Patent ID: 6521367
Filing Date: 2003-02-18
Classification: H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
A fuel cell with an electrolyte dry-out barrier for producing electrical energy from reducing fluid and process oxidant reactant streams, the fuel cell comprising:a. an anode catalyst and a cathode catalyst secured to opposed sides of an electrolyte; b. an anode flow field disposed adjacent the anode catalyst for directing the reducing fluid stream to pass adjacent the anode catalyst and a cathode flow field disposed adjacent the cathode catalyst for directing the process oxidant stream to pass adjacent the cathode catalyst; and, c. an anode electrolyte dry-out barrier secured between the electrolyte and the anode flow field for restricting movement of water from the electrolyte into the reducing fluid stream passing through the anode flow field, wherein the anode electrolyte dry-out barrier extends from adjacent an entire reducing fluid inlet that directs the reducing fluid into the anode flow field and along an entire reducing fluid flow path through the anode flow field a distance that is at least six per cent of a length of the reducing fluid flow path, wherein the length of the reducing fluid flow path is from a beginning point of the reducing fluid flow path at the reducing fluid inlet through a shortest distance of the reducing fluid flow path through the anode flow field to the end point of the reducing fluid flow path where the reducing fluid leaves the anode flow field.