrane electrode assembly and the cooperating fluid supply channel, multi-dimensional fuel flow field, and cooperating exhaust channel forming a single fuel cell assembly.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to fuel cells, and in particular to direct methanol fuel cells comprising integrated fuel flow fields and methods of manufacturing such devices, wherein a homogeneous distribution of fuel in the fuel cell is obtained during the generation of electrical energy. Background technique [0002] Generally, fuel cells are "battery replacements" that, like batteries, generate electricity through an electrochemical process without combustion. The electrochemical process used provides the combination of hydrogen nuclei with oxygen from the air or pure oxygen. The process is accomplished by utilizing a proton exchange membrane (PEM) sandwiched between two electrodes, a positive and negative electrode. Fuel cells are known to provide permanent electricity. Hydrogen is usually used as a fuel to generate electricity, and it can be obtained by processing methanol, natural gas, petroleum, or it can be stored in the form of pure hydrogen...

Claims

the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
Login to View More

Application Information

Patent Timeline
no application Login to View More
Patent Type & Authority Patents(China)
IPC IPC(8): H01M8/10H01M8/24H01M8/02H01M8/04
CPCH01M8/1009H01M8/04156Y02E60/523H01M2300/0082H01M8/04186H01M8/241H01M8/2404H01M8/2418Y02E60/50
Inventor 约瑟夫·W·博斯坦夫乔杜里·R·克里派拉阿里森·M·费希尔杰伊·K·诺伊茨勒
Owner GOOGLE TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS LLC