CA2331740A1 - Stack of fuel cells with liquid cooling, and method for cooling a fuel cell stack - Google Patents
Stack of fuel cells with liquid cooling, and method for cooling a fuel cell stack Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2331740A1 CA2331740A1 CA002331740A CA2331740A CA2331740A1 CA 2331740 A1 CA2331740 A1 CA 2331740A1 CA 002331740 A CA002331740 A CA 002331740A CA 2331740 A CA2331740 A CA 2331740A CA 2331740 A1 CA2331740 A1 CA 2331740A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- fuel cell
- stack
- cell stack
- fuel
- sealing frame
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/02—Details
- H01M8/0271—Sealing or supporting means around electrodes, matrices or membranes
- H01M8/0273—Sealing or supporting means around electrodes, matrices or membranes with sealing or supporting means in the form of a frame
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/02—Details
- H01M8/0202—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors
- H01M8/0267—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors having heating or cooling means, e.g. heaters or coolant flow channels
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/24—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells
- H01M8/241—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells with solid or matrix-supported electrolytes
- H01M8/242—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells with solid or matrix-supported electrolytes comprising framed electrodes or intermediary frame-like gaskets
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/24—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells
- H01M8/2465—Details of groupings of fuel cells
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/24—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells
- H01M8/2465—Details of groupings of fuel cells
- H01M8/2483—Details of groupings of fuel cells characterised by internal manifolds
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M2300/00—Electrolytes
- H01M2300/0017—Non-aqueous electrolytes
- H01M2300/0065—Solid electrolytes
- H01M2300/0082—Organic polymers
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
- H01M8/04007—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids related to heat exchange
- H01M8/04029—Heat exchange using liquids
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
- Y02E60/50—Fuel cells
Abstract
The invention relates to a fuel cell stack with liquid cooling, especially for stationary use. The cooling system uses novel sealing frames (1) which tightly seal the intermediate space between adjacent fuel cell units (4) and which also contain integrated supply and distribution channels for the coolant.
Description
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r'll'1 ~ Ol.u:=JLJ_J'1Z~1 .J'i=l i C. G7 r 06-NOV-2000 16:'3 FRCIM TO '300d99i3i731406 P.20i~3 0~-2~-2000 n~ oo~~oi3m GR 199BP01726 wC7 PCx/DE 99/0313 Description Stack of fuel cells with liquid cooling, and method for cooling a feel cell stack The invention relates to a fuel cel.i st,eck with liquid coo~,~ing, in particular .far stationary use, novel sealing frames being used ir. the cooling system, which tightly seal the space between ad;;acent fuel ce~,l units 1o and, at the ea~~ne time, include integrated supply and d~.stributicn channels for the coolant.
DE 7.96 4 9 691 A1 has alreadyr dleci; ibed lic~ufd cooling far a f»el cell stack which is known from DE-C 44 42 185, in which coal!ng arra~~dement a liquid immersion bath is used. However. this design only resul~a in insufficiently uniform fxew of cooling liquid through the fue-1 cell stack unless bulky coolant distributors are installed. ~iowevex, ZnstalJ,ing distributors of this type is expensive and has an 2o ad~rerse effects on the size and weight of the fuel cell stack.
EP ~ 833 400 A1 describes a fuel ce'_1 in which, to fix the fuel ~~ell stack, there arQ sealing frames which tightly enclose the apace between the separators.
In this arrangement, bores for gases and the coolant are provided in the sealing frame. furthøxmorv, US 5 736 269 A ha: disclosed a fuel cell stack sz~d a method for pressing the individual fuel cPli unit to form the stack, in which. openings are once again provided in the sealing frame. In the prior art, the bores each form .inlets for coolant lines which, in various dorms, run througY~ tt~e fuel Cell stack. As a result, the structure is relatively comp.icated and expensive.
AL~ENDED $E;EET
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06-NOU-2000 16=54 FROM TO 90~4991?1?31~t06 P.22i23 Working on the basis of the prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide an inexpensive, compact structure far the liquid cooling of e~ fu~1 cell ltaCk, in which str~xcture a a~ocaa level of cooling is ensured by means of uniform flaw through :he fuel cell stack.
According to the invantior~, the abject is achieved by the features of patent claim i. RefinemLents axes qivan in th~ dependent claims . A meC:~od for oparatinp a fuel call stank formed in this way forms the subject matt,ar oi° patent c3.aim 5.
The subjec matter of the invention is a fuel ~e11 stack, cor~.pz:.sing at bast twc~ fuel cell units, in which a sealing frame tightly encloses the space i5 between the separators of t~~e f~aelL cell units for a cooling medium, and in which continuous ax-al channels are formed by the etaeking of the individual fuel cell units with, between them, suppc:rt rings which have axial and radial bores.
In a preferred configuration oaf the invention, the sealing frame prajdcts laterally beycand the periphery of the fuel cell stack. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the fuel cell 5tacic is composed of Fuel cell unf is w;7iCt~ Cdr. ba tested individually. Tn ~.nother embod~.ment c~ they invention, the sealing frame is of m~ui~tipart design, the distribution and fi~lpply channels being composed of less elastic material than the sealing parts. Zt is possible for the dl8tz'ibutioa anc3 Supply Charnels c~ be tubes which provide the sealing frame with additional stabil:.ty.
In the associated method fc~r operating the fue:, cell stack according to the ir.vantion. cooling liquid AME~iDED SHEET
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_ 2a ..
i9 paa9ed ~hraugh the axial channels batwv en the fuel cell waits of thc~ stack.
Further advanta~~oua configu.ratio ns of the invention. are given in th~ following explanations arid the de:cription of the figures.
A foal cell unit comprises a separator or ecllector plate, a cathode space, a membrane, an anode apace and a further separator or collector plate.
pepenc~ing on rr~qui.z~e~rierits, a fuel cell stack comprises a p~.urality o~ fuel cell units which ,~aah supply approx. 0.7 V. Generally, a fuel cell M ack wilt comprise approx. '!00 to 150 fuel cell units.
