CA2520918A1 - Bipolar plate comprising metal wire - Google Patents
Bipolar plate comprising metal wire Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2520918A1 CA2520918A1 CA002520918A CA2520918A CA2520918A1 CA 2520918 A1 CA2520918 A1 CA 2520918A1 CA 002520918 A CA002520918 A CA 002520918A CA 2520918 A CA2520918 A CA 2520918A CA 2520918 A1 CA2520918 A1 CA 2520918A1
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- polymer wall
- metal wire
- electrode
- bipolar plate
- knitted fabric
- 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
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Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M4/00—Electrodes
- H01M4/86—Inert electrodes with catalytic activity, e.g. for fuel cells
- H01M4/8605—Porous electrodes
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25B9/00—Cells or assemblies of cells; Constructional parts of cells; Assemblies of constructional parts, e.g. electrode-diaphragm assemblies; Process-related cell features
- C25B9/60—Constructional parts of cells
- C25B9/65—Means for supplying current; Electrode connections; Electric inter-cell connections
-
- 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
- H01M8/0204—Non-porous and characterised by the material
- H01M8/0221—Organic resins; Organic polymers
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- 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
- Y02E60/36—Hydrogen production from non-carbon containing sources, e.g. by water electrolysis
-
- 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
A bipolar plate as subject of the invention comprises a polymer wall (420) a nd a first (430) and a second (440) electrode. The first electrode is positione d at a first side of the polymer wall and the second electrode is positioned a t the second side of the polymer wall. The first and the second electrode are partially embedded in the polymer wall where they make electrical contact wi th each other in the polymer wall. At least one of the electrodes comprises a metal wire knitted fabric, which is partially embedded in the polymer wall.< /SDOAB>
Description
Field of the invention.
The present invention relates to bipolar plates, especially for use in electrochemical processes. The present invention also relates to methods for providing such bipolar plates Background of the invention.
Bipolar plates are well known for use in electrochemical processes, e.g.
full cells. Reactors of electrochemical processes may comprise an anode and a cathode chamber being separated from each other by means of a liquid and gas tight barrier. Meanwhile, an electrically conductive electrode is provided in this anode and cathode chamber.
The bipolar plate may act as a liquid and gas barrier between anode and cathode chamber.
In some cases, the electrodes from the anode side and the cathode side are to be in electrical contact with each other. EP229473B1 describes such a bipolar plate comprising a polymer wall and a first and a second electrode, each at one side of the polymer wall. The electrodes are provided using an undulated, possibly perforated metal sheet or an undulated wire mesh, in the form of a woven structure. The electrodes are partially embedded in the polymer wall, and make electrical contact with each other in the polymer wall.
The stiffness of the perforated metal plate, and the relative large amount of metal to be anchored in the polymer wall, renders the embedding of the electrodes in the polymer wall relatively difficult, causing uncertainty with regard to the necessary contact of both electrodes in the polymer wall. The presence of such amount of metal sheet causes significant pressure drops necessary for evacuation of distribution of reactant gasses in the electrodes. It also causes the bipolar plate to have a relatively large weight.
Summary of the invention.
The present invention relates to bipolar plates, especially for use in electrochemical processes. The present invention also relates to methods for providing such bipolar plates Background of the invention.
Bipolar plates are well known for use in electrochemical processes, e.g.
full cells. Reactors of electrochemical processes may comprise an anode and a cathode chamber being separated from each other by means of a liquid and gas tight barrier. Meanwhile, an electrically conductive electrode is provided in this anode and cathode chamber.
The bipolar plate may act as a liquid and gas barrier between anode and cathode chamber.
In some cases, the electrodes from the anode side and the cathode side are to be in electrical contact with each other. EP229473B1 describes such a bipolar plate comprising a polymer wall and a first and a second electrode, each at one side of the polymer wall. The electrodes are provided using an undulated, possibly perforated metal sheet or an undulated wire mesh, in the form of a woven structure. The electrodes are partially embedded in the polymer wall, and make electrical contact with each other in the polymer wall.
The stiffness of the perforated metal plate, and the relative large amount of metal to be anchored in the polymer wall, renders the embedding of the electrodes in the polymer wall relatively difficult, causing uncertainty with regard to the necessary contact of both electrodes in the polymer wall. The presence of such amount of metal sheet causes significant pressure drops necessary for evacuation of distribution of reactant gasses in the electrodes. It also causes the bipolar plate to have a relatively large weight.
