Altergy Systems

Eric S Mettler

Jerrold E Franklin

The present invention concerns improvements in fuel cell fabrication. It concerns an improved, integrated and modular BSP/MEA/Manifolds, which facilitates single cell (module) leak and performance testing prior to assembly in a fuel cell stack as well as facilitating manufacturing and cost reduction.

Integrated and modular BSP/MEA/manifold plates for fuel cells

A laminar electrical contact for fuel cells is disclosed. By optimizing the contact area and pressure between a separator plate and a membrane electrode assembly, the lamina of the present invention improves fuel cell efficiency and performance. The lamina may rest upon compliant members or springs that push the lamina into the adjoining membrane electrode assembly, thereby assuring continuous and robust electrical contact between the separator plate and the membrane electrode assembly.

Electrical contacts for fuel cells

This invention provides arrays of independently acting compliant electrical contacts within a fuel cell. These contacts maintain electrical contact between a plate and the adjacent membrane electrode assembly, and provide substantially uniform internal pressure distribution and substantially uniform electrical contact. In one embodiment, the electrical contacts are springs, which can take a variety of forms.

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Cameron Park, CA, United States of America

Eric S Mettler