Apart from the aealinC frame, t;~.e fuel cell stack is known fx;otr. the prier art and is not descrit~ed in more detail in the present application, "the searing frame o:: the fuel cell stack is essential to the operation and economic viability of the entire f~.~el cell system. The see~li.ng fra~mt may be of single~-part design, fpr es~ampla may be cast from a piece of elastic material, or may be of multipart design, and in turn made from 'dentical or different materials. To AMEhIGEG SHEET
RCV BY :900-55 A9ETCAI_FE : 11 -10- 0 : 7: OOf,~l : +49 :71'31 7.34F~Ei7-: :
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06-r.lOlJ-?000 16: 49 FROM TO ~I 9~499132'7314~6 P . eE% 2;~
ensure that the seals are provided with respect to one Esnother and w~.th respect to the colleetc~r plates az~d, at the same time, to provide tolexancls with z'espect to changes in thickness in the gp.aces between the fuel cell units and/or in the fuel. cell units, at ~.eaar_ parts of the sealing fxame must consist of elastic materiml. The supply and distxibutiori channels, which are intlgrated in the 'e&ling frame, may, fc~r exesrnple, be made f.r_om less a~.astic mater5,a~. imstal, e.g.
1G lightW~ight metal aluminum) and/ox plastics, e.g. PVC.
polycerbonate or the like) than t~,o se3lirzg and thaz~~tox:~ elt~atic: pext3 of the sealix:g ~xam~a.
The sealing frame may be formea from one piece gor an tntire fuel Cs~ll stack, but there may also be one sealing frame per fuel cell unit, r~r~d furthermars it i~ poesibl~ for in each ca~~ trao nz r_hree or any desired number cf ~tue7. cell units of the fuel cell stack to be combined under nne sealing fxam~s. The number of sealing frames per fuel cei.1 M ack has na 2n Rffect on whether or not it is possible to te9t individual cells. To tact individual ceps, the sealing frame .rs puale~~ out, after ;he clarcy(sl which, depending cn the particular embodiment, may be rrti3aing has/have been r~placed by one (or more) temporary aux-l.iary clamp(ts). It is important that while a fuel cell unit is be:Lng tasted there is a permanent seal le.g. provided by C3.8mps, rivets or tre like) or temporary pt89'ure until this unit is refitted to the fuel cell otack.
Moreover, fvr individual cell testing, :,t is of decisive importance that the pr~esibly protruding sealing frame altio leaves cJ-ear a space on the outside via which -.he fuel cell unfits car. be takers hold of. Tne design then makes it easy tc sampJ.e, test and exchange entire cells of t:he fuel cell stack.
RCV BY : 900-55 METCALFE : 1 1; -. 10- 0 : 7 : 00A111 : +453 9131 7:34F3E;7-~
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06-iJOV-2000 16:0 FRAM TO 90049913173140a P.0'7i23 -- 3a Tubes which form the axial coolant channels (supply and removal channel) may be int~tgrgted in t::e sealing frame, Flow~v~r, the embodiment ir. which t.le axia~. supply an.d/or removal channe:. i:;/are formed S during aa~ombly c~f t~h~ fuel c~sl1 stack by stacking t:~e s~al_ng frames on top of one RCV BY:900-5S ME~T'C,4LFE :17.-10- 0 : 7:OlAt7 : +49 91031 ia3~b8Er7-~ :#7-7 1CJ-IVUV LG.JO I~ft. VUI'I.LI ~' 1'1 .=. J1LI1 LI\L rT7 J1J1 I.J~UGI
t'71Y.p1,.JL..~~..U'T'TU JL11'J.11 06-NOU-20~ 16:550 FROM TG 900499131?31406 P.06i23 GR 9$ P 1'726 another onl~r with the aid of support rings and seals withcut additi~na:l components is also preferred, In one embodim~nt ef the invention, the sealing frame has a periphery which 18 ~9rnaller than or of the 3 same size as thA fuel cell stack. m this case, the axial channel for supp7.ying coolant cannot be arranged outside tt~e sr~la of the calleot.cr plates, and cvnsequetztly the collec~or plates of the ater.~c have holes or cutouts which, in the 'uel Cell stack, are part of the axial. ooolara channels (cf. Fig~~re 5). The supply arid removal channels for the Cooling medium may in this case either ba integxated in the sealing franc or arYanged outside ti,:e outer sealing frame. ::his design. combines the advantages of a low con3umption of material and a low mass of the ovexall stru~~ture.
In the embodiment of the invention in which the sealinq fame projects beyond the periphery of the fuel cell stack, the demands imposed on the properties of the material of the sealing frame tar.d also its complexit~~) may be much lower than irt other liquid-coaleC: fuel cell stacks, s~.nce the reaction gases are guided separately in the actual fuel celll stack, where they are a~.ao sealed. The cooling medium is guided outside the actut~l fuel cell stack, in th,e protruding sealing frame. ?he application of pressur~ during assembly of the fuel cell stack (filter press technique] and the current conduction may also tak~
place separately fxom the sealing frame, provided that it is applitd suDSequently, for example by injection molding. If the sealing frames are f_tted in stacked form, the sea?inl~ frames are also pressed during the cell stacking. ::n the embodiment with a protruding sealing frame, thd pressure is applied via th:
separators, and "..herefore in this respect too demands 3.5 impC9ed on the matEri.al of the sealing frame are eliminated.
T:he coo J. ant which passes -o the sHpazatuLa via the axial supply channel is distributed via radial or RCV BY : 900--~.-r~ MET'CALFE : 11 - 10 - ( ) : -' : U 1 A~1 : +~~°~ ~) L:31 ?'._;4 8E>~r-~ : # 18 1U- IV'JV 1L..JU I-IC ~./UIV. ~ I I"f"1 t:_ 71L=I1 t-;W Z'.-:: -W J1 I.J'tUU ~
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06-NCV-2000 16:50 FROM 7~1 900499131731406 P,09%23 GEt 9g P 1726 hori,~ontal distri.~ution channel9 of any desired shape, size and RCV BY:900-55 VII::TCALF6' :11-lU- 0 ; 7:OlAM : +4~~ 91~3r 7t3~1.8F~7--. ;#19 1KJ-~IYUV 1G.JU f ~ VUIY.L'. (-r'I L :J1.G11 C-JCL '-'fJ :J1J.:. IJ~fOVI
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06-NOV-2000 16:50 FROM TO 90049933i?314fB6 P.10r23 material. They may also be distribution channels such as those which have been disclosed, for example, in German Application 196 02315.?, entitled: "Liquid cooled fuel cell with distribution channels" dated S 01.23.96.
Compared to the air-cooled variant of the same fuel cell stack, the liquid cooling according to the luvention evori reduce8 the overall height of trf~ fUet cell stack. on account of the higher heat absorption l0 capacity of the cooling medium.
