WO1999067845A1 - Plaque a champ d'ecoulement - Google Patents

Plaque a champ d'ecoulement Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1999067845A1
WO1999067845A1 PCT/CA1999/000583 CA9900583W WO9967845A1 WO 1999067845 A1 WO1999067845 A1 WO 1999067845A1 CA 9900583 W CA9900583 W CA 9900583W WO 9967845 A1 WO9967845 A1 WO 9967845A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
passages
flow field
field plate
plate according
sets
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CA1999/000583
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Winston R. Mackelvie
Original Assignee
Bondface Technology Inc.
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 Bondface Technology Inc. filed Critical Bondface Technology Inc.
Priority to AU43553/99A priority Critical patent/AU4355399A/en
Publication of WO1999067845A1 publication Critical patent/WO1999067845A1/fr

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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
    • H01M8/0202—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors
    • H01M8/0247—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors characterised by the form
    • H01M8/025—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors characterised by the form semicylindrical
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/24—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells
    • H01M8/2465—Details of groupings of fuel cells
    • 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
    • C25B9/70—Assemblies comprising two or more cells
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/02—Details
    • H01M8/0202—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors
    • H01M8/0204—Non-porous and characterised by the material
    • H01M8/0223—Composites
    • H01M8/0228—Composites in the form of layered or coated products
    • 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
    • H01M8/026—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors characterised by the configuration of channels, e.g. by the flow field of the reactant or coolant characterised by grooves, e.g. their pitch or depth
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/02—Details
    • H01M8/0202—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors
    • H01M8/0267—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors having heating or cooling means, e.g. heaters or coolant flow channels
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/24—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells
    • H01M8/241—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells with solid or matrix-supported electrolytes
    • 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
    • H01M8/2457—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells with both reactants being gaseous or vaporised
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/24—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells
    • H01M8/2465—Details of groupings of fuel cells
    • H01M8/2483—Details of groupings of fuel cells characterised by internal manifolds
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M2300/00—Electrolytes
    • H01M2300/0017—Non-aqueous electrolytes
    • H01M2300/0065—Solid electrolytes
    • H01M2300/0082—Organic polymers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/02—Details
    • H01M8/0202—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors
    • H01M8/0204—Non-porous and characterised by the material
    • H01M8/0206—Metals or alloys
    • 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
    • H01M8/0213—Gas-impermeable carbon-containing materials
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04007—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids related to heat exchange
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04007—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids related to heat exchange
    • H01M8/04029—Heat exchange using liquids
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04082—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration
    • H01M8/04089—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants
    • H01M8/04119—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants with simultaneous supply or evacuation of electrolyte; Humidifying or dehumidifying
    • H01M8/04156—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants with simultaneous supply or evacuation of electrolyte; Humidifying or dehumidifying with product water removal
    • 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

