Integrally molded gasket for a fuel cell assembly

Abstract

A fuel cell membrane electrode assembly (MEA) comprising first and second gas diffusion layers and an ion exchange membrane disposed between the diffusion layers. Each diffusion layer includes an inner surface facing the membrane, an outer surface opposite the inner surface, and a side surface defining a perimeter of the diffusion layers. An outboard region extends about the diffusion layers at the perimeter. The outboard region surrounds an inboard region. The outboard region has a low density region proximate to the side surface and a high density region between the low density region and the inboard portion. A seal is mounted at the low density region. The high density region prevents portions of the seal from entering the inboard region thereby damaging the MEA. The seal includes a first rim having a smaller radius than a second rim. The smaller radius allows the seal to fit between adjacent support plates and increases the durability of the seal.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention generally relates to fuel cells. More particularly, the present invention relates to an integrally molded gasket seal for a fuel cell membrane electrode assembly. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Electrochemical fuel cells facilitate chemical reactions between hydrogen and oxygen to generate electrical current. The chemical reactions take place in one or more membrane electrode assemblies (“MEA”). Each MEA typically includes an ion exchange membrane disposed between two electrodes, which are also referred to as gas diffusion layers. Between each electrode and the membrane is a catalyst, the location of which defines an electrochemically active area of the MEA. [0003] One electrode functions as a cathode and the other electrode functions as an anode. Typically, hydrogen is supplied to the anode and oxygen is supplied to the cathode. The hydrogen and oxygen are directed to the electrodes in separate manifolds. [0004] The membrane a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] The present invention provides for a fuel cell membrane electrode assembly (MEA) comprising first and second gas diffusion layers and an ion exchange membrane disposed between the diffusion layers. Each diffusion layer includes an inner surface facing the membrane, an outer surface opposite the inner surface, and a side surface defining a perimeter of the diffusion layers. An outboard region extends about the diffusion layers at the perimeter. The outboard region surrounds an inboard region. The outboard region has a low density region proximate to the side surface and a high density region between the low density region and the inboard portion. A seal is mounted at the low density region. The high density region prevents portions of the seal from entering the inboard region during the manufacturing process, thereby damaging the MEA.

Problems solved by technology

The high density region prevents portions of the seal from entering the inboard region during the manufacturing process, thereby damaging the MEA.

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