Method and system for manufacturing electrochemical cells and electrochemical cell assemblies

Abstract

A method for manufacturing an assembly for an electrochemical cell, wherein the assembly comprises at least the following assembly components, namely, a first plate (10, 10') for supplying and / or discharging a fluid, a proton exchange membrane (42), a first electrode (31) positioned between the first plate and the proton exchange membrane, and a first gas diffusion layer (21) positioned between the first plate and the first electrode, and comprising step A) providing a substrate having only some of the assembly components, in particular the first plate and / or the first gas diffusion layer, and step B) assembling the assembly, comprising adding the remaining assembly components, or step a) providing a substrate different from the assembly components, and assembling the assembly, comprising adding the assembly components, wherein an enclosure is formed by coating a molding material (70-72) in one or more layers onto the provided substrate, the strength of which the molding material increases after the aforementioned coating, and at least one layer of the molding material forming the enclosure or at least the peripheral section of the enclosure is coated before step B) or b), respectively. The present invention also relates to electrochemical cells, particularly fuel cells or electrolytic cells, cell stacks comprising this type of cell, and methods and systems for manufacturing assemblies for this type of cell or cell stack.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrochemical cell, particularly a fuel cell or an electrolysis cell, a cell stack including such an electrochemical cell, and a method and a system for manufacturing an assembly for such an electrochemical cell or cell stack.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0002] The object of the present invention may be to improve the manufacture of an electrochemical cell, particularly a fuel cell or an electrolysis cell, or a cell stack having such an electrochemical cell, and / or an assembly for such an electrochemical cell or cell stack.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0003] This object is achieved by the teachings of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and developments of the present invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0004] In some embodiments of the present invention, an assembly for an electrochemical cell comprises at least the following assembly components: - a first gas diffusion layer; - a proton exchange membrane; - a first electrode disposed between the first gas diffusion layer and the proton exchange membrane, which in some embodiments is a cathode or an anode.

[0005] In some embodiments of the present invention, an assembly for an electrochemical cell comprises at least the following assembly components: - a first plate for the supply and / or discharge of a fluid, particularly a liquid fluid and / or a gaseous fluid, preferably a bipolar plate or a bipolar subplate, which in some embodiments is an anode subplate or a cathode subplate; - a proton exchange membrane; -A first electrode positioned between the first plate and the proton exchange membrane, - It comprises a first gas diffusion layer disposed between a first plate and a first electrode.

[0006] In some embodiments of the present invention, the electrochemical cell is a fuel cell. For this purpose, the present invention may be particularly advantageous, especially due to the boundary conditions of use. In some embodiments of the present invention, the electrochemical cell is an electrolytic cell or electrolytic device. The present invention may also be advantageous for this purpose.

[0007] In some embodiments of the present invention, a method for manufacturing an assembly comprising at least the assembly components described above, namely a first plate, a proton exchange membrane, a first electrode, and a first gas diffusion layer, is: A) Providing a substrate having only some or not all of these assembly components, but one or more; B) A step of assembling an assembly, which includes adding the remaining assembly components.

[0008] Providing a substrate having one or more assembly components, or using one or more of the assembly components themselves as a substrate for assembling an assembly, may have the advantage, compared to assembling the assembly on a substrate different from the assembly parts, of eliminating the (work step) of removing the molding material applied to the substrate from the substrate used for assembly, as described below, thereby advantageously improving the connection between the molding material and this or these assembly components, and / or allowing manufacturing to be carried out (more) quickly and / or easily. In some embodiments of the present invention, the substrate consists of (the above) parts or assembly components, which may have the advantage of not requiring the removal of the molding material applied to the substrate from the substrate, as described below, thereby allowing manufacturing to be carried out advantageously more quickly and / or easily.

[0009] In some embodiments of the present invention, in step A), the first plate is provided as a base material. This may have the advantage of providing a more stable base.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present invention, in step A), the first plate is provided as a substrate, preferably with a first gas diffusion layer already in place, and preferably without a first electrode and / or proton exchange membrane. This may have the advantage that the gas diffusion layer is advantageously, and possibly additionally, connected to the plate by coating the substrate with a molding material, as described below.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present invention, in step A), the first plate is provided as a substrate without a first gas diffusion layer, and preferably (furthermore) without a first electrode and / or proton exchange membrane. This may have the advantage that the molding material applied to the plate provided as a substrate can favorably fix the gas diffusion layer when the gas diffusion layer is placed on the plate, and / or make the application easier and / or more reliable.

[0012] In some embodiments of the present invention, in step A), a support, separate from the first plate and preferably also different from the carrier of the transport system described below, is provided as a substrate without the first plate, on which a first gas diffusion layer is disposed, preferably with a first electrode and / or proton exchange membrane, and more preferably without the first electrode and / or proton exchange membrane, and preferably without the first electrode and / or proton exchange membrane. This may have the advantages that a plate can be added later, and / or the substrate may be advantageously movable by then, particularly lighter and / or more compact, and / or operations of applying and / or removing molding material on or from the support may be improved, and / or the carrier may have already been used for other purposes during removal.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present invention, in step A), the carrier of the transport system described below is provided as a substrate without a first plate, with a first gas diffusion layer placed thereon, preferably with a first electrode and / or proton exchange membrane, and / or particularly preferably without the first electrode and / or proton exchange membrane. This may have the advantage of being lighter and / or more compact, in particular, that a plate may be added later and / or the substrate may be advantageously movable up to that point.

[0014] In some embodiments, a first electrode and / or proton exchange membrane (only) disposed on a support or carrier of the transport system described below may also be provided as a substrate.

[0015] In some embodiments of the present invention, a method for manufacturing an assembly comprising at least the assembly components described above, namely a first gas diffusion layer, a proton exchange membrane, and a first electrode, is provided. - The step of providing a first gas diffusion layer, - An assembly step comprising adding a first electrode and a proton exchange membrane, Preferably, the method described below, - Adding a first electrode involves coating the electrode material onto the first gas diffusion layer, the strength of such electrode material increases after such coating, and / or - Adding a proton exchange membrane, which includes coating a membrane material onto a first electrode, wherein the strength of such membrane material increases after such coating, - On one of several individual carriers of the transport system, preferably already on the carrier mentioned above, or - On a support that is placed on one of several individual carriers of the transport system, preferably already on the above support, or - A first plate of the assembly for supplying and / or discharging fluid, preferably already on the first plate, preferably a bipolar plate or bipolar subplate, in some embodiments on an anode subplate or cathode subplate, positioned on one of several individual supports of the transport system The carrier having the provided first gas diffusion layer is transported to the coating apparatus described below, through which the first electrode and proton exchange membrane are added. This may include, in particular, steps A) and B) described above, but these embodiments of the present invention are not limited to these.

[0016] With the use of the carrier described above, in some embodiments, the addition of electrodes and / or film materials can be particularly advantageously achieved by a coating apparatus. In some embodiments, electrodes and / or film materials may be coated by advantageously using the transport movement of the carrier or the corresponding movement of a first gas diffusion layer, and in some embodiments, these are supplied from above for this purpose. In other words, the carrier may be moved during coating to coat the electrode or film material in a favorable dispersed manner, and one or more outlet openings through which the material is coated may be fixed or movable. This allows the material to be coated advantageously, particularly quickly, accurately, variably and / or in a particularly advantageous movement pattern. In some embodiments, the carrier may also remain fixed during the coating of electrode material and / or film material. This can particularly improve precise coating and / or increased intensity.

[0017] In some embodiments of the present invention, a method for manufacturing an assembly comprising at least the assembly components described above, namely a first plate, a proton exchange membrane, a first electrode, and a first gas diffusion layer, is: a) Providing a (structural) substrate that is different from these assembly components or does not have any of these assembly components, b) A step of assembling the assembly, including the step of assembling, which includes adding these assembly components.

[0018] Providing a substrate different from the assembly components may have the advantages of improving the application of the molding material, and / or adding the first element among the assembly components, and / or making this substrate easier to handle.

[0019] Optionally, adding the remaining assembly components is, in some embodiments, performed by successively adding one of these assembly components at a time, as described below. This may have the advantage that these assembly components can be added more easily and can optionally be partially manufactured. In some embodiments, as also discussed below, two or more of the assembly components are preferably added together as a pre-made subgroup. In some embodiments of the present invention, one or more of the assembly components are added individually in succession, including that one or more of the assembly components are added as a pre-made subgroup. This may have the advantage of simplifying and / or facilitating the manufacturing.

[0020] In some embodiments of the present invention, the method is - Placing a single or multi-member prefabricated frame on the following - On the first gas diffusion layer, and / or - On a carrier on which the first gas diffusion layer is disposed thereon, or - On a support on which the first gas diffusion layer is disposed thereon, or - Disposed on a first plate on which the first gas diffusion layer is disposed thereon, including And - The electrode material and / or the membrane material is applied within this frame.

[0021] Alternatively, in some embodiments of the present invention, the method is -On the first gas diffusion layer, and / or -On a carrier on which a first gas diffusion layer is placed, or -On a support on which a first gas diffusion layer is placed, or -The process includes applying one or more molding materials onto a first plate on which a first gas diffusion layer is placed, As a result, an enclosure is formed, Preferably, a layer of molding material is applied (directly) to the first gas diffusion layer and / or carrier or support or first plate, and optionally, one or more layers of molding material are applied (each) to an already applied layer of molding material. Herein, in some embodiments, two or more layers may each consist of the same molding material, and / or two or more layers may each consist of different molding materials. - The strength of this molded material, preferably tensile strength, compressive strength, and / or flexural strength, increases after such coating, and in some embodiments the molded material becomes solid or solidifies, in some embodiments it hardens, in some embodiments it is solidified or hardened (actively or by the corresponding steps), - The electrode material and / or film material are applied to the enclosure, which is at least partially formed.

[0022] In some embodiments of the present invention, this method -By applying one or more layers of molding material to the substrate, Preferably, a layer of molding material is applied (directly) to the substrate, and optionally, one or more layers of molding material are applied (each) to an already applied layer of molding material, where in some embodiments, two or more layers may each be made of the same molding material and / or two or more layers may each be made of different molding materials. An enclosure is formed, and - The strength of this molding material, preferably tensile strength, compressive strength, and / or flexural strength, increases after this coating. In some embodiments, the molding material becomes solid or solidifies, in some embodiments, it hardens, and in some embodiments, it is solidified or hardened (actively or by a corresponding step). As is evident from the preceding paragraph and as will be described in more detail below, this can be particularly advantageously combined with the coating of electrodes and / or film materials, but the embodiments of the present invention, or the forms of enclosures formed by coating a single or multilayer molding material onto a provided substrate, are not limited thereto.

[0023] In some embodiments of the present invention, one or more layers of the molding material forming the said / such enclosure, or at least a peripheral section of the said / such enclosure, are applied before step B) or b) above, and in some embodiments, - Before adding the first electrode, and / or - Before adding the proton exchange membrane, and / or - Before adding the first gas diffusion layer, and / or - Applied before adding the first plate.