Definitions

  • This invention relates to flow field plates.
  • Flow field plates are typically used in fuel cell stacks in which they perform several functions .
  • membranes are sandwiched between porous catalytic electrode layers, and in turn between flow field plates which separate the cells in the stack.
  • the flow field plates perform multiple functions. They act as current collectors for the electrodes and they provide electrical continuity between adjacent cells. They separately distribute reagent gases (oxygen and hydrogen) across opposite faces of the plate in connect with opposite polarity electrodes of adjacent cells. They remove the product of reaction (water) typically from the oxygen side, and should supply adequate moisture to the hydrogen side to prevent dehydration of the membrane. They act to conduct away heat generated at the membrane during operation of the cell.
  • a flow field plate comprising surface layers of electrically conductive material, a core layer of electrically conductive material between the surface layers within the thickness of the plate, wherein the plate defines multiple sets of fluid passages comprising first sets of passages, one set formed in the thickness of each surface layer and open to and parallel to the surface of that layer, a second set of passages formed in the thickness of the core layer and extending transversely to the passages of the first sets to provide points of intersection with the latter when viewed in plan, ports placing passages of the second set in communication with passages of one or other of the first sets of points of intersection of the passages, and a third set of passages extending perpendicularly through the layers, without intersection passages of the first sets, and each communicating with a passage or passages of the second set to provide fluid paths into, out of, or through the first sets of passages via the second set of passages.
  • the surface or core layers may be formed integrally or as a sandwich construction.
  • the first sets of passages are preferably machined into the surface layer in a concentric circular or helical pattern.
  • the layers may be formed of graphite or formed or metallized with a metal or other conductive material resistant to corrosion under the operating conditions of a fuel cell.
  • a through flow of reagents is provided in the grooves on both sides of the plates, the hydrogen grooves being provided with both entry and exit passages, and the air/oxygen passages having some communication with or being common with water passages.
  • the invention also extends to cell configurations which reduce or eliminate the necessity for large diameter O-rings, which are expensive and difficult to manipulate during assembly.
  • Figure 1 is an exploded view of a fuel cell stack incorporating a first embodiment of flow field plate
  • Figure 2 is a plan view of the flow field plate shown in Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 is a plan view of a modification of the flow field plate shown in Figure 2 ;
  • Figure 4 is a fragmentary cross-section on the line 4-4 in Figure 3 ;
  • Figures 5-7 are plan views from the same side of separately formed layers of a second embodiment of flow field plate;
  • Figure 8 is an exploded isometric view of the embodiment of Figures 5-7;
  • Figure 9 is a plan view of a third embodiment of flow field plate
  • Figure 10 is a cross-section of a variation of the embodiment' of Figure 9 ;
  • Figure 11 is a plan view of a fourth embodiment of flow field plate
  • Figure 12 is a cross section through a stack structure somewhat similar to that of Figure 3, but incorporating modifications ;
  • Figure 13 and 14 are fragmentary cross-sections through portions of a fuel cell illustrating methods of installing seals
  • Figure 15 is a section through a seal formed by the method illustrated in Figure 14;
  • Figure 16 is a radial section, through a core portion of a fuel cell stack
  • Figure 17 is a perspective fragmentary view illustrating the use of wicks in flow field plate grooves
  • Figure 18 is a plan view of an exemplary flow field plate groove arrangement
  • Figures 19 and 20 are diametrical sectional and plan views of a core element for use in a fuel cell stack
  • Figure 21 is an axial section through such a stack with only two cells shown; and Figure 22 is an enlarged detail of Figure 21.
  • end flow field plates la in the stack may, as shown, be single rather than double sided since the face adjacent an end cap will not form part of a cell.
  • the cells in the stack are formed by electrode assemblies, of which only one is shown, inserted between adjacent flow field plates.
  • Each electrode assembly comprises, in this example, a proton exchange membrane B, on each side of which are located porous graphitic electrode layers C & F .
  • flow field plates in accordance with the invention could also be utilized with other types of electrode assembly presenting planar electrode surfaces to the plates, and in other types of electrochemical cell stacks, for example cells using electrical power to disassociate electrolytes into gases rather than the reverse process that takes place in fuel cells, although fuel cells are presently seen as a primary electrochemical application for the plates.
