Claims:We claim:

1. A bipolar plate assembly (100) for a fuel cell, the assembly (100) comprising:
a first plate (101) configured as an air side of the bipolar plate assembly (100), the first plate (101) is defined, with:
an air inlet manifold (102) in a substantially bottom portion (101a);
an air outlet manifold (103) in a substantially upper portion (101b); and
an air distribution channel (104) on a front side of the first plate (101) between the air inlet manifold (102) and the air outlet manifold (103);
at least one porous matrix (105) positioned in at least one of a downstream of the air inlet manifold (102) or an upstream of the air outlet manifold (103) for humidifying air;
a second plate (106) configured as hydrogen side of the bipolar plate assembly (100), is coupled to the first plate (101), the second plate (106) is defined, with:
a hydrogen inlet manifold (107) in a substantially upper portion (106a);
a hydrogen outlet manifold (108) in a substantially bottom portion (106b); and
a hydrogen distribution channel (109) on a front side of the second plate (106) between the hydrogen inlet manifold (107) and the hydrogen outlet manifold (108); and
a coolant flow channel (110) defined in a rear side of at least one of the first plate (101) and the second plate (106), the coolant flow channel (110) co-operates with a coolant inlet manifold (111) and a coolant outlet manifold (112) defined in at least one of the first plate (101) and the second plate (106).

2. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the air distribution channel (104) and the hydrogen distribution channel (109) are defined with a plurality of oval and rhombus shaped projections (113).

3. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first plate (101) is defined with a plurality of tapered projections (114) in at least one of the downstream of the air inlet manifold (102) or the upstream of the air outlet manifold (103) to facilitate flow distribution.

4. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second plate (106) is defined with the plurality of tapered projections (113) and a plurality of circular projections (114) in at least one of a downstream of the hydrogen inlet manifold (107) or an upstream of the hydrogen outlet manifold (108) to facilitate flow distribution.

5. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the coolant flow channel (110) is a double splitter serpentine flow path.

6. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises a narrow passage below the air inlet manifold (102) to remove condensed water from the first plate (101).

7. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises at least one first sealing member (114) interposed between the first plate (101) and the second plate (106) to seal a joint of the first plate (101) and the second plate (106).

8. The assembly as claimed in claim 1 comprises at least one second sealing member (115) disposed along periphery of the front side of the first plate (101) and the second plate (106).

9. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the air inlet manifold (102) and the air outlet manifold (103) extends from the front side to the rear side of the first plate (101), and the air is supplied onto the first plate (101) and collected from the first plate (101) through the rear side of the first plate (101).

10. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hydrogen inlet manifold (107) and the hydrogen outlet manifold (108) extends from the front side to the rear side of the second plate (106), and the hydrogen is supplied onto the second plate (106) and collected from the second plate (106) through the rear side of the second plate (106).

11. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the air and the hydrogen are supplied in a counter flow direction.

12. A polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell comprising a bipolar plate assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
Present disclosure generally relates to a field of renewable energy. Particularly but not exclusively present disclosure relates to a fuel cell. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a bipolar plate assembly for a fuel cell.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Fuel cell is an electrochemical cell which may convert chemical energy of a fuel into an electrical energy. Unlike a conventional battery, the fuel cell may continuously produce electricity as long as fuel in the form of hydrogen and air are supplied thereto. The fuel cell system may generally comprise a fuel cell stack for generating electricity, a fuel supply system for supplying fuel like hydrogen to the fuel cell stack, an air supply system for supplying oxygen. The oxygen may act as an oxidizing agent required for an electrochemical reaction, in the fuel cell stack.

With the depletion of non-renewable energy, fuel cells are expected to play a major role as a sustainable technology for power generation in wide variety of applications. One such fuel cell application may be automotive applications. The fuel cell which may be considered as future automotive propulsion applications is a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC). The PEMFC system is an energy system that can convert hydrogen and oxygen (or air) to electricity with water as by-product, and hence is of great interest from an environmental point of view. A significant part of the PEMFC stack is bipolar plates, which may account for about 60% of total weight and 40% of stack cost. The bipolar plates may be designed to accomplish many functions, such as distribution of reactants uniformly over the active areas, remove heat from the active areas, carry current from cell to cell and prevent leakage of reactants and coolant. Furthermore, the bipolar plates must be of inexpensive, lightweight materials and must be easily and inexpensively manufactured. Many efforts have been made to develop bipolar materials that satisfy these demands. The main materials used for bipolar plates may include electro graphite, sheet metal (coated and uncoated) and graphite polymer composites.