[0024] In step A), if the first plate is provided without a first gas diffusion layer as a base material, preferably one or more layers of the molding material forming the enclosure, or at least the peripheral section of the enclosure, are applied to the first plate, preferably a portion thereof, and - Before adding the first gas diffusion layer, and / or - Before adding the first electrode, and / or - Applied before adding the proton exchange membrane.

[0025] In step A), if the first plate is provided together with the first gas diffusion layer as a base material, preferably one or more layers of the molding material forming the enclosure, or at least the peripheral section of the enclosure, are coated on the first plate, preferably a portion thereof, and / or the first gas diffusion layer, preferably a portion thereof, and - Before adding the first electrode, and / or - Applied before adding the proton exchange membrane.

[0026] In step A), if the first gas diffusion layer is provided on a support or carrier without a first plate as a substrate, preferably one or more layers of the molding material forming the enclosure or at least the peripheral section of the enclosure are applied to the first gas diffusion layer, preferably to a partial area thereof, and / or to the support, preferably to a partial area thereof, or to the carrier, preferably to a partial area thereof, and - Before adding the first electrode, and / or - Before adding the proton exchange membrane, and / or - Applied before adding the first plate.

[0027] This improves the assembly and / or its manufacture, and in some embodiments, the assembly and / or manufacture may have the advantages of being more compact and / or reliable, / or lighter and / or more cost-effective and / or faster, preferably allowing the omission or reduction of the rigid frame used in previous fuel cells for connection and / or sealing.

[0028] In some embodiments of the present invention, the molding material is intangible, preferably liquid, preferably thick or viscous, pulp-like or paste-like, before molding and / or during coating and / or before strength enhancement. This may have the advantage of improving coating and / or encapsulation.

[0029] In some embodiments of the present invention, the second electrode is added simultaneously with or after the addition of the proton exchange membrane, and the proton exchange membrane is positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0030] In some embodiments of the present invention, the second gas diffusion layer is added simultaneously with or after the addition of the second electrode, and the second electrode is positioned between the proton exchange membrane and the second gas diffusion layer.

[0031] In some embodiments of the present invention, when adding the second gas diffusion layer, or after adding the second gas diffusion layer, a second plate, preferably a (second) bipolar plate or a portion of a (second) bipolar plate or (second) bipolar subplate, is added, preferably for supplying and / or discharging a fluid, particularly a liquid fluid and / or gaseous fluid, and in some embodiments, a cathode subplate or anode subplate is added, thereby positioning the second gas diffusion layer between the second electrode and the second plate.

[0032] In some embodiments of the present invention, the coated molding material connects two or more assembly components to each other, preferably between materials, in at least the completed assembly, preferably after its strength has increased, particularly by solidification, and in some embodiments, - A first plate comprising a first gas diffusion layer and / or a first electrode and / or a proton exchange membrane and / or a second electrode and / or a second gas diffusion layer and / or a second plate, and / or - A first gas diffusion layer comprising a first electrode and / or a proton exchange membrane and / or a second electrode and / or a second gas diffusion layer and / or a second plate, and / or - A first electrode comprising a proton exchange membrane and / or a second electrode and / or a second gas diffusion layer and / or a second plate, and / or - A proton exchange membrane comprising a second electrode and / or a second gas diffusion layer and / or a second plate, and / or - A second electrode comprising a second gas diffusion layer and / or a second plate, and / or - Connects to a second gas diffusion layer equipped with a second plate.

[0033] Therefore, in some embodiments, the molding material optionally also functions as a connecting means. As a result, in particular, assembly and / or its manufacture can be improved, and in some embodiments, the assembly and / or manufacture can be (more) compact and / or (more) reliable and / or easier and / or (even) more cost-effective and / or faster.

[0034] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments of the present invention, the coated molding material electrically insulates the first plate and the proton exchange membrane from each other, at least in the finished assembly, preferably at least, after its strength increases, particularly by solidification. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments of the present invention, the coated molding material electrically insulates the second plate and the proton exchange membrane and / or the first plate and the second plate from each other, at least in the finished assembly, preferably at least, after its strength increases, particularly by solidification.

[0035] Therefore, in some embodiments, the molding material optionally also functions as an additional electrical insulator. As a result, assembly and / or its manufacture can be improved in particular, and in some embodiments, the assembly and / or manufacture can be (more) compact and / or (more) reliable and / or easier and / or (even) more cost-effective and / or faster.

[0036] In addition or alternatively, in some embodiments of the present invention, the coated molding material forms, at least in the finished assembly, preferably at least, after its strength increases, particularly due to solidification, a peripheral seal of the reaction space between the first plate and the proton exchange membrane, and / or a peripheral seal of the reaction space on the side of the proton exchange membrane facing away from the first plate, in particular a peripheral seal of the reaction space between the proton exchange membrane and the second plate, as described below.

[0037] Therefore, in some embodiments, the molding material also optionally functions as a seal (peripheral or ventilated). As a result, assembly and / or its manufacture can be improved in particular, and in some embodiments, the assembly and / or manufacture can be (more) compact and / or (more) reliable and / or easier and / or (even) more cost-effective and / or faster.

[0038] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments of the present invention, in at least a completed assembly, - First gas diffusion layer, and / or - First electrode, and / or - Proton exchange membrane, and / or - Second electrode, and / or - Second gas diffusion layer It is surrounded by an enclosure, and in some embodiments of the present invention, the enclosure is as follows: - The (outer) edge of the first gas diffusion layer, and / or - The (outer) edge of the first electrode, and / or - The (outer) edge of the proton exchange membrane, and / or - The (outer) edge of the second electrode, and / or -Engages with and surrounds the (outer) edge of the second gas diffusion layer, and / or, - The (outer) edge of the first gas diffusion layer, and / or - The (outer) edge of the first electrode, and / or - The (outer) edge of the proton exchange membrane, and / or - The (outer) edge of the second electrode, and / or -Protrusions (axially or in the stacking or assembly direction) from the (outer) edge of the second gas diffusion layer on the planar side, and / or - The (outer) edge of the first gas diffusion layer is embedded in the enclosure, or is in contact with or adjacent to the enclosure, and / or - The (outer) edge of the first electrode is embedded in the enclosure, or is in contact with or adjacent to the enclosure, and / or - The (outer) edge of the proton exchange membrane is embedded in the enclosure, or is in contact with or adjacent to the enclosure, and / or - The (outer) edge of the second electrode is embedded in the enclosure, or is in contact with or adjacent to the enclosure, and / or - The (outer) edge of the second gas diffusion layer is either embedded in the enclosure or in contact with or adjacent to the enclosure.

[0039] Advantageously, in some embodiments of the present invention, coupling or connection and / or insulation and / or sealing and / or manufacturing can be improved.

[0040] In some embodiments of the present invention, the molding material is applied to the substrate up to the outer edge of the first plate, or extends to the outer edge of the first plate. Advantageously, in some embodiments of the present invention, bonding or connection and / or insulation and / or sealing and / or manufacturing can be improved.

[0041] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first plate has at least one transition region, preferably a so-called “transition region,” which has an opening on the electrode side for the fluid, and / or is at least partially overlapped or covered by a coated molding material and / or at least partially overlapped by a first gas diffusion layer. This may have the advantage of reducing or saving expensive electrode material in this region.

[0042] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments of the present invention, the first plate has at least one through-hole for a fluid and / or at least one through-hole for another fluid, which are (each) enclosed by a coated molding material. Advantageously, in some embodiments of the present invention, bonding or connection and / or insulation and / or sealing and / or manufacturing can be improved.

[0043] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments of the present invention, a first gas diffusion layer positioned on a first plate is at least temporarily fixed to the first plate during the application of the molding material, and in some embodiments, is fixed in a materially bonded manner, preferably at specific locations and / or by negative pressure and / or clamping. Advantageously, in some embodiments of the present invention, application and / or bonding or connection can be improved.

[0044] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments of the present invention, at least one layer of molding material is preferably applied to and / or to the substrate and / or the first gas diffusion layer or the first plate before the first gas diffusion layer and the first plate, particularly the first gas diffusion layer on the first plate, or the first plate above or below the first gas diffusion layer, are arranged relative to each other. Advantageously, in some embodiments of the present invention, coating and / or bonding or connection can be improved.

[0045] In addition or alternatively, in some embodiments of the present invention, the first plate has one or more protrusions at the contact points between the first plate and the molding material, preferably the protrusions protrude into the molding material after the first plate and the molding material are brought into contact.

[0046] In addition or alternatively, in some embodiments of the present invention, the second plate has one or more protrusions at the contact points between the second plate and the molding material, preferably the protrusions protrude into the molding material after the second plate and the molding material are brought into contact.

[0047] In addition or alternatively, in some embodiments of the present invention, the coated molding material has one or more protrusions at the contact points between the first plate and the molding material before contact between the first plate and the molding material, preferably the height of such protrusions is reduced after contact between the first plate and the molding material, preferably by the contact, and preferably these protrusions are flattened.

[0048] In addition or alternatively, in some embodiments of the present invention, the coated molding material has one or more protrusions at the contact points between the second plate and the molding material before contact between the second plate and the molding material, preferably the height of such protrusions is reduced after contact between the second plate and the molding material, preferably by the contact, and preferably these protrusions are flattened.

[0049] This may have the advantage of improving the bond between the plate and the molding material.

[0050] In some embodiments of the present invention, adding a first electrode involves coating a first gas diffusion layer with an electrode material, preferably intangible and in particular liquid, preferably thick or viscous, pulp-like or paste-like, such that the strength, preferably tensile, compressible, and / or flexural strength of the electrode material increases after it is coated, and in some embodiments the electrode material becomes solid or solidifies, in some embodiments the electrode material hardens, and in some embodiments the electrode material solidifies or hardens (actively or by a corresponding method (step)). In some embodiments of the present invention, the first electrode is manufactured by depositing an electrode material and subsequently increasing the strength of the electrode material in situ.

[0051] Additionally or alternatively, adding a second electrode may involve coating the added proton exchange membrane with a pulp-like or paste-like electrode material, preferably shapeless, particularly liquid, preferably thick or viscous, the same electrode material as the electrode material for the first electrode, or a different electrode material, and increasing the strength, preferably tensile strength, compressive strength, and / or flexural strength, of the electrode material after such coating, in some embodiments the electrode material for, or of the second electrode, becomes solid, or in some embodiments solidifies, in some embodiments hardens, and in some embodiments solidifies or hardens (actively or by corresponding methods). In some embodiments of the present invention, the second electrode is manufactured by depositing an electrode material and subsequently increasing the strength of the electrode material in situ.

[0052] This may have the advantage of improving the coupling or connection of (each) electrode, and / or reducing or saving electrode material, or improving its utilization rate. One advantage may be that an improved interface can be achieved, and / or, in particular, transport resistance can be reduced.