  • the membrane B is clamped adjacent its outer periphery and adjacent a central aperture by 0-rings 31b and 31e located in grooves 31d (see Figure 4) in the adjacent flow field plates when the stack of flow field plates and electrode assemblies is clamped between end plates (of which only one is shown) by an axial tie rod (not shown) passing through a central bore 12 in a core member 20 on which the electrode assemblies and flow field plates are assembled.
  • Elastomeric collars G within the central bores 9 of the flow field plates interact with the apices of core 20 to define three channels 4d, 5d and 6d extending through the bores 12 longitudinally of the stack forming fluid passages for oxygen, hydrogen and water, these passages communicating with ports J in the end cap H.
  • Washers E may optionally or alternatively be used to seal the passages so formed at the membranes B.
  • Opposite surface layers of the plates 1 are formed with a series of concentric grooves forming first sets of channels covering an annular area between the O-rings 31b and 31e, this area corresponding to that of the electrodes C and F. '
  • the set of grooves comprises alternating grooves 2 and 3, while on the opposite side (see Figure 4) there is one set of grooves 10.
  • the grooves shown are circular, single or multistart helices could be utilised, or other easily machined layouts. If the grooves are moulded, a wider range of layouts is available. It may be advantageous to offset radially the positions of grooves on opposite sides of the plate so that the grooves on adjacent plates interdigitate . This improves the contact of the plates with the membranes when the stack is compressed, thus reducing electrical and thermal contact resistance.
  • Radial bores 4, 5 and 6, forming a second set of channels extend through core layers of the plates 1 between the surface layers, and communicate respectively with the grooves 2, 3 and 10 through ports or vias 4a, 5a and 6a respectively.
  • the bores 4, 5 and 6 communicate with the channels 4d, 5d and 6d, forming a third set of channels through ports of which only port 6c is referenced.
  • the channels 4d, 4 and 2 of each plate conduct oxygen to fields adjacent the electrodes F adjoining electrode assemblies on one side of the plate, and the channels 6d, 6 and 10 of each plate conduct hydrogen to fields adjacent the electrodes of the electrode assemblies adjoining the other sides of the plates.
  • the channels 3, 5a and 5d conduct water, formed by reaction between the oxygen and the hydrogen of the membrane under the influence of the catalyst treated electrodes, as well as excess oxygen, away from the reaction zone.
  • the width and shape of lands 3a between the grooves 2 and 3 may be controlled (compare Figure 10) so as to maximize the area of the electrodes exposed to the reagent fields, and having regard to the porosity of the electrode material to allow oxygen and water to migrate from the channels 2 towards the channels 3.
  • the width and shape of lands between the channels 10 may be similarly controlled. Since the channels nearest the centre of the plate are shorter, it may be desirable to make these channels narrower or shallower so as to reduce the fluid flow through these channels compared to those of greater radius.
  • the channels 4, 5 and 6 may be formed by drillings closed at their outer ends by a further O-ring 31 retained in a channel 8 around the periphery of each plate 1.
  • the reaction between the hydrogen and the oxygen at the membrane is exothermic, and for maximum performance it is desirable to provide additional cooling of the assembly during operation.
  • the core member 20 instead of being approximately triangular, is in the form of a five pointed star so as to define five rather than three passages within the bores 9.
  • the additional radial passages 11 and 11a communicate with additional radial bores lie and lid in the plate, while the O-ring 31 is replaced by a sealing collar 31c so as to enclose the channel 8 around the periphery of the plate.
  • the channels 4, 5 and 6 are closed at their outer ends by plugs 4c, 5c and 6c.
  • Cooling liquid may be fed to the stack through the channel 11 and exit through the channel 11a after passing through the plates via the channels lie, lid and 8.
  • the bores lie and lid are used to house heat pipes (not shown) rather than to act as water channels, with outer ends of the heat pipes being cooled to extract heat from the interior of the plates.
  • the plates 1 may be constructed in various ways .
  • a disc of graphite is machined on its opposite faces to form the grooves 2, 3 and 10 and on its periphery to form the channel 8.
  • Such circular grooves are readily machined even in a material such as graphite.
  • the radial bores are drilled.
  • the plate may be formed of metal such as a noble metal or corrosion resistant alloy, but noble metals are very costly, and corrosion resistance, or, in the case of metals such as titanium or tantalum, may be costly and difficult to machine.
  • metal such as a noble metal or corrosion resistant alloy
  • noble metals are very costly, and corrosion resistance, or, in the case of metals such as titanium or tantalum, may be costly and difficult to machine.
  • Various chemically conductive resins are known and may be used; highly conductive resins containing up to 90% of graphite are available.