Summary of the invention.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a bipolar plate, which is an alternative for the bipolar plates presently known in the art. It is also an object of the present invention to facilitate the embedding of the electrodes in the polymer wall. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a bipolar plate having an improved anchoring of the electrode to the polymer wall. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a bipolar plate having a more certain contact of both electrodes in the polymer wall. It is further an object of the present invention to provide a bipolar plate improving the evacuation of gasses obtained as a result of the electrochemical reactions. It is also an object of the present invention to facilitate the distribution of gasses being reactants for the electrochemical reactions over the whole surface of the electrodes. It is an other object of the present invention to obtain a bipolar plate with improved distribution of liquids used for the electrochemical reaction. It is still an other object of the present invention to provide a bipolar plate with reduced weight. It is further an object of the present invention to provide a bipolar plate, which is less expensive to produce.
A bipolar plate as subject of the invention comprises a polymer wall and a first and a second electrode. The first electrode is positioned at a first side of the polymer wall, whereas the second electrode is positioned at the second side of the polymer wall. Both electrodes are partially embedded in the polymer wall, making electrical contact with each other in this polymer wall. The bipolar plate as subject of the invention is characterized in that at least one of the first or second electrodes comprises a metal wire knitted fabric, which is partially embedded in the polymer wall. Possibly both electrodes comprise metal wire knitted fabrics, which are partially embedded in the polymer wall. The electrodes may even consist of metal wire knitted fabric. Possibly each electrode comprises more than one layer of metal wire knitted fabric, all layers added one on top of the other. The layer closest to the polymer wall is partially embedded in the polymer wall.
A bipolar plate as subject of the invention comprises a polymer wall and a first and a second electrode. The first electrode is positioned at a first side of the polymer wall, whereas the second electrode is positioned at the second side of the polymer wall. Both electrodes are partially embedded in the polymer wall, making electrical contact with each other in this polymer wall. The bipolar plate as subject of the invention is characterized in that at least one of the first or second electrodes comprises a metal wire knitted fabric, which is partially embedded in the polymer wall. Possibly both electrodes comprise metal wire knitted fabrics, which are partially embedded in the polymer wall. The electrodes may even consist of metal wire knitted fabric. Possibly each electrode comprises more than one layer of metal wire knitted fabric, all layers added one on top of the other. The layer closest to the polymer wall is partially embedded in the polymer wall.
It was also found that the use of metal wire knitted fabrics, the embedding of the fabrics is facilitated and can be done in a more accurate way. It was also found that the use of a metal wire knitted fabric, who is partially embedded in the polymer wall, provides an improved anchoring of the electrode in the polymer wall. As both electrodes are partially embedded in the polymer wall and make electrical contact in the polymer wall, the improved anchoring results in a more certain electrical contact between the electrodes over time.
It was found that when bipolar plates as subject of the invention, comprising electrodes consisting of possibly more than one layer of metal wire knitted fabric for each electrode, are used in electrochemical processes, the gasses obtained by the chemical reactions may more easily and with less pressure drop be evacuated from the electrodes.
Also, it was found that in case gasses are used as reactants, such gasses are distributed more easily and equally over the whole electrode volume, requiring less pressure to be distributed. It was further found that liquids used during electrochemical reaction are distributed more easily and equally over the whole electrode volume. As less metal volume is necessary to provide the electrodes as compared with undulated sheets or alike, the bipolar plate is less heavy. The fact of comprising less metal volume may also decrease the production price of bipolar plates.
The metal wire knitted product, used to provide a bipolar plate as subject of the invention, is not necessarily to be undulated as for the bipolar plates of the prior art. Therefor one step in production of bipolar plates may be avoided, further reducing production costs.
Metal wire having a diameter in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm may be used to provide the metal wire knitted fabrics. More preferred, metal wires with a diameter in the range of 0.05 mm to0.3 mm, such as in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.25 mm or in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm may be used. As metal wire, metal wires out of Ni or Ni-alloy may, be used. Hlternatively titanium, titanium alloys, or stainless steel alloys, such as alloys of the AISI 300-series or AISI 400-series may be used, e.g. AISI 302, AISI 304, AISI 310, AISI 316, AISI 316L, AISI 347, AISI
430, AISI 434 or AISI 444.
The polymer wall preferably is a polymer sheet. The thickness of the polymer wall is preferably more than 0.5 mm but less than 5mm. The selection of the thickness may influence the gas and liquid impermeability of the polymer wall, and may influence the diffusion coefficient of gas molecules through the polymer wall.
As polymer wall, the polymer material used to provide the polymer wall is preferably selected from the group consisting of fluoro-polymers such as polytetrafluorethylene, or polyolefines, such as e.g. polypropylene, polyethylene or high-density polyethylene, polyacetal or polysulfon. Most preferred, the polymer wall is a polymer sheet, being obtained by extrusion processes. Extruded polymer sheets guarantee to a larger extent the gas- and liquid-tightness.
