EP4010939A1 - Fuel cell and corresponding manufacturing method - Google Patents

Fuel cell and corresponding manufacturing method

Info

Publication number
EP4010939A1
EP4010939A1 EP20820249.9A EP20820249A EP4010939A1 EP 4010939 A1 EP4010939 A1 EP 4010939A1 EP 20820249 A EP20820249 A EP 20820249A EP 4010939 A1 EP4010939 A1 EP 4010939A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
volume
anode
cathode
membrane
fuel cell
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.)
Pending
Application number
EP20820249.9A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Christophe Baverel
Sébastien ROYER
Yannick Godard
Frédéric Greber
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Symbio SAS
Original Assignee
Symbio SAS
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Symbio SAS filed Critical Symbio SAS
Publication of EP4010939A1 publication Critical patent/EP4010939A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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
    • H01M8/0247—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors characterised by the form
    • 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
    • H01M8/0258—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors characterised by the configuration of channels, e.g. by the flow field of the reactant or coolant
    • 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
    • H01M8/0276—Sealing means characterised by their form
    • 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
    • H01M8/028—Sealing means characterised by their material
    • H01M8/0284—Organic resins; 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
    • H01M8/02—Details
    • H01M8/0271—Sealing or supporting means around electrodes, matrices or membranes
    • H01M8/0286—Processes for forming seals
    • 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
    • H01M8/10—Fuel cells with solid electrolytes
    • H01M8/1004—Fuel cells with solid electrolytes characterised by membrane-electrode assemblies [MEA]
    • 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
    • H01M8/10—Fuel cells with solid electrolytes
    • H01M2008/1095—Fuel cells with polymeric electrolytes
    • 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
    • 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
    • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
    • Y02P70/00—Climate change mitigation technologies in the production process for final industrial or consumer products
    • Y02P70/50—Manufacturing or production processes characterised by the final manufactured product

