Patent ID: 6159627
Filing Date: 2000-12-12
Classification: H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
A bipolar separator for use with a fuel cell which is supplied a fuel gas and an oxidant gas, the bipolar separator comprising:a plate having opposing first and second surfaces which are compatible with a fuel gas and an oxidant gas, respectively, said plate further having a central area and opposing first and second trough areas formed into the first surface of the plate and extending from opposing first and second sides of said central area, said first and second trough areas each having a base wall and first, second and third side walls, the first side wall of each trough area connecting the trough area to the respective side of the central area and being at an angle relative to the central area, the second and third side walls of each trough area being connected to opposing sides of the first side wall and to opposing sides of the base wall of that trough area, each first and second trough area being open on the side opposite the first side wall of that trough area and being bent around so that the first surface of that trough area faces the first surface of the central area and the second surface of that trough area faces outwardly;first and second trough members formed separately from said plate, each of said first and second trough members having first and second surfaces compatible with said oxidant gas and each further having a base wall and first, second and third side walls, the second and third side walls of each trough member being connected to opposing sides of the first side wall and to opposing sides of the base wall of that trough member, each first and second trough member being open on the side opposite the first side wall of that trough member;said first and second trough members being secured to opposing third and fourth sides of said central area, respectively, such that the first side wall of each trough member connects that trough member to the respective side of the central area and it is at an angle relative to the central area and the first surface of the trough member faces the first surface of the central area and the second surface of the trough member faces outwardly.