초록 ▼

Fuel cell stacks comprising stacked separator/membrane electrode assembly cells in which the separators comprise a series of stacked thin sheet platelets having individually configured serpentine micro-channel reactant gas humidification, active area and cooling fields therein. The individual platel

Fuel cell stacks comprising stacked separator/membrane electrode assembly cells in which the separators comprise a series of stacked thin sheet platelets having individually configured serpentine micro-channel reactant gas humidification, active area and cooling fields therein. The individual platelets are stacked with coordinate features precisely aligned in contact with adjacent platelets and bonded to form a monolithic separator. Post bonding processing includes passivation, such as nitriding. Preferred platelet material is 4-25 mil Ti in which the features, serpentine channels, tabs, lands, vias, manifolds and holes, are formed by chemical or laser etching, cutting, pressing or embossing, with combinations of depth and through-etching being preferred. The platelet manufacturing process is continuous and fast. By employing CAD based platelet design and photolithography, rapid change in feature design to accommodate a wide range of thermal management and humidification techniques. 100 cell H2-O2/Air PEM fuel cell stacks of this IFMT platelet design will exhibit outputs on the order of 0.75 kW/kg, some 3-6 times greater than current graphite plate PEM stacks.

대표청구항 ▼

A method for producing fuel cell separator assemblies comprising the steps of: a) forming in thin sheet stock a plurality of different individual platelets with coordinate features selected from micro-channels, vias and manifolds, said features together forming at least one active area field for oxi

A method for producing fuel cell separator assemblies comprising the steps of: a) forming in thin sheet stock a plurality of different individual platelets with coordinate features selected from micro-channels, vias and manifolds, said features together forming at least one active area field for oxidant or fuel consumption in contact with a membrane electrode assembly; b) stacking said platelets with said individual platelet features in precise alignment with corresponding features of a matingly adjacent platelet to provide continuous circulation paths for said oxidant or fuel; and c) bonding said aligned platelets to form a monolithic separator having internal microchannels and access manifolds thereto.