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to the sealing of fuel cells.
  • a fuel cell typically comprises:
  • a plurality of membrane-electrode assemblies each comprising an anode and a cathode; - a plurality of bipolar plates.
  • each membrane-electrode assembly is disposed between two bipolar plates, an anode volume of circulation of an anode fluid being delimited between the anode and one of the two bipolar plates , a cathode volume for circulation of a cathode fluid being delimited between the cathode and the other of the two bipolar plates.
  • MEA membrane-electrode assembly
  • a seal on both sides of the membrane-electrode assembly (hereinafter referred to as MEA, i.e. Membrane-Electrodes Assembly).
  • MEA membrane-electrode assembly
  • These gaskets are created by depositing a bead of a gasket material on the MEA or on the bipolar plates.
  • the invention according to a first aspect relates to a fuel cell comprising:
  • membrane-electrode assemblies each comprising an active zone having an anode and a cathode
  • each membrane-electrode assembly is arranged between two bipolar plates, an anode volume for circulation of an anode fluid being delimited between the anode and one of the two plates bipolar, a cathodic volume of circulation of a cathode fluid being delimited between the cathode and the other of the two bipolar plates; one of the anode volume and the cathode volume being closed by a bead of a seal material, the seal material being directly in contact with the membrane-electrode assembly and with the corresponding bipolar plate; the other of the anode volume and of the cathode volume being closed in a sealed manner to the fluid circulating in said volume by a line of direct contact of the membrane-electrode assembly with the corresponding bipolar plate.
  • anode volume or the cathode volume is sealed to the fluid circulating in said volume by a line of direct contact of the membrane-electrode assembly with the corresponding bipolar plate, it is possible to create a bead of material forming gasket thick enough to close the other volume.
  • the thickness of the gasket is sufficient to compensate for any defects in the flatness of the bipolar plates.
  • the seal between a bipolar plate and the seal is provided by the deformation of the seal which fills the flatness defects of the bipolar plates facing the seal. Sealing between a bipolar plate and the MEA (in direct contact with the metal) is ensured by the deformation of the plastic reinforcement of the MEA which fills the surface defects of the rib of the plate facing the MEA.
  • This bead can be produced using deposition techniques known to date.
  • the cumulative height allowed for the seals on either side of each MEA is 0.3 mm.
  • the seal on one side of the MEA, at the level of the direct contact line, is of zero thickness.
  • the bead of sealant-forming material can therefore be up to 0.3 mm thick. This bead can be obtained for example by an injection molding technique.
  • the fuel cell has one component less, namely the seal replaced by the direct contact line.
  • the fuel cell may also exhibit one or more of the characteristics below, considered individually or in any technically possible combination:
  • the material forming the seal is a silicone, an EPDM or a thermoplastic, for example of the polypropylene plus EPDM composite material type;
  • the bead of material forming a seal has a thickness of between 0.25 mm and 0.75 mm;
  • the membrane-electrode assembly has an outer peripheral frame made of a plastic material surrounding the active zone, the corresponding bipolar plate being in direct contact with the outer peripheral frame;
  • the membrane-electrode assembly is in direct contact with a zone of the bipolar plate made of a metal;
  • the membrane-electrode assembly is in direct contact with a textured area of the bipolar plate
  • each bipolar plate has an outer edge of the plate, the portion of the bead of material forming a seal along said outer edge of the plate; - each bipolar plate has an outer edge of the plate, the portion of the contact line following said outer edge of the plate;
  • Each bipolar plate comprises an orifice for supplying anode fluid, an orifice for supplying cathodic fluid, an orifice for discharging anode fluid, and an orifice for discharging cathodic fluid, the bead of material forming a gasket. sealing and / or the direct contact line extending around one or more of said orifices.
  • the invention relates to a method of manufacturing a fuel cell, comprising the following steps: obtaining a plurality of membrane-electrode assemblies, each comprising an active zone comprising an anode and a cathode ;
  • each membrane-electrode assembly is placed between two bipolar plates, an anode volume for circulation of an anode fluid being delimited between the anode and one of the two plates bipolar, a cathodic volume of circulation of a cathode fluid being delimited between the cathode and the other of the two bipolar plates;
  • FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic representation, exploded, of part of a fuel cell according to the invention
  • - Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a detail of the fuel cell of Figure 1, showing the seal by a bead of material forming a seal between the MEA and one of the bipolar plates , and the contact line between the MEA and the other bipolar plate; and - Figure 3 is a view similar to that of Figure 2, for an alternative embodiment of the invention.
  • the fuel cell 1 shown partially in FIG. 1 comprises a plurality of membrane-electrode assemblies 3, each having an active zone 4 having an anode 5 and a cathode 7, and a plurality of bipolar plates 9.
  • Each membrane-electrode assembly 3, called MEA below, also comprises a membrane, not shown, interposed between the anode 5 and the cathode 7.
  • the anode 5 and the cathode 7 thus constitute the two opposite external faces of the MEA 3.
  • the membrane-electrode assembly 3 also has an outer peripheral frame 10 made of a plastic material surrounding the active zone 4.
  • the fuel cell is typically of the type with a proton exchange membrane, or with a membrane with a polymer electrolyte.
  • each membrane-electrode assembly 3 is disposed between two bipolar plates 9.
  • An anode volume 11 for circulation of an anode fluid is delimited between the anode 5 and one of the two bipolar plates 9, and a cathode volume 13 for circulation of a cathode fluid is delimited between the cathode 7 and the other of the two bipolar plates 9.
  • the anode fluid is typically dihydrogen.
  • the cathode fluid typically includes dioxygen.
  • the cathode fluid is air.
  • Each bipolar plate 9 is placed between two MEA 3, and delimits the anode volume 11 of one of the two MEAs and the cathode volume 113 of the other MEA3. It typically carries flow channels for the anode fluid (not shown) on a face delimiting the anode volume 11, and flow channels for the cathode fluid (not shown) on a face delimiting the cathode volume 13.
  • Each bipolar plate 9 is for example formed of two electrically conductive metal sheets, assembled to one another. They are made of stainless steel, an alloy of titanium, or of aluminum, or of nickel, or of tantalum, or any other suitable material.
  • channels for circulating a cooling fluid are formed between the two sheets (not shown).
  • the anode fluid flows into the anode volume 11, and the cathode fluid flows into the cathode volume 13.
  • the hydrogen is ionized to produce protons which cross the MEA 3.
  • the electrons produced by this reaction are collected by the bipolar plate 9 located on the side of the anode 5.
  • the electrons produced are then applied. on an electric load connected to the fuel cell 1 to form an electric current.
  • a cell of the fuel cell usually generates a direct voltage between the anode and the cathode of the order of IV.
  • a cell corresponds to the stacking of an MEA 3 between two bipolar plates 9.
  • One of the anode volume 11 and the cathode volume 13 is closed by a bead 15 of a material forming a seal.
  • the sealing of the anode volume 11 or of the cathode volume 13 vis-à-vis the fluid circulating in said volume is produced by the bead 15.
  • the material forming the seal is directly in contact with the gasket. membrane-electrode assembly 3 and with the corresponding bipolar plate 9.
  • the bead 15 typically consists only of the gasket material, with no other component.
  • the sealing material is advantageously a silicone, an EPDM or a thermoplastic, for example a polypropylene plus EPDM composite material.
  • the bead 15 of sealing material has a thickness between 0.25 mm and 0.75 mm, preferably between 0.4 and 0.5 mm. This thickness is taken according to the stacking direction of the MEAs and of the bipolar plates in the fuel cell, indicated by the arrow E in FIG. 1.
  • the other of the anode volume 11 and of the cathode volume 13 is closed in a leaktight manner to the fluid circulating in said volume by a line 17 of direct contact of the membrane-electrode assembly 3 with the corresponding bipolar plate 9.
  • the sealing of said volume with respect to the fluid flowing in this volume is achieved by direct contact of the material constituting the MEA 3 with the material constituting the bipolar plate 9 along line 17. This contact is sufficiently intimate to ensure a seal vis-à-vis the fluid.
  • the anode volume 11 is closed by the direct contact line 15, and the cathode volume 13 by the bead 15 of material forming a seal.
  • the cathode volume 13 is closed by the direct contact line 15, and the anode volume 11 by the bead 15 of material forming a seal.
  • the membrane-electrode assembly 3 is advantageously in direct contact with the corresponding bipolar plate 9 along line 17 by the outer peripheral frame 10, which is made of a plastic material.
  • This plastic material is, for example PET (polythene terephthalate), PEN (polyethylene naphthalate) or Kapton ®.
  • the membrane-electrode assembly 3 is in direct contact with a zone of the bipolar plate 9 made of a metal or of graphite.
  • the plastic material is relatively deformable when pressed against the metal, so that a high level of tightness can be ensured when the stacking of the bipolar plates 9 and the MEAs 3 is pressurized in the stacking direction.
  • the outer peripheral frame 10 completely surrounds the active zone 4. It is attached to the membrane of the MEA 3, for example overmolded around the membrane.
  • the bead 15 of gasket material and the contact line 17 are exactly superimposed. They have the same layout and are placed in the same position with respect to the MEA 3.
  • Each bipolar plate 9 has an outer edge of the plate 19.
  • the outer edge of the plate 19 extends over the entire periphery of the bipolar plate 9.
  • Each membrane-electrode assembly 3 has an outer peripheral edge 21.
  • the outer peripheral edge 21 extends over the entire periphery of the membrane-electrode assembly 3.
  • the MEAs 3 and the bipolar plates 9 have substantially the same general shape.
  • peripheral edges of the plates 19 of the two bipolar plates 9 surrounding the same membrane-electrode assembly 3 extend slightly outwardly beyond the outer peripheral edge 21 of said assembly (FIG. 2).
  • the edge 21 is offset inwardly with respect to the edges 19 of the two bipolar plates.
  • the bead 15 of sealing material comprises a portion 23 following the outer peripheral edge 21 of the membrane-electrode assembly 3.
  • the portion 23 follows the edge 21 over its entire periphery.
  • the contact line 17 comprises a portion 25 which follows the outer peripheral edge 21 of the membrane-electrode assembly 3.
  • the portion 25 follows the edge 21 over its entire periphery.
  • the portions 23 and 25 seal the volumes 11 and 13 with respect to the outside of the fuel cell 1, at the outer periphery of the volumes 11 and 13.
  • the portions 23 and 25 each have a closed contour.
  • portion 23 of the bead 15 of sealing material follows the outer edge of the plate 19 of one of the two bipolar plates 9 flanking the MEA 3.
  • the portion 25 of the contact line 17 follows the outer edge of plate 19 of the other bipolar plate 9 flanking the MEA 3.
  • the portions 23 and 25 follow the edges 19 over their entire respective peripheries.
  • each bipolar plate 9 comprises an anode fluid inlet port 27, a cathode fluid outlet 29, an anode fluid outlet 31, and a fluid inlet port cathode 33.
  • Each bipolar plate 9 further comprises a cooling fluid discharge orifice 35, and a cooling fluid supply orifice 37.
  • each MEA 3 comprises an anode fluid supply orifice 39, a cathode fluid discharge orifice 41, an anode fluid supply orifice 43, and a cathode fluid discharge orifice 45.
  • Each MEA 3 further includes a cooling fluid inlet port 47, and a cooling fluid outlet port 49.
  • the orifices 39 to 49 are made in the outer peripheral frame 10, made of plastic.
  • the orifices of the bipolar plates and the MEAs are superimposed, thus constituting an anode fluid supply manifold, a cathode fluid supply manifold, an anode fluid discharge manifold, and a cathode fluid discharge manifold.
  • the superimposed orifices also constitute a coolant supply manifold, and a coolant discharge manifold.
  • the anode fluid circulates through the anode volume 11 from the orifice 27 to the orifice 31.
  • the cathode fluid circulates through the cathode volume 13 from the orifice 33 to the orifice 29.
  • the cooling fluid circulates inside the bipolar plate 9 from the port 37 to the port 35.
  • the bead of sealing material 15 and / or the direct contact line 17 extend around one or more of said orifices, preferably around each of the orifices.
  • the bead of sealing material 15 and / or the line of direct contact 17 comprise portions 50 which each extend around one of said orifices. These portions 50 have a closed contour or are connected to the portions 23, 25 which follow the outer peripheral edge 21 of the membrane-electrode assembly 3.
  • each portion 50 of the direct contact line 17 is in direct contact with the outer peripheral frame 10 and creates a seal against the fluid flowing through the corresponding orifice.
  • each bipolar plate 9 comprises a rib 51 projecting towards the MEA 3 which adjoins it. The bead of sealing material 15 and / or the direct contact line 17 follow the rib 51.
  • the bead of sealing material 15 is interposed between a flat strip 53, forming the top of the rib 51, and the MEA 3.
  • the direct contact line 17 brings a flat strip 53, forming the top of the rib 51, into direct contact with the MEA 3.
  • each bipolar plate 9 is typically formed from two metal sheets assembled together. Only one of the two metal sheets is shown in FIG. 2. The bipolar plate 9 is placed between two MEA 3, a first metal sheet facing a first MEA 3, and the second metal sheet facing the second MEA 3.
  • the first metal sheet has a rib 51 projecting towards the first MEA 3.
  • the rib is obtained by deformation of the metal sheet, and is hollow towards the second metal sheet.
  • the second metal sheet has a rib 51 projecting towards the second MEA 3.
  • the rib is obtained by deformation of the metal sheet, and is hollow towards the first metal sheet.
  • the bead of sealing material 15 and / or the direct contact line 17 are formed in flat areas of the bipolar plate 9, devoid of ribs.
  • the membrane-electrode assembly 3 is in direct contact, along the direct contact line 17, with a textured zone 55 of the bipolar plate 9. This makes it possible to improve the '' tightness vis-à-vis the fluid circulating between the MEA
  • the textured zone 55 comprises reliefs 57 projecting towards the MEA 3 and coming to be imprinted in the MEA 3.
  • the reliefs 57 are of any suitable type.
  • they are ribs of small width, extending along the line of contact 17.
  • each rib of small width has the same path as the line of contact 17 and follows the latter.
  • the textured zone 55 comprises for example two ribs of small width, parallel to one another, or else comprises a surface texture improving the seal.
  • the textured zone 55 is advantageously provided on the flat strip 53 forming the top of the rib 51.
  • the invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a fuel cell.
  • the fuel cell 1 described above is particularly suitable for being manufactured by the method of the invention. Conversely, the method of the invention is particularly suitable for manufacturing the fuel cell 1 described above.
  • the method comprising the following steps: obtaining a plurality of membrane-electrode assemblies 3, each comprising an active zone 4 having an anode 5 and a cathode 7;
  • each membrane-electrode assembly 3 is disposed between two bipolar plates 9, an anode volume 11 for circulation of an anode fluid being delimited between the anode 5 and one of the two bipolar plates 9, a cathode volume 13 for circulation of a cathode fluid being delimited between the cathode 7 and the other of the two bipolar plates 9.
  • MEAs 3 are as described above.
  • the bipolar plates 9 are as described above.
  • the fuel cell typically comprises from several tens to several hundreds of MEAs and from several tens to several hundreds of bipolar plates 9.
  • the method further comprises the steps below:
  • the gasket material is of the type described above.
  • the deposition step is implemented for example before the stacking step.
  • the bead 15 of sealing material is deposited either on the MEA 3 or on the bipolar plate 9.
  • the bead 15 of sealing material is deposited by any suitable means.
  • this bead is obtained by an injection molding technique (injection molding in English), then deposited on the MEA 3 or on the bipolar plate 9.
  • the MEA 3 or the bipolar plate 9 is placed in a mold. injection, and the material forming the seal is injected or overmolded in a mold cavity having the shape of the bead 15.
  • the material forming the seal is extruded directly on the MEA 3 or on the bipolar plate 9, along the route of the cord 15.
  • the route of the bead 15 of gasket material is as described above.
  • the compression is carried out in a direction of compression corresponding to the stacking direction E shown in FIG. 1. This direction is substantially perpendicular to the MEA 3 and to the bipolar plates 9.
  • the compressive force is typically between 10 and 30 KN, preferably between 20 and 25 KN.
  • the direct contact line 17 is of the type described above. Its layout is as described above.
  • the bipolar plates 9 and the MEA 3 are kept compressed at substantially the same pressure, by placing fasteners such as tie rods (not shown). The seal at the level of the anode volume 11 and of the cathode volume 13 is thus maintained.
  • the bead 15 forming a seal and the direct contact line 17 are the seals located outermost of the MEA 3 and the plates 9. They create the seal for the anode and cathode volumes 11, 13 vis-à-vis the outside of the fuel cell.
  • the fuel cell does not include, between the MEA 3 and the plates 9, other seals than the bead 15 and the direct contact line 17.

Abstract

The fuel cell (1) comprises, for each MEA: an anode volume (11) for the circulation of an anode fluid between the anode (5) of the MEA and a bipolar plate (9), and a cathode volume (13) for the circulation of a cathode fluid between the cathode (7) of the MEA and another bipolar plate (9); of the anode volume (11) and the cathode volume (13), one is sealed by a bead (15) of a seal-forming material extending along the exterior peripheral edge (21) of the MEA, the seal-forming material being in direct contact with the MEA and with the corresponding bipolar plate (9); of the anode volume (11) and the cathode volume (13), the other is sealed against the fluid circulating inside said volume by a line (17) of direct contact between the MEA (3) and the corresponding bipolar plate (9), the line of contact (17) extending along the exterior peripheral edge (21) of the MEA.

