Hyundai motor company (20240128485). Fuel Cell Aparatus simplified abstract

Fuel Cell Aparatus

Organization Name

hyundai motor company

Inventor(s)

Jae Min Ahn of Yongin-si (KR)

Fuel Cell Aparatus - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240128485 titled 'Fuel Cell Aparatus

Simplified Explanation

The fuel cell apparatus described in the patent application includes a cell stack with unit cells, end plates with metal and resin portions, a sacrificial electrode, an outer coupling member, and a sealing member.

• Cell stack with unit cells stacked in a first direction
• End plates with metal enveloped by resin portions
• Sacrificial electrode on resin portion of second end plate
• Outer coupling member in contact with sacrificial electrode
• First sealing member between second end plate and outer coupling member

Potential Applications

The fuel cell apparatus could be used in various industries such as automotive, aerospace, and stationary power generation.

Problems Solved

The technology addresses issues related to fuel cell efficiency, durability, and performance, particularly in high potential cell units.

Benefits

The fuel cell apparatus offers improved energy conversion efficiency, extended lifespan, and enhanced overall performance compared to traditional fuel cell designs.

Potential Commercial Applications

The technology could be applied in electric vehicles, backup power systems, and remote off-grid power solutions.

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art could be the use of sacrificial electrodes in fuel cell systems to improve overall performance and longevity.

How does the sacrificial electrode impact the overall efficiency of the fuel cell apparatus?

The sacrificial electrode helps maintain the performance of the cell stack by protecting the unit cells with the highest potential. This ensures consistent power output and prolongs the lifespan of the fuel cell system.

What materials are used in the construction of the sacrificial electrode and how are they selected for optimal performance?

The materials for the sacrificial electrode are carefully chosen based on their compatibility with the fuel cell environment, conductivity, and resistance to degradation. Common materials include noble metals or alloys that can withstand the harsh operating conditions of the fuel cell apparatus.

Original Abstract Submitted

a fuel cell apparatus of the disclosure includes a cell stack including a plurality of unit cells stacked in a first direction, first and second end plates, which are disposed on respective lateral ends of the cell stack and each of which is formed such that a metal portion is enveloped by a resin portion, a sacrificial electrode disposed on a resin portion of the second end plate adjacent to a cell having the highest potential among the unit cells, among the first and second end plates, an outer coupling member coupled to an outer surface of the second end plate that is opposite an inner surface of the second end plate, which faces the cell stack, so as to be in contact with and support the sacrificial electrode, and a first sealing member disposed between the outer surface of the second end plate and the outer coupling member.