Patent ID: 8524410
Filing Date: 2013-09-03
Classification: H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A method for removing a liquid water droplet from a gas flow channel in a fuel cell having a first porous electrode layer; a second porous electrode layer; a proton-conducting membrane positioned between the first electrode and second electrode layers; and a first and second bi-polar distribution plate, wherein the first bi-polar distribution plate is positioned on a top of the first electrode layer and defining a first gas flow channel, and wherein the second bi-polar distribution plate is positioned on a bottom of the second electrode layer and defining a second gas flow channel; and a mechanism for oscillating a liquid water droplet that is pinned with a pinning force within one of the first and second gas flow channels, the liquid water droplet having inertia and a liquid-gas surface, the method comprising the steps of: oscillating, with the mechanism for oscillating, the liquid-gas surface of the liquid water droplet at the natural frequency of the liquid water droplet; and in response to oscillations acting on the inertia of the liquid water droplet, creating inertial forces within the liquid water droplet sufficient to overcome the pinning force.