Improved bipolar plate separator

Abstract

A bipolar separator (1) which is formed from a plate (2) having opposing first and second surfaces (2A and 2B) which are compatible with fuel gas and an oxidant gas, respectively. The plate (2) is formed with a central area (3), first and second opposing troughs (4A and 4B) extending from first and second opposing sides (3A and 3B) of the central area (3), and third and fourth opposing troughs (4C and 4D) extending from third and fourth opposing sides (3C and 3D) of the central area (3). In the regions of its third and fourth sides, the central area (3) is bent over and around so that the third and fourth troughs (4C and 4D) face and are adjacent to the central area (3). The first surface (2A) of the separator (1) defines the extent of a first surface of the central area (3) and the extents of the inner surfaces of the troughs (4A-4D) of the separator (1). Similarly, the second surface (2B) of the separator (1) defines the extents of a second opposing surface of the central area (3) and the extents of the outer surfaces of the troughs (4A-4D).

Description

technical field [0001] This invention relates to fuel cell assemblies, and more particularly to improved bipolar separators for use in such fuel cell assemblies. Background technique [0002] In a typical fuel cell assembly, individual fuel cell units are stacked one on top of the other to form a fuel cell stack. Each fuel cell unit includes an electrolyte member sandwiched between anode and cathode members. The anode and cathode components themselves contain the anode and cathode electrodes, and the corrugated anode and cathode current collectors. One face of the anode electrode abuts the electrolyte component and the other face abuts the anode current collector. Likewise, one face of the cathode electrode abuts against the electrolyte unit and the other face abuts against the cathode current collector. [0003] In addition the first and second separator plates abut the anode and cathode current collectors respectively. The separator plates are bipolar and feature a cat...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Some electrolyte can be stored in the corrugated current collector on the cathode side, but the result of this is that the fuel cell pressure and pipeline back pressure will increase due to changes in the fuel cell operating environment, thereby increasing the flow of oxidant gas resistance

Can also cause accelerated corrosion of corrugated material if excess electrolyte is not absorbed by active components

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