The two electrodes, of which at least one comprises a metal wire knitted fabric, are embedded partially in the polymer wall. Most preferred, the metal wire knitted fabrics are laminated together with the polymer wall, which is preferably a polymer sheet. The depth of the embedding of one of the metal wire knitted fabrics of the electrodes is chosen in such a way that both electrodes contact each other in the polymer wall, so providing electrical contact between the two electrodes.
In order to have still a part of the metal wire knitted fabric not embedded at both sides of the polymer wall, the thickness of the metal wire knitted fabric being more than half of the thickness of the polymer wall.
Preferably, the metal wire knitted fabric has a thickness less than 5 mm.
The density of the metal wire knitted fabric is preferably less than 10%.
~ ne e~ectroae may comprise aaaitiona~ elements next to the partiany embedded metal wire knitted fabric, e.g. spacing elements or catalyst carrying elements. Possibly more than one layer of metal wire knitted fabric may be used for each electrode, one layer being on top of the 5 other, as an example to provide sufficient volume to the electrode or to provide the other elements of the electrode.
On one or both electrodes, a catalyst for use in the electrochemical reaction may be present. E.g. a catalyst selected from the group consisting of Rh, Ru, Pt, Pd, Ir, Ag, Ni, Cu, WC or AU or combinations thereof may be used. The catalyst on the first electrode may be identical or different as the catalyst on the second electrode.
Possibly, the catalysts are only present at a certain zone of the electrode. As an example, the catalyst may only be present at the side of the electrode removed from the polymer wall.
As an example, an electrode may comprise a first metal wire knitted fabric, partially embedded in the polymer wall as subject of the invention. A second metal wire knitted fabric functioning as spacing layer between the first metal wire knitted fabric and the catalyst carrier is present on top of the first metal wire knitted fabric. On top of the second metal wire knitted fabric, a third metal fiber knitted fabric being coated with a catalyst, is provided functioning as catalyst carrier.
The bipolar plates as subject of the invention may be used in all kinds of electrochemical reactors, such as e.g. fuel cells, electrolysers or H2-production units.
In case the electrode comprises more than one layer of metal wire knitted fabric, only some layers may be coated with a catalyst. Most preferred, the metal wire knitted fabric who is partially embedded in the polymer wall is not coated with a catalyst.
It is further an object to provide a method of providing a bipolar plate, comprising the steps of - Providing a polymer wall;
It was found that when bipolar plates as subject of the invention, comprising electrodes consisting of possibly more than one layer of metal wire knitted fabric for each electrode, are used in electrochemical processes, the gasses obtained by the chemical reactions may more easily and with less pressure drop be evacuated from the electrodes.
Also, it was found that in case gasses are used as reactants, such gasses are distributed more easily and equally over the whole electrode volume, requiring less pressure to be distributed. It was further found that liquids used during electrochemical reaction are distributed more easily and equally over the whole electrode volume. As less metal volume is necessary to provide the electrodes as compared with undulated sheets or alike, the bipolar plate is less heavy. The fact of comprising less metal volume may also decrease the production price of bipolar plates.
The metal wire knitted product, used to provide a bipolar plate as subject of the invention, is not necessarily to be undulated as for the bipolar plates of the prior art. Therefor one step in production of bipolar plates may be avoided, further reducing production costs.
Metal wire having a diameter in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm may be used to provide the metal wire knitted fabrics. More preferred, metal wires with a diameter in the range of 0.05 mm to0.3 mm, such as in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.25 mm or in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm may be used. As metal wire, metal wires out of Ni or Ni-alloy may, be used. Hlternatively titanium, titanium alloys, or stainless steel alloys, such as alloys of the AISI 300-series or AISI 400-series may be used, e.g. AISI 302, AISI 304, AISI 310, AISI 316, AISI 316L, AISI 347, AISI
430, AISI 434 or AISI 444.
The polymer wall preferably is a polymer sheet. The thickness of the polymer wall is preferably more than 0.5 mm but less than 5mm. The selection of the thickness may influence the gas and liquid impermeability of the polymer wall, and may influence the diffusion coefficient of gas molecules through the polymer wall.
As polymer wall, the polymer material used to provide the polymer wall is preferably selected from the group consisting of fluoro-polymers such as polytetrafluorethylene, or polyolefines, such as e.g. polypropylene, polyethylene or high-density polyethylene, polyacetal or polysulfon. Most preferred, the polymer wall is a polymer sheet, being obtained by extrusion processes. Extruded polymer sheets guarantee to a larger extent the gas- and liquid-tightness.
The two electrodes, of which at least one comprises a metal wire knitted fabric, are embedded partially in the polymer wall. Most preferred, the metal wire knitted fabrics are laminated together with the polymer wall, which is preferably a polymer sheet. The depth of the embedding of one of the metal wire knitted fabrics of the electrodes is chosen in such a way that both electrodes contact each other in the polymer wall, so providing electrical contact between the two electrodes.