Description

PILE À COMBUSTIBLE ET PROCÉDÉ DE FABRICATION CORRESPONDANT FUEL CELL AND CORRESPONDING MANUFACTURING PROCESS
DESCRIPTION La présente invention concerne en général l'étanchéité des piles à combustible. DESCRIPTION The present invention generally relates to the sealing of fuel cells.
Une pile à combustible comprend typiquement : A fuel cell typically comprises:
- une pluralité d'assemblages membrane-électrodes, comprenant chacune une anode et une cathode ; - une pluralité de plaques bipolaires. a plurality of membrane-electrode assemblies, each comprising an anode and a cathode; - a plurality of bipolar plates.
Les assemblages membrane-électrodes et les plaques bipolaires sont empilées de telle sorte que chaque assemblage membrane électrode soit disposé entre deux plaques bipolaires, un volume anodique de circulation d'un fluide anodique étant délimité entre l'anode et l'une des deux plaques bipolaires, un volume cathodique de circulation d'un fluide cathodique étant délimité entre la cathode et l'autre des deux plaques bipolaires. The membrane-electrode assemblies and the bipolar plates are stacked such that each membrane-electrode assembly is disposed between two bipolar plates, an anode volume of circulation of an anode fluid being delimited between the anode and one of the two bipolar plates , a cathode volume for circulation of a cathode fluid being delimited between the cathode and the other of the two bipolar plates.
Il est nécessaire de créer une étanchéité autour du volume anodique et autour du volume cathodique, pour éviter les pertes de fluide. It is necessary to create a seal around the anode volume and around the cathode volume, to avoid fluid loss.
Il est possible de créer un joint d'étanchéité des deux côtés de l'assemblage membrane-électrodes (désigné ici sous le sigle MEA, c'est-à-dire Membrane-Electrodes Assembly). Ces joints sont créés en déposant un cordon d'un matériau formant joint d'étanchéité sur la MEA ou sur les plaques bipolaires. It is possible to create a seal on both sides of the membrane-electrode assembly (hereinafter referred to as MEA, i.e. Membrane-Electrodes Assembly). These gaskets are created by depositing a bead of a gasket material on the MEA or on the bipolar plates.
Une telle solution ne permet pas de créer de manière fiable des joints ayant une épaisseur de moins de 0.25 mm. Par ailleurs, les piles à combustible doivent être très compactes, notamment les piles destinées à être embarquées dans les véhicules automobiles. Dans certains cas, la hauteur cumulée permise pour les deux joints situés de part et d'autre de chaque MEA est général comprise entre de 0,3 à 0,5 mm. Ainsi, il existe un besoin pour une pile à combustible qui soit compacte en hauteur et qui présente une bonne étanchéité autour des volumes anodiques et cathodiques. Such a solution does not make it possible to reliably create joints having a thickness of less than 0.25 mm. Furthermore, fuel cells must be very compact, in particular cells intended to be carried on board motor vehicles. In some cases, the cumulative height allowed for the two joints located on either side of each MEA is generally between 0.3 to 0.5 mm. Thus, there is a need for a fuel cell which is compact in height and which has good sealing around the anode and cathode volumes.
A cette fin, l'invention selon un premier aspect porte sur une pile à combustible comprenant : To this end, the invention according to a first aspect relates to a fuel cell comprising:
- une pluralité d'assemblages membrane-électrodes, comprenant chacune une zone active présentant une anode et une cathode ; a plurality of membrane-electrode assemblies, each comprising an active zone having an anode and a cathode;
- une pluralité de plaques bipolaires ; les assemblages membrane-électrodes et les plaques bipolaires étant empilées de telle sorte que chaque assemblage membrane-électrodes soit disposé entre deux plaques bipolaires, un volume anodique de circulation d'un fluide anodique étant délimité entre l'anode et l'une des deux plaques bipolaires, un volume cathodique de circulation d'un fluide cathodique étant délimité entre la cathode et l'autre des deux plaques bipolaires ; l'un du volume anodique et du volume cathodique étant fermé par un cordon d'un matériau formant joint d'étanchéité, le matériau formant joint d'étanchéité étant directement en contact avec l'assemblage membrane-électrodes et avec la plaque bipolaire correspondante ; l'autre du volume anodique et du volume cathodique étant fermé de manière étanche au fluide circulant dans ledit volume par une ligne de contact direct de l'assemblage membrane-électrodes avec la plaque bipolaire correspondante. - a plurality of bipolar plates; the membrane-electrode assemblies and the bipolar plates being stacked such that each membrane-electrode assembly is arranged between two bipolar plates, an anode volume for circulation of an anode fluid being delimited between the anode and one of the two plates bipolar, a cathodic volume of circulation of a cathode fluid being delimited between the cathode and the other of the two bipolar plates; one of the anode volume and the cathode volume being closed by a bead of a seal material, the seal material being directly in contact with the membrane-electrode assembly and with the corresponding bipolar plate; the other of the anode volume and of the cathode volume being closed in a sealed manner to the fluid circulating in said volume by a line of direct contact of the membrane-electrode assembly with the corresponding bipolar plate.
Du fait que le volume anodique ou le volume cathodique est fermé de manière étanche au fluide circulant dans ledit volume par une ligne de contact direct de l'assemblage membrane-électrodes avec la plaque bipolaire correspondante, il est possible de créer un cordon de matériau formant joint d'étanchéité assez épais pour fermer l'autre volume. Due to the fact that the anode volume or the cathode volume is sealed to the fluid circulating in said volume by a line of direct contact of the membrane-electrode assembly with the corresponding bipolar plate, it is possible to create a bead of material forming gasket thick enough to close the other volume.
L'épaisseur du joint est suffisante pour compenser les éventuels défauts de planéité des plaques bipolaires. Lorsqu'elles sont comprimées dans la pile à combustible, l'étanchéité entre une plaque bipolaire et le joint est assurée par la déformation du joint qui comble les défauts de planéité des plaques bipolaires en regard du joint. L'étanchéité entre une plaque bipolaire et la MEA (en contact direct avec le métal) est assurée par la déformation du renfort plastique de la MEA qui comble les défauts de surface de la nervure de la plaque en regard de la MEA. The thickness of the gasket is sufficient to compensate for any defects in the flatness of the bipolar plates. When they are compressed in the fuel cell, the seal between a bipolar plate and the seal is provided by the deformation of the seal which fills the flatness defects of the bipolar plates facing the seal. Sealing between a bipolar plate and the MEA (in direct contact with the metal) is ensured by the deformation of the plastic reinforcement of the MEA which fills the surface defects of the rib of the plate facing the MEA.
Ce cordon peut être réalisé en utilisant les techniques de dépôt connues à ce jour. This bead can be produced using deposition techniques known to date.
Dans le cas de l'exemple ci-dessus, la hauteur cumulée permise pour les étanchéités de part et d'autre de chaque MEA est de 0.3 mm. L'étanchéité d'un côté de la MEA, au niveau de la ligne de contact direct, est d'une épaisseur nulle. Le cordon de matériau formant joint d'étanchéité peut donc être d'une épaisseur allant jusqu'à 0,3 mm. Ce cordon peut être obtenu par exemple par une technique de moulage par injection (injection molding en anglais). In the case of the example above, the cumulative height allowed for the seals on either side of each MEA is 0.3 mm. The seal on one side of the MEA, at the level of the direct contact line, is of zero thickness. The bead of sealant-forming material can therefore be up to 0.3 mm thick. This bead can be obtained for example by an injection molding technique.
Par ailleurs, la pile à combustible comporte un composant de moins, à savoir le joint d'étanchéité remplacé par la ligne de contact direct. In addition, the fuel cell has one component less, namely the seal replaced by the direct contact line.
La pile à combustible peut également présenter une ou plusieurs des caractéristiques ci-dessous, considérées individuellement ou selon toutes les combinaisons techniquement possibles : The fuel cell may also exhibit one or more of the characteristics below, considered individually or in any technically possible combination:
- le matériau formant joint d'étanchéité est un silicone un EPDM ou un thermoplastique, par exemple type matériau composite polypropylène plus EPDM ; the material forming the seal is a silicone, an EPDM or a thermoplastic, for example of the polypropylene plus EPDM composite material type;
- le cordon de matériau formant joint d'étanchéité présente une épaisseur comprise entre 0,25 mm et 0,75 mm ; the bead of material forming a seal has a thickness of between 0.25 mm and 0.75 mm;
- l'assemblage membrane-électrodes présente un cadre périphérique extérieur en une matière plastique entourant la zone active, la plaque bipolaire correspondante étant en contact direct avec le cadre périphérique extérieur ; the membrane-electrode assembly has an outer peripheral frame made of a plastic material surrounding the active zone, the corresponding bipolar plate being in direct contact with the outer peripheral frame;
- l'assemblage membrane-électrodes est en contact direct avec une zone de la plaque bipolaire en un métal ; - the membrane-electrode assembly is in direct contact with a zone of the bipolar plate made of a metal;
- l'assemblage membrane-électrodes est en contact direct avec une zone texturée de la plaque bipolaire ; - the membrane-electrode assembly is in direct contact with a textured area of the bipolar plate;
- chaque plaque bipolaire présente un bord extérieur de plaque, la portion du cordon de matériau formant joint d'étanchéité suivant ledit bord extérieur de plaque ; - chaque plaque bipolaire présente un bord extérieur de plaque, la portion de la ligne de contact suivant ledit bord extérieur de plaque ; each bipolar plate has an outer edge of the plate, the portion of the bead of material forming a seal along said outer edge of the plate; - each bipolar plate has an outer edge of the plate, the portion of the contact line following said outer edge of the plate;
- chaque plaque bipolaire comporte un orifice d'amenée de fluide anodique, un orifice d'amenée de fluide cathodique, un orifice d'évacuation de fluide anodique, et un orifice d'évacuation de fluide cathodique, le cordon de matériau formant joint d'étanchéité et/ou la ligne de contact direct s'étendant autour d'un ou plusieurs desdits orifices. - Each bipolar plate comprises an orifice for supplying anode fluid, an orifice for supplying cathodic fluid, an orifice for discharging anode fluid, and an orifice for discharging cathodic fluid, the bead of material forming a gasket. sealing and / or the direct contact line extending around one or more of said orifices.
Selon un second aspect, l'invention porte sur un procédé de fabrication d'une pile à combustible, comprenant les étapes suivantes : - obtention d'une pluralité d'assemblages membrane-électrodes, comprenant chacune une zone active comprenant une anode et une cathode ; According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a method of manufacturing a fuel cell, comprising the following steps: obtaining a plurality of membrane-electrode assemblies, each comprising an active zone comprising an anode and a cathode ;
