Separators
Polymer electrolyte fuel cell generate power through chemical reactions of hydrogen and oxygen, contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions and enabling the production of compact and lightweight cells. These cells are expected to be widely used as power sources for vehicles, mobile devices and homes. Such cell consist of unit cells connected in a series. Separators are used to divide each cell, completely separate and control the flows of hydrogen and oxygen gases, and efficiently conduct electricity generated by the cells. To increase the use of fuel cells, we need to develop separators with high mechanical strength, corrosion resistance and productivity in addition to high gas-barrier and high conductivity characteristics.
(Fuel Cell Works, 12/27/2010)
Recent US Patents
11/2/2010
7,824,821
Fuel cell metallic separator
MacKinnon et al of Daimler AG, Germany and Ford Motor Company, Michigan developed a fuel cell metallic separator, wherein the metallic plate's edges include a resin portion comprising the communication ports. The resin portion around the communication ports is shaped so as to be capable of interlocking with a fuel cell stack component adjacently located in a fuel cell system. The invention also provides a resin portion capable of press fitting or thermal bonding with adjacent a fuel cell stack components. (RDC 3/2/2011)
10/19/2010
7,816,432
Curable composition, cured product thereof, molded product thereof and use as fuel cell separator
Kadowaki et al of Showa Denko, Japan has developed a separator based on 1,2 polybutadiene. (RDC 1/24/2011)
10/5/2010
7,807,281
Stainless steel, titanium, or titanium alloy solid polymer fuel cell separator and its method of production and method of evaluation of warp and twist of separator
Kihira of Nippon Steel, Japan produced a metal separator for a solid polymer fuel cell by stainless steel, titanium, or titanium alloy . They used an inexpensive blast process to drive a conductive substance into the surface of the metal separator member, (RDC 12/21/2010)