Flow channel device for electrochemical cells

摘要

A compact, inexpensive bipolar plate assembly (18) for use in electrochemical cells, such as fuel cell and electrolysis cells, is formed from a sandwich of metal plates. A smooth electrically conductive sheet (16) having first and second sides provides a sealing and reactant separator member. In one embodiment, first and second sheets (14) of corrugated material define flow channels on both sides, and have perforations in the material to permit fluid transfer between the two flow channels. This corrugated sheet are arranged on opposite sides of the smooth conductive sheet. Lands defined by the corrugations establish electrical contacts witha node (22) and cathode (26) portions of adjacent electrochemical cells (30). The cells can be further connected in series to form a stack that delivers a selected power output.