In order to have still a part of the metal wire knitted fabric not embedded at both sides of the polymer wall, the thickness of the metal wire knitted fabric being more than half of the thickness of the polymer wall.
Preferably, the metal wire knitted fabric has a thickness less than 5 mm.
The density of the metal wire knitted fabric is preferably less than 10%.
~ ne e~ectroae may comprise aaaitiona~ elements next to the partiany embedded metal wire knitted fabric, e.g. spacing elements or catalyst carrying elements. Possibly more than one layer of metal wire knitted fabric may be used for each electrode, one layer being on top of the 5 other, as an example to provide sufficient volume to the electrode or to provide the other elements of the electrode.
On one or both electrodes, a catalyst for use in the electrochemical reaction may be present. E.g. a catalyst selected from the group consisting of Rh, Ru, Pt, Pd, Ir, Ag, Ni, Cu, WC or AU or combinations thereof may be used. The catalyst on the first electrode may be identical or different as the catalyst on the second electrode.
Possibly, the catalysts are only present at a certain zone of the electrode. As an example, the catalyst may only be present at the side of the electrode removed from the polymer wall.
As an example, an electrode may comprise a first metal wire knitted fabric, partially embedded in the polymer wall as subject of the invention. A second metal wire knitted fabric functioning as spacing layer between the first metal wire knitted fabric and the catalyst carrier is present on top of the first metal wire knitted fabric. On top of the second metal wire knitted fabric, a third metal fiber knitted fabric being coated with a catalyst, is provided functioning as catalyst carrier.
The bipolar plates as subject of the invention may be used in all kinds of electrochemical reactors, such as e.g. fuel cells, electrolysers or H2-production units.
In case the electrode comprises more than one layer of metal wire knitted fabric, only some layers may be coated with a catalyst. Most preferred, the metal wire knitted fabric who is partially embedded in the polymer wall is not coated with a catalyst.
It is further an object to provide a method of providing a bipolar plate, comprising the steps of - Providing a polymer wall;
- Providing a first electrode comprising a metal wire knitted fabric;
- Providing a second electrode comprising a metal wire knitted fabric;
- Providing the first electrode at a first side of the polymer wall;
- Providing the second electrode at a second the of said polymer wall;
- Laminating the first and said second electrode and the polymer wall.
The method provided bipolar plates in a more economic way, and in the mean time it is easy to control, as some process parameters, e.g.
pressure during lamination is less critical. The latter is due to the elasticity the metal wire knitted fabrics possess in a direction perpendicular to its surface.
Possibly the method of production of a bipolar plate as subject of the invention further comprises the step of coating one or both of the metal wire knitted fabrics with a catalyst.
Possibly the method of production of a bipolar plate further comprises the step of adding different layers of metal wire knitted fabric one on top of the other before or after laminating, in order to obtain electrodes comprising more than one layer of metal wire knitted fabric.
Brief description of the drawings.
The invention will now be described into more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein - FIGURE 1 shows schematically a side view of a bipolar plate as subject of the invention;
- FIGURE 2 shows schematically a cross section according to plane AA' of a bipolar plate as subject of the invention of FIGURE 1.
- FIGURE 3 and FIGURE 4 show schematically a cross section of alternative bipolar plates as subject of the invention.
- Providing a second electrode comprising a metal wire knitted fabric;
- Providing the first electrode at a first side of the polymer wall;
- Providing the second electrode at a second the of said polymer wall;
- Laminating the first and said second electrode and the polymer wall.
The method provided bipolar plates in a more economic way, and in the mean time it is easy to control, as some process parameters, e.g.
pressure during lamination is less critical. The latter is due to the elasticity the metal wire knitted fabrics possess in a direction perpendicular to its surface.
Possibly the method of production of a bipolar plate as subject of the invention further comprises the step of coating one or both of the metal wire knitted fabrics with a catalyst.
Possibly the method of production of a bipolar plate further comprises the step of adding different layers of metal wire knitted fabric one on top of the other before or after laminating, in order to obtain electrodes comprising more than one layer of metal wire knitted fabric.
Brief description of the drawings.
The invention will now be described into more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein - FIGURE 1 shows schematically a side view of a bipolar plate as subject of the invention;
- FIGURE 2 shows schematically a cross section according to plane AA' of a bipolar plate as subject of the invention of FIGURE 1.
- FIGURE 3 and FIGURE 4 show schematically a cross section of alternative bipolar plates as subject of the invention.
Description of the preferred embodiments of the invention.