- obtention d'une pluralité de plaques bipolaires ; - obtaining a plurality of bipolar plates;
- empilement des assemblages membrane-électrodes et des plaques bipolaires de telle sorte que chaque assemblage membrane-électrodes soit disposé entre deux plaques bipolaires, un volume anodique de circulation d'un fluide anodique étant délimité entre l'anode et l'une des deux plaques bipolaires, un volume cathodique de circulation d'un fluide cathodique étant délimité entre la cathode et l'autre des deux plaques bipolaires ; - stacking of membrane-electrode assemblies and bipolar plates such that each membrane-electrode assembly is placed between two bipolar plates, an anode volume for circulation of an anode fluid being delimited between the anode and one of the two plates bipolar, a cathodic volume of circulation of a cathode fluid being delimited between the cathode and the other of the two bipolar plates;
- pour chaque assemblage membrane-électrodes, dépôt vers l'un du volume anodique et du volume cathodique, entre l'assemblage membrane-électrodes et la plaque bipolaire correspondante, d'un cordon d'un matériau formant joint d'étanchéité ; - For each membrane-electrode assembly, depositing towards one of the anode volume and of the cathode volume, between the membrane-electrode assembly and the corresponding bipolar plate, of a bead of a material forming a seal;
- compression de l'empilement, ledit un du volume anodique et du volume cathodique étant fermé par le matériau formant joint d'étanchéité venant directement en contact avec l'assemblage membrane-électrodes et avec la plaque bipolaire correspondante ; l'autre du volume anodique et du volume cathodique étant fermé de manière étanche au fluide circulant dans ledit volume par mise en contact direct de l'assemblage membrane-électrodes avec la plaque bipolaire correspondante le long d'une ligne de contact direct. D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention ressortiront de la description détaillée qui en est donnée ci-dessous, à titre indicatif et nullement limitatif, en référence aux figures annexées, parmi lesquelles : compression of the stack, said one of the anode volume and of the cathode volume being closed by the material forming a seal coming directly into contact with the membrane-electrode assembly and with the corresponding bipolar plate; the other of the anode volume and of the cathode volume being closed in a sealed manner to the fluid circulating in said volume by placing the membrane-electrode assembly in direct contact with the corresponding bipolar plate along a direct contact line. Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the detailed description which is given below, by way of indication and in no way limiting, with reference to the appended figures, among which:
- la figure 1 est une représentation schématique simplifiée, explosée, d'une partie d'une pile à combustible selon l'invention ; - Figure 1 is a simplified schematic representation, exploded, of part of a fuel cell according to the invention;
- la figure 2 est une vue en perspective, agrandie, d'un détail de la pile à combustible de la figure 1, montrant l'étanchéité par un cordon de matériau formant joint d'étanchéité entre la MEA et l'une des plaques bipolaires, et la ligne de contact entre la MEA et l'autre plaque bipolaire ; et - la figure 3 est une vue similaire à celle de la figure 2, pour une variante de réalisation de l'invention. - Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a detail of the fuel cell of Figure 1, showing the seal by a bead of material forming a seal between the MEA and one of the bipolar plates , and the contact line between the MEA and the other bipolar plate; and - Figure 3 is a view similar to that of Figure 2, for an alternative embodiment of the invention.
La pile à combustible 1 représentée partiellement sur la figure 1 comprend une pluralité d'assemblages membrane-électrodes 3, ayant chacune une zone active 4 présentant une anode 5 et une cathode 7, et une pluralité de plaques bipolaires 9. Chaque assemblage membrane-électrodes 3, appelé MEA ci-après, comprend également une membrane non représentée, interposée entre l'anode 5 et la cathode 7.The fuel cell 1 shown partially in FIG. 1 comprises a plurality of membrane-electrode assemblies 3, each having an active zone 4 having an anode 5 and a cathode 7, and a plurality of bipolar plates 9. Each membrane-electrode assembly 3, called MEA below, also comprises a membrane, not shown, interposed between the anode 5 and the cathode 7.
L'anode 5 et la cathode 7 constituent ainsi les deux faces externes opposées de la MEA 3. The anode 5 and the cathode 7 thus constitute the two opposite external faces of the MEA 3.
L'assemblage membrane-électrodes 3 présente en outre un cadre périphérique extérieur 10 en une matière plastique entourant la zone active 4. La pile à combustible est typiquement du type à membrane échangeuse de protons, ou à membrane à électrolyte polymère. The membrane-electrode assembly 3 also has an outer peripheral frame 10 made of a plastic material surrounding the active zone 4. The fuel cell is typically of the type with a proton exchange membrane, or with a membrane with a polymer electrolyte.
Les assemblages membrane-électrodes 3 et les plaques bipolaires 9 sont empilées de telle sorte que chaque assemblage membrane-électrodes 3 est disposé entre deux plaques bipolaires 9. Un volume anodique 11 de circulation d'un fluide anodique est délimité entre l'anode 5 et l'une des deux plaques bipolaires 9, et un volume cathodique 13 de circulation d'un fluide cathodique est délimité entre la cathode 7 et l'autre des deux plaques bipolaires 9. The membrane-electrode assemblies 3 and the bipolar plates 9 are stacked such that each membrane-electrode assembly 3 is disposed between two bipolar plates 9. An anode volume 11 for circulation of an anode fluid is delimited between the anode 5 and one of the two bipolar plates 9, and a cathode volume 13 for circulation of a cathode fluid is delimited between the cathode 7 and the other of the two bipolar plates 9.
Le fluide anodique est typiquement du dihydrogène. Le fluide cathodique comprend typiquement du dioxygène. Par exemple, le fluide cathodique est de l'air. The anode fluid is typically dihydrogen. The cathode fluid typically includes dioxygen. For example, the cathode fluid is air.
Chaque plaque bipolaire 9 est placée entre deux MEA 3, et délimite le volume anodique 11 d'une des deux MEA et le volume cathodique 113 de l'autre MEA3. Elle porte typiquement des canaux d'écoulement pour le fluide anodique (non représentés) sur une face délimitant le volume anodique 11, et des canaux d'écoulement pour le fluide cathodique (non représentés) sur une face délimitant le volume cathodique 13. Each bipolar plate 9 is placed between two MEA 3, and delimits the anode volume 11 of one of the two MEAs and the cathode volume 113 of the other MEA3. It typically carries flow channels for the anode fluid (not shown) on a face delimiting the anode volume 11, and flow channels for the cathode fluid (not shown) on a face delimiting the cathode volume 13.
Chaque plaque bipolaire 9 est par exemple formées de deux tôles métalliques conductrices pour l'électricité, assemblées l'une à l'autre. Elles sont en acier inoxydable, en un alliage de titane, ou d'aluminium, ou de nickel, ou de tantale, ou en tout autre matériau adapté. Each bipolar plate 9 is for example formed of two electrically conductive metal sheets, assembled to one another. They are made of stainless steel, an alloy of titanium, or of aluminum, or of nickel, or of tantalum, or any other suitable material.
Avantageusement, des canaux de circulation d'un fluide de refroidissement sont ménagés entre les deux tôles (non représentés). Advantageously, channels for circulating a cooling fluid are formed between the two sheets (not shown).
Le fonctionnement de la pile à combustible 1 du type à membrane échangeuse de protons va être brièvement détaillé ci-dessous. The operation of the proton exchange membrane type fuel cell 1 will be briefly detailed below.
Le fluide anodique s'écoule dans le volume anodique 11, et le fluide cathodique s'écoule dans le volume cathodique 13. The anode fluid flows into the anode volume 11, and the cathode fluid flows into the cathode volume 13.
Au niveau de l'anode 5, le dihydrogène est ionisé pour produire des protons qui traversent la MEA 3. Les électrons produits par cette réaction sont collectés par la plaque bipolaire 9 situé du côté de l'anode 5. Les électrons produits sont ensuite appliqués sur une charge électrique connectée à la pile à combustible 1 pour former un courant électrique. At the level of anode 5, the hydrogen is ionized to produce protons which cross the MEA 3. The electrons produced by this reaction are collected by the bipolar plate 9 located on the side of the anode 5. The electrons produced are then applied. on an electric load connected to the fuel cell 1 to form an electric current.
Au niveau de la cathode, de l'oxygène est réduit et réagit avec les protons pour former de l'eau. Les réactions au niveau de l'anode et de la cathode sont les suivantes : At the cathode, oxygen is reduced and reacts with protons to form water. The reactions at the anode and cathode are as follows:
Anode : H2 -> 2 H+ + 2 e Anode: H 2 -> 2 H + + 2 e
Cathode : 4 H+ + 4 e + 02 --> 2 H20 Cathode: 4 H + + 4 e + 0 2 -> 2 H 2 0
Durant son fonctionnement, une cellule de la pile à combustible génère usuellement une tension continue entre l'anode et la cathode de l'ordre de IV. Une cellule correspond à l'empilement d'une MEA 3 entre deux plaques bipolaires 9. L'un du volume anodique 11 et du volume cathodique 13 est fermé par un cordon 15 d'un matériau formant joint d'étanchéité. During its operation, a cell of the fuel cell usually generates a direct voltage between the anode and the cathode of the order of IV. A cell corresponds to the stacking of an MEA 3 between two bipolar plates 9. One of the anode volume 11 and the cathode volume 13 is closed by a bead 15 of a material forming a seal.
En d'autres termes, l'étanchéité du volume anodique 11 ou du volume cathodique 13 vis-à-vis du fluide circulant dans ledit volume est réalisée par le cordon 15. Le matériau formant joint d'étanchéité est directement en contact avec l'assemblage membrane-électrodes 3 et avec la plaque bipolaire 9 correspondante. In other words, the sealing of the anode volume 11 or of the cathode volume 13 vis-à-vis the fluid circulating in said volume is produced by the bead 15. The material forming the seal is directly in contact with the gasket. membrane-electrode assembly 3 and with the corresponding bipolar plate 9.
Le cordon 15 typiquement est constitué seulement par le matériau formant joint d'étanchéité, sans autre constituant. The bead 15 typically consists only of the gasket material, with no other component.
Le matériau formant joint d'étanchéité est avantageusement un silicone, un EPDM ou un thermoplastique, par exemple un matériau composite polypropylène plus EPDM. The sealing material is advantageously a silicone, an EPDM or a thermoplastic, for example a polypropylene plus EPDM composite material.
Le cordon 15 de matériau formant joint d'étanchéité présente une épaisseur comprise entre 0,25 mm et 0,75 mm, de préférence comprise entre 0,4 et 0,5 mm. Cette épaisseur est prise selon la direction d'empilement des MEA et des plaques bipolaires dans la pile à combustible, matérialisée par la flèche E sur la figure 1. The bead 15 of sealing material has a thickness between 0.25 mm and 0.75 mm, preferably between 0.4 and 0.5 mm. This thickness is taken according to the stacking direction of the MEAs and of the bipolar plates in the fuel cell, indicated by the arrow E in FIG. 1.
