Patent ID: 7985512
Filing Date: 2011-07-26
Classification: H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A bipolar separator for use with a fuel cell comprising: a plate member having opposing first and second surfaces compatible with fuel gas and oxidant gas, respectively, said plate member having first and second opposing ends and third and fourth opposing ends; first, second, third and fourth pocket members, said first and second pocket members being situated adjacent said first and second opposing ends of said plate member and extending outward of said first surface and then facing each other and said third and fourth pocket members being situated adjacent said third and fourth opposing ends of said plate member and extending outward of said second surface and then facing each other, said third and fourth pocket members each having an inner surface facing the plate member and an outer surface opposing said inner surface and facing away from said plate member; said bipolar separator having first and second outer surface parts formed by outer surfaces of said third and fourth pocket members, respectively; and an electrolyte barrier comprising a non-wettable material situated on a limited portion of an outer surface of said third pocket member and a limited portion of an outer surface of said fourth pocket member, wherein the limited portion of said outer surface is smaller than the entire outer surface, said limited portion of said outer surface of said third pocket member includes a surface portion at the end of said outer surface of said third pocket member closest to said plate member and said limited portion of said outer surface of said fourth pocket member includes a surface portion at the end of said outer surface of said fourth pocket member closest to said plate member.