A side view of a bipolar plate 110 as subject of the invention is shown in FIGURE 1. A polymer wall 120 has two outer surfaces, and at least in one surface 121, a metal wire knitted fabric 130 being part of an electrode is partially embedded in the polymer wall 120. At the other side 122 of the polymer wall 120, possibly another metal wire knitted fabric 140 (not shown for reason of clarity in FIGURE 1) being part of the electrode at the other side 122 is partially embedded in the polymer wall 120.
FIGURE 2 shows a cross section of the bipolar plate 110, having two electrodes comprising metal wire knitted fabric (130 and 140), one at each side of the polymer wall 120.
A bipolar plate 110 comprises a polymer wall 120 with a thickness 221, e.g. 2mm. At both sides 121 and 122 of the polymer wall 120, preferably an extruded HDPP, HDPE, polysulfon or polyacetal sheet, a metal wire knitted fabric 130 and 140 is partially embedded over a depth of slightly more than half of the thickness 221 of the polymer wall 120. It is understood that the thickness 233 and 243 of the metal wire knitted fabrics is to be substantially more than this half of the thickness 221 of the polymer wall 120, in order to provide a significant volume to the electrode which is not embedded in the polymer wall, providing void volume to the electrodes for gas evacuation of supply of reactant gas or reactant liquid.
Possibly, the metal wire knitted fabric 130 may be coated with a catalyst based on Pt and Ru. The metal wire knitted fabric 140 may be coated with a catalyst based on Pt and Ir.
The metal wire knitted fabrics 130 and 140 may be a double bed knitted structure (either warp of weft knitted) using a machine gauge of 5 (5 needles per inch of needle bed). A nickel wire of diameter 250pm may be used.
A side view of a bipolar plate 110 as subject of the invention is shown in FIGURE 1. A polymer wall 120 has two outer surfaces, and at least in one surface 121, a metal wire knitted fabric 130 being part of an electrode is partially embedded in the polymer wall 120. At the other side 122 of the polymer wall 120, possibly another metal wire knitted fabric 140 (not shown for reason of clarity in FIGURE 1) being part of the electrode at the other side 122 is partially embedded in the polymer wall 120.
FIGURE 2 shows a cross section of the bipolar plate 110, having two electrodes comprising metal wire knitted fabric (130 and 140), one at each side of the polymer wall 120.
A bipolar plate 110 comprises a polymer wall 120 with a thickness 221, e.g. 2mm. At both sides 121 and 122 of the polymer wall 120, preferably an extruded HDPP, HDPE, polysulfon or polyacetal sheet, a metal wire knitted fabric 130 and 140 is partially embedded over a depth of slightly more than half of the thickness 221 of the polymer wall 120. It is understood that the thickness 233 and 243 of the metal wire knitted fabrics is to be substantially more than this half of the thickness 221 of the polymer wall 120, in order to provide a significant volume to the electrode which is not embedded in the polymer wall, providing void volume to the electrodes for gas evacuation of supply of reactant gas or reactant liquid.
Possibly, the metal wire knitted fabric 130 may be coated with a catalyst based on Pt and Ru. The metal wire knitted fabric 140 may be coated with a catalyst based on Pt and Ir.
The metal wire knitted fabrics 130 and 140 may be a double bed knitted structure (either warp of weft knitted) using a machine gauge of 5 (5 needles per inch of needle bed). A nickel wire of diameter 250pm may be used.
i ne metal wire Knittea tabnc is preferably embedded in the polymer wall, being preferably a polymer sheet, by laminating the knitted fabric in the sheet.
A cross section of an alternative bipolar plate as subject of the invention is shown in FIGURE 3.
The bipolar plate 310 comprises a polymer wall 320, being an extruded polymer sheet of high-density polypropylene (HDPP), polysulfon, polyacetal or high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The thickness 321 of the polymer sheet is approximately 1 mm. At one side of the polymer wall 311, a first electrode 330 is located, comprising two layers of metal wire knitted fabric (indicated 331 and 332), the layer of metal wire knitted fabric 331, closest to the polymer wall 320 is partially embedded in the polymer wall 320. The thickness of the electrode (indicated 333), being the sum of thickness of layer 331 and layer 332, is approximately 7mm, wherein each layer 331 and 332 has a thickness of approximately 3.5mm.
Layer 331 is embedded in polymer wall over a depth of slightly more than 0.5mm.
At the other side 312 of the polymer wall, a second electrode 340 is located, comprising two layers of metal wire knitted fabric (indicated 341 and 342), the layer of metal wire knitted fabric 341, closest to the polymer wall 320 is partially embedded in the polymer wall 320. The thickness of the electrode (indicated 343), being the sum of thickness of layer 341 and layer 342, is approximately 7mm, wherein each layer 341 and 342 has a thickness of, approximately 3.5mm.
