초록 ▼

A very thin fuel cell (500) is formed by stacking a plurality of membrane electrode assemblies (MEA) (210) and a plurality of double sided distribution plates (220). The distribution plates serve to distribute fuel and oxidant to the MEAs, and they are electrically and thermally conductive and gas i

A very thin fuel cell (500) is formed by stacking a plurality of membrane electrode assemblies (MEA) (210) and a plurality of double sided distribution plates (220). The distribution plates serve to distribute fuel and oxidant to the MEAs, and they are electrically and thermally conductive and gas impermeable, and have fuel and oxidant distribution channels formed on opposite sides. The oxidant flowing through the oxidant distribution channels also provides thermal management to the fuel cell, eliminating the need for a separate heat exchange system. The MEAs and the distribution plates are arranged in an alternating stack (200) such that the fuel distribution channel side (315) is in intimate and direct contact with the MEA anode (212), and such that the oxidant distribution channel (415) is in intimate and direct contact with the MEA cathode (214). The distribution plate acts as a bipolar plate and also as a heat exchanger.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A fuel cell, comprising:a plurality of membrane electrode assemblies, each comprising a solid polymer electrolyte membrane disposed between and in intimate contact with an anode and a cathode;a plurality of double sided distribution plates, each formed from a single piece

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A fuel cell, comprising:a plurality of membrane electrode assemblies, each comprising a solid polymer electrolyte membrane disposed between and in intimate contact with an anode and a cathode;a plurality of double sided distribution plates, each formed from a single piece of material, for distributing fuel and oxidant to the membrane electrode assemblies, the distribution plates being good electrical and good thermal conductors and gas impermeable and having fuel distribution channels formed on one side and oxidant distribution channels formed on an opposite side;the plurality of membrane electrode assemblies and the plurality of distribution plates arranged in an alternating stack such that the fuel distribution channel side of the distribution plate is in intimate and direct contact with the anode of the membrane electrode assembly, and such that the oxidant distribution channel side of the distribution plate is in intimate and direct contact with the cathode of the membrane electrode assembly;fuel input means connected to the fuel distribution channel of at least one distribution plate; andoxidant input means connected to the oxidant distribution channel of at least one distribution plate.