The invention is ~xplained in rr.ore detail below wyth refer~nce to exemplary embodj.ment,s. Irt the drawing:
Figure 1 shows a Groae aeCtion through a fuel toll stack accoreiing to the inr~sntion with protruding Sealing fxame.
Figure 2 ahowe a perspectzva, exploded view of the embodiment shhwn wn Figure 1.
Figtlre 3 shows ari ~mbodiment of t'te invention 2D in which the sealing frame also protrudes and clamps the ccllector plates and the membrane in the fuel. cell stack.
Figure 4 shows a $eraling frame of multipart design.
~"igure 5 shQwa Eon embodiment in which the s~raling frame does not, in crass sect'_cn, prcjoct beyond the periphery og the fuel ::ell stack, in pt~rticular the arrangement with the a:,cial supply Channels outside the outer sealing frame.
pigure 1 shows a diagrammatic str~.~cture of ,a fuel cell stack according 'CO the invention. The component 4 is a fuel cQll unit and Comprises t:~e collector plates ~a and ~b which ar~ shown and delzmit the anode space and cathode space. The plates 9a and 4b are held together with the mambrs,ne 9d by the clamp 9c, which at the same time provides a gastight .seal for the anodC dnd Cathode gas spaces. The Catalyst, the electrodes and tha current collector, which likewise RCV _BY:9U0-55 N1ETC.ALFE :11-'LO- 0 : ?:02.A~I : +4u J1~31 ?t3~1f'~F'7-~ ;#20 1YJ IVUV 1L. J7 ~ fO. VUI4. L 1 If'1 L ..71~I 1 LIVL -~~T7 71,_!.L I ~W U(.,I
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06-NDU-2000 15 ~ 51 FFlOf1 TO 900499131 ~314i~6 P . 11 r~3 GR 98 P 1?26 - 5a -farm part of th~ fuel cell unit 9, cannot be seen frora the f~.gure. The component 1 la ~ s~alir~g frame according to the iriv~ntion~ the diameter of which is larger than that of the fuel cell s4ac3c. Oc~e of thm axial supply or removal RCi' BY : 900-55 )1ETCALFE : 1 1 - l 0- Ci : 7 : 02AN1 : +4;7 53131 '7a3~18F;7-. : #21 1YJ IVUV 1'W .J_7 ( 1~ 'JUIV.LI fl-I L ,J1C.11 Li'.,i- ~T1=J J1 J1 IJ'~OC:I
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GR 98 p 1726 channe~.s la, which runs in the direction ~>f the stack, can al*o be seen. The radial charuxel (radza~l or horizontal. distr:lbution channQl? ib, through which the coolant flows onto the surface whl.ch is to ba cooled, ~..e. intv the apace betwreeri two fuel cell units, starts from the axial channel.
Figure z shows an exp7.odsd view of the same fuel cell stack, with a cooling and conte~ct plats 2 between the fuel cell ursits. The sea3.ing frame 1 hr~s at to least two bores la in the axial direction ;direction of the stacks which, when. the fuel real stack is asastribled, form at least one sup~sly channel for supplying coolant and a removal channel for removing coolant. It can be seen from the perspective view that the sealing frame ie larger than the fuel cell unit 4.
In the embodiment shown here, the axial channels 1a are accommodated ir_ that part of the sealing frame which projects beyond the fuel cell stack. This embodianent is preferred, but other arrangements of the axial channe3.s with a protruding sealing frame are also possibles. The radial channels l.b, which pass the coolant onto the surface which is to be cooled between the individual fuel cell units, run away from one axial channel acnd toward at least one other axial channel. The number of radial channels may vary, with preferably 1 to 5 radial chaansls, particularly preferably 3 such channels, as shown, branching off f ram an axial channel. Preferably, the Game number of radial channels lb t~f the same diam~!ter lead to the cooling surface and away from it again, but it is also conceivable for the diameter and/or number of the radial removal cha~nnGls~ to differ from the diameter and/or number of radial supply channels.
The sealing frame haB a typical thickness which coxxse~pondm to the. diats,r~ce betw*en two fuel call units in a fuel call stack, i.C. s.pprox. 1 to 5 mm.
The radial bores Ib, which form the radial cha,nztels, are arranged in such a way in the sealing KCV BY : 9(lU-55 A9BTC.AL.FE : 1 1 - l0- 0 : 7 : 0'?AM : ~-4-~l 91 a31 734~B67-. : #22 1YJ-IWJV 1L.,JJ fW. VUIY.t_1 f'1'1 G. J1l=1-! C.ICL 'f-~= J1.J1 I,J~VI_ti f'IIY.V1JL..~C_.UZZJ JL11LWL
06-hAU-20~ 16~51 FROM TO 9~1991~1731406 P.13!?_3 - 6a -frame that they allow medium to f~,ew through the apace between the fuel cell units, in order for RCV BY:900-55 METCALFB :ll-lU- 0 : 7:02.4M : +49 91.31 73486'7 :#23 lYJ-IVUV 1G. JJ I' IC VUIY. r_ I f-I'f G- Jl!_11 L!<L T ~l' J1J1 I J~L1U 1 1'11 n. GIlJL.JGW'T'TC: Jl-l l L. t:_J
06-NOV-200 16~51 FRAM TG 9004919131?31406 P.14i23 the heat tram the cella to be diaaipstect ~.a that space.
Thexefora, together with the collertar plates 9a and 9b bearina against it, the aea;ling frame (ar the sea~l5.t~g framer of a fuel cell stack) forms a coalznq system whiCr. is Sealed off from the outer space and from the reaction aas spaces tanode and cathode gas spaces . To ensure that the fu~1 Cells are sealed with respect to one another and with resprct CO th6 Co':lector pl3~tes 4a and 4b and, at the same time, to provide tolerance w:.th rtspect to changes in thickness of the fuel ce~.:~s 4, at least parts of the ssalirig frame 1 consist: of elast:.c material. However, compared to those o.f other cooling systems, the demands imposed on the materials used for liquid-cooled fuel cell stacks are law, since the reaction gas~s ors not sealed inside the sealing frame.
The pressure durinr~ the asserrr.bly of the stack and the current conduction also takes place separately from the sealing frame, namely in the contact plat~a 2, in a similar way to in air-cooled fuel cell storage batteries.