Layer 341 is embedded in polymer wall over a depth of slightly more than 0.5mm.
As both metal wire knitted products 331 and 341 are embedded using a depth of slightly more than half of the thickness 321 of the polymer wall, an electrical contact between both metal wire knitted fabrics 331 and 341, and thus between both electrodes 330 and 340 is ensured.
A cross section of an alternative bipolar plate as subject of the invention is shown in FIGURE 3.
The bipolar plate 310 comprises a polymer wall 320, being an extruded polymer sheet of high-density polypropylene (HDPP), polysulfon, polyacetal or high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The thickness 321 of the polymer sheet is approximately 1 mm. At one side of the polymer wall 311, a first electrode 330 is located, comprising two layers of metal wire knitted fabric (indicated 331 and 332), the layer of metal wire knitted fabric 331, closest to the polymer wall 320 is partially embedded in the polymer wall 320. The thickness of the electrode (indicated 333), being the sum of thickness of layer 331 and layer 332, is approximately 7mm, wherein each layer 331 and 332 has a thickness of approximately 3.5mm.
Layer 331 is embedded in polymer wall over a depth of slightly more than 0.5mm.
At the other side 312 of the polymer wall, a second electrode 340 is located, comprising two layers of metal wire knitted fabric (indicated 341 and 342), the layer of metal wire knitted fabric 341, closest to the polymer wall 320 is partially embedded in the polymer wall 320. The thickness of the electrode (indicated 343), being the sum of thickness of layer 341 and layer 342, is approximately 7mm, wherein each layer 341 and 342 has a thickness of, approximately 3.5mm.
Layer 341 is embedded in polymer wall over a depth of slightly more than 0.5mm.
As both metal wire knitted products 331 and 341 are embedded using a depth of slightly more than half of the thickness 321 of the polymer wall, an electrical contact between both metal wire knitted fabrics 331 and 341, and thus between both electrodes 330 and 340 is ensured.
Hs an example, the metal wire Knittea raoncs ~~s'I, 33L, ~4n ana ~4n may be a single jersey knitted structure using a machine gauge of 5 (5 needles per inch of needle bed). A nickel wire of diameter 250pm may be used, providing a metal wire knitted fabric having a thickness of approximately 3.5mm, having a weight of 47.5 g/mz and density of 1.7%
Possibly, the layer 332 may be coated with a catalyst based on Pt and In. The layer 342 may be coated with a catalyst based on Pt and Ir.
A cross section of an alternative bipolar plate as subject of the invention is shown in FIGURE 4.
The bipolar plate 410 comprises a polymer wall 420, being an extruded polymer sheet of high-density polypropylene (HDPP), polysulfon, polyacetal or high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The thickness 421of the polymer sheet is approximately 1 mm. At one side of the polymer wall 411, a first electrode 430 is located, comprising three layers of metal wire knitted fabric (indicated 431, 432 and 433), the layer of metal wire knitted fabric 431, closest to the polymer wall 420 is partially embedded in the polymer wall 420. The thickness of the electrode (indicated 434), being the sum of thickness of layer 431, layer 432 and layer 433, is approximately 10.5mm, wherein each layer 431, 432 and 433 has a thickness of approximately 3.5mm.
Layer 431 is embedded in polymer wall over a depth of slightly more than 0.5mm.
At the other side 412' of the polymer wall, a second electrode 440 is located, comprising three layers of metal wire knitted fabric (indicated 441, 442 and 443), the layer of metal wire knitted fabric 441, closest to the polymer wall 420 is partially embedded in the polymer wall 420. The thickness of the electrode (indicated 444), being the sum of thickness of layers 441, 442 and 443, is approximately 10.5mm, wherein each layer 341 and 342 has a thickness of approximately 3.5mm.
Layer 441 is embedded in polymer wall over a depth of slightly more than 0.5mm.
Hs botn metal wire Knitted products 4~~ and 44~ are embedded using a depth of slightly more than half of the thickness 421 of the polymer wall, an electrical contact between both metal wire knitted fabrics 431 and 441, and thus between both electrodes 430 and 440 is ensured.
The metal wire knitted fabrics 441, 442, 443, 431, 432 and 433, may be identical as the metal wire knitted fabric used for the embodiment as shown in FIGURE 3.
Possibly, the layer 332 may be coated with a catalyst based on Pt and In. The layer 342 may be coated with a catalyst based on Pt and Ir.
A cross section of an alternative bipolar plate as subject of the invention is shown in FIGURE 4.
