Fuel cell and method of preparation thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fuel cell using bipolar hollow tubes with incorporation of water / electrolyte management structures made up of a single conductive material. The fuel cells of the present invention provides easy water management system, better response to rapid load changes, increased efficiency, and better performance in both stationary and transport applications.

Description

FUEL CELL AND METHOD OF PREPARATION THEREOFFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to the technical field of fuel cells (FC), and particularly relates to a fuel cell using bipolar hollow tubes with incorporation of water / electrolyte management structures made up of a single conductive material.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Fuel cells play a significant role in addressing climate change by offering a clean and efficient alternative to traditional combustion-based power generation and transportation. They offer a promising pathway towards a more sustainable, efficient, and resilient energy future, with potential benefits across various sectors, including transportation, stationary power generation, and portable electronics.

[0003] Fuel cells produce electricity through electrochemical reactions, typically involving hydrogen and oxygen, without combustion. This means they produce electricity without emitting harmful pollutants such as greenhouse gases, which contribute to air pollution and climate change. They offer a cleaner alternative to conventional fossil fuel-based power generation, helping to mitigate environmental impact. By enabling the use of alternative fuels such as hydrogen, renewable biogas, or biofuels, fuel cells can help reduce dependence on finite fossil fuel resources. This promotes energy security and resilience by diversifying energy sources and reducing reliance on imported fuels, which can be subject to geopolitical uncertainties and price fluctuations. Additionally, fuel cells are compatible with renewable sources and modem energy carriers (i.e., hydrogen) for sustainable development and energy security. As a result, they are regarded as the energy conversion devices of the future.

[0004] Fuel cells, especially those fueled by hydrogen or biogas or (natural gas / other types of fuel cells which use oxygen as fuel), can provide a sustainable and decentralized energy solution for powering off-grid communities, rural healthcare facilities, and remote industrial sites. Off-grid fuel cell systems can help improve energy access, enhance economic development, and reduce reliance on diesel generators, which are expensive and polluting. Also, they can serve as reliable backup power systems for critical infrastructure. During power outages or grid disruptions, fuel cell backup power systems can provide uninterrupted electricity supply, ensuring the resilience and reliability of essential services. The static nature of fuel cells also means quiet operation without noise or vibration, making them suitable forapplications where noise pollution is a concern, such as residential areas or indoor environments. In short, fuel cells provide a cleaner, more efficient, and the most flexible chemical-to-electrical energy conversion.

[0005] Among several types of fuel cell technologies, polymer electrolyte membrane, also known as proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) are one of the most promising types already in the early commercialization stage. Nonetheless, further development and research are required to reduce costs, enhance durability, and further optimize and improve performance. Most of the research currently being conducted on PEMFCs is on the individual cell-level and the general system-level. A proper understanding of the principles of fuel cell operation combined with a current outlook of the fuel cell industry are vital for overcoming current obstacles and the general advancement of fuel cell technology.

[0006] Fuel cells have the highest efficiency at lower currents, even though the FCs is designed to run at higher current densities but are forced to run it at lower currents due to efficiency constraints. Reactants unavailability (concentration polarization) is considered one of the main reasons for the same. Further, the reason why fuel cell can’t operate at better efficiencies at higher current densities is primarily due to a phenomenon called water flooding. Water management is critical in fuel cells to prevent flooding or drying out of the electrolyte and electrodes. At higher current densities, the water management becomes more challenging due to increased water production and removal requirements. Water flooding occurs when there is an excessive accumulation of water within the fuel cell components, particularly at the cathode and anode electrode surfaces, membrane -electrode assembly (MEA), and gas diffusion layers (GDLs). Another major disadvantage with fuel cell is their response to rapid load changes. Rapid load changes can pose challenges for fuel cells due to the time required for the cell to respond to changes in power demand.