Figure 3 shawl an embodiment in which the sealing frame takes over the function of the clamps 4c from Figure i, w:~ich have beep: pushed onto the edge of the fuel. cell ~3nit5 and, by means of the pressure which they exert on the collector plates 4a and 4b and the m~mbrana 9d, allow an edge seal to be formed. Zn this ambodirrent, the numbAr of parts from which t fuel cell s~taek is constructed is reduced. Figure 3 shows a cross sectio:~ through <j design without clamps 4C, in which the sealing frame 1 tshown with radial charm~la lb and axial channels ~.aj~ produces the pressure which the collector plates 4a and ~b exert. on the membrane 9d and thus seals the reaction gas spaces.
Figure 4 shows an Pxample of haw a sealing frame Cray also be composed of a plurslity of compon~nts. Th! component 1 is preferably made from relativel~r unelastic material, :i,nca~ it cot2tains the RCV _BY : 900-55 VIE'TCALFE _ : 17 - 1.0- 0 : 7: 03A11 ; +49 :37:31 3:34-867-: #24 1CJ I'4JV 1J~VJCJ f I': 'LIW L~ t rl L J1~-1-I LI'sL -rT.7 J1J.L IJ'TOVI
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06-NOU-24~r~0 16: J~ FROM TO 90049r3131731406 ~ P. 15123 - 7a-boxes for the ch«nnels, whereas the ca~r.poz~snt 2 ~~ala ~he cooling system with respect to tha out;si~le and is accordingly made ~'xom elastic sealing materi.~l~
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06-hJOV-20A0 16:52 FROM TO 90049913131406 f~.16i~3 cR ~a p 1~z6 _g_ The seal 2 may be injection-molded onto the frame 1 and thus ante again form a sir~.c~lrrr unit (a component).
finally, Figure 5 shows an embvditnwr~t with sealing frames inside the fuel tail stack. The figure shown the cross sectiGn through the fuel cell stack with an example of how all the axial ohannel9 az~e arranged. All th~r :apply arsd removal channels which run in the direction of the fuel cell stack are referred to 7.0 as axial channels. Thin therefore means the process-gas supply and remav.al channels as well as the coolant supply and ramous;. channel.
The small ellipsoids '7 show the seals which are arranged of each of the collector arid cooling plates.
These s~als are simple flat seals on the collector plates. The collector plates 9a and 4b axe Shawn as being undulating. The membrane 4d is adjoined both at the top (on the far left hand side of the figure) and at the bottom (on the far right hand fide of the figure? by a support ring 6 with axial and radial bores thra~:gh which the process gas flows orita the a:tive cell s~.:rface. The center of tho figure shags support rings 6 with radial bares which lie bettyeen the collector plates as arid 4b. These support wings 6 form ?5 part of an axial coolant--supply or coolant-ramov~8~1 channel 1a and mad, far examplsr be made from the same material ass the, smaling fre~tn~e, ~..e.. for exampleF from plantic.s (polycarbanata) or from a lightweight metal such as alu:niw,.~m. The Coolant passes via these support rir_qs 6 into the call spaces in oWder tc c-r~ol the system. The sen,_ing frame ~. can re seen bet-weep the collector plates at the edge of the fuel cell stark.
#29 lYJ IVIJV 1J. YJ1 ~ IC VUI V ~ L I I-1"t L J1G 1 1 GILL t-'f J J1J 1 I JZOU I
r'll'1 ~ Ol.u:=JLJ_J'1Z~1 .J'i=l i C. G7 r 06-NOV-2000 16:'3 FRCIM TO '300d99i3i731406 P.20i~3 0~-2~-2000 n~ oo~~oi3m GR 199BP01726 wC7 PCx/DE 99/0313 Description Stack of fuel cells with liquid cooling, and method for cooling a feel cell stack The invention relates to a fuel cel.i st,eck with liquid coo~,~ing, in particular .far stationary use, novel sealing frames being used ir. the cooling system, which tightly seal the space between ad;;acent fuel ce~,l units 1o and, at the ea~~ne time, include integrated supply and d~.stributicn channels for the coolant.
DE 7.96 4 9 691 A1 has alreadyr dleci; ibed lic~ufd cooling far a f»el cell stack which is known from DE-C 44 42 185, in which coal!ng arra~~dement a liquid immersion bath is used. However. this design only resul~a in insufficiently uniform fxew of cooling liquid through the fue-1 cell stack unless bulky coolant distributors are installed. ~iowevex, ZnstalJ,ing distributors of this type is expensive and has an 2o ad~rerse effects on the size and weight of the fuel cell stack.
EP ~ 833 400 A1 describes a fuel ce'_1 in which, to fix the fuel ~~ell stack, there arQ sealing frames which tightly enclose the apace between the separators.
In this arrangement, bores for gases and the coolant are provided in the sealing frame. furthøxmorv, US 5 736 269 A ha: disclosed a fuel cell stack sz~d a method for pressing the individual fuel cPli unit to form the stack, in which. openings are once again provided in the sealing frame. In the prior art, the bores each form .inlets for coolant lines which, in various dorms, run througY~ tt~e fuel Cell stack. As a result, the structure is relatively comp.icated and expensive.
AL~ENDED $E;EET
RCV BY : 900-55 METCALFE : 11- 10- ~~ : 7 : O~Ayi : +9-a 01 a37 ?~348E~?-~ :
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06-NOU-2000 16=54 FROM TO 90~4991?1?31~t06 P.22i23 Working on the basis of the prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide an inexpensive, compact structure far the liquid cooling of e~ fu~1 cell ltaCk, in which str~xcture a a~ocaa level of cooling is ensured by means of uniform flaw through :he fuel cell stack.
According to the invantior~, the abject is achieved by the features of patent claim i. RefinemLents axes qivan in th~ dependent claims . A meC:~od for oparatinp a fuel call stank formed in this way forms the subject matt,ar oi° patent c3.aim 5.
The subjec matter of the invention is a fuel ~e11 stack, cor~.pz:.sing at bast twc~ fuel cell units, in which a sealing frame tightly encloses the space i5 between the separators of t~~e f~aelL cell units for a cooling medium, and in which continuous ax-al channels are formed by the etaeking of the individual fuel cell units with, between them, suppc:rt rings which have axial and radial bores.