  • Another possible approach is to mould or cast the plate with at least the surface grooves, drill the radial passages, and metallize the completed plate using a noble metal.
  • the plate may be machined, cast or moulded from base metal or synthetic resin, provided that the integrity of the metallization of the various passages can be assured if the substrate material is not itself corrosion resistant.
  • the ports or vias 4a, 5a and 6a are shown as separately formed, but it may be practical to displace the radial drillings sufficiently towards the relevant surfaces of the plate that the primary and secondary passages intersect without additional drillings. If the plates are used in a non-electrochemical application, then their conductivity may be immaterial, and they can be moulded or machined from synthetic resin.
  • the stack incorporating the plates is preferably operated with the passages 2 and 3 facing upwardly, so that water formed by interaction at the membrane of oxygen and hydrogen accumulates in and is drained from the passages 3.
  • Figures 5 to 8 an alternative embodiment of plate is shown, in which the same reference numerals are utilized to indicate similar parts.
  • the opportunity has been taken in the several Figures to illustrate variations of this embodiment, but collectively the Figures show respectively a first surface layer 100, a core layer 101 and a second surface layer 102 which are assembled in the relationship shown in Figure 8 to form a complete plate.
  • Each layer may for example be formed by either as already described above, or by embossing a sheet of a deformable graphitic composition to form the various passages.
  • the grooves 2, 3 and 10 may be pressed into the outer layers, and the secondary passages pressed into the appropriate side of the centre layer 10.
  • Such pressed passages, such as the passage 50, in the centre layer will weaken it less than punched or drilled slots such as 6 or 40.
  • the passage may communicate with a central passage 9, divided by a core 20, through ports 40d, 50d, or with off-centre through passages such as 13.
  • the arrangement may incorporate cooling passages, as described above with reference to Figure 3.
  • the core layer 101 may comprise multiple overlaid discs, each one of which is recessed or slotted to form only certain passages.
  • the layer 101 as shown in Figure 8 could be formed as two layers, one containing the vertical passages, and one the horizontal passages, or different sets of passages can be formed on opposite sides of the core layer, which may be formed of metal rather than graphite. This simplifies the structure of the outer graphite layers, in turn relaxing the specification required for the graphite.
  • FIGs 9 and 10 illustrate an embodiment incorporating certain variations of the embodiments of Figures 1-4.
  • the drilled passages in the core layer of the plate need not be radial, so long as they can intersect the passages 2, 3 and 10.
  • the third passages extending longitudinally of the stack need not be located in the centre portions of the plates.
  • a non-radial passage 90 extends between longitudinal passages 70,80, sealed to passages of adjacent plates by O-rings 31b.
  • the passages 70,80 are radially outward of the O-rings 31b.
  • a group of longitudinal passages 13 sealed by O-rings 13a provide for admission of hydrogen, oxygen and cooling water, while a central passage 12 provides for drainage of water produced by reaction, and for the passage of a tie rod (not shown) .
  • Figure 11 shows how multiple stacks of cells may be assembled using a single set of plates 1.
  • the plates in this case are rectangular, the stack being held together by the rods (not shown) through passages 12.
  • the drillings 4, 5 and 6 (closed at the edge of the plate by plugs such as 6c) may be connected to longitudinal passages formed either by the passages 12, or segments of a central (relative to the grooves 2, 3) core 20, as previously described.
  • passages 1, 2 and 3 have been described as circular and concentric, helical grooves could be employed to form the the passages and are easily machined. Separation of the passages 2 and 3 can be achieved in this case by use of a multi-start helix. In cases where the grooves must be machined from a material such as graphite, complex groove layouts should be avoided.
  • Figure 12 is a fragmentary section through a cell stack generally similar to Figure 2, with additional features discussed further below.
  • O-ring seals are replaced by C- section seals 110 and 111, whose C-sections embrace inner and outer peripheries of the graphitic layers C and F sandwiching the membrane B.
  • the seals 110 and 111 are located in circular grooves formed in the plates 1. This both reduces the number of seals required, and eases their handling since they may be preapplied to the membrane assemblies.
  • the grooves may be replaced by rabbets (see Figure 13) at the inner and/or outer peripheries of the plates, permitting the seals to be applied during assembly of the stack, possibly with the use of a sealant between the seals -and the stack, and/or peripheral retaining rings to hold the seals in place.
  • the C-section seals are formed jLn situ, as described in more detail with reference to Figures 13 through 16.