[0007] There is therefore an unmet need in the art to provide the new cell design for fuel cells that overcome the drawbacks of convention fuel cell i.e., addressing the issue of water flooding, load changes and other disadvantages.OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An objective of the present invention is to provide a new architecture of PEM fuel cell to overcome the challenges of low current density, mass transport limitation, water flooding and the performance.

[0009] Another objective of the present invention is to provide multifunctionality membrane based fuel cell and electrolyser.

[0010] Yet another objective of the present invention is provide new architecture membrane based fuel cell providing more efficient solution during a surge in power demand.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The following summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, example embodiments, and features described, further aspects, example embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description. Example embodiments provide system and method for identification of similar images across various domains.

[0012] The present invention relates to a fuel cell using bipolar hollow tubes with incorporation of water / electrolyte management structures made up of a single conductive material. The fuel cells of the present invention provides easy water management system, better response to rapid load changes, increased efficiency, and better performance in both stationary and transport applications.

[0013] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a fuel cell comprising:an anode and a cathode collectively forming the electrodes; wherein each electrode is formed using bipolar hollow tubes with incorporation of water / electrolyte management structures made up of a single conductive material; wherein the cathode side of the electrode comprises of multiple microscopic holes;a first gas diffusion layer (GDL) disposed adjacent to the anode; and a second gas diffusion layer (GDL) adjacent to the cathode, wherein the first and second GDL is configured to facilitate the flow of reactant gases;a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) disposed within a hollow space formed between the anode and the cathode and configured to facilitate an electrolytic reaction; wherein the MEA comprises:a membrane;an anode catalyst layer disposed adjacent to the membrane and the first GDL; and a cathode catalyst layer disposed adjacent to the membrane and the second GDL; wherein: the anode catalyst layer and the cathode catalyst layer are configured to facilitate the reactant gases coming from the GDL interact electrically and ionically with the electrolyte membrane with the help of the electrodes.

[0014] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the cathode of the fuel cell comprises water inlet and water exit configured to facilitate flow of water during the electrolytic reaction.

[0015] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the cathode of the fuel cell further comprises oxygen inlet and oxygen exit configured to facilitate flow of oxygen for the electrolytic reaction.

[0016] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the anode of the fuel cell comprises hydrogen inlet and hydrogen exit configured to facilitate flow of hydrogen for the electrolytic reaction.

[0017] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the catalyst in the anode catalyst layer and the cathode catalyst layer is applied as thin coating.

[0018] In another aspect of the present invention, the fuel cell further comprises a first microporous layer disposed between the first GDL and the anode catalyst layer and a second microporous layer disposed between the second GDL and the cathode catalyst layer that are configured to facilitate the flow of the gases to the membrane electrode assembly.

[0019] In another aspect of the present invention, the bipolar hollow tubes with incorporation of water / electrolyte management structures comprises a plurality of channels to facilitate oxygen and hydrogen to the electrodes via flow channels, water and heat away from the fuel cell, collection and conduction of electrical current in-series, and separation of the gases in adjacent cells.

[0020] In another aspect of the present invention, the conductive materials used may include, but are not limited to, graphite, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), copper, aluminum, platinum, titanium, or any combination thereof, offering a range of options for optimizing electrical conductivity and structural properties in various applications.

[0021] In another aspect of the present invention, the bipolar plates can be coated as a corrosion protection layer or as a catalytic surface. The coating materials are selected from the group consisting of noble metals such as platinum, palladium, gold, or ruthenium; conductive metal carbides such as titanium carbide or tungsten carbide; conductive metal nitrides such as titanium nitride or chromium nitride; conductive polymers; graphene or graphene oxide; and composite coatings combining any of the above to enhance the durability, conductivity, and catalytic activity of the bipolar plates.

[0022] In another aspect of the present invention, the membrane of the fuel cell is polymer-based membrane or any other material that can selectively transport H+ or OH- ions.

[0023] In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a fuel cell stack comprising a plurality of the fuel cell.