[0053] In some embodiments of the present invention, electrode material for adding a first electrode and / or electrode material for adding a second electrode is applied inside, preferably inside, a (already) partially formed enclosure having, or forming, a (already) closed or continuous periphery or edge, or inside at least one periphery section of the enclosure. Thus, in some embodiments of the present invention, the already at least partially formed enclosure advantageously serves as a mold or boundary for manufacturing the first or second electrode, thereby potentially improving their manufacturing and / or bonding. In some embodiments of the present invention, the (respective) electrode material and the molding material or enclosure that has not yet fully solidified, or their periphery regions, may mix with each other. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments of the present invention, the first electrode is bonded to the enclosure and / or the first gas diffusion layer, and / or the second electrode is bonded to the enclosure and / or the proton exchange membrane, thereby potentially improving the manufacturing and / or bonding of the (respective) electrodes.

[0054] In some embodiments of the present invention, adding a proton exchange membrane involves coating a first electrode with a membrane material, preferably intangible and in particular liquid, preferably thick or viscous, pulp-like or paste-like, such that the strength of this membrane material, preferably tensile strength, compressive strength, and / or flexural strength, increases after such coating, and in some embodiments the membrane material becomes solid or solidifies, in some embodiments it hardens, in some embodiments it is solidified or hardened (actively or by a corresponding method (step)). In some embodiments of the present invention, the proton exchange membrane is manufactured by depositing the membrane material and subsequently increasing the strength of this membrane material in situ.

[0055] This may have the advantage of improving the coupling or connection of proton exchange membranes and / or reducing or saving membrane material.

[0056] In some embodiments of the present invention, the membrane material for adding a proton exchange membrane is applied within an enclosure that is already at least partially formed, preferably having or forming a closed or continuous periphery or edge, or within at least one peripheral section of the enclosure. Thus, in some embodiments of the present invention, the enclosure that is already at least partially formed advantageously serves as a template or boundary for manufacturing the proton exchange membrane, thereby potentially improving their manufacturing and / or bonding. In some embodiments of the present invention, the membrane material and the molding material or enclosure that has not yet fully solidified, or their edge regions, may mix with each other. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments of the present invention, the membrane material adheres to the enclosure and / or the first electrode, thereby potentially improving the manufacturing and / or bonding of the proton exchange membrane.

[0057] In some embodiments of the present invention, coating a membrane material inside a partially formed enclosure means coating the membrane material only inside the partially formed enclosure. Similarly, in some embodiments of the present invention, coating an electrode material inside a partially formed enclosure means coating the electrode material only inside the partially formed enclosure. This saves material and / or allows the surface of the partially formed enclosure that does not contain this material to be used advantageously. In some embodiments of the present invention, coating a membrane material inside a partially formed enclosure includes coating the membrane material only inside the partially formed enclosure, and the membrane material may also be placed on top of the partially formed enclosure. Similarly, in some embodiments of the present invention, coating an electrode material inside a partially formed enclosure includes coating the electrode material inside the partially formed enclosure, and the electrode material may also be placed on top of the partially formed enclosure. This can improve coupling to the partially formed enclosure.

[0058] Particularly advantageous is that adding a first electrode involves coating an electrode material onto a first gas diffusion layer, and adding a proton exchange membrane involves coating a membrane material onto the first electrode, wherein the strength of this electrode material increases after coating the first electrode, and the strength of this membrane material increases after coating the first electrode, preferably the membrane material is coated after the strength of the electrode material has already increased, preferably such the electrode material has already become solid or solidified, and in some embodiments, is cured. This may have the specific advantage of better fabrication and / or connection of the MEA ("Membrane Electrode Assembly"). Similarly, it may be advantageous to coat a film material onto an electrode material that has not yet solidified or cured, and / or to coat the electrode material of a second electrode onto a film material that has not yet solidified or cured. This may have the particular advantage of improving the transition within the MEA.

[0059] In some embodiments of the present invention, adding a proton exchange membrane is possible. - Introducing at least one reinforcing layer into the coated film material, and / or - Coating a reinforcing layer onto at least one layer of a coated film material, which in some embodiments includes coating at least one further layer of film material onto the coated reinforcing layer, and in some embodiments does not include coating further film material onto the coated reinforcing layer, and / or - Forming a reinforcing layer on at least one layer of coated film material, comprising, in some embodiments, coating at least one further layer of film material onto the formed reinforcing layer, and in some embodiments, not comprising coating the further layer of film material onto the formed reinforcing layer.

[0060] As a result, in some embodiments of the present invention, the functionality and / or strength of the proton exchange membrane may be improved. Incorporating a reinforcing layer into a coated membrane material may, advantageously, result in better bonding of such a reinforcing layer to the membrane material. Placing a reinforcing layer on a coated membrane material may particularly simplify the placement of the reinforcing layer. In some embodiments, the formation of the reinforcing portion is carried out by electrospinning or the like. This may, advantageously, allow such a reinforcing layer to be better bonded to the membrane material. If no additional membrane material is coated onto the placed or formed reinforcing layer, this may simplify the manufacturing process and / or improve the addition and / or coupling of subsequent second electrodes. If at least one further layer of membrane material is coated onto the placed or formed reinforcing layer, or if at least one reinforcing layer is introduced into the coated membrane material, preferably the membrane material is positioned on the side of the reinforcing layer facing the first electrode and on the side facing away from the first electrode. This may have the advantage of making the proton exchange membrane more stable and / or more uniform and / or improving proton conductivity. In some designs, a coated film material on which a reinforcing layer is placed or has been placed fully or partially permeates the reinforcing layer during or after placement. In some embodiments, introducing at least one reinforcing layer into a coated film material preferably includes fully permeating the reinforcing layer (in the thickness direction of the reinforcing layer) during introduction, and preferably the reinforcing layer (in the thickness direction of the reinforcing layer) is lowered, immersed, or immersed in the film material. Preferably, after introducing at least one reinforcing layer into a coated film material, the film material is placed on the side of the reinforcing layer facing the first electrode and on the side facing away from the first electrode. In some designs, applying a reinforcing layer to at least one layer of a coated film material does not include the penetration (in the thickness direction of the reinforcing layer) or partial or complete penetration of such reinforcing layer during application, and / or partial or complete penetration of this reinforcing layer, as well as partial or complete penetration (in the thickness direction of the reinforcing layer) of this reinforcing layer after application.Therefore, following placement, the penetration of the reinforcing layer into the coated film material may represent the introduction of the reinforcing layer into the coated film material.

[0061] In some embodiments of the present invention, adding a proton exchange membrane preferably involves placing a pre-fabricated proton exchange membrane on an added first electrode, instead of fabricating a proton exchange membrane in situ by coating the aforementioned membrane material to sustainably increase the strength of such membrane material.

[0062] In some embodiments of the present invention, process reliability can be improved as a result.

[0063] In some embodiments of the present invention, adding a first electrode and proton exchange membrane preferably involves placing a pre-fabricated coating having a proton exchange membrane covered with the first electrode on the first gas diffusion layer, instead of fabricating the first electrode and proton exchange membrane in situ by coating the electrode and membrane material to sustainably increase the strength of such electrode and membrane material. In some embodiments of the present invention, this pre-fabricated coating has a proton exchange membrane covered with the first electrode on one side and a second electrode on the other. Thus, in some embodiments of the present invention, the second electrode is added by adding a proton exchange membrane.

[0064] In some embodiments of the present invention, process reliability can be improved as a result.

[0065] As already stated, in some embodiments of the present invention, when adding the second gas diffusion layer, or after adding the second gas diffusion layer, a second plate, preferably a (second) bipolar plate or a portion of a (second) bipolar plate or (second) bipolar subplate, is added, preferably for supplying and / or discharging a fluid, particularly a liquid fluid and / or gaseous fluid, and in some embodiments, a cathode subplate or anode subplate is added, so that the second gas diffusion layer is positioned between the second electrode and the second plate.

[0066] In some embodiments of the present invention, the second plate is simultaneously present as or functions simultaneously as the first plate of a further assembly, which is preferably already manufactured according to the method herein, preferably manufactured according to the method herein after addition, or used as is, or connected to the first plate of the further assembly, preferably already manufactured according to the method herein, preferably manufactured according to the method herein after connection, or installed or provided for this purpose, or used for this purpose. Specifically, the second plate of one assembly or the first assembly is - A first plate of a further assembly or a second assembly, preferably a bipolar plate, - Already manufactured by the method described herein, - After adding this plate to the first assembly, it is manufactured according to the method described herein, or - Bipolar subplates, particularly anode or cathode subplates, and the first plate of an additional or second assembly may be further bipolar subplates, particularly cathode or anode subplates, which are connected to form a bipolar plate, or are designed or provided for this purpose. Such further or second assemblies may preferably have already been manufactured according to the methods described herein, or may be manufactured after the bipolar subplates have been connected according to the methods described herein.

[0067] Therefore, in some embodiments of the present invention, -Another assembly described herein is manufactured on top of an assembly manufactured as described herein, and / or -At least two assemblies described herein are preferably manufactured in parallel or sequentially as described herein, and then, - The second plate of one assembly is also the first plate of the other assembly, in which case such a connection may correspond to one assembly of such (common) plates, or - The second plate of one assembly is connected to, or will be connected to, the first plate of the other assembly.

[0068] This may have the advantage of reducing processing time and / or improving the coupling of cell components. In this case, connecting the second plate of one assembly to the first plate of the other assembly, and particularly advantageously, connecting the two assemblies in a state in which they have both been manufactured (to date), so that the second plate of one assembly simultaneously becomes the first plate of the other assembly which has both been manufactured (to date), or if the manufacture of one assembly or the addition of a second plate to one assembly involves such a connection of the two assemblies, then the process time may be reduced particularly advantageously and / or the coupling of cell components may be particularly improved.

[0069] In some embodiments of the present invention, the coated molding material connects to the first and second plates, preferably directly to each other in the completed assembly, preferably after its strength has increased, and especially after solidification. As a result, assembly and / or its manufacture can be improved, and in some embodiments, the assembly and / or manufacture can be (more) compact and / or (more) reliable and / or easier and / or (even) more cost-effective and / or faster.

[0070] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first plate and / or the second plate (each) have an insulating coating, which is preferably electrically insulating. This can improve cell function.

[0071] In some embodiments of the present invention, the insulating coating is already manufactured, or the first plate is already coated with the insulating coating in step A), or the first plate is already coated with the insulating coating in step B) or b), or the second plate is already coated with the insulating coating. This has the advantage of reducing processing time.

[0072] In some embodiments of the present invention, the insulating coating of the first plate is manufactured by a method for manufacturing an assembly, preferably by or within a system described herein. In some embodiments of the present invention, the insulating coating of the first plate is manufactured on the first plate provided in step A) after it has been provided, preferably before adding the first gas diffusion layer and / or before applying the molding material. This may have the advantage of improving bonding.

