Coolant plate assembly for a fuel cell stack

摘要

The coolant plate component of a fuel cell assembly is formed from a plate made from graphite particles that are bonded together by a fluorocarbon polymer binder and which encapsulate a serpentine coolant circulation tube. The coolant plate component is non-porous. The graphite particles are preferably flakes which pack together very tightly, and require only a minor amount of the polymer binder to form a solid plate. The plate will provide enhanced heat transfer, will conduct electrons, and will block electrolyte migration from cell to cell in a fuel cell stack due to its construction. The composition of the plate is graded so as to provide a varied coefficient of thermal expansion as measured through the thickness of the plate so as to reduce thermal stresses imposed on the fuel cell stack. The coolant circulation tube has a roughened outer surface which enhances adhesion of the encapsulating graphite flake/binder mixture without inhibiting heat transfer.