[0024] In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a fuel cell system comprising:(a) a fuel cell stack; and(b) balance of plant (BoP) system configured to provide the oxidant and fuel supply and storage, thermal management, water management, power conditioning, and instrumentation and control of the fuel cell system.

[0025] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DIAGRAMS

[0026] FIG. 1 is exploded view of corrugated cell implemented according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 2 is types of microscopic hole structures implemented according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 3 is assembly view of corrugated single cell implemented according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 4 is assembly view of corrugated series cell implemented according to aspects of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 5 is components view of corrugated cell implemented according to aspects of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 6A is sectional view of the cell implemented according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 6B is sectional view with flow of gases according to one embodiment of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0034] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification, which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as, “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense that is as “including, but not limited to.”

[0035] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with theembodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0036] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0037] All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0038] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Not with standing that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable.

[0039] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.

[0040] The headings and abstract of the invention provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the embodiments.

[0041] The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventiveelements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

[0042] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

[0043] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and / or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description that follows, and the embodiments described herein, is provided by way of illustration of an example, or examples, of particular embodiments of the principles and aspects of the present disclosure. These examples are provided for the purposes of explanation, and not of limitation, of those principles and of the disclosure.

[0044] It should also be appreciated that the present invention can be implemented in numerous ways, including as a system, a method or a device. In this specification, these implementations, or any other form that the invention may take, may be referred to as processes. In general, the order of the steps of the disclosed processes may be altered within the scope of the invention.

[0045] The present invention relates to a fuel cell using bipolar hollow tubes with incorporation of water / electrolyte management structures made up of a single conductive material. The fuel cells of the present invention provides easy water management system, better response to rapid load changes, increased efficiency, and better performance in both stationary and transport applications.

[0046] The term “bipolar hollow tubes with incorporation of water / electrolyte management structures” as used herein refers to a specialized configuration within a fuel cell system, particularly in electrodes. They are characterized by a series of interconnected, conductive tubes arranged in an honeycomb pattern. This structure maximizes the surface area for electrochemical reaction, enhances mechanical strength and provides efficient pathways forgas diffusion. The hollow nature of these tubes with incorporation of water / electrolyte management structures allows for uniform distribution of reactants, and effective water management while the microscopic holes on the cathode side facilitate improved oxygen delivery. Water is occasionally introduced into the channel cavity of the electrode to meet the demand of electrolytes upon surge in power demand. This design enables high current densities, rapid response to dynamic loads, and minimizes issues related to mass transport and flooding, thereby significantly enhancing fuel cell performance and durability.

[0047] In an embodiment of the present invention, the water / oxidiser penetration through holes in the channels is managed by controlling the flow of the water through pressure of the water chilling system.

[0048] In another embodiment of the present invention, the hole size is optimized to facilitate or control the delivery of water / oxidizer mixtures at the interface according to the pressure of the water / oxidizer.

[0049] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the holes are present on every alternate channel of the bipolar hollow structure. This arrangement allows effective heat management and water / oxidizer delivery.

[0050] In another embodiment of the present invention, the number of channels with the holes can be determined depending on electrolyte supply and heat transfer requirements.

[0051] In another embodiment of the present invention, the excess water can be removed by introducing vacuum eliminating / reducing the water flooding scenario.