[0073] In some embodiments of the present invention, the layer or one or more layers of molding material for forming an enclosure and / or the electrode material or one or more layers of electrode material for adding or manufacturing a first electrode and / or the electrode material for adding or manufacturing a second electrode and / or the membrane material or one or more layers of membrane material for adding or manufacturing a proton exchange membrane are (each) preferably, in some embodiments, one or more - Horizontal and / or - Vertical, and / or - Translational directions, preferably 1, 2, or 3 directions, and / or - Preferably, in the rotational direction around one, two, or three axes, The material is solidified by a movable, preferably moving, and / or slit-shaped outlet opening, and / or by a printing method, particularly preferably a screen printing method, a (droplet) jet printing method, and / or preferably by thermal and / or irradiation during and / or thereafter, in some embodiments of the present invention by solidification by UV irradiation. As a result, in some embodiments of the present invention, processing time may be reduced and / or bonding may be improved and / or the (corresponding) material may be applied more accurately.

[0074] In some embodiments of the present invention, before adding at least one component of the assembly referred to herein, and in some embodiments before adding a first gas diffusion layer and / or a first electrode and / or a proton exchange membrane and / or a second electrode and / or a second gas diffusion layer, one or more layers of the molding material forming the enclosure, or at least a peripheral section of the enclosure, are coated, and such components(s), in some embodiments two or more components simultaneously and / or sequentially, are arranged within the already at least partially formed enclosure, particularly by coating the layers.

[0075] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments of the present invention, after adding at least one component of the assembly referred to herein, and in some embodiments before adding a first gas diffusion layer and / or a first electrode and / or a proton exchange membrane and / or a second electrode and / or a second gas diffusion layer, one or more layers of the molding material forming the enclosure, or at least a peripheral section of the enclosure, are coated, in particular at that point or thereby the component(s) are surrounded by an enclosure that is at least partially formed.

[0076] Forming an enclosure at least partially by applying one or more layers of molding material before adding one or more of the components referred to herein may have the advantage of improving the addition of the component(s). In some embodiments of the present invention, the already applied molding material may, in some embodiments, function as a mold for manufacturing, or as a limit, preferably a stop, for adding one or more components. Forming an enclosure at least partially by applying one or more layers of molding material after adding one or more of the components described herein may have the advantage of making it easier to add the component(s) and / or facilitating advantageous connection to each other and / or sealing and / or insulating to each other after the addition. In some embodiments of the present invention, by applying molding material after adding one or more components, they are embedded in the molding material, which may (further) improve connection, insulation, or sealing. In some embodiments of the present invention, an enclosure at least partially formed has (already) or forms a closed or continuous periphery or edge, or at least one periphery section, of a (fully / completely formed) enclosure. Accordingly, in some embodiments of the present invention, a (first) partially formed enclosure is further formed by coating one or more further layers of molding material, preferably axially, or in the lamination or structural direction, and preferably, a (similarly) partially formed enclosure has (already) a closed or continuous periphery or edge, and / or one or more of the further layers each have a closed or continuous periphery or edge. Particularly preferably, the periphery section has or forms a closed or continuous periphery or a (peripherally) closed or continuous edge.

[0077] In some embodiments of the present invention, applying a molding material to a substrate, or a carrier on which the first gas diffusion layer is located, or a support on which the first gas diffusion layer is located, or a first plate on which the first gas diffusion layer is located, includes applying a layer of the first molding material to the substrate or the first gas diffusion layer and / or the carrier, support or first plate, and further, - Applying one or more additional layers from the first molding material to form (each) peripheral sections of the enclosure, and / or - This includes applying one or more additional layers from a second molding material to form (each) peripheral section of the enclosure.

[0078] In some embodiments, one or more layers of the second molding material may be applied to one or more layers of the first molding material, and one or more layers of the first molding material or one or more layers of the third molding material may be applied thereon.

[0079] This may have the advantage that the enclosure is manufactured in different parts from particularly suitable molding materials. Therefore, in some embodiments, the multilayer coating of molding materials includes coating different molding materials, in particular a first molding material and a second molding material, as well as optionally a third molding material, and optionally further molding materials.

[0080] In some embodiments of the present invention, one or more of the additional layers of the first molding material and / or one or more of the additional layers of the second molding material have a different shape from the substrate or the first gas diffusion layer and / or the carrier, support or the layer applied to the first plate. In some embodiments of the present invention, at least two of the additional layers of the first molding material have different shapes from each other, and / or at least two of the additional layers of the second molding material have different shapes from each other.

[0081] This may have the advantage that the enclosure is manufactured in multiple sections, each with a particularly suitable shape and / or molding material, and the shapes can be adapted to each other in various layers.

[0082] In some embodiments of the present invention, the substrate is provided one or all or partially by one of several individual carriers of the transport system, - A first plate having a first gas diffusion layer disposed thereon as a substrate on a carrier, or - A support having a first gas diffusion layer disposed thereon as a substrate on a carrier, or - A carrier having a first gas diffusion layer arranged as a substrate, or as a substrate that partially penetrates the carrier, or - A support that is placed on a carrier as a substrate and does not have any assembly components, or - The carrier itself, without any assembly components or supports as a substrate or as a substrate via the carrier, The carrier is then transported to a coating apparatus, which optionally adds any remaining assembly components, as well as, in some embodiments, one or more of the components referred to herein, preferably a second electrode and / or a second gas diffusion layer and / or a second plate.

[0083] In some embodiments of the present invention, as already mentioned, the first gas diffusion layer is - On one of several individual carriers of the transport system, or -On a support placed on one of several individual carriers of the transport system, or -Placed on a first plate of an assembly for fluid supply and / or discharge, which is positioned on several individual carriers of the conveying system, The carrier having the provided first gas diffusion layer is transported to a coating apparatus, thereby to which any remaining assembly components, as well as, in some embodiments, one or more of the components referred to herein, preferably a second electrode and / or a second gas diffusion layer, and / or a first plate and / or a second plate, are added.

[0084] The two aspects described above, in particular the enclosure formed by coating a provided substrate with a molding material in a single or multilayer manner, and the coating of electrode material and / or film material to subsequently increase strength, can be combined particularly advantageously in some embodiments of the present invention, as already stated elsewhere, in particular, - A first plate and a first gas diffusion layer disposed thereon may be provided as a substrate on a carrier, thereby providing the first gas diffusion layer on the first plate disposed on the carrier, or -Without the first plate, a support on which the first gas diffusion layer is disposed may be provided as a substrate on the carrier, thereby providing the first gas diffusion layer on the support disposed on the carrier, or -A carrier having a first gas diffusion layer disposed thereon may be provided as a substrate, thereby providing the first gas diffusion layer on the carrier. The present invention is not limited thereto.

[0085] In some embodiments of the present invention, a coating apparatus for optionally adding remaining assembly components, wherein in some embodiments, one or more components other than those referred herein have one or more, preferably spaced apart or separate stations, and the apparatus may in particular be a coating system, preferably a production line or part of a production line. In some embodiments, one of the components is added to each station of the coating apparatus.

[0086] This may have the advantage of allowing the substrate for addition to be positioned (more) accurately and / or quickly, thereby improving the addition process, particularly the processing time and / or reliability of the process.

[0087] Using the carrier itself as a substrate or as part of a substrate, or applying at least one layer of molding material forming an enclosure or at least a peripheral section of the enclosure to the carrier, and / or providing a first gas diffusion layer on the carrier itself, may have the advantage that the assembly can be better positioned and / or moved when additional (structural) components are added, in particular, and can be coupled to the carrier.

[0088] Using the first plate as a substrate or as part of a substrate, or applying at least one layer of the molding material forming the enclosure, or at least a peripheral section of the enclosure, to the first plate (furthermore), may have the advantage of preventing the molding material from peeling off the substrate, and thus allowing for faster manufacturing, compared to assembling the assembly on a substrate different from the assembly components. Providing a first gas diffusion layer on the first plate placed on a carrier may improve and particularly facilitate the manufacturing of the assembly.

[0089] Using the support provided on the carrier itself as a substrate or part of a substrate, or applying (further) a layer of molding material forming an enclosure or at least a peripheral section of the enclosure to such a support, may have the advantage that it may be easier to peel the molding material from the support and / or that the carrier may be used in a different form during peeling. Providing a first gas diffusion layer on the support placed on the carrier may also have the advantage that the carrier may be used in a different way after the support has been distributed.

[0090] In some embodiments of the present invention, each carrier(s) is individually movable, preferably independently controllable, and / or mechanically independently movable, preferably a carrier holding or at least partially forming a substrate, or a carrier on which a first gas diffusion layer is provided, or a carrier on which a support or first plate is arranged, or a carrier in a conveying system is (each) individually moved and preferably independently controllable with respect to other carriers in a conveying system having or at least partially forming a substrate for manufacturing the same assembly, or on which a first gas diffusion layer of the same assembly is provided, or on which a support or first plate is arranged for this purpose, and / or on which a substrate has or at least partially forming a substrate for manufacturing the same assembly, or on which a first gas diffusion layer of the same assembly is provided, or on which a support or first plate is arranged for this purpose. In some embodiments of the present invention, the carrier is a carrier of a multi-carrier system, and in some embodiments, individual carriers and / or carrier groups are preferably moved synchronously, and additional assembly components are optionally added, and in some embodiments, one or more other component carriers described herein are added, and in some embodiments, acceleration and / or velocity and / or positioning and / or direction of movement may be specified at one or more points on the (carrier) route.

[0091] This may offer the advantage of being able to variably approach the coating apparatus station to add components, which may have the advantage of reducing or avoiding waiting times and / or making more efficient use of the coating apparatus. Additionally or alternatively, individually movable or relocating carriers may have the advantage of improving the positioning accuracy of the substrate or the first gas diffusion layer, and thus improving the addition of components. In some embodiments, the (each) carrier is moved, preferably, during and for coating molding materials, electrode materials, and / or film materials in particular. - Horizontal and / or - Vertical, and / or - Translational directions, preferably 1, 2, or 3 directions, and / or - It can be moved in the rotational direction, preferably around one, two, or three axes.

[0092] As a result, in some embodiments, the fabrication of the enclosure, or the first and / or second electrodes, or the proton membrane can be improved, particularly facilitated, and / or carried out more accurately.

[0093] In some embodiments of the present invention, a carrier that supports or at least partially forms a substrate, or on which a first gas diffusion layer is provided, or on which a support or first plate is arranged, is transported from one station to another of at least one pair of stations in a coating apparatus, and preferably further transported within the coating apparatus.

[0094] This may offer the advantage of being able to variably approach the coating apparatus station to add components, potentially reducing or avoiding waiting times and / or making more efficient use of the coating apparatus. Additionally or alternatively, individually movable or relocating carriers may offer the advantage of improving the positioning accuracy of the substrate or the first gas diffusion layer, and consequently improving the addition of components.