Delivery of reactants, removal of products and efficient heat removal from the PEMFC stack is crucial for optimum performance and durability. Flow-field design of bipolar plate is also considered as one of factor for these processes. Power capacity value of a PEMFC may be greatly influenced by the flow field design. Homogeneous current density and temperature distribution along with effective water removal are crucial tasks, and thus require a careful flow field design in a PEMFC. The main task of designing a flow field network is to achieve the maximum possible homogeneity over the cells active area, which means using the hydrogen effectively, with respect to temperature, gas concentration, and humidity. The stoichiometry and composition of the reactants and the stack’s operating conditions have to be accurately accounted for it.

With the ongoing developments many configurations of bipolar plates have been developed, and such bipolar plates may have own advantages and disadvantages. Some of the conventional bipolar plates and the flow-field designs of such plate are discussed below. A pin type bipolar plate design is available, in which the fluids flow through the grooves formed by the pins protruding from the plates. Another Bipolar plate uses parallel channel for fluid flow. A crisscross form of flow is induced in one bipolar plate in order for the gas to coalesce with water droplets. A bipolar plate with single serpentine flow path is also available, in which the fluid flow through a continuous path from start to end. Bipolar plates with parallel serpentine flow path, serpentine flow path divided into linked segments, serpentine flow path that are mirror images etc. are also available. Another bipolar plate design uses dead-ended discontinuous channels to force the gases through a gas diffusion layer under the landings to pass from the manifold inlet to outlet streams. A modified interdigitated bipolar plate in which larger channels are branched into smaller ones are also available. Bipolar plates with modified parallel or serpentine flow paths where the channels’ depths and/or widths decrease in a gradient towards the outlet are also available. In another type of bipolar plate, usual rectangular flow channels are replaced with radial flow rings.

Bipolar plate made from porous material are also available. One type of bipolar plate has fluid flowing through porous metal mesh and in another type, the fluid flows through a highly porous structure that eliminates the conventional channel or land flow field structure. A type of bipolar plate has typical parallel or serpentine flow paths with landings containing many small hydrophilic capillary columns allowing water to wick by capillary action.

The conventional bipolar plates have some associated disadvantages, and such disadvantages may include uneven current density, water blockage in channels resulting in obstructed flow, unstable voltage after extended usage, low channel velocity, uneven reactant distribution, corrosion issues.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above, or any other limitation associated with the prior arts.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The one or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by an assembly as claimed and additional advantages are provided through the provision of assembly as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a bipolar plate assembly for a fuel cell is disclosed. The assembly comprises a first plate configured as an air side of the bipolar plate assembly. The first plate is defined, with an air inlet manifold in a substantially bottom portion, an air outlet manifold in a substantially upper portion, and an air distribution channel on a front side of the first plate between the air inlet manifold and the air outlet manifold. At least one porous matrix is positioned in at least one of a downstream of the air inlet manifold or an upstream of the air outlet manifold for humidifying air. The assembly also comprises a second plate configured as hydrogen side of the bipolar plate assembly, is coupled to the first plate. The second plate is defined, with, a hydrogen inlet manifold in a substantially upper portion, a hydrogen outlet manifold in a substantially bottom portion, and a hydrogen distribution channel on a front side of the second plate between the hydrogen inlet manifold and the hydrogen outlet manifold. A coolant flow channel defined in a rear side of at least one of the first plate and the second plate. The coolant flow channel co-operates with a coolant inlet manifold and a coolant outlet manifold defined in at least one of the first plate and the second plate.

In an embodiment, the air distribution channel and the hydrogen distribution channel are defined with a plurality of oval and rhombus shaped projections.

