Method and device for producing membrane-electrode units for fuel cells

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This patent describes a process and device for manufacturing membrane-electrode assemblies (MEAs) used in fuel cells. The core idea is to heat the electrically conductive gas diffusion or electrode layers by passing an electric current through them (either via direct contact or induction), instead of heating the entire press externally. This direct, internal heating allows faster and more energy-efficient bonding (hot-pressing) of these layers onto polymer electrolyte membranes, improving manufacturing speed and quality.

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

• Mass production of membrane-electrode assemblies for fuel cells in factories
• Manufacturing of fuel cells for electric vehicles, such as hydrogen cars and buses
• Production of portable fuel cells for mobile or backup power applications
• Fabrication of fuel cell components for stationary energy systems or home power generation
• Research and prototyping of advanced fuel cell designs in laboratory settings

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Faster and more energy-efficient heating during manufacturing, reducing production time and costs
• Localized heating reduces thermal stress and potential damage to sensitive membrane materials
• Allows for continuous or batch (discontinuous) production modes, increasing manufacturing flexibility
• Enables precise control of temperature in specific layers, potentially improving product quality and consistency
• Eliminates the need for large, externally heated presses, which lowers equipment investment and operational complexity

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The method comprises heating a portion of the layer by providing a current flow within the layer, hot-pressing a gas diffusion layer (1) or a gas diffusion electrode layer (3) deposited on a carrier such as polymer electrolyte membrane (2), and introducing a conductive gas diffusion layer or gas diffusion electrode layer. The current flow takes place by an electrical contact, and is inductively coupled. The heating is carried out by an electrical contact of a transport roller and one of the rollers for pressing, and a press plate. The layer to be applied runs via a further transport roller. An independent claim is included for an apparatus for manufacturing multilayer electrode or a multilayer electrode composite unit.