In a preferred configuration oaf the invention, the sealing frame prajdcts laterally beycand the periphery of the fuel cell stack. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the fuel cell 5tacic is composed of Fuel cell unf is w;7iCt~ Cdr. ba tested individually. Tn ~.nother embod~.ment c~ they invention, the sealing frame is of m~ui~tipart design, the distribution and fi~lpply channels being composed of less elastic material than the sealing parts. Zt is possible for the dl8tz'ibutioa anc3 Supply Charnels c~ be tubes which provide the sealing frame with additional stabil:.ty.
In the associated method fc~r operating the fue:, cell stack according to the ir.vantion. cooling liquid AME~iDED SHEET
RCV BY : 900-55 11E'rCAI_FvE ; 1 1 - 1 n- 0 : r : UF:W1 : v49 J!. _31 7.'#8ti'7y : #31 1'U-IVU'./ 1U.CJG ~f4 vIUIY.LI x'1"1 ;: ;.:IlLli G'\L -~Z_:7 ~1.-11 I.~TOCUI
1~71Y.Ul.~C_~ILU~T~I'CJ JG11L:..J1 06-tVOV-2000 16:54 FROM TO 900449131?3x406 1~.22i2~
_ 2a ..
i9 paa9ed ~hraugh the axial channels batwv en the fuel cell waits of thc~ stack.
Further advanta~~oua configu.ratio ns of the invention. are given in th~ following explanations arid the de:cription of the figures.
A foal cell unit comprises a separator or ecllector plate, a cathode space, a membrane, an anode apace and a further separator or collector plate.
pepenc~ing on rr~qui.z~e~rierits, a fuel cell stack comprises a p~.urality o~ fuel cell units which ,~aah supply approx. 0.7 V. Generally, a fuel cell M ack wilt comprise approx. '!00 to 150 fuel cell units.
Apart from the aealinC frame, t;~.e fuel cell stack is known fx;otr. the prier art and is not descrit~ed in more detail in the present application, "the searing frame o:: the fuel cell stack is essential to the operation and economic viability of the entire f~.~el cell system. The see~li.ng fra~mt may be of single~-part design, fpr es~ampla may be cast from a piece of elastic material, or may be of multipart design, and in turn made from 'dentical or different materials. To AMEhIGEG SHEET
RCV BY :900-55 A9ETCAI_FE : 11 -10- 0 : 7: OOf,~l : +49 :71'31 7.34F~Ei7-: :
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06-r.lOlJ-?000 16: 49 FROM TO ~I 9~499132'7314~6 P . eE% 2;~
ensure that the seals are provided with respect to one Esnother and w~.th respect to the colleetc~r plates az~d, at the same time, to provide tolexancls with z'espect to changes in thickness in the gp.aces between the fuel cell units and/or in the fuel. cell units, at ~.eaar_ parts of the sealing fxame must consist of elastic materiml. The supply and distxibutiori channels, which are intlgrated in the 'e&ling frame, may, fc~r exesrnple, be made f.r_om less a~.astic mater5,a~. imstal, e.g.
1G lightW~ight metal aluminum) and/ox plastics, e.g. PVC.
polycerbonate or the like) than t~,o se3lirzg and thaz~~tox:~ elt~atic: pext3 of the sealix:g ~xam~a.
The sealing frame may be formea from one piece gor an tntire fuel Cs~ll stack, but there may also be one sealing frame per fuel cell unit, r~r~d furthermars it i~ poesibl~ for in each ca~~ trao nz r_hree or any desired number cf ~tue7. cell units of the fuel cell stack to be combined under nne sealing fxam~s. The number of sealing frames per fuel cei.1 M ack has na 2n Rffect on whether or not it is possible to te9t individual cells. To tact individual ceps, the sealing frame .rs puale~~ out, after ;he clarcy(sl which, depending cn the particular embodiment, may be rrti3aing has/have been r~placed by one (or more) temporary aux-l.iary clamp(ts). It is important that while a fuel cell unit is be:Lng tasted there is a permanent seal le.g. provided by C3.8mps, rivets or tre like) or temporary pt89'ure until this unit is refitted to the fuel cell otack.
Moreover, fvr individual cell testing, :,t is of decisive importance that the pr~esibly protruding sealing frame altio leaves cJ-ear a space on the outside via which -.he fuel cell unfits car. be takers hold of. Tne design then makes it easy tc sampJ.e, test and exchange entire cells of t:he fuel cell stack.
RCV BY : 900-55 METCALFE : 1 1; -. 10- 0 : 7 : 00A111 : +453 9131 7:34F3E;7-~
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06-iJOV-2000 16:0 FRAM TO 90049913173140a P.0'7i23 -- 3a Tubes which form the axial coolant channels (supply and removal channel) may be int~tgrgted in t::e sealing frame, Flow~v~r, the embodiment ir. which t.le axia~. supply an.d/or removal channe:. i:;/are formed S during aa~ombly c~f t~h~ fuel c~sl1 stack by stacking t:~e s~al_ng frames on top of one RCV BY:900-5S ME~T'C,4LFE :17.-10- 0 : 7:OlAt7 : +49 91031 ia3~b8Er7-~ :#7-7 1CJ-IVUV LG.JO I~ft. VUI'I.LI ~' 1'1 .=. J1LI1 LI\L rT7 J1J1 I.J~UGI
t'71Y.p1,.JL..~~..U'T'TU JL11'J.11 06-NOU-20~ 16:550 FROM TG 900499131?31406 P.06i23 GR 9$ P 1'726 another onl~r with the aid of support rings and seals withcut additi~na:l components is also preferred, In one embodim~nt ef the invention, the sealing frame has a periphery which 18 ~9rnaller than or of the 3 same size as thA fuel cell stack. m this case, the axial channel for supp7.ying coolant cannot be arranged outside tt~e sr~la of the calleot.cr plates, and cvnsequetztly the collec~or plates of the ater.~c have holes or cutouts which, in the 'uel Cell stack, are part of the axial. ooolara channels (cf. Fig~~re 5). The supply arid removal channels for the Cooling medium may in this case either ba integxated in the sealing franc or arYanged outside ti,:e outer sealing frame. ::his design. combines the advantages of a low con3umption of material and a low mass of the ovexall stru~~ture.