In an embodiment, the first plate is defined with a plurality of tapered projections in at least one of the downstream of the air inlet manifold or the upstream of the air outlet manifold to facilitate flow distribution.

In an embodiment, the second plate is defined with the plurality of tapered projections and a plurality of circular projections in at least one of a downstream of the hydrogen inlet manifold or an upstream of the hydrogen outlet manifold to facilitate flow distribution.

In an embodiment, the coolant flow channel is a double splitter serpentine flow path.

In an embodiment, the assembly comprises a narrow passage below the air inlet manifold to remove condensed water from the first plate.

In an embodiment, the assembly comprises at least one first sealing member interposed between the first plate and the second plate to seal a joint of the first plate and the second plate. The assembly also comprises at least one second sealing member disposed along periphery of the front side of the first plate and the second plate.

In an embodiment, the air inlet manifold and the air outlet manifold extends from the front side to the rear side of the first plate, and the air is supplied onto the first plate and collected from the first plate through the rear side of the first plate.

In an embodiment, the hydrogen inlet manifold and the hydrogen outlet manifold extends from the front side to the rear side of the second plate, and the hydrogen is supplied onto the second plate and collected from the second through the rear side of the second plate.

In an embodiment, the air and the hydrogen are supplied in a counter flow direction.

It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES

The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates exploded perspective view of a bipolar plate assembly for a fuel cell, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates another exploded perspective view of the bipolar plate assembly of FIG.1.

FIG. 3A illustrates a front view of a first plate of the bipolar plate assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B illustrates a rear view of the first plate of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A illustrates a front view of a second plate of the bipolar plate assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B illustrates a rear view of the second plate of FIG. 4a.

FIG. 5A illustrates a magnified view of the air distribution channel in the first plate, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5B illustrates a magnified view of the hydrogen distribution channel in the second plate, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other mechanism for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

Embodiments of the present disclosure discloses a bipolar plate assembly for a fuel cell. The fuel cell offers energy efficient, pollution free energy for operation of vehicles. Bipolar plate is a key component in the fuel cell stack. Uniform supply of hydrogen and air to the entire active area of the fuel cell is important. In a fuel cell, the bipolar plate supplies the air, hydrogen and coolant necessary for the fuel cell reaction, and serves the role of a conductor by series connection of the anode and cathode side in the fuel cell stack. Therefore, optimized design of the bipolar plate, which serves as the conductor and supplies the air necessary for the reaction, and its flow pattern which will be used for distributing the reactant like air, hydrogen and water also connects the electrically to the stack. The flow pattern of the fuel cell serves an important role in electrochemically distributing the reaction gases to the reaction area of the anode and cathode. Bipolar plate configuration is the one of the major concern when designing for self-humidified fuel cell stack application.

Accordingly, the present disclosure disclose a bipolar plate assembly which includes a first plate and a second plate coupled together. The first plate may be configured as cathode side plate also referred as air side. The first plate may be defined with an air inlet manifold and air outlet manifold with a combination of oval and rhombus shaped projections in an air distribution channel. The first plate is also configured with a plurality of inclined projections at the air inlet and the air outlet for in uniform distribution of the air. Further, a porous matrix may be embedded to the first plate for humidifying the inlet dry air and handle the water management. The second plate is configured as hydrogen side plate also referred as anode side plate with hydrogen inlet and a hydrogen outlet manifolds. The second plate is defined with hydrogen distribution channel with a combination of oval and rhombus shape pattern with tapered and round shaped flow distribution at the hydrogen inlet and hydrogen outlet manifolds. The bipolar plate assembly is configured such that, hydrogen will flow from top to bottom opposite direction of air so that maximum performance may be utilized by counter flow direction. The bipolar plate assembly also includes coolant flow channels in a rear side of at least one of the first plate and the second plate. In an embodiment, the coolant flow channel may be a double splitter serpentine flow path, which avoids blockage of coolant flow due to narrow flow path pattern. Coolant inlet and outlet manifolds are provided in the bipolar plates. Coolant such as water flow happens along the opposite surface of the second plate from bottom to top. This configuration enhances cooling of the plate, and thus improve performance of the bipolar plate assembly.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an assembly, device or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.