[0052] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a fuel cell (100) as depicted in FIG. (1). The fuel cell (100) comprises an anode (104) and a cathode (126) collectively forming the electrodes; wherein each electrode is formed using bipolar hollow tubes with incorporation of water / electrolyte management structures made up of a single conductive material. The cathode side of the electrode comprises of multiple microscopic holes. The fuel cell further comprises a first gas diffusion layer (GDL) (112 )disposed adjacent to the anode; and a second gas diffusion layer (GDL) adjacent to the cathode, wherein the first and second GDL (120) is configured to facilitate the flow of reactant gases. A membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is disposed within a hollow space formed between the anode and the cathode and configured to facilitate an electrolytic reaction. The MEA (116) comprises a membrane, an anode catalyst layer disposed adjacent to the membrane and the first GDL (112), and a cathode catalyst layer disposed adjacent to the membrane and the second GDL (120). The anode catalyst layer and the cathode catalyst layer are configured to facilitate the reactant gases coming from the GDL interact electrically and ionically with the electrolyte membrane with the help of the electrodes.The first microporous layer (MPL) (114) is disposed between the first GDL and the anode catalyst layer, and a second microporous layer (MPL) (118) is disposed between the second GDL and the cathode catalyst layer. The anode (104) comprises hydrogen inlet (108) and hydrogen exit (102) configured to facilitate flow of hydrogen during the electrolytic reaction. The cathode comprises oxygen inlet (128) and oxygen and water exit (122) configured to facilitate flow of hydrogen for the electrolytic reaction.

[0053] The fuel cell further comprises lug connector (106), silicon gasket (110) and bolts, washer, nuts (124) configured to assemble the fuel cell. The inset figure of FIG. 1 depicts the microscopic hole structures in the cathode.

[0054] The membrane electrode assembly (MEA) of the fuel cell of the present invention is configured to facilitate the formation of anions and cations during the electrolysis process. In one embodiment, the membrane is formed using materials that enable the protons to travel from the anode to the cathode. The MEA acts as a film barrier between the oxidation and reduction half reactions.

[0055] Membrane is a semipermeable barrier that is configured to conduct a specific type of ions while blocking another set of ions. In one embodiment, the membrane is formed using materials that enable only the transport of H+ ions while blocking the permeability of gases and electrolyte. In one embodiment, the membrane is formed using perflourosulfonic acid polymer like Nafion.

[0056] In one embodiment, anode catalyst layer (IrOz) is disposed adjacent to the anode and GDL. Similarly, cathode catalyst layer (Pt / C) is disposed adjacent to the cathode and GDL.The electrochemical reactions occur simultaneously at the interfaces between the two catalyst layers and the membrane.

[0057] In one embodiment, the anode catalyst layer and cathode catalyst layer are coated on the respective sides of membrane. In another embodiment, the anode catalyst layer and cathode catalyst layer are coated on first GDL and second GDL respectively. In one embodiment, the anode catalyst layer is typically composed of materials such as iridium oxide (IrCL), ruthenium oxide (RuCL), or a combination of these, often supported on conductive substrates to enhance catalytic activity and stability. For the cathode catalyst layer, platinum-based catalysts such as platinum on carbon (Pt / C) are commonly used, with variations including platinum alloy catalysts (e.g., Pt-Co, Pt-Ni) to improve reaction efficiency. Additionally, advanced catalysts such as palladium-based materials, transition metal-nitrogen-carbon (M-N-C) catalysts, and platinum group metal-free (PGM-free) catalysts may also be employed for specificapplications. These catalysts are selected based on their high catalytic activity, durability, and suitability for the electrochemical reactions in the fuel cell.

[0058] The microporous layer (MPL) of the fuel cell of the present invention is configured to facilitate the flow of the gases to the membrane electrode assembly. Further the microporous layer also enables the electrolyte to be evenly distributed over the anode. The microporous layer further enables the absorption, retention, and controlled release of electrolyte as needed for optimal system performance without obstructing the components, such as oxygen pathway.

[0059] In another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 depicts types of microscopic hole structures (200) arranged in the cathode of the present invention. The hole structures in the bipolar hollow tubes can be arranged in different positions to each other. The hole structures can be present opposite or diagonal to each other and can be present continuously or in group of holes separated with predetermined distance.

[0060] FIG. 3 shows the assembly view of corrugated single cell (300) implemented according to one aspect of the present invention. The anode (304) and the cathode (326) are connected as a single cell using the lug connector (306), silicon gasket (310) and bolt, nuts (324). The single cell comprises the anode (304) with hydrogen inlet (302), hydrogen exit (308) and the cathode (326) with oxygen inlet (328), oxygen and water exit (322).

