Heat Sink for Fuel Cells

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

The patent describes a specially designed cooling element (heat sink) for high-temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cells (HT-PEFC). This cooling element has a comb-like, monolithic structure that slots individual fuel cells between its ribs. It features separate and continuous channel systems: one for supplying and removing operating materials (like hydrogen and oxygen for the fuel cells), and another for circulating a coolant to remove excess heat. The separation ensures that the coolant and operating materials do not mix, and allows for easy replacement of individual fuel cells without affecting the coolant circuit. Additionally, the design supports electrical connections between cells via current-bridging elements integrated into the structure.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Cooling stacks of high-temperature polymer electrolyte (proton exchange membrane) fuel cells in vehicles or stationary power plants.
• Facilitating modular assembly and maintenance in fuel cell systems due to the ability to replace individual cells easily.
• Providing integrated thermal management in advanced fuel cell technology for industrial, automotive, and portable power applications.
• Application in research setups for fuel cell development where frequent maintenance or cell replacement is needed.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Prevents coolant leaks and contamination of sensitive fuel cell components, especially during maintenance or when cells are replaced.
• Improves reliability and lifespan of HT-PEFC stacks by isolating coolant from fuel processing materials.
• Enables modular fuel cell systems, allowing for rapid replacement and servicing of individual cells without disrupting overall operation.
• Supports higher temperature operation, which can increase efficiency and carbon monoxide tolerance in fuel cell stacks.
• Reduces electrical short circuit risks by using electrically insulating materials, while also providing integrated pathways for safe and efficient electrical connections between cells.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a cooling element for use in a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC), especially a high-temperature PEFC. Said cooling element is monolithically designed and has a comb-type structure. The recesses between the ribs of the cooling element are used for accepting individual fuel cells parallel to one another. Matching openings in the individual fuel cells that are to be inserted into the recesses and the ribs of the cooling element allow for a continuous conduit system for delivering and discharging the operating material. The cooling element further comprises a continuous conduit system along the stack axis in order to conduct a coolant therethrough. Said conduit system is entirely disconnected from the conduit system for the operating material such that advantageously, the coolant circuit is not affected when individual fuel cells are replaced. Advantageously, current bridges can be mounted on the ribs of the cooling element in order to transmit the current between the individual cells.