Patent ID: 7166383
Filing Date: 2007-01-23
Classification: H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A flat electrode structure for use in alkaline fuel cell stacks, where the fuel cell stack comprises a plurality of flat electrode structures placed side-by-side so as to have electrolyte inlet and outlet manifolds, fuel gas inlet and outlet manifolds, and oxidizer gas inlet and outlet manifolds throughout the length of the stack; each of said stacked flat electrode structures comprising a framed electrode having an electrode face for contact with said electrolyte and a respective one of said fuel gas or said oxidizer gas, and being secured in a surround frame having top and bottom frame members and opposed side frame members, and wherein the electrolyte, fuel gas, and oxidizer gas manifolds are each respectively in fluid communication through the thickness of the frame members for external connection at the ends of the fuel cell stack to respective electrolyte, fuel gas, and oxidizer gas conduits; wherein the electrolyte inlet manifold in each flat electrode structure is formed through the thickness of the bottom frame member, and the electrolyte outlet manifold is formed through the thickness of the top frame member; wherein, in each flat electrode structure, there is at least one fuel gas inlet manifold and at least one oxidizer gas outlet manifold formed through the thickness of one of said side frame members, and at least one oxidizer gas inlet manifold and at least one fuel gas outlet manifold formed through the thickness of the other of said frame members; wherein, in each flat electrode structure, said electrolyte inlet and outlet manifolds are in fluid communication with the electrode face through electrolyte flow channels formed in the surface of the top and bottom frame members at the same side of said electrode structure where the electrode face is located; wherein, in each flat electrode structure, two electrolyte flow channels are formed in each of said top and bottom frame members so as to be in fluid communication with respective top and bottom corners of the respective electrode face; and wherein, in each flat electrode structure, gas flow channels are formed in the surface of each of said side frame members to provide fluid communication between the respective electrode face and the respective at least one fuel gas inlet and outlet manifold or oxidizer gas inlet and outlet manifold, whereby side-to-side gas flow of the respective fuel gas or oxidizer gas across the electrode face is effected.