[0061] The assembly view of corrugated series fuel cell (400) is shown in the FIG. 4. In the series fuel cell (400), the anodes (404) and cathodes (428) are connected serially using the lug connector (406), silicon gasket (410) and bolt, nuts (424).

[0062] In another embodiment, FIG. 5 provides components view of the corrugated fuel cell comprising anode, silicon gasket, anode gas diffusion layer, anode microporous layer, membrane electrode assembly, cathode microporous layer, cathode gas diffusion layer, cathode and fastener (bolts and nuts).

[0063] In another embodiment of the present invention, the FIG. 6A provides the sectional view of the fuel cell of the present invention.

[0064] In another embodiment of the present invention, the FIG. 6B depicts the sectional view with flow of the gases hydrogen and oxygen and the flow of water.

[0065] In another embodiment of the present invention, the hydrogen and oxygen gases are supplied directly to their respective electrodes: hydrogen to the anode and oxygen to the cathode. These gases diffuse evenly through the gas diffusion layers until they reach the catalyst layer, where oxidation and reduction reactions are stimulated. Protons generated at the anode catalyst layer are subsequently transferred across the membrane to the cathode side. Meanwhile, electrons produced at the anode GDL travel to the cathode GDL, where theycombine oxygen and protons to produce water. The water generated at the cathode GDL then exits through the same layer into the cathode.

[0066] When there is a sudden surge in power demand, it becomes necessary to ensure an adequate supply of oxygen at the cathode to meet this demand. To enhance efficiency in meeting this demand, O2 is introduced into the channel cavity in the form of an oxidizer. The oxidizer can be solutions like Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2 and H2O).H2O2 H2O + O2Both the hydrogen peroxide and water are delivered to the Gas Diffusion Layer (GDL) through the microscopic holes on the cathodic side of the bipolar tube. At the cathode GDL, the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) dissociates into water and oxygen, providing large quantities of oxygen at the interface, followed by additional electrochemical reactions with the increased oxygen quantity on the cathode side. This reaction results in the immediate local generation of both water and high-purity oxygen at the electrochemical reaction interface, thereby enabling the fuel cell to operate efficiently under high or dynamic loads without suffering from mass transfer limitations. As the oxygen is being supplied in liquid form, the quantity of oxidizer like hydrogen peroxide required is much less at the interface. The amount of oxygen that an oxidizer like hydrogen peroxide can deliver at interface corresponds to high volume of oxygen at vapour phase. The locally generated oxygen ensures a highly reactive environment, promoting enhanced reduction reactions, while the water produced contributes to membrane hydration, improving ionic conductivity and overall fuel cell stability.

[0067] Accordingly to the present invention, the oxygen is supplied in a liquid-phase form via an oxidizer, the quantity of oxidizer required is significantly lower than the volume of gaseous oxygen that would otherwise need to be supplied externally. This effectively eliminates the requirement for multi-stage oxygen compression typically employed to match the high-pressure hydrogen supply in conventional fuel cell systems. Given that hydrogen is generally stored and delivered at elevated pressures using standard high-pressure gas cylinders or onboard compressors, conventional fuel cells must compress oxygen to comparable levels in order to maintain a balanced pressure environment across the membrane. This oxygen compression process introduces parasitic power consumption, increases system complexity, and reduces overall energy efficiency. By contrast, the use of a liquid-phase oxidizer not only obviates the need for such energy-intensive oxygen compression systems but also enables a more compact and efficient fuel cell configuration. Furthermore, if operation under higher oxygen partial pressures is desired — such as to support even higher current densities or maintain pressure balance with high-pressure hydrogen — the same can be readily achieved byincreasing the volume or concentration of the oxidizer introduced at the cathode side. This provides a tunable and scalable method for oxygen delivery without mechanical compressors, thereby enhancing the adaptability of the system across variable operating conditions while preserving energy efficiency.