The bipolar plate 410 comprises a polymer wall 420, being an extruded polymer sheet of high-density polypropylene (HDPP), polysulfon, polyacetal or high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The thickness 421of the polymer sheet is approximately 1 mm. At one side of the polymer wall 411, a first electrode 430 is located, comprising three layers of metal wire knitted fabric (indicated 431, 432 and 433), the layer of metal wire knitted fabric 431, closest to the polymer wall 420 is partially embedded in the polymer wall 420. The thickness of the electrode (indicated 434), being the sum of thickness of layer 431, layer 432 and layer 433, is approximately 10.5mm, wherein each layer 431, 432 and 433 has a thickness of approximately 3.5mm.
Layer 431 is embedded in polymer wall over a depth of slightly more than 0.5mm.
At the other side 412' of the polymer wall, a second electrode 440 is located, comprising three layers of metal wire knitted fabric (indicated 441, 442 and 443), the layer of metal wire knitted fabric 441, closest to the polymer wall 420 is partially embedded in the polymer wall 420. The thickness of the electrode (indicated 444), being the sum of thickness of layers 441, 442 and 443, is approximately 10.5mm, wherein each layer 341 and 342 has a thickness of approximately 3.5mm.
Layer 441 is embedded in polymer wall over a depth of slightly more than 0.5mm.
Hs botn metal wire Knitted products 4~~ and 44~ are embedded using a depth of slightly more than half of the thickness 421 of the polymer wall, an electrical contact between both metal wire knitted fabrics 431 and 441, and thus between both electrodes 430 and 440 is ensured.
The metal wire knitted fabrics 441, 442, 443, 431, 432 and 433, may be identical as the metal wire knitted fabric used for the embodiment as shown in FIGURE 3.
10 The metal wire knitted fabrics 432 and 442 function as spacing layers between the first metal wire knitted fabrics 431 and 441, and the third metal wire knitted fabrics 433 and 443, which are coated with a catalyst based on Pt and In for metal wire knitted fabric 433 and a catalyst based on Pt and Ir for metal wire knitted fabric 443.
Claims (17)
1. A bipolar plate comprising a polymer wall which comprises a first side and a second side, said plate further comprising a first and a second electrode, said first electrode positioned at said first side of said polymer wall, said second electrode positioned at said second side of said polymer wall, said first and said second electrode being partially embedded in said polymer wall, said first and said second electrode making electrical contact with each other in said polymer wall, characterized in that at least one of said first or second electrode comprises a metal wire knitted fabric, being partially embedded in said polymer wall.
2. A bipolar plate as in claim 1, wherein said first and said second electrode comprise a metal wire knitted fabric being partially embedded in said polymer wall.
3. A bipolar plate as in any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein said electrodes consist of metal wire knitted fabrics.
4. A bipolar plate as in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said first and said second electrode comprise more than one layer of wire knitted fabric, only one of said layers of metal wire knitted fabric of each of said electrodes being partially embedded in said polymer wall.
5. A bipolar plate as in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said metal wire knitted fabric has a density of less than 10%.
6. A bipolar plate as in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said polymer wall is a polymer sheet.
7. A bipolar plate as in claim 6, wherein said polymer sheet is an extruded polymer sheet.
8. A bipolar plate as in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said metal wire knitted fabric is provided using Ni or Ni-alloy metal wire.
9. A bipolar plate as in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said metal wire knitted fabric comprises metal wire having a diameter of less than 0.5mm
10. A bipolar plate as in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said polymer wall is provided using a polymer material selected from the group consisting of fluoro-polymers, polyolefines, or polyacetal or polysulfon.
11. A bipolar plate as in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein said polymer wall has a thickness of more than 0.5mm, said polymer wall having a thickness of less than 5mm.
12. A bipolar plate as in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein said first and said second electrode each has a thickness of more than half of the thickness of said polymer wall.
13. A bipolar plate as in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein said first electrode and/or said second comprises a catalyst.
14. A bipolar plate as in any one of claims 13, wherein said first and/or said second electrode comprises a catalyst selected from the group consisting of Rh, Ru, Pt, Pd, Ir, Ag, Ni, Cu, WC or Au or combinations thereof.
15. A method to provide a bipolar plate, said method comprising the steps of - Providing a polymer wall;
- Providing a first electrode comprising a metal wire knitted fabric;
- Providing a second electrode comprising a metal wire knitted fabric;
- Providing said first electrode at a first side of said polymer wall;
- Providing said second electrode at a second side of said polymer wall;
- Laminating said first and said second electrode and said polymer wall.
- Providing a first electrode comprising a metal wire knitted fabric;
- Providing a second electrode comprising a metal wire knitted fabric;
- Providing said first electrode at a first side of said polymer wall;
- Providing said second electrode at a second side of said polymer wall;
- Laminating said first and said second electrode and said polymer wall.
