Bipolar plate and process for producing a bipolar plate

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This patent describes a bipolar plate for use in fuel cell units, specifically high-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). The bipolar plate features a metallic support layer and a protective oxide coating composed of manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu). This protective layer prevents or modifies the formation of unwanted oxide scales on the metal, reducing mechanical stress and improving both the durability and electrical conductivity of the bipolar plate. The invention also covers a method for manufacturing such plates, involving the application and heat treatment of the Mn-Cu-containing protective layer.

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

• High-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) in stationary power plants.
• Portable or backup fuel cell systems using SOFC technology.
• Automotive fuel cell stacks requiring reliable, long-lived bipolar plates.
• Industrial power generation or cogeneration systems utilizing fuel cells.
• Any environment or system where fuel cell longevity and efficiency are critical and subject to high thermal cycling.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Reduces or prevents the formation of mechanically stressful oxide layers, enhancing long-term durability of fuel cell stacks.
• Improves electrical conductivity of the oxide layer, thus increasing overall fuel cell performance.
• Minimizes risks of cracks, delamination, or failure due to thermal cycling by closely matching the expansion coefficient of the oxide layer to other stack components.
• Prevents chromium evaporation and associated cathode degradation, extending the operational lifetime of the fuel cell.
• Avoids material degradation and maintains conductivity even during prolonged high-temperature operation.
• Manufacturing method is compatible with established coating processes (e.g., screen printing, spray coating, sintering), facilitating industrial adoption.

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Patent Abstract

In order to provide a bipolar plate for a fuel cell unit, wherein the bipolar plate comprises a support layer of a metallic material and a protective layer, wherein the protective layer comprises an at least binary oxide system with at least two different types of metal cations, the protective layer of which prevents the formation of an oxide layer or changes the properties of the formed oxide layer such that lower mechanical stresses occur in the oxide layer, it is proposed that one type of metal cation of the oxide system of the protective layer is Mn and a further type of metal cation of the oxide system of the protective layer is Cu.