Multi-element fuel cell system
First Claim
1. A multi-element fuel cell system, the system comprising a substantially cylindrical former;
- a rechargeable hydrogen fuel source; and
a plurality of fuel cell elements;
wherein the former comprises a series of interconnecting modules;
wherein each former module is perforated to allow passage of fuel to the fuel cell elements;
wherein each fuel cell element is positioned radially outwardly of the former, each element being provided with channels, arranged to receive and direct fuel gas, an anode current collector, a gasket, a first diffusion backing layer, a membrane electrode assembly, a second diffusion backing layer and a cathode current collector;
wherein the cathode current collector comprises a perforated area and tabs at end designed to interleave;
wherein the cathode current collector applies even compression to the fuel cell element, such that electrical contact is maintained within each fuel cell element;
wherein the fuel cell elements are electrically connected in series via respective anode and cathode current collectors;
wherein the fuel cell elements at each end of the former are capped for connection to equipment;
wherein the former and current collectors have substantially the same coefficient of thermal expansion; and
wherein the fuel source is coupled to the fuel cell elements.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A multi-element fuel cell system comprises a substantially cylindrical former (2), a rechargeable hydrogen fuel source (3) and a plurality of fuel cell elements (4). The former comprises a series of interconnecting modules each perforated to allow passage of fuel to the fuel cell elements. Each fuel cell element (4) is positioned radially outwardly of the former (2) and is provided with channels, arranged to receive and direct fuel gas, an anode current collector, a gasket (12), a first diffusion backing layer (8), a membrane electrode assembly (10), a second diffusion backing layer (9) and a cathode current collector (11). The cathode current collector applies even compression to the fuel cell element, such that good electrical contact is maintained within each fuel cell element. The fuel cell elements are electrically connect in series via respective anode and cathode current collectors and then capped at each end of the former for connection to equipment. The former and current collectors have substantially the same coefficient of thermal expansion and the fuel source is coupled to the fuel cell elements. The system is suitable for man-portable applications.
61 Citations
18 Claims
-
1. A multi-element fuel cell system, the system comprising a substantially cylindrical former;
- a rechargeable hydrogen fuel source; and
a plurality of fuel cell elements;
wherein the former comprises a series of interconnecting modules;
wherein each former module is perforated to allow passage of fuel to the fuel cell elements;
wherein each fuel cell element is positioned radially outwardly of the former, each element being provided with channels, arranged to receive and direct fuel gas, an anode current collector, a gasket, a first diffusion backing layer, a membrane electrode assembly, a second diffusion backing layer and a cathode current collector;
wherein the cathode current collector comprises a perforated area and tabs at end designed to interleave;
wherein the cathode current collector applies even compression to the fuel cell element, such that electrical contact is maintained within each fuel cell element;
wherein the fuel cell elements are electrically connected in series via respective anode and cathode current collectors;
wherein the fuel cell elements at each end of the former are capped for connection to equipment;
wherein the former and current collectors have substantially the same coefficient of thermal expansion; and
wherein the fuel source is coupled to the fuel cell elements. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
- a rechargeable hydrogen fuel source; and
-
14. A method of manufacturing a multi-element fuel cell system, the method comprising laying down a cathode current collector, a first diffusion backing layer, a membrane electrode assembly, and a second diffusion backing layer to form a stack;
- wherein the cathode current collector comprises a perforated area with tabs at each end, folding the stack around a former;
interleaving the cathode current collector tabs;
applying a predetermined pressure to the cathode current collector to ensure contact between the stack and the former;
fastening the cathode current collector in place to form a fuel cell element; and
connecting a plurality of fuel cell elements together to form a fuel cell. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18)
- wherein the cathode current collector comprises a perforated area with tabs at each end, folding the stack around a former;
Specification