In the embodiment of the invention in which the sealinq fame projects beyond the periphery of the fuel cell stack, the demands imposed on the properties of the material of the sealing frame tar.d also its complexit~~) may be much lower than irt other liquid-coaleC: fuel cell stacks, s~.nce the reaction gases are guided separately in the actual fuel celll stack, where they are a~.ao sealed. The cooling medium is guided outside the actut~l fuel cell stack, in th,e protruding sealing frame. ?he application of pressur~ during assembly of the fuel cell stack (filter press technique] and the current conduction may also tak~
place separately fxom the sealing frame, provided that it is applitd suDSequently, for example by injection molding. If the sealing frames are f_tted in stacked form, the sea?inl~ frames are also pressed during the cell stacking. ::n the embodiment with a protruding sealing frame, thd pressure is applied via th:
separators, and "..herefore in this respect too demands 3.5 impC9ed on the matEri.al of the sealing frame are eliminated.
T:he coo J. ant which passes -o the sHpazatuLa via the axial supply channel is distributed via radial or RCV BY : 900--~.-r~ MET'CALFE : 11 - 10 - ( ) : -' : U 1 A~1 : +~~°~ ~) L:31 ?'._;4 8E>~r-~ : # 18 1U- IV'JV 1L..JU I-IC ~./UIV. ~ I I"f"1 t:_ 71L=I1 t-;W Z'.-:: -W J1 I.J'tUU ~
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06-NCV-2000 16:50 FROM 7~1 900499131731406 P,09%23 GEt 9g P 1726 hori,~ontal distri.~ution channel9 of any desired shape, size and RCV BY:900-55 VII::TCALF6' :11-lU- 0 ; 7:OlAM : +4~~ 91~3r 7t3~1.8F~7--. ;#19 1KJ-~IYUV 1G.JU f ~ VUIY.L'. (-r'I L :J1.G11 C-JCL '-'fJ :J1J.:. IJ~fOVI
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06-NOV-2000 16:50 FROM TO 90049933i?314fB6 P.10r23 material. They may also be distribution channels such as those which have been disclosed, for example, in German Application 196 02315.?, entitled: "Liquid cooled fuel cell with distribution channels" dated S 01.23.96.
Compared to the air-cooled variant of the same fuel cell stack, the liquid cooling according to the luvention evori reduce8 the overall height of trf~ fUet cell stack. on account of the higher heat absorption l0 capacity of the cooling medium.
The invention is ~xplained in rr.ore detail below wyth refer~nce to exemplary embodj.ment,s. Irt the drawing:
Figure 1 shows a Groae aeCtion through a fuel toll stack accoreiing to the inr~sntion with protruding Sealing fxame.
Figure 2 ahowe a perspectzva, exploded view of the embodiment shhwn wn Figure 1.
Figtlre 3 shows ari ~mbodiment of t'te invention 2D in which the sealing frame also protrudes and clamps the ccllector plates and the membrane in the fuel. cell stack.
Figure 4 shows a $eraling frame of multipart design.
~"igure 5 shQwa Eon embodiment in which the s~raling frame does not, in crass sect'_cn, prcjoct beyond the periphery og the fuel ::ell stack, in pt~rticular the arrangement with the a:,cial supply Channels outside the outer sealing frame.
pigure 1 shows a diagrammatic str~.~cture of ,a fuel cell stack according 'CO the invention. The component 4 is a fuel cQll unit and Comprises t:~e collector plates ~a and ~b which ar~ shown and delzmit the anode space and cathode space. The plates 9a and 4b are held together with the mambrs,ne 9d by the clamp 9c, which at the same time provides a gastight .seal for the anodC dnd Cathode gas spaces. The Catalyst, the electrodes and tha current collector, which likewise RCV _BY:9U0-55 N1ETC.ALFE :11-'LO- 0 : ?:02.A~I : +4u J1~31 ?t3~1f'~F'7-~ ;#20 1YJ IVUV 1L. J7 ~ fO. VUI4. L 1 If'1 L ..71~I 1 LIVL -~~T7 71,_!.L I ~W U(.,I
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06-NDU-2000 15 ~ 51 FFlOf1 TO 900499131 ~314i~6 P . 11 r~3 GR 98 P 1?26 - 5a -farm part of th~ fuel cell unit 9, cannot be seen frora the f~.gure. The component 1 la ~ s~alir~g frame according to the iriv~ntion~ the diameter of which is larger than that of the fuel cell s4ac3c. Oc~e of thm axial supply or removal RCi' BY : 900-55 )1ETCALFE : 1 1 - l 0- Ci : 7 : 02AN1 : +4;7 53131 '7a3~18F;7-. : #21 1YJ IVUV 1'W .J_7 ( 1~ 'JUIV.LI fl-I L ,J1C.11 Li'.,i- ~T1=J J1 J1 IJ'~OC:I
~~~11~~J1JC.J1=aJZ~tYJ .JLLlIL.Ll 06-NOU-200 16:51 FROM TO 900499131'?31406 P.12~2~
GR 98 p 1726 channe~.s la, which runs in the direction ~>f the stack, can al*o be seen. The radial charuxel (radza~l or horizontal. distr:lbution channQl? ib, through which the coolant flows onto the surface whl.ch is to ba cooled, ~..e. intv the apace betwreeri two fuel cell units, starts from the axial channel.
Figure z shows an exp7.odsd view of the same fuel cell stack, with a cooling and conte~ct plats 2 between the fuel cell ursits. The sea3.ing frame 1 hr~s at to least two bores la in the axial direction ;direction of the stacks which, when. the fuel real stack is asastribled, form at least one sup~sly channel for supplying coolant and a removal channel for removing coolant. It can be seen from the perspective view that the sealing frame ie larger than the fuel cell unit 4.
In the embodiment shown here, the axial channels 1a are accommodated ir_ that part of the sealing frame which projects beyond the fuel cell stack. This embodianent is preferred, but other arrangements of the axial channe3.s with a protruding sealing frame are also possibles. The radial channels l.b, which pass the coolant onto the surface which is to be cooled between the individual fuel cell units, run away from one axial channel acnd toward at least one other axial channel. The number of radial channels may vary, with preferably 1 to 5 radial chaansls, particularly preferably 3 such channels, as shown, branching off f ram an axial channel. Preferably, the Game number of radial channels lb t~f the same diam~!ter lead to the cooling surface and away from it again, but it is also conceivable for the diameter and/or number of the radial removal cha~nnGls~ to differ from the diameter and/or number of radial supply channels.
The sealing frame haB a typical thickness which coxxse~pondm to the. diats,r~ce betw*en two fuel call units in a fuel call stack, i.C. s.pprox. 1 to 5 mm.