[0095] In addition or alternatively, a carrier comprising a substrate or a first gas diffusion layer, or a support or first plate placed thereon, is discharged from a section of the transport system in response to a message, in particular an error message, preferably as a result thereof, in response to a test, preferably as a result thereof. In some embodiments, preferably an optical and / or functional test by an optical or functional testing apparatus for a coating apparatus, in particular, if the test indicates a failure (condition) of an assembly that has been at least partially manufactured up to that point, in particular one or more (structural) members that have already been added.

[0096] As a result, in some embodiments of the present invention, the unnecessary further production of defective assemblies can be avoided, which may have the advantage of saving processing time and / or resources. In some embodiments of the present invention, the substrate or partially assembled assembly ejected in response to an (error) message is reworked, preferably automatically or manually, in or out of the coating apparatus, and optionally reinserted into the appropriate position (if the reworking is successful), and the assembly is further manufactured. In particular, any still missing assembly components and / or one or more other members referred to herein, preferably a second electrode and / or a second gas diffusion layer and / or a second plate, are manufactured.

[0097] In some embodiments of the present invention, the coating apparatus is modified after the manufacture of the assembly by replacing at least one station of the coating apparatus with another station, and at least one further assembly is manufactured by the method described herein. In some embodiments of the present invention, at least two such stations are designed modularly.

[0098] This allows for the adjustment and / or gradual modification of the coating equipment as needed, particularly through upgrades, and can be especially advantageous in swapping out individual stations with stations that have been tested outside the coating equipment. This can have the advantage of not requiring the entire manufacturing process to be run through in order to test individual stations. Furthermore, or alternatively, this may improve the maintainability or maintenance of the coating equipment.

[0099] In some embodiments of the present invention, an electrochemical cell, particularly a fuel cell or electrolytic cell, -A first plate for supplying and / or discharging fluids, particularly liquid fluids and / or gaseous fluids, preferably a bipolar plate or bipolar subplate, in some embodiments being an anode subplate or cathode subplate, and the first plate, - A second plate for supplying and / or discharging fluid, particularly liquid fluid and / or gaseous fluid, preferably a bipolar plate or bipolar subplate, in some embodiments, an anode subplate or cathode subplate, - A membrane electrode assembly positioned between the first plate and the second plate, - A first electrode facing the first plate, - A second electrode facing the second plate, - A proton exchange membrane is placed between the first electrode and the second electrode, -A first gas diffusion layer is placed between the first plate and the first electrode, - It has a second gas diffusion layer positioned between a second electrode and a second plate.

[0100] In some embodiments of the present invention, an electrochemical cell assembly comprising at least a first gas diffusion layer, a first electrode, and a proton exchange membrane, and preferably also comprising a second electrode and / or a second gas diffusion layer and / or a first plate and / or a second plate, is manufactured according to the method described herein.

[0101] Additionally or alternatively, a molding material bonded to the first plate forms a peripheral seal of the reaction space between the first plate and the proton exchange membrane and / or the reaction space between the proton exchange membrane and the second plate, and / or electrically insulates the first plate from the proton exchange membrane and / or the second plate, and at least partially overlaps with the transition region of the first plate having electrode-side openings for the fluid to be supplied and / or discharged, in particular at least partially covering the so-called “transition region”, and / or encompassing at least a portion of the through-openings of the first plate for the fluid, and / or being applied up to or reaching the outer edge of the first plate.

[0102] At least partial coating with a molding material may have the advantage of reducing or saving electrode material, especially if it is currently present in this transition region, particularly if the transition region has previously been coated with a pre-fabricated proton exchange membrane coated with electrode material. Thus, in some embodiments of the present invention, the electrode material may be at least substantially limited to the so-called electrochemically active region or reaction space, and may be reduced or saved compared to conventional methods or conventional electrochemical cells. Closing through-openings with a molding material may have the advantage of simplifying and / or improving sealing. By limiting the molding material to reach at most the outer edge of the first plate, and especially stopping before that, the advantage of simplifying and / or improving the handling of the first plate is obtained.

[0103] In particular advantage, two or more electrochemical cells or assemblies described herein may be electrically connected in series, and for this purpose, the second plate of an electrochemical cell in a cell stack may be identical to or connected to the first plate of an adjacent electrochemical cell in the cell stack. This can have the advantage of improving performance and / or reducing installation space.

[0104] In some embodiments of the present invention, a system for manufacturing one or more, preferably structurally identical assemblies described herein for one or more, preferably structurally identical, electrochemical cells described herein, and in particular one or more, preferably structurally identical, cell stacks described herein, comprises a coating device, and in some embodiments comprises a transport system described herein, preferably having a plurality of individual carriers, and in some embodiments comprises the following:

[0105] - Preferably, the substrate is supplied onto the coating device by a transport system, having only a portion of the assembly components, and the remaining assembly components and optionally one or more other components as referred herein, preferably a second electrode and / or a second gas diffusion layer and / or a second plate, are added by the coating device, or - Preferably, a conveying system supplies a substrate different from the assembly components of the assembly onto the coating device, and the assembly components of the assembly and optionally one or more other members referred to herein, preferably a second electrode and / or a second gas diffusion layer and / or a second plate, are added by coating, or - The first gas diffusion layer is transported by the transport system. - On one of the multiple individual carriers of the transport system, or - On a support placed on one of the multiple individual carriers of the transport system, or - It is located on a first plate of an assembly for supplying and / or discharging fluids, which is positioned on one of the multiple individual carriers of the conveying system, The assembly components of each assembly and, optionally, one or more other members referred to herein, preferably a second electrode and / or a second gas diffusion layer and / or a second plate, are added by the coating device, or When a system, in particular a coating apparatus and optionally a transport system, is installed or used for this purpose. As described elsewhere, in some embodiments of the present invention, the coating apparatus has one or more, preferably spaced apart or separate stations, and the system may be in particular a coating system, preferably a production line or part of a production line. In some embodiments of the present invention, the transport system includes, and may particularly be, a multi-carrier system, or the carriers are carriers in such a multi-carrier system, and in some embodiments the individual carriers and / or groups of carriers are moved, preferably synchronously, to add assembly components and optionally remaining assembly components, and in some further embodiments to add one or more other members referred to herein, in which case, in some embodiments the acceleration and / or velocity and / or positioning and / or direction of movement can be specified at one or more points in the path (of the carriers). The transport system may be part of a production line. In some embodiments of the present invention, the system includes one or more production lines, and in some embodiments the system is one or more production lines.

[0106] In some embodiments, the molding material, particularly one or more layers of the molding material, comprises (each) one or more radical or cationic curing reactive substances, particularly reactive adhesives and preferably one or more corresponding sealants, and in some embodiments, consists of (or more). Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the molding material, particularly one or more layers of the molding material, comprises a silicone material or one or more silicones, and in some embodiments, consists of (or more). Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the molding material, particularly one or more layers of the molding material, comprises one or more polyurethanes, particularly preferably polyisobutene or polyisobutylene (PIB), and in some embodiments, consists of (or more). Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the molding material, particularly one or more layers of the molding material, comprises an epoxy material, particularly preferably one or more epoxy resins, and in some embodiments, consists of (or more). In some embodiments, the film material, particularly one or more layers of the film material, comprises (each) an ionomer or a mixture with one or more ionomers, and in some embodiments, consists of (or more). In some embodiments, the electrode material for manufacturing a first electrode and / or the electrode material for manufacturing a second electrode (each) is a composite material and / or includes a catalytically active material, the catalytically active material preferably includes nanoscale particles. In some embodiments, the nanoscale particles themselves are located on larger carrier particles, preferably made from carbon or the like. Particularly preferably, the catalytically active material is platinum (Pt), a Pt alloy, a combination of Pt and one or more other metals, or a Pt compound such as platinum oxide (PtO, PtO2, etc.). In some embodiments, the electrode material preferably further includes at least one ionomer, which can result in advantageous ionic conductivity. The carrier particles can, advantageously, provide electrical conductivity. The electrode material for manufacturing a first electrode and / or the electrode material for manufacturing a second electrode may include further chemical components.In some embodiments, the electrode material for manufacturing the second electrode comprises at least one material different from the electrode material for manufacturing the first electrode. In some embodiments, one or more reinforcing layers comprise stretched polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), and in some embodiments, consist of stretched polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE).

[0107] These materials have proven particularly advantageous, without limiting the present invention to them.

[0108] Increasing the strength of molding materials, electrode materials, and / or film materials, particularly through active strengthening, includes, in some embodiments, increasing the degree of polymerization and / or increasing the degree of crosslinking and / or volatilizing the solvent and / or drying and / or, preferably tempering after drying.

[0109] While steps to increase these strengths have proven particularly advantageous, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0110] In some embodiments, when a prefabricated frame is used instead of an enclosure formed by coating a substrate or a first gas diffusion layer and / or carrier, support, or first plate with a single or multilayer molding material, in some of the following embodiments, - The first electrode may also be optionally bonded to the prefabricated frame and / or -The membrane material may also be optionally bonded to the prefabricated frame and / or -At least in the completed assembly, the second electrode is surrounded by a prefabricated frame placed in the first gas diffusion layer or a prefabricated frame placed in the proton exchange membrane, and / or - An electrode material for adding a second electrode is applied within a prefabricated frame placed in the first gas diffusion layer or within a prefabricated frame placed in the proton exchange membrane, and / or - The second electrode is also optionally provided to be bonded to a prefabricated frame placed in the first gas diffusion layer or to a prefabricated frame placed in the proton exchange membrane.

[0111] In this regard, referring to the explanation of enclosures, enclosures are considered particularly advantageous due to the advantages specifically mentioned, while prefabricated frames may have the specific advantage of saving time.

[0112] In some embodiments of the present invention, a carrier on which a first gas diffusion layer is provided, or a support or a carrier on which a first gas diffusion layer is provided or a first plate is arranged and a substrate is provided, or a carrier on which a substrate is partially provided thereby, - Molding material that forms the enclosure, and / or - Electrode material for adding a first electrode, and / or - Electrode material for adding a second electrode, and / or - While coating the membrane material for adding the proton exchange membrane, Preferably, - Horizontal and / or - Vertical, and / or - Translational directions, preferably 1, 2, or 3 directions, and / or - Preferably, it is moved in the rotational direction around one, two, or three axes. In some embodiments, one or more outlet openings to which the corresponding material is applied may be stationary or further movable, preferably - Horizontal and / or - Vertical, and / or - Translational directions, preferably 1, 2, or 3 directions, and / or - Preferably, it may be movable in the rotational direction about one, two, or three axes.

[0113] This allows the material to be applied advantageously, particularly quickly, accurately, variably, and / or in particularly favorable movement patterns.

[0114] In some embodiments, the carrier also, - Molding material that forms the enclosure, and / or - Electrode material for adding a first electrode, and / or - Electrode material for adding a second electrode, and / or -The process may remain still while the membrane material for adding the proton exchange membrane is applied.

[0115] This can significantly improve accuracy during coating.

[0116] The components of the assembly, in particular the "components referred to in the claims," ​​may be, in particular, one of the assembly components, preferably a first or second plate, or a first or second gas diffusion layer, or a first or second electrode, or a proton exchange membrane.