  • external grooves formed by the rabbets 112 on the plates are filled with an elastomeric resin, for example a silicone resin, which is cured in situ.
  • an elastomeric resin for example a silicone resin
  • Removable plugs 120 are inserted in all inwardly opening radial passages in the plates, and a further cylindrical plug 122 is inserted within a central bore in the plate stack, leaving a cavity to receive liquid resin injected through a dedicated radial passage 124, and cured in situ so as to form the seals 111 and the sleeve 9 as an integral unit (see Figure 15) .
  • a core member 20 within sleeve 9 defines multiple longitudinal passages 4D, 5D, 6D, 11, 11A and 130 within a centre core of a fuel cell stack, most of which passages communicate with radial passages in flow field plates 1 through ports in the sleeve 9, as described in more detail with reference to Figure 3.
  • At least one passage 130 however communicates through ports 132 of the sleeve 9 with grooves formed by the rabbets 112 around the peripheries of the electrode assemblies, and is used to inject resin into these grooves.
  • the passage 130 may advantageously be located between the passages 4D and 6D carrying oxygen (air) and hydrogen respectively so as to improve the sealing between these passages.
  • the passages formed in the opposite surfaces of the plates 1 contain wicks 40. These wicks provide communication with bodies of water. In the case of the oxygen channels, the wicks withdraw water of reaction from the vicinity of the electrodes, while in the case of the hydrogen channels, they feed moisture to the channels.
  • the flow of gas through the channels lends tends to evaporate water from the extended evaporative surfaces provided by the wicks, the heat of evaporation of the water providing a useful additional cooling effect.
  • the channels or grooves on the oxygen side are arranged as shown in Figures 2 and 3, with alternate oxygen (air grooves 4 through which air or oxygen is circulated, and water grooves 5 through which excess water is withdrawn) . Operation is shown in more detail in Figures 17 and 18. Oxygen or air possibly together with water is supplied through the passages 4 to alternate channels 2.
  • Water is absorbed by the wicks 40 from the electrode F as it is formed or permeates from the latter, and at the same time is evaporated from the wicks to provide a cooling effect to the extent permitted by saturation of the gas passing through the system. Water may similarly be evaporated from wicks on the hydrogen side of the membrane, both to humidify the hydrogen electrode B, and to produce further cooling occasioned by the evaporative process.
  • oxygen or air passes into the channels 2 through ports 4A from the passages 4, around these channels, through ports 44 to adjacent water draining passages 3 and exits through ports 5A to the passages 5.
  • This arrangement permits additional air to pass through the system to the extent that it can pass between the passages 3 and 2, and across the lands 3A which both increases the amount of moisture that can be evaporated (thus increasing cooling) and assisting in purging excess water from the system with the assistance of the wicks 40, as well as itself providing additional cooling.
  • Additional wicks 46 may be provided in the passages 5 to assist in conducting water from the wick 40, aided by the flow of excess air or oxygen which permeates between the channels 2 and 3, through the membrane and over rounded tops of the lands 3A.
  • the channels in the surface of the plate are of capillary size, for example V-shaped grooves of about 0.275mm depth and 0.35mm width, separated by 0.075mm lands.
  • the capillary action they produce eliminates the need for separate wicks, and their wicking action may be enhanced by scribing the grooves in the material of the plates using a tool which leaves ragged edges at the lands.
  • grooves it is possible to dispense with separate air/oxygen and water grooves 2 and 3, and instead have the passages 4 and 5 communicate at regularly spaced locations (typically 180°) with the grooves so that air/oxygen passes through the grooves from the passages 4, picking up water on the way, and exits through the passages 5.
  • Such grooves may be scribed, pressed or moulded as a continuous spiral, in the manner of a phonograph record, with the passages drilled or moulded adjacent the forward surfaces, with at least the passages 5 possibly being provided with wicks.
  • FIG. 19 to 22 A further alternative core structure is shown in Figures 19 to 22.
  • the core is formed by a stack of moulded plastic disks 134, the end caps H and the stack of disks being secured by a through bolt passing through the passage 12.
  • the disks also provide passages 4d, 5d, 6d, 7d which communicate with radial passages such as 4 , 6 in the plates 1 through ports 4c, etc., as in previous embodiments.
  • a seal forming compound is injected through a port 124a in one end plate into a manifold 125 and thence up channels 130 in the disks to a manifold and exit port 124b in the other end plate H.
  • sealant forms seals 112 between the perimeters of the electrode assemblies C, B, F, the flow field plates 1, and the disks 134. Further sealant passing up the passage 12 applies radial pressure to the disks (see Figure 20) to maintain them in tight contact with the plates 1.