L'autre du volume anodique 11 et du volume cathodique 13 est fermé de manière étanche au fluide circulant dans ledit volume par une ligne 17 de contact direct de l'assemblage membrane-électrodes 3 avec la plaque bipolaire 9 correspondante. The other of the anode volume 11 and of the cathode volume 13 is closed in a leaktight manner to the fluid circulating in said volume by a line 17 of direct contact of the membrane-electrode assembly 3 with the corresponding bipolar plate 9.
En d'autres termes, l'étanchéité dudit volume vis-à-vis du fluide circulant dans ce volume est réalisée par contact direct de la matière constituant la MEA 3 avec la matière constituant la plaque bipolaire 9 le long de la ligne 17. Ce contact est suffisamment intime pour assurer une étanchéité vis-à-vis du fluide. In other words, the sealing of said volume with respect to the fluid flowing in this volume is achieved by direct contact of the material constituting the MEA 3 with the material constituting the bipolar plate 9 along line 17. This contact is sufficiently intimate to ensure a seal vis-à-vis the fluid.
Dans l'exemple représenté, le volume anodique 11 est fermé par la ligne de contact direct 15, et le volume cathodique 13 par le cordon 15 de matériau formant joint d'étanchéité. In the example shown, the anode volume 11 is closed by the direct contact line 15, and the cathode volume 13 by the bead 15 of material forming a seal.
En variante, le volume cathodique 13 est fermé par la ligne de contact direct 15, et le volume anodique 11 par le cordon 15 de matériau formant joint d'étanchéité. As a variant, the cathode volume 13 is closed by the direct contact line 15, and the anode volume 11 by the bead 15 of material forming a seal.
L'assemblage membrane-électrodes 3 est avantageusement en contact direct avec la plaque bipolaire 9 correspondante le long de la ligne 17 par le cadre périphérique extérieur 10, qui est en une matière plastique. Cette matière plastique est par exemple du PET (poluéthylène térephtalate), du PEN (polyéthylène naphtalate) ou Kapton®. The membrane-electrode assembly 3 is advantageously in direct contact with the corresponding bipolar plate 9 along line 17 by the outer peripheral frame 10, which is made of a plastic material. This plastic material is, for example PET (polythene terephthalate), PEN (polyethylene naphthalate) or Kapton ®.
L'assemblage membrane-électrodes 3 est en contact direct avec une zone de la plaque bipolaire 9 en un métal ou en graphite. La matière plastique est relativement déformable quand elle est pressée contre le métal, de telle sorte qu'un haut niveau d'étanchéité peut être assuré quand l'empilement des plaques bipolaires 9 et des MEA 3 est mis sous pression selon la direction d'empilement E. The membrane-electrode assembly 3 is in direct contact with a zone of the bipolar plate 9 made of a metal or of graphite. The plastic material is relatively deformable when pressed against the metal, so that a high level of tightness can be ensured when the stacking of the bipolar plates 9 and the MEAs 3 is pressurized in the stacking direction. E.
Le cadre périphérique extérieur 10 entoure complètement la zone active 4. Il est rapporté sur la membrane de la MEA 3, par exemple surmoulé autour de la membrane. The outer peripheral frame 10 completely surrounds the active zone 4. It is attached to the membrane of the MEA 3, for example overmolded around the membrane.
Typiquement, le cordon 15 de matériau formant joint d'étanchéité et la ligne de contact 17 sont exactement superposés. Ils ont le même tracé et sont placés dans la même position par rapport à la MEA 3. Chaque plaque bipolaire 9 présente un bord extérieur de plaque 19.Typically, the bead 15 of gasket material and the contact line 17 are exactly superimposed. They have the same layout and are placed in the same position with respect to the MEA 3. Each bipolar plate 9 has an outer edge of the plate 19.
Le bord extérieur de plaque 19 s'étend sur toute la périphérie de la plaque bipolaire 9. The outer edge of the plate 19 extends over the entire periphery of the bipolar plate 9.
Chaque assemblage membrane-électrodes 3 présente un bord périphérique extérieur 21. Le bord périphérique extérieur 21 s'étend sur toute la périphérie de l'assemblage membrane-électrodes 3. Each membrane-electrode assembly 3 has an outer peripheral edge 21. The outer peripheral edge 21 extends over the entire periphery of the membrane-electrode assembly 3.
Les MEA 3 et les plaques bipolaires 9 ont sensiblement la même forme générale. The MEAs 3 and the bipolar plates 9 have substantially the same general shape.
Typiquement, les bords périphériques des plaques 19 des deux plaques bipolaires 9 encadrant un même assemblage membrane-électrodes 3 se prolongent légèrement vers l'extérieur au-delà bord périphérique extérieur 21 dudit assemblage (figure 2). Le bord 21 est décalé vers l'intérieur par rapport aux bords 19 des deux plaques bipolaires. Typically, the peripheral edges of the plates 19 of the two bipolar plates 9 surrounding the same membrane-electrode assembly 3 extend slightly outwardly beyond the outer peripheral edge 21 of said assembly (FIG. 2). The edge 21 is offset inwardly with respect to the edges 19 of the two bipolar plates.
Le cordon 15 de matériau formant joint d'étanchéité comprend une portion 23 suivant le bord périphérique extérieur 21 de l'assemblage membrane-électrodes 3. La portion 23 suit le bord 21 sur toute sa périphérie. The bead 15 of sealing material comprises a portion 23 following the outer peripheral edge 21 of the membrane-electrode assembly 3. The portion 23 follows the edge 21 over its entire periphery.
Elle passe à proximité immédiate du bord périphérique extérieur 21.It passes in the immediate vicinity of the outer peripheral edge 21.
On entend par là qu'elle passe à une distance inférieure à 5 cm, de préférence 3 cm, encore de préférence 1 cm. This is understood to mean that it passes at a distance of less than 5 cm, preferably 3 cm, more preferably 1 cm.
De même, la ligne de contact 17 comprend une portion 25 qui suit le bord périphérique extérieur 21 de l'assemblage membrane-électrodes 3. Likewise, the contact line 17 comprises a portion 25 which follows the outer peripheral edge 21 of the membrane-electrode assembly 3.
La portion 25 suit le bord 21 sur toute sa périphérie. The portion 25 follows the edge 21 over its entire periphery.
Elle passe à proximité immédiate du bord périphérique extérieur 21.It passes in the immediate vicinity of the outer peripheral edge 21.
On entend par là qu'elle passe à une distance inférieure à 5 cm, de préférence 3 cm, encore de préférence 1 cm. This is understood to mean that it passes at a distance of less than 5 cm, preferably 3 cm, more preferably 1 cm.
Les portions 23 et 25 assurent l'étanchéité des volumes 11 et 13 vis-à-vis de l'extérieur de la pile à combustible 1, à la périphérie extérieure des volumes 11 et 13. The portions 23 and 25 seal the volumes 11 and 13 with respect to the outside of the fuel cell 1, at the outer periphery of the volumes 11 and 13.
Les portions 23 et 25 sont chacune à contour fermé. The portions 23 and 25 each have a closed contour.
De même, la portion 23 du cordon 15 de matériau formant joint d'étanchéité suit le bord extérieur de plaque 19 de l'une des deux plaques bipolaires 9 encadrant la MEA 3. Likewise, the portion 23 of the bead 15 of sealing material follows the outer edge of the plate 19 of one of the two bipolar plates 9 flanking the MEA 3.
La portion 25 de la ligne de contact 17 suit le bord extérieur de plaque 19 de l'autre plaque bipolaire 9 encadrant la MEA 3. The portion 25 of the contact line 17 follows the outer edge of plate 19 of the other bipolar plate 9 flanking the MEA 3.
Les portions 23 et 25 suivent les bords 19 sur toute leurs périphéries respectives. The portions 23 and 25 follow the edges 19 over their entire respective peripheries.
Elles passent chacune à proximité immédiate du bord extérieur de plaque 19 correspondant. They each pass in the immediate vicinity of the outer edge of the corresponding plate 19.
On entend par là qu'elle passe à une distance inférieure à 7 cm, de préférence 5 cm, encore de préférence 3 cm. By this is meant that it passes at a distance of less than 7 cm, preferably 5 cm, more preferably 3 cm.
Comme visible sur la figure 1, chaque plaque bipolaire 9 comporte un orifice d'amenée de fluide anodique 27, un orifice d'évacuation de fluide cathodique 29, un orifice d'évacuation de fluide anodique 31, et un orifice d'amenée de fluide cathodique 33. As visible in Figure 1, each bipolar plate 9 comprises an anode fluid inlet port 27, a cathode fluid outlet 29, an anode fluid outlet 31, and a fluid inlet port cathode 33.
Chaque plaque bipolaire 9 comporte en outre un orifice d'évacuation de fluide de refroidissement 35, et un orifice d'amenée de fluide de refroidissement 37. De manière similaire, chaque MEA 3 comporte un orifice d'amenée de fluide anodique 39, un orifice d'évacuation de fluide cathodique 41, un orifice d'amenée de fluide anodique 43, et un orifice d'évacuation de fluide cathodique 45. Each bipolar plate 9 further comprises a cooling fluid discharge orifice 35, and a cooling fluid supply orifice 37. Similarly, each MEA 3 comprises an anode fluid supply orifice 39, a cathode fluid discharge orifice 41, an anode fluid supply orifice 43, and a cathode fluid discharge orifice 45.
Chaque MEA 3 comporte en outre un orifice d'amenée de fluide de refroidissement 47, et un orifice d'évacuation de fluide de refroidissement 49. Each MEA 3 further includes a cooling fluid inlet port 47, and a cooling fluid outlet port 49.
Les orifices 39 à 49 sont ménagés dans le cadre périphérique extérieur 10, en matière plastique. The orifices 39 to 49 are made in the outer peripheral frame 10, made of plastic.
Les orifices des plaques bipolaires et des MEA sont superposés, constituant ainsi un collecteur d'amenée de fluide anodique, un collecteur d'amenée de fluide cathodique, un collecteur d'évacuation de fluide anodique, et un collecteur d'évacuation de fluide cathodique. The orifices of the bipolar plates and the MEAs are superimposed, thus constituting an anode fluid supply manifold, a cathode fluid supply manifold, an anode fluid discharge manifold, and a cathode fluid discharge manifold.
Les orifices superposés constituent également un collecteur d'amenée de fluide de refroidissement, et un collecteur d'évacuation de fluide de refroidissement. The superimposed orifices also constitute a coolant supply manifold, and a coolant discharge manifold.
Le fluide anodique circule à travers le volume anodique 11 depuis l'orifice 27 jusqu'à l'orifice 31. Le fluide cathodique circule à travers le volume cathodique 13 depuis l'orifice 33 jusqu'à l'orifice 29. The anode fluid circulates through the anode volume 11 from the orifice 27 to the orifice 31. The cathode fluid circulates through the cathode volume 13 from the orifice 33 to the orifice 29.
Le fluide de refroidissement circule à l'intérieur de la plaque bipolaire 9 depuis l'orifice 37 jusqu'à l'orifice 35. The cooling fluid circulates inside the bipolar plate 9 from the port 37 to the port 35.
Le cordon de matériau d'étanchéité 15 et/ou la ligne de contact direct 17 s'étendent autour d'un ou plusieurs desdits orifices, de préférence autour de chacun des orifices. The bead of sealing material 15 and / or the direct contact line 17 extend around one or more of said orifices, preferably around each of the orifices.