[0068] In another embodiment, the present invention can run as an electrolyser by using the same cooling channels for supplying water at the catalytic surface. One main advantage of this is that there is no need of battery pack to absorb power generated due to breaking or deceleration (in transportation applications) eventually resulting in less capital investment.

[0069] In another embodiment of the present invention, the adoption of hollow tubes addresses the issue of water flooding, a significant drawback in conventional fuel cells. In standard fuel cells, although some of the generated water exits the system, a portion remains trapped within the cell, leading to issues such as mass transport losses and restricted availability of active area, ultimately resulting in reduced efficiency. One of the primary advantages of utilizing bipolar hollow tubes is their substantial volume capacity. This facilitates unimpeded gas flow and prevents blockages, effectively averting flooding and the associated losses stemming from mass transport limitations and active area blockage.

[0070] In another embodiment of the present invention, the electrolytes are supplied directly to their respective electrodes, and are configured to diffuse through their respective gas diffusion layers (GDLs) to reach the catalyst layers, where electrochemical oxidation and reduction reactions occur.

[0071] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the microscopic holes on the cathodic side of the bipolar tube facilitate supply and delivery of oxygen to the cathode via oxidizer selected from a solution comprising of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and water.

[0072] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the oxidizer decomposes at the cathode GDL, thereby providing enhanced oxygen availability at the reaction interface to support high and dynamic electrical loads.

[0073] In yet another embodiment of the present invention liquid-phase introduction of oxygen via oxidizer reduces the volume of oxygen or it increases the rate of reaction and produces more power required while delivering an oxygen equivalent corresponding to high vapor-phase volumes, and minimizing mass transport limitations.

[0074] In another embodiment of the present invention, the fuel cell further comprises current collector configured to collect current and passes it to / from the external circuit. The end plate is configured to provide sufficient contact pressure in the stack to prevent leaking of reactants and to minimize the contact resistance between different layers.

[0075] In another embodiment of the present invention, the membrane of the fuel cell is polymer based membrane. The reactant gases of the fuel cell are oxygen and hydrogen.

[0076] The foregoing embodiments are merely illustrative and are not to be taken as limitations upon the scope of the invention. Various changes and modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the inventionADVANTGAES OF THE INVENTION:• The present invention provides the fuel cell having increased efficiency and transient response time.• The present invention provides the fuel cell that eliminates mass transport limitations, operates at high current densities without compromising in efficiencies, and provides better response to rapid load changes.• The present invention provides the fuel cell that shows better performance in both stationary and transport applications and easy water management system.• The present invention provides the fuel cell that has reversible design which can perform as an electrolyser.

Claims

I Claim:

1. A fuel cell comprising:an anode and a cathode collectively forming the electrodes; wherein each electrode is formed using bipolar hollow tubes with incorporation of water / electrolyte management structures made up of a single conductive material; wherein the cathode side of the electrode comprises of multiple microscopic holes;a first gas diffusion layer (GDL) disposed adjacent to the anode; and a second gas diffusion layer (GDL) adjacent to the cathode, wherein the first and second GDL is configured to facilitate the flow of reactant gases;a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) disposed within a hollow space formed between the anode and the cathode and configured to facilitate an electrolytic reaction; wherein the MEA comprises:a membrane;an anode catalyst layer disposed adjacent to the membrane and the first GDL; and a cathode catalyst layer disposed adjacent to the membrane and the second GDL;wherein: the anode catalyst layer and the cathode catalyst layer are configured to facilitate the reactant gases coming from the GDL interact electrically and ionically with the electrolyte membrane with the help of the electrodes.

2. The fuel cell as claimed in claim 1, wherein the anode hydrogen inlet and hydrogen exit configured to facilitate flow of hydrogen gas during the electrolytic reaction.

