Bipolar Plate Assembly, Use of a Bipolar Plate Assembly, and Electrolysis or Fuel Cell Stack with a Plurality of Bipolar Plate Assemblies

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

The invention is a modular bipolar plate assembly specifically designed for use in fuel cell and electrolysis cell stacks. This assembly consists of several metallic components—a separating device, flow distributor units, and sealing frame elements—which together provide gas-tight separation, homogeneous current conduction, and effective distribution and collection of fluids such as water, hydrogen, or oxygen. The architecture overcomes fluid and current distribution issues of previous designs and facilitates easier, more adaptable manufacturing using corrosion-resistant metals like titanium.

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

• Fuel cells for vehicles, such as cars, buses, trucks, and trains
• Stationary fuel cells for backup or off-grid power systems
• Electrolysis units for green hydrogen production in industrial plants
• Portable and residential energy systems using fuel cells
• Renewable energy storage solutions via hydrogen production and fuel cell conversion

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Improved fluid and current distribution across the plate, reducing hotspots and uneven performance
• Enhanced mechanical and electrical connection with membrane-electrode units, lowering resistance and improving efficiency
• Highly gas-tight and corrosion-resistant design, improving durability and safety in fuel cell and electrolyzer operations
• Reduced number of individual parts, simplifying stack assembly and reducing the chance of leaks or failures
• Modular design allows easier customization and adaptation to changing operating conditions or requirements
• Manufacturing flexibility due to the use of standard metallurgical joining processes like diffusion welding
• Potential for more homogeneous pressure and current delivery via layered flow field structures

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a bipolar plate assembly (1) for forming an electrolysis or fuel cell stack and to the use of a bipolar plate assembly and an electrolysis or fuel cell stack with a plurality of bipolar plate assemblies.