IP Library › Patent Application 11112220
Patent Application
App. No. 11/112,220

Stable, inexpensive, and freeze capable gasket for PEM fuel cells

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US None
App. No.
11/112,220
Abstract

A gasket formed of compressed graphite that is resistant to, damage, freezing, and high temperatures. The gasket provides advantages in fuel cells.

Claims (21)

1 . A gasket for a fuel cell comprising compressed graphite.

2 . The gasket according to claim 1 , wherein the compressed graphite is electrically conductive.

3 . The gasket according to claim 1 , wherein the compressed graphite has a thickness in the range of about 6-20 mils.

4 . The gasket according to claim 1 , wherein the compressed graphite is resistant to temperatures in the range of −240° C. to 3000° C.

5 . The gasket according to claim 1 , wherein the compressed graphite is anisotropic.

6 . The gasket according to claim 1 , wherein the fuel cell is a proton exchange membrane fuel cell.

7 . An alkaline fuel cell comprising a gasket according to claim 1 .

8 . A solid oxide fuel cell comprising a gasket according to claim 1 .

9 . A fuel cell comprising:

an ionically conductive membrane;

an electrode disposed at said membrane;

an electrically conductive member disposed at said electrode; and

a gasket disposed between said electrode and said electrically conductive member;

wherein said gasket comprises compressed graphite.

10 . The fuel cell according to claim 9 , wherein the electrically conductive member is a gas diffusion medium; and

a thickness of said gasket is selected in relation to a thickness of said gas diffusion medium.

11 . The fuel cell according to claim 9 , wherein said gasket is a frame-shaped member that peripherally surrounds said electrode.

12 . The fuel cell according to claim 9 , wherein said gasket rests on edges of said membrane.

13 . The fuel cell according to claim 9 , wherein said gasket allows said membrane and electrodes to move along a surface of said gasket upon swelling of said membrane and said electrodes.

14 . The fuel cell according to claim 9 , wherein said gasket enables said fuel cell to be compressed at pressures ranging from 50 to 400 psi.

15 . A fuel cell stack comprising a plurality of the fuel cells according to claim 9.

Assignments (7)
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Aug 28, 2009
From: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
To: UAW RETIREE MEDICAL BENEFITS TRUST
Reel/Frame 023162/0001 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Aug 27, 2009
From: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
To: UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Reel/Frame 023156/0052 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Aug 21, 2009
From: CITICORP USA, INC. AS AGENT FOR BANK PRIORITY SECURED PARTIES; CITICORP USA, INC. AS AGENT FOR HEDGE PRIORITY SECURED PARTIES
To: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
Reel/Frame 023127/0468 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Aug 20, 2009
From: UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
To: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
Reel/Frame 023124/0429 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Apr 16, 2009
From: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
To: CITICORP USA, INC. AS AGENT FOR BANK PRIORITY SECURED PARTIES; CITICORP USA, INC. AS AGENT FOR HEDGE PRIORITY SECURED PARTIES
Reel/Frame 022553/0446 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Feb 4, 2009
From: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
To: UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Reel/Frame 022201/0448 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jul 21, 2005
From: MIKHAIL, YOUSSEF M.; ABDELHAMID, MAHMOUD H.; BLUNK, RICHARD H.; BUDINSKI, MICHAEL K.; KUMAR, VINOD
To: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
Reel/Frame 016549/0309 →