An improved design concept for direct methanol fuel cells makes it possible to construct fuel-cell stacks that can weigh as little as one-third as much as do conventional bipolar fuel-cell stacks of equal power. The structural-support components of the improved cells and stacks can be made of relatively inexpensive plastics. Moreover, in comparison with conventional bipolar fuel-cell stacks, the improved fuel-cell stacks can be assembled, disassembled, and diagnosed for malfunctions more easily. These improvements are expected to bring portable direct methanol fuel cells and stacks closer to commercialization. In a conventional bipolar fuel-cell stack, the cells are interspersed with bipolar plates (also called biplates), which are structural components that serve to interconnect the cells and distribute the reactants (methanol and air). The cells and biplates are sandwiched between metal end plates.
Usually, the stack is held together under pressure by tie rods that clamp the end plates. The bipolar stack configuration offers the advantage of very low internal electrical resistance. However, when the power output of a stack is only a few watts, the very low internal resistance of a bipolar stack is not absolutely necessary for keeping the internal power loss acceptably low. Typically, about 80 percent of the mass of a conventional bipolar fuel-cell stack resides in the biplates, end plates, and tie rods. The biplates are usually made of graphite composites and must be molded or machined to contain flow channels, at a cost that is usually a major part of the total cost of the stack. In the event of a malfunction in one cell, it is necessary to disassemble the entire stack in order to be able to diag-nose that cell. What is needed is a design that reduces the mass of the stack, does not require high pressure to ensure sealing, is more amenable to troubleshooting, and reduces the cost of manufacture.The present improved design satisfies these needs and is especially suitable for applications in which the power demand is ≤ 20 W. This design eliminates the biplates, end plates, and tie rods. In this design, the basic building block of a stack is a sealed unit that contains an anode plate, two cathode plates, and two back-to-back cells (see figure). The structural-support and flow-channeling components of the units are made from inexpensive plastics. Each unit is assembled and tested separately, then the units are assembled into the stack. The units are joined by simple snap seals similar to the zipperlike seals on plastic bags commonly used to store food. The cathode and anode plates include current collectors, the inside ends of which are electrically connected to the electrodes and the outer ends of which can be used to form the desired series and/or parallel electrical connections among the cells. Because the stack need not be clamped or otherwise held together under pressure, the stack can easily be disassembled to replace a malfunctioning sealed unit.
This work was done by Sekharipuram Narayanan and Thomas Valdez of Caltech for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For further information, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the Electronic/Computers category.
In accordance with Public Law 96-517, the contractor has elected to retain title to this invention. Inquiries concerning rights for its commercial use should be addressed to
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Refer to NPO-30570,volume and number of this NASA Tech Briefs issue,and the page number.
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Lightweight Stacks of Direct Methanol Fuel Cells
(reference NPO-30570) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document is a Technical Support Package from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, focusing on Lightweight Stacks of Direct Methanol Fuel Cells (DMFCs). It presents a novel stack design that addresses the limitations of conventional bipolar fuel stacks, offering significant improvements in power density—up to two to three times greater than existing technologies. This advancement is crucial for the development of portable fuel cell power sources, which are increasingly sought after for various applications.
The new stack design is characterized by its use of inexpensive plastic materials, making it more cost-effective and easier to manufacture. Additionally, the design simplifies troubleshooting and assembly processes, which are essential for practical applications in the field. The document emphasizes the potential of this technology to bring portable DMFC power sources closer to commercialization, highlighting its relevance in the context of growing energy demands and the need for sustainable power solutions.
The assembly of the stack involves several components, including sealed cell units, anode and cathode plates, and current collectors. The document outlines that the stack can be easily disassembled, allowing for the replacement of individual sealed cell units without the need for pressure to hold them together. This modularity enhances the stack's maintainability and longevity.
Figures included in the document provide visual representations of the assembled stack, the interconnection schemes between cells, and the step-by-step assembly process. These illustrations aid in understanding the structural and functional aspects of the stack design.
Overall, the Technical Support Package serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding the advancements in DMFC technology, showcasing NASA's commitment to developing innovative solutions that have broader technological, scientific, and commercial applications. It also provides contact information for further assistance and access to additional resources related to aerospace developments, emphasizing the collaborative nature of NASA's efforts in promoting commercial technology.