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  • Metallurgy (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Composite Materials (AREA)
  • Fuel Cell (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une plaque à champ d'écoulement (1) qui présente des couches superficielles d'un matériau conducteur, et une couche centrale d'un matériau conducteur disposée entre lesdites couches superficielles dans l'épaisseur de la plaque. La plaque délimite plusieurs ensembles de passages du fluide qui comprennent des premiers ensembles de passages (2, 3, 10) dont un est formé dans l'épaisseur de chaque couche superficielle et s'ouvre sur et parallèlement à la surface de cette couche; un deuxième ensemble de passages (4, 5, 6) formés dans l'épaisseur de la couche centrale et s'étendant transversalement vers les passages des premiers ensembles pour former des points d'intersection avec ces derniers selon une vue en plan; des orifices (4a, 5a, 6a) faisant communiquer les passages du deuxième ensemble avec des passages de l'un ou l'autre des premiers ensembles à des points d'intersection des passages; et un troisième ensemble de passages (4d, 5d, 6d) s'étendant perpendiculairement à travers les couches sans former intersection avec les premiers ensembles de passages, chaque passage communiquant avec un passage ou des passages du deuxième ensemble pour former des trajectoires du fluide qui empruntent le deuxième ensemble de passages pour pénétrer dans, sortir de, ou traverser les premiers ensembles de passages.
PCT/CA1999/000583 1998-06-23 1999-06-21 Plaque a champ d'ecoulement WO1999067845A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU43553/99A AU4355399A (en) 1998-06-23 1999-06-21 Flow field plate