[0117] The first or second plate referred to herein may, in particular, have or be a bipolar plate or a bipolar subplate, and in some embodiments may be an anode subplate or a cathode subplate of a bipolar plate. For more compact representation, the bipolar plate and the bipolar subplate, in particular the anode subplate and cathode subplate for or of a bipolar plate, are collectively referred to as the “bipolar (sub)plate.” Such a bipolar subplate is also a plate for supplying and / or discharging fluid.

[0118] The terms “comprises,” “contains,” “includes,” “encompasses,” “has,” “with,” or any other variations thereof, as used herein, are intended to encompass non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a method or apparatus that includes or has a list of elements may include other elements not explicitly enumerated, or elements specific to such a method or apparatus, but not necessarily limited to those elements. Furthermore, unless explicitly stated otherwise, “or” refers to an inclusive “or” and not an exclusive “or.” For example, condition A or B is satisfied by one of the following: A is true (or exists) and B is false (or does not exist); A is false (or does not exist) and B is true (or exists); and both A and B are true (or exist). As used herein, the terms “a” or “an” are defined as “one or more.” The terms “another” and “further” and any other variations thereof should be understood to mean “at least one other.” The terms “configured” or “designed” (and their respective variations), as used herein, should be understood to mean that the corresponding apparatus or component is already provided in a design or configuration that it can perform, or at least is configurable (i.e., configurable), thereby enabling it to perform that function after the corresponding configuration. This configuration can be achieved, for example, through the corresponding configuration of process course parameters, or through corresponding settings such as switches for activating or deactivating a function or configuration. Specifically, since an apparatus may have several predetermined configurations or operating modes, a configuration can be achieved by selecting one of these configurations or operating modes.

[0119] Preferred exemplary embodiments of the methods described herein, in particular their respective features, can be combined with each other as desired, especially to form new embodiments, unless expressly excluded or technically impossible.

[0120] Further advantages, features, and possible applications of the present invention will become clearer in more detail from the following description in conjunction with the drawings.

[0121] The following is partially illustrated in the diagram. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0122] [Figure 1] A shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of a part of the system during a manufacturing step of an electrochemical cell assembly of a cell stack according to one embodiment of the present invention. B shows a plan view of a part of the system during a manufacturing step of an electrochemical cell assembly of a cell stack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A shows a portion of the system during the manufacturing of the assembly in a further step, represented in a way that corresponds to Figure 1A. B shows a portion of the system during the manufacturing of the assembly in a further step, represented in a way that corresponds to Figure 1B. [Figure 3] A shows a portion of the system during the manufacturing of the assembly in a further step, represented in a way that corresponds to Figure 1A. B shows a portion of the system during the manufacturing of the assembly in a further step, represented in a way that corresponds to Figure 1B. [Figure 4] A shows a portion of the system during the manufacturing of the assembly in a further step, represented in a way that corresponds to Figure 1A. B shows a portion of the system during the manufacturing of the assembly in a further step, represented in a way that corresponds to Figure 1B. [Figure 5] A shows a portion of the system during the manufacturing of the assembly in a further step, represented in a way that corresponds to Figure 1A. B shows a portion of the system during the manufacturing of the assembly in a further step, represented in a way that corresponds to Figure 1B. [Figure 6] A shows a portion of the system during the manufacturing of the assembly in a further step, represented in a way that corresponds to Figure 1A. B shows a portion of the system during the manufacturing of the assembly in a further step, represented in a way that corresponds to Figure 1B. [Figure 7] A shows a portion of the system during the manufacturing of the assembly in a further step, represented in a way that corresponds to Figure 1A. B shows a portion of the system during the manufacturing of the assembly in a further step, represented in a way that corresponds to Figure 1B. [Figure 8] A shows a portion of the system during the manufacturing of the assembly in a further step, represented in a way that corresponds to Figure 1A. B shows a portion of the system during the manufacturing of the assembly in a further step, represented in a way that corresponds to Figure 1B. [Figure 9] A shows a portion of the system during the manufacturing of the assembly in a further step, represented in a way that corresponds to Figure 1A. B shows a portion of the system during the manufacturing of the assembly in a further step, represented in a way that corresponds to Figure 1B. [Figure 10] A shows a portion of the system during the manufacturing of the assembly in a further step, represented in a way that corresponds to Figure 1A. B shows a portion of the system during the manufacturing of the assembly in a further step, represented in a way that corresponds to Figure 1B. [Figure 11] A portion of a cell stack containing an electrochemical cell with an assembly manufactured in the representation corresponding to Figure 1A is shown. [Figure 12] This shows the next step. [Figure 13] A represents an alternative embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to Figure 3A. B represents an alternative embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to Figure 3A. [Figure 14] The plan view shows the system during the manufacturing of an assembly for an electrochemical cell. [Figure 15] An alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown using the representation corresponding to Figure 5A. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0123] In the drawings, the same reference numeral indicates the same, similar, or corresponding element. The elements shown in the drawings are not necessarily represented to a fixed scale. Rather, the various elements shown in the drawings are presented in such a way that their function and general purpose can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0124] Figures 1A and 1B show a part of the system in a manufacturing step of an electrochemical cell assembly of a cell stack according to one embodiment of the present invention, with Figure 1A being a horizontal cross-sectional view and Figure 1B being a top view.

[0125] A first plate 10 having the form of a bipolar plate or bipolar subplate as a substrate is provided on one of several identical individual carriers 100 (see also Figure 14) of the transport system 1000. This first plate 10 has through-openings 11.1-11.6 for various fluids, transition regions 12.1, 12.2 at both ends, and a flow field 13 with channels. Thus, during operation, in some embodiments, hydrogen or air may be supplied in known ways, passing through the respective flow fields 13 where they can react electrochemically. Reaction products and / or residues, in some embodiments, unreacted hydrogen and / or air and / or water are discharged as appropriate, thereby setting up, using, or operating the electrochemical cell as a fuel cell. In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell may be inversely configured, used, or operated as an electrolytic cell. If the first plate is a bipolar plate or a bipolar subplate of a bipolar plate, it may in particular be an anode subplate or a cathode subplate. As described above, the bipolar plate and the bipolar subplate are collectively referred to as the “bipolar (sub)plate,” or in other words, the bipolar (sub)plate referred to herein may be either the bipolar plate or the bipolar subplate. If the first plate is a bipolar plate, providing it or a pre-manufactured bipolar plate may improve the manufacturing of the bipolar plate and / or the stability of the substrate.

[0126] The bipolar (sub)plate 10 is coated with an electrical insulating coating 14 at station 214 (see Figure 14) of the system's coating apparatus 2000 in the steps shown in Figures 2A and 2B. The corresponding station 214 is shown in Figure 2A by a coating apparatus 114 with at least one exit opening 114.1.

[0127] In some embodiments, the bipolar (sub)plate 10 may instead already include an electrical insulating coating 14 when it is provided as a substrate. In this case, the steps shown in Figures 2A, 2B or the corresponding station 214 may be omitted.

[0128] At station 221 of the coating apparatus 2000 (see Figure 14), the first gas diffusion layer 21 is added by placing it on the insulating coating 14 of the bipolar (sub)plate 10 in the steps shown in Figures 3A and 3B. Such station 221 of the coating apparatus 2000 is shown in Figure 3A by the gas diffusion layer constructor 121.

[0129] In a further station 270 of the coating apparatus 2000, in the steps shown in Figures 4A and 4B, one or more layers of the molding material 70 are coated onto a bipolar (sub)plate 10 provided as a substrate, increased in a further process of the method, and optionally actively solidified in one or more stations. This station 270 is shown in Figure 4A by a molding material coating apparatus 170 with at least one exit opening 170.1. In some embodiments, the molding material 70 may be coated using screen printing, (droplet) jetting, or the like.

[0130] The applied molding material 70 forms at least partially an enclosure, preferably having a closed or continuous periphery or edge, or at least a peripheral section of a (complete) enclosure. Two or more layers may be composed of the same molding material. Additionally or alternatively, two or more layers may be composed of different molding materials.

[0131] The molding material 70 is also applied to the (outer) edge of the first gas diffusion layer 21, thereby connecting the bipolar (sub)plate 10 and the first gas diffusion layer 21 to each other, and the first gas diffusion layer 21 is surrounded by the molding material 70 (providing a first plate and a first gas diffusion layer placed thereon as a base material, and applying the molding material to this base material or to the first plate and the first gas diffusion layer).

[0132] The molding material 70 is applied so as not to reach the outer edge of the bipolar (sub)plate 10, but overlapping the transition regions 12.1 and 12.2 (not specifically shown in Figure 4B, see Figures 1B and 3B) above the first gas diffusion layer 21, and covering the through openings 11.1 to 11.6.

[0133] In some embodiments, one or more layers of the molding material may be applied before the first gas diffusion layer 21 is placed on the bipolar (sub)plate 10, thereby further fixing the first gas diffusion layer 21 while it is being placed on the bipolar (sub)plate 10. Again, two or more layers may consist of the same molding material and / or two or more layers of different molding materials (when a first plate without the first gas diffusion layer is provided as a substrate, and the molding material is applied to this substrate or the first plate). In some embodiments, the bipolar (sub)plate 10 is added later, and instead, in some embodiments, -The molding material is applied to a carrier 100 provided as a substrate or to a support 1 provided as a substrate placed on top of it, and then a first gas diffusion layer 21 is added, and optionally, further molding material is applied (providing a substrate different from the assembly components and applying the molding material to this substrate or carrier or support), or -When the first gas diffusion layer 21 is placed on the carrier 100 or on the support 1 placed thereon, and the molding material is applied thereafter (only when the carrier or support and the first gas diffusion layer placed thereon are provided as a substrate, and the molding material is applied to this substrate or carrier / support and the first gas diffusion layer), Preferably, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the first gas diffusion layer 21 is surrounded by the molding material 70. In either case, the steps or corresponding stations shown in Figures 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B are omitted, and Figure 3A is replaced by Figure 13A, which shows the step of placing the first gas diffusion layer 21 on the support 1 placed on the carrier 100, or by Figure 13B, which shows the step of placing the first gas diffusion layer 21 on the carrier 100. Also, in Figures 3B to 10B, the bipolar (sub)plate 10 is omitted or replaced by the support 1 shown only in Figure 13A, so that the first gas diffusion layer 21 is placed directly on the carrier 100 or on the support 1 placed on it, and the steps or stations in Figures 3A, 3B and 4A, 4B are interchangeable. In some embodiments, the bipolar (sub)plate 10 is added after the steps or stations in Figure 10A, Figure 10B, or Figure 11 by separating the structure shown therefrom the carrier 100 and optionally the support 1, and instead connecting it to the bipolar (sub)plate 10.

