17946255. SYSTEM FOR FUEL CELL MEMBRANE EDGE PROTECTION VIA A GAS DIFFUSION LAYER INCLUDING PATTERNED WETTABILITY simplified abstract (GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC)

SYSTEM FOR FUEL CELL MEMBRANE EDGE PROTECTION VIA A GAS DIFFUSION LAYER INCLUDING PATTERNED WETTABILITY

Organization Name

GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

Inventor(s)

Yeh-Hung Lai of Oakland MI (US)

SYSTEM FOR FUEL CELL MEMBRANE EDGE PROTECTION VIA A GAS DIFFUSION LAYER INCLUDING PATTERNED WETTABILITY - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 17946255 titled 'SYSTEM FOR FUEL CELL MEMBRANE EDGE PROTECTION VIA A GAS DIFFUSION LAYER INCLUDING PATTERNED WETTABILITY

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes a system for fuel cell membrane edge protection, which includes a fuel cell membrane-subgasket assembly with an anode gas diffusion electrode, a cathode gas diffusion electrode, a proton exchange membrane, and a subgasket connected to the electrodes and the membrane. The assembly also includes a carbon paper layer with patterned wettability to move water away from the overlap area into a center portion of the layer.

• Fuel cell membrane edge protection system:

   - Includes an assembly with electrodes, membrane, subgasket, and carbon paper layer.
   - Carbon paper layer has patterned wettability to move water away from overlap area.
   - Subgasket connected to electrodes and membrane to protect the edge.

Potential Applications

The technology could be applied in: - Fuel cell systems - Renewable energy generation - Automotive industry

Problems Solved

The system helps prevent damage to the fuel cell membrane edge, improving the overall efficiency and lifespan of the fuel cell.

Benefits

- Enhanced durability of fuel cell membranes - Improved performance of fuel cell systems - Increased efficiency in water management

Potential Commercial Applications

Optimizing Water Management in Fuel Cell Systems

Possible Prior Art

There may be prior art related to fuel cell membrane edge protection systems, but specific examples are not provided in the abstract.

Unanswered Questions

How does the patterned wettability of the carbon paper layer work to move water away from the overlap area?

The abstract mentions that the carbon paper layer has patterned wettability to move water away from the overlap area, but it does not explain the mechanism behind this process. Further details on how this feature functions would provide a clearer understanding of the technology.

What specific electrochemical reactions are facilitated by the anode and cathode gas diffusion electrodes in the fuel cell membrane-subgasket assembly?

While the abstract mentions that the electrodes are configured to facilitate an electrochemical reaction that creates water as a by-product, it does not specify the exact reactions involved. Understanding the specific electrochemical processes taking place would offer insights into the functioning of the system.

Original Abstract Submitted

A system for fuel cell membrane edge protection includes a fuel cell including a fuel-cell membrane-subgasket assembly. The assembly includes an anode gas diffusion electrode and a cathode gas diffusion electrode configured for facilitating an electrochemical reaction. The reaction creates water as a by-product. The assembly further includes a proton exchange membrane disposed between the electrodes and a subgasket. The subgasket includes an interior aperture portion defined by a perimeter and is connected to the anode gas diffusion electrode and the membrane about the perimeter such that an area of overlap between the subgasket, the electrode, and the membrane exists around the perimeter. The assembly further includes a carbon paper layer spanning the interior aperture portion. The layer includes patterned wettability and is configured to move the water away from the area of overlap into a center portion of the layer.