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA2,241,566 1998-06-23
CA002241566A CA2241566A1 (fr) 1998-06-23 1998-06-23 Plaque pour champ de flux

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1999067845A1 true WO1999067845A1 (fr) 1999-12-29

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Family Applications (1)

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PCT/CA1999/000583 WO1999067845A1 (fr) 1998-06-23 1999-06-21 Plaque a champ d'ecoulement

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU4355399A (fr)
CA (1) CA2241566A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO1999067845A1 (fr)

Cited By (21)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1094535A1 (fr) * 1998-06-30 2001-04-25 Matsushita Electric Industries Co., Ltd. Pile a combustible electrolytique en polymere solide
WO2001061775A2 (fr) * 2000-02-17 2001-08-23 Nedstack Holding B.V. Elimination de l'eau des cellules electrochimiques a electrolyte polymerique (pem)
WO2001073877A2 (fr) * 2000-03-28 2001-10-04 Manhattan Scientifics, Inc. Procede de fonctionnement d'un systeme de pile a combustible, et systeme de pile a combustible fonctionnant selon ledit procede
FR2819343A1 (fr) * 2001-01-10 2002-07-12 Technicatome Pile a combustible equipee de plaques polaires identiques et a circulation interne de combustible et de refrigerant
US6472095B2 (en) * 2000-12-29 2002-10-29 Utc Fuel Cells, Llc Hybrid fuel cell reactant flow fields
WO2002103831A1 (fr) * 1999-07-29 2002-12-27 Nexant, Inc. Empilement de piles a combustible, systeme et procede correspondant
US6780536B2 (en) 2001-09-17 2004-08-24 3M Innovative Properties Company Flow field
US6811917B2 (en) 2000-08-14 2004-11-02 World Properties, Inc. Thermosetting composition for electrochemical cell components and methods of making thereof
EP1551073A1 (fr) * 2002-06-28 2005-07-06 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Batterie de piles a combustible
WO2005109557A1 (fr) * 2004-04-30 2005-11-17 Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Cellule électrochimique
EP1294035A3 (fr) * 2001-09-13 2006-03-08 Ngk Insulators, Ltd. Elément de maintien pour une cellule électrochimique, structure correspondante de maintien, un système électrochimique et un dispositif de connection pour cellules électrochimiques
DE10351921B4 (de) * 2002-11-07 2006-07-06 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Brennstoffzelle
US7138203B2 (en) 2001-01-19 2006-11-21 World Properties, Inc. Apparatus and method of manufacture of electrochemical cell components
DE10337233B4 (de) * 2002-08-21 2009-08-20 Honda Giken Kogyo K.K. Brennstoffzelle und zugehöriges Betriebsverfahren
CN102903946A (zh) * 2012-10-31 2013-01-30 中国东方电气集团有限公司 圆形液流电池及包括其的圆形液流电池堆
WO2016116381A1 (fr) * 2015-01-19 2016-07-28 Zentrum für Brennstoffzellen-Technik GmbH Plaque de cathode d'un élément bipolaire et procédé pour faire fonctionner une telle plaque de cathode
WO2018203285A1 (fr) 2017-05-04 2018-11-08 Versa Power Systems Ltd Architecture d'empilement compact de piles électrochimiques à haute température
CN110247076A (zh) * 2019-05-25 2019-09-17 天津大学 一种燃料电池冷却流场板
EP3660187A3 (fr) * 2018-11-27 2020-09-16 Airbus Defence and Space GmbH Plaque bipolaire à utiliser dans un dispositif électrochimique
WO2021073882A1 (fr) * 2019-10-16 2021-04-22 Robert Bosch Gmbh Système de piles à combustible
CN113249746A (zh) * 2021-07-01 2021-08-13 清华大学 电解槽流场板结构