[0134] After the first gas diffusion layer 21, positioned on the bipolar (sub)plate 10, or on the carrier 100, or on the support 1, is enclosed by an already partially formed enclosure (see Figures 4A and 4B), the electrode material is coated onto the first gas diffusion layer 21 inside this partially formed enclosure. This is shown in Figures 5A and 5B. The corresponding station 231 (see Figure 14) is shown in Figure 5A by an electrode material coating apparatus 131 having at least one outlet opening 131.1. The strength of the electrode material increases as the method progresses. Optionally, it is actively solidified at one or more stations.

[0135] As a result, the first electrode 31 is fabricated or added in situ and adheres to the already partially formed enclosure and the first gas diffusion layer 21.

[0136] Next, the film material 40 is applied to the first electrode 31 in a partially formed enclosure, as shown in Figures 6A and 6B. The corresponding station 240 (see Figure 14) is shown in Figure 6A by a film material coating apparatus 140 having at least one outlet opening 140.1. The strength of the film material increases as the method progresses. Optionally, it is actively solidified at one or more stations.

[0137] Next, at the corresponding station 241 of the coating apparatus 2000 (see Figure 14), the reinforcing layer 41 is placed on the coated film material 40 in the steps shown in Figures 7A and 7B. This station 241 is shown in Figure 7A as the reinforcing layer placement apparatus 141. In some embodiments, the coated film material 40 is not yet (completely) solidified, and preferably at least substantially (not at all) solidified compared to the coating described above. In this way, the coated reinforcing layer 41 can be penetrated by the coated film material 40. Preferably, substantial, and especially complete, solidification of the coated film material 40, such as by drying or removal of the solvent, occurs only after the reinforcing layer has been preferably completely penetrated by the coated film material.

[0138] As a result, the proton exchange membrane 42 is fabricated or added in situ, and the membrane material adheres to the already partially formed enclosure and the first electrode 31.

[0139] In some embodiments, an additional film material may be added to the coated reinforcing layer 41, or the reinforcing layer 41 may be incorporated into the coated film material 40. In some embodiments, the reinforcing layer or the corresponding station 241 may also be omitted.

[0140] In some embodiments, instead of coating the film material, a pre-fabricated proton exchange membrane may be placed on the added first electrode 31 by optionally placing or introducing at least one reinforcing layer. In this case, the steps shown in Figures 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B or the corresponding stations 240, 241 may be omitted.

[0141] In some embodiments, instead of coating the electrode material and film material, at least one reinforcing layer may be optionally placed or introduced, or a pre-fabricated proton exchange membrane may already be coated on the first electrode 31, preferably a second electrode 32, as described below, is also placed on the gas diffusion layer 21. In this case, the steps or corresponding stations shown in Figures 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B and 8A, 8B may be omitted, and a proton exchange membrane coated with electrode 31 and optionally electrode 32 may be added as shown in Figures 7A, 7B.

[0142] If the second electrode 32 has not yet been added (by adding a properly coated proton exchange membrane), in some embodiments, further molding material 71 is applied, which also forms part of the enclosure. Two or more layers of such further molding material 71 may consist of the same molding material as the layers of molding material 70. Additionally or alternatively, two or more layers of such further molding material 71 may consist of different molding materials.

[0143] As a result, the reinforcing layer 41 can be optionally and additionally fixed in an advantageous position.

[0144] Such additional molding material 71 may be omitted in some embodiments and is indicated only by dashed lines in the drawings. The corresponding stations are not shown in Figure 14. In some embodiments, the molding material 70 (see Figures 4A, 4B) may also be applied to a correspondingly higher level, the reinforcing layer may be dimensioned to a correspondingly smaller level, or its edges may be submerged in the molding material, and the molding material still has corresponding absorbency.

[0145] If a second electrode 32 has not yet been added (by adding a properly coated proton exchange membrane), in some embodiments, the electrode material is coated onto the proton exchange membrane and optionally into an already partially formed enclosure. This is shown in Figures 8A and 8B. The corresponding station 232 (see Figure 14) is shown in Figure 8A by an electrode material coating apparatus 132 having at least one outlet opening 132.1. The strength of such electrode material increases as the method progresses. Optionally, it is actively solidified in one or more stations.

[0146] As a result, the second electrode 32 is fabricated or added in situ and bonded to the already partially formed enclosure and proton exchange membrane.

[0147] In the corresponding station 222 of the coating apparatus 2000 (see Figure 14), the second gas diffusion system 22 is added in the steps shown in Figures 9A and 9B by placing it on the second electrode 32. Such a station is shown in Figure 9A by the gas diffusion layer placement device 122 of the coating apparatus 2000.

[0148] In a further station 272 of the coating apparatus 2000 (see Figure 14), one or more layers of the molding material 72 are coated in the steps shown in Figures 10A and 10B, the strength of which is increased in a further process of the method, and optionally actively solidified in one or more stations. This station is shown in Figure 10A by the molding material coating apparatus 172 with at least one outlet opening 172.1. In some embodiments, the molding material 72 may be coated using screen printing, (droplet) jetting, or the like.

[0149] The applied molding materials 70, 72, and optionally 71 form a fully formed enclosure. Two or more layers may consist of the same molding material. Additionally or alternatively, two or more layers may consist of different molding materials.

[0150] In some embodiments, one or more layers of the molding material 72 may already be applied before the second gas diffusion layer 22 is placed, and these further fix the second gas diffusion layer 22 while the second gas diffusion layer 22 is placed on the second electrode 22. Furthermore, two or more layers may be made of the same molding material and / or two or more layers may be made of different molding materials.

[0151] Following the addition of such a second gas diffusion layer 22, a second plate 10' is added, and the second gas diffusion layer 22 is placed between the second electrode and this second plate. This station or a corresponding station is shown in Figure 11.

[0152] In some embodiments, such a second plate 10' may simultaneously be a first plate of a further assembly that has already been manufactured prior or in parallel, or will be manufactured later, as described herein (as shown in Figure 12). In this case, such a first plate may remain on or be provided on the carrier 100. In some embodiments, such a second plate 10' may also be a bipolar subplate, in particular an anode or cathode subplate, which is connected to the first plate in particular in the form of an (additional) bipolar subplate. In particular, this may be a cathode or anode subplate of a further assembly that is manufactured or manufactured, as described herein, to form a bipolar plate, or is designed, provided or used for this purpose.

[0153] In some embodiments, the assemblies of Figures 10A and 10B may be separated from the carrier 100 and connected to further, preferably identically constructed and / or identically manufactured assemblies. Preferably, the first plate or bipolar plate 10' of this further assembly is placed on a second gas diffusion layer 22 or enclosure or molding material 72, and preferably integrally connected to the assemblies of Figures 10A and 10B by this molding material 72. Similarly, it may be advantageous to connect the second subplate or bipolar subplate 10' to the first subplate or bipolar subplate of an assembly for forming a further, preferably identically constructed and / or identically manufactured bipolar plate, in the configuration shown in Figure 11 or according to the configuration shown in Figure 11. Such further assemblies may have already been manufactured or may be manufactured after the connection.

[0154] As can be seen in particular in Figure 11, the applied molding materials 70, 72, and optionally 71 connect to assembly components 10, 21, 31, 40, and 41, as well as further components 22, 32, and 10'. At least in the completed assembly, after its strength has increased, the first plate 10 and the proton exchange membrane 42 are electrically insulated from each other, forming a peripheral seal of reaction space R1 between the first plate 10 and the proton exchange membrane 42, and forming a peripheral seal of reaction space R2 between the proton exchange membrane 42 and the second plate 10'. The first gas diffusion layer 21 and the second gas diffusion layer 22, the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32, and the proton exchange membrane 42 are surrounded by enclosures formed by the molding materials 70, 72, and optionally 71. The molding materials 70, 72, and optionally 71 are applied to at most the outer edge of the first plate. The first bipolar (sub)plate 10 has transition regions with electrode-side openings 12.1, 12.2 for fluid, which overlap at least partially by the coated molding material and at least partially by the first gas diffusion layer. Furthermore, the first bipolar (sub)plate 10 has through-openings 11.1-11.6 for fluid, which are enclosed by the coated molding material.

[0155] Figure 12 shows the addition of a second plate 10', which is also a plate for the further assembly described above (which has already been manufactured), as can be seen in the drawing.

[0156] Figure 12 schematically shows an embodiment in which the coated molding material 72 has a raised portion 72.1 at the contact point between the second plate 10' and the molding material before contact between the plate and the molding material, and the second plate 10' has a raised portion 10.1' at the contact point between the second plate 10' and the molding material 72. In some embodiments, the raised portions 72.1 and / or 10.1' may be omitted, and / or similarly, the first plate 10 and / or the molding material 70 may have corresponding raised portions at the contact point between the first plate 10 and the molding material 70 before contact between the plate and the molding material, and / or similarly, the corresponding raised portions may also be provided on the upper side of the further assembly (upper side in Figure 12).

[0157] As described above, the second plate 10' may also be connected to another bipolar subplate to form a bipolar plate, or a bipolar subplate designed, provided, or used for this purpose.

[0158] Figure 14 has already been partially described. Furthermore, Figure 14 shows exemplary test stations 233, 243 and 235, as well as reprocessing stations 234 and 236.

[0159] At test station 233 or 235, the first or second electrode is tested by test apparatus 133 or 135. If an error is detected, the corresponding carrier 100 is discharged to reprocessing station 234 or 236 as a result of a corresponding (error) message, where reprocessing of the first or second electrode is attempted. If this is successful, the carrier is reinserted (in station 240 or 222); otherwise, it is removed from the process. If a defect in the proton exchange membrane is detected by test apparatus 143 in test station 243, the corresponding carrier 100 is discharged from the process as a result of a corresponding (error) message. Such stations or steps are exemplary, and in some embodiments, one or more of such stations 233, 243, 235, 234, 236 or corresponding steps may be omitted, and / or corresponding further stations or steps may be provided elsewhere.

[0160] In some embodiments, the carrier 100 is - While applying the electrical insulating coating 14 to the bipolar (sub)plate 10 (see Figures 2A, 2B), and / or - While applying one or more layers of the molding material 70 (see Figures 4A, 4B), and / or -While the electrode material is being applied to the first gas diffusion layer 21 in order to manufacture or add the first electrode 31 (see Figures 5A, 5B), and / or -While the film material 40 is being applied to the first electrode 31 (see Figures 6A, 6B) and / or while additional film material is being applied to the applied reinforcing layer 41, and / or -While applying further molding material 71 (see Figures 8A, 8B), and / or - While the electrode material is being coated onto the proton exchange membrane in order to manufacture or add the second electrode 32 (see Figures 8A, 8B), and / or -It is also moved while the molding material 72 is being applied (see Figures 10A and 10B). Preferably, the carrier is moved horizontally and / or vertically in one or two directions. As a result, in some embodiments, the corresponding outlet openings (see 114.1, 170.1, 131.1, 140.1, 132.1, 172.1) may remain stationary, thus simplifying the design of the corresponding stations. Similarly, one or more corresponding outlet openings may be moved horizontally and / or vertically, preferably in one or two directions, in addition to the movement of the carrier, during coating. This allows for particularly advantageous movement patterns and / or improved processing speeds. Similarly, the carrier may remain stationary while performing at least the coatings described herein. This allows for improved accuracy.