In the following description, the words such as upper, lower, front and rear are referred with respect to particular orientation of the assembly as illustrated in drawings of the present disclosure. The words are used to explain the aspects of the present disclosure and for better understanding. However, one should not construe such terms as limitation to the present disclosure, since the terms may interchange based on the orientation of the assembly. Further, in the description, the word substantially refers to a position which may be near to or at the location indicated. For example, substantially upper portion may refer to upper portion or slightly below the upper portion, similarly substantially lower portion may refer to lower portion of slightly above the lower portion.

Henceforth, the present disclosure is explained with the help of figures of bipolar plate assembly for a fuel cell of a vehicle. However, such exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limitations of the present disclosure. A person skilled in the art can envisage various such embodiments without deviating from scope of the present disclosure. Further, it is to be noted that the bipolar plate assembly may be used in any fuel cell stack of a vehicle. However, for the purpose of simplicity the vehicle and the fuel cell stack are not illustrated in the figures of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure illustrating exploded perspective views of the bipolar plate assembly (100) for a fuel cell. The bipolar plate assembly (100) includes a first plate (101) which is configured as air side plate, second plate (106) configured as a hydrogen side plate, and a first sealing member (116). The first plate (101) and the second plate (106) are connected one another through rear side, and the first sealing member (116) may be interposed between the first plate (101) and the second plate (106). In an embodiment, the first plate (101) and the second plate (106) may be made of any material including but not limiting to metallic material and a graphite, and bonded together along with the first sealing member (116). As an example, the first plate (101) and the second plate (106) may be bonded using an adhesive or suitable thermal joining process. Further, at least one second sealing member (117) may be positioned on front side of both the first plate (101) and the second plate (106). The second sealing member (117) may be bonded along a periphery of the first plate (101) and the second plate (106), and act as a fluid seal. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first sealing member (116) and the second sealing member (117) may be made of any suitable material including but not limiting to polymeric material, Polytetrafluoroethylene material and the like. The first sealing member (116) and the second sealing member (117) are configured with pockets in an internal surface. The pockets are configured seal each fluid transfer area in the first plate (101) and the second plate (106). This ensure leak proof joints in the bipolar assembly (100).

As shown in FIG. 2, the bipolar plate assembly (100) is also configured with coolant flow channel (110) in rear side of at least one of the first plate (101) and the second plate (106). The coolant flow channel (110) may co-operate with a coolant inlet manifold (111) and a coolant outlet manifold (112) and circulates a coolant such as water. The circulation of the coolant through the coolant flow channel (110) helps in dissipation of heat generated in the first plate (101) and the second plate (106). The circulation of coolant may also help in selectively heating the first and second plate (106) in certain conditions including but not limiting to cold ambient conditions.

Now referring FIG. 3A which is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure illustrating, front view of the first plate (101) of the bipolar plate assembly (100). The first plate (101) may be configured as air side plate also referred as cathode side. The first plate (101) may be made of a metallic or a graphite material and is defined with a predetermined thickness. The first plate (101) includes a front side and a rear side. The front side of the first plate (101) may be defined with an air distribution channel (104) for supplying air. The air distribution channel (104) may include combination oval and rhombus shape projections [magnified portion (M) is shown in FIG. 5A] which induces a necessary turbulence for uniform flow of air and increased current density. Oval and rhombus shape projections may be stamped on the first plate (101) using suitable technique. The first plate (101) is defined with an air inlet manifold (102) and an air outlet manifold (103), and the air distribution channel (104) is configured in between the air inlet manifold (102) and the air outlet manifold (103). In an embodiment, the air inlet manifold (102) is defined in a substantially bottom portion (101a) of the first plate (101), and the air outlet manifold (103) is defined in a substantially upper portion (101b) of the first plate (101). The air inlet manifold (102) may be fluidly connected to an air source, such that air flows from bottom of the first plate (101) to top of the first plate (101).

