18314945. Fuel Cell Aparatus simplified abstract (Kia Corporation)
Contents
- 1 Fuel Cell Aparatus
- 1.1 Organization Name
- 1.2 Inventor(s)
- 1.3 Fuel Cell Aparatus - A simplified explanation of the abstract
- 1.4 Simplified Explanation
- 1.5 Potential Applications
- 1.6 Problems Solved
- 1.7 Benefits
- 1.8 Potential Commercial Applications
- 1.9 Possible Prior Art
- 1.10 How does the sacrificial electrode impact the overall performance of the fuel cell apparatus?
- 1.11 What materials are used in the construction of the unit cells in the cell stack?
- 1.12 Original Abstract Submitted
Fuel Cell Aparatus
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Fuel Cell Aparatus - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18314945 titled 'Fuel Cell Aparatus
Simplified Explanation
The fuel cell apparatus described in the abstract 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 can be used in various applications such as:
- Automotive industry for electric vehicles
- Power generation for stationary applications
- Portable electronic devices for mobile power sources
Problems Solved
The technology addresses issues such as:
- Improving efficiency of fuel cells
- Enhancing durability and lifespan of fuel cell systems
- Providing a more reliable power source for different applications
Benefits
The benefits of this technology include:
- Clean energy production with minimal environmental impact
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
- Increased energy efficiency compared to traditional combustion engines
Potential Commercial Applications
The fuel cell apparatus can be commercially applied in industries like:
- Automotive sector for electric vehicles
- Energy sector for power generation
- Electronics industry for portable devices
Possible Prior Art
One possible prior art for this technology could be the use of sacrificial electrodes in fuel cell systems to improve performance and longevity. Additionally, the integration of resin and metal portions in end plates may have been previously explored in other fuel cell designs.
Unanswered Questions
How does the sacrificial electrode impact the overall performance of the fuel cell apparatus?
The abstract does not provide specific details on how the sacrificial electrode affects the operation and efficiency of the fuel cell system. Further research or experimentation may be needed to understand the full extent of its impact.
What materials are used in the construction of the unit cells in the cell stack?
The abstract mentions a plurality of unit cells stacked in a first direction, but it does not specify the materials used in their construction. Understanding the materials involved can provide insights into the durability and performance 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.
