초록 ▼

In one aspect, a fuel cell assembly may include one or more (e.g., PEM-type) fuel cell(s). Fluid(s) service(s) for the fuel cell assembly may include reactant fluid(s) service(s) such as service(s) of fuel(s) and/or oxidant(s), along with humidification service(s). A pulsator may be positioned at an

In one aspect, a fuel cell assembly may include one or more (e.g., PEM-type) fuel cell(s). Fluid(s) service(s) for the fuel cell assembly may include reactant fluid(s) service(s) such as service(s) of fuel(s) and/or oxidant(s), along with humidification service(s). A pulsator may be positioned at any entrance and/or exit for the fluid manifolds. Such pulsator(s) may serve to introduce pressure variation(s) along part(s) of flow path(s) extending in the fuel cell assembly. In one example, with respect to an anode side of a fuel cell, the pressure variation(s) may serve to purge a nitrogen blanket from the anode side of the MEA so reformate including hydrogen may be supplied for electrochemical reaction. With respect to a cathode side of the fuel cell, the pressure variation(s) may serve to remove a nitrogen and/or carbon dioxide blanket and product fluid from the cathode side of the MEA so air containing oxygen may be supplied for the electrochemical reaction. Also, excess humidification fluid may be removed. A greater power density may be obtained. Pressure variation(s) may be configured to dynamically inflect the MEA to assist mechanical mixing(s) in promoting flow field fuel service(s) and/or increasing power density.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for diminishing diffusion loss at relatively high current densities of a PEM fuel cell, said fuel cell having a membrane electrode assembly sandwiched between an anode fluid flow plate and a cathode fluid flow plate, with an anode gas diffusion layer intermediate

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for diminishing diffusion loss at relatively high current densities of a PEM fuel cell, said fuel cell having a membrane electrode assembly sandwiched between an anode fluid flow plate and a cathode fluid flow plate, with an anode gas diffusion layer intermediate the anode fluid flow plate and an anode side of the membrane electrode assembly, and a cathode gas diffusion layer intermediate the cathode fluid flow plate and a cathode side of the membrane electrode assembly, comprising the steps of:simultaneously supplying a fuel to the anode fluid flow plate for diffusion through the anode gas diffusion layer toward the anode side of the membrane electrode assembly, and an oxidant to the cathode fluid flow plate for diffusion through the cathode gas diffusion layer toward the cathode side of the membrane electrode assembly; andpulsating at least one of said simultaneously supplied fuel and oxidant to enhance mass transport through a gas diffusion layer of said fuel cell.