The radial bores Ib, which form the radial cha,nztels, are arranged in such a way in the sealing KCV BY : 9(lU-55 A9BTC.AL.FE : 1 1 - l0- 0 : 7 : 0'?AM : ~-4-~l 91 a31 734~B67-. : #22 1YJ-IWJV 1L.,JJ fW. VUIY.t_1 f'1'1 G. J1l=1-! C.ICL 'f-~= J1.J1 I,J~VI_ti f'IIY.V1JL..~C_.UZZJ JL11LWL
06-hAU-20~ 16~51 FROM TO 9~1991~1731406 P.13!?_3 - 6a -frame that they allow medium to f~,ew through the apace between the fuel cell units, in order for RCV BY:900-55 METCALFB :ll-lU- 0 : 7:02.4M : +49 91.31 73486'7 :#23 lYJ-IVUV 1G. JJ I' IC VUIY. r_ I f-I'f G- Jl!_11 L!<L T ~l' J1J1 I J~L1U 1 1'11 n. GIlJL.JGW'T'TC: Jl-l l L. t:_J
06-NOV-200 16~51 FRAM TG 9004919131?31406 P.14i23 the heat tram the cella to be diaaipstect ~.a that space.
Thexefora, together with the collertar plates 9a and 9b bearina against it, the aea;ling frame (ar the sea~l5.t~g framer of a fuel cell stack) forms a coalznq system whiCr. is Sealed off from the outer space and from the reaction aas spaces tanode and cathode gas spaces . To ensure that the fu~1 Cells are sealed with respect to one another and with resprct CO th6 Co':lector pl3~tes 4a and 4b and, at the same time, to provide tolerance w:.th rtspect to changes in thickness of the fuel ce~.:~s 4, at least parts of the ssalirig frame 1 consist: of elast:.c material. However, compared to those o.f other cooling systems, the demands imposed on the materials used for liquid-cooled fuel cell stacks are law, since the reaction gas~s ors not sealed inside the sealing frame.
The pressure durinr~ the asserrr.bly of the stack and the current conduction also takes place separately from the sealing frame, namely in the contact plat~a 2, in a similar way to in air-cooled fuel cell storage batteries.
Figure 3 shawl an embodiment in which the sealing frame takes over the function of the clamps 4c from Figure i, w:~ich have beep: pushed onto the edge of the fuel. cell ~3nit5 and, by means of the pressure which they exert on the collector plates 4a and 4b and the m~mbrana 9d, allow an edge seal to be formed. Zn this ambodirrent, the numbAr of parts from which t fuel cell s~taek is constructed is reduced. Figure 3 shows a cross sectio:~ through <j design without clamps 4C, in which the sealing frame 1 tshown with radial charm~la lb and axial channels ~.aj~ produces the pressure which the collector plates 4a and ~b exert. on the membrane 9d and thus seals the reaction gas spaces.
Figure 4 shows an Pxample of haw a sealing frame Cray also be composed of a plurslity of compon~nts. Th! component 1 is preferably made from relativel~r unelastic material, :i,nca~ it cot2tains the RCV _BY : 900-55 VIE'TCALFE _ : 17 - 1.0- 0 : 7: 03A11 ; +49 :37:31 3:34-867-: #24 1CJ I'4JV 1J~VJCJ f I': 'LIW L~ t rl L J1~-1-I LI'sL -rT.7 J1J.L IJ'TOVI
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06-NOU-24~r~0 16: J~ FROM TO 90049r3131731406 ~ P. 15123 - 7a-boxes for the ch«nnels, whereas the ca~r.poz~snt 2 ~~ala ~he cooling system with respect to tha out;si~le and is accordingly made ~'xom elastic sealing materi.~l~
RCV BY:900-55 METCt~L~E :ll-10- Oi : 7:Qa;9'41 : +4~~I 9131 :S4E3E;7~ :#25 1CJ-I'ICJV 1J. CJYJ : ft, VUI'I.~I f-P1 t. LLII Lf~L ~'TJ ;71J1 I.J~UOI !'11V
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06-hJOV-20A0 16:52 FROM TO 90049913131406 f~.16i~3 cR ~a p 1~z6 _g_ The seal 2 may be injection-molded onto the frame 1 and thus ante again form a sir~.c~lrrr unit (a component).
finally, Figure 5 shows an embvditnwr~t with sealing frames inside the fuel tail stack. The figure shown the cross sectiGn through the fuel cell stack with an example of how all the axial ohannel9 az~e arranged. All th~r :apply arsd removal channels which run in the direction of the fuel cell stack are referred to 7.0 as axial channels. Thin therefore means the process-gas supply and remav.al channels as well as the coolant supply and ramous;. channel.
The small ellipsoids '7 show the seals which are arranged of each of the collector arid cooling plates.
These s~als are simple flat seals on the collector plates. The collector plates 9a and 4b axe Shawn as being undulating. The membrane 4d is adjoined both at the top (on the far left hand side of the figure) and at the bottom (on the far right hand fide of the figure? by a support ring 6 with axial and radial bores thra~:gh which the process gas flows orita the a:tive cell s~.:rface. The center of tho figure shags support rings 6 with radial bares which lie bettyeen the collector plates as arid 4b. These support wings 6 form ?5 part of an axial coolant--supply or coolant-ramov~8~1 channel 1a and mad, far examplsr be made from the same material ass the, smaling fre~tn~e, ~..e.. for exampleF from plantic.s (polycarbanata) or from a lightweight metal such as alu:niw,.~m. The Coolant passes via these support rir_qs 6 into the call spaces in oWder tc c-r~ol the system. The sen,_ing frame ~. can re seen bet-weep the collector plates at the edge of the fuel cell stark.
Claims (5)
1. A fuel cell stack having at least two fuel cell units (4) and separators (4a, 4b) arranged between them, in which a sealing frame (1) tightly encloses the space between the separators (4a, 4b) of the fuel cell units (4) for holding a cooling medium, and axial.
channels (1a, 1b) being formed by the stacking of the individual fuel cell units (4) with, between them, support. rings (6) which have axial and radial bores.
channels (1a, 1b) being formed by the stacking of the individual fuel cell units (4) with, between them, support. rings (6) which have axial and radial bores.
2. The fuel cell stack as claimed in claim 1, in which the supply and distribution channels (4a, 4b) for the cooling medium are integrated in the sealing frame (1).
3. The fuel cell stack as claimed in one of the preceding claims, in which the sealing frame (1) projects beyond the fuel cell stack from the periphery.