Plus précisément, le cordon de matériau d'étanchéité 15 et/ou la ligne de contact direct 17 comprennent des portions 50 qui s'étendent chacune autour d'un desdits orifices. Ces portions 50 sont à contour fermé ou se raccordent aux portions 23, 25 qui suivent le bord périphérique extérieur 21 de l'assemblage membrane-électrodes 3. More specifically, the bead of sealing material 15 and / or the line of direct contact 17 comprise portions 50 which each extend around one of said orifices. These portions 50 have a closed contour or are connected to the portions 23, 25 which follow the outer peripheral edge 21 of the membrane-electrode assembly 3.
Chaque portion 50 de la ligne de contact direct 17 est en contact direct avec le cadre périphérique extérieur 10 et crée une étanchéité au fluide circulant à travers l'orifice correspondant. Comme visible sur la figure 2, chaque plaque bipolaire 9 comporte une nervure 51 en saillie vers la MEA 3 qui la jouxte. Le cordon de matériau d'étanchéité 15 et/ou la ligne de contact direct 17 suivent la nervure 51. Each portion 50 of the direct contact line 17 is in direct contact with the outer peripheral frame 10 and creates a seal against the fluid flowing through the corresponding orifice. As can be seen in FIG. 2, each bipolar plate 9 comprises a rib 51 projecting towards the MEA 3 which adjoins it. The bead of sealing material 15 and / or the direct contact line 17 follow the rib 51.
Plus précisément, le cordon de matériau d'étanchéité 15 est interposé entre une bande plane 53, formant le sommet de la nervure 51, et la MEA 3. More precisely, the bead of sealing material 15 is interposed between a flat strip 53, forming the top of the rib 51, and the MEA 3.
De même, la ligne de contact direct 17 met en contact direct une bande plane 53, formant le sommet de la nervure 51, avec la MEA 3. Likewise, the direct contact line 17 brings a flat strip 53, forming the top of the rib 51, into direct contact with the MEA 3.
Comme décrit plus haut, chaque plaque bipolaire 9 est typiquement formée de deux tôles métalliques assemblées l'une à l'autre. Seule une des deux tôles métalliques est représentée sur la figure 2. La plaque bipolaire 9 est placée entre deux MEA 3, une première tôle métallique faisant face à une première MEA 3, et la seconde tôle métallique faisant face à la seconde MEA 3. As described above, each bipolar plate 9 is typically formed from two metal sheets assembled together. Only one of the two metal sheets is shown in FIG. 2. The bipolar plate 9 is placed between two MEA 3, a first metal sheet facing a first MEA 3, and the second metal sheet facing the second MEA 3.
La première tôle métallique comporte une nervure 51 en saillie vers la première MEA 3. La nervure est obtenue par déformation de la tôle métallique, et est en creux vers la seconde tôle métallique. The first metal sheet has a rib 51 projecting towards the first MEA 3. The rib is obtained by deformation of the metal sheet, and is hollow towards the second metal sheet.
La seconde tôle métallique comporte une nervure 51 en saillie vers la seconde MEA 3. La nervure est obtenue par déformation de la tôle métallique, et est en creux vers la première tôle métallique. The second metal sheet has a rib 51 projecting towards the second MEA 3. The rib is obtained by deformation of the metal sheet, and is hollow towards the first metal sheet.
En variante, le cordon de matériau d'étanchéité 15 et/ou la ligne de contact direct 17 sont formés dans des zones planes de la plaque bipolaire 9, dépourvues de nervure. Alternatively, the bead of sealing material 15 and / or the direct contact line 17 are formed in flat areas of the bipolar plate 9, devoid of ribs.
Selon une variante de réalisation illustrée sur la figure 3, l'assemblage membrane-électrodes 3 est en contact direct, le long de la ligne de contact direct 17, avec une zone texturée 55 de la plaque bipolaire 9. Ceci permet d'améliorer l'étanchéité vis-à-vis du fluide circulant entre la MEAAccording to an alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the membrane-electrode assembly 3 is in direct contact, along the direct contact line 17, with a textured zone 55 of the bipolar plate 9. This makes it possible to improve the '' tightness vis-à-vis the fluid circulating between the MEA
3 et la plaque bipolaire 9. 3 and the bipolar plate 9.
En effet, la zone texturée 55 comporte des reliefs 57 en saillie vers la MEA 3 et venant s'imprimer dans la MEA 3. Les reliefs 57 sont de tout type adapté. Par exemple, ce sont des nervures de faibles largeurs, s'étendant selon la ligne de contact 17. En d'autres termes, chaque nervure de faible largeur a le même tracé que la ligne de contact 17 et suit celle-ci. Indeed, the textured zone 55 comprises reliefs 57 projecting towards the MEA 3 and coming to be imprinted in the MEA 3. The reliefs 57 are of any suitable type. For example, they are ribs of small width, extending along the line of contact 17. In other words, each rib of small width has the same path as the line of contact 17 and follows the latter.
La zone texturée 55 comporte par exemple deux nervures de faible largeur, parallèles l'une à l'autre, ou encore comporte une texture de surface améliorant l'étanchéité. The textured zone 55 comprises for example two ribs of small width, parallel to one another, or else comprises a surface texture improving the seal.
La zone texturée 55 est avantageusement ménagée sur la bande plane 53 formant le sommet de la nervure 51. The textured zone 55 is advantageously provided on the flat strip 53 forming the top of the rib 51.
L'invention porte aussi sur un procédé de fabrication d'une pile à combustible. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a fuel cell.
La pile à combustible 1 décrite plus haut est particulièrement adaptée pour être fabriquée par le procédé de l'invention. Inversement, le procédé de l'invention est particulièrement adapté pour fabriquer la pile à combustible 1 décrite plus haut. The fuel cell 1 described above is particularly suitable for being manufactured by the method of the invention. Conversely, the method of the invention is particularly suitable for manufacturing the fuel cell 1 described above.
Le procédé comprenant les étapes suivantes : - obtention d'une pluralité d'assemblages membrane-électrodes 3, comprenant chacune une zone active 4 présentant une anode 5 et une cathode 7 ; The method comprising the following steps: obtaining a plurality of membrane-electrode assemblies 3, each comprising an active zone 4 having an anode 5 and a cathode 7;
- obtention d'une pluralité de plaques bipolaires 9; - Obtaining a plurality of bipolar plates 9;
- empilement des assemblages membrane-électrodes 3 et des plaques bipolaires 9 de telle sorte que chaque assemblage membrane-électrodes 3 soit disposé entre deux plaques bipolaires 9, un volume anodique 11 de circulation d'un fluide anodique étant délimité entre l'anode 5 et l'une des deux plaques bipolaires 9, un volume cathodique 13 de circulation d'un fluide cathodique étant délimité entre la cathode 7 et l'autre des deux plaques bipolaires 9. - Stacking of membrane-electrode assemblies 3 and bipolar plates 9 such that each membrane-electrode assembly 3 is disposed between two bipolar plates 9, an anode volume 11 for circulation of an anode fluid being delimited between the anode 5 and one of the two bipolar plates 9, a cathode volume 13 for circulation of a cathode fluid being delimited between the cathode 7 and the other of the two bipolar plates 9.
Les MEA 3 sont comme décrit ci-dessus. Les plaques bipolaires 9 sont comme décrit ci-dessus. MEAs 3 are as described above. The bipolar plates 9 are as described above.
La pile à combustible comprend typiquement de plusieurs dizaines à plusieurs centaines de MEA et de plusieurs dizaines à plusieurs centaines de plaques bipolaires 9. The fuel cell typically comprises from several tens to several hundreds of MEAs and from several tens to several hundreds of bipolar plates 9.
Le procédé comprend en outre les étapes ci-dessous : The method further comprises the steps below:
- pour chaque assemblage membrane-électrodes 3, dépôt vers l'un du volume anodique 11 et du volume cathodique 13, entre l'assemblage membrane- électrodes 3 et la plaque bipolaire 9 correspondante, d'un cordon 15 d'un matériau formant joint d'étanchéité ; - for each membrane-electrode assembly 3, deposit towards one of the anode volume 11 and of the cathode volume 13, between the membrane assembly- electrodes 3 and the corresponding bipolar plate 9, of a bead 15 of a sealing material;
- compression de l'empilement, ledit un du volume anodique 11 et du volume cathodique 13 étant fermé par le matériau formant joint d'étanchéité venant directement en contact avec l'assemblage membrane-électrodes 3 et avec la plaque bipolaire 9 correspondante ; l'autre du volume anodique 11 et du volume cathodique 13 étant fermé de manière étanche au fluide circulant dans ledit volume par mise en contact direct de l'assemblage membrane-électrodes 3 avec la plaque bipolaire 9 correspondante le long d'une ligne de contact direct 17. compression of the stack, said one of the anode volume 11 and of the cathode volume 13 being closed by the material forming a seal coming directly into contact with the membrane-electrode assembly 3 and with the corresponding bipolar plate 9; the other of the anode volume 11 and of the cathode volume 13 being closed in a sealed manner to the fluid circulating in said volume by placing the membrane-electrode assembly 3 in direct contact with the corresponding bipolar plate 9 along a contact line direct 17.
Le matériau formant joint d'étanchéité est du type décrit ci-dessus.The gasket material is of the type described above.
L'étape de dépôt est mise en œuvre par exemple avant l'étape d'empilement.The deposition step is implemented for example before the stacking step.
Le cordon 15 de matériau formant joint d'étanchéité est déposé soit sur la MEA 3 soit sur la plaque bipolaire 9. Le cordon 15 de matériau formant joint d'étanchéité est déposé par tous moyens adaptés. Par exemple, ce cordon est obtenu par une technique de moulage par injection (injection molding en anglais), puis déposé sur la MEA 3 ou sur la plaque bipolaire 9. En variante, la MEA 3 ou la plaque bipolaire 9 est placée dans un moule d'injection, et le matériau formant joint d'étanchéité est injecté ou surmoulé dans une cavité du moule ayant la forme du cordon 15. Encore dans une autre variante, le matériau formant joint d'étanchéité est extrudé directement sur la MEA 3 ou sur la plaque bipolaire 9, le long du tracé du cordon 15. The bead 15 of sealing material is deposited either on the MEA 3 or on the bipolar plate 9. The bead 15 of sealing material is deposited by any suitable means. For example, this bead is obtained by an injection molding technique (injection molding in English), then deposited on the MEA 3 or on the bipolar plate 9. As a variant, the MEA 3 or the bipolar plate 9 is placed in a mold. injection, and the material forming the seal is injected or overmolded in a mold cavity having the shape of the bead 15. Yet in another variant, the material forming the seal is extruded directly on the MEA 3 or on the bipolar plate 9, along the route of the cord 15.
Le tracé du cordon 15 de matériau formant joint d'étanchéité est comme décrit plus haut. La compression est effectuée selon une direction de compression correspondant à la direction d'empilement E matérialisée sur la figure 1. Cette direction est sensiblement perpendiculaire aux MEA 3 et aux plaques bipolaires 9. The route of the bead 15 of gasket material is as described above. The compression is carried out in a direction of compression corresponding to the stacking direction E shown in FIG. 1. This direction is substantially perpendicular to the MEA 3 and to the bipolar plates 9.
