METHOD OF FORMING A FUEL CELL STACK
First Claim
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1. A method of making a fuel cell stack comprising:
- forming an anode electrode layer;
forming an adhesive and anode gas diffusion layer coupled to the anode electrode layer;
forming an ion exchange membrane coupled on a first side to the gas diffusion layer opposite the anode electrode layer;
forming an adhesive and cathode gas diffusion layer coupled to a second side of the ion exchange membrane;
forming a cathode electrode layer coupled to the adhesive and cathode gas diffusion layer opposite the ion exchange membrane; and
pressing the formed layers together to form a flexible fuel cell stack.
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Abstract
A method of forming a fuel cell stack, wherein the stack includes an anode electrode layer, an adhesive and anode gas diffusion layer coupled to the anode electrode layer, an ion exchange membrane coupled on a first side to the gas diffusion layer opposite the anode electrode layer, an adhesive and cathode gas diffusion layer coupled to a second side of the ion exchange membrane, and a cathode electrode layer coupled to the adhesive and cathode gas diffusion layer opposite the ion exchange membrane. The fuel cell stack may be flexible.
49 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of making a fuel cell stack comprising:
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forming an anode electrode layer; forming an adhesive and anode gas diffusion layer coupled to the anode electrode layer; forming an ion exchange membrane coupled on a first side to the gas diffusion layer opposite the anode electrode layer; forming an adhesive and cathode gas diffusion layer coupled to a second side of the ion exchange membrane; forming a cathode electrode layer coupled to the adhesive and cathode gas diffusion layer opposite the ion exchange membrane; and pressing the formed layers together to form a flexible fuel cell stack. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of forming a power generator, the method comprising:
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forming a container having a desired shape; placing a hydrogen producing fuel within the container; adding a sliding valve arrangement within the container and positioned around the hydrogen producing fuel; coupling a pressure responsive diaphragm to the sliding valve arrangement; wrapping a fuel cell stack around an anode support and sliding valve arrangement within the container, the fuel cell stack having a cathode electrode for exposure to oxygen and an anode electrode for exposure to hydrogen; electrically coupling the container to the cathode electrode of the fuel cell stack such that a desired portion of the container forms a cathode; and forming an anode electrically coupled to the anode electrode of the fuel cell stack and supported by the container such that at least a portion of it is exposed on the outside of the container spaced apart from the exposed cathode. - View Dependent Claims (12)
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- 13. The method of claim 13 wherein the thickness of the stack is approximately 1 mm or less and wherein the container is cylindrical and the stack is conformed to a cylindrical shape.
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19. A method of forming a power generator, the method comprising:
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forming a container having a desired shape; placing a hydrogen producing fuel within the container; adding a sliding valve arrangement within the container and positioned around the hydrogen producing fuel; coupling a pressure responsive diaphragm to the sliding valve arrangement; wrapping a fuel cell stack around the sliding valve arrangement within the container, the fuel cell stack formed by a method comprising; forming an anode electrode layer; forming an adhesive and anode gas diffusion layer coupled to the anode electrode layer; forming an ion exchange membrane coupled on a first side to the gas diffusion layer opposite the anode electrode layer; forming an adhesive and cathode gas diffusion layer coupled to a second side of the ion exchange membrane; forming a cathode electrode layer coupled to the adhesive and cathode gas diffusion layer opposite the ion exchange membrane; and pressing the formed layers together to form a flexible fuel cell stack; electrically coupling the container to the cathode electrode of the fuel cell stack such that a desired portion of the container forms a cathode; and forming an anode electrically coupled to the anode electrode of the fuel cell stack and supported by the container such that at least a portion of it is exposed on the outside of the container spaced apart from the exposed cathode. - View Dependent Claims (20)
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Specification