16. The use of a bipolar plate as in claim 1 to 14 in electrochemical reactors.
17. The use of a bipolar plate as in claim 1 to 14 for production of H2.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2003/050130 WO2004097073A1 (en) | 2003-04-29 | 2003-04-29 | Bipolar plate comprising metal wire |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2520918A1 true CA2520918A1 (en) | 2004-11-11 |
Family
ID=33395702
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002520918A Abandoned CA2520918A1 (en) | 2003-04-29 | 2003-04-29 | Bipolar plate comprising metal wire |
Country Status (7)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US20060213767A1 (en) |
| EP (1) | EP1649081A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2006524747A (en) |
| CN (1) | CN1771354A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU2003238520A1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2520918A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2004097073A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (15)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AU2009246322B2 (en) | 2008-05-13 | 2014-12-18 | Gregory S. Daniels | Ember-resistant and flame-resistant roof ventilation system |
| AU2009344195A1 (en) * | 2009-04-08 | 2011-12-01 | Saluda Medical Pty Limited | Stitched components of an active implantable medical device |
| US8782967B2 (en) | 2010-09-27 | 2014-07-22 | Gregory S. Daniels | Above sheathing ventilation system |
| CN102064328B (en) * | 2010-12-02 | 2013-03-20 | 北京印刷学院 | Composite material bipolar plate for proton exchange membrane fuel cell and manufacturing method thereof |
| US9200375B2 (en) | 2011-05-19 | 2015-12-01 | Calera Corporation | Systems and methods for preparation and separation of products |
| JP6039054B2 (en) * | 2012-03-29 | 2016-12-07 | カレラ コーポレイション | Electrochemical hydroxide system and method using metal oxidation |
| TWI633206B (en) | 2013-07-31 | 2018-08-21 | 卡利拉股份有限公司 | Electrochemical hydroxide systems and methods using metal oxidation |
| WO2016044279A1 (en) | 2014-09-15 | 2016-03-24 | Calera Corporation | Electrochemical systems and methods using metal halide to form products |
| CN107109726B (en) | 2015-05-14 | 2018-06-29 | 郡是株式会社 | Electric conductivity is stretched knitted fabric and conduction harness |
| EP3368502B1 (en) | 2015-10-28 | 2020-09-02 | Calera Corporation | Electrochemical, halogenation, and oxyhalogenation systems and methods |
| US10619254B2 (en) | 2016-10-28 | 2020-04-14 | Calera Corporation | Electrochemical, chlorination, and oxychlorination systems and methods to form propylene oxide or ethylene oxide |
| US10556848B2 (en) | 2017-09-19 | 2020-02-11 | Calera Corporation | Systems and methods using lanthanide halide |
| US10590054B2 (en) | 2018-05-30 | 2020-03-17 | Calera Corporation | Methods and systems to form propylene chlorohydrin from dichloropropane using Lewis acid |
| CN108878921B (en) * | 2018-06-13 | 2020-10-16 | 珠海冠宇电池股份有限公司 | Bipolar plate for fuel cell and preparation method thereof |
| DE102021128017A1 (en) * | 2021-10-27 | 2023-04-27 | Texotex Ug (Haftungsbeschränkt) | Textile fabric |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB8530893D0 (en) * | 1985-12-16 | 1986-01-29 | Ici Plc | Electrode |
| US5798187A (en) * | 1996-09-27 | 1998-08-25 | The Regents Of The University Of California | Fuel cell with metal screen flow-field |
| US5821009A (en) * | 1997-03-03 | 1998-10-13 | Space Systems/Loral, Inc. | Fault tolerant bipolar gas electrode design for a rechargeable battery |
| US6103413A (en) * | 1998-05-21 | 2000-08-15 | The Dow Chemical Company | Bipolar plates for electrochemical cells |
| FR2781606B1 (en) * | 1998-07-21 | 2000-10-13 | Sorapec | NEW BIPOLAR COLLECTOR FOR FUEL CELL |
-
2003
- 2003-04-29 CN CNA038263890A patent/CN1771354A/en active Pending
- 2003-04-29 JP JP2004571245A patent/JP2006524747A/en active Pending
- 2003-04-29 CA CA002520918A patent/CA2520918A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2003-04-29 AU AU2003238520A patent/AU2003238520A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2003-04-29 WO PCT/EP2003/050130 patent/WO2004097073A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2003-04-29 US US10/554,515 patent/US20060213767A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2003-04-29 EP EP03732588A patent/EP1649081A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US20060213767A1 (en) | 2006-09-28 |
| AU2003238520A1 (en) | 2004-11-23 |
| JP2006524747A (en) | 2006-11-02 |
| CN1771354A (en) | 2006-05-10 |
| EP1649081A1 (en) | 2006-04-26 |
| WO2004097073A1 (en) | 2004-11-11 |
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