Integral edge seals for phosphoric acid fuel cells
This patent describes an integral edge seal for a phosphoric acid fuel cell. It comprises an anode assembly, a matrix assembly and a cathode assembly disposed between a pair of conductive plates which have grooves for supplying fuel gas and oxygen to the anode and cathode assemblies wherein an electrolyte diffuses through a portion of the anode, matrix and cathode assemblies, the integral edge seal comprising an elastomer disposed to generally permeate a band encircling the anode, cathode and matrix assemblies and generally contiguous with the peripheral edges thereof to prevent gases and electrolyte from entering the peripheral edge bands of the anode and cathode assemblies and to allow the peripheral edge bands to be compressed to form a reliable seal which is easy to fabricate and to provide creep characteristics in the elastomer permeated peripheral edge bands which approach the creep characteristics of portions of the anode and cathode assemblies inboard of the peripheral edge bands to maintain good electrical contact between the conductive plates, the anode assemblies, the matrix assemblies and the cathode assemblies over the life of the fuel cell.
- Assignee:
- Westinghouse Electric Corp., Pittsburgh, PA (United States)
- Patent Number(s):
- US 5096786; A
- Application Number:
- PPN: US 7-405717
- OSTI ID:
- 5279474
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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