The first plate (101) is also provided with a plurality of tapered projections (113) in downstream side of the air inlet manifold (102) and an upstream side of the air outlet manifold (103). The configuration of the plurality of tapered projections (113) facilitate uniform distribution of the air supplied from the air inlet manifold (102) into the air distribution channel (104) and then to the air outlet manifold (103). In an embodiment, the plurality of tapered projections (113) may be stamped on the first plate (101) using suitable stamping technique. Further, the first plate (101) is embedded with at least one porous matrix (105) near to the air inlet manifold (102) and the air outlet manifold (103) [best shown in FIG.2]. The porous matrix (105) helps in uniform fluid distribution along the first plate (101). The porous matrix (105) may be a glass matrix which is hydrophilic in nature, and may be is used for humidifying air. In an embodiment, the air is oxygen, and flow of air from bottom to top helps in self-humidification of air. The porous matrix (105) embedded near the air inlet manifold (102) may humidify dry air which enters the first plate (101). The porous matrix (105) facilitates better interaction of water with air by enhancing the contact surface area. In the porous matrix (105), the porous media is continuously hydrated by a water produced in fuel cell. In an embodiment, the bipolar plate assembly (100) may be positioned vertically in a fuel cell, and due to gravity water start falling down in the first plate (101), and the same water may be used for wetting the porous matrix (105) zone to increase the humidity of the inlet air. The area of humidification may be proportionally optimised to keep adequate humidity and temperature requirement of air on cathode side. In an embodiment, the porous matrix (105) humidifies the air with no pressure drop across the first plate (101).
Below the air inlet manifold (102), a narrow channel [not shown] may be provided. The narrow channel may act as a capillary opening to remove the condensed water from the air side plate or the first plate (101). In an embodiment, the ratio between a flow path area for air and the area of oval and rhombus shaped projections (113) in the air distribution channel (104) which may be disposed in contact with an electrode like graphite sheets in fuel cell may be 1:1. This helps in attaining increased current density. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air inlet manifold (102) and the air outlet manifold (103) may extend from front side of the first plate (101) to the rear side of the first plate (101) like a through hole as shown in FIG. 3B. The air inlet manifold (102) and the air outlet manifold (103) may be fluidly connected to air source and an outlet through rear side of the first plate (101). The air inlet manifold (102) and the air outlet manifold (103) may include a plurality of channels for receiving and supplying the air.

In an embodiment, the rear side of the first plate (101) may be a flat surface as shown in FIG. 3B, or may be defined with cooling channel as per the requirement of the design.

Now referring to FIG. 4A which is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure illustrating, front view of the second plate (106) of the bipolar plate assembly (100). The second plate (106) may be configured as hydrogen-side plate also referred as anode side. The second plate (106) may be made of a metallic or a graphite material and is defined with a predetermined thickness. The second plate (106) includes a front side and a rear side. The rear side of the second plate (106) may be coupled to the rear side of the first plate (101) using a suitable technique including but not limiting to bonding. As an example, the bonding may be carried-out using adhesive or thermal joining process. The front side of the second plate (106) may be defined with a hydrogen distribution channel (109) for supplying hydrogen which acts as fuel. The hydrogen distribution channel (109) may include combination of oval and rhombus shape projections [magnified portion (N) of FIG. 5B] which induces a necessary turbulence for uniform flow of hydrogen. Oval and rhombus shape projections (113) may be stamped on the second plate (106) using suitable technique. The second plate (106) is defined with a hydrogen inlet manifold (107) and a hydrogen outlet manifold (108), and the hydrogen distribution channel (109) is configured in between the hydrogen inlet manifold (107) and the hydrogen outlet manifold (108). In an embodiment, the hydrogen inlet manifold (107) is defined in a substantially upper portion (106a) of the second plate (106), and the hydrogen outlet manifold (108) is defined in a substantially bottom portion (106b) of the second plate (106). The hydrogen inlet manifold (107) may be fluidly connected to a hydrogen source, such that hydrogen flows from top of the second plate (106) to bottom of the second plate (106).