4. The fuel cell stack as claimed in one of the preceding claims, in which, on account of the sealing frame (1) being designed to be removable, each fuel cell unit (4) can be tested individually with regard to its operating properties,
5. A method for operating a fuel cell stack which is constructed as set forth in claim 1 or one of claims 2 to 4, in which method the cooling liquid is passed through the axial channels (1a, 1b) in the sealing frame (1) between the individual fuel cell units (4) of the fuel call stack.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE19821767.6 | 1998-05-14 | ||
| DE19821767A DE19821767C2 (en) | 1998-05-14 | 1998-05-14 | Liquid cooling fuel cell stack and method for cooling a FC stack |
| PCT/DE1999/001313 WO1999060641A2 (en) | 1998-05-14 | 1999-05-03 | Fuel cell stack with liquid cooling and method for cooling a fuel cell stack |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2331740A1 true CA2331740A1 (en) | 1999-11-25 |
Family
ID=7867833
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002331740A Abandoned CA2331740A1 (en) | 1998-05-14 | 1999-05-03 | Stack of fuel cells with liquid cooling, and method for cooling a fuel cell stack |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP1086502B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2002516465A (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE216135T1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2331740A1 (en) |
| DE (2) | DE19821767C2 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1999060641A2 (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6670068B1 (en) | 2000-09-09 | 2003-12-30 | Elringklinger Ag | Fuel cell unit, composite block of fuel cells and method for manufacturing a composite block of fuel cells |
| US7695847B2 (en) | 2001-07-19 | 2010-04-13 | Elringklinger Ag | Fuel cell unit and composite block of fuel cells |
| US10418649B2 (en) | 2012-03-09 | 2019-09-17 | Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. | Fuel cell stack and seal plate used for the same |
Families Citing this family (15)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6777126B1 (en) * | 1999-11-16 | 2004-08-17 | Gencell Corporation | Fuel cell bipolar separator plate and current collector assembly and method of manufacture |
| DE10007763B4 (en) * | 2000-02-20 | 2017-04-06 | General Motors Corp. (N.D.Ges.D. Staates Delaware) | A fuel cell assembly |
| DE10121176B4 (en) * | 2000-05-02 | 2008-05-21 | Honda Giken Kogyo K.K. | A fuel cell having a sealant for sealing a solid polymer electrolyte membrane. A fuel cell stack and a process for producing the same |
| DE10025207A1 (en) * | 2000-05-18 | 2001-11-29 | Atecs Mannesmann Ag | Fuel cell |
| JP2001332288A (en) * | 2000-05-24 | 2001-11-30 | Honda Motor Co Ltd | Fuel cell stack |
| DE10040792C2 (en) * | 2000-08-21 | 2003-04-10 | Proton Motor Fuel Cell Gmbh | Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell system with cooling medium distribution space and collecting space and with cooling by fluid media |
| AU2001294850A1 (en) * | 2000-09-28 | 2002-04-08 | Proton Energy Systems, Inc. | Cell frame/flow field integration method and apparatus |
| JP3571696B2 (en) * | 2001-01-30 | 2004-09-29 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Fuel cell and fuel cell stack |
| DE10135334B4 (en) * | 2001-07-19 | 2012-09-06 | Elringklinger Ag | Fuel cell unit and fuel cell block assembly |
| EP1335441A3 (en) * | 2002-02-08 | 2007-08-08 | Behr GmbH & Co. KG | Fuel cell |
| US6772617B1 (en) | 2003-01-24 | 2004-08-10 | Gencell Corporation | Method and apparatus for in-situ leveling of progressively formed sheet metal |
| DE102004028625B4 (en) * | 2004-06-12 | 2007-05-10 | Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH | Low-temperature fuel cell |
| DE102013203309A1 (en) * | 2013-02-27 | 2014-08-28 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft | Fuel cell system for use in motor car, has flow channel arranged between upper bipolar plate and lower bipolar plate to flow fluid, where one of upper and lower bipolar plates is cut perpendicular to flow direction of fluid |
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| WO1996037920A1 (en) * | 1995-05-25 | 1996-11-28 | Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Fuel cell and method for its control |
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- 1998-05-14 DE DE19821767A patent/DE19821767C2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1999
- 1999-05-03 AT AT99930997T patent/ATE216135T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1999-05-03 CA CA002331740A patent/CA2331740A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1999-05-03 JP JP2000550161A patent/JP2002516465A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1999-05-03 WO PCT/DE1999/001313 patent/WO1999060641A2/en active IP Right Grant
- 1999-05-03 EP EP99930997A patent/EP1086502B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1999-05-03 DE DE59901199T patent/DE59901199D1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6670068B1 (en) | 2000-09-09 | 2003-12-30 | Elringklinger Ag | Fuel cell unit, composite block of fuel cells and method for manufacturing a composite block of fuel cells |
| US7482084B2 (en) | 2000-09-09 | 2009-01-27 | Elring Klinger Ag | Fuel cell unit with sheet metal fluid guiding element and composited block of fuel cells |
| US7811695B2 (en) | 2000-09-09 | 2010-10-12 | Elringklinger Ag | Composite block of fuel cells |
| US7695847B2 (en) | 2001-07-19 | 2010-04-13 | Elringklinger Ag | Fuel cell unit and composite block of fuel cells |
| US7713646B2 (en) | 2001-07-19 | 2010-05-11 | Elringklinger Ag | Fuel cell unit and composite block of fuel cells |
| US7727659B2 (en) | 2001-07-19 | 2010-06-01 | Elringklinger Ag | Fuel cell unit and composite block of fuel cells |
| US7740972B2 (en) | 2001-07-19 | 2010-06-22 | Elringklinger Ag | Fuel cell unit and composite block of fuel cells |
| US10418649B2 (en) | 2012-03-09 | 2019-09-17 | Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. | Fuel cell stack and seal plate used for the same |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO1999060641A3 (en) | 2000-08-10 |
| EP1086502A2 (en) | 2001-03-28 |
| ATE216135T1 (en) | 2002-04-15 |
| WO1999060641A2 (en) | 1999-11-25 |
| EP1086502B1 (en) | 2002-04-10 |
| DE59901199D1 (en) | 2002-05-16 |
| DE19821767C2 (en) | 2000-06-08 |
| DE19821767A1 (en) | 1999-11-18 |
| JP2002516465A (en) | 2002-06-04 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| FZDE | Discontinued |