[0161] Figures 3A and 3B show the first gas diffusion layer 21 provided on the carriers 100 of several individual carriers of the transport system 1000 (see Figure 14).

[0162] Figure 13A shows a first gas diffusion layer 21 provided on a support 1 (placed on the carriers 100 of several individual carriers of the transport system 1000) (see Figure 14).

[0163] Figure 13B shows the first gas diffusion layer 21 provided on the carriers 100 of several individual carriers of the transport system 1000 (see Figure 14).

[0164] Figure 15 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention in a representation corresponding to Figure 5A, in which a prefabricated frame 300 is provided instead of an enclosure formed by coating a molding material. As will be explained with reference to Figures 13A and 13B, the first gas diffusion layer 21 may also be provided on the carrier 100 itself or on the support 1 instead of on the bipolar (sub)plate 10.

[0165] To represent more compactly, the insulating coating 14 is marked on only one side of plates 10 and 10'. Preferably, the insulating coating 14 of plate 10 and / or plate 10' is located or formed on both sides, in particular (in the case of bipolar plates) (also located on the underside of plate 10 in Figures 11 and 12, on the top surface of plate 10' in Figure 11, and on the underside of plate 10' in Figure 12). [Explanation of symbols]

[0166] 1 Support 10. First (bipolar (sub) plate) 10' Second (bipolar (sub)) plate 10.1' ridge 11.1~11.6 Through-opening 12.1, 12.2 Transition region Flow field with 13 channels 14. Insulating coating 21 First gas diffusion layer 22 Second gas diffusion layer 31 First electrode 32 Second electrode 40. Membrane materials 41 Reinforcement layer 42 Proton exchange membrane 70~72 Molding material 72.1 Ridge Carrier for 100 System Transport System 114 Coating apparatus 114.1 Exit opening 121, 122 Gas diffusion layer placement apparatus 131, 132 Electrode material coating apparatus 131.1, 132.1 outlet opening 133, 135 Test equipment 140 Film material coating apparatus 140.1 Exit opening 141 Reinforcement layer placement device 143 Test equipment 170, 172 Molding material coating device 170.1, 172.1 Exit opening 214, 221, 222, 231-236, 240, 241, 243, 270, 272 Stations for the coating device of this system 300 Prefabricated Frame 1000 Conveyor System 2000 Coating device R1, R2 reaction space

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing an assembly for an electrochemical cell, wherein the assembly comprises at least the following assembly components: First plate (10, 10') for supplying and / or discharging fluid, Proton exchange membrane (42), A first electrode (31) is positioned between the first plate and the proton exchange membrane, and It includes a first gas diffusion layer (21) disposed between the first plate and the first electrode, The aforementioned method, A) Providing a substrate having only a part of the assembly components, particularly the first plate and / or the first gas diffusion layer, and B) A step of assembling the assembly, which includes adding the remaining assembly components. or a) The step of providing a substrate different from the assembly components, and b) A step of assembling the assembly, which includes adding the assembly components, Includes, An enclosure is formed by applying a molding material (70-72) to the provided substrate in one or more layers, The strength of the molding material increases after this coating, according to the method.

2. At least one layer of the molding material forming the enclosure or at least the peripheral section of the enclosure is applied before step B) or b), and / or The applied molding material is present in at least the completed assembly. Connecting at least two of the assembly components, and / or The first plate and the proton exchange membrane are electrically insulated from each other, and / or To form a peripheral seal of the reaction space between the first plate and the proton exchange membrane, and / or In at least the completed assembly, the first gas diffusion layer and / or the first electrode and / or the proton exchange membrane are surrounded by the enclosure and / or The molding material is applied to the substrate up to the outer edge of the first plate, and / or The first plate has at least a transition region (12.1, 12.2) having an electrode-side opening for the fluid, the transition region being at least partially overlapped by the coated molding material and / or by the first gas diffusion layer, and / or The first plate has at least one through-opening for the fluid and / or at least one through-opening for other fluids, the through-opening being surrounded by the coated molding material, and / or The first gas diffusion layer, which is positioned on the first plate, is at least temporarily fixed on the first plate during the coating of the molding material, and / or At least one layer of the molding material is applied before the first gas diffusion layer and the first plate are placed adjacent to each other, and / or The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the first plate and / or the coated molding material have at least one raised portion (10.1', 72.1) at the contact point between the first plate and the molding material, at least before contact between the first plate and the molding material.

3. The method according to any one of the prior claims, characterized in that the addition of the first electrode comprises coating the first gas diffusion layer with an electrode material, wherein the strength of the electrode material increases after such coating.

4. The method according to the prior claim, characterized in that the electrode material for adding the first electrode is applied at least partially within the enclosure, and / or the first electrode is attached to the enclosure and / or the first gas diffusion layer.

5. The method according to any of the prior claims, characterized in that the addition of the proton exchange membrane comprises coating the first electrode with a membrane material (40), wherein the strength of the membrane material increases after such coating.

6. The film material is applied to add the proton exchange membrane to at least partially formed enclosure, and / or the film material adheres to the enclosure and / or the first electrode, and / or The addition of the aforementioned proton exchange membrane is Introducing at least one reinforcing layer into the coated film material, and / or The method according to the prior claim, characterized in that a reinforcing layer (41) is placed or formed on at least one layer of the coated film material.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that adding the proton exchange membrane includes placing a pre-fabricated proton exchange membrane on the added first electrode.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the addition of the first electrode and the proton exchange membrane includes arranging a pre-fabricated coating having the proton exchange membrane covered with the first electrode on the first gas diffusion layer.

9. The method according to any one of the prior claims, characterized in that a second electrode (32) is added at the same time as or after the addition of the proton exchange membrane, so that the proton exchange membrane is positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode.

10. A second gas diffusion layer (22) is added simultaneously with or after the addition of the second electrode, such that the second electrode is positioned between the proton exchange membrane and the second gas diffusion layer, and / or In at least the completed assembly, the second electrode is enclosed by the enclosure and / or The method according to the prior claim, wherein adding the second electrode after the addition of the proton exchange membrane includes coating the added proton exchange membrane with an electrode material, the strength of which increases after such coating.

11. The electrode material for adding the second electrode is applied to at least a partially formed enclosure, and / or the second electrode is attached to the enclosure and / or the proton exchange membrane, and / or The method according to the prior claim, characterized in that in at least the completed assembly, the second gas diffusion layer is surrounded by the enclosure.

12. The method according to any one of prior claims 10 or 11, characterized in that the second plate (10') is added at the same time as or after the addition of the second gas diffusion layer, such that the second gas diffusion layer is positioned between the second electrode and the second plate.

13. The applied molding material is present in at least the completed assembly. Connecting the first plate and the second plate, and / or The second plate and the proton exchange membrane are electrically insulated from each other, and / or the first plate and the second plate are electrically insulated from each other, and / or To form a peripheral seal of the reaction space between the second plate and the proton exchange membrane, and / or The second plate is, The first plate of another assembly, Manufactured according to the method described in any one of the prior claims, or Manufactured according to the method described in any one of the prior claims, or It is connected to the first plate of another assembly, Manufactured according to the method described in any one of the prior claims, or Manufactured according to the method described in any one of the prior claims, Or, it is configured in such a way, and / or The method according to the prior claim, characterized in that the second plate and / or the coated molding material have at least one raised portion (10.1', 72.1) at the contact point between the second plate and the molding material, at least before contact between the second plate and the molding material.

14. - The first plate has an insulating coating (14) manufactured before or during the method, and / or At least one layer of at least one of the materials is coated by at least one exit opening (114.1, 131.1, 132.1, 140.1, 170.1, 172.1) and / or by a printing method, and / or solidified by thermal and / or irradiation, and / or Prior to adding at least one of the components referred to in the claims, in particular at least one of the assembly components referred to in the claims, at least one layer of the molding material forming the enclosure or at least a peripheral section of the enclosure is applied to the assembly, and / or the component is placed within the at least partially formed enclosure, and / or After adding at least one of the components referred to in the claims, in particular at least one of the assembly components referred to in the claims, at least one layer of the molding material forming the enclosure or at least a peripheral section of the enclosure is applied to the assembly so that the component is surrounded by the at least partially formed enclosure and / or Applying the molding material to the substrate includes applying a layer of the first molding material to the substrate. Applying at least one additional layer of the first molding material to form the peripheral section of the enclosure, and / or Applying at least one additional layer of a second molding material to form the peripheral section of the enclosure, and / or The method according to any one of the prior claims, characterized by applying at least one additional layer of the first molding material or the second molding material having a different shape from the aforementioned one layer.

15. The method according to any one of the prior claims, characterized in that the substrate is provided on or at least partially by one of several individual carriers (100) of a transport system, and such carrier is transported to a coating device, in which at least the assembly components are added in step b) or the remainder of the assembly components in step B).

16. The carriers are individually movable, and / or The carrier is transported from one of at least one pair of stations of the coating apparatus to another station, and / or discharged from the section of the transport system in response to a message, and / or The method according to the prior claim, characterized in that the coating apparatus is modified after the assembly has been manufactured by replacing at least one station of the coating apparatus with another station, and at least one further assembly is manufactured by the modified coating apparatus according to the method according to the prior claim.

17. An electrochemical cell, particularly a fuel cell or electrolytic cell, wherein the electrochemical cell is A first plate (10) for supplying and / or discharging fluid, A second plate (10') for supplying and / or discharging fluid, A membrane electrode assembly is disposed between the first plate and the second plate, wherein the membrane electrode assembly is The first electrode (31) facing the first plate, The second electrode (32) facing the second plate, and It includes a proton exchange membrane (42) disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, A first gas diffusion layer (21) is disposed between the first plate and the first electrode, The device has a second gas diffusion layer (22) disposed between the second electrode and the second plate, An electrochemical cell assembly having at least the first plate, the first gas diffusion layer, the first electrode, and the proton exchange membrane is manufactured according to the method of any of the prior claims, and / or a molding material (70-72) adhering to the first plate is coated to form a peripheral seal of the reaction space between the first plate and the proton exchange membrane, and / or electrically insulate them from each other, and at least partially overlaps with a transition region of the first plate having an electrode-side opening for supplying and / or discharging fluid, and / or surrounds at least a through-opening of the first plate, and / or extends up to the outer edge of the first plate.

18. A cell stack comprising at least two electrochemical cells as described in the prior claims, wherein the second plate (10') of one of the electrochemical cells is identical to the first plate of an adjacent electrochemical cell, or is connected to the first plate of an adjacent electrochemical cell.

19. A system for manufacturing at least one assembly for an electrochemical cell, particularly a cell stack, according to any of the prior claims, The system further comprises a coating device (2000) for adding at least the assembly components in step b) and the remainder of the assembly components in step B).

Images