초록 ▼

Isolator(s) include isolating material and optionally gasketing material strategically positioned within a fuel cell assembly. The isolating material is disposed between a solid electrolyte and a metal flow field plate. Reactant fluid carried by flow field plate channel(s) forms a generally transver

Isolator(s) include isolating material and optionally gasketing material strategically positioned within a fuel cell assembly. The isolating material is disposed between a solid electrolyte and a metal flow field plate. Reactant fluid carried by flow field plate channel(s) forms a generally transverse electrochemical gradient. The isolator(s) serve to isolate electrochemically a portion of the flow field plate, for example, transversely outward from the channel(s), from the electrochemical gradient. Further, the isolator(s) serve to protect a portion of the solid electrolyte from metallic ions.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] Isolator of a fuel cell assembly, said fuel cell assembly having a longitudinal axis and comprising a flow field plate extending generally transversely at a first position along said longitudinal axis, and a solid electrolyte extending generally transversely at a second p

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] Isolator of a fuel cell assembly, said fuel cell assembly having a longitudinal axis and comprising a flow field plate extending generally transversely at a first position along said longitudinal axis, and a solid electrolyte extending generally transversely at a second position along said longitudinal axis, said isolator comprising:isolating material disposed between a first section of said solid electrolyte and a second section of an exterior face of said flow field plate, said second section including an effective boundary between first and second parts thereof;said first part including a flow field channel thereon for carrying fluid, reactant fluid carried by said flow field channel forming a generally transverse electrochemical gradient across said effective boundary; andsaid isolating material serving to isolate electrochemically a portion of said second part from said generally transverse electrochemical gradient.