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN111370726B (zh) * 2020-03-17 2021-10-08 山东建筑大学 一种燃料电池径向流场结构

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US4490445A (en) * 1982-05-24 1984-12-25 Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Solid oxide electrochemical energy converter
DE4333478A1 (de) * 1993-02-08 1994-08-11 Fuji Electric Co Ltd Feststoffelektrolyt-Brennstoffzelle
WO1997008766A2 (fr) * 1995-08-25 1997-03-06 Ballard Power Systems Inc. Pile a combustible a substrat d'electrode ayant une structure non uniforme dans le meme plan pour la regulation des transferts de reactifs et de produits
DE19746301A1 (de) * 1996-10-22 1998-04-23 Fuji Electric Co Ltd Brennstoffzelle mit festem Polymerelektrolyt

Cited By (41)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1094535A4 (fr) * 1998-06-30 2001-10-10 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Pile a combustible electrolytique en polymere solide
EP1094535A1 (fr) * 1998-06-30 2001-04-25 Matsushita Electric Industries Co., Ltd. Pile a combustible electrolytique en polymere solide
US6660419B1 (en) 1998-06-30 2003-12-09 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell
WO2002103831A1 (fr) * 1999-07-29 2002-12-27 Nexant, Inc. Empilement de piles a combustible, systeme et procede correspondant
WO2001061775A2 (fr) * 2000-02-17 2001-08-23 Nedstack Holding B.V. Elimination de l'eau des cellules electrochimiques a electrolyte polymerique (pem)
WO2001061775A3 (fr) * 2000-02-17 2002-08-22 Nedstack Holding B V Elimination de l'eau des cellules electrochimiques a electrolyte polymerique (pem)
WO2001073877A2 (fr) * 2000-03-28 2001-10-04 Manhattan Scientifics, Inc. Procede de fonctionnement d'un systeme de pile a combustible, et systeme de pile a combustible fonctionnant selon ledit procede
WO2001073877A3 (fr) * 2000-03-28 2002-03-28 Manhattan Scientifics Inc Procede de fonctionnement d'un systeme de pile a combustible, et systeme de pile a combustible fonctionnant selon ledit procede
US6890675B2 (en) * 2000-03-28 2005-05-10 Manhattan Scientifics, Inc. Method of operating a fuel cell system, and fuel cell system operable accordingly
US6811917B2 (en) 2000-08-14 2004-11-02 World Properties, Inc. Thermosetting composition for electrochemical cell components and methods of making thereof
US6472095B2 (en) * 2000-12-29 2002-10-29 Utc Fuel Cells, Llc Hybrid fuel cell reactant flow fields
WO2002056407A1 (fr) * 2001-01-10 2002-07-18 Helion Pile a combustible equipee de plaques polaires identiques et a circulation interne de combustible et de refrigerant
FR2819343A1 (fr) * 2001-01-10 2002-07-12 Technicatome Pile a combustible equipee de plaques polaires identiques et a circulation interne de combustible et de refrigerant
US7138203B2 (en) 2001-01-19 2006-11-21 World Properties, Inc. Apparatus and method of manufacture of electrochemical cell components
US7122266B2 (en) 2001-09-13 2006-10-17 Ngk Insulators, Ltd. Holding member for holding an electrochemical cell, a holding substrate for the same, an electrochemical system and a connecting member for electrochemical cells
US7449261B2 (en) 2001-09-13 2008-11-11 Ngk Insulators, Ltd. Holding member for holding an electrochemical cell, a holding substrate for the same, an electrochemical system and a connecting member for electrochemical cells
EP1294035A3 (fr) * 2001-09-13 2006-03-08 Ngk Insulators, Ltd. Elément de maintien pour une cellule électrochimique, structure correspondante de maintien, un système électrochimique et un dispositif de connection pour cellules électrochimiques
US6780536B2 (en) 2001-09-17 2004-08-24 3M Innovative Properties Company Flow field
EP1551073A4 (fr) * 2002-06-28 2008-01-23 Toyota Motor Co Ltd Batterie de piles a combustible
EP1551073A1 (fr) * 2002-06-28 2005-07-06 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Batterie de piles a combustible
US7531266B2 (en) 2002-06-28 2009-05-12 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Fuel cell
DE10337233B4 (de) * 2002-08-21 2009-08-20 Honda Giken Kogyo K.K. Brennstoffzelle und zugehöriges Betriebsverfahren
DE10351921B4 (de) * 2002-11-07 2006-07-06 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Brennstoffzelle
US7445865B2 (en) 2002-11-07 2008-11-04 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Fuel cell
US7846612B2 (en) 2002-11-07 2010-12-07 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Fuel cell
WO2005109557A1 (fr) * 2004-04-30 2005-11-17 Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Cellule électrochimique
US8288052B2 (en) 2004-04-30 2012-10-16 Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Fuel cell
CN102903946A (zh) * 2012-10-31 2013-01-30 中国东方电气集团有限公司 圆形液流电池及包括其的圆形液流电池堆
WO2016116381A1 (fr) * 2015-01-19 2016-07-28 Zentrum für Brennstoffzellen-Technik GmbH Plaque de cathode d'un élément bipolaire et procédé pour faire fonctionner une telle plaque de cathode
WO2018203285A1 (fr) 2017-05-04 2018-11-08 Versa Power Systems Ltd Architecture d'empilement compact de piles électrochimiques à haute température
CN110710039A (zh) * 2017-05-04 2020-01-17 维萨电力系统有限公司 紧凑型高温电化学电池堆架构
US20200106110A1 (en) * 2017-05-04 2020-04-02 Versa Power Systems Ltd. Compact high temperature electrochemical cell stack architecture
EP3619760A4 (fr) * 2017-05-04 2021-02-24 Versa Power Systems Ltd Architecture d'empilement compact de piles électrochimiques à haute température
CN110710039B (zh) * 2017-05-04 2022-12-13 维萨电力系统有限公司 紧凑型高温电化学电池堆架构
US11728494B2 (en) 2017-05-04 2023-08-15 Versa Power Systems Ltd Compact high temperature electrochemical cell stack architecture
EP3660187A3 (fr) * 2018-11-27 2020-09-16 Airbus Defence and Space GmbH Plaque bipolaire à utiliser dans un dispositif électrochimique
US11618956B2 (en) 2018-11-27 2023-04-04 Airbus Defence and Space GmbH Bipolar plate for use in an electrochemical device
CN110247076A (zh) * 2019-05-25 2019-09-17 天津大学 一种燃料电池冷却流场板
WO2021073882A1 (fr) * 2019-10-16 2021-04-22 Robert Bosch Gmbh Système de piles à combustible
CN113249746A (zh) * 2021-07-01 2021-08-13 清华大学 电解槽流场板结构
CN113249746B (zh) * 2021-07-01 2021-09-10 清华大学 电解槽流场板结构

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
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AU4355399A (en) 2000-01-10

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