Fuel cell assembly made of bodies connected with joining material

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

This invention relates to a novel assembly for high-temperature fuel cell stacks, where at least two metallic bodies are joined using a glass solder material. The inventive aspect lies in how the glass solder is arranged in orthogonal, non-coplanar layers, taking advantage of its superior shear strength compared to tensile strength. This structure enhances the mechanical robustness of the fuel cell stack, forming a gas-tight chamber and making external tensioning devices unnecessary, while maintaining durability under high temperatures (up to 1000°C over 10,000 hours).

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

• High-temperature fuel cell stacks for stationary or mobile power generation.
• Fuel cells in automotive applications (e.g., hydrogen vehicles).
• Robust fuel cell systems used in industrial or backup power settings.
• Integration in solar energy systems where reliable, high-temperature seals are necessary.
• Any assembly requiring durable, gas-tight metallic joints stable at high temperatures.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Significantly increases the durability and mechanical strength of fuel cell assemblies, especially under tensile forces.
• Eliminates the need for bulky, expensive, or external tensioning devices to maintain gas-tight and electrically insulated seals.
• Enables compact and space-saving designs for mobile applications such as vehicles.
• Ensures gas-tight integrity even during many temperature cycles and prolonged operation at high temperatures.
• Allows for easier and more cost-effective production and retrofitting compared to conventional techniques.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The high temperature gas cell stacks comprises two metallic bodies connected by a glass solder (5), a connection element coplanarly arranged to a surface of the body, which is turned to the other body, and a further part of the glass solder arranged between the element and the body. The shearing strength of the glass solder is larger than its tensile strength. A first part of the glass solder is not coplanarly arranged to a second part of the glass solder. The parts of the glass solder are arranged orthogonal to each other. A gas tight chamber is formed to the bodies and the glass solder. The high temperature gas cell stacks comprises two metallic bodies connected by a glass solder (5), a connection element coplanarly arranged to a surface of the body, which is turned to the other body, and a further part of the glass solder arranged between the connection element and the body. The shearing strength of the glass solder is larger than its tensile strength. A first part of the glass solder is not coplanarly arranged to a second part of the glass solder. The two parts of the glass solder are arranged orthogonal to each other. A gas tight chamber is formed to the bodies and the glass solder. The bodies are durable at 1000[deg] C for 10000 hours. The thermal coefficient of expansion of the two bodies and the glass solder is less than 5x 10 -> 6> K -> 1>. The glass solder has a softening point of 700[deg] C. An independent claim is included for procedure for the production of a high temperature gas cell stacks.