La force de compression est typiquement comprise entre 10 et 30 KN, de préférence entre 20 et 25 KN. La ligne de contact direct 17 est du type décrit ci-dessus. Son tracé est comme décrit plus haut. The compressive force is typically between 10 and 30 KN, preferably between 20 and 25 KN. The direct contact line 17 is of the type described above. Its layout is as described above.
Après l'étape de compression, les plaques bipolaires 9 et les MEA 3 sont maintenues comprimées sensiblement à la même pression, par mise en place d'organes de fixation tels que des tirants (non représentés). L'étanchéité au niveau du volume anodique 11 et du volume cathodique 13 est ainsi maintenue. After the compression step, the bipolar plates 9 and the MEA 3 are kept compressed at substantially the same pressure, by placing fasteners such as tie rods (not shown). The seal at the level of the anode volume 11 and of the cathode volume 13 is thus maintained.
Il est à noter que, dans la pile à combustible décrite ci-dessus, le cordon 15 formant joint d'étanchéité et la ligne de contact direct 17 sont les joints situés le plus à l'extérieur des MEA 3 et des plaques 9. Ils créent l'étanchéité pour les volumes anodique et cathodique 11, 13 vis-à-vis de l'extérieur de la pile à combustible. It should be noted that, in the fuel cell described above, the bead 15 forming a seal and the direct contact line 17 are the seals located outermost of the MEA 3 and the plates 9. They create the seal for the anode and cathode volumes 11, 13 vis-à-vis the outside of the fuel cell.
De référence, la pile à combustible ne comporte pas, entre la MEA 3 et les plaques 9, d'autres joints d'étanchéité que le cordon 15 et la ligne de contact direct 17. As a reference, the fuel cell does not include, between the MEA 3 and the plates 9, other seals than the bead 15 and the direct contact line 17.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Pile à combustible (1) comprenant : 1. Fuel cell (1) comprising:
- une pluralité d'assemblages membrane-électrodes (3), comprenant chacune une zone active (4) présentant une anode (5) et une cathode (7) ; - a plurality of membrane-electrode assemblies (3), each comprising an active zone (4) having an anode (5) and a cathode (7);
- une pluralité de plaques bipolaires (9) ; les assemblages membrane-électrodes (3) et les plaques bipolaires (9) étant empilées de telle sorte que chaque assemblage membrane-électrodes (3) soit disposé entre deux plaques bipolaires (9), un volume anodique (11) de circulation d'un fluide anodique étant délimité entre l'anode (5) et l'une des deux plaques bipolaires (9), un volume cathodique (13) de circulation d'un fluide cathodique étant délimité entre la cathode (7) et l'autre des deux plaques bipolaires (9) ; l'un du volume anodique (11) et du volume cathodique (13) étant fermé par un cordon (15) d'un matériau formant joint d'étanchéité, le matériau formant joint d'étanchéité étant directement en contact avec l'assemblage membrane-électrodes (3) et avec la plaque bipolaire (9) correspondante ; l'autre du volume anodique (11) et du volume cathodique (13) étant fermé de manière étanche au fluide circulant dans ledit volume par une ligne (17) de contact direct de l'assemblage membrane-électrodes (3) avec la plaque bipolaire (9) correspondante. - a plurality of bipolar plates (9); the membrane-electrode assemblies (3) and the bipolar plates (9) being stacked such that each membrane-electrode assembly (3) is disposed between two bipolar plates (9), an anode volume (11) for circulation of a anode fluid being delimited between the anode (5) and one of the two bipolar plates (9), a cathode volume (13) for circulation of a cathode fluid being delimited between the cathode (7) and the other of the two bipolar plates (9); one of the anode volume (11) and the cathode volume (13) being closed by a bead (15) of a seal material, the seal material being directly in contact with the membrane assembly -electrodes (3) and with the corresponding bipolar plate (9); the other of the anode volume (11) and of the cathode volume (13) being sealed to the fluid circulating in said volume by a line (17) of direct contact of the membrane-electrode assembly (3) with the bipolar plate (9) corresponding.
2. Pile à combustible selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le matériau formant joint d'étanchéité est un silicone un EPDM ou un thermoplastique, par exemple type matériau composite polypropylène plus EPDM. 2. Fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the material forming the seal is a silicone, an EPDM or a thermoplastic, for example of the polypropylene composite material plus EPDM type.
3. Pile à combustible selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans lequel le cordon (15) de matériau formant joint d'étanchéité présente une épaisseur comprise entre 0,25 mm et 0,75 mm. 3. Fuel cell according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bead (15) of sealing material has a thickness between 0.25 mm and 0.75 mm.
4. Pile à combustible selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, dans lequel l'assemblage membrane-électrodes (3) présente un cadre périphérique extérieur (10) en une matière plastique entourant la zone active (4), la plaque bipolaire (9) correspondante étant en contact direct avec le cadre périphérique extérieur (10). 4. Fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the membrane-electrode assembly (3) has an outer peripheral frame (10) of a plastic material surrounding the active area (4), the bipolar plate. (9) corresponding being in direct contact with the outer peripheral frame (10).
5. Pile à combustible selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, dans lequel l'assemblage membrane-électrodes (3) est en contact direct avec une zone de la plaque bipolaire (9) en un métal. 5. Fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the membrane-electrode assembly (3) is in direct contact with an area of the bipolar plate (9) made of a metal.
6. Pile à combustible selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, dans lequel l'assemblage membrane-électrodes (3) est en contact direct avec une zone texturée (55) de la plaque bipolaire (9). 6. Fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the membrane-electrode assembly (3) is in direct contact with a textured area (55) of the bipolar plate (9).
7. Pile à combustible selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6, dans lequel chaque plaque bipolaire (9) présente un bord extérieur de plaque (19), la portion (23) du cordon (15) de matériau formant joint d'étanchéité suivant ledit bord extérieur de plaque (19). 7. Fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each bipolar plate (9) has an outer edge of the plate (19), the portion (23) of the bead (15) of gasket material. sealing along said outer edge of the plate (19).
8. Pile à combustible selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 7, dans lequel chaque plaque bipolaire (9) présente un bord extérieur de plaque (19), la portion (25) de la ligne de contact (17) suivant ledit bord extérieur de plaque (19). 8. Fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each bipolar plate (9) has an outer edge of the plate (19), the portion (25) of the contact line (17) following said edge. outside plate (19).
9. Pile à combustible selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6, dans lequel chaque plaque bipolaire (9) comporte un orifice d'amenée de fluide anodique (27), un orifice d'amenée de fluide cathodique (29), un orifice d'évacuation de fluide anodique (31), et un orifice d'évacuation de fluide cathodique (33), le cordon (15) de matériau formant joint d'étanchéité et/ou la ligne de contact direct (17) s'étendant autour d'un ou plusieurs desdits orifices (27, 29, 31, 33). 9. Fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each bipolar plate (9) comprises an anode fluid supply port (27), a cathode fluid supply port (29), a anode fluid outlet (31), and a cathode fluid outlet (33), the bead (15) of sealant material and / or the direct contact line (17) extending around one or more of said orifices (27, 29, 31, 33).
10. Procédé de fabrication d'une pile à combustible (1), le procédé comprenant les étapes suivantes : 10. A method of manufacturing a fuel cell (1), the method comprising the following steps:
- obtention d'une pluralité d'assemblages membrane-électrodes (3), comprenant chacune une zone active (4) présentant une anode (5) et une cathode (7) ; - Obtaining a plurality of membrane-electrode assemblies (3), each comprising an active zone (4) having an anode (5) and a cathode (7);
- obtention d'une pluralité de plaques bipolaires (9) ; - empilement des assemblages membrane-électrodes (3) et des plaques bipolaires (9) de telle sorte que chaque assemblage membrane-électrodes (3) soit disposé entre deux plaques bipolaires (9), un volume anodique (11) de circulation d'un fluide anodique étant délimité entre l'anode (5) et l'une des deux plaques bipolaires (9), un volume cathodique (13) de circulation d'un fluide cathodique étant délimité entre la cathode (7) et l'autre des deux plaques bipolaires (9) ; - pour chaque assemblage membrane-électrodes (3), dépôt vers l'un du volume anodique (11) et du volume cathodique (13), entre l'assemblage membrane- électrodes (3) et la plaque bipolaire (9) correspondante, d'un cordon (15) d'un matériau formant joint d'étanchéité ; - compression de l'empilement, ledit un du volume anodique (11) et du volume cathodique (13) étant fermé par le matériau formant joint d'étanchéité venant directement en contact avec l'assemblage membrane-électrodes (3) et avec la plaque bipolaire (9) correspondante; l'autre du volume anodique (11) et du volume cathodique (13) étant fermé de manière étanche au fluide circulant dans ledit volume par mise en contact direct de l'assemblage membrane-électrodes (3) avec la plaque bipolaire (9) correspondante le long d'une ligne de contact direct (17). - obtaining a plurality of bipolar plates (9); - stacking of membrane-electrode assemblies (3) and bipolar plates (9) so that each membrane-electrode assembly (3) is placed between two bipolar plates (9), an anode volume (11) for circulation of a anode fluid being delimited between the anode (5) and one of the two bipolar plates (9), a cathode volume (13) for circulation of a cathode fluid being delimited between the cathode (7) and the other of the two bipolar plates (9); - for each membrane-electrode assembly (3), deposit towards one of the anode volume (11) and of the cathode volume (13), between the membrane-electrode assembly (3) and the corresponding bipolar plate (9), d a bead (15) of a gasket material; - compression of the stack, said one of the anode volume (11) and of the cathode volume (13) being closed by the material forming a seal coming directly into contact with the membrane-electrode assembly (3) and with the plate bipolar (9) corresponding; the other of the anode volume (11) and of the cathode volume (13) being sealed against the fluid circulating in said volume by placing the membrane-electrode assembly (3) in direct contact with the corresponding bipolar plate (9) along a line of direct contact (17).
EP20820249.9A 2019-08-05 2020-08-03 Fuel cell and corresponding manufacturing method Pending EP4010939A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1908959A FR3099852B1 (en) 2019-08-05 2019-08-05 Fuel cell and corresponding manufacturing method
PCT/FR2020/051424 WO2021023940A1 (en) 2019-08-05 2020-08-03 Fuel cell and corresponding manufacturing method

