BIPOLAR PLATE FOR LOW PRESSURE FEED ELECTRODE OPERATION

摘要

A bipolar plate having side ports is described for use with an electrochemical cell. A side port having a high aspect ratio will have an effect on the partial pressure of the reactant gasses and prevent high pressure drop of the working fluid transport to the electrodes. The membrane electrode assembly may have a high aspect ratio and the port opening may be on the long side of the bipolar plate. The electrochemical cell may be configured in an enclosure that is maintained at less than atmospheric pressure which further increases the need for low pressure drop fuel deliver to the electrodes, especially in electrochemical compressor applications.

主权项

1. An electrochemical cell comprising:
a) a membrane electrode assembly comprising:
i) an anode side having a gas pervious anode,
wherein the anode has an anode length and an anode width;ii) a cathode side having a gas pervious cathode, andiii) an electrolytic membrane disposed between and in intimate electrical contact with the cathode and the anode to pass a working fluid therethrough, b) a bipolar plate coupled to the anode side of the gas pervious anode and having a length and a width and a plurality of port openings along the length for delivery of said working fluid to the gas pervious anode, wherein at least a portion of the working fluid is transferred across the membrane electrode assembly.