3. The fuel cell as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cathode comprises oxygen inlet and oxygen exit configured to facilitate flow of oxygen and water for the electrolytic reaction.

4. The fuel cell as claimed in claim 1, wherein catalyst in the anode catalyst layer and the cathode catalyst layer is applied as thin coating.

5. The fuel cell as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a first microporous layer disposed between the first GDL and the anode and configured to facilitate the flow of the gases to the membrane electrode assembly.

6. The fuel cell as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a second microporous layer disposed between the second GDL and the cathode and configured to facilitate the flow of the gases to the membrane electrode assembly.

7. The fuel cell as claimed in claim 1, wherein a single cell is formed by assembling the membrane and the gas diffusion layers (GDL) on both the anode and cathode sides, secured in a pressurized configuration with a silicon gasket to facilitate reactant gases in their respective regions in each cell.

8. The fuel cell as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bipolar hollow tubes with incorporation of water / electrolyte management structures comprises a plurality of channels to facilitate oxygen and hydrogen to the electrodes via flow channels, water and heat away from the fuel cell, collection and conduction of electrical current in-series, and separation of the gases in adjacent cells.

9. The fuel cell as claimed in claim 1 or 8, wherein the electrolytes are supplied directly to their respective electrodes, and are configured to diffuse through their respective gas diffusion layers (GDLs) to reach the catalyst layers, where electrochemical oxidation and reduction reactions occur.

10. The fuel cell as claimed in claim 1 or 8, wherein the microscopic holes on the cathodic side of the bipolar tube facilitate supply and delivery of water for hydration of the membrane and independently creation of the oxygen species using a mixture of water and an oxidizer (e.g., hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)) at the cathode.

11. The fuel cell as claimed in claim 10, wherein the oxidizer decomposes at the cathode GDL, thereby providing enhanced oxygen availability at the reaction interface to support high and dynamic electrical loads.

12. The fuel cell as claimed in claim 1, wherein the liquid-phase introduction of oxygen via oxidizer reduces the volume of oxygen required or it increases the rate of reaction and produces more power required while delivering an oxygen equivalent corresponding to high vapor-phase volumes, and minimizing mass transport limitations.

13. The fuel cell as claimed in claim 1, wherein the oxidizer solution provides direct humidification to the polymer electrolyte membrane, thereby maintaining optimal hydration levels required for high proton conductivity and reducing membrane dehydration during high current operation.

14. The fuel cell as claimed in claim 1, wherein the combined effect of local oxygen generation and membrane hydration from the water and oxidizer mixture results in improved mass transport, minimized ohmic losses, and enhanced transient response under varying electrical loads.

15. The fuel cell as claimed in claim 1, further comprises current collector configured to collect current and passes it to / from the external circuit.

16. The fuel cell as claimed in claim 1, further comprises end plate configured to provide sufficient contact pressure in the stack to prevent leaking of reactants and to minimize the contact resistance between different layers.

17. The fuel cell as claimed in claim 1, wherein the conductive materials are selected from the group consisting of graphite, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) , poly vinylidene fluoride (PVDF), copper, aluminium, platinum, titanium and combination thereof.

18. The fuel cell as claimed in claim 1, wherein the membrane is polymer based membrane or any other material that can selectively transport H+ or OH- ions.

19. The fuel cell as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reactant gases are oxygen and hydrogen.

20. A fuel cell stack comprising a plurality of the fuel cell as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 12.

21. A fuel cell system comprising:(a) a fuel cell stack as claimed in claim 14; and(b) balance of plant (BoP) system configured to provide the oxidant and fuel supply and storage, thermal management, water management, power conditioning, and instrumentation and control of the fuel cell system.

22. The fuel cell system as claimed in claim 16 is designed for versatile applications across various sectors selected from battery electric vehicles, portable electronics, stationary power generation, aerospace and aviation systems, marine propulsion, backup power solutions for critical infrastructure, residential and commercial energy systems, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and hybrid power systems.

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