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4010939A1 true EP4010939A1 (en) 2022-06-15

Family

ID=68807040

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP20820249.9A Pending EP4010939A1 (en) 2019-08-05 2020-08-03 Fuel cell and corresponding manufacturing method

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US20220336827A1 (en)
EP (1) EP4010939A1 (en)
CN (1) CN114342130A (en)
FR (1) FR3099852B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2021023940A1 (en)

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP4562501B2 (en) * 2004-11-25 2010-10-13 本田技研工業株式会社 Fuel cell
JP5133616B2 (en) * 2007-06-28 2013-01-30 本田技研工業株式会社 Fuel cell
US8053133B2 (en) * 2007-11-07 2011-11-08 GM Global Technology Operations LLC Bipolar plate hydrophilic treatment for stable fuel cell stack operation at low power
US8211585B2 (en) * 2008-04-08 2012-07-03 GM Global Technology Operations LLC Seal for PEM fuel cell plate
US8999597B2 (en) * 2010-06-15 2015-04-07 Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Fuel cell
CN102751514B (en) * 2011-04-20 2014-12-31 本田技研工业株式会社 Fuel cell unit and fuel cell
CN106571472B (en) * 2016-11-10 2019-07-12 上海交通大学 A kind of fuel battery metal double polar plate component enhancing flow uniformity

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN114342130A (en) 2022-04-12
FR3099852B1 (en) 2023-07-28
FR3099852A1 (en) 2021-02-12
US20220336827A1 (en) 2022-10-20
WO2021023940A9 (en) 2021-03-11
WO2021023940A1 (en) 2021-02-11

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2904657B1 (en) Leakproofing device for fuel cell, unit and fuel cell comprising such a device
EP1897163B1 (en) Seal and fuel cell comprising same affixed on the bipolar plates
EP3360987B1 (en) Electrolyser spacer and electrolyser provided with such a spacer
CA1277368C (en) Arrangements in fuel cell structures
FR3043847A1 (en) BIPOLAR PLATES TO LIMIT THE OPERATION OF FLOW CHANNELS BY REAGENTS
FR2810795A1 (en) Bipolar plate for a fuel cell comprises two metallic plates separated by segments and having recesses for the production of a composite conducting body in a single molding operation
EP2707920B1 (en) Fuel cell comprising manifolds having individual injector seals
EP4010939A1 (en) Fuel cell and corresponding manufacturing method
FR3023981A1 (en) BIPOLAR PLATE FOR ELECTROCHEMICAL REACTOR HAVING A COMPACT AND LOW DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE REGION
WO2002059995A1 (en) Light bipolar plate for fuel cell and method for making same
EP3195392B1 (en) Fluid flow plate for electrochemical reactor and assembly comprising the same
FR3043845A1 (en) BIPOLAR PLATES TO LIMIT THE OPERATION OF FLOW CHANNELS BY REAGENTS
WO2013007649A1 (en) Method of producing a leaktight seal between components of a fuel cell and corresponding method of manufacturing a fuel cell
EP3499623B1 (en) Electrochemical reactor with high temperature proton exchange membrane suitable for low temperature storage
CA2841157C (en) Fuel cell plate and fuel cell
FR2956522A1 (en) Fuel cell plate e.g. monopolar plate, assembly, has plates integrated with common frame that is provided with folding line for folding frame to stack two of plates to form part of fuel cell
EP3618157A1 (en) Stack of redox-flow electrochemical cells with decreased shunt
FR3097080A1 (en) Fuel cell plate, cell and fuel cell.
FR3109842A1 (en) Electricity storage battery, motor vehicle containing such a battery, corresponding manufacturing process
WO2022175233A1 (en) Electrochemical cell with improved peripheral sealing
FR3098357A1 (en) Method for manufacturing a gas diffusion device with improved electrical properties
FR3131460A1 (en) Gasket for electrochemical reactor and associated method of manufacture
FR3012680A1 (en) OPTIMIZED FUEL CELL OPTIMIZED ALONG THE AIR FLOW CHANNEL
EP2490290B1 (en) Fluid coupling for a fuel cell plate, corresponding fuel cell plate and fuel cell

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: UNKNOWN

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE

PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20220204

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

DAV Request for validation of the european patent (deleted)
DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230524