The second plate (106) is also provided with a plurality of tapered projections (113) and a plurality of circular projections (114) in downstream side of the hydrogen inlet manifold (107) and an upstream side of the hydrogen outlet manifold (108). The configuration of the plurality of tapered projections (113) and the circular projections (114) facilitate uniform distribution of the hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen inlet manifold (107) into the hydrogen distribution channel (109) and then to the hydrogen outlet manifold (108). In an embodiment, the plurality of tapered projections (113) and the circular projections (114) may be stamped on the second plate (106) using suitable stamping technique. Hydrogen and air are configured to flow in a counter flow direction in the bipolar plate assembly (100). The hydrogen flow from top to bottom of the second plate (106) which is opposite direction of flow air, so that maximum performance be utilized by counter flow direction. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the hydrogen inlet manifold (107) and the hydrogen outlet manifold (108) may extend from front side of the second plate (106) to the rear side of the second plate (106) like a through hole. The hydrogen inlet manifold (107) and the hydrogen outlet manifold (108) may include a plurality of channels for receiving and supplying the hydrogen.

FIG. 4B is an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure which illustrates a rear view of the bipolar plate assembly (100). The second plate (106) consists of hydrogen distribution channel (109) on the front side and coolant flow channel (110) on the rear side. In an embodiment, the coolant flow channel (110) may be stamped on the second plate (106). The interaction between the hydrogen and coolant flowing through the coolant flow channel (110) exchange heat generated by anode side, thus the heat will be removed by the coolant flowing through the rear side of the second plate (106). The second plate (106) may be defined with a coolant inlet manifold (111) and a coolant outlet manifold (112) co-operating with the coolant flow channel (110).

In an embodiment, the coolant flow channel (110) may be configured as double splitter serpentine flow path. This configuration of the coolant flow channel (110) may avoid blockage of coolant flow due to narrow flow path pattern. Also, configuration of the coolant flow channel (110)moves faster from coolant inlet manifold (111) to the coolant outlet manifold (112) without any restriction. This helps in reducing the size of the pump required for circulating the coolant, and also improves heat dissipation capacity. The coolant may be water, and may be supplied to coolant flow channel (110) through the coolant inlet manifold (111), and may exit the coolant channel through the coolant outlet manifold (112). The flow of coolant happens along the opposite surface of the hydrogen distribution channel from bottom to top. Thus, results in efficient cooling of the bipolar plate assembly (100). In an embodiment, the coolant flow channel (110) may be provided in the rear surface of the first plate (101), and the first plate (101) may also be defined with the coolant inlet manifold (111) and the coolant outlet manifold (112).

In an embodiment, the configuration of the bipolar plate assembly (100) facilitates self-humification of air, thereby saves energy required for humidifying the air.

In an embodiment, the bipolar plate assembly (100) is simple in construction, compact in size because of the narrow first and second plate (106).

In an embodiment, the bipolar plate assembly (100) is less prone for fouling, since high turbulence may be induced in the hydrogen and air distribution channels by configuration of the oval and rhombus shaped projections (113). This configuration also improves current density.

In an embodiment, the configuration of coolant flow channel (110) in the bipolar plate assembly (100) results in efficient heat removal.

It is to be understood that, the configuration of oval and rhombus shaped projections are exemplary configurations. One skilled in the art may make the projections in a substantially oval and substantially rhombus shape. Such modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations provided they come within the ambit of the appended claims and their equivalents. Also, the bipolar plate assembly of the present disclosure may be employed in a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell stack for use in vehicle applications. However, one should not consider such application as limitation to the present disclosure.

Equivalents:

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Referral Numerals:
Reference Number Description
100 Bipolar plate assembly
101 First plate
101a Bottom portion of the first plate
101b Upper portion of the first plate
102 Air inlet manifold
103 Air outlet manifold
104 Air distribution channel
105 At least one porous matrix
106 Second plate
106a Upper portion of the second plate
106b Bottom portion of the second plate
107 Hydrogen inlet manifold
108 Hydrogen outlet manifold
109 Hydrogen distribution channel
110 Coolant flow channel
111 Coolant inlet manifold
112 Coolant outlet manifold
113 Oval and rhombus shaped projections
114 Tapered projections
115 Circular projections
116 First sealing member
117 Second sealing member